SSGA AGM sets direction for year ahead
By Your Southwest Media Group
SWIFT CURRENT—The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association concluded its 113th annual general meeting and convention June 9 in Swift Current, with members adopting a slate of resolutions and electing new leadership for the year ahead.
Held June 7 to 9 under the theme “Celebrating Rangelands and Ranchers,” the convention brought together livestock producers, ranching families, industry leaders, government representatives, researchers and partners from across Saskatchewan and beyond.
The convention focused on the role ranchers play as stewards of Saskatchewan’s grasslands, while also addressing key issues facing the livestock industry, including market outlooks, risk management, traceability, animal welfare, succession planning, innovation and the growth of Canada’s livestock sector.
“This convention reflects the strength, resilience and leadership of Saskatchewan’s ranching community,” said incoming SSGA president Kelly Williamson. “The conversations, ideas and relationships built over the past few days demonstrate the value of producers coming together to shape the future of our industry. Saskatchewan ranchers have every reason to be proud of the work they do on the land, in their businesses and within their communities.”
The convention opened with the president’s reception, featuring remarks from Agriculture Critic John Barlow. Speakers throughout the event represented Farm Credit Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Cattle Association, Canada Beef and numerous industry organizations.
A highlight of Monday’s program was a producer panel recognizing the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. The panel underscored the global importance of sustainable grazing systems and reinforced the role of Saskatchewan’s rangelands in food production, biodiversity, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, environmental stewardship and rural communities.
The board elected a new executive to lead the association over the coming year. Kelly Williamson was elected president, Henry McCarthy first vice-president, Chay Anderson second vice-president, Neil Block finance chair and Jeff Yorga past president.
The association also welcomed new directors-at-large Clint Smith and Paul Buckingham. SSGA expressed appreciation to outgoing directors Gerry Delorme, Garner Deobald, Kelly Lightfoot and Kurtis Reid for their service to Saskatchewan’s livestock industry.
Special recognition was extended to outgoing president Jeff Yorga for his leadership throughout his two-year term. Under his leadership, the SSGA executive and board worked on producer-driven initiatives involving traceability reform, disease preparedness, drought resilience, wildlife management, property rights and the long-term sustainability of Saskatchewan’s ranching sector.
A key outcome of the AGM was the adoption of resolutions that will guide SSGA’s advocacy efforts over the coming year.
The resolutions include calls to strengthen animal health preparedness and fair compensation during disease events, address predator and wildlife pressures, improve livestock protection tools and expand practical wildlife management strategies.
Members also called for greater fairness and consistency in federal agricultural lending programs, improved market access and trade safeguards, and the protection of Canadian beef interests in international negotiations.
Other resolutions emphasized the need to safeguard livestock and forage research capacity, maintain access to applied agricultural science and ensure long-term investment in research infrastructure.
Additional priorities included improving transparency and producer engagement in industry governance, modernizing traceability and regulatory processes, reviewing codes of practice, strengthening land and property rights frameworks, improving rural energy affordability and supporting competitiveness and long-term sector growth.
“The resolutions passed by members reflect both the complexity of the challenges producers face and the practical, solutions-oriented approach they bring to addressing them,” Williamson said. “They provide a clear and focused direction for our advocacy work in the year ahead.”
During Monday evening’s banquet, Ralph and Linda Corcoran of Langbank received the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award in recognition of their commitment to responsible land management, environmental stewardship and sustainable ranching practices.
Heidi Fradette of Lake Alma received the Rangeland Scholarship, recognizing her commitment to agriculture, community and leadership.
The 2025-26 annual report highlighted progress for the association and Saskatchewan’s livestock sector, including strengthened producer engagement, advocacy on regulatory and policy issues, and the implementation of producer-led initiatives such as Saskatchewan’s Satellite Forage Insurance Program.
Attendees also heard updates on strong cattle markets, growing international demand for Canadian beef, renewed market access opportunities and continued investment in livestock and forage research.
“The success of this convention reflects the commitment of so many people who continue to invest their time, expertise and resources into our industry,” Williamson said. “We are grateful to every sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, volunteer and attendee who helped create an event that was both meaningful and memorable.”
“Ranching has always been about more than raising livestock,” Williamson added. “It is about caring for the land, supporting our neighbours and building opportunities for the next generation. This event reminded us that when producers come together with purpose and resolve, the future of our industry remains strong. Though our annual convention has concluded, SSGA’s work continues.”