Stock growers oppose expanded traceability rules at SSGA semi-annual meeting
Saskatchewan cattle producers are calling on federal regulators to halt proposed expansions to livestock traceability requirements, following debate and resolutions passed at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association’s semi-annual meeting Feb. 27.
Producers from across the province gathered at the Dakota Dunes Resort in Whitecap for the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) 2026 Semi-Annual Meeting and Honour Scroll Banquet, where policy discussions focused on regulatory reform, wildlife management and research investment.
Members passed several resolutions opposing expanded traceability measures proposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), including requirements for additional reporting of individual animal movements.
The association called for a halt to increased traceability requirements and urged the federal government to conduct an independent five-year study examining radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag retention, replacement frequency, administrative burden and total cost to producers before moving ahead with further implementation.
Other resolutions called for the creation of an industry-government working group to examine future traceability policies, returning the CFIA to the authority of the federal agriculture minister, ensuring livestock data is managed by Canadian entities, and providing fair and timely compensation to producers facing disease-related herd culls, including the option of private valuers.
Members also urged Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to reverse recent research centre closures and called for moving the Pest Management Regulatory Agency under the agriculture department. Additional resolutions asked governments to strengthen provincial tools to address wildlife overpopulation, expedite electronic livestock manifests without additional cost and support forage conversion on marginal lands.
Earlier in the day, the association hosted its first Young Rancher Seminar, presented by the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association. Young producers attended sessions on financial and tax planning, livestock marketing and herd health indicators.
The meeting concluded with the Honour Scroll Banquet, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Saskatchewan’s livestock industry. The Honour Scroll, first awarded in 1927, recognizes leadership and service beyond the farm gate.
SSGA president Jeff Yorga said the turnout and discussion demonstrated strong engagement from producers.
“We saw a tremendous crowd in Whitecap and we heard a clear, united voice from Saskatchewan livestock producers,” Yorga said. “Our members are engaged, informed and determined to protect the future of this industry.”
Honour Scroll recipients for 2026 were Dale and Shelly Easton of Wawota, Murray and Selena McGillivray, formerly of Radville, and Dr. Grant Royan of Regina.
The evening concluded with a performance by Saskatchewan country recording artist Chris Henderson.
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, founded in 1913, represents cattle producers across the province and advocates for policies supporting a sustainable livestock industry.