Saskatchewan Cattle Producers pass resolution to increase checkoff

A resolution to increase the beef checkoff was passed at the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) Annual General Meeting but there are still some hurdles before it can take effect.

The resolution called for a $1.50 per head increase to the provincial portion of the checkoff starting April 1, 2025. The new total would be $3.50 per head.

SCA Chief Executive Officer Grant McLellan said the resolution had very good discussion with one amending motion and one additional motion brought forward.

“The amendment motion was defeated and there was another motion to table the motion to increase the checkoff till next year’s AGM. That was defeated. And so the original motion to increase checkoff starting April 1, 2025 was approved on the floor,” McLellan said.

The resolution stated the cost of doing SCA business has gone up and the number of cattle to market is reducing. In order to continue to bring Saskatchewan’s share in helping its counterparts in opening new markets, research and technologies, continuing to bring knowledge to consumers on the value of beef and provide services the industry requires the change in checkoff was needed.

McLellan said the SCA board will be meeting soon and will discuss any resolutions passed at the annual meeting.

“That’ll be happening in mid February. That’ll be the next time the board comes together. But, of course, resolutions that pass at the AGM are taken very seriously,” he said. “It was an AGM that had quorum, so it had the necessary number of participants at that meeting to move items forward.”