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Highlights from the August 2006 Issue
• • •
Canadian Hereford breeders, nationwide, have been enthusiastic witnesses to the steadily increasing value of their cattle over the past 12 months. This trend is attributable to several factors, not the least of which has been the partial re-opening of the U.S. border. Certainly, the opportunity to resume trade in breeding cattle will result in further financial gains when that happens.
One of the most important trends we see growing is the use of Hereford bulls in Angus commercial herds. This practice is even supported by many in the Angus industry as a means of improving postpartum cow condition and improving the ability of a cow to rebreed in an efficient manner. In the Hereford Link, we have shown examples of this change in management philosophy and in speaking to ranchers at bull sales across the country this spring, it is evident that many more are considering making the change. Never in history, have commercial cattlemen been more ready to spend significant money on high quality replacement bulls. Our records show a tremendous increase in sales of $5,000 to $8,000 for commercial bulls. A multitude of buyers are also willing to give $3,000 to $4,000 - including those who have rarely spent more than $2,500.
The absolute key to maintaining this increasing market is by paying exceptional attention to the quality we are offering. A lot of bulls have gone unsold as well. Buyers are simply not willing to accept lower quality, even if there is a major price differential.
There is absolutely no doubt, cattlemen are currently receiving more bull for their money in selecting Herefords over any other breed and they know it. Many have expressed to me their disappointment with the quality and service they are getting from other breeds for the dollars invested. Above all, the castration of inferior bulls will continue to make the good ones worth more and at the same time support the decisions made by those who purchase Hereford bulls.
The market for " HEREFORD " branded beef is expanding steadily. The CHA program for packaging and labeling off-farm sales as " Hereford " has proven to be very successful already and I encourage all those who sell beef in this manner to take advantage of this initiative. It lends credence to your product and instills customer confidence. There is also a good deal of off-shore interest for "made-in-Canada" Hereford beef - so great, in fact, that we could soon see a greatly increased demand for Hereford bulls from cattlemen wanting to supply this market.
The Canadian Hereford Digest continues to support the CHA, the provincial associations and the Canadian Junior Hereford Association through its policy of providing "no charge" editorial space for all of those organizations in every issue. We also acknowledge and appreciate the support we receive in return and are pleased to work closely with them as we have always done.• • •
Hereford Prime
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It is sold under various names, aimed at different markets, raised under conditions inherent to the climate and geography of its own countries and cut according to the preference of the vendors and their unique markets. But in the end, it is all Hereford Beef.
Several countries in both hemispheres have undertaken major programs to sell their end product to general and/or niche markets. Some of these ventures are in early stages and others are well established and highly successful. There is an underlying but well known proven advantage that is helping them all to succeed. That factor is the natural tenderness that beef from Hereford cattle demonstrates and this trait occurs naturally without over fattening prior to slaughter.
The best meat cuts on an animal can be made tough by stress, and an older animal can have relatively tender meat if it is docile, handled and slaughtered without it becoming stressed and the meat aged correctly.
How can tenderness be measured?
Scientists are able to measure the force needed to shear muscles. The more force needed, the tougher the meat is. This is known as the "Warner-Bratzler Shear Force Test". Its units of measurement are kilograms of force needed to shear a one cubic centimetre muscle sample. The other method used is a straight sensory panel test, where ordinary people eat the meat and record their perception of its tenderness. More than three years of data collected in research at Colorado State University proved the superior eating quality and consistency of Hereford beef using these methods. Dan Moser, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, says, "While consumers choose beef over competing meats primarily for its distinctive flavour, most objectionable eating experiences are the result of insufficient tenderness. Therefore genetic improvement of the cattle population for tenderness should result in greater consumer satisfaction with beef, increase consumer expenditures on beef products and ultimately a larger market share." In Kansas, tenderness data was collected on a total of 1,462 steer progeny of 69 prominent Hereford sires. Those progeny were the result of random matings to commercial Hereford and Hereford cross cows. After weaning, progeny were fed in commercial feedlots and harvested in commercial packing facilities. Typical carcass data was collected on each animal. Rib steaks from each carcass were shipped to the KSU meat laboratory, where they aged 14 days and cooked to a medium degree of doneness. The Warner-Bratzler Shear Force Test was employed on eight 1/2-inch scores from each steak. The results showed heretibility of shear force was low to moderate, in agreement with other studies. Compared with other breeds, the lower heritability of the tenderness trait in Herefords indicates that there may be less genetic variation within Herefords than other breeds. In other words, the lesser the degree of variation means that the tenderness for which Hereford beef is well known for is more predictable.
Like the 4-H motto, "Learn By Doing", the best way to send this message to the public is to promote and provide them with actual product. Much of this has been done with special demonstrations for professional chefs, retail meat purveyors, restaurant owners, exporters and others who influence the vast marketing of retail and wholesale cuts of beef.
For this story, we assembled information from several different programs currently in practice in order to provide not only valuable information of interest to Canadian cattlemen, but also to provoke thought and ideas. This kind of thinking will help influence what approach we should make to ensure that the Canadian public is aware of what we have to offer and where they can purchase it.
Building a branded product name for Hereford beef or for any other product for that matter, is complicated, challenging and can be expensive. It requires dedication by highly trained and experienced people contributing to the project from several different points of view. AND, it requires TIME. The end result is well worth the effort - a familiar, recognizable and highly regarded image of Hereford beef by consumers leading to increased market share. The success of creating this confidence and predictability to the consumer will result in a long-lasting demand for Hereford seed stock and we all have a vested interest in that!
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back to topBy Ron & Nadine Wells
Kork and Kevin, Holly, Meghan, Nick, Justin, Courtney, Nic Gimbl, Lori and Larry.CHANGE.EXPANSION.PROGRESS... These three words may sometimes bring anxiety and challenge into our everyday lives. Change is evident in everything by one form or another, expansion is often questionable, or can be an alternative solution and progression is working towards a conclusion as evidence is produced.
In 1950 George and Bernice Frieburger started farming northeast of Walkerton with a base of 12 cows and a small pig operation. Sons Kevin and Larry, following in their father's footsteps, along with their wives and families, have expanded to the present size of slightly more than 500 cows; finishing the calves and keeping replacement heifers under the name of Sandy Ridge Ranch. The farrow to finish operation handling 1,100 sows is known as Georgedale Farms. At a separate location there is a broiler operation of 30,000 birds. Under George's watchful eye, change is clearly seen in the daily operations at the Frieburger's.
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back to topDr. Scott Wooding
Preventing Another Disaster
Like all of you, we have carefully followed all reports concerning B.S.E. and how it has affected our lives since May 20, 2003. It is a story of good and bad science, government mishandling, greedy protectionism and poor management.
In his book, "Cattle Crisis", Dr. Scott Wooding has assembled in one place all of the cattle organizations, government input from several countries, people, circumstances and research that has taken place over the past three years. It is the best example of chronicling events as they happened that I have seen, and it makes the reading of his project logical and easy to understand.
Surprisingly, Scott Wooding is not a cattleman (although he has a degree in genetics and microbiology from the University of Guelph), but a psychologist from Okotoks, Alberta, who became so concerned with the plight of his neighbours and friends in his own and surrounding communities that he committed to discovering an understanding of what was affecting their lives so dramatically.
His research for this book was not only thorough but also, impeccably accurate. For many years to come this volume will serve as a reference for anyone seeking the specific details of what occurred in Canada 's beef industry during this time and how so many other people associated with Canadian agriculture felt the same pain.
The following is the result of an interview with Dr. Wooding in which we discussed how similar trade barriers to Canadian cattle might be avoided in the future.• • •
The B.C. Hereford Bull-etin
back to topThe province of British Columbia has been one of the strongholds for the British breeds for some time now in the true ranching country, due mainly to the grazing terrain. Some of the Continental breeds that have looked at reducing size and breed for calving ease have gained a foothold as terminal crosses. Our breed has to do the same thing, as we are losing out to our Angus competitors in many areas that at one time were mainly Hereford . Many commercial operators who have switched tell me that they will have to reintroduce a Hereford bull back into their herd to maintain the Hereford influence, but they will be very critical about their purchases.
Calving ease and calves that are vigorous at birth have become an issue with many, as help is at a premium and in many cases it is Momma who is doing most of the calving while Papa goes out to get an off-the-farm job to pay the bills. Breeders need to be aware that big is not always best any more and even though the big framed animals may win in the show ring, they will not always ring the bell with the bull buyers.
We have some MOE shows coming up and one of them will be the Salmon Arm Fair. This is always a good sized show as generally over 65 head are shown due to the fact that there is a Hereford Challenge show connected to it as well. Abbotsford will also have about 50 head showing.
Our Annual Meeting will be held on the same weekend as the Salmon Arm Fair and this has been working well as we are able to draw a decent sized group of breeders out to discuss the future of our breed. We also have a Fun (Fund Raising) Auction and banquet. We have always tried to cram the meeting, banquet etc into one evening following the show and it does not work. Makes it too crowded and nothing is really accomplished, as the crunch is on to get the meeting over with. This year the AGM will be held on Friday evening Sept. 8 at 7 PM and the banquet and auction will take place Saturday evening as anyone showing cattle has to be around in any event, so they may as well participate in a Hereford weekend. Sunday is the Bull Calf Jackpot Show so it is a full weekend.
Some 25 year pins were presented in BC this year and I had the pleasure of presenting them to Barry & Gail Coward of Golden Sunset Farm of Chase and Palmer Sather, Sather Ranch of Penticton at the Provincial Bull Sale in March. In April, I again took pleasure in presenting pins to Maxine Bell of Vallee Creek Herefords from Houston and Don & Leslie Richardson from Tlell Polled Herefords, Tlell. Some members elected to have their pin sent to them by mail and they will be listed.• • •
The Alberta Influence
back to topFor the third consecutive year, the Alberta Hereford Association held their Annual General Meeting in conjunction with the Alberta Junior Hereford Association Annual Show. The weekend began with an informal Friday night meeting of area Hereford clubs executive and AHA Directors. The AGM took place on Saturday morning. The Alberta Juniors had their own events during the weekend with their Annual Show on Sunday, June 18. A Saturday evening barbecue gave us the opportunity to honour the following individuals for 2006 (their biographies can be found starting on page 88):
Hall of Fame Inductees
Oliver From
Murray Stauffer
Purebred Breeder of the Year
Dallas Farms, Brad, Kathy & FamilyCommercial Breeder of the Year
Hansinger Ranch of LeslievilleWe are pleased to announce Blaine Brost of Irvine as the new AHA President. Vice President is Andy Schuepbach of Claresholm and Executive Director is Errol Verbeek of Evansburg.
Newly elected to the AHA Board for two year terms are Pat Clark of Hughenden and Ted Bennett of Clive. Randy Radau of Bowden is the newly elected AHA representative to the CHA Board for a three-year term.
Many thanks to outgoing president, Jim Prichard, and to outgoing directors, Doug Finseth and Stewart Crone. Jim remains on the board as past president. Doug and Stewart are leaving the board after serving several terms each. We appreciate their commitment and dedication to the Hereford Breed.
The Alberta Hereford Association invites your entries and attendance at the 2006 National Hereford Show at Farmfair International in November.
In conjunction with the National Show, the Northern Alberta Hereford Club is featuring a 'Diamond Solitaire' Classic and the top placing heifer wins $5,000.
See you at Farmfair!!• • •
back to topSummer has finally arrived in Saskatchewan and the weather in many parts of the province has been challenging with record amounts of rain. With cattle moved to pasture, the start of haying season is getting underway.
The Saskatchewan Hereford Association held their Annual General Meeting on June 24, 2006 at the farm of Buddy and Frances Leachman at Maidstone hosted by the North West Hereford Zone. Elected to the board for a two year term were: Chris Lees, Arcola, Dale Shillington, Prince Albert, Gordon Craig, North Battleford and Clint Kopelchuk, Canora. Gordon Gustafson, Imperial, was elected president and Gordon Craig was elected to the vice president chair. Maurice Oddan and Chad Nicholas were elected to serve on the Canadian Hereford Association Board of Directors.
The Association held their annual "Presidents Cup Golf Tournament" in conjunction with the annual meeting. The winning team was made up of Karl Lischka, Gordon Gustafson, Rick Johnston and Doug Kuchenbrand. Ladies long drive was won by Karen Johnston; men's long drive, Rick Johnston; closest to the pin in ladies, Karen Johnston and men's closest to the pin, Rick Johnston. Thanks to Rick Johnston for organizing the event and to our sponsors. Special thanks to Big-Gully Farms and Misty Valley Farms for sponsoring the meals and Sky Track Ranch for your sponsorship of the water and pop.
The promotion and advertising committee reported a very busy year. The Association has developed a web site that includes a list of our membership along with activities and general information. You can access our web site by logging on to www.saskhereford.com.
With the success of our Bull Lottery last year, the association will be continuing this program for 2006. Any bull purchased in Saskatchewan and transferred from January 1 to December 31, 2006 is automatically eligible to win one of two credit vouchers valued at $1,000 each to be used toward the purchase of another Hereford bull from a Saskatchewan Hereford breeder. Congratulations to our 2005 winners: Terry Albers, Loon Lake, Robert Bestrop, Osage, and Tracey and Joe Beckstead, Fillmore.
The two feedlot projects that were started in the province were very successful and have provided valuable information to the breeders involved as well as resources to continue to expand our breed and increase the marketing of Hereford cattle. SHA will be continuing their feedlot projects this fall. If you are interested in putting steers into one of our feedlot trials, please contact the SHA office at (306) 842-6149.
Congratulations to Gordon Craig, North Battleford, on being presented the Canadian Western Agribition Barn Boss award for 2005 at the CWA Annual meeting in April!
The North East Zone hosted a Golf Tournament and Honour Roll presentation on June 17 at Birch Hills Golf Course. Following the golf, which was cut short due to rain, the zone inducted Nels Thompson of Prince Albert and the Wilson Family of Delfar Polled Herefords, Prince Albert into their Honour Roll.
The zone is also undertaking a fundraiser for 2007 - the NE Hereford Cattleman's Trip of the Month Raffle that includes a travel prize to be drawn each month of the year. There are a limited number of tickets being sold for $75 each. To purchase tickets contact Sherry Yewsuk, zone secretary at (306) 835-2619.
The South East Zone will host their Annual Cattleman's Field Day on August 12 at the farm of C & T Cattle Co., Arcola. The day will include a heifer and bull calf jackpot, along with cow/calf pair judging. For more information contact Chris Lees at (306) 455-2605.
The South West Zone's Customer Appreciation Day will be held on August 11 at Gillespie Hereford Ranch, Wymark. The day will include cattle displays, open junior showmanship, bull calf jackpot and cow/calf jackpot. For more information contact Kevin Steinley at (306) 784-3165.• • •
back to topCHA adds National Market Development Manager to their team
Lyle Roberts, of Cromer, MB, has been hired by the Canadian Hereford Association for the position of National Market Development Manager.
The position is responsible for developing relationships with feedlots, packing plants, auction markets, and order buyers to develop and expand the trade in Hereford cattle. "We are very impressed with Lyle's experience and enthusiasm for the continued demand of Herefords in the commercial cattle sector. This position was created over five years ago and it has become a very integral part of the services we offer our members," states Gordon Stephenson, General Manager of the CHA. "In his new role, Lyle's key objectives include working directly with various groups in the cattle industry to promote and help drive demand for Herefords."
Mr. Roberts has over 15 years experience as a Livestock Auctioneer across Western Canada, having worked with Community Auction Sales in Pincher Creek and Cranbrook ; as well as Heartland Livestock in Regina, Medicine Hat and Virden and most recently with Pipestone Livestock Sales at Pipestone and Whitewood.
Lyle and his wife Laurie also operate a cow-calf operation in Manitoba and have been very involved with youth development in hockey and high school rodeo.
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back to topHereford Health
A SAFE WAY TO GRAZE ALFALFA
By Roy Lewis DVMAn extremely effective prevention for frothy bloat has been on the market a few years. This has huge implications for producers, which have access to grazing alfalfa and other legumes. In the past producers have understandably been reluctant to plant and graze alfalfa because of the losses encountered with frothy bloat. Mortality on grazing alfalfa can get as high as 10% and this can be reduced to ALMOST ZERO with this product. Trials done in Alberta have confirmed this where controls had an almost 40% incidence of bloat and medicated cattle with this product were at zero.
This product is administered through the drinking water so we can be very confident all classes of cattle will consume it including young calves on a daily basis. Producers must insure no other water source is available including streams or sloughs or dugouts. This may require some fencing to eliminate these water sources and subsequently will be more environmentally friendly by preserving the riparian areas.
The products name is ALFASURE and you can acquire more information about it from your local veterinarian. It acts as an antifoaming agent and when administered at a dosage of 6-20ml (depending on weight and the risk of bloat) again is almost 100% effective in reducing bloat. Alfasure can even be used as a bloat treatment by giving 30 ml in 200ml water so it can be used as a substitute to any bloat medications currently on the market.
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back to topNew Beef Plant Debuts in Calgary
by Pete Hisey
Meatingplace.comAbout 150 attended the grand opening of Rancher's Beef Ltd.'s new beef processing plant in Calgary , Alberta . The $40 million (Canadian) plant will be able to process about 800 cattle per day when it reaches full capacity later this year.
The business is owned by 48 investors, mainly cattle ranchers and others from the meat processing end of the industry, and will specialize in slaughtering younger cattle, particularly those under 20 months of age, with an eye to exporting beef to Japan and other Asian markets.
This is the first new slaughter plant to debut in Alberta, the centre of Canada's cattle industry, since Cargill Inc. built a plant in High River in 1989. The Rancher's Beef plant was completed in just over a year.
Two smaller plants, Canadian Premium Meats and Ranchers Meats, are under construction in other parts of Alberta.
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back to topNATURAL VALLEY FARMS OPENS NEW SLAUGHTERING PLANT IN NEUDORF
Courtesy Farm and Food Report
Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodNatural Valley Farms is certainly a bright light in Saskatchewan 's beef processing sector. As the producer-owned company gets ready to open its slaughtering plant in Neudorf, General Manager Eric Kasko reflects on the journey thus far.
"Our processing plant has been in operation one year now, and we are processing 500 carcasses per week. It is a true value chain, when you consider that Natural Valley belongs to producers from Manitoba , Saskatchewan and Alberta - the majority of them being Saskatchewan . In total there are about 200 family farms involved. The head office of the company is located in the processing facility in Wolseley."
Kasko makes no bones about the difficulties he faced in getting the eagerly anticipated slaughter plant opened on time.
"We have had numerous delays, given the worldwide shortage of steel, but our contractor did a fantastic job getting the crews moving when the steel finally arrived. We are on track now with the final piece of the building puzzle in place."
When the slaughtering plant becomes fully operational, Natural Valley will become a self-contained entity.
"We will then close the link between the slaughter and processing side. The slaughter plant is capable of processing 125,000 head per year. We will begin with half of that figure as our immediate goal is to ramp up to roughly 1250 head a week. There are huge opportunities opening up for our naturally raised beef, globally."
Kasko and his colleagues favour a slow and steady move into the marketplace.
Over this past year, many Saskatchewan retailers, such as the Federated Co-ops and high-end restaurants, have been steady buyers of their product, and more than two-thirds of their beef is going to eastern retailers.
Within the last three months, Natural Valley completed its first sale into the U.S. , and is close to finalizing an Asian sale.
"We will soon do a major Natural Valley label launch to officially announce our presence in the marketplace," says Kasko. "To do this we have hired a specialized firm, MTD Trading from eastern Canada , to go international."
Beef producers are paid under a unique grid system rewarding them for quality and yield - a significant change compared to other packing houses, explains Klasko.
The rural economy around Wolseley and Neudorf has certainly benefited from these two new plants. Between the slaughtering and processing plants, almost 100 persons from the two communities will be employed.
For more information, contact: Eric Kasko, General Manager, Natural Valley Farms (306) 695-2470; www.naturalvalley.ca
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back to topNEW YORK STICK CLAIMS CHOICE SPOT IN THE WORLD OF DASHBOARD DINING
COURTESY SASKATCHEWAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
When consumers think of the New York steak, immediately the image of a choice cut of meat comes to mind. This is one of the things that convinced Lester Lodoen of Classic Meats in Fox Valley it was the right name for his new product.
"When we did the market research at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, there was a group of us together, and we had to come up with a name that was no more than three words long," he explains. "We tried Meat Treats, but that was like dog food. We tried Trimmers, but that implied cuts of poor quality meat. One guy came up with New York Stick-we said OK. The New York steak is a very good cut of meat. We trademarked it. It is good to go."
The product in question is a pre-cooked, hand-held meat snack. It is an 85-gram beef steakette on a popsicle-type stick. It is vacuum-packed, should be refrigerated at 4ºC or frozen, and is made with secondary cuts of meat.
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Remitall's Large Ranch Bull Sale
March 29
Olds, AB
Total Average
92 bulls $207,934 $2,260
35 open yearling commercial heifers averaged $880
92 Angus averaged $2,576Adams-Hirsche New Horizon Sale
April 1, 2006
Nowata, Oklahoma
Total Average
35 bulls $91,325 $2,609
2 females $7,600 $3,800
37 lots $98,925 $2,674
14 Angus bulls averaged $2,039Moccasin Flat Ranch Production Sale
April 6, 2006
Torrington, AB
Total Average
13 bulls $30,100 $2,315
23 female lots $39,875 $1,734
36 lots $69,975 $1,944East Central Bull Sale
April 8, 2006
Oyen, AB
Total Average
22 bulls $83,350 $3,789
26 open commercial heifers averaged $835Williams Lake Bull Show & Sale
April 12-13, 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Total Average
62 bulls $141,450 $2,281Peace Country Hereford Influence Sale
April 15, 2006
Beaverlodge, AB
Total Average
19 bulls $39,550 $2,082
75 open yearling commercial heifers averaged $805The Spring Bull Byte
April 22, 2006
Innisfail, AB
Total Average
18 bulls $34,900 $1,939
11 commercial open heifers averaged $771Lacombe Bull Sale
April 22, 2006
Lacombe, AB
Total Average
18 Polled Bulls $37,800 $2,100
11 Horned Bulls $26,200 $2,382
29 Bulls $64,000 $2,207Mankota Ranch Ready Bull Sale
April 14, 2006
Mankota, SK
Total Average
41 bulls $108,600 $2,649Evergreen Show and Sale
May 6, 2006
Abbotsford, BC
Total Average
15 female lots $27,950 $1,863• • •
back to topMarvin Nixdorff "The Yankee Valley Angel"
Charles Marvin Nixdorff passed away at the age of 72 on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at his home in Yankee Valley, east of Airdrie, AB.
Marvin was born May 25, 1933 in Yankee Valley. He met Edna at a St. Patrick's dance in Airdrie and were married Aug. 4, 1956 at the Columbia Church They would have celebrated their 50th Anniversary this summer. Marvin and Edna raised their three children on the family farm. In his younger years, he was active in the community involved in hunting, baseball, golfing and curling. He enjoyed raising Herefords and had a great passion for grain farming. MN Herefords are longtime consignors to the Calgary Bull Sale. Marvin raised a great number of highly influential herd bulls used widely throughout the purebred industry.
Some of his favourite pastimes were driving through the cattle and spending long hours in the fields. Marvin enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and visiting with close friends and family. He was truly one of a kind and will remain in the hearts and thoughts of his family and many friends.
Besides his loving wife Edna, Marvin is also survived by three children, Charles and wife Josie of Yankee Valley, Maxine and husband, Bart Creasser of Kathryn, Clark and his wife Cindy, also of Yankee Valley, nine grandchildren, Teresa, Joey and Jenine Nixdorff, Cody and Cheyanne Creasser, Chalsie, Austin, Marvin Jr. and Kiersty Nixdorff. Marvin is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Barbara Nixdorff and family and sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Peter Schmaltz and family.
William James Herman
William James (Bill) Herman was born in Medicine Hat, AB, on Feb. 28, 1942, to parents John Raymond and Agnes Rosella Herman. He grew up in the town of Bindloss, where his father ran a garage and hardware store, and his mother was a teacher and principal at Bindloss School. Bill took an interest in farming, ranching, and roping at a young age, which later proved to be his lifelong pursuits. He learned many of the tricks-of-the-trade while working as a young man on the Red Jacobson and Fowlie ranches in the Bindloss area.
Bill married Margaret Ellen (Peggy) Campbell on October 20, 1962. They then started their farm and ranching operation in the Social Plains District south of Bindloss with just four cows and a half section of farmland. They raised three sons, Tom, Allen and J.J. The Herman Ranch has continued to expand throughout the years as a result of a lot of hard work and dedication. In later years Bill and Peggy also operated a purebred Hereford cattle operation, selling their top bulls each spring at the Medicine Hat Bull Sale.
Bill had a keen interest in rodeo, and especially in roping. In his early years he participated in the bull riding and steer wrestling events in addition to his specialty, the calf roping. In later years he enjoyed calf roping and team roping. He loved to work with horses, and cherished the friendships he made in the rodeo arena. He gave opportunities to many a young cowboy wanting to learn how to rope and ranch, and could always be counted on to help neighbours with brandings and working cattle.
Bill resided his entire life in the community of Bindloss. He volunteered his time to many activities in the surrounding community, including the Bindloss-Buffalo Boxing Club, Bindloss 4-H Horse and Beef Clubs, and the Table Rock Roping Club. Bill and Peggy enjoyed dancing, playing cards, softball, and curling with all of their friends in the surrounding community.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Peggy; their three sons: Donald Thomas (Tom), his wife Vianne, their children Ty and Tia; Allen William, his wife Gwen, their children Shelby, Ashley, and Riley: and John James (J.J.), his wife Ronnilee, and their daughter Shayla, and son Donald (predeceased). Bill adored his grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers: John Albert (Jack), and his wife Maggie; and Leroy Thomas (Bud), and his wife Beverly; one special nephew, Bobby (son of Bud and Bev), his wife Leah, and their children Ben and Sarah; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Bill passed away suddenly on April 26, 2006, at the age of 64 years.
Bill Herman was a fine example of a man among men, highly regarded by all, a man with a pure and honest heart, who committed his whole heart and soul to do his work to the best of his ability, to help a friend in need, and to do the right thing. To honour his memory, the family asks that you donate to your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams, or to your local community 4-H, sporting, roping, or rodeo clubs.
Gordon Parsonage
Gordon W. Parsonage of Innisfail, AB, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2006 at the Red Deer Hospice. Cherishing his memory and celebrating his life is his wife of 51 years, Ariane, his children, Duane (Corrine) and Kathi (Len). He also leaves his four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, sister Marie Newton and cousin Ed Powell, as well as many other friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his son, Kim in 1997.
His dedication and pride for the family farm, his cattle, his friends and neighbours showed in his day to day life. He always showed a kind heart and gentle hand to his animals, especially his three faithful companions, Wally, Harley and Mattie, who will miss him dearly.
George Murray
George William (G.W.) Murray, a longtime southern Alberta rancher, died suddenly and peacefully on Sunday, June 25 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, AB at the age of 86 years. G.W. is survived by his wife, Lil, children, George (Patti), Susan (Ian); Pat and Byron (Nola); 13 grandhildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Mack (Anne) and sisters, Lois and Maxine (Don), and numerous nieces and nephews.
G.W. was born on Jan. 17, 1920 in Medicine Hat. He was the eldest son of pioneer ranchers, George and Jessie Murray of the Medicine Hat Ranch. G.W. Murray was always quick with a smile, which brought him almost uncountable friends and acquaintances throughout southern Alberta. He had a keen eye for the "good ones" and still traveled to bull sales this past spring to select from the best. As he was himself, his cattle have always been highly respected. For those whose lives he has touched, he was always be remembered.
• • •
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