5 Years Strong: Highlights from the SSGF 5th Annual General Meeting
5 Years Strong: Highlights from the SSGF 5th Annual General Meeting
Ranchers and landowners from across the province gathered in Moose Jaw this past June for the 112th Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) AGM and Convention, where the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF) marked its 5th Annual General Meeting. The event highlighted a year marked by program growth, groundbreaking developments, and strong engagement from landowners.
Brant Kirychuk, General Manager of the SSGF, shared a comprehensive update on the past year’s activities, featuring the signing of new habitat management and restoration agreements, as well as the launch of a new Bird Friendliness Index Pilot Program, in collaboration with Birds Canada, aimed at enhancing conservation efforts on working landscapes.
A major SSGF and grassland conservation milestone was announced, the signing of the SSGF’s first-ever Term Conservation Easement, a ground breaking 25-year agreement that will protect 640 acres of native grassland near Fir Mountain, SK. This initiative not only preserves critical habitat for at-risk species such as the Greater Sage-Grouse and Swift Fox, but also supports sustainable land use for ranching operations. “This is a proud moment for not only our ranching community but for the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation,” said SSGF Chair Kelcy Elford.
This easement was made possible thanks to the commitment of landowners Lloyd and Nyla Anderson, along with support from the Weston Family Foundation, whose Prairie Grasslands Initiative continues to drive meaningful conservation progress across the Canadian Prairies. The Weston Family Foundation had two representatives, Eliza Mitchell, board member and Charlene Williams, Conservation Program Manager, present to acknowledge this feat in grassland conservation.
Another highlight is always presenting the Environmental Steward Award (TESA) and this year, the SSGF had the honour of presenting this award to Mark and Karin Elford of Killdeer, SK. The Elfords have a longstanding ranching legacy in Saskatchewan and have demonstrated a deep commitment to managing their rangelands in a way that supports their family and livestock while also contributing to the rich biodiversity of the southern Saskatchewan grassland landscape. The Elford ranch exemplifies responsible stewardship with the well-being of the entire ecosystem in mind and is highly deserving of this prestigious award! The national TESA will be presented at the upcoming Canadian Cattle Association Semi-Annual Meeting in Levis, QC Sept 8-11th and we wish the Elford the best of luck in the run for the national award!
SSGF President, Kelcy Elford, expressed gratitude to Nancy McMahon, who recently stepped down after several years of dedicated service on the Board. Nancy made significant contributions as both Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Her expert financial guidance and thoughtful input on SSGF programs, projects, and policies were highly valued by all board members.
Stepping into the Treasurer position is Dena Weiss from Maple Creek. Dena was raised on a ranch in southwest Saskatchewan and now ranches in the Cypress Hills with her husband, Bryce. Dena obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and went on to receive her professional accounting designation (CMA, CPA). Together, she and Bryce run Diamond K Cattle Co, focusing on high-quality commercial cattle and sustainable native grassland management.
Grassland conservation remained a central focus throughout the SSGA AGM & Convention, surfacing in many conversations, panel discussions, and formal resolutions. As one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, native prairie grasslands are not only ecologically significant but also vital to the livelihoods of Saskatchewan’s ranchers. Attendees emphasized the importance of working in partnership with landowners and producers to ensure that conservation efforts enhance and support, not hinder, agricultural productivity.
The message was clear, preserving grasslands is about more than protecting habitat; it’s about sustaining a way of life rooted in stewardship, tradition, and resilience. Speakers and attendees alike stressed that meaningful conservation must recognize the value of ranchers as frontline caretakers of the land. With growing challenges like development and habitat loss, it’s more important than ever for ranchers, conservation groups, and policymakers to work together to protect these landscapes for the future.
Riding on the momentum of the past year, the SSGF is excited to continue delivering programs and extension events that landowners consistently support and engage with. We extend our sincere thanks to all our program partners, participants, and landowners for their ongoing commitment and collaboration. Your support drives the success of our initiatives, and we look forward to building on this foundation in 2025 and beyond.