The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association has a new executive following last week’s AGM in Saskatoon.

Rick Toney from Gull Lake takes over the role as Board Chair.

Toney says one of the key topics at the meeting focused on the December 1st changes regarding antimicrobials.

"You've got to get all your antimicrobials to a veterinarian," he said. "A lot of people were wondering what's going to happen to the competition in that market, and what's going to happen to the cost of anti-microbial. That was a big area of concern they were about what constitutes the vet-client relationship, and there was a lot of discussion under that because it's going to be a change."

Producers will also need to have documented proof of a relationship with that veterinarian, ie: evidence of farm or clinic records, examinations, lab reports or consultations.

Toney notes there was a lot of discussion around trade with the continuing discussions around NAFTA:

"When it comes to the beef industry, a free trade agreement is essential for them as much as us, and as well as Mexico," he said. "We are one North American market, we're moving north and south right now and in Ontario and Quebec were bringing beef out of the states to supply that market, and we're sending it down on the west side."

He adds the SCA is pleased with the CPTPP agreement noting Canada will enjoy preferential tariffs compared to the U-S that is not part of the deal.

Canada was the fourth largest supplier of beef to Japan $115 million to Japan behind Australia, the U-S and New Zealand.