So the first newsletter of the Saskatchewan Organic Livestock Co-Operative is out. We would like to appreciate the readers in advance for their understanding for obvious spelling mistakes and technical errors. Also for your patience in waiting for a newletter.

So who are the directors? Well we have a diverse group that is realizing the magnitude of the job.

The board has met monthly since it’s inception in November. A meeting in Melfort with Manitoba organic producers co-op confirmed the agreement of a Western Canada idea of marketing. All three Prairie Provinces have agreed to maintain a healthy relationship in order to promote the Organic market.

As the board is in its infancy much work needs to be done. Policies are in the process of being established. These policies are meant as a guideline to fair and equal governance.

Progress is also being made with the relationship between businesses that market organic products. The board has looked at both markets, farm gate and international. The international market has already seen some results and we look forward to more.

A business plan completed by a university group determined the viability of marketing packaged product to a grocery chain. The result was not a profitable one. However the board is still researching the market for a branded finished product.

Not for profit vs For Profit

In December 2006 the Co-operative was changed to a Sask Organic Livestock Producers Co-operative Ltd., a for profit co-operative. This was done to allow for the invoicing of fees. In essence a levy for the co-operative to maintain its business functions. Expenses such as paper, phone, lawyer, financial statements are all paid with this fee.

Cattle cross into the U.S.

The first load of cattle crossed the US boarder in Feb. After much organization by our bonded insurance agent the load of 128 head were assembled at Weyburn and then moved into the US. As directed by the board of SOL, our agent chose cattle from numerous farms in order to benefit as many producers as possible.

It was long and difficult journey to get to that stage of actual shipment. The policy of payment up front for producers was maintained. The original contract was drawn up for 2006, and then the buyer extended it due to lack of facilities. With very little time left in the contract the buyer deposited the required funds into a trust bank account, the cattle where assembled and payment was made to the producers.

The producers where required to provide the paper work etc necessary for the transfer of ownership. If this was not completed then a holdback was applied. The overall effect of the first transaction was 1220 head at a value of 1.2 million and 24 producers benefited from the transaction.

Not bad for the first six months of the co-ops entity.

Slaughter Facility

In April the board heard a presentation from the Nesco group. This is an opportunity for the coop to have a slaughter facility within the province. With the purchase of interest in Nesco the SOL board could have the opportunity to have a representative on the board.

The major costs incurred in marketing a branded product is the transportation from one slaughter facility to another. This cost would be reduced with a like Nesco facility.

SOL Value Added Project

SOL has made application for two grants to assist them in taking the next step to adding more value to organic meat. The Agri-Value application to SAF, if approved, will assist SOL in doing experimental processing at the Sask. Food Centre. The unique process to Canada will be of significant and exciting marketing prospect of our product. Final decision will be made by the decision team on May 29th.

The second application to SOD, has marketing implication and branding possibilities if approved. The decision will be made in late May and we anxiously await a positive response.

Branded Product

Discussion with Manitoba regarding a branded product has begun. But what brand do we use. This is a costly procedure and we only have one kick at the can.

Can you think of a name that will reflect our organic values, represent western Canada and be consumer friendly? If so please send to Gene Kessler in care of gene.pat.kessler@sasktel.net. The prize will be determined at a later date pending money availability. Have some fun and shoot the names in.

What can you do?

We need to establish a reputation of a consistent steady product. In order to do that we need you to tell us what and how many you have. We need your input. We need your membership to provide our buyers with the product that they are looking for.

Get Your Membership

Visit our Membership page, or call 306-948-2996.

The Saskatchewan Organic Livestock website is now up and running! There may be a few minor changes being made within the next couple weeks, and updates will be made regularily. We are currently taking submissions for websites to be added to our links page. If you feel that a website should be placed on our links page, e-mail it to us with a short description, and we will find a place for it. Thank you for visiting!