Scholarship winners, board elections and more beef industry news – Canadian Cattlemen
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Growing up on a cow-calf farm north of Westlock, Alta., Laura Buss developed a passion for cattle from an early age. She earned her bachelor of science in agriculture from the University of Alberta, followed by an master of science in animal biosciences from the University of Guelph. During her graduate studies, she focused her research on gut development and antibiotic use in dairy calves. She currently works as a research project manager with TELUS Agriculture (Feedlot Health). In this role, she collaborates with feedlot crews, managers, veterinarians and consultants to advance scientific research in feedlot production. Buss lives south of Longview, Alta., where she enjoys spending time with friends and working with her horse. She is passionate about improving low-stress cattle handling, grazing management and combining her love of ranch horses with her dedication to the cattle industry. Her mentor is Erika Stewart, who operates Pine Ranch near Morse, Sask., with her husband and their three daughters. Soil health, cattle nutrition and low-stress handling are integral components to their operation.
Levi Hurlburt grew up northwest of Saskatoon on a seedstock operation, known as Gelbvieh & Balancer. He was active in 4-H throughout his youth. He attended Lakeland College, obtaining a diploma in agriculture business with a concentration in livestock management. After graduating, Hurlburt attended the University of Saskatchewan and completed his degree in agriculture business. Upon graduating he worked at a credit union as an agricultural lender. In 2020 Hurlburt transitioned to JGL where he is currently an account manager in the finance department, helping ranchers access capital to improve their operations. His mentor is Derrell Peel, the Charles Breedlove professor of agribusiness in the department of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University. He has served as the extension livestock marketing specialist since he came to Oklahoma State University in 1989.
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association welcomed Brooks Whitney to the board as a new director-at-large at their annual general meeting in June 2025 in Moose Jaw, Sask. Lee Sexton is leaving after many years of service.
Congratulations to this year’s Saskatchewan Environmental Stewardship Award winners, which was presented at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual general meeting to Mark and Karin Elford of Wood Mountain, Sask. The Elfords are recognized for their outstanding conservation work and sustainable ranching practices. They 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.
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In addition, Emma Thomason of Central Butte, Sask., was awarded the rangeland scholarship, recognizing her commitment to agriculture, community and leadership.
Seven students from across Canada have been selected as the 2025 recipients of the Canadian Agri-Business Education Foundation scholarships. Each student will receive a $2,500 scholarship to support their post-secondary studies in agriculture or agri-food at a Canadian university, college or technical institute. This year’s recipients are Zeyus Spenta, North Vancouver, B.C.; Colby Scott, Hanna, Alta.; Morgan Debenham, Kennedy, Sask.; Messina Schrof, Starbuck, Man.; Abbigail Mettler, Wallenstein, Ont.; Allison Morse, Hatley, Que.; and Leah Newcombe, Cambridge, N.S.
Congratulations to the Van Osch family for being the Beef Farmers of Ontario nominee for the Environmental Stewardship Award. Today, their farm includes an 11,500-head capacity feedlot as well as 10,000 acres of annual cropping. Along with the Van Osch family, the farm also employs 15 people. They’ve learned over the years that beef production doesn’t happen without also looking after the soil and protecting the natural resources, which are the foundation of their sustainable farming operation. They launched an online meat retail business in 2020 by working with a local abattoir. They further expanded the value-added enterprise in May 2025 as they built a new office that included a new 2,000-square-foot, on-farm retail outlet selling frozen beef as well as other high-quality, locally made products. They also source feeder cattle throughout the year. The majority are dairy-cross calves bought from local producers.
The 2025-26 Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency members were announced at its annual general meeting, which was held online in August. Tyler Fewings stepping in as the primary producer for Manitoba. Mark Hoimyr was newly elected to the marketing committee. The executive committee for 2025-26 is Trevor Welch, chair; Sheila Hillmer, vice-chair; Sylvain Bourque, finance chair; Craig McLaughlin, governance chair; and Jeff Cline, marketing committee chair.
The 2025 $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Jenalee Stewart of Ponoka, Alta. With over 20 applicants again this year, the scholarship has quickly become one of the agency’s most wide-reaching communications initiatives.
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Field editor
Melissa Jeffers-Bezan grew up on a mixed operation near Inglis, Man., and spent her teen years as a grain elevator tour guide. She moved west, to Regina, Sask. to get her bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of Regina and during that time interned at the Western Producer. After graduating in 2022, she returned to Glacier FarmMedia and is now an associate editor at Canadian Cattlemen. She was the recipient of the Canadian Farm Writer Federation’s New Writer of the Year award in 2023. Her work focuses on all things cattle related.
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