Purebred Breeder of the Year
Nominations for Saskatchewan Purebred Breeder of the Year are accepted during the Annual General Meeting each year and are voted on by the membership at the meeting. The winner is presented with their award at an event of their choice and they are featured on the cover article of the Fall issue of the Angus Edge newsletter.
2025 Purebred Breeder of the Year:
Cockburn Red Angus
Cockburn Red Angus is owned and operated by Ward and Brittany Cockburn, along with their children Cody, Lexi, Wyatt, and Harlynn. The ranch is located at Briercrest, Saskatchewan, with summer grazing on the native grasslands southwest of Moose Jaw near Old Wives Lake.
The purebred herd was started in 1992 by Ward's parents, Jim and Fay, with the first calves born in the spring of 1993. Red Angus cattle were introduced for their hardiness, strong maternal traits, longevity, and versatility in crossbreeding programs. Many of today's most influential cow families can be traced directly back to those early cows, include the Haucks and Miss Louise Todd; the Fireflys, Queens, and Lassies form the Circle R herd of Dennis Rude; the Crestons from Howes; and later the addition of the now-famous Cora cow family from Wilbar.
Over the years, a number of influential sires have helped build the Cockburn herd, These include Red Tassel Pinnacle 203C, Red T-S Patriot 84K, Red Bar-E-L Ribeye 103R, Red SSS Breakout 114Y, Red Pie Specialist 430, and Red Duralta 167 Momentum 11H, along with home-raised bulls such as Red Cockburn Ribeye 308U, Red Cockburn Xcaliber 529X, Red Cockburn Assassin 624D. More recently, herd sires such as Red SSS Moon Pie 680K , Red Allison Abyss 58L, and Red Cockburn Premium 3059 have played key roles, Along with investing heavily in some of the most sought-after bulls in the breed, an extensive embryo transplant program allows the Cockburn's to continually build around their most consistent and valuable cows.
Today, the operation consists of 180 purebred Red Angus cows, 40 purebred Simmentals, and approximately 160 commercial Red Angus-Simmental cross cattle. They feel it's beneficial to be involved in both the purebred seedstock and commercial cow-calf industry, as it keeps them connected to the needs of the commercial rancher. They make a point of helping customers market heifers and take pride in the many long-standing relationships built over the years. Repeat buyers, such as Campbells of Z-N Ranch-who have purchased more than 70 bulls, including at least one from each of the ranch's 31 bull sales-are a true testament to customer trust. The continued support of fellow purebred breeders is also humbling, with operations such as Mar Mac Farms successfully utilizing herd sires like Red Cockburn Ribeye 346U, Red Cockburn Simplify 1104, and Red Cockburn Advance 3062.
The Cockburns not only raise bulls but also test their genetics in their own commercial cow herd as well as have backgrounded their own commercial calves and follow up with feeders who finish them. This commitment ensures continual improvement in both performance and quality. The annual Cockburn/Merit Bull sale is held at the ranch in Briercrest alongside their partners at Merit Cattle Co. The 2026 event will mark the 32nd sale for both programs. In addition the Cockburns market select females in elite sales such as Touch of Class in Saskatoon, the Angus Collection in Olds, and frozen genetics are marketed through exclusive sales such as the New Year's Resolution Sale.
The cow herd is built around strong cow families emphasizing on sound feet and legs, udder quality, fertility, longevity, and consistency. Notable cow families include the Coras, Haucks, Fireflys, and Lassies. Their breeding goal is clear: to produce herd sires that are sound, durable, and thrive in the commercial world, offering muscle, performance, calving ease, and do-ability as well as females that stand the test of time.
Several bulls raised at Cockburn Red Angus have become household names in the breed. Red Cockburn Ribeye 308U was the $30,000 high-selling bull in the 2009 sale to Soo Line Cattle Co., later reselling as a two-year-old for $70,000 to Wildcat Creek Ranch. Ribeye went on to sire many influential progeny, including his most famous son, Soo Line Power Eye 161X. Red Cockburn Heavy Duty 518C sold for $39,000 in the 2016 sale to Rainbow and Ledoux, leaving behind a legacy of muscle, power, and influential daughters. Red Cockburn Assassin 624D was the $77,500 high sellers in 2017 to Brylor Ranch. He became the #1 Red Angus bull for registrations in Canada in 2019 and sired high-sellers and champions worldwide. Most recently, Red Cockburn Premium 3059 anchored the 2023-2024 pen of three that swept Agribition, the Medicine Hat Pen show, and the National Western in Denver. He went on to set a Canadian Red Angus record at $160,000, selling to Leeuwenburgh, Rohrich, and Sandhills. With semen averaging nearly $1,000 a dose, Premium has already made a major impact, with nearly 150 calves registered in Canada from his first crop.
Some highlights in recent years include exhibiting the Champion pen of three Angus Bulls at Agribition in both 2023 and 2024, the Champion Pen at the 2023 Medicine Hat All Breeds Show, and the Champion Pen at the 2024 National Western in Denver. Cockburn genetics are finding their way into herds across Canada, the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, the UK, and beyond. Above all, Cockburn Red Angus remains a true family ranching operation. The Cockburn children represent the sixth generation on their family's homestead, established in 1906, and all are actively involve in the day-to-day work. The family takes pride not only in their cattle but in the connections, partnerships, and friendships built along the way.
Congratulations to the Cockburn family!
Commercial Producer of the Year
Nominations for the Saskatchewan Commercial Producer of the Year are accepted from the membership until August 15th each year and are decided on by the board in the fall. The winner is presented with their award at an event of their choice and they are featured as the cover article of the Spring issue of the Angus Edge newsletter.
2025 Commercial Producer of the Year:
Artesian Angus Farms 'The Riemer Family'- White Fox, Saskatchewan
In 1985, Curtis Riemer purchased a quarter section of land 10 miles (16 kms) northeast of White Fox, Saskatchewan from his dad Don. He began building a homestead, a farmyard and a place to raise Black Angus cattle. In 1986, Artesian Angus Farms was born when Curtis purchased a group of purebred Black Angus bred heifers.
He continued to buy purebred Black Angus heifers while also keeping his own replacement heifers to grow the herd. He slowly grew the herd this way until 2003 when Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) hit Saskatchewan. “We used BSE as a major opportunity for our operation. With cattle sales on hold, I retained all my own females as replacements. Seeing these animals fit into the herd and enhance the overall group made me realize I was on my way to achieving my goal of building a uniform herd with strong maternal traits,” says Curtis.
By adding good quality purebred Black Angus bulls and selecting females with strong maternal traits, Artesian Angus Farms has created an elite commercial herd that continues to produce reliable, consistent and polished animals. The producers of the purebred Black Angus bulls we’ve gotten over the years do an outstanding job with their animals. Without them we wouldn’t have the quality herd we have today,” says Curtis. The Black Angus breed has proven to be resilient and hearty, even in the challenging northern Saskatchewan climate. The herd displays strong Angus traits and are easy keeping, have good hair, sound feet and strong maternal features.
“Black Angus cattle are a good fit for us. They adapt well to our northeast region of the province with its cold winters and abundance of snow,” says Curtis. “This is where their thick hair and hardiness come naturally into play.” Artesian Angus Farms is currently owned and operated by Curtis and Shari Riemer; their oldest daughter Triston, her husband Todd Gallais and their daughters Blair, Renn and Karson; their son Kole and his wife Erika and their sons, Kiptyn and Munro. Triston and Erika also work off the farm, Triston as a physiotherapist and Erika as a teacher. Teaching the next generation about the farm is important to the family. The grandkids are often seen helping with chores, riding in equipment and delivering meals to the crew. Curtis and Shari’s middle daughter Taryn and husband Cody Milton reside in Saskatoon with their daughter Abigail and son Charlie. The Milton’s enjoy trips to the farm and love the opportunity to stay connected with agriculture and expose their children to their love for agriculture.
Today, the farm is home to 450 commercial Black Angus cow/calf pairs. The bred heifers start to calve in mid-April, and the cows start in the beginning of May. Calves are fed in a background feedlot on the farm. The steers are sold in mid-February and are known to be high sellers at their sale. Out of the uniform heifer crop, Artesian Angus Farms choose their replacements to help enhance their own breeding program and offer quality heifers at their annual bred heifer sale. This occurs at Northern Livestock Sales in Prince Albert every March, this year marks their 18th annual sale on March 13.
“Doing the bred heifer sale allows us to retain the heifers in the herd longer. We’re able to see the genetic traits from the bulls we purchase over the years, as well as the traits we’ve selected for in our own cow herd. This gives us an opportunity to learn what works well for our herd as well as the heifers we sell each year,” says Curtis.
Artesian Angus Farms is known for bringing high quality females bred to low birth weight, high-performance purebred Black Angus bulls to the sale. They take pride in this sale and being able to offer a uniform group of heifers with eye appeal, longevity, fertility, good quality hair coat and performance. In addition to the cattle program, the family also farms 11,000 acres of crop land. This operation includes Curtis, Kole, Todd, Curtis’ dad Don Riemer, and nephew Connor Riemer. Their grain operation is built on regenerative agriculture practices. They continue to see the benefits of integrating their cattle operation with these practices. In doing so, they are committed to farming in ways that preserve the land, ensuring future generations can continue the legacy.
“My Dad has taken care of each piece of land since day one. I want to keep that practice going to ensure the longevity of our operation and to one day be able to pass it down to the next generation whether that be my own children or my nieces or nephew,” says Kole.
They have been experimenting with cover crop blends on their silage ground, which double as fall grazing. They use rotational grazing, manure management, solar powered watering systems and fencing, and utilize safe low stress handling systems. Artesian Angus Farms also believes in a farm-to-table operation. For many years they have worked closely with L & B Family Meats in White Fox, to process beef for their customers.
“We enjoy working with a local butcher because they’re able to cater to our customers. Everyone wants different cuts of meat when they buy beef and L & B Family Meats are able to do that,” says Curtis. “We also believe in utilizing the local community and the businesses within it.”
Outside of the farm, the family as a whole is very involved in the community. They were involved in 4-H for many years as members and leaders as the kids were growing up. The family is now looking forward to the next generation continuing the 4-H tradition in the coming years. Artesian Angus Farms also sponsors the grand champion heifer award at the Prince Albert Regional Beef Show and Sale every year.
“Strong female traits in a herd is where it all began in our operation and I truly believe in the importance of recognizing and highlighting that in the cattle industry,” says Curtis.
The families are also active with the White Fox curling board, Nipawin minor hockey association, northeast aces committee and the Nipawin community daycare board – with current efforts in building a new daycare in White Fox set to open late summer 2026.
“Being a part of the local community is something I grew up doing,” says Todd. “It’s really important to all of us to give back and help grow a thriving community. That’s what being in a small town is all about and I love that we can do that and show our kids how to connect with the people around them.”
As for the future of the farm, they’re focused on continuing regenerative ag practices and maximizing production of both grain and cattle operations. They will continue to offer their annual bred heifer sale and steer sales each year. “We plan to keep our herd size similar and keep enhancing the herd with high quality bulls. Artesian Angus Farms loves the easy keeping, resilient nature of the Black Angus animals in our northern Saskatchewan location. We look forward to showcasing the uniform groups at both bred heifer and steer sales each year,” says Curtis.
Artesian Angus Farms were presented with the 2025 Commercial Angus Producer of the Year Award at Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan in November of 2025.
“Our family was truly honoured to receive this award and for being recognized in the commercial cattle industry. We would like to thank the Saskatchewan Angus Association for all the work they do in promoting the Angus breed and connecting producers across the province and country,” says Curtis.
If you’d like to keep up to date with what’s happening at Artesian Angus Farms, check them out on Facebook at Artesian Angus Farms.
Saskatchewan Honourary President
The Honourary President is elected by the membership during the Annual General Meeting. The title of Honourary President is given for recognition without the usual requirements, duties, and privileges that formally go along with the role of the president. An award is presented to the recipient at a venue of their choice and they are recognized in The Angus Edge newsletter.
2025 Saskatchewan Angus Honourary President: Dan Howell
We are pleased to present our 2026 Honourary Saskatchewan President Award to Dan Howell. Dan, along with his wife, Erin and their daughter, Cassidy own and operate Hi Low Angus. A mixed farm located 30 miles northwest of Regina along the Qu’Appelle Valley.
The first registered Angus cows arrived in 1977 when Dan’s father purchased a group from Belmoral Angus. Hi Low Angus currently has 120 registered Angus cows.
Back in the earlier years Angus cattle did not enjoy the popularity they currently receive. A much younger Dan remembers asking his Dad “why did you choose Angus”. His reply “They make the best mothers”.
For the past 27 years Hi Low bulls have been marketed with the Triple A Angus group. A select number of females are sold through consignment sales, most recently selling at the Masterpiece and Touch of Class.
For the past 18 years, the Howell family have enjoyed meeting and marketing their Angus beef to customers through the Regina Farmer’s Market and other local markets with their farm to fork freezer beef business. Congratulations Dan!
Canadian Honourary President
The Honourary President is elected by the membership during the Annual General Meeting. The title of Honourary President is given for recognition without the usual requirements, duties, and privileges that formally go along with the role of the president. A pin is presented to the recipient at the Canadian Angus Association Annual General Meeting and they are recognized in the CAA Annual Report.
2025 Honourary President: the late Bob Switzer
It was a privilege to present the Honorary Canadian President Award to the family of Bob Switzer — someone we all miss, someone we all learned from, and someone who would have had plenty to say about being honored now.
Knowing Bob, he would probably joke that receiving an award after you’re gone is the universe’s way of saying, ‘Better late than never.’ And he would have delivered it with that grin we all knew so well.
But humor aside, this award speaks to something real: the tremendous impact Bob had on all of us — his leadership, his generosity, and his deep, lifelong love for the Angus breed. Angus cattle were definitely Bob’s life. Promoting Angus cattle wasn’t just something he did — it was who he was. He started Black Angus feeder sales in several auction marts, including sales in the United States, helping expand the breed’s reach and reputation. And one of the things he was most proud of was helping young breeders get their start. He leased cattle to many of them, offering payment over time, because he believed in giving people a chance and in building the future of the industry one person at a time.
Bob served as President of the Saskatchewan Angus Association, the Canadian Angus Association, and many other beef organizations. He dedicated countless hours to strengthening the breed and supporting the people who raise Angus cattle.
Bob would be humbled… and probably a little amused. And I think he’d want us to keep doing exactly what he believed in: promoting Angus cattle, working with purpose, supporting one another, and never forgetting to laugh along the way.