2 What’s inside

Our Staff Team | p. 4 Our Leadership | p. 5 Our Vision and Mission | p. 5 Board Chair’s Report | p. 6 Executive Director’s Report | p. 8 Our Industry is Growing in Saskatchewan | p. 10 Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) Director’s Report | p. 12 Showcasing the Egg Farming Industry at Agribition | p. 14 Promoting our Industry Year-Round | p. 16 Giving Back to Our Communities | p. 18 Helping Feed Children in Southern Africa | p. 20 Our staff team

Cam Broten | Executive Director Angela Bottcher | Director of Finance and Administration Sara Alexander | Director of Marketing Cailyn Jones | Quota and Production Manager Dawn Abbott | Office Manager and Program Support Judy West | Provincial Field Inspector Kevin Swanson | Provincial Field Inspector

4 Our vision

More delicious, nutritious Saskatchewan eggs on breakfast plates, in lunch boxes, on supper tables and at snack time. Our mission

To promote a healthy, expanding and innovative egg industry in Saskatchewan, and ensure a consistent supply of safe, nutritious eggs at a fair price, through the national supply management system. Our leadership

Cam Broten Isaac Entz Shawn Colborn Shawn Harman Danny Wollman Regan Sloboshan Executive Director Vice-Chair Board Member Chair Board Member Board Member Agricultural Farm and Food Pullet Growers of Egg Farmers of Producers Care Director Canada Rep Canada Director Association of Egg Farmers Canadian Egg Sask. Rep of Canada Industry Reciprocal Alternate Director Alliance Director 5 Shawn Harman speaks with members of the Action Canada National Policy Fellowship program, who toured Star Egg

Report from In looking back over a successful 2018 and preparing for our 50th Annual General Meeting, my thoughts our Board Chair go to not only the accomplishments of the past year, but also to the history of our organization. The success of this year has been built upon decades of effort and commitment from farmers, directors, staff, governments and industry partners. To everyone who has played a part over these past years, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Thanks to strong consumer demand, we continue to have encouraging year over year growth with quota increases being added to the province. I would like to thank the Agri-Food Council for a constructive working relationship and their quick approval of these increases from the national level. This allows farmers to get the birds into barns quickly, meet consumer demand, and contribute to the provincial economy.

Shawn Harman Chair, Board of Directors 6 This past year we also saw our most recent new On the topic of Canadian eggs, we support the entrants place their first flock. We look forward creation of the Egg Quality Assurance (EQA) to additional new entrants being selected in the designation that will soon be printed on cartons of coming year. It’s exciting to be part of a sector with Canadian eggs. This will provide consumers with a solid base of experienced producers and that is increased peace of mind that their eggs are local also welcoming to new farmers. and that our farmers follow the highest standards of food safety and animal care. I would like to thank Over this year we have continued to have farmers EFC and the other provinces for their role in making at different stages of discussing, planning and the EQA designation a reality. constructing new barns with non-conventional housing systems. This is an important process, In reflecting on our history as an organization, we and the board supports the orderly transition have always taken seriously the need to ‘give in housing systems to meet the requirements of back’. We have done this through annual food the new code. We expect that this transition will bank donations and by supporting local initiatives continue to grow steadily in the coming years. We through the Egg Farmer Gives Back Program, in will continue to work with Egg Farmers of Canada cooperation with EFC. This past year we also (EFC) in implementing the new code with our animal made a donation to the Heart for Africa Project in care program. Part of this process is ensuring that eSwatini (the country formerly known as Swaziland). producers are fairly compensated for transitioning This project has been broadly supported by the to housing systems as outlined in the Code of Canadian egg industry, and we were pleased to Practice. We are working with a national committee make a contribution by purchasing an egg delivery (CETPP) that is sorting out the associated details truck so that boiled eggs can get from the farm and to ensure a proper return for producers using out into the countryside. I know I speak for all enriched production systems. The goal is to have a producers in saying that it’s rewarding to be able national system in place later this year. to help address food security here at home and around the world. While 2018 can be characterized as positive, it was not without its challenges for the supply managed As a board, we strive to be responsive to the sectors. The uncertainty that was created through needs of our farmers. We appreciate opportunities the renegotiation of NAFTA caused angst for like the annual fall producer meeting in Swift Current many. While we were not in favour of the outcome, as a chance to hear directly from you about what’s with the federal government granting increased working well and where we can improve. We were access for American eggs to come into Canada, also pleased to host disposal demonstrations and we are pleased that this matter is now behind us. training sessions this year. If you have questions or We do not view the concessions as a step in the concerns about any board program or initiative, I right direction, but we remain thankful to be in an encourage you to reach out to board members or expanding industry. Moreover, as we anticipate staff. the ratification of CUSMA by the US congress, the new agreement will bring appreciated stability to In closing, the Saskatchewan Egg Producers has our sector. This is a positive for farmers and our had its share of ups and downs over the years, industry partners. but I am confident that we are well-positioned for the next 50 years of success. Thank you for your contributions and I look forward to the opportunities ahead in 2019!

7 Cam Broten visited southern Africa, where our egg farmers are supporting Heart for Africa’s Project Canaan (see page 20 for more details)

Report from our The 50th year of the Saskatchewan Egg Producers was a very active one, as we worked to build on our Executive Director successes, improve where we are able, and take on new opportunities. In my third year as Executive Director, I continue to consider it an honour to work in an industry that is committed to excellence. It is a pleasure to work with farmers and fellow staff who are conscientious and diligent in fulfilling their duties.

It is also a tremendous honour to help lead an organization that loves giving back and doing good, both here at home through regular donations to local food banks and nutrition programs, and halfway around the world through supporting desperately needed nutrition programs in Africa. This past year, I had the opportunity to visit eSwatini in southern Africa and see firsthand the positive impact of the egg delivery truck which SEP donated. Giving back, making a difference and helping to feed the hungry is an important part of SEP’s 50-year legacy and I’m Cam Broten proud that we are continuing to prioritize that. Executive Director 8 Perhaps the biggest change we experienced in Other opportunities like Ag in the City at Lawson 2018 was the decision to move our office from Heights Mall, AG-EXperience at Prairieland Park, Regina to Saskatoon. As we shared at our fall and World Egg Day in grocery stores provide producer meeting, the board decided it was time opportunities to share about egg farming with a to make the move north. We purchased a building primarily urban audience. I’d like to offer my thanks in December, with the relocation planned for early to the farmers who take the time to share their 2019. I am happy to report that we are retaining all story with the public. We were also pleased to long-term staff as part of this move. Being located extend provincially the Weekday Eggs advertising in Saskatoon will provide greater ease in working campaign that was developed by Egg Farmers of with other feather boards, the Poultry Extension Canada (EFC). Division at the University of Saskatchewan and Star Egg. While we will miss our regular visitors I would also like to offer my thanks to our to the Regina office, many of you have said that partners at EFC and the other provincial egg Saskatoon will be highly convenient for you. Please marketing boards. We couldn’t do what we do in know you’re always welcome to stop in for a coffee Saskatchewan without belonging to a larger national – we look forward to seeing you. system and without open communication among partners. Though we may not always agree on I continue to hear positive feedback on our monthly every item, we are united by our support for the newsletters. Increasingly, producers are relying on family farm and our desire to provide safe, nutritious them as a primary means of receiving important and affordable protein to Canadian consumers. information and staying ‘in the loop’ on important changes. We have also seen the continuation of I would be remiss to not express my appreciation successful programs like the Quota Leasing Pool to our staff team for their work throughout the year. (QLP) and the Eggs for Processing (EFP) program. They take their jobs seriously and do great work, While there may be some fine tuning to these and they are also always willing to crack a joke and programs from time to time, the general structure enjoy a lighthearted moment. I also want to thank of both appear to be working quite well. We the board of directors for their insight, common continue to experience a high utilization rate of our sense and willingness to ‘think big’. quota, due largely to the speed at which Council has approved requested allocations and sound In our board office we have a room with the management by our staff. photos and biographies of the inductees into the Throughout 2018, we maintained regular contact Saskatchewan Poultry Hall of Fame. They serve as a with the Agri-Food Council. I offer my gratitude to reminder to me of the many men and women who Dr. Tyler and the Council staff for their open-door have built the success we enjoy today. Without approach and willingness to talk through issues. the foresight of those who created our national system of supply management, stood up for 2018 marked the first full year of our partnership in Saskatchewan’s interests and persevered through Star Egg. As we shared in producer meetings, this trying times, we would not be celebrating our 50th partnership is a unique, made-in-Saskatchewan anniversary. I offer my deep appreciation to these approach that is strengthening our egg sector and pioneers of our industry and encourage us all to supporting Saskatchewan’s economy. carry on the example they set for us. We had another busy year with marketing and education initiatives across the province. A highlight for me was once again having our enriched housing display at Agribition. It is always a pleasure to see our farmers interacting with thousands of guests in the education pavilion over the six days of the event. 9 Saskatchewan’s egg industry is growing

We were pleased to conduct a new entrant draw at the end of 2017 and Cheryl Norleen was the successful applicant.

On November 9, 2018, Cheryl, her husband Marc and their family hosted a grand opening for their new free range barn, located near Raymore. It was a great event with representatives from Sask Egg, Star Egg and many of the Norleen’s suppliers. It was also a chance for family and neighbours to see what all the work and planning has been about.

Congratulations to the Norleen family and, once again, welcome to our industry!

10 A healthy, expanding and innovative egg industry in Saskatchewan

2018 statistics

67 Total Registered Egg Farms in Saskatchewan

1,173,913 Total Number of Commercial Hens (Plus 68,981 “Eggs for Processing” Hens)

32,574,642 Up dozens 4.2% Total Egg Production over 2016

11 As we look back at 2018, it is clear that Canadian Report from our egg farmers are in a better place than they were just 12 months ago. While things did not always break Egg Farmers of our way this year, there are four reasons for feeling confident: Canada Director • The trade issues that created so much anxiety through the year have been settled, ending the uncertainty about the future. • Now that we know what we are up against, we can develop strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of the trade agreements. • Our industry continues to grow. • We have made substantial progress in non- trade areas—something that was often lost in the headlines of 2018.

Trade Trade was the big story of the year. The Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership had been in question ever since the United States signalled in 2017 it was pulling out. Early in 2018, the 11 remaining signatory countries reached an agreement to revive the accord, under Regan Sloboshan a new name, the Comprehensive and Progressive EFC Director 12 Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. While the CPTPP brings tremendous opportunity Progress was also made to update the national to Canada, we were disappointed to learn that the Animal Care Program’s requirements. Once market access concessions agreed to for eggs in its redevelopment process is complete, this the original agreement, mainly in response to U.S. longstanding program we be aligned with the demands, were not suspended—even though the requirements of the updated Code of Practice for U.S. is not part of the revived agreement. the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens. While it is anticipated that the updated program will This outcome placed even greater pressure of the roll out in 2020 at the earliest, a new set of training ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement requirements related to hen housing will take effect negotiations, which also concluded in 2018 with the in 2019. The aim of these Interim Housing Standards announcement of the new United States-Mexico- is to deepen an understanding of the new housing Canada Agreement. As talks progressed, it became requirements that will be part of the redeveloped obvious that while the Canadian government Animal Care Program. These new standards will intended to defend supply management, this did offer immediate guidance to farmers and help not mean that there would be no additional access identify changes that will have to be made at the by foreign producers to our sector. farm level. Looking ahead When the deal finally came, our colleagues in the We will continue to work on trade deal mitigation dairy sector were hit the hardest, with impacts strategies in 2019 and on long-term programs like coming across the poultry sector as well. While we the EQA program and the Animal Care Program were once again disappointed with the outcome, that demonstrate our commitment to delivering there is comfort in knowing that the roller coaster to Canadians a quality food produced while negotiations have come to an end, and now that continuously improving the conditions for laying we know what the rules are, we can develop hens. We will also be looking to grow our industry. strategies to mitigate any negative impacts. One way to do that will be to play up the value of eggs produced in Canada. Surveys have Growth shown that Canadians are keen to purchase not At the end of the day, it is important to remember only a nutritious, affordable food item, but to buy that our industry continues to grow. 2018 marks 12 something that is produced by Canadians, for years of sustained growth for our industry, with a Canadians. 4.1% increase in the sales of shell eggs recorded for the first three quarters of the year. During the We will be working in 2019 to get that message same period (between January 2018 to now), out. The progress we have made in opening an additional 700,000 hens were added into our industry up to others—through farm tours, production, strengthening our ability to meet this meetings, events, outreach and social media—has growing demand with eggs produced on Canadian been unprecedented. These efforts will continue farms. to remind Canadians of the benefits of supply management. Progress We made significant advances on several fronts in The federal election scheduled for October 2019 2018 by leveraging collaboration within the industry provides another opportunity to raise the profile of and a commitment to continuous improvement. our industry. Egg Farmers of Canada will continue to remind all political parties that egg farmers, our The new Egg Quality Assurance (EQA) program, communities and our economy are better together for example, is the culmination of an industry- with supply management. These national efforts wide initiative and decades of work to set up and are supported by your grassroots efforts to shine implement quality assurance standards. Much a positive light on our farms, our way of producing of 2018 was spent working with our supply chain eggs and the system that makes all this possible. to establish and secure partnerships so that this In closing, I want to express my gratitude to my quality mark is one step closer to appearing on egg colleagues at the national table and in my province. cartons in 2019. I also want to thank the staff and the farm families who work tirelessly to make our industry great. 13 Showcasing the egg industry at Agribition

The Saskatchewan Egg Producers had another busy, successful year at Agribition in November 2018. We had a strong presence, engaging with the public and sharing about egg farming.

In the Food Pavilion, we served up delicious frittatas, crepes and crème brûlée. Along with the samples, we handed out microwave egg cookers, spice packs and recipe cards. We also sponsored cooking demonstrations with Chef Malcolm on how to make the perfect omelette.

Across the Agribition grounds, our farmer volunteers were kept hopping in the Family Pavilion with our enriched hen housing display. Each day, many school buses arrived, along with thousands of others. Agribition reports that over 10,000 students attended the event through school tours. Whether young or old, rural or urban, everyone loved to see our laying hens up close and learn about enriched housing systems.

We extend a heartfelt thanks to those egg farmers who were able to help during the week: Andrew Monchuk; Darren and Karen Wiens; Tyler and Kaylin Wiens; Stan and Marie Fehr; Ben Entz; Peter and Phillip Kleinsasser; and Danny Wollman. Thanks as well to Shawn Harman for providing the birds for the display.

We’re already looking forward to Agribition 2019.

14 15 16 Proudly promoting our egg industry year-round

Through engaging and interactive booths and exhibits at special events like Ag in the City and AG-EXperience and by regularly hosting groups on our farms and at Star Egg, we seized every opportunity we could in 2018 to tell our story and promote our industry.

17 Giving back to our communities

Saskatchewan’s egg farmers donated 120,000 eggs to the Saskatoon Food Bank, Regina Food Bank, Moose Jaw Food Bank, Friendship Inn, the Lighthouse, and Souls Harbour in 2018.

Shawn Harman, SEP Chair, told the media: “The egg farmers of this province believe in helping and in the importance of ensuring that the great nutrition packed in our local eggs is available to families in need. We’re really thrilled to give back to the community in this way, and today’s donation is one part of a larger initiative. This week, the Saskatchewan Egg Producers will be meeting the needs of a large number of food banks, shelters, and school nutrition programs across Saskatchewan.”

That same spirit of generosity motivated SEP to replace eggs that were headed for kids’ school nutrition programs but were lost when fire destroyed CHEP Good Food Inc’s only delivery truck , along with 5,000 lbs of fresh food.

Egg farmers are honoured to give back to our 18 communities and help feed the hungry. 19 Making a difference for hungry kids in Africa Truck donated by Sask. egg farmers delivers nutritious eggs to thousands of children each week

Saskatchewan’s egg farmers take pride in providing local eggs in our province, but they are also delivering nutrition to children in eSwatini, which until recently was known as Swaziland, bordering South Africa and Mozambique.

Heart for Africa’s Project Canaan is a sustainable farm and home to over 200 orphaned and abandoned children in eSwatini. Egg Farmers of Canada helped establish an egg farm at Project Canaan to provide a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients for the children’s home and surrounding communities.

In 2018, Saskatchewan Egg Producers (SEP) purchased a new egg-delivery truck, which is used to deliver eggs and meal packs to thousands of children and families in communities and rural homesteads throughout eSwatini every week.

“I visited eSwatini in June and saw firsthand the incredible difference made every day by Project Canaan’s egg farm and especially the egg-delivery truck that Saskatchewan’s egg farmers donated,” said SEP Executive Director Cam Broten. “At the home for orphaned and abandoned children, at rural homesteads and at community feeding centres, eggs are filling kids’ bellies, putting smiles on their faces and playing a part in ensuring a brighter future.”

“The hundreds of families involved in egg farming in Saskatchewan love giving back and doing good, both here at home through regular donations to local food banks and nutrition programs in our province, and halfway around the world through supporting desperately needed nutrition programs in southern Africa,” said Broten. “For Saskatchewan’s egg farmers, natural goodness is about more than just the nutritious eggs they deliver – it’s also about caring for one another, making a difference and feeding the hungry.”

20 21 22 Images of Action Canada’s tour of Star Egg | Photo credits: Darren Brown 23 Facebook Saskatchewan Egg Producers saskegg 1 - 123 Pinehouse Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7K 5W1

Phone: 306.664.4131 Fax: 306.664.4140 Twitter [email protected] www.saskegg.ca @saskegg