source: Farm and Food Report
When the Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association (SEBA) meets on March 18 and 19 in Saskatoon for their 9th Annual Convention and General Meeting, hot on the agenda will be Norelko, the new North American health product co-operative tasked with processing elk products locally.
Maria Bartok is SEBA’s Office Manager.
“This new generation co-op, which was incorporated just recently, will allow buying velvet antler from the producers, processing it, and creating the finished product in the form of pet food at provincially located plants,” Bartok says. “Pet owners increasingly give the same care and attention to the health of their animals as humans give themselves. Velvet antler has a positive influence on the crippling effects of arthritis on humans, and it can do the same for aging dogs.”
Apparently, ground velvet antler works best in its purest form, which is why it is sealed in capsules prior to being used. The contents are mixed in with individual pet rations — an emerging and attractive market opportunity for Saskatchewan producers.
“It is a classic renewable resource,” according to Bartok. “Bulls produce velvet every year. An average two-year-old will grow approximately nine lb. of velvet antler, and yields increase with maturity. Mature bulls (seven to eight year-olds) may produce from 30 to 40 lb. of velvet antler annually, which in the past 15 years has fetched from $35 to $110 per pound. And North America presently produces only a very small part of what the Oriental market demands.”
In fact, just in terms of breeding stock, North America will be in a stock-up phase for at least another 10 years.
“Elk are a single offspring species with a rare occurrence of twins. They constitute an attractive investment if you have land, can put up the fence, and have animal experience. We recommend that you try to keep the true capital cost of the fence to 10 per cent of your total investment in your elk venture. Before you begin, contact SAFRR for regulations (Domestic Game Farm Regulations) that may affect your elk ranch. You will also find in local elk breeders additional information on costs of animals, fencing and feed.”
Elk are predominantly grazers. They will eat most upland grasses and legumes, but they will also consume grains like corn and oats. They can consume up to 20 per cent of their diet in browse. The meat itself has long been considered the premier venison - and there is much room to grow, according to Bartok.
“Since North America imports 150 tons of venison annually, elk meat enjoys a ready market. It fits the needs of the modern consumer because it is lean, low in fat and cholesterol, and delicious. Plus, it is raised using no growth hormones or chemicals.”
But certain precautions are necessary. Elk, like any animal, must be taught respect for the handler. The walls of the handling facility should be a minimum of eight feet high. The availability of solid wall under a roof is also recommended, as is the use of gates and alleyways to move the animals. Elk can easily be moved in enclosed livestock trailers, but they need room and cannot be crowded during transport.
Of course, one of the greatest obstacles faced by the industry in recent years has been the closing of the Korean border because of Chronic Wasting Disease. To address the issue at this year’s conference, SEBA has invited President and CEO John Treleaven of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) to brief members on strategic efforts to re-open the border.
“Mr. Treleaven will elaborate on how winning that battle hinges, in essence, on talking to the right people who can make inroads on the industry’s behalf. Reassuring Koreans about the safety of our product is something only trust and strong relationships can influence. All this takes time, but it is an effort that will pay off in the end,” says Bartok.
The Convention and General Meeting will culminate on Saturday with SEBA’s 2005 Award of Merit, a distinction recognizing a Saskatchewan producer who has been actively involved in the industry for many years.
The SEBA event takes place at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon. For more information and to register, contact the Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association office by email: seba@sasktel.net or call (306) 782-6500.
For more information, contact:
Maria Bartok
Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association
(306) 782-6500
http://www.elkbreeders.sk.ca
When the Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association (SEBA) meets on March 18 and 19 in Saskatoon for their 9th Annual Convention and General Meeting, hot on the agenda will be Norelko, the new North American health product co-operative tasked with processing elk products locally.
Maria Bartok is SEBA’s Office Manager.
“This new generation co-op, which was incorporated just recently, will allow buying velvet antler from the producers, processing it, and creating the finished product in the form of pet food at provincially located plants,” Bartok says. “Pet owners increasingly give the same care and attention to the health of their animals as humans give themselves. Velvet antler has a positive influence on the crippling effects of arthritis on humans, and it can do the same for aging dogs.”
Apparently, ground velvet antler works best in its purest form, which is why it is sealed in capsules prior to being used. The contents are mixed in with individual pet rations — an emerging and attractive market opportunity for Saskatchewan producers.
“It is a classic renewable resource,” according to Bartok. “Bulls produce velvet every year. An average two-year-old will grow approximately nine lb. of velvet antler, and yields increase with maturity. Mature bulls (seven to eight year-olds) may produce from 30 to 40 lb. of velvet antler annually, which in the past 15 years has fetched from $35 to $110 per pound. And North America presently produces only a very small part of what the Oriental market demands.”
In fact, just in terms of breeding stock, North America will be in a stock-up phase for at least another 10 years.
“Elk are a single offspring species with a rare occurrence of twins. They constitute an attractive investment if you have land, can put up the fence, and have animal experience. We recommend that you try to keep the true capital cost of the fence to 10 per cent of your total investment in your elk venture. Before you begin, contact SAFRR for regulations (Domestic Game Farm Regulations) that may affect your elk ranch. You will also find in local elk breeders additional information on costs of animals, fencing and feed.”
Elk are predominantly grazers. They will eat most upland grasses and legumes, but they will also consume grains like corn and oats. They can consume up to 20 per cent of their diet in browse. The meat itself has long been considered the premier venison - and there is much room to grow, according to Bartok.
“Since North America imports 150 tons of venison annually, elk meat enjoys a ready market. It fits the needs of the modern consumer because it is lean, low in fat and cholesterol, and delicious. Plus, it is raised using no growth hormones or chemicals.”
But certain precautions are necessary. Elk, like any animal, must be taught respect for the handler. The walls of the handling facility should be a minimum of eight feet high. The availability of solid wall under a roof is also recommended, as is the use of gates and alleyways to move the animals. Elk can easily be moved in enclosed livestock trailers, but they need room and cannot be crowded during transport.
Of course, one of the greatest obstacles faced by the industry in recent years has been the closing of the Korean border because of Chronic Wasting Disease. To address the issue at this year’s conference, SEBA has invited President and CEO John Treleaven of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) to brief members on strategic efforts to re-open the border.
“Mr. Treleaven will elaborate on how winning that battle hinges, in essence, on talking to the right people who can make inroads on the industry’s behalf. Reassuring Koreans about the safety of our product is something only trust and strong relationships can influence. All this takes time, but it is an effort that will pay off in the end,” says Bartok.
The Convention and General Meeting will culminate on Saturday with SEBA’s 2005 Award of Merit, a distinction recognizing a Saskatchewan producer who has been actively involved in the industry for many years.
The SEBA event takes place at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon. For more information and to register, contact the Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association office by email: seba@sasktel.net or call (306) 782-6500.
For more information, contact:
Maria Bartok
Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association
(306) 782-6500
http://www.elkbreeders.sk.ca
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