Adrienne Hanson, a Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, says clubs are generally started by a group of people with similar interests. “In beef clubs, the mutual interest is cattle production and the common issues that go hand-in-hand with running a beef operation,” she stated.

Beef clubs can be formal entities with membership dues, or something as simple as a regular coffee row gathering, a winter card game or a trip to the curling rink. “The key is some co-ordinated activity that brings the people in the group together,” Hanson said.

“Any opportunity for producers to gather together to share ideas and information is a valuable opportunity.”

Hanson feels there are many benefits to forming these sort of producer groups. Members can help each other with common challenges and opportunities. They may bring different perspectives, areas of expertise and helpful contacts to the club. Producers in the group can learn from one another, and improve their knowledge base and networking capabilities. As the group grows and members become more comfortable with each another, business opportunities may arise that could see members of the club working together on larger-scale ventures.

Source: Discover Moose Jaw