2025 Western Canada Feedlot Management School

Adam Shreck, BSc, MSc, PhD

Production Consultant, TELUS Agriculture

Dr. Adam Shreck is a Production Consultant at TELUS Agriculture, focusing on the nutrition of feedlot animals and conducting research in this area. He earned his Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2013, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship studying cattle methane emissions at the USDA-ARS in Bushland, Texas.

Dr. Shreck offers nutritional guidance to feedlots across the United States, Canada, and various international locations. His primary interests include research on feedlot production and the development of affordable strategies to improve the efficiency of feedlot cattle production while preventing diseases. At present, Dr. Shreck lives in Illinois with his wife, their two young daughters, and their cat named Buzz.

William Coventry

Yard Foreman, Top Gun Feeders

William Coventry grew up on a mixed farm in west-central Saskatchewan. After completing high school, he enrolled in an agricultural production program at Olds College. In the early 2000s, he ventured into the purebred bull industry, specializing in the sale of two-year-old bulls and replacement females through private sales. William managed a herd of 350 cow/calf pairs, cultivated 4,000 acres of land, and operated 200 acres of flood-irrigated land under a Saskatchewan lease. Most years, he backgrounded his calves, occasionally finishing and marketing his own cattle.

In 2023, he sold his farming operation and relocated to Moose Jaw with his wife and their two young children. In July of that year, he began working as a foreman at Top Gun Feeders. When the manager left in the spring of 2024, he received the backing of the ownership to take on the managerial role while continuing as foreman.

Brian Perillat, MSc. P.Ag

Agribusiness Specialist, More than Just Feed Inc.

Brian Perillat has over 20 years of experience in the field of agricultural economics and market analysis. In 2022, Brian started a new role as Agribusiness Specialist at More Than Just Feed. He supports the Bullseye team and their customers by offering management tools and information by sharing resources, market analysis, and risk management expertise. Prior to this, Brian was the Manager at Canfax for 12 years. Brian also previously worked with MNP as a farm management consultant and with Alberta Agriculture completing industry economic analysis and compiling benchmarks for cattle producers. Brian grew up on a mixed farming operation near Duck Lake Saskatchewan and continues to be very involved with the family farm.

Catherine Seidle, BSA, PAg

Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Moose Jaw Regional Office, Ministry of Agriculture

Growing up on a mixed commercial cattle and grain farm east of Saskatoon, SK, she developed a profound affinity for agriculture from an early age. Catherine obtained her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) with a focus on Animal Science from the University of Saskatchewan in 2017. More recently, she achieved her Master of Science (MSc) in Ruminant Nutrition under Dr. Greg Penner’s guidance, concentrating on feedlot nutrition.

Catherine Seidle serves as the Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, operating from the Moose Jaw Regional Office. In her role, she collaborates closely with producers to offer expertise in livestock management and feed quality, while also coordinating extension programs that promote education and community involvement. Additionally, Catherine has played a significant role in several demonstration and research initiatives within the Ministry.

Currently residing in Moose Jaw with her husband and two cats, she is also preparing for the arrival of their new baby.

Darryl Gibb, PhD

Beef Nutritionist, TELUS Agriculture

Having grown up on a mixed farm in Southern Alberta, Darryl went on to study Animal Science at Utah State University and the University of Nebraska. With over 25 years of experience in nutrition for beef producers across Canada, he has engaged in research both on farms and with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

His work has primarily centered around the energy availability of feed ingredients, strategies to improve it, the implications for digestive health, and the economic impacts on beef production. He has applied his expertise to develop feedlot nutrition and management software utilized within the beef sector. Currently, Darryl is affiliated with TELUS Agriculture at their Cattle Health Management facility in Lethbridge, where he offers nutritional and management advice to beef industry clients.

Dr. Fritz Schumann

Clinical Associate (Field Service), Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Dr. Fritz Schumann, a Namibian farm boy, aspired to be a veterinarian from an early age. After high school in 1976 and military service, he earned a veterinary degree from the University of Pretoria in 1986, achieving 15 distinctions. Beginning as a State Veterinarian in Otavi, his passion for adventure led him to the University of Saskatchewan for postgraduate studies. He earned his MVSC in 1990, receiving awards and scholarships during his time there. Currently a Clinical Associate with the VMC Field Service, Fritz has won the Award of Excellence in Clinical Teaching five times, imparting valuable lessons to students throughout his career.

He is a dedicated, humorous veterinary teacher who stays connected with his students. He offers advice on life and veterinary cases through his cell phone. Outside work, he is a devoted father and volunteers for the Speed Skating Club of Saskatoon. Married for 30 years to Andrea, they enjoy mountain biking and cross-country skiing together. Fritz's teachings have influenced many veterinarians across Canada, creating a lasting impact in the field.

Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro, PhD

Assistant Professor and Saskatchewan Beef Industry Chair, University of Saskatchewan

Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro comes from a lineage of beef and dairy farmers in Minas Gerais, Brazil. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Master of Science (MSc), and Ph.D. in Animal Science, specializing in ruminant nutrition, from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Following the completion of his doctoral studies, he undertook a post-doctoral fellowship with Dr. Tim McAllister at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In September 2019, he joined the University of Saskatchewan as an assistant professor and Saskatchewan Beef Industry Chair after serving for a year as an assistant professor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Ribeiro's research interests lie in beef cattle production and nutrition, with an emphasis on developing nutritional strategies that enhance health, performance, and profitability while reducing the environmental footprint of beef production. His research employs various methodologies including in vitro, in situ, and in vivo studies focused on metabolism and growth performance to optimize nutrition for beef cattle. A key component of his work involves utilizing the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC), a semi-continuous in vitro system designed to analyze ruminal fermentation processes as well as digestion and metabolism concerning different feed ingredients, additives, or toxins.

Gus Halibert, BSA

Gus Halibert originally comes from Cowley, Alberta, where he and his family operate a commercial cow-calf business. In 2024, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a specialization in Animal Science from the University of Saskatchewan. He began pursuing a Master's degree in ruminant nutrition in the fall of the same year. His research is centered on establishing benchmarks for Canadian feedlot practices and conducting large-scale NIRS calibrations for commercial feedlots.

Dr. Jessica Sperber, B.S., Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Professor and Feedlot Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dr. Jessica Sperber grew up on her family’s fourth-generation cow-calf and grain farm in central Alberta. After earning her bachelor's degree from MacEwan University, she pursued a master's degree in meat science at West Texas A&M University and completed her Ph.D. in feedlot nutrition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 2019, she was honored as a W.D. Farr recipient by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.

Following the completion of her doctoral studies, Dr. Sperber returned to Alberta, where she served as a feedlot nutrition consultant and technical specialist in the industry. In November 2022, she joined the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an Assistant Professor and Feedlot Extension Specialist. Her research interests encompass nutritional management strategies for feedlot production, advancements in technologies that enhance feeder cattle efficiency, and analyzing carcass changes throughout the feeding period.

Kevin Antworth

President, Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association

Kevin Antworth was raised on a diverse farm in New Brunswick and took charge of a beef herd at the age of twelve. In 1998, he formed a partnership with his brother to expand potato production and established their initial feed yard in 1994. In 2011, he relocated to Saskatchewan where he has overseen commercial feedlots.

Director on following Boards:

• New Brunswick cattle Producers
• New Brunswick Agriculture Advisory Table
• Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
• National Check Off
• Canadian Beef Grading Agency

Lee Sinclair

Account Manager, Merck Animal Health

Lee grew up in the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area. Mainly a town kid, he had access to the mixed farms of his family and friends and was there at every opportunity. Working with cattle and horses took precedence over operating farm equipment.

In 1991, he graduated from Lakeland College with a Diploma in Herd Health Technology. Lee then received a rodeo scholarship to Montana State University, graduating in 1995 with a Degree in Animal Science. From 1991 to 1997, he worked part-time as a pen rider at a 20,000 head Alberta feedlot, and it was during this time he became interested in the livestock handling concepts of Temple Grandin and Bud Williams.

In the fall of 2015, Lee joined Merck Animal Health as Account Manager covering Southern and Eastern Saskatchewan. The 2016 invitation to the global team training of CreatingConnections rekindled his passion for effective stockmanship. Since the initial CreatingConnections training, Lee has enjoyed presenting the theory and hands-on application, of effective stockmanship, to his veterinary, cow/calf and feedlot customers.

Lee has been a stockmanship mentor in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program and presented hands-on sessions at the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technician Conference, Saskatchewan Verified Beef Plus meetings, Ag in Motion Western Canada’s Outdoor Farm Expo, SHE Grows Beef, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Saskatchewan beef students, along with numerous 4-H clubs and producer events.

Dr. Nathan Erickson, DVM, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan

Dr. Nathan Erickson obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Augustana University College in 2000, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Veterinary Science from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 2005 and 2009, respectively. He achieved board certification from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (specializing in Beef Cattle) in 2018. Currently, Dr. Erickson serves as a clinical faculty member within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences department at WCVM and is part of the Ruminant Field Service section at the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC). His collaborative research initiatives focus on innovative vaccination strategies for managing Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in beef calves, evaluating shifts in antimicrobial efficacy over time, assessing the impact of intranasal vaccinations and disease challenges on nasal bacterial populations, and exploring ultrasound's effectiveness for diagnosing viral pneumonia in beef calves.

Dr. Erickson collaborates with veterinary practices across western Canada to provide guidance on disease outbreaks and address production challenges faced by client herds while sharing insights from recent research findings. In addition to his consultations, he will support VAHS through extension services tailored to our growing clientele in Saskatchewan. Within the bovine veterinary community, Dr. Erickson has garnered significant respect due to his multifaceted roles as a cattle producer, clinician, consulting veterinarian, and committed researcher.

As an Associate Professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at WCVM, Dr. Erickson offers a distinctive viewpoint shaped by his experiences as both a cattle owner and former consultant within the beef cattle sector. This background equips him with profound insights into the bovine industry that are vital for training future bovine practitioners. His research primarily concentrates on optimizing product use and management practices to enhance herd productivity sustainably while conducting extensive investigations into calf health management strategies.

Rylan Bouffard

Lane View Farms Ltd.

Rylan Bouffard is a Grade 12 student at Kincaid Central School and represents the third generation of his family at Lane View Farms Ltd. He has been involved with the farm since childhood, with a particular focus on animal health and manure management. Rylan intends to study Agriculture at Saskatchewan Polytechnic starting in the fall of 2025.

Tim McAllister

Principal Research Scientist, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre - AAFC

Tim McAllister earned his Master’s degree in Animal Biochemistry from the University of Alberta and completed his PhD in rumen microbiology and nutrition at the University of Guelph in 1991. He currently serves as a Principal Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alberta, where he leads a multidisciplinary research team engaged in various initiatives. These projects focus on developing methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance water use efficiency, explore antimicrobial resistance, ensure food safety, and minimize food waste.

With over 100 scientific publications to his name, he investigates the connections between beef production and greenhouse gas emissions. Recently, he has become interested in how livestock production systems contribute to biodiversity preservation and ecosystem service provision. Additionally, he has previously chaired the Livestock Environmental Assessment Partnership (LEAP) program under the FAO and is now a co-host of the widely listened to podcast "Cows on the Planet".

Tom Noffsinger

DVM

Dr. Tom Noffsinger, a consulting veterinarian specializing in feedyards, is recognized for his dedication to promoting low-stress cattle handling practices in collaboration with ranches and feedlots. He offers his expertise as a veterinary consultant for Production Animal Consultation. Growing up on a ranch in Eastern Colorado, he pursued his education at Colorado State University. In 1970, he married Diane and takes great pride in their two sons, Heath and Drew, along with their families. His interests include his church community, family, friends, clients, traveling to Australia, and ranching activities in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Dr. Noffsinger earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Colorado State University in 1973. Received the Upjohn Award in 1994 and completed the Graduate Beef Production Management Series at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center. Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas.

Activities and Awards:
• 2001 Consultant of the Year—Academy Veterinary Consultants
• NVMA—Distinguished Service Award, Member of Board of Directors
• 2008 AABP Merial Preventative Medicine Award--Beef
• Member of AVMA, NVMA. AVC, AABP, and Max United Methodist Church
• Advisory Board Member—Intervet, Pfizer, Bayer, Elanco
• Academy of Veterinary Consultants Board Member
• Past President of Academy of Veterinary Consultants
• Author—Peer Reviewed Article---Veterinary Clinics of North America—Food Animal Practice—Feedlot Processing and Arrival Cattle Management—Vet Clin Food Anim 31 (2015) 323--340

Practice Activities:
• 1973—2005---Beef Cattle Practice—Twin Forks Clinic, Benkelman Nebraska--
• Multi Veterinarian Practice with emphasis on Feedlot and Ranch Consultation and Applications of Low Stress Handling, and Cow-Calf Management.
• Owner/ member of CPEC involved with Ultrasound Endpoint Management,
• Owner/ member PPA-Pierson Precision Auscultation
• Owner/member PAC-Production Animal Consultation
• 2005—Present----Independent Feedlot Consultation, Facility design, and Stockmanship, Production Animal Consultation

Presentations:
• Low Stress Cattle Handling and Stockmanship, Bovine Respiratory Disease Management, and Lameness Prevention Presented at:
• Academy of Veterinary Consultants Winter Conference, Denver Colorado
• AABP Preconvention Seminar, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• AlFA Conference—Australian Lot Feeders, Toowoomba, Queensland
• WALFA Conference—Perth, Australia
• Hawaii Cattlemen’s Conference, Maui Cattlemen
• International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare, BCI, Kansas State University
• NCBA Conference, Denver, Colorado SWVS Conference, San Antonio
• Wild West Veterinary Conference, Reno, Nevada
• Western States Veterinary Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Carthage Veterinary Services Annual Swine Production Conference
• Colorado State University Annual Short Course, Ft. Collins, Colorado
• CVC Veterinary Conference, Kansas City & San Diego
• Oklahoma Veterinary Conference, NVMA Winter Meeting
• KLA Low Stress Cattle Handling Seminars, KCA Annual Meeting
• Certified Angus Beef Feeding Forum, Nebraska Cattlemen Seminars
• Expert Forum on Farm Animal Well-Being, Seville, Spain
• Montana Veterinary Medical Association
• Texas Cattle Feeders Association Field Days
• American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Montreal, Canada
• NAVC, Orlando Florida
• South Dakota Grassland Coalition Workshops
• PAC Member Producer Meetings

Travis Hickey

TravisAnalyst/Broker/Trader, Cattlenomics LLC

Travis has extensive ranching, cattle feeding, data analysis and trading experience. He managed feeder cattle procurement, fed cattle marketing and cattle risk management for a feedlot in Alberta. Travis assisted with the management of a large feed-yard near Dalhart, Texas under JBS-Five Rivers Cattle Feeding and worked his way up to the position as head of cattle trading at JBS-Swift in Colorado. Travis started the Colorado commodity brokerage Cattlenomics in December 2019. Cattlenomics is a commodity brokerage and cattle market consulting firm which focuses on feedlots and small packing plants all over North America.

Dr. Trent Wennekamp

Owner, Lloydminster Animal Hospital

Dr. Trent Wennekamp grew up in Lloydminster, where he was raised on his family's mixed farm located southwest of the town. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 2001. After spending a year practicing as a veterinarian in New Zealand, he returned to Canada and joined the Lloydminster Animal Hospital in 2002.

In 2020, Trent obtained a Master of Science in Large Animal Clinical Sciences, with research focusing on biosecurity measures on Western Canadian farms and investigating bovine respiratory disease among auction market and ranch-raised calves in feedlots. He is currently practicing at the Lloydminster Animal Hospital, specializing mainly in cow-calf operations, feedlot cattle, and horses.