The Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA) has named Kevin Boon as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1. Boon brings more than four decades of experience in Canada’s cattle industry to the organization.

The following article was written by Glenda-Lee Vossler with SwiftCurrentonline.

Boon joins the association after serving as General Manager of the BC Cattlemen’s Association, a position he’s held for 17 years. Throughout his career, he has also worked with organizations including the Canadian Cattle Association, Alberta Beef Producers, the Beef Information Centre and the National Check-off Agency.

Experience and leadership key factors

Jolene Shea, Vice Chair of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, said Boon’s extensive industry background made him a standout candidate during the hiring process.

“We really appreciate how much experience he has,” Shea said. “He’s got over 40 years in the beef industry, starting as a rancher and then through cattle industry in Alberta, BC, and at the national level, he’s got a lot of experience.”

She added that many board members were already familiar with Boon through their involvement in provincial and national cattle organizations.

“He’s just a fantastic person who we’re excited to let lead our organization over the next few years,” Shea said.

Saskatchewan’s opportunities attracted Boon

For Boon, the move east was motivated by both professional opportunity and a desire to return to the Prairies.

“To me, Saskatchewan screams agriculture and it screams cattle,” Boon said. “I feel there’s a huge opportunity in Saskatchewan for growth of the cattle industry and for the opportunity to work with producers whose primary goal is to feed the world.”

Boon said Saskatchewan’s strong agricultural foundation, combined with its cattle heritage, made the province an attractive destination as he considered the next step in his career.

He also noted that agriculture occupies a central role in Saskatchewan’s economy and culture, creating opportunities to advance issues important to cattle producers.

Focus on growth and the next generation

Looking ahead, Boon sees several opportunities and challenges for the industry’s future.

While strong cattle prices have improved profitability for many producers, he acknowledged high startup costs remain a significant barrier for young people entering the sector.

“For young people getting into it, is a challenge,” Boon said. “Where do you acquire that land, the space, but how do you purchase the cattle for the breeding stock? Nothing is cheap in the world of food production and agriculture production.”

Boon said industry organizations have a role to play in helping address those challenges while supporting both new entrants and producers planning for succession.

Opportunities for expansion

Shea said the board is excited about the ideas Boon has already shared and believes his experience could help create new opportunities for Saskatchewan producers.

“He’s shared with us a few ideas and a few things that he’s done in BC and we’re excited to see what he can come up with and possibly do for us here in Saskatchewan,” she said.

She pointed to irrigation development and value-added processing as areas with growth potential for the province’s cattle sector.