who we are
At Schmidt Livestock our mission is to produce high-quality cattle while protecting and maintaining animal health and productivity of our lands to ensure the long term sustainability of all our resources for future generations.
We do this through a shared set of beliefs.
Family & Team - The foundation of our business, we value the strength and support working as a family provides. We respect our relationships and support the development of our team and future generations. We are committed to providing flexibly for all our staff, we understand a healthy work-life balance is important for our mental health.
Integrity and Respect - Maintaining trust among our customers, staff, and suppliers is vital to our operation. Therefore we will be open, honest, transparent and respectful in all our dealings.
Excellence - Reaching excellence in this industry requires us to be informed and adaptable, we are constantly learning of and implementing new technology and innovations to increase efficiency.
Stewardship - We respect that we are part of an interconnected society and that we have a responsibility to the longevity of our natural resources, our industry, and our community. We will use best practices to conserve the land we work on and improve the health and well being of our animals. We will give back to our community in meaningful ways to foster a vibrant rural community.
Safety - We value the people we work with. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment, both physically and one of acceptance to support that everyone goes back to their families happy and healthy at the end of the day.
History
Est. 1959
Schmidt Livestock originally began as Double S Livestock in 1959 when Walter and Emi Schmidt bought A. Schmidt and Sons buying station from Walters father, Albert. In 1964 they incorporated and renamed to Schmidt Livestock Ltd. Walters brother, Gilbert, bought shares in the company at that time and his wife, Elsie, would join in 1993.
Originally a buying station located in the town of Barrhead, the business expanded to buying and selling cattle, as well as trucking. Days were spent hauling pigs and cattle to Edmonton, and a variety of goods would return on the back haul, such as coal, feed, and fertilizer. When they incorporated in 1964 they purchased land where the feedlot currently exists - starting with 200 feeder cattle. 1974 saw the buying station in town burn down, and that's when they moved all operations to the current location. The number of feeder cattle continued to grow and in the mid 80s the business shifted away from hauling pigs focusing on the cattle side of the business. The feedlot has expanded since then to currently feeding 25,000 - 30,000 head of cattle per year; purchasing 1.5 - 1.8 million bushels of barley each year; and harvesting 5,400 acres of grain crops.
Family is the foundation of our business. Walter & Emi and Gilbert & Elsie were fortunate to see several of their children and spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren join them in the business over the years. They worked hard to create a successful business and legacy for their families. The operation of the company has transitioned from the founding generation with Gary Schmidt, Greg Schmidt, Bruce & Shelly Pusch and Joan Gravel taking on ownership. The foundation of family is set to continue with several third generation family members actively working in the business and preparing to support the transition of farming operations to future generations.
We are VBP+ Certified
VBP+ is a program to prove that our operations adheres to the highest standards for food safety, animal care, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Meeting standards that align with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle, Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosec
VBP+ is a program to prove that our operations adheres to the highest standards for food safety, animal care, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Meeting standards that align with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle, Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard and Sustainability indicators of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).
We are EFP Certified
The Environmental Farm Plan is a voluntary program that aims to increase the awareness of environmental sustainability and safety. They provide information, training, and collaboration across the industry to ensure best possible farm practices that meet high environmental standards.
We practice and promote sustainable farming to mitigate
The Environmental Farm Plan is a voluntary program that aims to increase the awareness of environmental sustainability and safety. They provide information, training, and collaboration across the industry to ensure best possible farm practices that meet high environmental standards.
We practice and promote sustainable farming to mitigate risk to ourselves and the land we operate on by educating ourselves on new technology and information.
Supporting our Industry
Supporting our Industry
Greg Schmidt has served as Chair on the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association Board of Directors and currently serves on the National Cattle Feeders Association. ACFA and NCFA serves as advocacy groups to give a voice to producers to help with marketing, feedlot operations, and government policy.