The “Canning” name and Angus cattle go back many years. In Manitoba, E.S. Canning first established the Canning connection with registered Angus cattle in 1921. The original herd started with three foundation females originating from the “importer” herds of J.D.Larkin, Queenston, Ontario, W.F. Gordon-Cumming, Calgary Alberta and J.D. McGregor, of Brandon, Manitoba. Two brothers Wilbert A. and Luard Canning carried on with the Angus with registrations beginning in the 1930’s. Three additional females were acquired from H.R. McBratney of Souris. These dams carried the “Charmer” family name. Also more registered Angus where purchased from Elbridge Good of Souris carrying the family names of “Elm Parks Rosebud” “Porleethen Lucy” and “Missie of Glen-Conglass”.

During that time the Cannings Angus carried the prefix “of Sifton” referring to the municipality where the Cannings lived. Over time Wilbert Canning used the name of “Prairie Pasture” when naming offspring. After twenty years of registrations by W. A. Canning, the family breakdowns to that time where as follows: “Rosebud” (37) , “Charmer” (31), “Missey” (12) and “Lucy” (5). head. Not long after that the “Duchess” family name was added to the herd.

It was at that time that a breeding program was set up focusing on economically important traits. Since 1968 every animal was weighed at birth, weaning, and yearling. The selection began using the within herd ratios to better define the higher producing individuals. To this day there are over 5000 individual histories in the Prairielane data bank. Information of every individual since 1968 has been kept of file.

Since the 1970’s Prairielane’s breeding program has totally evolved on detailed attention to performance testing on both home tests and at the Douglas Testing Station in Manitoba. Prairielane bulls performed exceptionally well at the various test station during that time. In the mid 1980’s Prairielane added Red Angus into the herd.

Through AI, bulls from Jorgenson Angus of Ideal South Dakota such as “Rito 707 of Ideal 836-71”, along with bulls from Dave Nichols of Bridgwatter, Iowa “Landmark”, plus other outstanding AI bulls such as “Traveller”, “EXT”, “Duke” etc. have had a profound influence on the herd. With over 30 years of detailed breeding, the results of intense selection has allowed for moderate birth weight increases along with substantial increases in weaning and yearling weights. In 1968 the average weaning weight was 420 lbs. males and females, with the yearling bulls having a 632lb. 365-day weight. In 2004 the average weaning weight was 645lbs males and 600 lbs females without being creep fed. The Angus breed has come a long way; the calves weaned in 2004 weigh more than the yearlings did in 1968. This being accomplished without creep feed as the milking ability of the cowherd is of utmost importance. Peers have recognized these accomplishments in the cattle business, and in 1983 Clayton Canning was presented with the Manitoba Premiere Performance Breeder award. In 1997 the Beef Improvement Federation of North America recognized Blaine and Pauline with a nomination to this prestigious organization. In 2004 Prairielane Farms was awarded the Manitoba Angus Breeder of the Year.

In recent years Prairielane has placed more emphasis on a balanced approach in selecting replacements and breeding stock. The goals of Prairielane have remained constant over the years. 1. To select cattle that will grow rapidly to one year of age, 2. To maintain a herd with high reproductive performance and physical soundness, 3. To have cattle that are quiet and easy to handle, 4. To have cattle that are easy fleshing and that can adapt to environmental change, 5. To have cattle that can produce a positive bottom line. These are the goals that drive the Prairielane selection process. The Prairielane herd has remained “closed “for over 15 years with new genetics being introduced only through AI. The use of EPD’s has helped the Cannings reach their goals. We feel that this is the only way genetic progress can be accomplished.

Blaine and Pauline’s son Michael will represent the fifth generation of Cannings that will have made their living through raising registered Angus cattle. There are not too many herds that have only two letters in their herd prefix. The “IU” prefix has been tattooed into the ears of Prairielane cattle for many years, and the “Canning” name will be associated with Angus cattle for years to come.