To be world leaders in quality and responsible beef production.
Mission
To provide leadership that fosters a sustainable and profitable beef sector to meet producer needs and have Ontario beef recognized as an outstanding product by our consumers.
Animal Care Values
Animal welfare is of the utmost importance. Beef Farmers of Ontario supports the National Farm Animal Care Council’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle as the minimum acceptable standard of animal care for beef cattle in Ontario. We expect our members to take responsibility in their role as beef farmers for the welfare of their animals, and for the reputation and positioning of the Ontario beef sector as proactive and principled when it comes to animal care.
Environmental Values
Sustainable food production matters to all of us. Beef farmers are proud caretakers of Ontario’s hay and pasturelands, which do so much more than produce beef. To better understand the impact of Ontario beef farming on the environment, we invest in research and tools to study and improve our environmental footprint. We’re intimately connected to the soil, water and wildlife on our farms.
Community Values
We recognize the beef sector does not always appear as diverse; however, there is a great amount of diversity among the people who enjoy our product and those dedicated to ensuring it makes it to our tables. We’re committed to advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion within the beef sector and the agri-food sector, as well as fighting racism and discrimination in all of its forms.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN
When outgoing president Jack Chaffe tossed me the keys to BFO, his advice was simple - stay on the straight and narrow and keep it between the fence posts. Oh boy! Day number 95 on the job and we were faced with the temporary closure of eastern Canada’s largest processing facility due to labour negotiations. For a brief moment, I contemplated searching for the eject button, but lucky for me, eight years as a director helped me to somewhat prepare for what was to come.
2024 presented us with some challenges like the aforementioned halt in processing, a couple of contentious bills in parliament, and it also forced us to have some tough conversations and debates about the future of our association and what’s needed to ensure we have a healthy and vibrant beef sector in the province. Fortunately, we had some really positive progress too on a number of critical files like Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP), the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program and our Ontario Beef Market Development Program. We’re also really proud of some of the educational programming we offered last year that I am happy to share more about.
Soon after our AGM, we hosted an Ontario Feedlot Market Security Forum in London together with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA). This one-day event brought together 75 feedlot producers from across the province and some highcalibre speakers like Travis Hickey, founder of Cattlenomics in the U.S., to talk about risk mitigation strategies for the feedlot sector. Special thanks to Jack Chaffe for inspiring this event and helping to lead its development.
New to our board in 2024, were three new directors - Jim Whitley from Simcoe County, Tom Kroesbergen from Middlesex County and Ralph Eyre from Lambton County. Each year, it’s nice to see new faces and energy around the board table - a sign of a healthy organization. We want this momentum to continue, which is why we invested in the reinvigoration of our BUILD Leadership Program with the Rural Ontario Institute. Since we launched the program in 2012, we’ve graduated 110 individuals through the program. Our most recent iteration of the program in April 2024 saw 14 graduates, including myself. We had a really good group of participants with a good mix of age,
experience and perspective.
In the spring, we participated in a lobby day with the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in Ottawa where we met with a number of MPs and Senators to discuss a variety of topics like Bill C-282, SRM harmonization with the U.S., electronic logging devices and the time in transit for livestock, and business risk management programming.
Following the national lobby day, a contingent of our board visited Queen’s Park in Toronto to meet with MPPs. There, we advocated for investment in RMP and amendments to both the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and the Beef Cattle Marketing Act.
In these meetings, we also raised our request to increase to the provincial guarantee under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program, as well as the maximum loan limits for individuals and corporations. This request, initiated by the Feeder Finance Executive Committee, would allow the program to respond to increased demand brought on by the escalation in cattle prices and growing interest in the program from producers.
There are many unsung heroes in the beef sector, and one of those, in my opinion, is Jamie Gamble who began a well-deserved retirement in May. Jamie, BFO’s Market Information Coordinator for 18 years, made a great difference in the lives of farm families across the province. Timely market information has helped improve the knowledge of beef farmers and provided the data to help farmers secure better prices and a higher standard of living. Thank you Jamie and we wish you all the best in your next chapter.
Our most significant challenge in 2024 was the temporary closure of the Cargill Guelph Dunlop facility due to labour negotiations, which sent nearly 1,000 employees to the picket line, and halted processing operations, beginning on May 27th
Within days of the strike, BFO’s Executive and the BFO Feedlot Committee met to talk about ways the provincial government could help mitigate the impacts of the strike for Ontario beef producers in the immediate term. On June 3rd, we submitted a formal proposal to government, and three weeks later they responded with some steps to help producers cashflow their operations,
which included an accelerated reporting and payment timeline under RMP, and increased AgriStability interim payments from 50 per cent to 75 per cent.
In addition to advocating for government support, we also worked with CCA, the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the restricted feedlot program in Canada to obtain approval for temporary rest stops for cattle enrolled in that program. As well, we sent a letter to all financial lending institutions encouraging them to grant flexibility to producers trying to work within their cashflow limitations as a result of the labour disruption.
We remain grateful for all the truckers and transport companies, financial institutions, a number of cattle buyers and dealers, and other processors who stepped up to help our farmers and sector over the 42-day closure period.
In July, we invited our advisory councillors and committee members to the community of North Bay for our annual summer meeting. Throughout the two-day event, we provided an update on our policy and
advocacy files, our producer engagement work, and had three separate presentations on the mechanics of our national check-off system, funding opportunities for farmers and an update on the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. I would like to sincerely thank the Wand family and our vice president, Jason Leblond, and his family for their hospitality and generosity in helping us plan our meeting this year.
The tides shifted later that month and we were pleased to see quick movement by government on our feeder finance request. On July 29th, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness, Rob Flack, announced that the government guarantee under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program would increase from $65 million to $125 million, which will allow total program lending to grow to $500 million. In addition, loan limits for individuals and corporations would be doubled.
At the same time, Minister Flack announced an investment of $2 million over four years to help augment the work of our Ontario Beef Market Development Program. Funding will be used to support our participation in trade shows and trade missions and
welcoming potential out-of-market buyers to tour Ontario beef farms and processing facilities.
Speaking of market development and Ontario beef, we were invited to the groundbreaking ceremony at Parkhill Meats to celebrate growing processing capacity in southwestern Ontario. The expansion of Parkhill Meats is slated to be completed in 2025, and it’s forecasted the new facility will require an additional 20 employees including butchers, packagers, logistics handlers and cleaners.
On a much more devastating note, Quinn’s Meats in eastern Ontario was ravaged by fire on June 27th. Since then, the facility has been demolished and the Enright family has been focused on the future and finding a location where they can resume processing as soon as possible. From BFO’s perspective, we ramped up discussions with Meat and Poultry Ontario, local politicians and Correctional Service Canada regarding the Joyceville abattoir, formerly known as Wallace Beef, and the urgency to have it reopened to help fill the gap in provincial processing capacity in eastern Ontario.
In late summer, I, along with a contingent from Ontario, travelled to Saskatoon to attend the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, as well as a number of meetings held in conjunction with the conference. The Canadian Cattle Youth Council and the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders’ Program
also held their meetings that week, and I am proud to share that BFO’s Youth Representative and the pride of Renfrew County, Emily Bromley, was named as the chair of the Canadian Cattle Youth Council for the 2024/25 year. In addition, the Canadian Beef Check-off Agency held their annual meeting that same week where I was elected to their board and named as their Governance Chair.
In other national business, in 2015, the national beef and cattle organizations came together to develop a working document to create unity within the Canadian beef sector, and identify key targets to help improve our competitiveness. Out of this, the National Beef Strategy was created. Every five years, the Strategy has been reviewed and updated, with its newest iteration expected to be released in 2025. To provide Ontario’s perspective on the newest draft, BFO Executive Director, Richard Horne, and I travelled to Calgary with our fellow provincial counterparts to share our thoughts and comments on what should be included in the renewed plan.
We also worked closely with CCA and NCFA in our opposition to Bill C-282. From the Canadian beef sector’s perspective, the Bill, if passed, would hurt Canada’s ability to launch, negotiate, and renegotiate meaningful trade agreements. With the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) up for renegotiation in 2026, this Bill
would put Canada’s trade position at a disadvantage.
BFO Vice President, Jason Leblond, spoke to our concerns by appearing before the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and I participated in an interview on BNN Bloomberg to discuss the same concerns. BFO also sent letters to all Ontario Senators urging them to vote down the Bill.
In early December, we wrapped up our regional meetings that were held across the province in six locations. The focus of these meetings was to hear from our members on regional issues, and to present our proposal for a $1.50 check-off increase in Ontario, which will be decided by our voting delegates at our annual general meeting in February 2025.
Unlike other increases in recent years, this proposed check-off increase request largely comes down to inflation and our ability to effectively maintain services, capacity and our presence with government and key decision makers, and to help align Ontario with our provincial counterparts and support our national groups who we believe are doing good work.
As we flipped the calendar to 2025, there has been no shortage of hot topics facing the Ontario and Canadian cattle sectors. Trade, a federal leadership race coupled with federal election speculations, the most
recent news of a snap election in Ontario, as well as our proposed check-off increase have all provided much to talk about.
Amid so much uncertainty, fortunately January 28th marked a significant day for the non-supply managed sectors in Ontario as the Government of Ontario announced an increase in their annual investment in RMP by $100 million.
Increasing the provincial investment into RMP has been of the highest priority for BFO for the last several years, and since the last increase of $50 million was committed to the program in 2020, to make it a more workable program. At every opportunity, in every meeting, conversation, presentation, submission and consultation, we have remained steadfast in our request for additional funding for the program, which we know has a direct and significant impact on our farmers and their operations. Without question, this program has helped our sector sustain our beef production in the province since its inception in 2011.
As we face growing risks associated with rising costs and trade uncertainty, RMP will become an even more important tool to help our operations manage risk that is completely out of our control.
Our focus this year will no doubt be on Canada-U.S. relations given the proposed threat of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, as well as the anticipated review
of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in 2026.
Our work on building relations in the U.S. began early in the new year with a trip to the State Ag and Rural Leaders’ Summit in Des Moines, Iowa. Myself, BFO Executive Director Richard Horne and BFO Past President and CCA Director Jack Chaffe attended the three-day event where we met with a number of Canadian and U.S. officials to discuss the proposed tariffs and the detrimental impact that would be felt on both sides of the border.
During these conversations, we stressed that tariffs would greatly increase the cost of processing cattle and the cost of beef. Significant numbers of Canadian cattle are sent to packing plants in the U.S. for processing and are returned to Canada as beef for retail sale. Numerous U.S.-born cattle are fed in Canadian feedlots before returning to the U.S. for processing.
We will be carrying this same message to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas the first week of February. BFO, CCA, NCFA and many of our provincial counterparts and industry partners will have a strong presence at the annual event to help assert the significance of our trading relationship. Both the proposed tariffs and the 2026 review of CUSMA will be the focus of our conversations.
Together with our national counterparts and industry allies, this issue will be of the highest priority in the coming weeks and months. We are preparing for all possible outcomes and we will be ready to defend the interests of Canadian and Ontario beef farmers.
I wish you all the best in the year ahead. It’s been a pleasure to serve you as president.
Beef Farming: Only For The Brave
UN MESSAGE DU PRÉSIDENT
CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN
Lorsque le président sortant Jack Chaffe m’a remis les clés de BFO, son conseil était simple : rester dans le droit chemin et ne pas dépasser les poteaux de clôture. Pas de chance ! Le 95e jour de travail, nous avons dû faire face à la fermeture temporaire de la plus grande installation de transformation de l’est du Canada en raison de négociations syndicales. Pendant un bref instant, j’ai envisagé de chercher le bouton d’éjection, mais heureusement pour moi, huit années en tant que directeur m’ont permis de me préparer quelque peu à ce qui allait suivre.
2024 nous a présenté quelques défis, comme l’arrêt de la transformation mentionné ci-dessus et quelques projets de loi litigieux au Parlement. Nous avons également été forcés d’avoir des conversations et des débats difficiles sur l’avenir de notre association et sur ce qui est nécessaire pour assurer la santé et le dynamisme du secteur du bœuf dans la province. Heureusement, nous avons également réalisé des progrès très positifs dans un certain nombre de dossiers essentiels comme le Programme ontarien de gestion des risques, le Programme ontarien de garantie de prêt pour les bovins
d’engraissement et notre Programme ontarien de développement des marchés du bœuf. Nous sommes également très fiers de certains des programmes éducatifs que nous avons offerts l’année dernière et dont je serai heureux de vous parler plus en détail.
Peu après notre AGA, nous avons organisé un forum sur la sécurité des marchés des parcs d’engraissement de l’Ontario à London, en collaboration avec l’Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA). Cet événement d’une journée a rassemblé 75 exploitants de parcs d’engraissement de toute la province et des conférenciers de haut calibre comme Travis Hickey, fondateur de Cattlenomics aux États-Unis, qui a parlé des stratégies d’atténuation des risques pour le secteur des parcs d’engraissement. Nous remercions tout particulièrement Jack Chaffe d’avoir inspiré cet événement et d’avoir contribué à son développement.
En 2024, trois nouveaux membres se sont joints à notre conseil d’administration : Jim Whitley, du comté de Simcoe, Tom Kroesbergen, du comté de Middlesex, et Ralph Eyre, du comté de Lambton. Chaque année, il est agréable de voir de nouveaux visages et de l’énergie autour de la table du
conseil - un signe d’une organisation saine. Nous voulons que cet élan se poursuive, et c’est pourquoi nous avons investi dans la revitalisation de notre programme de leadership BUILD en collaboration avec l’Institut rural de l’Ontario. Depuis le lancement du programme en 2012, 110 personnes en sont sorties diplômées. Notre plus récente itération du programme, en avril 2024, a compté 14 diplômés, dont moimême. Nous avons eu un très bon groupe de participants avec un bon mélange d’âge, d’expérience et de perspective.
Après la journée nationale de lobbying, un contingent de notre conseil d’administration s’est rendu à Queen’s Park, à Toronto, pour rencontrer des députés. Nous y avons plaidé en faveur d’un investissement dans le programme de gestion des risques et d’amendements à la Loi sur les services provinciaux visant le bien-être des animaux et à la Loi sur la commercialisation des bovins de boucherie.
Lors de ces réunions, nous avons également demandé une augmentation de la garantie provinciale dans le cadre du Programme ontarien de garanties d’emprunt pour l’élevage de bovins d’engraissement, ainsi
que des limites maximales d’emprunt pour les particuliers et les sociétés. Cette demande, initiée par le comité exécutif de Feeder Finance, permettrait au programme de répondre à la demande accrue due à l’escalade des prix des bovins et à l’intérêt croissant des producteurs pour le programme.
Il existe de nombreux héros méconnus dans le secteur du bœuf, et l’un d’entre eux, à mon avis, est Jamie Gamble, qui a pris une retraite bien méritée en mai. Jamie, coordonnateur de l’information sur les marchés de BFO pendant 18 ans, a fait une grande différence dans la vie des familles agricoles de toute la province. Des informations opportunes sur les marchés ont permis d’améliorer les connaissances des éleveurs de bovins et ont fourni les données nécessaires pour aider les agriculteurs à obtenir de meilleurs prix et un meilleur niveau de vie. Merci Jamie et nous te souhaitons beaucoup de succès dans ton prochain chapitre.
Notre défi le plus important en 2024 a été la fermeture temporaire de l’usine Cargill Guelph Dunlop en raison de négociations syndicales, qui a envoyé près de 1,000 employés sur la ligne de piquetage et a interrompu les opérations de transformation
à partir du 27 mai.
Quelques jours après le début de la grève, le comité exécutif de BFO et le comité des parcs d’engraissement de BFO se sont réunis pour discuter des façons dont le gouvernement provincial pourrait aider à atténuer les répercussions de la grève pour les producteurs de bœuf de l’Ontario dans l’immédiat. Le 3 juin, nous avons soumis une proposition officielle au gouvernement et, trois semaines plus tard, il a réagi en prenant des mesures pour aider les producteurs à assurer les liquidités de leurs exploitations, notamment en accélérant le calendrier des rapports et des paiements dans le cadre du PGR et en augmentant les paiements provisoires d’Agri-stabilité de 50 % à 75 %.
En plus de plaider en faveur d’un soutien gouvernemental, nous avons également travaillé avec l’ACB, l’Association nationale des engraisseurs de bovins (ANEB) et l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments sur le programme de parcs d’engraissement sous restriction au Canada afin d’obtenir l’autorisation d’aménager des aires de repos temporaires pour les bovins inscrits à ce programme. En outre, nous avons envoyé une lettre à tous les établissements de crédit pour les encourager
à faire preuve de souplesse à l’égard des producteurs qui tentent de respecter les limites de leurs liquidités en raison de ce conflit de travail.
Nous sommes reconnaissants à tous les camionneurs et entreprises de transport, aux institutions financières, à un certain nombre d’acheteurs et de négociants de bovins et à d’autres transformateurs qui se sont mobilisés pour aider nos agriculteurs et notre secteur au cours des 42 jours de fermeture. En juillet, nous avons invité nos conseillersconsultants et les membres de nos comités dans la communauté de North Bay pour notre réunion d’été annuelle. Tout au long de cet événement de deux jours, nous avons fait le point sur nos dossiers de politique et de défense, sur notre travail d’engagement des producteurs, et nous avons eu trois présentations distinctes sur les mécanismes de notre système national de prélèvement, les possibilités de financement pour les agriculteurs et une mise à jour sur le programme d’indemnisation des dommages causés par la faune. Je tiens à remercier sincèrement la famille Wand et notre viceprésident, Jason Leblond, ainsi que sa famille, pour leur hospitalité et leur générosité, qui nous ont aidés à organiser notre réunion de
cette année.
Le vent a tourné plus tard dans le mois et nous avons eu le plaisir de voir le gouvernement réagir rapidement à notre demande de financement pour les bovins d’engraissement. Le 29 juillet, le ministre de l’Agriculture, de l’Alimentation et de l’Agroalimentaire de l’Ontario, Rob Flack, a annoncé que la garantie du gouvernement dans le cadre du Programme ontarien de garantie d’emprunt pour les bovins d’engraissement passerait de 65 millions $ à 125 millions $, ce qui permettrait d’augmenter à 500 millions $ le montant total des emprunts dans le cadre du programme. En outre, les limites d’emprunt pour les particuliers et les sociétés seront doublées.
En même temps, le ministre Flack a annoncé un investissement de 2 millions $ sur quatre ans pour aider à renforcer le travail de notre Programme de développement des marchés du bœuf de l’Ontario. Ce financement servira à soutenir notre participation à des salons et à des missions commerciales et à accueillir des acheteurs potentiels de l’extérieur du marché pour leur faire visiter les exploitations d’élevage bovin et les installations de transformation de l’Ontario.
À propos de développement des marchés et de bœuf de l’Ontario, nous avons été invités à la cérémonie d’inauguration des travaux de Parkhill Meats pour célébrer l’augmentation de la capacité de transformation dans le sud-ouest de l’Ontario. L’expansion de Parkhill Meats devrait être achevée en 2025, et on prévoit que la nouvelle installation nécessitera 20 employés supplémentaires, notamment des bouchers, des emballeurs, des manutentionnaires et des nettoyeurs.
Sur une note beaucoup plus dévastatrice, Quinn’s Meats, dans l’est de l’Ontario, a été ravagé par un incendie le 27 juin. Depuis,
les installations ont été démolies et la famille Enright se concentre sur l’avenir et sur la recherche d’un endroit où elle pourra reprendre ses activités de transformation dès que possible. Du point de vue de BFO, nous avons intensifié les discussions avec Meat and Poultry Ontario, les politiciens locaux et le Service correctionnel du Canada au sujet de l’abattoir de Joyceville, anciennement connu sous le nom de Wallace Beef, et de l’urgence de sa réouverture pour aider à combler le manque de capacité de transformation provinciale dans l’est de l’Ontario.
À la fin de l’été, je me suis rendu à Saskatoon avec un contingent de l’Ontario pour assister à la conférence de l’Industrie canadienne du bœuf, ainsi qu’à un certain nombre de réunions tenues en marge de la conférence. Le Conseil canadien des jeunes leaders de l’industrie bovine et le programme des Jeunes leaders de l’industrie bovine canadienne ont également tenu leurs réunions cette semaine-là, et je suis fier de partager que la représentante des jeunes de BFO et la fierté du comté de Renfrew, Emily Bromley, a été nommée présidente du Conseil canadien des jeunes leaders de l’industrie bovine pour l’année 2024/25. De plus, l’Agence canadienne de prélèvement du bœuf a tenu sa réunion annuelle la même semaine et j’ai été élu à son conseil d’administration et nommé président de la Gouvernance.
Dans d’autres affaires nationales, en 2015, les organisations nationales du bœuf et des bovins se sont réunies pour élaborer un document de travail afin de créer une unité au sein du secteur canadien du bœuf et d’identifier des cibles clés pour aider à améliorer notre compétitivité. C’est ainsi qu’est née la Stratégie nationale sur le bœuf. Tous les cinq ans, la stratégie est réexaminée et mise à jour, la dernière version devant
être publiée en 2025. Pour exposer le point de vue de l’Ontario sur la nouvelle version, Richard Horne, directeur général de BFO, et moi-même nous sommes rendus à Calgary avec nos homologues provinciaux pour partager nos réflexions et nos commentaires sur ce qui devrait être inclus dans le plan renouvelé.
Nous avons également travaillé en étroite collaboration avec l’ACB et l’ANEB dans notre opposition au projet de loi C-282. Du point de vue du secteur canadien du bœuf, ce projet de loi, s’il était adopté, nuirait à la capacité du Canada de lancer, de négocier et de renégocier des accords commerciaux significatifs. L’Accord Canada-États-UnisMexique (ACEUM) devant être renégocié en 2026, ce projet de loi désavantagerait la position commerciale du Canada.
Le vice-président de BFO, Jason Leblond, a fait part de nos préoccupations en se présentant devant le Comité sénatorial permanent des affaires étrangères et du commerce international, et j’ai participé à une entrevue sur BNN Bloomberg pour discuter de ces mêmes préoccupations. BFO a également envoyé des lettres à tous les sénateurs de l’Ontario pour leur demander de voter contre le projet de loi.
Au début du mois de décembre, nous avons terminé nos réunions régionales qui se sont déroulées dans six localités de la province. L’objectif de ces réunions était d’écouter nos membres sur les questions régionales et de présenter notre proposition d’augmentation du prélèvement de 1,50 $ en Ontario, laquelle sera décidée par nos délégués votants lors de notre assemblée générale annuelle en février 2025.
Contrairement aux autres augmentations des dernières années, cette demande d’augmentation des prélèvements est largement liée à l’inflation et à notre capacité
à maintenir efficacement les services, la capacité et notre présence auprès du gouvernement et des principaux décideurs, ainsi qu’à aider à aligner l’Ontario sur nos homologues provinciaux et à soutenir nos groupes nationaux qui, à notre avis, font du bon travail.
Alors que nous passons à l’année 2025, les sujets brûlants auxquels sont confrontés les secteurs bovins de l’Ontario et du Canada n’ont pas manqué. Le commerce, la course à la direction du gouvernement fédéral, les spéculations sur les élections fédérales, la nouvelle la plus récente d’une élection anticipée en Ontario, ainsi que notre proposition d’augmentation du prélèvement, ont été autant de sujets de discussion.
Dans un contexte d’incertitude, le 28 janvier a heureusement été une journée importante pour les secteurs non soumis à la gestion de l’offre en Ontario, puisque le gouvernement de l’Ontario a annoncé une augmentation de 100 millions $ de son investissement annuel dans le PGR.
Augmenter l’investissement provincial dans le PGR est une priorité absolue pour BFO depuis plusieurs années, et depuis la dernière augmentation de 50 millions $ en 2020, il s’agit d’un programme plus réalisable. À chaque occasion, réunion, conversation, présentation, soumission et consultation, nous avons toujours demandé un financement supplémentaire pour le programme, lequel entraîne des répercussions directes et importantes sur nos agriculteurs et leurs activités. Ce programme a sans conteste aidé notre secteur à soutenir la production de boeuf dans la province depuis sa création en 2011.
Alors que nous sommes confrontés à des risques croissants liés à l’augmentation des coûts et à l’incertitude spéculative du commerce, le PGR deviendra un outil encore
plus important pour aider nos opérations à gérer les risques qui échappent totalement à notre contrôle.
Cette année, nous nous concentrerons sans aucun doute sur les relations entre le Canada et les États-Unis, compte tenu de la menace proposée de droits de douane de 25 % sur les importations canadiennes, ainsi que de la révision prévue de l’accord Canada-ÉtatsUnis-Mexique (ACEUM) en 2026.
Nos efforts à établir des relations aux ÉtatsUnis a commencé au début de la nouvelle année par un voyage au State Ag and Rural Leaders’ Summit à Des Moines, dans l’Iowa. Moi-même, Richard Horne, directeur exécutif de BFO, et Jack Chaffe, ancien président de BFO et directeur de l’ACB, avons participé à cet événement de trois jours au cours duquel nous avons rencontré un certain nombre de responsables canadiens et américains pour discuter des tarifs douaniers proposés et de l’impact négatif qu’ils auraient de part et d’autre de la frontière.
Au cours de ces conversations, nous avons insisté sur le fait que les droits de douane augmenteraient considérablement le coût de la transformation des bovins et le coût du bœuf. Un nombre important de bovins canadiens sont envoyés dans des usines de transformation aux États-Unis pour y être transformés et reviennent au Canada sous forme de viande de bœuf pour la vente au détail. De nombreux bovins nés aux États-Unis sont nourris dans des parcs d’engraissement canadiens avant de retourner aux États-Unis pour y être transformés.
Nous transmettrons ce même message à la convention de la National Cattlemen’s Beef Association à San Antonio, au Texas, au cours de la première semaine de février. BFO, l’ACB, l’ANEB et bon nombre de
nos homologues provinciaux et de nos partenaires de l’industrie assureront une forte présence à cet événement annuel afin d’affirmer l’importance de nos relations commerciales. Tant les tarifs proposés que la révision de l’ACEUM en 2026 seront au cœur de nos discussions.
Avec nos homologues nationaux et nos alliés de l’industrie, cette question sera prioritaire dans les semaines et les mois à venir. Nous nous préparons à toutes les éventualités et nous serons prêts à défendre les intérêts des producteurs de bœuf du Canada et de l’Ontario.
Je vous souhaite le meilleur pour l’année à venir. Ce fut un plaisir de vous servir en tant que président.
L’élevage bovin : Uniquement pour les courageux
BFO PAST PRESIDENTS
1963 Bruce Mehlenbacher, Haldimand
1964 Ross Beattie, Simcoe
1965 George Morris, Kent
1966 Harvey Ackert, Bruce
1967 - 1968 Walter Beath, Ontario County
1969 Vern Kaufman, Oxford
1970 Lawrence Markusse, Lambton
1971 Hugh Grace, Lanark
1972 Tom Jackson, Peel-Halton
1973 Stewart Brown, Elgin
1974 Grant Burroughes, York
1975 Clarence Hardy, Middlesex
1976 Ronald Oswald, Bruce
1977 Archie Etherington, Huron
1978 Alex Connell, Wellington
1979 - 1980 Morley Shepherdson, Temiskaming
1981 Gus Lask, Ontario County
1982 Tony Noorloos, Lambton
1983 Robert Chapple, Kent
1984 - 1985 Gerhard Schickedanz, York
1986 Edgar Wideman, Waterloo
1987 Hugh Sharpe, Lennox and Addington
1988 Robert Gregson, Elgin
1989 Jim Magee, Oxford
1990 David Whittington, Peterborough
1991 Glenn Coultes, Huron
1992 Doug Gear, Dufferin
1993 Robert Kerr, Kent
1994 Ken Summers, Victoria
1995
1996
Harvey Graham, Durham East
Dale Pallister, Grey
1997 Linda Barker, Haldimand
1998 Bob Dobson, Renfrew
1999 Darlene Bowen, Temiskaming
2000 Stan Eby, Bruce
2001 Dick van der Byl, Glengarry
2002 Mike Buis, Kent
2003 - 2004 Ron Wooddisse, Wellington
2005 - 2007 Ian McKillop, Elgin
2008 - 2009 Gord Hardy, Middlesex
2010 - 2011 Curtis Royal, Simcoe
2012 - 2013 Dan Darling, Northumberland
2014 - 2015 Bob Gordanier, Dufferin
2016 - 2017 Matt Bowman, Temiskaming
2018 - 2019 Joe Hill, Wellington
2020 - 2021 Rob Lipsett, Grey
2022 - 2023 Jack Chaffe, Perth
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BFO’s Board of Directors consists of 12 elected officials - three from the cow-calf sector, three from the feedlot sector, one from the background sector, one each representing the southern, northern and eastern regions of Ontario, and two elected at-large. Directors are elected for three-year terms on a rotating basis. In addition to the 12 elected officials, one youth representative is appointed by the BFO Board of Directors through an application process to fill a non-voting position.
TOM KROESBERGEN Feedlot Director TSYLDB Director
JOOST VAN DER HEIDEN Background Director FFCO & AAC Director
STEVENSON Southern Director BCRC Director
CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN PRESIDENT
JASON LEBLOND
DON BADOUR Cow-Calf Director
RON STEVENSON Southern Director
RICHARD HORNE Executive Director
CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN PRESIDENT Eastern Director CCA & Agency Director
JASON LEBLOND VICE PRESIDENT Northern Director CCA Director
DON BADOUR Cow-Calf Director CRSB Director
DON HARGRAVE Cow-Calf Director CCIA Director
JIM WHITLEY Cow-Calf Director OFC Director
JAIRUS MAUS Feedlot Director NCFA Director
JOE DICKENSON Feedlot Director OFC Director
RON
RALPH EYRE At-Large Director
KIM JO BLISS At-Large Director BCRC Director
EMILY BROMLEY Youth Representative (Non-Voting)
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RICHARD HORNE
BFO’s 2025 AGM theme, “Paying it Forward”, was chosen to reflect the check-off increase decision being put before delegates this year, while also pointing to the merits of investing in your industry to support the next generation, and the sustainability of the sector and the organizations that work on your behalf through additional investments in research, marketing, and consumer-facing initiatives. This is a significant AGM. Please make sure you take the time to ask the questions that are important to you before you cast your vote.
Looking back, 2024/25 will be remembered as a historic year for the association and for the sector. Record market price highs were hit across all cattle classes. On the other end of the spectrum, though, rising input costs, challenging financing demands, market uncertainty, waning domestic beef demand, and the threat of U.S. tariffs tempered the market price success.
A number of significant wins were achieved this year to help combat some of these challenges, including an increase to the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program from $65 million to $125 million, which will allow total program lending to grow to half a billion dollars annually. In addition, loan limits for individuals and corporations were doubled. These muchneeded changes will allow farmers to better respond to the escalation in cattle
prices, to make new investments, and ultimately to contribute to our sector’s ability to maintain a sufficient supply of Ontario beef for the marketplace.
Speaking of the beef marketplace, BFO was able to secure $2 million in provincial funding over four years to augment the development and promotion of Ontario beef and Ontario beef brands in domestic and international markets, in partnership with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association. This funding represents an important investment that will help further our goal of diversifying and expanding the penetration of our products in high value markets in an attempt to mitigate commodity price volatility.
Finally, the recent commitment by the province to increase funding to Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) by $100 million annually will provide much needed additional insurance coverage and support to protect against market price volatility. This is a significant investment that will help grow the annual program envelope to $250 million per year, and allow the program to function much closer to its original design. Thanks to all of you who played a part in speaking up for the value of this program, lobbying your elected officials, and keeping this on the BFO priority list.
With the threat of U.S. tariffs and a new and more unpredictable administration,
we need every tool at our disposal to weather the potential storms on the horizon. Here at home, we are also in the heart of both a pending federal election and a pending provincial election. BFO directors and staff, and our colleagues at the Canadian Cattle Association and National Cattle Feeders’ Association have spent considerable time and effort focused on ensuring our priorities, issues and concerns are front and center with policymakers. In the last several weeks, we have also collectively ramped up our advocacy efforts south of the border, and with Canadian officials with respect to Canada-U.S. trade to ensure decision makers understand the integrated nature of our sector, and the critical importance of free and open trade between our beef nations.
On the operations front, while BFO is fortunate to have many tenured members on our team, 2024 brought changing roles and new faces. In May, BFO welcomed Lisandra Lima to the role of Office Manager with the departure of Michelle Dyer. Lisandra arrived at BFO from the food and beverage manufacturing sector with significant experience in office and client management. I suspect most of you have had the opportunity to engage with Lisandra as our primary point of contact for the office. She has been a great addition.
Last spring also marked the retirement of Jamie Gamble, after more than 18 years of service to the association as BFO’s Market Information Coordinator. Jamie’s retirement also spurred the transition of a new system of market price reporting done in conjunction with Canfax. The integration of our service with Canfax’s existing reporting structure has worked well.
In early November, we welcomed Barb Caswell to the team in the role of Supervisor of Provincial Programs. Barb has been hired to eventually succeed Cheryl Russwurm, who will retire this year. While Barb will take over primary responsibility for the supervision of the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program, the Breeder Loan Program, and the portion of the Advance Payments Program that BFO administers, she will also provide leadership to staff, the board and producers on government programming related to the on-farm needs of beef farmers and, more broadly, the Ontario beef sector. Barb comes to BFO with significant knowledge and experience in program delivery and support, as well as experience in food safety, traceability, biosecurity, and environmental best practices. She will be a great asset for us and for our members.
On the departure side, I had the unfortunate duty of accepting the resignation of Darby Wheeler from his
position of Policy Advisor in November. Darby has taken on the role as Deputy Director of Policy with the Ministry of Rural Affairs, within the office of Minister Lisa Thompson. While we were incredibly sad to see him go, the move presented a great opportunity for Darby. I know he will continue to be a strong advocate for the beef sector. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to secure a suitable replacement for Darby’s position. BFO’s recruitment efforts continue as we look to fill this role.
Lastly, it is no secret to most that Dan Ferguson is beginning to contemplate a well-deserved retirement. Although Dan’s intentions are to keep working on producer relations and engagement activities in the near term, the time has come to begin to transition some of his responsibilities to the next generation. As a result, I was pleased to announce in January that Jaclyn Horenberg was taking over the position of Manager of Producer Relations, with Dan stepping back to the role of Senior Producer Relations Advisor. BFO continues to be blessed with a fantastic group of talented and dedicated staff who put in tremendous effort to represent you and the industry.
As we look ahead, I would be remiss if I didn’t specifically mention our two outgoing directors, Joe Dickenson and Ron Stevenson. Both Joe and Ron have represented the association and the
sector on the BFO board for the last six years, with distinction. Joe’s work on the development of BFO’s corporate social responsibility activities and vision, and his leadership at the Ontario Forage Council, combined with Ron’s involvement in a host of animal health and welfare files, including veterinary capacity, and his leadership at the Beef Cattle Research Council are a few examples of their lasting contributions to the association and the sector. Thank you, Joe and Ron. You were great directors, and are even better people.
To our directors, delegates and producer members, thank you for your continued confidence and faith. It is an honour for me to work on behalf of this great sector.
To my staff, you are incredible. Thanks to each of you for your dedication and commitment to the association and the Ontario beef sector.
I look forward to visiting with many of you at the AGM.
THE BFO STAFF TEAM
RICHARD HORNE Executive Director x 234 richard@ontariobeef.com
LISANDRA LIMA Office Manager x 221 lisandra@ontariobeef.com
THOMAS BRANDSTETTER Manager of Policy and Issues x 236 thomas@ontariobeef.com
BARB CASWELL Supervisor of Provincial Programs 519.924.1731 barb@ontariobeef.com
JENNIFER KYLE Manager of Public Engagement & Digital Strategy x 229 jennifer@ontariobeef.com
In late 2020, BFO made a public commitment to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the beef sector and broader agri-food industry, and to fight racism and discrimination in all its forms. As we move into 2025, we continue to work toward a culture shift that sees the industry become a welcoming and inclusive environment for anyone who lives in, works in, and interacts with our sector.
DEI remained a priority for the BFO Board of Directors and staff throughout 2024. As we move through the journey, we have learned that diversity is the inevitable part. There is diversity of all kinds all around us and throughout the industry. The real work is in the equity and inclusion piece – as an organization and as a sector, we need to work toward the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere we want to see. The goal is always to welcome people to the industry but, more importantly, make sure they feel welcome, included and in some cases, safe, so they want to stay and continue to contribute to the betterment of the sector. To that end, we would like to share some of the activities we have undertaken in effort to live up to our commitment.
LEARNING
As we have stated in the past, DEI, and all it encompasses, is an ever-evolving topic and there is always more to learn. It takes time and a commitment to ongoing learning to create a cultural shift like the one we are endeavoring to achieve. With that in mind, the board recognized, with some new directors on the board and some new staff over the previous couple of years, we needed to find a way to bring the new folks up to speed on the work we have been doing. The Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has just launched an e-learning platform focused on DEI in the agricultural sector. Through BFO staff’s involvement with the working groups that brought the e-platform to life, BFO was able to secure participation in the pilot project to test drive the new tool. Several board directors and staff took part in the e-learning, which was a self-guided program with modules each participant could work through on their own time. While a different approach to the group learning we have done in the past, the new platform offers a great option for folks interested in learning more about DEI in the agriculture and food sector.
ACTIVITIES
In addition to the above-mentioned learning, BFO continued to participate in and undertake a number of different activities throughout the year:
• BFO continues to be part of the Perceptions Working Group organized by Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council and participated in multiple sessions throughout 2024.
• Then-BFO Director Jordan Miller presented to the fourth-year students at the University of Manitoba, an invitation we have accepted again in 2025.
• Jenn Kyle participated in the Sowing the Seeds of Wellness training as part of the grant received from OMAFRA.
• Jenn Kyle presented to the BFO BUILD Class regarding BFO’s DEI work.
• BFO met with 4-H Ontario and presented to the full staff during a Lunch and Learn.
• BFO staff met with the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) to explore opportunities for collaboration. NCIAF is a new initiative started by Farm Credit Canada.
• BFO has staff representation on the Agriculture Wellness Ontario Advisory Committee that is working on mental health resources specifically for farmers and the ag sector.
• Ensured DEI was top of mind when selecting influencers, spokespeople and companies to partner with for our consumer engagement and PR work.
• DEI Committee met with the Agricultrices du Québec to learn more about their federally funded project to create resources designed to help agricultural organizations recruit more women onto boards. BFO reps will be part of roundtable discussions in 2025.
• Staff participated in the virtual International Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health.
• As a part of our BFO commitment to Truth & Reconciliation, the Board continued the Orange Shirt Day fundraiser. The shirts continue to be for sale throughout the year, and for every shirt sold, $10 is donated to Water First, an organization whose work helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.
• Continued to strongly support community organizations like Feed Ontario, AgScape and 4-H that provide important service, support, education and programing to diverse communities all across the province.
• Celebrated the 10th anniversary of our Beef Program with Feed Ontario.
• The aging bathrooms at the BFO office were renovated in 2024, which improves the accessibility of the building, and DEI signage was installed in the reception area as an inclusive welcome to all visitors.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The DEI Committee continues to put effort toward ensuring we remain accountable to our commitments as we move forward with our DEI work. In the spirit of inclusivity, the committee remains an open committee. Any board or staff member is welcome to join the committee at any time. The committee is tasked with keeping the organization accountable, as well as ensuring the work continues to move forward and addressing any DEI-related issues and questions as they arise.
In 2024, the committee worked through our workplan and held meetings
quarterly to ensure proper time for planning. The committee will continue to meet quarterly in 2025, with the opportunity to call additional meetings, if required. The workplan ensures that, as an organization, we are always working on something and don’t become complacent in our efforts.
We continue to actively look at our organization and current activities to see where we can do better, and how we can weave education and advocacy around diversity, equity and inclusion into existing activities and programing. As we continue to listen and learn, our commitments and actions will continue to develop over time as we work to evolve the culture within the sector to be more welcoming to and supportive of all members of our communities. If you have questions or if you have thoughts or ideas on actions to consider or areas for improvement, please connect with us.
Beefing Up Ontario’s Food Banks
2024 marked an important milestone for BFO and its partnership with Feed Ontario, the province’s largest collective of hunger-relief organizations. Over the last ten years, BFO’s cash contribution to Feed Ontario’s Ontario Beef program has totalled $360,000, supported the purchase of 127,045 pounds of beef, and provided 769,969 servings of Ontario ground beef for those in need.
In addition to BFO’s relationship with Feed Ontario, the association’s local branches are also very committed to supporting their regional food banks and communities. Over the last couple of years, BFO has started tracking food bank donations through its annual Sharecost Program, and in 2024, the local associations, with support from BFO, provided over $47,000 in beef donations to local food banks.
If you would like to learn more about Feed Ontario and their important work, visit feedontario.ca
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY
In 2024, BFO continued to monitor, research and respond to a high volume of legislative proposals, bills, and proposed policy and program changes. In addition, BFO’s Board of Directors and staff maintained close contact with Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), and government officials to keep the priorities for Ontario’s beef sector top-of-mind with decision-makers.
Key Advocacy Achievements
Helped secure a commitment to increase funding to Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) by $100 million. Once fully realized, the additional funding will represent an increase in total funding for beef sector risk insurance by more than 65% of current funding levels.
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Secured an increase to the government guarantee under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program from $65 million to $125 million.
• Total program funding increased from $260 million to $500 million.
• Loan limits doubled from $1 million to $2 million for individuals, and from $1.5 million to $3 million for corporations.
Secured a grant of $2 million in provincial funding over four years to augment the work of the Ontario Beef Market Development Program.
60+ Meetings with MPs, MPPs, and political staff
Conducted 4 lobby days 2 at Queen’s Park and 2 at Parliament Hill
Responded to 10 government consultations across 6 different ministries & agencies
3 Committee appearances in response to RMP, ELDs and C-282
Top 10 Provincial Priorities in 2024
1. Increase investment in RMP by $100 million annually.
2. Defend Ontario’s trading relationship with the United States and vigorously oppose any U.S. tariffs on Ontario agri-food products, specifically cattle, beef and beef products.
3. Conduct a formal review of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act and its underlying regulations and operational processes. Seek to create distinct and tailored systems of enforcement and regulatory frameworks for livestock, companion animals, and zoos and aquariums, similar to what is done in other jurisdictions.
4. Provide funding to support an expansion of community pasture cooperatives in Ontario through infrastructure assistance, land improvement grants, and preferential financing and/or direct funding to support land acquisition.
5. Create more robust incentive structures to increase food animal veterinary capacity across Ontario, including modernization and increased funding support for the Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP).
6. Pursue an Information Sharing Agreement with OMAFA to assist with FAD response, particularly in response to Foot and Mouth Disease.
7. Pursue an amendment to the insurance requirements for custom feeding under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program to permit various types of farm insurance to satisfy OIC requirements.
8. Introduce property tax relief measures through the development of a new property tax assessment class for food processors, particularly abattoirs, or through other targeted measures that will help reduce the tax burden on processors of food.
9. Seek improvements to the Predation Compensation Program by increasing compensation values for calves, removing the reasonable care plan requirement, and improving payment response timelines.
10. Seek amendments to the Beef Cattle Marketing Act (BCMA) to trigger license fees to be paid at slaughter where no transfer or ownership has occurred, and to move license fee decisions to ministerial order.
Key Policy & Program Achievements
• Aggressively lobbied to ensure the interest-free portion under the Advance Payments Program (APP) did not revert back down to $100K. This request was fulfilled last spring when the government announced that the interest-free portion would be set at $250K for the 2024/25 program year.
• Advocated for the elimination of requests for railgrade information during RMP file reviews for cattle sold on a live basis, a practice no longer being employed by Agricorp.
• Along with our allies across the livestock sector, we advocated for increased flexibility with respect to Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and hours of service under the humane transport regulations. New guidance to enforcement bodies was issued this past year as a result of this work to provide regulatory flexibility to get animals to destinations safely, without delay.
• Pushed to have Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) and the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program included as eligible programs for complying with the new agri-environmental risk assessment requirement under AgriInvest. Both programs were added to the approved list of qualifying programs in 2024 by AAFC.
• Provided solutions to help mitigate the impact of the Cargill labour disruption, which resulted in the acceleration of RMP payments, temporary acceptance of OTM cattle under RMP to account for delayed marketings, and an increase in AgriStability interim payments from 50 per cent to 75 per cent.
• Responded to 19 resolutions brought forward by beef farmers from across the province.
Top 10 Federal Priorities in 2024
1. Ensure farmers have access to sufficient risk protection to guard against increased market volatility - specifically trade threats, input cost volatility, and supply chain disruptions.
2. Defend Canada’s trading relationship with the United States and vigorously oppose any U.S. tariffs on Canadian agri-food products - specifically cattle, beef and beef products.
3. Seek a permanent increase in the interestfree limit under the Advance Payments Program (APP) of at least $250K, with primary emphasis on securing an increase for the 2025-26 program year.
4. Harmonize Canadian SRM Removal Requirements with the U.S.
5. Remove the 100-Day Residency Requirement with the U.S.
6. Vigorously oppose Bill C-282.
7. Seek an ELD Exemption for a 240 km radius around origin and destination for livestock transport.
8. Advocate for increased investment in Meat Processing Capacity focused on increasing access to infrastructure grants, access to labour and skills training, and market development support.
9. Continue to encourage Correctional Service Canada and CFIA to find a path to reopening the abattoir at the Joyceville Penitentiary.
10. Pursue improvements to the Restricted Feeder Cattle Program to make it easier to exit the program, and to more easily allow cattle movements beyond direct-toslaughter in emergency situations (plant or border closure, human health emergency, etc.).
ONTARIO BEEF SECTOR OVERVIEW
Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities and is important to the quality of life of all Canadians and Ontarians. There are approximately 19,000 beef farmers in Ontario, representing 13.7 per cent of all farms in the province, most of which are multi-generational family-run operations. Beef farms and the broader beef cattle sector have a presence and economic impact in every county and district in Ontario.
ECONOMY
The beef sector is an important economic driver of Ontario’s agri-food sector. Combining the revenue from primary production, processing and retail, the beef sector contributes $2.69 billion to Ontario’s GDP on an annual basis. Gross sales from Ontario beef production, processing and retail exceed $13 billion, with revenue from farm gate sales reaching $1.4 billion, processing at $3.5 billion and retail surpassing $9 billion. The income derived from the beef sector helps support a broad range of rural infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and community centres.
EMPLOYMENT
Ontario’s beef sector is vitally important to the well-being and growth of families, businesses and communities, both rural and urban. As a significant job creator, Ontario’s beef industry is responsible for 9,500 jobs in primary production, 9,000 jobs in processing and 43,900 jobs in retail. In total, Ontario’s beef sector sustains more than 61,000 jobs. Beef farms provide a wide variety of jobs between on-farm (equipment operation, breeding and feeding) and off-farm (farm machinery sales, grocer sales, meat packaging and processing, and transportation).
ENVIRONMENT
As long-term partners with the environment, more than 70 per cent of Ontario farmers have taken an environmental course, evaluated their farm’s environmental footprint, and made improvements to protect soil, water and ecosystems. In addition, grasslands used in beef production help store approximately 1.9 billion tonnes of carbon in Canada. We’re proud to say that due to improved production practices, producing 1 kilogram of beef in Canada today emits 15 per cent fewer greenhouse gases than it did in 2014. The Ontario beef sector maintains one of the lowest GHG footprints of all beef production systems in the world – less than half of the global average.
RESEARCH
& INNOVATION
The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is fully committed to research and its importance in driving competitiveness and innovation in the Ontario beef sector. The 2023-2026 BFO research programs projects include:
1. Optimization of Purebred and Crossbred Dairy Calf Performance, Health, and Welfare, Dr. Steele
2. Optimizing Forage Production for Beef Producers, Dr. Schneider
3. To Chop or Not To? Understanding the impact of forage processing on efficiency and enteric gas emissions, Dr. Wood
4. Does dietary guanidinoacetic acid and rumen protected methionine supplementation improve performance, carcass yield and
2024 RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Kim Jo Bliss, BCRC
Mike Buis, AgSights
James Byrne, OMAFA
Jason Koudys
Ron Stevenson, BCRC
Will Stoneman, Youth Rep
Mike Swidersky
Dr. Katie Wood, UofG
meat quality traits for beef finishing steers, Dr. Duarte
5. Mitigating methane emissions in beef cattle using functional genomics, Dr. Canovas
6. Rotational Grazing and One HealthCan rotational grazing practices improve animal and environmental health, Dr. Murphy
7. Effects of pasture management strategies on carbon sequestration, soil health, and forage productivity for optimizing cow-calf performance using sustainable production practices, Dr. Lyons
BFO has not added any additional research projects during the last year beyond the ones it committed to in 2023.
There were two projects from the previous BFO research call that were completed in 2024, which included “Bale and silage wrap from inexpensive and robust biomaterials” by Dr. Pensini and “Individual variation and repeatability of fibre digestibility, gas emissions, and feed efficiency and in beef heifers” by Dr. Wood. Both of these projects provided valuable information to the Ontario beef industry and will help provide information for the further
development of best management practices here in Ontario. There is one remaining project from the 2019 BFO research program, which will be completed in 2025.
BFO is also involved in the Ontario Living Lab project, a cross-commodity project focusing on practical research being done on Ontario farms across the province. The Living Labs project aims to complete high-quality research trials while conducting the research in a way that allows the results to be easily transferred to practical on-farm problems and solutions.
The Living Labs’ cover crop grazing project is the one BFO is most involved with and has just completed its first fall of trials, performed over three beef farms and three sheep farms. The trial protocol included planting a cover crop post wheat, and through the fall, there were sections grazed and not grazed, which will be compared for soil health, soil nutrients, soil compaction, and the following year’s corn yield. The goal is to showcase the difference between grazing and nongrazing of cover crops for the development of data to allow producers to make informed decisions on their farms. Forage quality samples
and volume produced are also being tracked to provide data on the extra production producers may see if they implement a cover crop within their crop rotation. BFO will share the interim results of the grazing crop project from the Living Labs project as they become available.
One of the main objectives of the BFO Research Committee in 2025 will be to review and update the current BFO Research Strategy. The committee will look to refine the Strategy to meet both the sector’s short-term and long-term research objectives, and ensure that it provides tangible results for Ontario producers. A new pillar within the BFO research strategy will be Getting Research into Practice (GRIP), as objectives need to be set to ensure data is getting into the hands of our members so they can make the best decisions for their farms.
The Research Committee continues to evaluate the research needs of the Ontario Beef sector and how best BFO can provide benefit to Ontario beef farmers through research and innovation.
Key Research Achievements
• Committed to seven research projects to address challenges faced by both cow-calf and feedlot sectors.
• Delivered $40,000 to the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) in support of livestock research in Ontario.
• Invested $15,000 per year for five years in the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Living Labs project to advance the greenhouse gas and carbon sequestration goals outlined in the Canadian Beef Industry 2030 Goals, as well as support additional projects that align with the environmental sustainability priorities of BFO’s Research Committee. We have three beef sites involved in the project with a focus on fall grazing cover crops.
• Provided $25,000 in financial support for a beef-specific research kickstart fund with the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) to assist with ruminant health researcher recruitment efforts.
• Supported LRIC in speaking at their Farm Innovation Tour hosted at Gilbrea Farms in May 2024 for 25 academics and industry professionals.
• In collaboration with LRIC, hosted Dr. Charlotte Yates, President of University of Guelph, and Rene Van Acker, Dean of the Ontario Agriculture College at Ken Schaus’ feedlot in Walkerton in May 2024.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS
BFO Report Card
As an organization, Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) utilizes valuable check-off dollars, provided by its membership, to advocate in the areas of sustainability, animal health and care, environment, food safety, and domestic and export market development to help beef farmers and provide solutions to issues facing the beef sector in Ontario.
BFO’s fourth edition of its Report Card was released in late 2024, which highlights many of the organization’s accomplishments over the last three years (2022-2024) and how check-off dollars have been used to benefit its members and the entire Ontario and Canadian beef sectors.
Ontario Beef Magazine
Ontario Beef was published five times in 2024 (February, May, August, October and December). Four out of the five issues were distributed by mail and in digital format to approximately 16,000 of BFO’s members, industry partners and MPPs. Our December issue was only offered digitally due to the Canada Post labour negotiations.
The magazine provides BFO members and industry stakeholders with timely information, updates on current industry issues, upcoming events, market statistics and more. We continue to update our circulation database to better reflect our active and current membership data, with the goal of ensuring all active members of BFO are receiving this publication. If you have had interruptions in receiving Ontario Beef, please contact the BFO office to verify your mailing address.
Bull-etin Board E-Newsletter
The Bull-etin Board e-newsletter was issued weekly to our subscribers in 2024. The e-newsletter captures the headlines of the week, news releases, upcoming events and weekly market information. If you would like to receive the Bull-etin Board in your inbox, please visit the homepage of BFO’s website to sign up.
Industry Updates and Breaking News
To expand our reach, we continue to increase contact with our members through important industry updates and breaking news sent direct by email from BFO.
While this is similar to the Bull-etin Board e-newsletter, the information through this channel is shared as it happens and provides background in more detail on issues impacting the beef sector.
Social Media
BFO’s social media platforms continue to keep our members informed of the latest news, events and opportunities within the beef industry. We are currently active on X, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, posting regularly to our social channels. Our following continues to grow, and we are always focused on increasing our engagement and reach with our members.
Sharecost Program
The Sharecost Program provides financial support to BFO’s local associations for their hosted producer and consumer engagement activities and, new in 2024, a cost-share stream was added for food bank donations. In 2024, 39 local associations received a total return of close to $124,000. Local associations continue to find ways to reach consumers in their communities, and to connect with and inform their local producers.
Qualifying producer applications in 2024 included
Key Communication Achievements
• Achieved 345,423 visits to ontariobeef.com - market data continues to be the number one reason why folks visit our site.
• Issued over 240 daily market reports and 50 weekly market reports by tapeline recording, mail, fax, email and through the BFO website.
• Issued 51 weekly e-newsletters (The Bull-etin Board) to members and industry stakeholders covering current news headlines and upcoming events.
• Issued 31 industry updates to BFO members by email.
• Offered one pop-up merchandise shop to promote the BFO and Ontario Beef brands.
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youth programs and scholarships, and educational workshops and farm tours, while consumer activities included engaging with the public at agriculture awareness events, open farm days, fall fairs and advertisement campaigns by radio, billboard and print.
Sponsorship, Partnerships & Events
BFO is a committed member of various provincial and national organizations, including the Agriculture Adaptation Council, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Farm and Food Care Ontario, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation, Meat & Poultry Ontario, National Cattle Feeders’ Association, Ontario Agriculture Commodity Council, Ontario Livestock and Poultry Council, Ontario Forage Council, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and the Presidents’ Council. In addition, BFO supported a number of organizations and initiatives in 2024:
• 4-H Ontario
• AgScape
• Canada Beef’s Burger it Forward Campaign
• Farmland Trust Forum
• Feed Ontario
• Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week
• Guardian Network Symposium
• Livestock Markets Association of Canada Convention
• Organized BFO’s summer meeting and fall regional meetings for the BFO Advisory Council and Committee members to provide a platform for discussion on industry issues and county and district concerns.
• Coordinated BFO’s annual general meeting, which provide a forum for beef farmers for learning, discussion and contribution to the activities and strategic direction of the Ontario beef sector.
• Continued to be a resource for industry and media who were looking for commentary on issues facing the Ontario beef sector.
• Ontario Legislature Internship Programme
• University of Guelph, College Royal
• University of Guelph, Veterinary Scholarships
• Youth Events and Cattle Shows
Ten-Year Partnership With Feed Ontario 2024 marked an important milestone for BFO and its partnership with Feed Ontario, the province’s largest collective of hungerrelief organizations.
Feed Ontario represents a network of more than 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief organizations across Ontario. Through their network, they deliver millions of pounds of food across Ontario, serving more than one million people each year. While they work to strengthen and grow the capacity of the provincial food bank network, they also work to advocate for evidence-based programs and solutions to make ending hunger and poverty a priority in our province.
In 2014, BFO signed an agreement with Feed Ontario to develop an Ontario Beef Program that would deliver fresh Ontario ground beef to people facing hunger. Through a tender process, BFO’s cash donation is used for the direct purchase of Ontario ground beef from an Ontario processor, with the transportation generously provided by the Erb Group, another partner of Feed Ontario. To provide
fair and equitable distribution of the beef, each year Feed Ontario rotates the receiving zone through their network of food banks.
Over the last ten years, BFO’s cash contribution to the program has totalled $360,000, supported the purchase of 127,045 pounds of beef, and provided 769,969 servings of Ontario ground beef for those in need.
To help keep pace with demand and to account for the cost of beef, BFO’s donation has grown to an annual contribution of $50,000. During the pandemic, BFO bumped up its contribution when we saw a spike in those needing emergency access to food through a food bank.
In addition to BFO’s relationship with Feed Ontario, the association’s local branches are also very committed to supporting their regional food banks and communities. Over the last couple of years, BFO has started tracking food bank donations through its annual Sharecost Program, and in 2024, the local associations, with support from BFO, provided over $47,000 in beef donations to local food banks.
PRODUCER EDUCATION & SUPPORT
The Producer Engagement team appreciates the time that farmers took to attend meetings and events throughout 2024. We enjoy the opportunity to connect with beef farmers across the province each year.
Highlights of 2024 were hosting a new event called the Ontario Beef Feedlot Market Security Forum in March, the return of our BUILD Leadership Program in April, the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance (OBYA) Tour in June, and the Cow-Calf Management Tour in September.
Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) and the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA) were pleased to host the
fully subscribed and it concluded with recommendations that led to a follow up webinar being hosted to walk through real-time examples of risk mitigation strategies being used in today’s market.
Between 2012 and 2017, BFO executed five iterations of its BUILD Leadership Program in partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI), graduating 96 beef industry leaders and emerging leaders. The program was designed to develop and improve the leadership skills of existing and potential leaders of BFO, and support farmers who were capable of moving the Ontario beef sector forward.
group was very well-rounded with a good balance of experience and unique backgrounds, as well as representation from across the province. While the program focused on the personal growth and leadership of our graduates, our hope is that we have invested in building stronger leadership capacity for our entire organization.
Ontario Beef Feedlot Market Security Forum in London. With the escalating risk from market volatility for the cattle feeding sector, the objective of the day was to stimulate ideas from prominent industry experts on strategies and market options that the Ontario feedlot sector can use to improve market and price security to manage risk. Registration for this event was
It had been seven years since the last program was offered and, with a renewed strategic plan which includes a focus on producer excellence and leadership training, BFO committed to the return of the program in April. After the recruitment and registration process, 14 individuals stepped forward to embark on an exploration of leadership and personal growth. The
The OBYA was started in 2021, and now has more than 250 people between the ages of 18-35 subscribed to the group. We have been thrilled with the engagement, and were excited to host our third OBYA Tour, this year in conjunction with the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Spring Forum. We started off with the OBYA group in Waterloo County touring a cow-calf to finish operation with direct marketing, and a cow-calf and backgrounding operation. That evening, we joined the CYL delegates for a dinner reception and networking. We hit the road the next morning travelling to Bruce County for a commercial cow-calf tour and a progressive feedlot tour. This event provided a great opportunity to bring young producers together from across Canada to share ideas and create enthusiasm. We encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the OBYA to visit the BFO website to subscribe. We would also encourage our
ONTARIO BEEF YOUTH ALLIANCE SUMMER TOUR
OBYA members to consider applying for the CYL Program. The deadline to apply is March 31st, 2025 with all of the details found on the website canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca/.
The Cow-Calf Management Tour was hosted in Brant County and Oxford County with two progressive cow-calf operations, a feedlot operation, and a provincial abattoir tour. Tours focused on herd health protocols, rotational grazing, use of cover crops, and beef demand; and featured guest speakers covered calving management, grazing plans, and the Ontario Grazing Network. The Cow-Calf Management Tour was an approved Knowledge Sharing Event for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. We are grateful to all of the farm hosts who were incredibly generous in welcoming producers to their farm and sharing their production practices. These events would not be possible
without the generosity of the many sponsors who continue to invest in the Ontario beef sector. We sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make these events possible, and we look forward to next year!
In January 2024, in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), the University of Guelph, and Beef@Guelph, we hosted a virtual Beef Symposium. This event covered topics in beef genetics, new technology, cattle market outlook, cow-calf cost of production network results, and conservation projects.
The Producer Engagement team presented to the Food Animal Club at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), and supported an OVC on-farm lab session. We continued to do multiple speaking engagements at agriculture colleges and universities. Our team
Key Producer Education Achievements
• Management and administration of the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program.
• Provided the Basics of Beef Production training to over 100 Provincial Animal Welfare Services inspectors.
• Submitted comments to CCA regarding the development of the renewed Beef Code of Practice of the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle
• Conducted presentations to OVC veterinary students regarding Ontario’s beef sector, vet access, beef quality assurance, and the relationship between beef producers and veterinarians.
• Hosted Beef Symposium with OMAFA and University of Guelph.
• Hosted the Ontario Beef Market Security Forum with OCFA in March 2024 for 75 attendees.
• As a follow-up, hosted a risk webinar in May for 36 registrants.
spoke and provided support at many beef industry meetings, Farm and Food Care Culinary Tours, AgScape ThinkAG Career Competitions, and grazing events. We continue to provide support for members on issues like expropriation, Line Fences Act, animal care, age verification, funding programs, transport regulations, and more.
We continued to support quality assurance programing through the provincial delivery of the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program. With the goal to improve the supply of Ontario certified sustainable calves for Ontario certified sustainable feedlots, we administered the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program which helps offset VBP+ audit costs for our members. We continue to offer webinar training for the VBP+ program.
• Hosted the BUILD Leadership Program over three sessions with ROI in April 2024, which resulted in 14 program graduates
• Hosted a briefing meeting regarding the Cargill labour strike for 20 industry representatives (i.e. nutritionists, vets, salespeople).
• Hosted Ontario Beef Youth Alliance Tour in June 2024 with a total of 51 participants
• Hosted Cow-Calf Management Tour in September 2024 for 83 attendees
• Ongoing participation and speaking engagements at producer meetings across the province.
• Attended various farm shows and producer events, both inperson and virtually, to support farmers.
• With DFO and VFO, secured funding from OMAFA to train staff in Incident Management Systems (IMS) and hosted a Foot & Mouth Disease table-top simulation workshop.
CONSUMER & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Ontario Beef supports all Ontario beef industry stakeholders by laying the foundation for the promotion of all Ontario beef products and the entire industry. Our focus is entirely on Ontario consumers and our efforts support the Ontario Beef Market Development Program, as well as individual farmers, brands, retailers, etc. It’s become almost a tradition to share that, once again, 2024 was a fabulous year for our consumer engagement efforts. To freshen things up a bit, we
did pivot away from some of our original activities in favour of some new and/or updated ideas, which worked out very well. While our budget was healthy, it’s always important to remind folks that, in the world of marketing and advertising dollars where it is pay-to-play, our budget is modest. With this in mind, remaining crafty to ensure we got the most out of every dollar spent remained a priority. As has become our mode of operation, we kept our plans mostly focused online and saw fabulous results again throughout 2024. We also saw a real up-tick in requests for our presence or materials at in-person events, which got us out and interacting with people at several events throughout the year.
In the past, we have talked about our “simmer and boil” approach, which has worked well for us thus far. As part of the
refresh in 2024, we made a switch to more of an “always on” approach. In order to put this new plan in play, we retired the BBQ Battle idea to make more budget room for a bigger yearlong general awareness campaign, and combined that with a reimagined Local Flavour campaign, among other activities. The following is the re-cap of the work we undertook in 2024.
The big change to our consumer engagement work last year was the creation of our Ask Your Butcher general awareness campaign. This campaign combined three humorous video commercials with some static image ads. We ran the ads on Meta (Facebook and Instagram), YouTube and Pinterest. This was our first experience working with acting talent, which was a cool experience and added a welcomed human element to our brand. To support the main campaign, we also created a series of three “guerilla-style” interview videos with three butchers in the downtown Toronto area that further added to that new human element. We also included a summer wave of podcast ads read by The Ongoing History of New Music’s Alan Cross and History of the 90s Kathy Kenzora to further support the campaign. The Ask Your Butcher campaign ran over two extended waves in the summer and fall/winter
respectively. The campaign reception was fantastic. People loved the three commercials that anchored the campaign and grabbed attention with the customer asking the knowledgeable local butcher somewhat outrageous questions like whether penguins have knees, how to cure hiccups, and which shirt he should wear. The idea was to encourage shoppers to ask their butchers their questions to demystify the meat counter, but most importantly to find the Ontario beef product options in the cooler. The performance numbers were awesome across all platforms. In total, the campaign accumulated 58M impressions and 4.5M engagements! These results surpassed our expected results by quite a margin.
Our successful Local Flavour campaign was reimagined in 2024 and rather than running only at the end of the year, we opted to run this campaign through the late summer and fall. In this campaign, we again partnered with three local Ontario brands to highlight all the wonderful products our province has to offer. Through showcasing delicious ways to enjoy these products with Ontario beef, we illuminated
the benefits of supporting your local community and educating consumers on the benefits of buying local beef. This year’s partners were: Pickled Canadian, Furtado Farms Cook Wood, and ZERO Cocktail Bar. Each product pairs well with Ontario beef throughout the journey to cook and enjoy it. The campaign was bright and fun, and really hit the mark with our audience. The campaign generated 5.6 million impressions with over 90.4K engagements!
Throughout the course of the year, we also worked with influencers to create four separate “micro” influencer waves (one per quarter) to keep our messaging top of mind for our followers and to reach new audiences. Our four influencers and their efforts combined to achieve 4.5M impressions and over 395K engagements. Included in the waves
were also two segments that appeared on Breakfast Television thanks to our work with Chef Paul Lillakas. We certainly had success reaching some new audiences with our influencers’ help!
2024 was a very busy year for inperson events. We were able to visit with the public at three Breakfast from the Farm events hosted by Farm and Food Care Ontario (FFCO), and all three were well-attended. We were present at both the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) again this year. We had large crowds of visitors at both events, and our booth was a popular stop. The addition of our cow colouring page was a big draw at the CNE as visitors young (and young at heart) scrambled to colour their calf, give it a name, and add it to
the “herd” of over 8,000 pictures on the clothes line. Managing a herd of that size, even a paper one, requires a great deal of care and careful culling, so hats off to the booth volunteers who helped with that job at the end
have a booth space at the Toronto Food & Drink Festival for the second year. Chef Joe Friday was serving up delicious Ontario beef smash burgers again, while mixologist Brenton mixed up delicious cocktails to go with it. Our
of each day. There were some very creative names and artwork to go through! At the RAWF, we debuted our new touchscreen kiosk. Visitors, including Minister Flack, were able to play Guardians of the Grasslands on the big screen and watch a collection of BFO videos. A big thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help at the booth at each event. Not only do folks like the opportunity to chat with “real farmers”, but we also really appreciate the support. We would like to say a BIG thank you to our Summer Engagement Coordinator, Sloane Murray, for her hard work and dedication to making our presence at the CNE awesome! The CNE is 19 days long, and Sloane was there for almost all of it again this year! THANK YOU!
booth was a hit again this year … we were better prepared for the crowds this year though, and had enough burgers for almost the entire show. We did still sell out by the afternoon on Sunday! Food & Drink Fest is an event that we would not be able to participate at on
We completed production of a video featuring our 2024 TESA winner, Circle H Farms. The Hyatt family was happy to show us around their farm up in beautiful Rainy River District. They did an excellent job talking about stewarding native grasslands in Northern Ontario by pasturing their cattle and providing a home for many different species of birds and wildlife.
Traffic to the consumer website continues to increase steadily. We continued to drive traffic to the site as part of the call to action for our campaign work. We had over 55K visits to the website in 2024, and over 34K of the visitors were first-time visitors to the site. Our beef cuts page, recipes and store locator remain the most popular stops for visitors to the website.
In April, we had the opportunity to collaborate with Samurai Media to
our own without a massive price tag to cover space, time, catering, ingredients, etc. Partnering with Samurai provided an awesome opportunity to be present without the additional costs to go on our own.
We continue to promote the store locator for butchers, retailers and farmers marketing direct. Currently, there are over 215 retailers included in the locator. We recognize there are still many others who may wish to
be included in the listings. An online application is now available on the website for those wishing to have their retail business added to the map. In 2024, we added over 30 new retailers. Let’s see if we can double that in 2025!
On that note, there continues to be a number of promotional items and resources available through the office. These are great for use at fairs, ag awareness days and similar. Many of these items are also well-suited for retail settings and events. We were overwhelmed by the number of requests for materials this past year!
Our materials and resources were put in the hands of countless event goers across the province in 2024. If you are interested in materials for promoting Ontario Beef at an event or retail business, contact the office.
We have continued to work closely with AgScape to work on getting our beef messaging in front of students. Throughout 2024, our beef resource,
An Exploration of Beef Farming in Ontario, continued to be one of the most-requested resources at AgScape. Touching on various subject areas from health and physical education to social studies, science, careers, and technology, the resource aims to provide an overview of the practices involved in the production of beef in Ontario from farm to table. We also had the opportunity to participate in several ThinkAg Career Competitions over the course of the year, which saw us connect with several thousand students from grades 7-12. Our Guardians of the Grasslands video game was a big hit with students and teachers alike!
It truly was another banner year for our consumer engagement efforts. When we look at all of our 2024 activities, collectively, our content made over 68 million impressions, which doesn’t even include any in-person
events we attended or the events we supported with materials. Looking to 2025, our mission will be to continue building momentum. We have some great plans in the works and look forward to bringing those plans to life. We will continue to put a focus on promoting those more affordable cuts in our activities to help combat the narrative that beef is too expensive, while continuing to work to increase awareness of Ontario beef and the great environmental benefits of beef farming.
To stay up to date on what we are up to throughout the year, be sure to follow us on social media.
ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
JOHN BAKER, OBMD PROGRAM DIRECTOR
The Ontario Beef Market Development Program is a collaborative effort between the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and is governed by the Joint Marketing Committee consisting of members of BFO and OCFA.
The focus of the Ontario Beef Market Development Program is to provide the markets with unique brands of Ontario Beef with tangible and unique points of differentiation compared to the primary alternatives available in the market.
MISSION
To create an environment where Ontario beef farmers are profitable and sustainable for future generations.
GOALS
• Enhance the competitiveness of the Ontario beef sector
• Provide direct benefits to Ontario beef producers
• Deliver clear and tangible return on current check-off investment
With inflation impacting the price of Ontario Beef we have seen a tremendous increase of ungraded lower quality beef in the Ontario market. This switch to lower cost/lower quality beef is increasing demand for imports from domestic suppliers, the U.S. and Mexico. Much of the product mix is coming in as ungraded beef.
Ontario is not a low-cost producer of low-quality beef. When the lowest price becomes the primary product attribute, it is difficult for Ontario to compete. This is what makes the Ontario Beef Market Development program such an important investment for producers. The need to create a credible, relevant and comprehensive story for Ontario Beef which sets our products apart from the other supply alternatives available in our markets. To do so, we need to incorporate all aspects of cattle and crop production in Ontario and leverage the environmental benefits these sectors provide.
An Ontario Beef strategy based on differentiation provides Ontario packers and distributors with a comparative advantage over their many import competitors. By creating demand for high quality beef sourced from Ontario cattle, we provide significant opportunities for Ontario packers and distributors to capture market share through an increasingly growing demand for locally sourced high-quality food in the Ontario retail and foodservice sectors. In export markets, we need to create a unique identity for Ontario Beef that leverages the consistent highquality beef that only the province of Ontario can produce.
As 2024 came to an end, there were 41 active projects underway in our project portfolio in various stages of completion
from initial draft concepts, advanced discussions to ongoing support. 26 of those projects are focused on the Ontario market with another 15 projects being implemented in seven priority export markets. Projects are being completed in various sectors within the industry including retail, foodservice, processing, packers, producers, industry associations and academic institutions.
Areas of focus for the projects include:
• Brand Development
• Quality Assurance
• Sustainability
• Brand Promotion
• Export Market Development
• Supply Chain Development
• Technical Support
• Industry Education
The active project portfolio is reviewed regularly with the Joint Marketing Committee.
Increasing the Share of Ontario Beef in the Ontario Market
In the foodservice sector we have continued our commitment to our long-term partnerships with Ontariobased distributors including Flanagan Foodservice, Morton Foodservice and our newest distributor partner, Rowe Beef.
2024 saw the launch of Ontario Corn Fed Beef as the exclusive beef offering from Lone Star Texas Grill at all of their
21 locations all across the province.
Lone Star Texas Grill continues to stay true to its roots, and focuses on freshly made Tex-Mex dishes, with a heavy focus on beef.
“The partnership with Ontario Beef is an important one,” says Lyndon O’Hearn, Director Purchasing-Culinary & Beverage Development for Lone Star. “As an Ontario company we wanted to connect with Ontario beef farmers to bring high quality locally produced Ontario Beef to our menu.”
“We are proud to partner with Lone Star Texas Grill,” says Jim Clark, Executive Director of the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program and CEO of the Ontario Beef Market Development program.
“We wanted to partner with an Ontariobased restaurant chain who value the commitment our members make in producing consistently great tasting beef. Ontario Beef farming families take pride in caring for our animals and protecting the natural environment for future generations,” says Clark.
“The consistent great taste of Ontario Corn Fed Beef aligns well with our commitment to quality,” says O’Hearn.
Flanagan Foodservice continues to build on their CARVE Premium Ontario Beef program that has been in the market since 2019.
“Partnering with Ontario Beef to develop Carve Premium Ontario Beef has been an incredible opportunity for Flanagan Foodservice. We deeply appreciate their strategic counsel and the shared vision that has guided this initiative. Together, we proudly embrace the spirit of growing and supporting local, fostering a stronger Ontario for all. This partnership reflects the power of collaboration and our mutual commitment to providing
exceptional, locally sourced premium beef. We are truly grateful for this relationship and the positive impact it will have on our communities and province,” says Bill Stafford, President & CEO
Morton Foodservice continues to promote their Grass Roots Ontario Beef program, launched in 2022 with an expanding variety of products sourced from beef raised on Ontario family farms and processed at Ontario facilities.
Loblaws continues to be the retail market leader in their commitment to the Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand. Loblaws and their affiliate banners (Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws) utilize a feature ad that appears in their digital flyer showing their commitment to Ontario Corn Fed Beef and their support for Ontario beef farmers. Banners including Valu Mart and Independent continue to include the Ontario Corn Fed Beef logo in their weekly flyers.
Ontario Beef Marketing Materials
Enjoy Some Local Flavour is the focus of our Ontario Beef Point of Sale materials for retail stores and butcher shoppes across the province. These branded
materials are designed to be catchy, colourful and promote high quality locally produced Ontario Beef.
Over 200 kits have been distributed to retails stores across the province in partnership with Ontario packers and distributors.
The materials are designed to align with the Consumer Engagement activities promoted on the ontbeef.ca website.
We are excited to have Summerhill Markets promoting Ontario Beef utilizing these materials in their four stores in the GTA. Summerhill Markets celebrated their 75th anniversary in 2024.
Tradeshow Participation
Tradeshows provide an opportunity to engage with key industry representatives and create awareness around Ontario Beef brands and their supply chains. In 2024, we participated at five major events in Ontario including the Restaurants Canada Show, Grocery Innovations Canada, the Meat & Poultry Ontario Meat Expo, Halal Canada and Flanagan Food Showcase. These events provide access to key decision makers in the retail, foodservice and processing sectors and provide an opportunity to enhance their awareness of high-quality Ontario beef and introduce supply chain possibilities.
Canada’s total population in 2030, up from 2.8 per cent today.
At the Restaurants Canada (RC) Show, the Ontario Beef pavilion featured six Ontario beef brands including three provincial packers (Norwich Packers, Parkhill Meats, Beverly Creek) and two distribution partners - Flanagan Foodservice and Rowe Beef - along with Ontario Corn Fed Beef. The RC Show
the uniqueness and overall quality of Ontario beef.
Adding Value Through Quality Assurance
As one of the strategic objectives of the Ontario Beef Market Development Program and the foundation of many premium Ontario Beef brands, quality assurance continues to provide opportunities to support a differentiated strategy for Ontario Beef.
attracts buyers, chefs, and restaurant operators from across Canada providing exposure for Ontario Beef producers and distributors to a large customer base.
The Grocery Innovations show attracts retail store operators from across the country and provides exposure for locally sourced Ontario Beef to a large retail sector audience.
Meat Industry Training
Halal Canada provides access to the expanding Halal market in Ontario.
The number of Muslims in Canada is expected to nearly triple in the next 20 years, from about 940,000 in 2010 to nearly 2.7 million in 2030. Muslims are expected to make up 6.6 per cent of
Ontario Beef was once again a primary sponsor of the Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition hosted by Meat & Poultry Ontario. This annual event attracted 15 competitors from all across the province. The event provides an opportunity to interact with our front-line industry partners and provide educational resources to the competitors which highlight
Producer participation in a recognized quality assurance program can also provide many opportunities for financial incentives for participating producers based on market demand.
The Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program received certification by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council (IFANCC) as an approved Halal Compliant Beef Cattle Feed Program. This certification is approved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Administration and is a requirement for ongoing export of beef to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since 2020, Ontario Beef exports to the KSA have exceeded $60 million. The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) continues to promote beef sourced from cattle operations certified to the CRSB standards.
In Ontario, Cargill implements the CRSB standards through their Certified Sustainable Beef program. In order for cattle to qualify, all cattle must be registered in an approved quality assurance program from birth-tofinish. Increased demand for certified sustainable fed cattle increases demand for calves certified under the Verified
Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program.
Since 2021, the Beef Farmers of Ontario has provided funding to support the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program to increase cow-calf participation. Cargill provides incentive credits for cattle certified to meet CRSB standards paid directly to producers in Ontario.
By increasing the market demand for CRSB certified beef means the opportunity for producers to capture value for CRSB eligible cattle continues to increase in all sectors of cattle production.
In 2024, $64,340 of additional value was paid to Ontario producers.
The four-year total of credits paid out to Ontario producers for CRSB eligible cattle now totals $273,902.
Farm Credit Canada also provides an additional incentive to FCC customers to maintain certification to CRSB standards.
Ontario Corn Fed Beef Growth
In 2024, 287,312 head of cattle were certified under the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program (OCFB QA) by Ontario’s two federally inspected facilities. The eight-week strike at Cargill forced many certified Ontario Corn Fed Beef (OCFB) cattle to be shipped to western Canada. In 2024, Ontario shipped over 90,000 head of slaughter steers and heifers to the U.S., most of which were certified under the OCFB QA program. These totals amount to over 400,000 fed cattle produced through certified OCFB feedlots.
Over the past five years the program has certified an average of 311,000 head of program cattle through the licensed plants which are Cargill, St Helen’s Norwich Packers and previously
Ryding
Regency and Tru Harvest.
Based on the $3 per head credit paid by packers, the program has generated an additional $4,663,515 to participating producers for maintaining certification in the program.
Engagement with Ontario Packers
The Ontario Beef Market Development Program team maintains active engagement with many Ontario packers including federal and provincial inspected plants to provide market insights and technical assistance that enhance their operations. Some examples of interaction include supply chain development, cost share funding for aligned initiatives, consultation on sourcing of funding for expansion opportunities, access to foreign worker programs, regulatory issues, innovative cutting techniques, carcass yield analysis and carcass utilization.
Increasing Share of Ontario Beef in Export Markets
Participation at key trade events is a high priority for creating awareness for high quality of Ontario Beef in targeted markets around the world. They provide an opportunity to showcase high quality Ontario Beef to customers in targeted markets and segments around the world.
Ontario Beef participated at 11 high priority events in 2024 in Asia and the Middle East markets.
In Japan we participated at five events in major markets including Tokyo & Osaka, two events in Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, two events in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and two events in Dubai, United Arab Emirates These events provide access to decision makers and influencers in our priority export markets and generate awareness around high-quality Ontario Beef.
In May, the Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand was launched with a new distributor partner, Qualifoods in Hanoi Vietnam. The kick-off event was attended by over 100 customers and guests including celebrity chefs and entertainment celebrities.
Ontario Beef has in-market representation in Asia markets by our Asia Marketing Manager Mr. Daisuke Shimojima who is a highly respected meat professional based in Tokyo Japan. In 2024 Mr. Shimojima represented Ontario Beef in face-to-face meetings with 45 potential new retail and foodservice customers, presenting the attributes of Ontario Beef that contribute to our consistently great tasting beef. These meetings took place among two countries (Japan/Vietnam) and 12 different cities. Additional face-to-face meetings were held with potential customers from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines. Mr. Shimojima also represented Ontario Beef at four seminars hosted by Canada Beef Japan office in key markets of Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Okinawa Japan.
Since 2014, Ontario Beef has developed long standing partnerships that continue today. These partnerships have stood the test of many market disruptions including the coronavirus pandemic when virtually all exports were halted. Because of the strong relationships in place, Ontario packers were quickly able to re-establish export volumes.
Kinsho Stores hosted an annual customer appreciation BBQ event at the popular roof top garden at the Harukas Abeno, the tallest building in Osaka as well as a Customer Appreciation Day that attracted over 2,000 customers. Japanese consumers continue to show their appreciation for the great taste
of Ontario Corn Fed Beef. The events showcase Kinsho’s commitment to the Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand which has now been in place for over 10 years. 2025 marks the 10-year anniversary of our partnership with Kinsho Stores and their distributor partner Prima Meat Packers.
Our Pride of Ontario branded food truck was featured at 24 events around Tokyo Japan in 2024. Promoting and serving up Ontario Corn Fed Beef at events such as community events, sporting events, music festivals, public beaches and street festivals. These events
Markets Continue to Grow (Jan-Nov)
2024 provided another significant challenge in export markets when the Cargill Guelph plant was on strike for eight weeks, and ongoing strikes at the Port of Vancouver and Montreal once again stalled our ability to export our product to our dedicated customers. Many orders were significantly delayed and cancelled due to the strikes. Once again, our long-standing relationships and brand awareness enabled Ontario Beef to re-establish export volumes once the strikes ended.
provide an opportunity to promote high quality Ontario Beef awareness in local communities.
Ontario Beef Exports to Priority
Even in the face of these significant supply chain issues, Ontario Beef continues to see strong growth in the markets in which we choose to compete. By promoting a unique brand positioning that differentiates Ontario Beef from our import competitors we have created a strong reputation for producing high quality beef. Our priority markets include
Arabia
traditional strong import markets like Japan, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates as well as growing markets including Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
Incoming Trade Missions
In 2024 we hosted four different incoming missions with targeted customers from priority markets including Japan, United Arab Emirates
and Saudi Arabia. These incoming missions provide an insightful opportunity to showcase our Ontario cattle production and beef processing partners to targeted customers and buyers in priority export markets.
“I have been using Ontario Corn Fed Beef for over five years because of its consistent great taste.”
“Now that I have experienced how the farmers raise their cattle and the highquality feed ingredients they produce to feed the cattle, I have a better understanding and appreciation of how they are able to produce such great beef,” says Head Chef Saradhi DakarThe Maine Group, Dubai (operate 14 restaurants in Dubai)
“I have sold imported beef for many years in Japan but this is the best quality
Japan (12 Stores)
we have found.”
“We are excited to tell the story of how Ontario Corn Fed Beef farmers raise their cattle and to promote the best beef from Canada in our stores,” says Chief Meat Buyer Masaru Takai - Sogoh Mart, Matsuyama
Industry Government Collaboration
Two webinars in the series News Feed Live, a collaborative effort between the Ontario Cattle Feeders Association and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Agri Business, were supported by the Ontario Beef Market Development Program. The topics included Risk Management in the Cattle Feeding Sector and Foot Health and Flooring Across the Cattle Sector. These seminars are aligned with the Commitment to Continuous Improvement pillar of sustainably raised Ontario Corn Fed Beef.
IMPACT OF THE ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
JOHN BAKER, OBMD PROGRAM DIRECTOR
OCFB Market Development Satisfaction Survey 2024
Since 2020, we have surveyed industry partners to measure the value of the services we provide to ensure alignment to common goals and objectives. Respondents include federal & provincial packers, distributors, retailers, importers.
SURVEY RESULTS
OBMD support has increased our ability to grow sales in Japan
100% Completely Agree
8 Respondents
OBMD support has increased our ability to grow sales in export markets
100% Completely Agree
3 Respondents
Change in Ontario Beef Imports and Exports
OBMD support has increased our ability to grow sales of Ontario Beef in Ontario
91% Completely Agree
9% Somewhat Agree
11 Respondents
OBMD support has contributed to our ability to maintain employment levels
84% Completely Agree
16% Somewhat Agree
6 Respondents
Since 2014, Ontario Beef exports have seen a compound annual growth of +3 per cent while beef imports to Ontario have seen a compound annual change of 2 per cent.
ONTARIO BEEF EXPORTS
Ontario Beef’s Share of the Ontario Market
Ontario’s share of the Ontario Beef market consumption had been steadily increasing prior to the 2020 pandemic. Share of the market has seen a drop in 2024 due mostly to increased inflation which has driven the market to trade down to lower quality and lower cost imports.
ONTARIO BEEF IMPORTS
ONTARIO BEEF PRODUCTION & CONSUMPTION
Market Share of Imports
The import share had been steadily declining prior to the pandemic. Since 2020, import share had again begun to decline prior to the inflation driven increase in 2023/2024.
IMPORT SHARE OF DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION
In targeted export markets (excluding Japan) exports volume has increased by more than two times the value of total Ontario beef exports to other markets.
OCFB SHARE OF
Ontario Corn Fed Beef cattle continue to gain share of the fed cattle processed in Ontario.
ONTARIO BEEF EXPORT CHANGE IN VALUE 2014-2024
BFO COMMITTEE REPORTS
BFO COW-CALF COMMITTEE
Submitted by Sandra Vos, Chair
The BFO Cow-Calf Committee held three meetings in 2024: in February, April and July. The Cow-Calf Committee was Chaired by Sandra Vos and ViceChaired by Amy Reinhart.
Key items that the Committee discussed included financial programs for the cow-calf sector, potential improvements to the breeder finance program, cow-calf management tour planning, vet incentive program review, and traceability regulations. New this year, the Committee voted on their top five priorities on which to focus. These priorities helped provide direction to staff and goals for the committee to work towards. The five key focus areas were:
• Improvements to the Ontario breeder loan program and/or more programs to help increase and stabilize the cow herd numbers
• Easier access to the Advance Payments Program (APP) for cowcalf producers
• Funding opportunities for implementing best management practices beyond environmental programs; for example, funding for proper handling facilities and feeding systems
• Financial benefits to producers that
are providing an environmental service
• Solutions to deal with the abundance of agriculture plastics
The Committee focused on the financial programs available for the cow-calf sector and identified gaps that are still outstanding. The Committee received updates from the organizations that currently offer programs in Ontario for the cow-calf sector, such as the Ontario Beef Breeder Co-operative Program and the committee provided advice on how programs can be altered to address the current situation of the steady decline of cow numbers in Ontario. The Committee continues to emphasize the need for financial programs within the cow-calf sector for farmers to access funds at a reasonable interest rate to increase or maintain the Ontario cow herd. These financial programs have the ability to benefit both current and new beef farmers.
Access to APP has been a spot where the cow-calf sector has met some challenges, keeping it as a discussion item on multiple meeting agendas throughout the year. However, that being said, there is eligibility through the Agriculture Credit Corporation (ACC) for the cow-calf sector to access APP. The Committee will continue investigating solutions and addressing concerns
about the cow-calf sector’s ability to access funds through APP.
Through the consultation period on the traceability regulations, the Committee provided valuable feedback to ensure the proposed regulations are not burdensome to producers. The Committee identified gaps within the traceability process that need to be fixed prior to enacting the regulations. Without those issues being fixed, the program would be cumbersome, which would cause unforeseen impacts during the implementation process. The Committee asked BFO to push back on the seven-day reporting timeline as that window is insufficient for Ontario producers who regularly receive cattle.
The Committee once again provided support and input into the planning of the Cow-Calf Management Tour. The 2024 tour had over 80 people touring throughout Brant County and Oxford County. At the recommendation of the Cow-Calf Committee, this event was approved as a Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).
The Cow-Calf Committee continues to represent the needs of the Ontario cow-calf sector, and we look forward to continuing to make progress in 2025.
2024 COW-CALF COMMITTEE 2024 FEEDLOT COMMITTEE
Sandra Vos, Chair
Kendyl Anderson, Youth Rep
Don Badour
Emily Croft
Jason Desrochers
Ralph Eyre, Background Rep
Don Hargrave
Jason Hurst
Tom Kroesbergen, Feedlot Rep
Amy Reinhart
Jim Whitley
Blair Williamson
BFO FEEDLOT COMMITTEE
Submitted by David Millsap, Chair
The first meeting of the BFO Feedlot Committee took place at the 2024 BFO AGM where the Committee elected the Committee Chair, ViceChair, and representatives to BFO’s Cow-Calf Committee and Governance Committee. Members also discussed the Committee’s meeting schedule for the year, plans to host a Feedlot Market Security Forum in lieu of the Feedlot Management School, and a discussion on livestock transport rollovers.
The Ontario Beef Feedlot Market Security Forum was hosted in March in London in conjunction with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA). The Feedlot Committee helped secure guest speakers to present on a cattle market outlook; how Ontario’s suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs work; examples of insurancebased market risk protection programs; how feedlots can work together to mitigate risk and expand their buying/ marketing power; a lender’s perspective of assessing risk; and the importance of knowing your farm numbers to manage your business. The registration for this event was fully subscribed, and it
In April, the Committee held a virtual meeting where the evaluation results from the Ontario Beef Feedlot Market Security Forum were discussed. Based on the Feedlot Committee’s recommendation, a follow up webinar was hosted for feedlot producers to walk through real-time examples of risk mitigation strategies being used in today’s market. Also discussed in the April meeting was the National Feedlot Benchmarking Survey where the Feedlot Committee was asked to pilot the survey questions and provide feedback. An update was provided on the federal traceability regulations, vet capacity file, and a review of the BFO provincial and federal government relations priorities.
In response to the Cargill Guelph strike that began at the end of May, the Committee had an ad hoc meeting to discuss the impact of the strike and the potential backlog of cattle. A subcommittee was established to provide direction on support options for feedlot producers. The Committee continued regular communication during the strike, and hosted a virtual meeting with our industry partners regarding the impacts
David Millsap, Chair
Sarah Alton, Youth Rep
Bob Bennett
Scott Cochrane
Gordon Dibble
Joe Dickenson
Jason Hurst, Cow-Calf Rep
Tom Kroesbergen
Scot Legge
Jairus Maus
Chris Pletch, Background Rep
Darrell Russett
of the strike.
In January, the Committee met inperson at the OCFA Beef Industry Convention in London with some members joining virtually. The agenda included a trade update from Jennifer Babcock of CCA, followed by a government relations update where the Committee reviewed the BFO provincial and federal government relations priorities. The Committee discussed the proposed U.S. tariffs and the potential impacts based on the Ontario-U.S. trade statistics. The AgriInvest program requirements were also discussed, along with an update on the Feedlot Benchmark Steering Committee, and the plans for the 2025 Feedlot Management School.
Another ad hoc meeting was called in January for the Committee to review the import levy options to provide direction to the BFO Board of Directors.
We appreciate the time the BFO Feedlot Committee members took to address the needs of the Ontario feedlot sector in 2024.
BFO COMMITTEE REPORTS
2024 GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Don Hargrave, Chair
Don Badour
Kim Jo Bliss
Emily Bromley (ex-officio)
Scott Cochrane, Feedlot Committee
Emily Croft, Cow-Calf Committee
Joe Dickenson
Craig McLaughlin
BFO GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Submitted by Don Hargrave, Chair
The BFO Governance Committee met twice during the year led by Chair Don Hargrave and Vice-Chair Kim Jo Bliss.
BFO’s new Constitution and By-Law No. 1 has been in place for one year and well ahead of the October 19, 2024 deadline to comply with the Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) legislation.
in 2024, the Committee proposed amendments to BFO’s Constitution and By-Law No. 1, most of which are administrative in nature, to the BFO Board of Directors, which were accepted and will be presented and debated by the delegates at BFO’s annual general meeting in February 2025. The first is to update the Ontario agriculture ministry name to reflect the change in name that took effect in 2024. The second is to provide clear language on the voting procedures used by BFO. The final proposed administrative amendment is intended to reflect current terminology used by the Canadian Cattle Association with respect to the title of “board member” rather than “director”.
The one proposed amendment that is more procedural in nature is regarding the time a BFO director must wait before becoming eligible to serve as a director again. Currently, the wait period is 12 months, and the proposed amendment is to increase the wait time to three years after a director has served the maximum number of terms or if an individual resigns or does not seek reelection as a director.
After reviewing the voting delegate allowance policies from other agriculture associations, the Committee recommended a revision to the mileage calculation portion of the allowance. The Committee also recommended that the mileage rate policy be amended to align with the National Joint Council mileage rate. Both of these recommendations were accepted by the BFO Board of Directors.
Other items that were discussed by the Committee included moving forward with planning a hybrid BFO AGM for a two-year period starting in 2026, maintaining the status quo when it comes to youth voting privileges, and supporting the Board’s motion to maintain the background director sitting on both the Cow-Calf and Feedlot
Committees in an ex-officio capacity.
Finally, the Committee undertook a review of a third of BFO’s standalone policies with the goal of having all policies reviewed approximately once every three years to ensure they are kept up to date and relevant. This review included the following:
• Information Systems Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Communications Policy
• Record Retention Policy
• Financial Reserve Policy
• Inter-Fund Transfer Policy
• Signing Authority Policy
ONTARIO BEEF BREEDER PROGRAM
The seven breeder co-ops across the province saw increased business as the price of calves in 2024 made the industry appear to be profitable. Good cull prices stimulated some farmers to replace or even upgrade their herd.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITY
We saw a slight increase in active members to approximately 275. Average loan per member increased to $45,708, which is a high for the program.
SURVEY RESULTS
• 50 per cent of co-ops indicated their business is growing
• There were 35 new members in the past year
• One co-op has over 100 members, one with over 50 and five with 20-35 members
• 38 per cent of members are under the age of 40
“38 per cent of the membership is under 40 years of age.”
* Data missing from one co-op at the time of printing. ** Data missing from two co-ops at the time of printing.
ONTARIO FEEDER CATTLE LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
The high interest rates and high cattle prices that we saw in 2023 have continued throughout 2024, creating another strong year for the feeder co-ops. The program has benefitted from the increase to loan limits that were announced by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) in July 2024, which included increases to borrowing limits to $2M for individual members and $3M for corporations. Although not everyone borrows at the maximum per individual member, 32 per cent of the active members were borrowing $500,000 or greater at year end. The program is now approved for up to $500M from OMAFA, with close to $378M allocated to the co-ops at the end of the year.
The co-ops had to work through some challenges, including managing available funds until the increase was announced in July, the postal strike and changes to insurance and custom feeding requirements. OMAFA confirmed there were changes to the Order in Council that governs the program, and new program guidelines were released in December. Some co-ops used the challenges in 2024 as an opportunity to make changes to their administration, including transitioning to electronic payments. They continue to find that the most successful way to promote the program is through word of mouth.
OVERALL ACTIVITY
2024 was yet another record-setting year. The number of head purchased increased slightly to 123,533, however, there was over $320M funded throughout 2024, which is a substantial increase from 2023. While the number of cattle showed only a moderate increase, this speaks to the record high cattle prices that continued to rise. There were close to 900 members with activity.
With cattle prices high and interest rates down, coops accepted 129 new members in 2024. The program continues to see good uptake among young farmers, with 32 per cent being under 40 years of age.
Over 70 per cent of the 14 co-ops are projecting continued growth for 2025, while the other 30 per cent expect to maintain their current lending levels.
ADVANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM
The interest free component of the Advance Payments Program (APP), which is offered by BFO via the feeder co-ops, continues to be a big drawing card for the coops. Co-ops were pleased that Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, set the interest-free component at $250,000 for this current production period. Historically, members utilized about $24M in interest free loans in 12 months when the limit was $100,000. Last year 523 feeder members benefitted from interest savings on nearly $99M. In the first nine months of this production period, members have sourced over $76M under the interest-free component. The average participating member had a total interest benefit in last couple of years of about $9,000. Co-ops, BFO and CCA are all advocating for a permanent increase in the interest-free limit of at least $250,000 up to $350,000.
Steers
Replacement Steers
Replacement Steers Ontario Average Monthly Price Per Hundred Weight
Stocker Volumes Sold Through Ontario Auction Markets
Number of Head Sold
Ontario Beef Cows
Average Price - Live
Annual Cow Volumes Sold Through Ontario Auction Markets
Beef Cow Volumes On Ontario Farms
Total number of head
Data from Statistics Canada -Cattle Stats
Ontario Annual Processing Volumes Federal Inspected Plants
Total Volume Processed
Data Source: CBGA/Canfax 2024 Volumes- Preliminary
Ontario Annual Processing Volumes
Provincial Inspected Plants
Volumes Processed
Data Source: OMAFRA
Ontario
Annual
Processing Volumes
Federal and Provincial Inspected Plants
Data Source: CBGA/Canfax 2024 Volumes- Preliminary
Youthful Cattle Beef Grade Distribution 2024 Federally Inspected Plants Youthful Cattle Percent Yield Group
Average warm carcass weight (lbs)
Mature Cattle Graded 2024 Federally Inspected Plants No of Head
Total head ungraded (Includes youthful and mature cattle) No. head graded
Total head graded (Includes youthful and mature catttle)
Ontario Live Cattle Imports from the U.S.
Volume Of Live Cattle Imports into Ontario
Data Source: Stats Canada/AAFC - Red Meat Section- Data Includes All Live Cattle Imports - Except Pure-bred Breeding and Dairy Cattle (majority stockers)
Ontario Live Cattle Exports to the U.S.
Number of Head
0
Data Source:Canfax/Statistics Canada 2024 values are from Jan 1 -Nov 30, 2024
INDUSTRY IN REVIEW
Beef Cattle Research Council
Canada Beef
Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off Agency
Canadian Cattle Association
Canadian Cattle Identification Agency
Farm & Food Care Ontario
Livestock Financial Protection Board
National Cattle Feeders’ Association
Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation
BEEF CATTLE RESEARCH COUNCIL
CRAIG LEHR, CHAIR
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is Canada’s industry-led funding agency for beef, cattle and forage research and extension. The BCRC is directed by a committee of 16 beef producers from across the country including two producers from Ontario. It is funded primarily through the research allocation of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off.
In 2023/24, the BCRC received on average $0.67 (unaudited) of every $2.50 of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off collected by the provinces. This funding was leveraged under the Beef Science Cluster program with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Canadian Agricultural
Partnership funding, where industry contributed 42 per cent ($1.50 million) and AAFC contributed 58 per cent ($2.05 million) in 2023/24.
In addition, the BCRC leveraged the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off for an additional $3.9 million in research funding and $247,000 in-kind from government and industry partners through initiatives outside of the Beef Science Cluster.
Beef Science Cluster IV
Beef Cluster IV, titled ‘Canada’s Beef and Forage Cluster: Driving environmental, economic, and social sustainability’, focuses on driving the growth of Canada’s beef industry and the overall economy by sustainably advancing Canadian beef and forage production while reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. Twentythree projects were approved for a total Cluster size of $21.7 million ($9.6 million from industry and $12.1 million from AAFC) and completed their first year in March 2024.
Funding is allocated to 23 projects from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028. All projects are focused on three centralized themes: economic growth and development, climate change and
environment, and sector resilience and societal challenge.
Cluster IV project objectives include:
• improved diagnostics and vaccines to manage production-limiting diseases in cattle,
• development of new forages that have the potential to thrive across Canada,
• improvement of food safety technologies in beef processing facilities to reduce the use of water and energy, and
• development of practical, sciencebased resources and economic decision-making tools to support the Canadian beef industry.
Project Spotlight
Under Cluster III, collaboration between Dr. Katie Wood (University of Guelph) and Dr. Greg Penner (University of Saskatchewan) evaluated criteria that affects the fibre requirement of feedlot cattle. Ten percent of the diet was roughage provided by barley silage or wheat silage. While silage crop and chop length did not impact feed intake, growth rate or feed:gain ratio, there were interesting differences in carcass traits. Barley silage produced heavier carcass weights but more liver abscesses. Higher physically effective fibre as determined by longer chop rates produced higher dressing percentages and more AAA grades.
BCRC Funds Extension Activities
Across Canada
Building on last year’s success, the BCRC pledged funding to support nine regional extension events and initiatives across Canada. Some of these activities include:
• Back to Basics, an Ontario event providing information on best management practices to improve producer cost of production and profitability
• CowBytes Training days held throughout BC and Alberta
• Water management seminars in northern Alberta
• Developing alternative methods of delivering extension materials to producers in the Maritimes
Proof of Concept Informs Research Investment
The BCRC funds short-term projects in a proof-of-concept or clinical trial format to validate the feasibility of pursuing larger, more defined projects in that area. Proof of Concept (POC) projects are funded by the Canadian Cattle Beef Check-Off with some leveraged with government and/or industry partner funding.
A POC project led by Dr. Nilusha Malmuthuge at AAFC Lethbridge examined the effects of good vaccine practices on priming the immune responses of calves after vaccination. While the impact of good vaccine practices varied by pathogen, shorter mixing time and storing the mixed vaccine in a cooler increased the number of immune-primed calves against BVDV. The booster vaccination prior to weaning was essential for
provoking an immune response in weaned beef calves.
CowBytes
CowBytes is software available to producers for assisting in ration development.
Insight Into the 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey
The 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey collected information from 600 producers across nine provinces from the 2022 breeding season through the 2023 weaned calf crop. Ninety-one respondents from Ontario reported on 4,477 beef cows, representing 15.2 per cent of the total respondents and 5.6 per cent of the reported beef cows.
In Ontario:
• Breeding season average: 114 days for cows, 111 days for heifers
• Calving – females calved in the first cycle: 54.0% of cows, 60.9% of heifers
• 33% of Ontario respondents feed test at least once per year, 20.9% test less than once per year.
• Feed test results are used for developing rations with a nutritionist (53.1%), on-farm
(30.6%) and with an extension specialist (2.0%)
• Reasons for not feed testing include cattle seem healthy (46.3%), cost (14.6%), lack of knowledge on utilizing feed test results (14.6%) and unfamiliarity with collecting and sending a feed test (12.2%)
• 31.9% of Ontario respondents have tested for water quality at least once in the last three years
• Reasons for not testing water include people drink from the same water source (50.0%), the assumption of good water from a spring or well (24.2%), cattle seem healthy (11.3%) and unfamiliarity with collection and sending for analysis (3.2%)
Project Spotlight
In addition to projects within the Beef Science Cluster, the BCRC funds research projects aimed at achieving high-priority goals of the beef industry. A BCRC-funded research project led by Dr. Kim Schneider at the University of Guelph studied the influence of adaptive multi-paddock grazing on soil organic carbon concentrations and soil organic matter quality indicators in Ontario cow-calf and backgrounding operations. They found that in southern Ontario, AMP grazing increased soil organic carbon stocks and carbon stability when compared to continuous grazing.
Stay in the Know
Subscribe to the BCRC e-mail list and learn more about BCRC initiatives, resources and decision-making tools for beef producers at BeefResearch.ca.
CANADA BEEF
Canada Beef is pleased to provide a year-to-date overview of domestic and international market development and promotion activities to increase demand for Canadian beef while ensuring the maximum value for producer dollars.
Canada Beef’s Export Market Development (EMD) program provides cost-shared funding support for eligible Canadian beef representative companyinitiated projects and activities to help grow and expand sales of Canadian beef brands in the export marketplace.
This fiscal year to date (April 1 to December 19, 2024) a total of 50 applications were approved. Of the 50 projects approved, 32 different companies received support targeting 11 export markets: Colombia, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, EU, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, UAE and Saudi Arabia. These projects supported seven Canadian beef suppliers.
Canada Beef participated in two Team Canada Trade Missions - South Korea in April and the Philippines and Indonesia in December - led by Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Mary Ng. These and other demandbuilding initiatives for Canadian beef
were a priority for Canada Beef in 2024.
To help communicate the Canadian Beef Advantage (CBA), a new CBA brochure for the trade side was produced as part of a larger overall plan to enhance awareness about all the elements that contribute to high-quality Canadian beef. A Graded for Greatness consumer marketing campaign was developed to foster consumer interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the value of Canadian beef quality grades
Consumer Marketing - Branded Canada Beef’s Pick the Beef with the Leaf year-long consumer campaign supports Canadian beef with a focus
address consumer concerns about beef pricing and the proliferation of imported beef at retail.
A segment of the national campaign targeted the Toronto market and featured local beef producers and popular influencers to spread the message of sustainable beef production. The campaign included two billboard placements on major Toronto highways during the Canadian National Exhibition and a featured ad in a Globe & Mail magazine insert.
on value, buy Canadian, and the CBA. The national campaign is designed to
The third annual Burger It Forward (BIF) campaign (February 1-28, 2025) launched with a record 263 participating restaurants signed up, a refreshed logo and revamped promotional campaign. The 2025 goal is to surpass the
outcome of the 2024 campaign, which raised $67,406 for food banks and sold 59,794 burgers at 199 participating restaurants across Canada.
Consumer Marketing - Generic
The Unforgettable Beef consumer advertising campaign during FQ1- Q2 was an emotional and culinary driven initiative designed to inspire and enable young adults to cook with beef. The campaign used influencer story-telling video tributes, and the recipes linked to fond memories of beef as part of their culinary heritage. Digital platforms were the major media source for the campaign outreach.
Health and Nutrition
New resources for health professionals in ThinkBeef.ca’s Healthy Aging section include two infographics (Stay Strong and Protein Check) and one educational health brochure (Eat Well. Age Well.). The resources highlight background research completed by the team last fiscal that identified seniors as Canada’s fastest-growing demographic. The research found that protein is a key part of the prevention or management of frailty.
A national sponsored article paired with a ‘helpful tip’ ad appear in the February 2025 issue of Zoomer magazine (readership 1.1+ million) and a regional TV broadcast segment. The advertorial emphasizes the importance of protein for healthy aging and presents beef as an excellent source of protein. The advertisement showcases a recipe, tips that demonstrate how to fortify ‘typical senior meals’ with beef, and a QR code that links to order or download the Eat Well Age Well resource. Registered Dietitian Carol Harrison presented the same information on CHCH Breakfast television to nearly 300,000 viewers.
Channel Marketing
The Canadian Beef Masters Culinary Competition is a new initiative that focuses on maximizing underutilized beef cuts and ethnic dishes. The national competition is for people either employed in a foodservice establishment as a cook, chef, backof-house staff, or enrolled in culinary school. Participants must create an entree with one of six featured underutilized cuts (Clod/Petite Tender, Outside Skirt, Flank, Inside Skirt, Bottom Sirloin Tri-Tip and Chuck Roll). Eighteen recipes will be short-listed and featured in a digital cookbook, and six finalists will be flown to the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence for a final cook-off event. Entries closed on February 16.
Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence
The Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence (CBCE) recently released four new videos on opportunities to leverage the CBCE’s test kitchen facility, its Canadian beef educational and marketing media libraries, content creation capabilities, and the Centre’s purpose-built facilities to support partner training and market development initiatives. The CBCE’s studio media creations and recent 3-D modelling work feature prominently throughout the Gateways developed for home cooks, foodservice and retail professionals.
Canadian Beef Information Gateway
A contest to boost engagement with the Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway) ran from January 6 to February 17, 2025. The campaign targeted gyms located near a grocery store and delivered key messages via on-screen treadmills and poster signage at 500 locations across Canada. New retailer versions of the Gateway (Farm Boy, Calgary Co-op) launched along with Atlantic Beef’s retail consumer Gateway.
The Restaurant Gateway promotes Canada’s high-quality beef, encourages Canadians to support local restaurants and offers a vetted list of restaurants that proudly serve Canadian beef.
The Wholesale Gateway added the capability to scan barcodes on packer box labels in fall 2024.
Conclusion
As geopolitical events and economic headwinds continue to fuel uncertainty, beef producers can rest assured that Canada Beef is focused on the challenges and opportunities to maintain demand for Canadian beef.
A new business plan effective April 1, 2025, will maintain and grow mindshare for Canadian beef and engage an evolving consumer base with an emphasis on seniors and healthy aging and new Canadians and ethnicity.
Continued collaboration with industry on initiatives for Canadian beef is another priority for Canada Beef in 2025-2026.
CANADIAN BEEF CATTLE CHECK-OFF AGENCY
TREVOR WELCH, CHAIR
In 2023/24, the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off revenue totalled $18,309,743 on cattle marketed, net of the provincial portion of the federal levy.
The total check-off funds collected from cattle marketings were allocated as:
• 57 per cent to market development and promotion
• 27 per cent to research
• 11 per cent retained by provincial cattle associations for regional marketing and research
• 5 per cent to public and stakeholder engagement
The import levy on beef cattle, beef and beef products imported into Canada was collected at a rate of $1 per head equivalent, for a total of $1,269,638. These funds, net administration, are allocated to unbranded, generic beef marketing such as nutrition marketing, recipe development and culinary skills education.
$918,845 was spent on the administration of the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency and the Board, which was under budget by $82,005.
The Agency’s programs supported the operations and Board, as well as the Agency’s three strategic objectives:
1. Sound Governance and Administration
2. Structured Reporting and Compliance
3. Educated and Engaged Stakeholders
Sound Governance and Administration
This past year, the Agency kicked off its regular scheduled bylaw review with a deep dive and recommended edits to update and modernize that piece of the Agency’s governance framework. A complete revision of the formatting and numbering system will accompany any larger scale changes recommended to ensure that the bylaws reflect the Agency’s true operation and the intention of the stakeholders who the Agency is accountable to.
Another area the Agency focused on this past year was the proposal and implementation plan for the increased provincial cattle association administration fee, timed for April 1, 2024. Amending agreements were created for the provincial cattle associations and delivered in March in time for the April implementation date. The modernized administration fee will compensate provincial cattle associations for collecting the national check-off based on a percentage of the amount per head that they collect and will be deducted from the national check-off on all marketings.
Building off the work in previous years, the Agency continued to explore the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR & ED) credit opportunities for Canadian beef producers who invest in research through the national check-off. While there is still more work to be done, we are working closely with the Beef
Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and our consultant partners at KMPG LLP to finalize the feasibility of the program for the Canadian beef industry administered through the Agency.
Structured Reporting and Compliance
In the 2023/24 fiscal year, the Agency completed its first ever national service provider audit. The inspectors conducted an audit of Canada Beef and followed the check-off funds from receipt to investment. The audit confirmed that Canada Beef continues to do business in a manner that checkoff paying producers can rely on, knowing that dollars are being invested in a transparent manner.
Twenty-eight field inspections in two different provinces were undertaken this year, ensuring that the Agency continues to be focused on compliance when it comes to collection and remittance across the country. Over $165,000 in slipped check-off was identified in BC, and over $42,000 in slipped veal check-off was identified in Ontario. Two provincial cattle associations also signed new inspection services agreements, and the Agency’s Manager of Compliance and Education also spoke at four Atlantic province events to educate and engage producers around check-off collection and remittance.
Agency staff have worked directly with the provincial cattle associations to help solve specific remittance and
collection issues at the grassroots level. This continues to show the value of the Agency to helping problem solve regulatory framework hurdles and understand the impacts of specific situations on future decisions. Having a well-rounded Agency team helps to understand impacts from all angles and recommend strategies to move forward with a unified plan in place.
Engaged and Educated Stakeholders
The Agency focused on strengthening relationships across the industry, and representatives from our organization attended many industry events and meetings. Presentations were provided at many provincial and national organization’s meetings, and the Agency continues to engage beef producers and the Government of Newfoundland to find ways to work together on checkoff collection and remittance in that province.
The Agency’s first Youth Member, Julie Mortensen, has completed her two-year term, and the value of recruiting a Youth Member to the Agency as an observer has paid off for the organization. The Agency worked in tandem with the Canadian Cattle Youth Council to create a new recruitment plan to fill the Youth Member observer seat at the end of Julie’s term at the 2024 AGM. We are now happy to welcome Adeleen Bolduc from Stavely, AB as the new Youth Member. Addy has extensive beef industry experience and will be an excellent voice for young Canadian beef producers.
Also, in the realm of youth engagement, the Agency awarded our second scholarship in August 2024 to Gus Halibert of Saskatchewan. Gus’ entry received top scores from the judging committee in a pool of more than 20 video entrants from across the country.
2023/24 CANADIAN BEEF CHECK-OFF AGENCY
ANNUAL REPORT
The number of applicants stayed steady from the year previous, so we are confident that the scholarship is reaching young beef industry members across Canada.
As the new Agency Chair, I am looking forward to meeting the goals and objectives of our strategic plan on behalf of the Canadian beef industry. We continue to work towards a unified and sustainable national funding strategy for Canadian beef cattle research, market development and promotion.
Check-Off Imports
CANADIAN CATTLE ASSOCIATION
NATHAN PHINNEY, PRESIDENT
As we start the new year, I’ve reflected on the similarities between cattle production and geopolitics—and how the political world then impacts our sector along with the entire economy.
Right now, there is so much uncertainty in the political world. An unpredictable president is making waves with every social media post. Canada’s Prime Minister started the year by resigning and proroguing Parliament until March 24 and we will likely have an election this spring. President Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs cannot be forecasted in any way (level, timing, form, list of goods, countries) and we are preparing for every outcome.
It reminds me of how much cattle producers depend on things we cannot predict—weather, markets, currency, workforce, demand. On the farm and at CCA we have to do our best at predicting what we can, make peace that we cannot know everything, and most importantly lean in on what we can do. 2024 was a busy year and the year ahead is shaping up to be even busier. We’re already preparing for various political scenarios to effectively advocate on behalf of beef producers across the country.
We had a demanding year on Parliament Hill driven mainly by private member’s bills. Thanks go to many for appearing before committees, writing letters, meeting with members of parliament
and senators, hosting tours across Canada, and generally making our voices heard. Threats to future trade negotiations (C-282), opportunities to lower the carbon tax burden (C-234), attempts to target and potentially shrink animal agriculture (C-293 and C-355) and other private member’s bills have been a larger focus of CCA’s time and activity than in past years. We have also weighed in on financial proposals around capital gains, the advance payments program limits, business risk management programs, trade deals and ambition environmental reporting for companies. That is at home in Canada. There are also forces and momentum outside Canada to consider.
In late 2006, Livestock’s Long Shadow was released by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. This flawed piece of research blamed animal agriculture for more pollution than any other sector of the economy. This research was done in part by counting every bit of greenhouse gas production in the livestock-based food production sector and comparing it to others with only partial accounting. This error was corrected over time but the message of that original piece continues to be trotted out by anti-meat activists globally. We know those anti-meat groups are out there; they show up in meetings and consultations here in Canada and abroad. Knowing that, we have and will continue to show up
where we see threats and opportunities to counter those voices with the positives of Canadian beef and cattle production.
The greenhouse gas footprint of Canadian cattle production is less than half the global average. Canadian cattle landscapes are homes to not only carbon sequestration but many species of birds and wildlife that depend on grazing to develop and maintain habitat features they rely on. We know these facts but we cannot be sure they will be brought to standard setting bodies, policy making bodies and other international groups that set goals and policies that Canada uses as a base to set our own goals and policies and international commitments. Policy once set is a hard thing to turn. It is much easier to impact in its formative stages. That is not only a big part of our advocacy in Ottawa but our international advocacy as well. By expanding our advocacy to international forums, we’re seeing the pendulum swing back in our favour. We have science and evidence on our side—and our credible voice carries weight with policy makers.
At home, I can generally figure out what needs work and how to address it. The policy world is so broad and complex, I am glad we have a strong team working strategically on our behalf. CCA has developed an international team beef
network to figure out where to be and how to engage effectively and we have built a team to get the work done. My time as the elected lead of the Canadian Cattle Association is winding down. It has been a challenge to be everywhere I have been requested to be, but I want to assure producers that every decision taken weighs the potential impact we can have, the potential cost in producers’ dollars of going to make that impact and the impact of letting those events unfold without our impact. That is often overlooked. Decisions are made whether we show up or not. We have to decide if others will fight on our behalf or if events are safe to unfold with other voices left to be most impactful.
This all takes time and money. I am thankful for my family’s support at home and the support of so many crews that let CCA’s elected leadership take time away to serve the industry beyond the home operation. Our voice as cattle producers is needed at the table. I see how we are received and that has helped me say yes to the requests over the years.
As we head into 2025, I know we will continue with trade focus and as the unknowns become reality, CCA will be prepared to advocate on behalf of all of us. I want to thank all the producers out there who contribute to their provincial cattle associations. Some of those funds help CCA on the national
and international issues we continue to work on. We work well together on behalf of beef cattle producers from coast to coast. I hope the great prices to date continue with positive weather across the country. Regardless we will keep showing up and leaning in, and we will find ways to respond to the next unknown coming at us.
CANADIAN CATTLE IDENTIFICATION AGENCY
CLTS USER-INTERFACE UPDATED
CCIA introduced a new user interface for the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) in September 2024, designed to improve the user experience with a streamlined, intuitive layout. The upgrade included two key features: a privacy consent option and an enhanced movement record module, reflecting industry feedback and compliance needs. On December 20, 2024, a second update was made to the movement record module, adding optional fields to support compliance with the upcoming regulations.
Privacy consent feature
Due to privacy legislation, CCIA cannot share owner information for lost, stray, or found livestock without the CLTS account user’s consent. In response to client requests for access to this information, CCIA implemented a new privacy consent option to help return lost, stray, and found livestock. Opting into this agreement will allow CCIA to share the user’s contact information to recover lost and found livestock. All other information will be kept private. Visit support.canadaid.ca
Improving the movement record feature
CCIA has added new features in the CLTS movement reporting model to ease the administrative burden of our clients. These enhancements will help ensure compliance with the proposed regulatory amendments and make submitting a move-in event easier. Using the movement module will strengthen the effectiveness of traceability efforts, leading to quicker location and notification of stakeholders in the event of a disease outbreak. Log in and check out the updates. Familiarizing yourself with these new features can help you prepare for the incoming regulations. Visit: clts.canadaid.ca
CCIA WEBSTORE
You can browse products on the CCIA Webstore, but to place an order, you must have a CCIA Webstore account. To create an account, visit tags.canadaid.ca and complete the registration form. After you submit the registration form, you will receive instructions by email instructing you step by step on how to activate your account. Alternatively, you can contact our Client Support Specialists by calling 1-877-909-2333 or emailing info@ canadaid.ca
FLAT RATE SHIPPING FEE CHANGE
Effective January 15, 2025, all producer direct purchases through CCIA will incur a flat $7.50 shipping fee per order, replacing the previous tiered fee structure. This change ensures fair pricing for all producers, regardless of operation size.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
CCIA has outlined its research priorities to enhance traceability within the livestock industry. Efforts are concentrated on three key areas: improving tag retention, advancing data accuracy and timeliness—including autonomous data collection—and developing technology that simplifies traceability reporting for producers. These initiatives aim to strengthen industry compliance while reducing the reporting burden for producers.
CCIA CAN HELP
Our dedicated support team is ready to assist you, and we’ve put together a full set of resources accessible in the CLTS Resource Centre: support.canadaid.ca.
Check out our step-by-step guides—they cover everything from logging in for the first time to placing an online tag order.
FARM & FOOD CARE ONTARIO
Thanks to the continued support of longstanding partners like Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), 2024 was another successful year for Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO). Through collaboration with BFO and other partners, FFCO facilitated numerous opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses and the public to engage, building confidence in Ontario farms and food systems. These initiatives helped bring farming and nonfarming communities together, allowing urban and suburban consumers to interact directly with Ontario’s farmers and food producers while learning more about agriculture.
In 2024, FFCO and BFO partnered on initiatives designed to address consumer questions about cattle farming in Ontario. BFO Director Joost van der Heiden serves as a member of the FFCO Board of Directors, further strengthening this important partnership.
Breakfast on the Farm
FFCO hosted three Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) events across Ontario in 2024, drawing over 24,800 guests. The first event took place in partnership with the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, where FFCO organized a Farm Discovery Zone. Additional events were held at farms in Ottawa and Perth County. These events featured livestock displays, equipment
showcases, educational exhibits, with all-Ontario breakfasts served by volunteers.
FFCO partnered with BFO at all three events, providing volunteers and hosting exhibits featuring live cattle supported by Ontario beef farmers. Broadway Farms (Angus), Brandon Homer (Limousin), and JC Cattle Company (Speckle Park) showcased their cattle, enriching the experience and sparking meaningful conversations about beef farming.
Farm Tours
2024 marked a milestone for FFCO’s farm tour program with its 100th tour. Since 2004, 258 farms and food processing facilities have been featured. This year, FFCO focused on modifying the program to reach to new audiences, launching food industry professional tours, and hosting four culinary student tours. Several tours brought guests to beef farms, including one for Torontoarea food industry professionals who visited Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd. During the visit and throughout the day long tour, Jennifer Kyle from BFO shared valuable insights into beef farming. Centennial College students visited MurrayHill Farm, a purebred Limousin farm, to meet the Byers family and learn about pasture-raised cattle. Dan Ferguson from BFO also joined the tour to discuss
beef production and answer students’ questions.
To assess the impact of these tours, FFCO surveys culinary students before and after each tour. The results revealed a significant shift in perceptions of Ontario agriculture, with positive impressions increasing from 61 per cent pre-tour to 98 per cent post-tour.
Events and Outreach
FFCO participated in several key events in 2024, further extending the reach of its programs. In August, FFCO, alongside members including BFO, spent 18 days at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), showcasing a theatre-style FarmFood360 kiosk. This interactive exhibit allowed visitors to experience a real Ontario beef farm through virtual reality, attracting 7,470 visitors. The same experience was offered at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF), engaging an additional 1,800 attendees. In addition, FFCO had the distinct honour of hosting Dr. Temple Grandin, who shared insights into animal welfare and behavior with a capacity crowd of farmers, industry professionals and FFCO members.
Digital Outreach
In addition to in-person events, digital outreach is vital to FFCO’s work. Through Faces Behind Food on Instagram and Facebook, FFCO
FARM & FOOD CARE ONTARIO - CONTINUED
shared the stories of 103 individuals from across agriculture and food industries. FFCO also answered 40 Ask a Farmer questions, reaching 2.5 million Canadians across social media. Six beef farmers were featured in the Ask a Farmer series.
Training and Workshops
In addition to the many projects and events that took place in 2024, FFCO also continues to prioritize other important industry issues.
Thanks in part to partnerships with BFO, FFCO facilitated livestock emergency response workshops in Newcastle,
Cochrane, Lambton, and Clinton, attended by 151 first responders. These workshops focused on livestock trailer designs, safe animal extrication, and regulations on animal transportation.
FFCO also delivered 26 sessions on agriculture media training, Speak Up training, and boothmanship to industry professionals.
Opportunities for Engagement
FFCO remains committed to fostering opportunities for members to connect.
This year, FFCO hosted quarterly #OntAg communicators calls, triannual Member Forum meetings, and
regular discussions with like-minded organizations across Canada.
To Learn More
To learn more about FFCO’s initiatives, visit www.FarmFoodCareON.org and subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter. Comments and questions can always be directed to FFCO staff at info@ farmfoodcare.org
LIVESTOCK FINANCIAL PROTECTION BOARD
FUND FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS - FINANCIAL POSITION OF
Fund Balance at March 31st , 2024
NOTES:
1) Total income in 1982-83 includes a $25,000 start-up grant from OMAFRA.
2) Deductions to the Fund were lowered from $0.20/head to $0.10/head in 1984. Deductions were lowered from $0.10/head to $0.05/head in April 1989 for sellers and agents and eliminated for buyers. Deductions were increased from $0.05/head to $0.10/head in 2016.
3) Fund expenses include the board and expenses for determining financial responsibility.
NATIONAL CATTLE FEEDERS’ ASSOCIATION
WILL LOWE, CHAIR
Over the past year, Canadian cattle feeders have encountered multiple challenges including difficult weather, supply chain barriers, trade irritants, industry strikes and labour shortages. These challenges unfolded in the context of several provincial elections, federal political uncertainty and international unrest.
NCFA continues to work with government and stakeholders to provide practical and timely solutions. NCFA’s dedicated directors, members, and staff have worked tirelessly this year to manage challenges and pursue opportunities for the fed cattle industry. NCFA is optimistic for the sector as we head into 2025.
KEY RESULTS
In collaboration with our industry partners, NCFA has reduced barriers and created opportunities for growth and increased competitiveness among Canadian fed cattle producers. Successes in 2024 include:
• Successfully advocated for an automatic exemption from the ‘Underused Housing Tax’ for farmers who own homes for the purpose of housing farm workers.
• Secured progress on Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): NCFA advocated for clear guidelines recognizing animal welfare as an emergency. The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) revised its guidelines to
reflect this.
• Consistently advocated for new innovations such as methanereducing feed ingredients to be approved in Canada in a timely manner. In January 2024, CFIA approved 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3NOP) as a new livestock feed ingredient aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle.
• Ensured the federal school food policy did not include language that would discourage the serving of beef as part of the program.
• Successfully advocated for the revision of the global statement on AMU/AMR, ensuring the removal of references to targets. The industry remains actively engaged with the government to address ongoing messaging and related concerns.
• Successfully lobbied the government to call workers back from a strike involving both Class 1 Canadian railways.
• Flagged the need for an increase to the Agri-Stability cap at the FPT Agriculture Ministerial meeting, setting the stage for further discussion in 2025.
• Actively participating in the discussion on a Canadian strategy for the 2026 CUSMA review and potential tariffs.
• Successfully worked to ensure the Advance Payments Program interest-free limit did not revert to the original $100,000. This increase was part of NCFA’s federal budget ‘ask’ and our ongoing advocacy efforts.
• Actively working to change the NOC code for herdspersons and supported the introduction of the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP).
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
NCFA is persistently engaged with key federal decision-makers in an effort to positively impact policy, regulations and legislation. Federal engagement in 2024 included:
• Ongoing engagement with MPs, Senators, political staff and senior government officials.
• Feedlot tours for Ministers, MPs, Senators and senior government officials.
• Appearances and/or written submissions to:
• The House of Commons Agriculture Committee (carbon tax, C-275, wildfires)
• The Senate Agriculture Committee (C-234)
• The House of Commons Health Committee (C-293)
• The House of Commons Transport Committee (ELDs, labour shortages, supply chain)
• The House of Commons Environment Committee (methane emission innovations)
• The House of Commons Trade Committee (trade barriers, C-282)
• Pre-budget submission to the federal government as well as proposed election platform priorities to political parties.
• Numerous submissions to the federal government on NCFA
priorities including trade, transport, labour, traceability, country of origin labelling, climate, feed, antimicrobial resistance, right to repair, biogas, capital gains and access to innovation.
• The annual NCFA Lobby Day in Ottawa – over 50 meetings with Ministers, MPs, Senators or political staff followed by a Board meeting with several guests including Lawrence Hanson – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, Tacarra Birmingham – US Agriculture Attaché from US Embassy and Ted Schroeder – Ag Economics at Kansas State University.
• NCFA is actively advocating on multiple pieces of legislation including voicing serious concerns about both Bill C-282 (protecting supply management at trade table) and Bill C-293 (pandemic preparedness) as well as calling for
the passing of Bill C-234 (removing carbon tax from propane and natural gas use on farm).
• Actively advocating through social media to influence government and public opinion – In the past year gained 413 new X followers and had 61,100 post impressions.
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND COLLABORATION
NCFA and its members identify the issues that are of greatest importance to fed cattle producers and ensure we are a lead voice in Ottawa on those priorities. We partner with other national organizations to provide a key perspective to government on issues that cut-across the beef value chain or across the entire agriculture sector. Collectively, NCFA provincial members strengthen our national voice through coordinated advocacy efforts in regions across Canada. NCFA is pleased that
Beef Farmers of Ontario has now joined as a member. NCFA attended several provincial member AGMs in 2024 and look forward to attending more in 2025.
NCFA believes that industry collaboration—multiple voices speaking with consistent, coherent, and complimentary messages—strengthens Canada’s beef industry. As such, NCFA is a member of key organizations such as the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Animal Health Canada and the Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council. In addition, NCFA participates on numerous working groups across a wide range of issues including FMD preparedness, traceability and carbon, as well as chairing the governmentindustry Animal Protein Table. NCFA also engages in international forums, with a focus on the U.S. These include PNWER, SARL, the Tri-Lateral Agriculture Accord and the World Organization for Animal Health.
ONTARIO CATTLE FEEDERS’ ASSOCIATION
JIM CLARK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Ontario Corn Fed Beef (OCFB) program proudly stands as a key partner with the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO). The strong support we’ve received over the years has been instrumental in driving the tremendous success and growth of the OCFB brand.
Throughout the years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to building the brand and delivering value to the Ontario beef sector. Our unwavering commitment to quality has been instrumental in establishing the Ontario Beef Market Development program. Together with BFO, we strive to introduce and develop more brands with unique attributes that offer greater opportunities for Ontario producers, regardless of their participation in any specific program.
From the outset, we recognized the need to differentiate ourselves from commodity production and create unique high-quality beef products, to gain a foothold in foreign markets. As a testament to our success, we are celebrating a significant milestone this year. Ten years ago, we embarked on a valuable partnership with Kinsho Stores in Osaka, Japan. We are proud to note that Kinsho has sold Ontario Corn Fed Beef as its exclusive imported brand since 2015, a clear indication of our success in foreign markets.
I have often discussed the benefits of building strong relationships within the Ontario beef industry. The value of our long-standing partnerships was demonstrated early this summer when we were able to ride out difficult labour disputes. Thankfully, we were able to resume several events that promote and grow the brand at home and worldwide.
In Ontario, we partnered with Lone Star Texas Grill to bring OCFB to its 23 locations across the province. Wanting to connect with Ontario beef farmers to bring high-quality, locally produced Ontario beef to the menu, the company found that the consistent, excellent taste of OCFB aligned well with its goals. By creating greater demand for certified Ontario Corn Fed Beef, the program contributes to the viability of Ontario’s cattle and beef sectors.
In May, OCFB partnered with Qualifoods to launch the brand in Vietnam, one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. The event was a success, with more than 80 guests, including high-profile local chefs representing major hotels in the region, attending. The feedback on the quality of the product was overwhelmingly positive, with many guests declaring it the best-tasting beef available on the market.
This past summer and fall, we also
had the opportunity to host groups from Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to experience the production of Ontario Corn Fed Beef. These tours start with our staff providing the guests with an overview of our production protocols that ensure the cattle are healthy, productive and managed using low-stress handling practices.
We then provided insights into how Ontario feedlots produce much (or all) of the feed for the cattle right on the family farm. This is always a key point because this process is unique to Ontario cattle production. The ability to have our partners experience Ontario Corn Fed Beef’s unique protocols is a vital component of our brand’s value in the marketplace.
While we have much to celebrate, we’re also aware of the challenges we face in times of higher costs and market turbulence. We have some programs in place to deal with market turbulence, but there’s no safety net underneath the high rope that the cattle sector is walking on.
Regarding the financial side, it was great to see the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association and the BFO come together to present the Feedlot Market Security Forum in London last March. As the cattle business moves forward in
these times of high prices and market volatility, it’s crucial to look at the various ways to offset some risks. As our beef farming families have a lot of chips on the table, we need to work from an approach that is more proactive than reactive to help deal with some of the market volatility and continue to support their long-term success.
To further support risk mitigation, we have launched a financial benchmarking pilot project for the feedlot sector. This collaborative effort involves BFO and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. The benchmarking study aims to combine the financial and measurable performance attributes of managing Ontario feedlots. A steering committee has been formed to develop a template
for the feedlot sector that will create relevant data for management purposes for each operation.
I remain optimistic that the future of Ontario’s agricultural sector is bright, and we have vital opportunities that deserve our unwavering attention. We have all the ingredients for success with strong partnerships, dedicated producers, an exemplary quality assurance program, and Canada’s leading beef brand story. I am excited about what lies ahead and confident that our collective achievements will serve as a solid foundation for even greater success in the years to come.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in the agricultural community who has collaborated
with us and supported our initiatives. It’s an incredible privilege to lead and contribute to the expansion of the Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand. Witnessing how all the pieces fit together and produce positive results is immensely satisfying. This could not happen without the support we receive from the industry. I am genuinely grateful for the backing provided by BFO, Canada Beef, and the Government of Ontario. Your support is integral to our success, and I am excited to continue our journey together towards even greater accomplishments.
LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INNOVATION CORPORATION
KELLY SOMERVILLE, CEO
2024 was a year of growth and transition for the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) as we continued to focus on industry-driven innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and strengthening Ontario’s livestock sector through research and mentorship.
Building on past work, we completed and submitted the second deadstock report to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA). This project provided an in-depth analysis of livestock mortality management, with recommendations to improve efficiency and sustainability in the sector.
The International Research Advisory Committee (IRAC) met in person in Guelph, bringing together stakeholders from industry, government, and academia. Discussions focused on how to move Ontario’s livestock sector forward, with key recommendations including the need to engage early-career producers, researchers, and professionals in shaping future priorities.
This year marked a significant leadership transition with the retirement of CEO Mike McMorris. Mike’s contributions to LRIC and the broader livestock sector have been instrumental in advancing innovation, and we thank him for his years of service. We welcomed Kelly Somerville as LRIC’s new CEO. Having previously served as Industry Services Manager, Kelly brings extensive experience in the beef industry as a purebred Angus seedstock producer and is passionate
about strengthening Getting Research Into Practice (GRIP) across all livestock sectors.
With this transition came an opportunity to reimagine the structure of LRIC’s research leadership, leading to the appointment of Stephanie Lam as Director of Research. Stephanie brings deep expertise in ruminant research and beef cattle genetics, along with strong connections in academia and industry. Her role enhances LRIC’s ability to bridge research with practical application.
LRIC continues to focus on strengthening connections between research and realworld application. This year’s Farming Innovation Tour, hosted at Bob Wilson’s beef farm in Erin, Ontario, brought together stakeholders from industry, academia, and government. Participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand the realities of beef production and explore innovative technologies, including AgSights’ live demonstration of ultrasound and infrared camera technology—a strong example of Getting Research Into Practice (GRIP).
The Engineering a Better Farm initiative gained traction in 2024, connecting researchers from Waterloo, Windsor, and Guelph with livestock producers to identify engineering-driven solutions for farm challenges. Many emerging technologies from the biomedical, digital data, and tech sectors hold untapped potential for livestock production—our goal is to create stronger connections between these fields.
GRIP remains a core focus for LRIC, ensuring research is industry-driven and actionable. In November, we hosted a GRIP Roundtable to reinforce the importance of industry engagement in research from the outset. One of the key takeaways was the essential nature of trust in building relationships for effective GRIP. Establishing that trust takes time, but it is crucial for encouraging on-farm adoption of new innovations.
Additionally, discussions emphasized the need for researchers to meet farmers where they’re at. With the many demands on producers’ time, asking them to attend yet another conference can be a challenge. Instead, researchers and industry professionals need to integrate into existing events with established audiences, ensuring engagement happens in settings where producers are already present and active.
We continue to support members through research coordination, reviewing livestock research proposals submitted by University of Guelph faculty and incorporating industry feedback to ensure research funding aligns with industry priorities.
As we move into 2025, LRIC remains committed to driving innovation by strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, and government. Our goal is to ensure that Ontario’s livestock sector remains competitive, sustainable, and future-ready through strategic research, mentorship, and practical innovation.
For the year ended December 31, 2024 2025 Preliminary Budget
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Board of Directors of: Beef Farmers of Ontario
Opinion
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Beef Farmers of Ontario, which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2024 and the statements of changes in net assets, operations and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.
In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Beef Farmers of Ontario as at December 31, 2024 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.
Basis of Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of Beef Farmers of Ontario in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the organization's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to a going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the organization or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the organization's financial reporting process.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements, as a whole, are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the organization’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the organization’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the organization to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Guelph, Ontario
Chartered Professional Accountants February 18, 2025 Licensed Public Accountants
OF FINANCIAL
AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2024
FARMERS OF ONTARIO STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Surplus (deficit) of
(note 16)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
1 PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
Beef Farmers of Ontario is a tax exempt body established by Provincial legislation to support the beef cattle industry in Ontario through promotion, research and other activities.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The organization is subject to the Ontario Business Corporations Act. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations and include the following significant accounting policies:
(a)
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The organization follows the restricted fund method of accounting for contributions in which externally restricted contributions are recognized upon receipt in the appropriate fund corresponding to the purpose for which they were contributed. Externally restricted contributions of the unrestricted fund are recognized as revenue when the related expenditure occurs. Unrestricted revenues are recognized in the unrestricted fund when received or receivable and collection is reasonably assured.
(b) INVENTORY
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, using the weighted average cost basis, and net realizable value.
(c) CAPITAL ASSETS
Capital assets are recorded at cost and amortized on the basis of their estimated useful life using the following methods and rates:
Building and building renovations - 4% declining balance
Office furniture and equipment - 20% declining balance
Computer equipment - 30% declining balance
Computer software - 50% declining balance
(d)
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG LIVED ASSETS
Long lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value exceeds the total undiscounted cash flows expected from their use and eventual disposition. The amount of the impairment loss is determined as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.
(e) USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. The significant areas where estimates have been used are the accrued checkoff fees receivable, amortization and accrued national checkoff payments payable. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(f) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Measurement of financial instruments
The organization initially measures its financial assets and liabilities at fair value.
The organization subsequently measures all its financial assets and financial liabilities at amortized cost, except for its investments, which are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized in net surplus.
Impairment
Financial assets measured at amortized cost are tested for impairment when there are indicators of impairment. If an impairment has occurred, the carrying amount of financial assets measured at amortized cost is reduced to the greater of the discounted future cash flows expected or the proceeds that could be realized from the sale of the financial asset. The amount of the write-down is recognized in net surplus. The previously recognized impairment loss may be reversed to the extent of the improvement, directly or by adjusting the allowance account, provided it is no greater than the amount that would have been reported at the date of the reversal had the impairment not been recognized previously. The amount of the reversal is recognized in net surplus.
Transaction costs
The organization recognizes its transaction costs in net income in the period incurred. However, financial instruments that will not be subsequently measured at fair value are adjusted by the transaction costs that are directly attributable to their origination, issuance or assumption.
(g) FUND ACCOUNTING
Internally restricted building repair fund
The internally restricted building repair fund reports resources available for the organization's building repair activities.
Internally restricted research and projects fund
The internally restricted research and projects fund reports resources allocated by the organization for research and project commitments in future years.
Internally restricted trade action fund
The internally restricted trade action fund is used to fund trade or market access disputes and related projects. This fund shall maintain a minimum balance of $200,000 with an upper balance limit of $500,000.
Externally restricted marketing fund
The externally restricted marketing fund reports resources allocated to the Ontario Beef Market Development (OBMD) program. The OBMD is a jointly administered marketing program led by a Joint Marketing Committee (JMC) under a formal agreement between the organization and the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA) to collaborate on sustaining and building growth in the Ontario beef sector through domestic and international promotional and marketing initiatives.
TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(g) FUND ACCOUNTING (continued)
Externally restricted Peel-Halton youth fund
The externally restricted Peel-Halton youth fund reports resources available to fund activities that support youth development, training and education within the Ontario beef sector. The initial investment from Peel-Halton Cattlemen's Association totaled $17,860. The fund shall not be used to finance administrative, overhead, or operating costs of the organization.
Unrestricted fund
The unrestricted fund reports resources available for the organization's general operating activities.
3 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Unless otherwise noted, it is management's opinion that the organization is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from the financial instruments.
The extent of the organization's exposure to these risks did not change in 2024 compared to the previous period.
The organization does not have a significant exposure to any individual customer or counterpart.
4. INVESTMENTS
Investments consist of a combination of Canadian and foreign equities and mutual funds, as well as cash temporarily held in its investment trading accounts:
5 CAPITAL ASSETS
6. DEFERRED REVENUE
Deferred revenue consists of sponsorships and trade show space related to the annual meeting:
(note16)
7. BUDGET FIGURES
in the
The budgeted figures are presented for comparison purposes as prepared and approved by the Board, reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation. They have not been audited or reviewed by the auditor.
8 NATIONAL CHECKOFF AGENCY
The organization pays $1 per head to the National Beef Cattle Research Market Development and Promotion Agency and for the National Beef Advertising and Promotion Campaign, and subsequently receives 42 cents per head (less administration) for association activities which are aligned with the national proclamation. As of April 1, 2024 the organization receives 40.7 cents per head (less administration) for association activities. 9 FEEDER FINANCE PROGRAM
The organization has embarked on a joint program with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the purpose of which is to guarantee a portion of loans to feeder cattle finance co-operatives to purchase cattle. The expenses are not to exceed $55,000 in the provincial government's fiscal year and are fully recoverable from the Ministry.
10. COMMITMENTS
The organization has committed to fund future research projects in the amount of $349,381 in 2025, $118,913 in 2026, $46,500 in 2027, and $7,500 in 2028 totalling $522,294.
11 RESEARCH HERD
During 1994, the organization entered into an agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in which the organization agreed to purchase the beef cattle research herd in New Liskeard. The purchase took place over a period of years during which the organization paid for the annual crop of calves born and continues to receive the proceeds from sale of these animals. Any excess proceeds over time must be used for beef research. In 2021, the livestock inventory was moved to the Ontario Beef Research Centre in Elora.
As of January 1, 2024, the organization sold the livestock inventory to the University of Guelph for $374,880 with a realized gain on disposal of livestock of $339,465
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
12. TORONTO STOCKYARDS LAND DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The former Toronto stockyards land has been developed as a commercial rental property by the Toronto Stockyards Land Development Board (TSYLDB). The organization receives an annual distribution payment based on a 2% increase from the previous year. In 2024, the TSYLDB approved a discretionary top-distribution in addition to the annual base distribution, which amounts to an additional $202,455 in revenue for the organization.
13. GRANT REVENUE
Grant revenue relates to the following programs:
Beef Market Development Program
14 INTERFUND TRANSFER
During the year, the organization transferred $3,611 to the externally restricted marketing fund from the unrestricted fund (2023 - $233,606 from the externally restricted marketing fund to the unrestricted fund) and $0 to the internally restricted building repair fund from the unrestricted fund (2023 - $4,411).
In addition, the organization transferred $86,982 from the internally restricted research and projects fund to the unrestricted fund (2023 - $150,682). The closing balance in the internally restricted research and projects fund of $522,294 is for beef cattle research commitments in future years.
15. ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Ontario Beef Market Development (OBMD) is a jointly administered market development program led by a Joint Marketing Committee (JMC) under a formal agreement between the organization and the Ontario Cattle Feeders' Association (OCFA) to collaborate on sustaining and building growth in the Ontario beef sector through domestic and international promotional and market development initiatives. $1.25 From each checkoff remittance, after exemptions, commissions and other deductions, is directed to fund this program.
16. ADJUSTMENT TO PRIOR YEAR FIGURES
An adjustment was recorded to the prior year, to reallocate an externally restricted contribution from deferred revenue to net assets. The results of the adjustment is a decrease to the prior year deferred revenue, and an increase to the net assets and other income for $17,860.
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