Ontario Beef - August 2021

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO

BEEF ON T A R I O

FALL STOCKER SALES • ADDING VALUE TO ONTARIO BEEF THROUGH QUALITY ASSURANCE • BUNK MANAGEMENT AND CATTLE FEEDING BEHAVIOUR • AUGUST 2021

BFO PAST PRESIDENT

INDUCTED INTO

AGRICULTURE HALL OF FAMES

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement Number 0040007029

It’s Fall Sale Time

Hereford sales across Ontario this fall will have everything you need, as a breeder, are looking for... Cows, Heifers and Bulls that offer proven genetics that will contribute to your herd.

JOIN US FOR SALE WEEKEND September 17, 18 & 19 for the River Valley, Elmlodge and Medonte Highlands at the farms LONE SPRUCE POLLED HEREFORD SALE September 25 at Maple Hill Auctions FALL ROUND-UP SALE October 2 at Hoards Station

FALL STOCKER SALES offering Hereford and Hereford Influence animals will provide exceptional feed efficiency and grading.

Cookstown: October 7 Brussels: October 22

What’s on your shopping list this fall?

CORP CREEK FARM Bill and Jill Corp and Family OMEMEE, ON 705-799-7488 (Bill’s cell) 705-772-9345 (Jill’s cell) corpcreekfarm@hotmail.com Registered Breeding Stock HIDDEN-VIEW POLLED HEREFORDS Joe & Karen Paszternak NORWOOD, ON 705-957-3739 or 705-957-7470 karen.paszternak@gmail.com Cows & heifers for sale

www.ontarioherefords.ca

WHISKEY LANE LIVESTOCK Hereford and Angus Scott, Paula, Jason and Shelby Cornish INDIAN RIVER, ON 705-295-2925 705-878-3248 (Scott’s cell) 705-341-3220 (Paula’s cell) wll@nexicom.net Visitors Always Welcome

Published By:

Publication

The Ontario Herefo rd Association No.

Mail Agreeme nt

40013539

FA LL 202 1

The latest edition of the OHA News is on our Facebook page.

We would also be happy to send you a copy of the News.

Please contact the office with your mailing information.

LIAN MOR POLLED HEREFORDS Wallace & Fern Pugh & Trevor & Amy Pugh MONO, ON Wally &Fern lianmor@sympatico.ca • 519-941-8515 Trevor & Amy tpugh27@yahoo.com • 519-939-7486 Breeding stock available O’SHEA FARMS Jamie and Mel O’Shea DENFIELD, ON 519-477-1238 osheafarms@hotmail.com Bulls & Females for Sale

Lois Batty,ON President – 705-328-4302 KAREN PASZTERNAK Dr. | Norwood, • 705-957-3739 • karen.paszternak@gmail.com www.ontarioherefords.ca PRESIDENT JILL AND BILL CORP | Omemee, ON • 705-772-9345 • ontarioherefordassociation@outlook.com SECRETARY MANAGER

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO

BEEF ONTARIO

August 2021

Volume 62, Number 3

COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER-SUPPORTED PUBLICATION

CONTENTS 4

Ahead of the Heard

6

The Beef Beat

8

BFO Past President Inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fames

6

10 Rural Ramble 12 OMAFRA Update 16 Adding Value to Ontario Beef Through Quality Assurance 17 Connecting with Consumers 18 CCA Update 24 Allocating Grazing to Maximize Pasture and Beef Cattle Performance 28 Canada Beef Update 30 LRIC Research Update 31 Focus on Heard Health 33 AgSights Update

30 ON THE COVER Special thanks to Blair Williamson from Lambton County for this stunning cover shot.

Don’t miss out on submitting your photos for our October issue. Please send your fall-inspired photos by September 15 to be considered for the cover.

Digital photos that are at least 300dpi are preferred and can be emailed to info@ontariobeef.com.

34 Fall Stocker Sales 35 Market Information 40 Calendar of Events 42 Wellness on the Farm ONTARIO BEEF • Beef Farmers of Ontario 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, ON N1K 1B1 • Phone: 519-824-0334 • Toll Free (for Ontario callers only) 1-866-370-BEEF (2333) Fax: 519-824-9101 • info@ontariobeef.com EDITOR LeaAnne Wurmli CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Bethany Storey ADVERTISING MANAGER Cathy Lasby, Preferred Agri-Marketing Services Guelph, ON Phone: 519-763-8833 • Fax: 519-763-8833 pams@sentex.net DESIGN and LAYOUT Prism Studios Advertising and Design Inc. Guelph, ON PRODUCTION and PRINTING Beck’s Printing Services, Brantford, ON

PROVIDING A FORUM FOR THE ONTARIO BEEF INDUSTRY Ontario Beef is the official publication of the Beef Farmers of Ontario. Contents of this publication may be reproduced only by permission of the Editor and with credit acknowledged.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the author and/or editor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Beef Farmers of Ontario. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement or approval by Ontario Beef or the Beef Farmers of Ontario of products or services advertised.

Advertising deadlines are January 10, April 15, July 15, September 15 and November 15. The publisher reserves the right to refuse or cancel any advertising, including advertising that is inconsistent with BFO’s Sponsorship Policy, available at www.ontariobeef.com. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, however no responsibility can be assumed for advertising not received in clear, type-written form.

C an adi an P u b l i c a t i o n s M a i l P r o d u c t S a l es A g r eem en t Nu m b er 0 0 4 0 0 0 7 0 2 9 POSTMASTER: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Beef Farmers of Ontario, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, ON N1K 1B1

AHEAD OF THE HEARD

By Rob Lipsett, BFO President info@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

When it Rains, it Pours L

ately, and unfortunately, it feels like we calm one crisis and move on to the next. First, our industry was deeply impacted by the closure of a federal packing plant in late 2019, then we launched into a global pandemic thrusting many of us into the unknown, and now most recently the entire country west of Thunder Bay is dealing with devastating drought conditions. The challenges of the last two years will undoubtedly have a long-term impact on the beef industry in Ontario and across Canada. The silver lining of 2021 has been the long-awaited change to Canada’s BSE risk status announced in May. Our change to negligible risk is a historic closing of the BSE chapter for Canada which brought unprecedented hardship to our industry for many years. You can read more about this monumental change on page 18.

I’ll begin with the topic of drought. The lack of timely rainfall and prolonged heat and humidity that several large areas of the province experienced this growing season elicited concerns from many of our members across the province, particularly those in the most northwesterly region of Ontario.

In response, BFO asked Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, to make an immediate request to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and federal Minister Bibeau to conduct a needs assessment under the AgriRecovery disaster relief framework to assess the scope and severity of the drought in Ontario, and to investigate potential AgriRecovery response measures to assist producers in affected regions as soon as practically possible. Minister Thompson acted quickly on our recommendation, as did the ministers from all four provinces west of Ontario.

At the end of July, Minister Bibeau formally announced that an AgriRecovery assessment for the five provinces would commence immediately. At the time of writing the assessment has not yet been

completed. Fortunately, Minister Thompson responded immediately with an announcement of interim support for producers in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts while the broader AgriRecovery assessment was being completed.

The BFO Board of Directors are well aware that other regions of Ontario have been hit hard by drought, my own farm included, and our hope is that these regions will be taken into consideration during the development of broader recovery programs that are currently being considered by decision makers. An impact assessment and potential program options were developed by the five provincial cattle associations and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), which were shared with provincial and federal ministers of agriculture to help inform the assessment and program development process.

Ultimately, we are concerned about the short-term and potential longterm implications that the 2021 drought may have on the Canadian cow herd and broader Canadian cattle sector given the scope and severity of the drought. We will continue to discuss emergency response options with elected officials and will report back on any developments.

Throughout much of August and September BFO, CCA and other beef industry representatives will be engaged and/or participating in a number of important events taking place on the domestic and international scale. Beginning with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Conference in Tennessee the second week of August. The NCBA Conference provides an excellent forum to continue to work on a number of key Canada-U.S. regulatory and trade issues of importance to the Canadian beef sector.

Making our case against the reemergence of M-COOL will be high on Canadian delegates list of issues to discuss with U.S. counterparts. Canadian delegates will also be keenly interested in the market transparency and Continued on page 7.

BFO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021 Rob Lipsett (Background Director) - President Phone: 519-375-2080 • Email: lipsettrob@yahoo.ca Jack Chaffe (Feedlot Director) - Vice-President Phone: 519-301-3034 • Email: jdchaffe@quadro.net Don Badour (Cow-Calf Director) Email: don.badour@ripnet.com Don Hargrave (Cow-Calf Director) Email: dchargrave@gmail.com Jason Leblond (Cow-Calf Director) Email: jsacres5@gmail.com Joe Dickenson (Feedlot Director) Email: joe@dickensonfarms.com David Millsap (Feedlot Director) Email: davidwmillsap@gmail.com Jordan Miller (Northern Director) Email: b.jordan.miller@gmail.com Craig McLaughlin (Eastern Director) Email: cmblackhorse@gmail.com Ron Stevenson (Southern Director) Email: ron@metzgervet.com Jason Reid (Director-At-Large) Email: reidridgefarm@tbaytel.net Kim Jo Bliss (Director-At-Large) Email: kimjobliss@gmail.com

4

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

BFO STAFF Executive Director Richard Horne • richard@ontariobeef.com Manager of Policy and Issues Thomas Brandstetter • thomas@ontariobeef.com Policy Advisor Darby Wheeler • darby@ontariobeef.com Policy Advisor Evan Chaffe • evan@ontariobeef.com Director of Communications LeaAnne Wurmli • leaanne@ontariobeef.com Manager of Public Engagement and Digital Strategy Jennifer Kyle • jennifer@ontariobeef.com Communications Specialist Bethany Storey • bethany@ontariobeef.com Market Information Coordinator Jamie Gamble • markets@ontariobeef.com

Accountant Amber McIntyre • amber@ontariobeef.com Office Manager Tammy Purdham • tammy@ontariobeef.com Manager of Producer Relations Dan Ferguson • dan@ontariobeef.com Senior Producer Relations Specialist Jaclyn Horenberg • jaclyn@ontariobeef.com Producer Relations Specialist Robert McKinlay • robert@ontariobeef.com Check-Off Inspector Chris Millar • chrism@ontariobeef.com Provincial Supervisor, Ontario Feeder Cattle and Beef Breeder Co-op Programs Cheryl Russwurm • crfeederfin@wightman.ca Water Quality Specialist Chris Attema • chris@ontariobeef.com

JOIN US AT THE FARM FOR A BEEF DAY Sunday, October 17th beginning at 1:00pm

GUEST SPEAKERS

• Garner Deobald – Cedarlea Charolais, Hodgville, Sask., Director for Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) and Representative for Boehringer Ingelheim • Sandy Russell – Director and founding member of Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN)

TOPICS INCLUDE

• Value in cooperation of Seedstock and Commercial sectors; Verified Beef Production (Quality Assurance) and financial incentives, Sustainable Beef Production, Herd Health and Cattle Selection criteria.

Enjoy complimentary food and beverage featuring a variety of beef dishes.

• Dan Ferguson – cow/calf producer, Manager of Producer Relations with Beef Farmers of Ontario

Visit and mingle with fellow producers and industry leaders.

View cattle from a number of seedstock and commercial producers representing all breeds.

Roger Maloney and Helen Lynett 2420 Jermyn Line, Indian River, ON K0L 2B0 705.295.6439 Roger: 705.761.7316 • roger@mlcattleco.com

www.mlcattleco.com

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

5

THE BEEF BEAT

By Thomas Brandstetter, BFO Manger of Policy and Issues thomas@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

Allow Me to Introduce Myself…

O

n July 5, I joined the team at BFO as the new manager of policy and issues. I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know a little bit about me and how my first few weeks have gone. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, I attended the University of Guelph and worked at the University of Alberta and Sault College upon graduating. After working a number of years in the private sector, I joined the Ontario Public Service which included stints at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, with the Enforcement Branch at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. While at OMAFRA, I was the issues coordinator in the assistant deputy minister’s office responsible for the research and corporate services division and the policy and issues coordinator in the deputy minister’s office. Some of the key files I worked on were research and innovation (including the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and the Ontario AgriFood Innovation Alliance), animal health and welfare (including the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act), rural economic development, environmental management and the Commodity Loan Guarantee Program.

Since coming on board with BFO, I have been learning about the issues facing producers across our great province. Some of these include the shortage of meat processing capacity requiring muchneeded government targeted investment, improvements needed to business risk management programs while ensuring there is equity between sectors, protecting agricultural lands from development and alternative land uses, recognizing the beneficial role of beef production with regards to climate change, and championing the beef industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

A number of these issues I was able to hear about and see first hand on a couple of recent farm tours I participated in at the end of July alongside Senator Victor Oh, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee of Agriculture and Forestry.

6

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

In the morning we visited the Sculthorpe family in Northumberland County to check out their cow-calf operation. Ian and Jamie were great hosts who explained in detail the positive environmental impact of their operation, in particular, the amount of carbon sequestration that occurs through managed grazing. In the early afternoon we visited the Brown family in Victoria County and saw the benefits of their feedlot operation. Paul, Robin and their daughter Allison showed us the distillers’ grains, barley and wheat bran by-products used to feed their cattle that would otherwise find their way into landfill sites. During both tours the need for increased processing capacity and importance of trade were emphasized. It was a beautiful, sunny day which made it all that much more enjoyable and Senator Oh was very engaged! As a reminder, as candidates are campaigning during the federal election, be sure to ask them where they stand on the aforementioned issues.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the drought that has been affecting producers in parts of the province, but especially in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts. This was the first issue brought to my attention when I joined BFO. Through numerous Zoom calls with producers, staff at OMAFRA and Agricorp, as well as a roundtable discussion with Minister Lisa Thompson, I’ve heard first hand accounts of how devastating the situation is and the difficult decisions producers are being faced with. What has truly amazed me is how quickly the team at BFO, its board of directors, government staff and officials have rallied behind the affected producers. As hard as it may be some days, it is important to stay positive as help is on the way!

“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” - Nelson Mandela As the province continues to open back up, I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead through committee work and at various functions and events across the province. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out by phone or email and let me know what issues you are being faced with so we can come up with some tangible solutions. In the meantime, take care and stay safe! OB

Continued from page 4. – Ahead

of the Herd

enhanced price reporting actions being taken or contemplated south of the border. NCBA also provides an opportunity to meet face-to-face with U.S. packers, and state cattle representatives with interests in Ontario and Canada.

The following week then begins the CCA Semi-Annual meetings in Calgary. BFO delegates will be advocating for expedited actions on SRM removal policies in light of our recent BSE risk status classification improvement. Humane transport and traceability, trade imbalance with the European Union under CETA, drought response, and the next agricultural policy framework, among other items will be discussed.

The 2021 virtual Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) will then run the final week of August, which is hopefully the last time the conference is offered exclusively in a virtual format. We anticipate the 2022 event will return back to normal, scheduled to be held in August 2022 in Penticton B.C. The CBIC operations team, which BFO is a part of, does an excellent job putting together a great program and lineup of speakers for producers to take advantage of. If you’ve never taken the opportunity to participate in this conference, I would highly recommend it.

We can also throw in the looming federal election campaign to the mix of things happening. Estimates of when the 2021 federal election will be called have been all over the map for the better part of the last year, but there is a very real possibility that by the time you are reading this the writ will have been dropped and potentially, ballots will have been cast. With that in mind, groups like CCA and BFO have been hard at work creating election toolkits for members on what we’d like to see the next government focus on with respect to the beef and cattle sector.

Unfortunately, this time around, we will have far less time or opportunity to get our message across to candidates and parties as the election period is expected to be short, potentially as short as 36 days from the day the writ is dropped to the day ballots are cast. Compare this to the 2015 election which lasted 78 days, or to the historical average of 50 days.

Regardless, many if not most of the issues we will be advocating for have been part of our ongoing discussions with elected officials. Issues like improvements to business risk management programs, targeted investments in beef processing capacity, access to carbon credits for grazing and cattle feeding efficiencies, protection of agricultural lands, and addressing lingering trade and BSE-era policy and regulatory issues will be our primary focus. Wherever we’re at in the election cycle when you read this, I would strongly encourage you to reach out to your local candidates, or your new or returning MP and let them know how your business and the sector are doing, and what type of support would be helpful to you and the broader beef sector. BFO staff are always available to assist with background information and messaging on key topics of interest, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Finally, the UN Food Systems Summit (FSS) will take place in New York in September, which is the first food summit that has been held in 25 years. The FSS is being held as part of the “Decade of Action” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015 by the UN General Assembly. Guided by five Action Tracks, the Summit aims to bring together stakeholders to advance changes to the world’s food systems that will help achieve the SDGs by 2030.

There is concern the Summit may become a stage for anti-red meat sentiments and reports. Many livestock associations and interests are preparing ahead of the Summit including BFO, CCA, and others. It is critically important that the livestock/beef sector has the opportunity to effectively share the industry’s perspective related to advancing the SDGs while incorporating livestock and meat in food systems. BFO in the midst of launching a public relations campaign ahead of the Summit to augment the positive work being done by other livestock/beef associations across the globe to ensure meat production and consumption continue to be part of a healthy global food system.

As they say, when it rains, it pours. If I could, I would gladly share some “precipitation” but for now, I’m prepared with my umbrella. OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

7

BFO Past President Inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fames I

n June, BFO Past President, Stan Eby, was formally inducted into Ontario’s Agricultural Hall of Fame which took place by virtual ceremony. Known by many, Eby’s lasting legacy to the Ontario and Canadian beef sectors is his collaborative leadership style, his national lens for seeking solutions to industry challenges, and the model he created for crisis management.

Stan Eby, a beef farmer born and raised in Bruce County, led both the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (now known as the Beef Farmers of Ontario) and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) in the early 2000’s. During his tenure, Ontario’s beef industry went through two significant upheavals including the Walkerton water crisis in May, 2000 and the discovery of BSE in Canada in May, 2003. During the Walkerton crisis, Eby, as both a local farmer and industry leader, conducted hundreds of meetings and interviews promoting farmers’ stewardship of the land and the environmental sustainability of the beef industry. With borders closed to Canadian beef because of BSE, Eby’s leadership helped CCA develop a plan to reposition the Canadian beef cattle industry which included expansion of processing facilities, development of support programs and other work to provide stability to the industry. Eby also spent many hours traveling to the U.S. to work

19TH ANNUAL

ONTARIO AUTUMN

SIMMENTAL CLASSIC SALE

Saturday, September 11, 2021 – 1:00pm At Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover, Ontario

(located on Bruce Rd. #4 between Hanover & Walkerton)

On offer will be approximately 65 lots of Fullbloods, Fullflecks, Red & Black Simmental cattle from these progressive breeders.

Norwood Family Farm, Vailview Farms, Dobbie Simmentals, Brooksland Farms, MacCrostie Livestock, Waydamar Farms, Locust Hill Farms, Harbec Cattle Co., Far-L Farms, Jarvis Hereford Farms, Gifford McNaughton, Fusion Livestock, Car-Laur Simmentals For more information contact

Car-Laur Simmentals

Carl & Laurie Wright 519-369-3658 Carl cell 519-369-7489 • Ben cell 519-374-3335 Email: carlaurcattle@gmail.com Or contact any of the above breeders.

View catalog online at www.buyagro.com 8

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

with counterparts on reopening borders to trade.

“Stan’s quiet, calm and steadfast leadership qualities were vital in steering both organizations through such a tumultuous time in the Canadian beef sector,” shares Rob Lipsett, BFO President. “He proved over and over again his ability to maintain a steady hand, to foresee and overcome barriers, and to inspire a team nationwide to work together and not give up.”

BFO also recognizes the important work of the late Dr. Terry O’Connor who was also inducted into the OAHF this afternoon.

O’Connor operated a successful veterinary practice in Stouffville for over 25 years, establishing firm credentials as a caring and capable veterinarian. He then became the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s regional veterinarian and program manager, helping to make significant contributions to Ontario’s beef and swine industries. He oversaw operations of the Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program and was at the forefront of identifying animal welfare issues at stockyards and sales barns and working to develop acceptable levels of care.

Stan Eby was nominated by the Beef Farmers of Ontario and the late Dr. Terry O’Connor was nominated by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the York Region Federation of Agriculture whose nomination BFO was pleased to formally support. To qualify for this prestigious recognition, inductees must have demonstrated visionary leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship as well as leaving a lasting legacy to the advancement of agriculture in Ontario.

BFO would like to thank the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association for their ongoing efforts to acknowledge, record, and preserve the contributions made by leaders to the growth and development of Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food industry.

A month later, it was announced that Stan would also join the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame with four fellow ambassadors: Gordon Bacon, Dr. Don Buckingham, Johanne Ross and Dr. Phil Williams.

“We continue to be impressed by the quality of applicants coming to the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame for potential induction, with nominations from across the country and a diversity of experience and accomplishments,” said Trish Jordan, president of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. “This year’s inductees have all had a major impact on Canadian agriculture – elevating the profile of Canada’s pulse sector, leading Canada’s beef sector through two major crises, raising agriculture awareness and student literacy in Canadian classrooms, writing the book on Canadian agricultural legal policy and introducing game changing technology to Canada’s cereals sector.

Each are very worthy individuals and we are pleased to have them join hundreds of others who have helped shape Canada’s agricultural reputation.”

The 2021 Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the Fairmont Winnipeg. OB

LONE SPRUCE POLLED HEREFORDS 4

Complete Hereford Dispersal saturday septeMBer 25, 2021 1:00 pM edst Maple Hill auctions 1100 Bruce rd. 4 Hanover, on 519-506-1400

cHarles & Mary lynn Bray 1544 Bruce road 4 n0G 2v0 east of Walkerton, on

p: 519-881-4273

c: 519-270-4369

lonespruce@wightman.ca

visit our sale live on tHe internet at

Visitors Always Welcome

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

9

RURAL RAMBLE

By Robert McKinlay, Producer Relations Specialist robert@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

West Isn’t Always Best W

hen filling feed yards this fall, buyers may cast their eyes locally to source high quality calves from Ontario producers. Reputation calves sourced from Ontario producers have the potential to increase profitability and sustainability in Ontario’s feeder industry.

Reputation calves can be sourced from individual producers or calf clubs which offer management programs to prepare calves to succeed in the feed yard. Calves sourced from uniform groups with preconditioning, dehorning, castrating and bunk training see exceptional performance in comparison to traditionally sourced western or eastern calves.

Gerald Martin, a feeder and order buyer who sources Ontario reputation calves for his customers and himself, was recently asked why he purchases reputation calves. Gerald responded, “to have repeat customers (he) must source high quality consistent animals,” and notes the superior health of the animals with low treatment rates in reputation calves. Having bought reputation calves since the formation of calf clubs, he recognizes the higher initial cost of sourcing animals, but sees the payoff from the additional work done to the calves prior to sale as worth the investment.

Preconditioning is a practice that sets reputation calves apart.

This refers to management practices that help calves transition into the feed yard while reducing stress and improving gain. A number of studies have demonstrated the importance of preconditioning on reducing treatment rates, mortality rates and improving average daily gain (OMAFRA, 2019). By having calves dehorned, castrated, bunk trained and vaccinated before entering the feed yard, calves are better prepared to cope with transport and co-mingling stress (OMAFRA, 2019).

Having low stress levels upon entry to the feed yard translates into healthier calves through to finish. With higher attention being placed on antibiotic usage in the cattle industry, reducing animal stress is a sustainable management practice that will reduce the incidence of disease. Steve Thede, a producer in Bruce County, purchases reputation heifer calves and one iron groups of western steers. Thede comments that he continues to be impressed with the health performance of the animals and has had very low treatment rates in his barns. Steve remarks that calves require very little processing upon entry to the yard, which results in less processing stress and time required at arrival.

Health data was tracked using surveys of Ontario feeders by Metzger Veterinary Services (MVS). The following is a summary of the health data from the 2020 calf crop, as well as trends over the past years. The comparative data for eastern and western calves comes from in-house data through Metzger Veterinary Services annual calf performance survey. The reputation calves were all double vaccinated, dewormed, dehorned, castrated, and bunk-broke by sale time, and came from cows on an annual modified-live vaccine program.

10

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

Summary of Health Data From the 2020 Keady Calf Crop • Total calves sold: 3,315 • Health performance numbers for 2020 - Treated once: 6.5% - Chronics: 0.51% - Death Loss: 0.37% Table 1: Pull Rates in Percentage by Year Year

Eastern Calves

Western Calves

Reputation Calves

2015

14.5

7.0

3.7

2016

16.0

8.0

5.5

2017

12.8

5.4

3.0

2018

12.8

7.6

3.0

2019

12.6

8.4

6.1

2020

17.9

7.4

6.5

Table 1 shows that the reputation calves have a consistent history of less respiratory pulls than both eastern and western calves.

Table 2: Death Rates in Percentage by Year Year

Eastern Calves

Western Calves

Reputation Calves

2018

0.7

0.5

0.6

2019

0.9

0.3

0.3

2020

1.6

0.5

0.4

Table 2 shows that the reputation calves have a history of lower death rates than eastern calves, and a very similar death rate to western calves (only comparable data from MVS for three years).

Metzger Veterinary Service performed a comparative trial between reputation calves and western calves. The two groups of calves were housed at an indoor feeding facility which allowed for their performance to be measured under the same management conditions.

The following information is provided from the custom feeder’s closeout data.

Table 3 Western Calves

Reputation Calves

Diff for Keady Calves

Number of Head In

936

156

Breeds

Blk Ang, Char, Limo, Sim

Blk Angus, Char

Weight In

710 lb

713 lb

+3 lb

Weight Out

1,588 lb

1,571 lb

-17 lb

Days on Feed

245

243

Death Loss

2.88%

1.28%

44% of westerns deads

Average Daily Gain

3.4 lb

3.45 lb

+0.05

Dry Matter/hd/day

27.01 lb

25.46 lb

-1.55 lb

DM Feed to Gain

7.94 lb

7.38 lb

-0.56 lb

Feed Cost/lb of Gain

$0.68

$0.63

-$0.05

Cost in Feed/Head

$569

$528

-$41

Profit/Head

$25.44

$83.64

+$58.20

Information gathered from this specific yard indicates the reputation Ontario calves offered higher efficiency and profitability over calves sourced from the west. Calves arrive at feed yards with low transport times and are bunk conditioned. This reduced stress levels and translated into calves getting on feed quicker without exaggerated post weaning depression. This is seen in Table 3 as reputation calves had a higher average daily gain and had a lower feed to gain ratio.

This data shows that reputation calves offer improved performance and efficiency maximizing producers feed and facilities. OB

Record Keeping Made Simple Anytime. Anywhere. www.agsights.com

1.855.246.2333

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

11

OMAFRA UPDATE

Bunk Management and Cattle Feeding Behaviour

By Megan Van Schaik, Beef Cattle Specialist, OMAFRA • www.omafra.on.ca and Andrew McDonald, Beef Cattle Livestock Assistant, OMAFRA

B

unk management is a common topic for discussion amongst feedlot operators because it is a central practice to feeding cattle. Improper bunk management can result in digestive disorders, inconsistent dry matter intake, and poor performance, and it ultimately affects a cattle feeder’s bottom line. It is estimated that poor bunk management can reduce dry matter intake and average daily gain by up to 10 to 15 per cent. Bunk management plays a big role in maintaining rumen health.

Slick Bunk Approach and Cautions Around Length of Time the Bunk is Empty

Bunk Scoring A Tool for Reading Bunks Researchers from South Dakota State University have developed a 4-point bunk scoring system that assists feedlot operators in consistently and objectively monitoring intake (Table 1).

The 4-point bunk scoring system Score

No feed remaining

½

Scattered feedremaining; most of the bottom of the bunk is exposed

1

Thin uniform layer of feed remaining(~ 1 corn kernel deep)

2

25-50% of feedremaining

3

Greater than 50% offeed remaining withcrown thoroughly disturbed.

Feed is generally untouched. Crown of feed from previous feed still noticeable.

Slick bunk management is an effective approach to Adapted from Pritchard, R. South managing feed intake and Dakota State University (SDSU). reducing feed waste when managed well. Situations This scoring system helps operators where cattle are offered feed estimate actual DMI rather than rely ad-libitum or inconsistent solely on feed delivery records. deliveries can lead to yo-yo intakes and the reoccurrence of off-feed incidences.

The challenge is striking a balance between overfeeding and underfeeding. The ultimate goal of bunk management is matching feed deliveries to dry matter intake (DMI) to achieve desired performance.

Concerns with leaving the bunk empty for too long include poor gains, reduced feed efficiency, reduced carcass quality, longer days on feed, and increased risk of digestive upsets (fluctuating intake) which can lead to other health issues.

If slick bunk is the goal, these questions need to be raised: 1) H ow long is the bunk actually slick/empty for? and 2) A re feed deliveries matching actual target DMI and the appetite of the pen of cattle?

Results from a recent joint study by OMAFRA and the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program suggest that the bunk may be empty longer than a feeder realizes.

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O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

In a 2020 bunk management study jointly coordinated by the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program and OMAFRA staff, trail cameras were used to monitor cattle feeding behaviour, bunk scores, and bunk management approach (specifically, timing of feed deliveries and feed push-ups). Using the 4-point SDSU bunk scoring system, bunks were assessed hourly (and more frequently around feeding times) to observe intake behaviours over a cycle of at least 72 hours on six farms in Ontario.

Description

0

4

Cattle Feeding Behaviour is Influenced

by Bunk Management Approach

Figure 1a). Daytime image of a feed bunk from a trail camera at a participating farm.

Figure 1b). Nighttime image of a feed bunk from a trail camera at a participating farm.

Academic research and practical experience tell us that success in bunk management is anchored in consistency and diligence in monitoring. Consistency is important in many aspects of feeding, including timing of feeding, timing of when bunks are read before feed deliveries, the person reading bunks and delivering feed, feed mixing order and mixing time. Promoting consistency in feed delivery helps to stabilize ruminal fermentation and pH to improve feed efficiency.

There is a large body of evidence that supports the practice of feeding multiple times a day (more than once) to improve performance of cattle. Feeding less, more often helps to reduce stress on cattle

coming to the bunk by decreasing aggression. With increased feeding frequency, cattle generally consume less at each visit but visit the bunk more, resulting in more consistent feed intake and better rumen health.

Figures 2 a) and b) illustrate feeding behaviours associated with feed deliveries and feed push-ups in 24 hours, where these activities encouraged cattle to visit the bunk. These figures are examples of data obtained from the trail cameras and graphed. The black line represents the number of cattle feeding at the bunk (expressed as a percentage of bunk capacity) and the green bars represent bunk scores (representing feed disappearance and deliveries over time). The vertical lines represent feed offerings, with the red lines representing fresh feed deliveries and the blue lines representing feed push-ups. These

data collected and trends observed confirm the importance of frequent feeding and/or feed push-ups in attracting cattle to the bunk for meals for more consistent feed intake.

Similarly, reducing the amount of time the bunk is empty improves consistency in intake. On average, bunks were empty for 5.5 hours in a 24-hour time period across the farms studied in 2020. The maximum time a bunk was empty during the study across farms was 13 hours in a 24-hour period. In contrast, the benchmark to strive towards is to keep the bunk slick for one hour or less before feeding.

Continued on page 14.

Figure 2a). Feeding behaviour and bunk score over time, where time “0” is midnight.

Figure 2b). Feeding behaviour and bunk score over time, where time “0” is midnight.

ON TAR IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

13

Continued from page 13. – OMAFRA

Update

Using Information to Manage Bunks Monitoring feeding behaviour over time and assessing exactly how long bunks are empty for can be a challenge, compounded by off-farm work and fieldwork. Trail cameras are excellent tools to monitor cattle behaviour and assess bunk management strategies. They can be used to shed light on the impact of specific practices without the interference of human observers and are valuable in capturing data over time.

Figure 3 provides an example of what feeding behaviour data looks like graphed over time (in this case three days) for one of the study’s participating farms.

Keep in mind that making aggressive changes to feed deliveries can disrupt intake and cause yo-yo feeding behaviour. Gradual changes reduce the potential for feed intake disruptions and digestive upsets, where changes to feed deliveries do not exceed three to five per cent on a dry matter basis. The next level of using bunk scoring is graphing this data over time, which allows the operator to visually see trends in dry matter intake over a feeding period.

There are lots of factors going into making feed delivery decisions (sometimes referred to as ‘feed calls’), including cattle behaviour, manure consistency, cattle health, weather patterns, etc. Ideally feed calls are made by the same person every day.

Those making feed calls should be familiar with the pen of cattle and recent history of feed deliveries.

Observing the aggressiveness of cattle at the bunk is another monitoring mechanism that when paired with bunk scoring can help an operator understand the appetite of cattle and guide decision making when it comes to feed deliveries. It is desirable to see about 25 per cent Figure 3. Number of cattle at the feed bunk (expressed as a percent of the capacity of the feed bunk) over three days of cattle approaching (each line representing a different day). Time “0” represents time of morning feeding. the bunk for feed during feeding. Observing overly aggressive cattle during feeding is often an Practically speaking, it is not feasible to use trail cameras to collect indication that cattle are hungry. OB information and assess cattle feeding behaviours on a daily basis as was done in this study, but there are other tools that can be used The authors would like to recognize project members Brent Cavell routinely that lend to sound bunk management. While each cattle (Quality Assurance Manager, Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program), Christoph feeder will develop their own approach to using information from Wand (Livestock Sustainability Specialist, OMAFRA), and Julie French bunk reading, the use of a bunk scoring tool such as the 4-point bunk and Katelyn Sysiuk (2020 summer livestock assistants, OMAFRA) and management tool developed by South Dakota State University can thank cooperating farmers. help an operator collect important information on DMI every day. This This article also appears in the Spring 2021 Edition of Virtual Beef. scoring system is most effective when it is used to read bunks on a References: daily basis and when the information is used to make decisions for feed Lundy, E., Loy, D., and Dahlke, G. 2015. Iowa Beef Center: Feed Bunk Management. deliveries over a number of days. For example, the information can be Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. used to decide whether: • Feed deliveries should be increased. Increases in feed deliveries should be considered after observing three to four days a slick bunk (i.e. score of 0) when the bunk is read before feeding.

• Feed deliveries should be reduced. Reducing delivered feed should be considered after observing two days of feed left in bunk (i.e. score of 1 or more) to avoid overfeeding and deterioration of feed quality.

• Feed deliveries should be maintained. A bunk score between 0 and 1 suggests that intake is consistent and feed deliveries can be maintained.

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O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

WHY

SHORTHORNS?

Ross & Beth Gladstone operate Eden Farm, a century farm, near Highgate Ontario.

Together they have sought to produce the highest quality beef available and built a loyal customer base and reliable sales for his freezer beef and stockers from his small herd of cows. Ross has sought to make the best possible cross, raise better beef and be open to new possibilities and directions with his cattle.

Beth has been by his side keeping him grounded, and making sure the operation runs without a glitch. Ross is committed to a full AI program relying on good data, and EPD’s to inform his decision making in an effort to always get the perfect cross. At the center of his operation are shorthorn cows.

A teacher and consummate learner, Ross experimented with different breeds, crosses and trends over the years, searching for the right mix with a belief that “heterozygous offspring have an important role in progressive beef production.” Ross shared his aim over a lifetime of work “... to develop the next big thing, the perfect beef animal, great conformation, gain, tenderness, carcass qualities, growth, reproduction potential and birth weights.”

Though he has a diverse group of cattle, Ross relies on a consistent core of shorthorn cows for the base of his program for their great maternal instincts and milking, that “ability to jump start a good calf.” Ross believes in hands on herdsmanship for the wellness of the herd and the impact happy, content cattle have on the final results. “Shorthorns have the right temperament” to make that possible.

Ross touts the consistency of shorthorns that makes them great to cross with. Not just in terms of temper and maternal instincts but in feed conversion and ease of keeping as well. Through his program Ross has found consistency with well marbled beef he sells locally, stockers averaging 700lbs, and efficiently finished steers and fats.

For Ross and Beth, being “creative with a rock-solid breed” has led to a successful formula.

Follow us on Facebook and check our website for current news at

David Banbury, President - 519-513-3962 email: drbanbury@gmail.com

www.ontarioshorthorns.com

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

15

Adding Value to Ontario Beef Through Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Now Available

Q

uality assurance programs play a critical role in providing assurance to consumers and retailers that the Ontario beef industry adheres to the highest standards for food safety, animal care and environmental stewardship. Producer participation in programs like Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) and Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance (OCFBQA) help demonstrate our commitment to responsible production practices and sustainability.

The development and promotion of on-farm quality assurance programs for branded Ontario beef programs is one of four key objectives of the Ontario Beef Market Development strategy.

BFO, in partnership with the Joint Marketing Committee, a partnership between BFO and the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association are pleased to share that we have introduced an Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Incentive Program, which will provide BFO check-off paying members with a 75 per cent rebate on VBP+ audit fees paid for members who become VBP+ certified through the completion of training, and an on-farm audit. Program funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis with the program concluding on December 31, 2021. The goals of the incentive program are to improve the supply of Ontario certified sustainable calves for Ontario certified sustainable feedlots, encourage enrollment and support in quality assurance programming (a key component of the Ontario Beef Market Development strategy), and to help offset VBP+ audit costs for our members. As always, Ontario feedlots also have the option to be certified under the OCFBQA through the completion of training, assessments and an on-farm audit.

The Certified Sustainable Program currently offered through Cargill Guelph, provides financial credits to producers along the supply chain who have been audited by either VBP+ or OCFBQA as the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) certification body. The certified sustainable supply chain enables consumer-facing sustainability claims, and makes it clear to consumers that they are purchasing Certified Sustainable Beef (CSB), all while showcasing the Canadian beef industry’s dedication to transparency. There is growing demand for CSB as retailers and food service providers like McDonald’s, Walmart, Chop Steakhouse and Bar, Gordon Foodservice, and Harvey’s are all sourcing a portion of their beef with the CSB claim. To meet this growing demand, more Ontario cattle need to be enrolled in certified on-farm quality assurance programs.

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O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

If you are interested in learning more about the VBP+ program and the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Incentive Program, please contact Dan Ferguson by email at dan@ontariobeef.com or by phone at 905.375.8551 OR Jaclyn Horenberg by email at jaclyn@ontariobeef.com or by phone at 519.608.2429.

If you are interested in learning more about the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program, please contact John Baker by email at john@ontariocornfedbeef.com or by phone at 905.301.0137. OB

Next VBP+ Training Session

September 8 at 8pm EST. Register by visiting www.ontariobeef.com

CONNECTING WITH CONSUMERS

Burger Battle Earns Gold Medal at the Influencer Marketing Awards

By Jennifer Kyle, Manager of Public Engagement and Digital Strategy jennifer@ontariobeef.com • www.ontbeef.com

A

s many will remember, last summer we ran our first official social media promotional campaign as part of our new consumer engagement strategy. Based on our own results, we knew it was a successful campaign that went over well with our community. Turns out, others took notice and thought it was a great campaign as well.

Our marketing agency, Bob’s Your Uncle, was encouraged to enter the campaign in the prestigious Influencer Marketing Awards. The Influencer Marketing Awards is a global competition that aims to highlight exceptional influencer marketing campaigns that showcase brilliant planning, execution, creativity and innovation. In other words, the Academy Awards of influencer marketing!

We received word in the spring that our Ontario Beef Burger Battle had made it onto the shortlist of finalists in the “Most Effective Campaign on a Small Budget” category.

Being named a finalist alongside worthy opponents like Footlocker, Haagen-Daaz and Spotify, just making the shortlist was a huge accomplishment. Imagine our surprise and excitement to learn that the Ontario Beef Burger Battle was named the gold medal winner!

We are certainly grateful for the hard work on the campaign by our agency team at BYU, as well as the fantastic content created by our five influencers involved in the battle, and are very excited to be able to refer to our “award-winning” Ontario Beef Burger Battle.

Be sure to follow us on social media (@ontbeef) and check out this summer’s take on the battle that’s live now on Instagram and Facebook, our Ontario Beef BBQ Battle – Just Add Fire. With any luck, this year’s battle will be just as successful! OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

17

CCA UPDATE National News Submitted by CCA Staff www.cattle.ca

Historic Milestone for Canada’s Beef Industry One would say 2021 is turning out to be a year to remember starting with the pandemic and then a massive drought throughout western North America. Ranchers and farmers are watching their ranges and pastures burn up while they contemplate how to find feed and water for their animals. On the bright side, we seem to be getting ahead of COVID-19 and life, as we knew it, is starting to resume. One of the best things to happen in recent history for the beef industry in Canada is our recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

The recommendation by the OIE’s Scientific Commission to grant Canada negligible risk status for BSE is a historic closing of the BSE chapter for Canada which brought unprecedented hardship to our industry in the early 2000’s. CCA worked closely with the Government of Canada to see the application for negligible risk come to fruition.

This change in risk status will now help facilitate expanded access to foreign markets for various beef products currently limited by BSEera restrictions.

Our bulls provide a balance of calving ease, performance, fleshing ability, and eye appeal.

As usual we are sold out of yearling bulls.

We sell all of our bulls by private treaty, so call soon to reserve your bulls for next year.

Watch for our consignment of females like the one above to the BLUE WATER SALE in Cargill on October 16.

Visitors always welcome.

DON & JEANNETTE CURRIE 2234 Conc. 11, R R #1, Nottawa, Ontario L0M 1P0 Phone/Fax: 705-445-1526 Cell: 705-715-2234 • Email: doncurrie@glenislay.com 18

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

CCA thanks everyone involved in helping us attain this status including the Government of Canada, veterinarians across Canada and Canadian farmers and ranchers. We also applaud Canadian consumers who supported Canada’s beef industry during the hardest times of BSE when Canadian beef could not be exported.

The attainment of negligible risk puts Canada at the lowest level of risk for the transmission of BSE alongside the United States which attained their status in 2013. The control of BSE across the globe is a remarkable achievement for the membership of the OIE. To achieve negligible risk, a country must demonstrate the last case of classical BSE was born more than 11 years ago and effective control measures and surveillance systems are in place. Canada’s last case was born in 2009.

As we look back, you may recall that Canada’s first case of BSE was discovered in May 2003 and led to international borders closing to Canadian beef, a significant impact as 50 per cent of Canadian beef is exported. Although it is difficult to fully quantify the direct economic impacts of BSE, between just 2003 and 2006, losses were estimated to be between $4.9 to $5.5 billion. Further indirect costs have continued to be accrued to this day, due to the opportunity costs of continued limited market access and additional processing costs for Canada’s packing industry.

Following the economic hardship from BSE, 26,000 beef producers exited the industry between 2006 and 2011. Along with their exit from the industry, more than two million acres of pasture lands were converted to other uses marking BSE as both a detrimental economic and environmental event for Canada with rippling impacts still being felt today.

What’s next? Our work is certainly not done. CCA is now focusing on the removal of the remaining BSE-era market access restrictions, as well as the alignment of specified risk material (SRM) removal and handling requirements with international recommendations. The additional requirements placed on Canada’s processing sector because of BSE created a significant economic disadvantage in comparison with others in the international marketplace.

Specifically, CCA is looking at increased access into key market countries including South Korea, Taiwan, and China. We are also working in close cooperation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to seek equivalency with the U.S. in terms of SRM removal, disposal, and market utilization of meat and bonemeal. While we are prioritizing markets, our view is that all remaining restrictions in all markets must be eliminated and in line with international guidelines.

We will continue to advocate for these changes to further allow the Canadian beef industry to broaden its reach around the world as robust market access is imperative for maximizing returns.

More than ever, we all should be proud to be part of this incredible industry as we look to the possibilities of furthering our exports and supplying new markets with high quality Canadian beef. Enjoy the rest of your summer with family and friends as we all reunite again after months apart. Don’t forget to strike up your barbecues and savour a delicious burger or steak! OB

FROM ALL ANGLES

LIM

TO Add Limousin to your Feedlot or Herd, please join us at these Fall Sales: OCTOBER 23 – Colours of Autumn Limousin Sale, Ontario Stockyards, Cookstown DECEMBER 4 – Eastern Showcase Limousin Sale, Maple Hill Auction, Hanover

Please contact the Breeders listed for your Limousin Bulls and Females.

3 RIDGE FARMS Jon Bell 217294 Conc. 3 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5 519-378-4006 roundbale14@hotmail.com

CROWN HILL ACRES Craig and Michelle Kennedy 258 Sturgeon Rd. Omemee, ON K0L 2W0 705-741-6700 crownhillacres@gmail.com

ARCON CATTLE CO Art Thompson, Jim & Connor Wiley 5174 Concession Road 4 Everett, ON L0M 1J0 Art 705-434-8582 Jim 705-734-7379 arconcattleco@gmail.com

DARLING FARMS 4172 County Rd 25 Castleton, ON K0K 1M0 905-375-4019 dmdarling13@gmail.com

BEE ZEE ACRES The Zwambag’s 4140 Glendon Drive, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0 Bill: 519-494-9613 Matt: 519-870-3219 CLARK CATTLE CO. David Clark 2280 McCullough Rd. Port Hope, ON L1A 3V7 905-449-0149 clarkcattle1@hotmail.ca

GIBSON FARMS Dave and Emily Gibson 2148 Concession 4, RR1, Ripley Ontario N0G2R0 Dave-519-357-6174 Emily 519-440-9907 HILLSIDE FARMS Ray and Stacie Stanton 4250 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1K4 416-505-0707 rays@londonproperty.ca KOYLE FARMS LIMOUSIN Dwight & Catherine Koyle 33429 6th Line, RR#3 Iona Station, ON N0L 1P0 519-764-2697 • cdkoyle@gtn.net

Check out our Website for LimoNews: www.ontariolimousin.com 22

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

AFTER HOURS LIMOUSINS Rob & Erin Weppler 117078 Grey Rd. 3 , Tara, ON 519-375-6108 Rob@gbtel.ca LAKESIDE FARM Wayne and Nancy Lawrence 263657 Southgate Rd. 26 RR#4 Durham, ON N0G 1R0 519-369-2806 PINCH HILL LIMOUSIN Paul, Brandon & Chad Homer Stittsville, Ontario 519-339-9659 or 613-987-0822 pinchhill@gmail.com POSTHAVEN LIMOUSIN John and Ena Post #7396 Sideroad #20, RR #2, Alma, Ontario N0B 1A0 519-846-9320 ejpost@posthavenlimousin.com

NEW LIFE LIMOUSIN Justin and Melissa Burgess 261269 Conc. 18 Hanover, ON N4N 3B8 519-270-5415 New.life.limousin@gmail.com SMART LIMOUSIN Garry and Sheila Smart 137606 Grey Road 12 RR#2, Meaford, ON N4L 1W6 519-538-4877 www.smartlimousin.com WINDY GABLES LIMOUSIN Bryce & Nathan Allen RR #4, Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0 705-924-2583 YOUNG LIMO FARMS JIM AND JOE YOUNG 601 Tara Road Ennismore ON 705 755 6820

RAIL LINE FARMS Paul and Brad MacIntyre 221 Bruce County Rd. 1 RR #3, Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0 519-528-2423 pcmacintyre@hurontel.on.ca

Ontario Limousin Association

Chad Homer, President • Phone: 519-339-9659

OUSIN

EXCEL

To Add LIMOUSIN to Your FEEDLOT or HERD, please join us at:

LIMOUSIN FEEDER CALF AND YEARLING SALES

ONTARIO LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE Contact Office 519-884-2082 Thursday, November 4th

CARSON FARMS AND AUCTIONS Contact: David Carson 519-291-2049 Monday, October 25th

HOARD’S STATION SALES BARN Contact: Dave DeNure 705-653-3660 Friday, September 17th Friday, October 22nd Friday, November 26th

Influenced Commercial Bred Female Sale November 20 - Limousin

CARGILL AUCTION MARKET Contact: Calvin Anstett 519-881-6623 Feeder Calf Sales: Friday, October 29th Friday, November 5th Special Yearling Sale Friday, September 3rd

KEADY LIVESTOCK MARKET Contact: Scott Kuhl 519-943-2339 Friday, November 5th ONTARIO STOCKYARDS Contact: Ab Carroll 705-458-4000 Tuesday, November 2nd Tuesday, November 16th Thursday, December 9th

Allocating Grazing to Maximize Pasture and Beef Cattle Performance

By James Byrne, Beef Cattle Specialist, OMAFRA

T

here are many ways to measure annual pasture performance

is expressed as a percentage (%). Therefore, when we say that the

such as total annual dry matter yield, stocking rate achieved,

pasture utilization rate is 60%, this means that 60% of the total

livestock gain, etc. Ultimately, pasture performance is determined

pasture available for consumption was consumed, the remaining

by (a) animal performance over the course of the grazing season,

40% was left in the field. Low pasture utilization rates impact

i.e. average daily gain, and/or (b) the number of animals, i.e. beef

individual animal performance, but more significantly, the number

cows, that can be grazed on a pasture over the grazing season. The

of animals that can be grazed on a pasture.

higher the average daily gain and/or the higher the total number of

The ability of cattle to utilize pasture effectively depends upon

animals that can be grazed on an area of pasture, the greater the

the growth stage of the pasture at the time of grazing and the

economic return at the end of the grazing season. Yield, though

amount of pasture allocated. Pastures in the vegetative stage,

important and impacts the performance measures previously

(i.e. not headed out), are very digestible and cattle can consume

described, does not generate a direct economic return from grazed

a significant amount of pasture allocated when grazing pastures

pasture.

at this stage. However, as the pasture matures and heads out,

The central driver for both these performance measurements

digestibility declines and the amount of pasture consumed also

is maximizing dry matter intake. In order to maximize dry matter

declines. Pasture intake by cattle is also impacted by the amount

intake, cattle must be able to utilize as much of the pasture dry

of pasture allocated (Jouven et al. 2007). As the amount of pasture

matter allocated as possible. Pasture utilization is a measure of the

allocated increases, intake increases, but beyond 1,500 to 1,800

difference between the amount of pasture dry matter grown versus

kg DM per hectare, increases in pasture allocation leads to only

the amount of pasture dry matter consumed. Pasture utilization

a marginal increase in pasture intake, indicating that there is

24

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

a physical limitation to the amount of pasture cattle can graze

to be available to sell at the end of the grazing season leading to

effectively and that there is an ideal pasture allocation range.

higher revenue return for the producer.

Keeping pasture in the vegetative stage as long as possible through

Research around the world has clearly demonstrated the

good grazing management and proper allocation will maximize

impacts of different grazing systems on pasture performance

pasture utilization and pasture performance.

and animal output per unit area. The least productive systems

The impact of good utilization is illustrated below:

are continuous grazing systems with strip grazing considered

Over the course of a year a pasture produces 4,500 lb of dry

the highest productive pasture management system. In order to

matter per acre and the utilization rate is 50 per cent. This means

provide feed to cattle over the whole grazing season from one

that 2,250 lb of pasture dry matter per acre are consumed by

location, continuous grazing systems require a large land area

grazing livestock. A beef cow will consume approximately three per

and low stocking rates. This results in very low pasture utilization

cent of her body weight in dry matter daily, which over a 180-

rates and consequently low output per unit area. Strip grazing

day grazing season amounts to 8,100 lb of dry matter. Where the

maximizes pasture utilization, pasture intake and consequently

utilization rate is 50 per cent, this will require 3.6 acres of pasture

output per unit area by only allocating the amount of pasture dry

to feed a single beef cow over the grazing season. Increasing the

matter required by the herd in a 12 or 24-hour period. Due to the

utilization rate from 50 to 70 per cent, reduces the area required

labour intensity, labour cost and capital investment of strip grazing

to feed a single beef cow to 2.5 acres. Increasing the utilization

systems, they are well suited to pasture dairy production.

Set stocking and rotational grazing systems lie between

rate reduces the amount of land that must be allocated to grazing,

these two extremes and are the most common form of pasture

freeing up more land for other economic activities.

Another way to look at this is that 100 acres of pasture grazed

management system employed by beef producers. Under good

at 50 per cent utilization rate can feed 27 cows whereas the same

management, both these systems can deliver excellent pasture

area grazed at 70 per cent utilization rate can feed 40 cows – an

performance through good utilization rates and consequently good

extra 13 cows. In this example, increasing the utilization rate from

output per unit area. Both labour and capital costs are modest in

50 to 70 per cent provides the potential for 13 additional calves

both these systems.

Continued on page 26.

GALLOWAY OUTSTANDING IN ANY FIELD

Secretary • Ciaran Yool • 905-807-8185 • ciaranyool@gmail.com

www.easterncanadiangalloway.ca

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

25

Continued from page 25. – Allocating

Grazing to Maximize Pasture and Beef Cattle Performance

The critical component to increasing pasture utilization and

pasture height calculated. To convert compressed grass height to

consequently output per unit area is the accurate allocation

pounds per acre requires knowledge of pasture density. Pasture

of pasture dry matter. The amount of pasture dry matter to be

density is the pound of pasture per cm or inch of height.

allocated is determined by (a) stocking rate, (b) potential animal

Pasture density is calculated using the formula below:

intake (% of body weight), (c) average rotation length and (d) an

Pasture density (lb DM per cm height) = herbage mass; lb dry

estimated amount that will not be consumed (i.e. the residue). By

matter per acre divided by average compressed sward height in cm.

allocating pastures accurately, we can better control the rate of

To calculate sward density requires a knowledge of the herbage

pasture usage, ensure a continuous adequate supply of forage and

mass in the pasture, which will need to be calculated using the cut

react to changes in pasture performance, i.e. slowing growth rate.

and weight method. However, once calculated this density should

Pasture allocation is calculated from the following formula:

remain true for several years provided there are no major changes

Pre-grazing herbage allowance = stocking rate (# of cattle per

to the pasture, e.g. reseeding.

acre) x ideal rotation length (days) x herbage allowance per cow (lb DM/day) + residual herbage mass (lb DM/ acre) Example: 0.5 beef cows per acre x 40 days x 45 lb DM/day + 450 lb (residual herbage mass) = 1,350 lb dry matter per acre.

Once the pasture density is known, calculating the DM content in a pasture becomes relatively simple. It is calculated as follows: Average compressed sward height (in cm) – 5 cm (target post grazing height) x sward density. For example:

In the example above, the pre grazing herbage allowance, i.e.

A pasture has an average compressed sward height of 15 cm

the amount of pasture dry matter that should be in a field prior

and a sward density of 120 lb of DM per cm of height per acre.

to grazing, is 1,350 lb per acre when the pasture is stocked at 0.5

Therefore, the calculation becomes:

beef cows per acre and where the rotation length is 40 days. The residual herbage mass is the amount of pasture that should be left behind in the pasture after grazing to ensure adequate pasture

15 cm (pre-grazing compressed sword height) – 5 cm (target post grazing sward height) x 120 lb = 1,200 lb DM per acre.

The target post-grazing sward height is the lowest level cattle

growth for the next rotation. There is no agreed ideal post grazing

could be allowed to graze which maximizes the amount of pasture

residual for Ontario pastures. However, using the rough rule of

available but leaves enough pasture behind to encourage good

thumb of “take half leave half”, the residue can be calculated

growth for the next rotation. This number typically increases as the

as follows:

grazing season progresses and the amount of undigestible plant

Stocking rate (# of cattle per acre) x rotation length x herbage allowance, (estimated DM intake, lb/day) X 50%.

There are several methods available to determine the amount of pasture dry matter in a pasture. The most accurate, although

material accumulates at the bottom of the pasture. A good rule of thumb is to graze to five cm for the spring rotation and increase this level thereafter.

Allocating pasture to meet herd demand will significantly

laborious, is the cut and weight method using a quadrat, drier and

improve pasture performance leading to higher animal performance

scales. Using a rising plate meter is a quick and easy method of

and greater output per unit area.

estimating the amount of pasture in a field. With this method 30

References available upon request. OB

to 50 compressed pastured heights are taken randomly across the pasture using a rising plate meter and the average compressed

Autumn Debutante21 - Resized.indd 1

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O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

8/3/2021 1:45:55 PM

IT’S TIME TO ADD

CHAROLAIS TO YOUR HERD

Uppin’ The Ante Charolais Sale October 15th • 7:00pm Maple Hill Auction, Hanover

Fall Feature Female Sale October 16th • 2:30pm Hoards Station, Campbellford

M&L CATTLE COMPANY BEEF DAY October 17th • 1:00pm At the Farm, Indian River

PLATINUM PICKS CHAROLAIS FEMALE SALE October 30th • 2:00pm Hoards Station, Campbellford

We urge you to tour

ONTARIO CHAROLAIS FARMS

this summer and fall and see the excellent Charolais Females FOR SALE privately too.

Check out www.ontariocharolais.com OR contact our secretary Doris Aitken at 519–323–2538 Ontario Charolais Association

@oncharolais

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

27

CANADA BEEF UPDATE Finding Out What Matters Most to Consumers

By Gina Teel, Manager, Stakeholder Communications, Canada Beef

C

onnecting with consumers is a key focus for Canada Beef and we appreciate it when people reach out to us with an issue or concern.

As a trusted go-to resource for Canadian beef, our goal is to provide helpful information and perspective to what is admittedly a complex industry for outsiders looking in.

Recently, a number of consumers contacted Canada Beef with questions after spotting ungraded imported beef featured in a store flyer.

Interestingly, consumer sentiments around quality and origin in this instance inadvertently supported the key findings of some recent survey work by Canada Beef to understand what makes consumers tick when it comes to beef.

The Canada Beef Global Consumer Survey was undertaken this spring to identify what information matters most to consumers when purchasing fresh beef products or selecting a brand of beef.

The survey involved 8,000 adults, consisting of 1,000 consumers in each of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, China, Japan, South Korea, and Italy, and 500 consumers each in Mexico and Vietnam. The attitudinal survey contained both open-ended and closed questions; the former to capture unprompted or authentic consumer perspectives in these top export markets for Canadian beef, the latter to rank a prepared list of beef characteristics by importance when selecting a branded product.

The survey revealed common themes. When purchasing fresh beef, the freshness of the product, a quality certification or grade, price, and where the products come from, were the most common considerations cited by consumers in the nine countries surveyed. In terms of selecting a brand of beef to purchase, the factors deemed most important included food safety protocols, price, the quality grade of the beef, and how cattle are raised.

The survey results deftly captured consumer attitudes that mirror current market access issues in some countries, and revealed areas

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O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

of opportunity in others. For example, when purchasing a fresh beef product, freshness is the most important factor for consumers in Mexico (52%), followed by China (35%) and South Korea (35%). In Vietnam, consumer preference for quality certification or grade (30%) competed with freshness (29%). Consumers in Canada (30%), the U.S. (26%), Great Britain (25%) and Japan (18%) considered price the most important factor. In Italy, consumers placed the most importance on where the beef product comes from (28%).

Building an understanding of what matters most to consumers extends to the selection, purchase, and preparation of Canadian beef.

Canada Beef will launch the Global Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway) at the upcoming Canadian Beef Industry Conference. The impetus for the Gateway project stems from changes in consumer shopping habits, and increased interest in meal preparation at home and in the use of scannable codes.

The Gateway pairs QR or barcodes with beef in the retail meat case and in grocery store print or e-flyers to enable a digital gateway to all things beef. The scannable codes provide consumers with the information they need when meal planning, at the point of purchase, and with recipes when preparing beef at home.

The Gateway features a wide range of digital content created by Canada Beef to support beef purchases and preparation. Each cut of beef will have a digital profile accessible via smart phone or tablet.

Each profile will feature essential information including recommended cooking methods, food safety and storage information, written recipes, hands-in-pans recipe videos, nutritional information and shopping lists.

The information presented and the visual appearance of the Gateway program can be customized for retail partners.

Canada Beef is also working to ensure the attributes that matter to consumers at retail extend to restaurant offerings.

A key takeaway of recent survey of 100 Canadian restaurant menus is that only a small proportion of restaurant menus referred to the Canadian origin of the beef that they served.

The Canada Beef commissioned survey of lunch, main, and takeout menus provided a snapshot of the competitive position of beef in the food service sector. The survey found that even as Canadian beef continues to dominate in many categories, opportunities exist to better promote it to restaurant patrons.

For example, the survey found that overall, mentions of beef attributes were low, and husbandry-specific attributes (e.g. grass-fed, organic) were “almost negligible.” Further, independent restaurant menus were less likely to promote attributes than chain restaurants.

Surveys and projects provide helpful insight and information that ensure Canada Beef’s approach to growing consumer loyalty to Canadian beef at home and abroad is both strategic and sound. OB

Comment to the Editor O

ur May issue of Ontario Beef celebrated the thirty-year milestone of the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee program in the province and highlighted the success of the program and the support it provides, especially to new and beginning farmers.

In response to the article, we heard from one reader who expressed that while the program has been successful, it’s also important for program participants to do their due diligence and ensure they understand program expectations, especially related to the assurance account component of the program.

To provide more clarity, a a member of a co-op under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee program has to provide five per cent of their requested loan amount as a security deposit to their co-op. These funds can be used to resolve any potential issues when clearing the member’s loan. Also, as part of the co-operative philosophy, and in rare circumstances, these funds can also be used on a prorated basis to clear an outstanding shortfall of another member when all other forms of repayment have been exhausted.

For more information on the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee program, visit the BFO website or contact the program supervisor, Cheryl Russwurm, by email at crfeederfin@wightman.ca or by phone at 519.367.5590. OB

NOMINATIONS OPEN

THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD DEADLINE OCTOBER 1ST Learn more and how to nominate someone or apply at www.ontariobeef.com/services/awards.aspx Submit to bethany@ontariobeef.com

Canadian Angus Bulls The Genetic Advantage Canadian Angus cattle present a balanced genetic profile in terms of calving ease, growth, and quality carcass merit. They are versatile animals that work well in both purebred and crossbreeding programs.

Angus steers earn top prices and achieve consistent, high performance in the feedlot. Angus bulls can be used in crossbreeding programs to contribute low birth weights, valuable maternal traits and moderate frame size to replacement heifers.

Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed and RFID Indicator programs offer quality assurances and endorsements for Canadian Angus genetics.

Contact the Ontario Angus Association, your source for local Angus bulls bulls and information on Canadian Angus programs: www.ontarioangus.com

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

29

RESEARCH UPDATE

Forage and Pasture Research Ramping Up in Ontario With New Faculty and Facilities

By Lilian Schaer, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation

F

orage and pasture research at the University of Guelph is kicking into high gear. The new beef research facilities at Elora include both renovation of existing pastures and expansion of pastureland capacity from 160 to approximately 400 acres.

And early last year, Kim Schneider joined the Department of Plant Agriculture as Assistant Professor in Forage and Service Crops with a focus on three broad research areas: the role of perennial forages in carbon sequestration, fertility trials, and annual forage options for producers.

“I’m most excited about looking at the potential for perennial forages to help offset greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration - there is a lot of potential there with grazing management and also fertility management,” says Schneider. “We don’t have a lot of data in Ontario about how management of perennial pastures influences soil carbon capture or understanding the quality of soil organic matter - if we can demonstrate this in Ontario, there will be greater uptake.”

She’s also interested in how different forage species and mixtures perform under different fertility management regimes. Fertility work in Ontario forage species hasn’t been widely completed since the 1980s, and many new varieties have been developed since then. The goal, says Schneider, is to be more nutrient use efficient, especially with phosphorus, in an effort to minimize impacts on water quality.

“Another part of my job is looking at annual forages and what options there are for producers if they need to extend the grazing season - what annuals could be more drought resilient or can we link livestock farmers with growers with cover crops that could be grazed for greater crop-livestock integration?”, she adds.

Although not from a farm, Schneider comes to her new role with a long-time interest in sustainable agriculture and the interaction between environmental issues and agriculture.

She earned her master’s at Guelph in Earth Sciences and went on to complete a PhD, also at Guelph, in Soil Science where she worked on Ontario dairy farms looking at nutrient cycling and phosphorus availability of alfalfa and grass-hay mixes. As a grad student, she also completed a research exchange in Switzerland, a country where grazing cattle is an important part of the national landscape.

“As part of my research I looked at the benefits provided by forage and service crops to the agri-ecosystem, how they can improve crop and soil quality, and increase carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling,” she says. “I’ve always been learning as I go and I’m still learning.”

Schneider now has a variety of forage-focused research projects underway. One of them involves evaluating grazing management practices with beef producers at six locations across southwestern Ontario, a project funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC).

The goal is to compare adaptive multi-paddock grazing with continuous grazing and looking at the quality and quantity of carbon

30

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

in the soil, as well as the levels of glomalin, a protein known to be linked with carbon sequestration, produced by mycorrhizal fungi. She will also be looking at fungal to bacterial ratios and using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (what she likens to an MRI for the soil) to evaluate how soil organic matter quality characteristics are changing.

As part of the three-year project, Schneider and her team are also working in collaboration with Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle of the School of Environmental Sciences. Wagner-Riddle has funding from Beef Farmers of Ontario to look at soil carbon in annual crops, pasture and native woodlot and Schneider is hoping to sample at the same locations.

Schneider has an agronomic project underway at the Elora Research Station looking at three different fertility regimes for different pure and mixed forage crops. BFO is providing some funding, and Schneider has applied for additional funding from NSERC and the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance (formerly the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)-University of Guelph partnership).

“This will provide interesting info about the range of mixtures available on the market and how they yield, what their quality is, and what their cost of production will be,” she says.

The second part of the project will look more specifically at alfalfa, red clover, timothy, tall fescue, and orchard grass in monocultures and mixtures to determine optimal fertilizer levels.

Schneider is also starting a two-year annual forage project at Elora with six different mixtures planted in one of the pastures at the research station for yield evaluation, and in another project, she is working with OMAFRA beef specialist James Byrne and forage and grazing specialist Christine O’Reilly to use a rising plate meter tool to estimate forage biomass.

“The idea is for it to be a tool to help producers gauge when their pasture is ready for grazing, when to pull animals out and how to increase overall pasture utilization efficiency,” she says. “With the increased attention focused on soil health, forages and livestock, it’s a really exciting time to be working in this field.” OB

FOCUS ON HERD HEALTH Parasite Control Program Considerations

By Jacques Van Zyl, DVM, Metzger Veterinary Services

E

ach season brings its own joys and tribulations. Summer is a great time as you watch your calves grow. But it is also the time of year where flies are out in full force, and intestinal worm burdens build up on pasture. The parasite world can be broken into endoparasites and ectoparasites. Ectoparasites are external to the body, and include flies, warbles, ticks, mites and lice; whereas endoparasites are internal. For the purpose of this article, we are going to focus on the more common endoparasites, commonly called gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN).

Nematodes are a classification of parasite (phylum), more commonly called roundworms. The more common cattle GIN species are Ostertagia, Cooperia, Trichostrongyles, Nematodirus and Haemonchus. The two most prevalent GIN species in cattle in Canada are Ostertagia ostertagi, and Cooperia oncophora, which compose the majority of the parasite community (59.1% and 37.6%, respectively).

To better understand appropriate deworming strategies, we need to understand the life cycle of the parasites. Cattle need to be consuming grass in order to consume the infective stages of the parasites. Adult worms inside cattle mate and produce eggs that are passed in the manure onto pasture. Once on pasture, these eggs hatch into their larval stage and mature into their infective form. Warm, moist summer conditions can speed up development of the larvae. Infection is feco-

oral, meaning cattle grazing around manure consume the parasites.

Once inside the cow, depending on the species, they burrow into the lining of the stomach or the intestine where they mature to their final stage. Mature adults emerge from the stomach or intestinal lining, breed, and starting the cycle over again by releasing their eggs into the manure. The time between when animals consume the larvae to when they are shedding eggs is called the Pre-Patent Period (PPP) and is usually around three weeks. Some parasites are able to overwinter on pasture, or they can also enter a state of hibernation, (also called hypobiosis), within the cow when conditions on pasture are unfavorable.

As you can imagine, having a stomach or intestinal lining that is packed with parasites not only causes it to function improperly, but the emergence of the parasites can cause a lot of inflammation and damage to the stomach or intestinal lining. Typical signs of internal parasites include watery diarrhea, dull hair coat, decreased appetite, and loss of body condition. Heavy parasite burdens have also been shown to delay cattle coming into heat. More often than not, the signs are what we call subclinical, meaning you don’t see outright sickness but have decreased weight gain.

Continued on page 32.

!

CHECK-OFF DEDUCTION REMITTANCE FORM Every cattle seller (including sales by private treaty) is required under Regulation 54 of the Beef Cattle Marketing Act (BCMA) to pay a $4.50 per head Ontario license fee and a $1.00 per head national levy, for a total of a $5.50 per head check-off. Breeding stock, cull dairy cows, and beef calves are included. Exemptions exist only for cattle sold for the production of milk and veal. Fees are payable by the 15th of the month following deduction. Please note: Licenced Livestock Dealers who sell cattle within seven business days of having purchased them may apply for a rebate with proper documentation.

Firm or Individual Producer Reporting

Forward cheque payable to the Beef Farmers of Ontario with this report. Please retain one copy for your files.

HST Registration No: Period Covered by this Report: a) Number of Head Sold:

Finished:

Stocker:

Breeding Stock Females:

Culls:

Breeding Stock Bulls:

Calves:

I declare that this information represents a true and accurate statement of check-off deductions required to be made under Regulation 54 of the BCMA and the Canadian Beef Cattle Research Market Development and Promotion Agency.

b) Total BFO Check-off ($5.50xa)

Date:

c) HST on BFO Check-off (bx13%)

Signature:

d) Total Amount Owing (b+c)

Print Name: Address:

Mail to: Beef Farmers of Ontario 130 Malcolm Road Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1

HST# R107797128

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

31

Continued from page 31. – Focus

On Herd Health

So now that we know what we’re dealing with, and how animals can get infected, we can start talking about how we are going treat them. There are a handful of different treatment options available.

The goal of the rest of this article is to highlight some of the considerations when choosing a product and the timing of your deworming.

The majority of de-wormers in cattle come in oral, injectable or pour-on formulations. Efficacy of drugs has been shown to be greatest in oral formulations (90% efficacy), followed by injectable (78% efficacy) and finally pour-ons (77% efficacy). If using a pour-on formulation, care must be taken to ensure the product is applied directly to the skin and that we are distributing the product from withers to tail head. If using oral or injectable products, consult with your veterinarian to ensure you are dosing animals appropriately.

Inappropriate dosing is one of the leading causes of resistance.

Cattle typically develop immunity against internal parasites around their second grazing season. Adult cattle may not be nematode-free, but the number of worms they harbour and the eggs they produce are greatly decreased. As such, it’s the calves that usually see the worst effects of intestinal worms and can cause a loss of up to 20 pounds per weaned calf. Treatment should be based on necessity. Monitoring fecal egg counts will allow us to assess if we have a problem, and how effective our treatments are. As we know, eggs are passed in the feces of cattle. By examining the amount of eggs per gram of feces before, and two to three weeks after treatment, we can monitor if we are seeing resistance to certain products. Our goal is to have a reduction of eggs by 90-95%.

Treatment strategies can be broken down based on the age of the animal. Calves being turned out to grass have not yet had time to consume any parasites. If their dams were de-wormed in the fall the previous year, then shedding on pasture will be minimal. Fecal egg counts will help you determine if a mid-summer de-worming is necessary in these calves. If not, treating when pulling the animals off of pasture in the fall may be sufficient for your herd. If dams were not de-wormed the previous fall, a mid-summer treatment of your calves may be beneficial. Another consideration is that early born calves (February/March) will be consuming more grass compared to calves

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born later in the spring. Again, utilize fecal egg counts and consult with your veterinarian as to the necessity of a mid-summer treatment.

If handling after turn-out is possible, using a pour on or injectable formulation works well. If handling is not possible, there are oral formulations that can be mixed into feed or mineral. Some extendedrelease injectable options that last all summer are also available on the market and can be beneficial if you are experiencing high parasite burdens in your calves.

Replacement animals heading into their second grazing season still have not built up immunity. If these animals were treated with a de-wormer in the fall, treatment prior to turnout has little benefit as they have not been consuming grass. If intestinal parasites have been an issue for your herd, then treating these animals around three weeks after pasture turnout may be warranted. This will allow them to consume any of the parasites that overwintered on pasture. We can then, by treating after turnout, eliminate them before they can start to shed eggs in the cattle’s feces. Similar to the calves, if handling after turnout is not an option, certain products with residual activity may be of benefit. If parasites have not been an issue, then an annual de-worming after the grazing season may suffice.

Once animals enter their third year on pasture, they should have developed a level of immunity. Yearly treatments in the fall should be sufficient, unless you are running into problems. Regular screening of manure while animals are on pasture can help identify problems and allow for the most appropriate use of products. Lastly, backordered products have also plagued the industry so if you are planning to utilize a certain medication, discuss with your veterinarian if it is still available. OB 1. Avramenko, R. W., Redman, E. M., Lewis, R., Bivhuette, M. A., Palmeira, B. M., Yazwinski, T. A. and Gilleard, J. D. 2017. The use of nemabiome metabarcoding to explore gastro-intestinal nematode species diversity and anthelmintics treatment effectiveness in beef calves. International Journal for Parasitology 47:893-902.

2. Baiak, B. H., Lehnen, C. R. and da Rocha, R. A. 2018. Anthelmintic resistance in cattle: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Livestock Science: 217: 127-135.

3. Charlier, J., Höglund, J., Morgan, E. R., Geldhof, P., Vercruysse, J. and Claerebout, E. 2020. Biology and epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle. Vet Clin Food Anim 36: 1-15.

4. Kumar, N., Rao, T. K. S., Varghese, A. and Rathor, V. S. 2012. Internal parasite management in grazing livestock. J. Parasit. Dis. 27(2): 151-157.

AGSIGHTS UPDATE

Routine Disruption: From Vertical Farming to Air Protein

By Jasper Munro, AgSights Manger of Research and Innovation jmunro@agsisghts.com www.agsights.com

R

outine is core to our industry, be it pen checks, pasture moves, fall vaccinations, or barn clean outs. Without routine we wouldn’t be able to care for our animals or manage and operate our business, but routine can also cause us to become complacent and in some cases, reactive. We all have our set routines and practices, right down to our morning coffee with our local newspaper or industry magazine. You often don’t have the time to consider what is happening outside your own ‘bubble’, after all, you have a business to run. However, if we step back and look at the news and trends that are happening outside our area, or industry, we not only get some change to our routine, but we may just learn something new and useful. Let’s take a quick look.

Vertical farming is not a new trend (first coined in the early 1900s) but it is receiving a renewed interest and growth. In vertical farming, plants are grown indoors, vertically, using cell linings with no soil. As LED and computer automation/precision technologies have advanced, so has the efficiency and potential of vertical farming. Currently, these farming systems claim to produce plants with 95 per cent less water requirements, while due to a controlled indoor environment, plants are estimated to also capture 99 per cent of the moisture that is transpired. With a controlled environment, precision feeding, and year-round plant growth, annual yield potential is estimated at 700 per cent of conventional “horizontal” farming1. As this industry grows, predictions are that it could displace conventional farming and deforested land to help feed the world’s growing population. However, it’s not all rosy, as the startup cost of a vertical farm is estimated at $15 million2. As such, vertical farming is moving to a corporate industry with only a few major players. This may benefit our industry, which focuses on local, independent farms and food, a growing market, driven by consumers wanting more information.

In fact, to change gears slightly, on July 9th, the United States Agriculture Secretary announced $500 million in funding to the construction of small, local meat processing plants, to support the growth of the local food ecosystem. While an additional $150 million will focus on revamping existing, small processors. The focus of this funding is not only for COVID recovery but to help small processors become competitive in the market and to increase the flexibility and responsiveness of animal processors3. Provincial and federal governments offered similar aid, on a smaller scale, when $7 million was allocated to 74 processing projects in Ontario4. In both cases, feedback indicates that either more funding is needed, or that it still

does not remove the bottleneck, skilled labour. Automation may be the solution, but is difficult to implement until we have consistent carcass weights and types5, a topic for another day. However, it is clear that the demand for a local and independent meat supply, is more than a trend, at least in the short term.

Meanwhile, the protein market continues to see new disruptors. In Finland, protein is being made from air. Solar Foods, creates a protein called Solein, through a few processes including electrolysis, that just requires electricity, produced using solar energy. Sounds a little far-fetched but it can serve a purpose, and from the beef industry perspective, it may even be a positive one. As a flavourless protein, Solein is not seen as a competitor to beef but instead as a potential protein supplement, as a more sustainable option that could compete with soy in 5 to 10 years6. With cost of gain expected to rise, world food price increases, and food security challenges, we can welcome a disruptor that may give us a new, more affordable supplement option.

Agriculture is receiving more investment, research and development than ever before, and when we take a step back it is incredible but can also be concerning to see. At AgSights, this is something we balance daily. Since 1993 we have existed in the AgTech industry, an industry valued at over $9 billion USD with expected growth to $22.5 billion USD by 20257. Change is happening all around us, change that we must be aware of and proactive in adapting to. We leverage our producers, appointed board members, and research into news and trends to ensure our products and services are continuously improving.

Routine is important, but we all can benefit from getting outside our comfort zone.

Sources available upon request. OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

33

2021 FALL STOCKER SALES

Schedules are subject to change given the conditions of the industry. Please call the sale contact or visit the BFO website (under Market Info – Stocker Sales – Ontario Fall Sales or Northern Sales) to confirm details.

Date

Time

Location

# Head

Kind

Date

Time

Location

# Head

Kind

Denfield Livestock Sales Ltd. (continued)

Stan Rees - 519-666-1140 Cell: 519-871-5968

Nov 20

11:00 am

Denfield

Vaccinated Calves & Yearlings

Dec 4

11:00 am

Denfield

Embrun Livestock

Vaccinated Calves & Yearlings Steve Spratt - 613-821-2634 or 613-822-1351 ottawalivestock@bellnet.ca

Regular sales every Monday at Embrun Livestock Exchange at 12:30 p.m. Dates for special stocker sales and bred cow sales for the fall will be posted at www.ottawalivestockexchange.ca, or by calling the auction market at 613-821-2634.

Kawartha Lakes Community Sale Barn Inc. Sale Barn - 705-439-4444 Neil Woodrow - 905-404-4526 or Kevin Barker - 705-878-2947 Peterborough/Victoria Sales - Wayne Telford - 705-292-9531 Fax - 705-439-3145 www.klcauction.ca • klc@xplornet.com Regular stocker sales every Saturday.

Sales Barn: 519-765-2672 Aylmer Stockyards Inc. Jim Doan: 519-777-9389, Mike VanNoord: 519-808-0904 aylmerstockyards@amtelecom.net • www.aylmerstockyards.ca

Sept 29

10:00 am

Woodville

KLC Stocker Sale

Oct 6

10:00 am

Woodville

KLC Stocker Sale

Oct 20

10:00 am

Woodville

Regular sales every Wednesday at 12:00 noon. Fall stocker sales will be held the last Wednesday of each month. For updates, visit our website at www.aylmerstockyards.ca

Nov 3

10:00 am

Woodville

Nov 10

10:00 am

Woodville

Nov 17

10:00 am

Woodville

Sales Barn - 519-887-6461, Mark Ferraro - 519-492-0181 Matt Ferraro - 519-313-0583 info@brusselslivestock.ca www.brusselslivestock.ca

KLC Stocker Sale 1,000

Brussels Livestock

Regular stocker sales every Friday at 10:00 am.

Peterborough Cattlemen/ Victoria Beef Farmers -100% Vaccinated - Guaranteed KLC Stocker Sale

750

Peterborough Cattlemen/ Victoria Beef Farmers - 90% vaccinated

Oct 22

10:00 am

Brussels

Hereford Influence Sale and Regular Sale

Nov 24

7:00 pm

Woodville

Bred Cow Sale

Oct 27

7:00 pm

Brussels

Bred Cow Sale

Dec 1

10:00 am

Woodville

KLC Stocker Sale

Nov 5

10:00 am

Brussels

Angus Influence Sale and Regular Sale

Dec 15

10:00 am

Woodville

KLC Stocker Sale

Nov 24

7:00 pm

Bred Cow Sale

Brussels

Cargill Auction Market Inc Sales Barn - 519-366-2214 Alan Anstett - 519-881-6640, Brian Kirkland - 519-797-1668 cargillauction@gmail.com Calvin Anstett - 519-881-6623 Sept 3

7:00 pm

Cargill

Char. & Exotic Cross Yearlings (Steers & Heifers)

Sept 24

7:00 pm

Cargill

Char. & Exotic Cross Yearlings (Steers & Heifers)

Oct 1

7:00 pm

Cargill

Char. & Exotic Cross Yearlings (Steers & Heifers)

Oct 29

7:00 pm

Cargill

Local Calf Sale

Nov 5

7:00 pm

Cargill

Local Calf and Yearling Sale

David Carson Farms & Auction Services Auction Market: 519-291-2049 David Carson - 519-291-8252 • Don Robertson: 519-291-8582 info@davidcarson.on.ca www.davidcarson.on.ca

Jan 12’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

Feb 9’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

Mar 16’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

Apr 20’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

May 4’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

May 18’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

Keady Livestock Market Ltd. Garry Kuhl - 519-934-1626 www.keadylivestock.com

KLC Stocker Sale 900

Peterborough Cattlemen/ Victoria Beef Farmers, Stockers 90% vaccinated KLC Stocker Sale KLC Stocker Sale

1,000

Peterborough Cattlemen/ Victoria Beef Farmers, Stockers 90% vaccinated KLC Stocker Sale Sales Barn - 519-934-2339 Scott Kuhl - 519-477-2339 Tom McNabb - 519-794-3072

Regular stocker sales every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. All cattle on overnight stand and fully catalogued. Visit website for further details. (Note: Tues. October 26th is not a regular cattle sale) Oct 1

9:00 am

Tara

Grass Yearling Steers & Heifers Selling ONS

Oct 8

9:00 am

Tara

Grass Yearling Steers & Heifers Selling ONS

Oct 15

9:00 am

Tara

Grass Yearling Steers & Heifers Selling ONS

Oct 23

9:00 am

Tara

Bruce Peninsula Charolais Calf Producers Sale vaccinated and presorted calves

Community Livestock Exchange (Hoard’s Station) Dave DeNure - 705-653-3660 Sponsored by Quinte Cattlemen’s Association Brad DeNure - 705-653-8763 daveyd@xplornet.com www.hoardsstationsalebarn.com Quinte Sales Contact - Denton Meiklejohn- 613-395-2008 dentlynnefarms@yahoo.ca

Oct 26

9:00 am

Tara

Georgian Bay Charolais Cross Calf Producers Sale, mainly Char, vaccinated & presorted calves

Farm fresh cattle only!

Oct 28

9:00 am

Tara

Bluewater Black Calf Producers Sale, vaccinated & presorted calves

Oct 30

9:00 am

Tara

Central Ontario Calf Producers Sale, all breeds, vaccinated & selling in owner lots

Nov 5

9:00 am

Tara

Special Calf Sale, selling in owner lots - vacc and non-vaccinated, all fully catalogued

Nov 12

9:00 am

Tara

Special grass and yard yearling steers & heifers-selling in owner lots - fully cataloged

Nov 19

9:00 am

Tara

Special Calf Sale, selling in owner lots - vacc & non-vaccinated, fully catalogued

Regular sales every Tuesday at 12:00 noon. Fall bred cow and cow/calf pair sales to be announced. Visit our website for updates.

Nov 26

5:00 pm

Tara

Special Bred Cows & Heifer Sale

Sept 25

11:00 am

Denfield

Vaccinated Calves & Yearlings

Dec 3

5:00 pm

Tara

Oct 9

11:00 am

Denfield

Vaccinated Calves & Yearlings

Special Bred Cows & Heifer Sale

Oct 23

11:00 am

Denfield

Vaccinated Calves & Yearlings

Dec 14

9:00 am

Tara

Last Regular Sale of 2021!

Nov 6

11:00 am

Denfield

Local Calf Sale - must be vaccinated by Oct 15

Monthly sales of stockers, bred cows and heifers, cow/calf pairs and breeder bulls. Consignments and dispersals welcome. See website for complete and current sale listings and details.

Oct 25

1:00 pm

Listowel

Fall Stocker Sale: All preconditioned, bunk-adjusted, age verified, various breeds.

Live video day of sale at www.davidcarson.on.ca. See website early October for list of consigned stockers.

Sept 17

11:00 am

Campbellford

600

Mixed Sale, Vaccinated Preferred, Catalogued-Farm Fresh

Oct 22

11:00 am

Campbellford

700

100% Vaccinated, Catalogued- Farm Fresh

Nov 26

11:00 am

Campbellford

800

100% Vaccinated, Catalogued- Farm Fresh

Jan 21’ 22 11:00 am

Campbellford

Mar 11 ’22 11:00 am

Campbellford

May 6 ’22 11:00 am

Campbellford

1,000 600 1,000

Denfield Livestock Sales Ltd. denfieldlivestock.com

34

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

100% Vaccinated, Catalogued- Farm Fresh Vaccinated preferred, Catalogued-Farm Fresh 100% Vaccinated, Catalogued- Farm Fresh Stan Rees - 519-666-1140 Cell - 519-871-5968

Date

Time

Location

# Head

Listowel Livestock Ltd.

Kind Grant Jackson: 519-291-2200

Regular sales every Tuesday at 1:00pm Maple Hill Auctions

Andy McCulloch - 519-379-1370

Sales bi-weekly on Mondays at 7:00 pm starting September, through the fall.

Date

Time

Location

# Head

Kind

Rainy River Cattlemen’s Sales - Stratton Sales Barn (continued) James Gibson home - 807-487-2731 Cell - 807-271-2005 Sale Barn week of sale - 807-483-5354 katjames2@gmail.com Nov 6

8:00 am

Stratton

Mainly calves & some yearlings, cows & bulls to start the sale.

Protocol cattle sell at 1:00 pm, many are age verified. Bred cow sale will be included if interest is presented.

Protocol cattle sell at 1:00 pm, many are age verified. Bred cow sale will be included if interest is presented.

Sept 4

1:00 pm

Hanover

Ontario Autumn Angus Classic

Sept 11

1:00 pm

Hanover

Ontario Autumn Simmental Classic

Sept 25

1:00 pm

Hanover

Lone Spruce Hereford Dispersal

Oct 15

7:00 pm

Hanover

“Upin the Ante” Charolais Sale

Oct 25

7:00 pm

Hanover

Local Vaccinated Calf Sale

Nov 13

1:00 pm

Hanover

Commercial Bred Heifer Sale

Nov 20

1:00 pm

Hanover

Ontario Shorthorn Sale

Nov 27

1:00 pm

Hanover

Angus Dispersal Sale

Stocker sales will be held every Tuesday with the regular sale. Bred cow sales will be announced prior to sale date.

Dec 4

1:00 pm

Hanover

Ontario Limousin Sale

Temiskaming Livestock Sales

Ontario Livestock Exchange David Ropp - 519-749-5072 Larry Witzel - 519-741-6333 Allen Colwell - 519-501-0147 OR contact OLEX directly at 519-884-2082 or 1-800-265-8818 dropp@olex.on.ca www.olex.on.ca Live Sales - Special vaccinated stocker sale every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Regular stocker sale every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Bred cow sales follow regular stocker sales on Thursdays.

Renfrew-Pontiac Livestock Ltd.

Ben Dick: 613-646-7335 or 613-602-7253 Matt Dick: 613-633-1598 Bill Stewart - 705-544-3508 Sale barn - 705-647-5415

Regular sales every Monday.

Oct 15

12:00 pm

New Liskeard

700

Calves and Yearlings

Vankleek Hill Livestock Exchange

613-678-3008

Stocker sales will be included in the last Wednesday sale of each month beginning in August.

Western Sales- Daily Internet Presort Sales and Direct from Ranch Sales - Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Provost, Lloydminster, Vermillion, Yorkton, Maple Creek, Meadow Lake, Prince Albert and Mankota. Call Dave Ropp or OLEX for details.

Aug 25

1:00 pm

Vankleek Hill

Stocker sale

Sept 29

1:00 pm

Vankleek Hill

Stocker sale

Oct 27

1:00 pm

Vankleek Hill

Stocker sale

Wed, Oct 20

1:00 pm

Waterloo

Special angus stocker sale in conjunction with the regular sale

Nov 24

1:00 pm

Vankleek Hill

Stocker Sale

Thur, Nov 4

11:00 am

Waterloo

Special limousin stocker sale in conjunction with the regular sale

Ontario Stockyards Inc. Ab Carroll - 705-344-6654 osi.abcarroll@gmail.com

Office - 705-458-4000 Brian Pascoe - 705-878-6918 www.ontariostockyards.on.ca

Follow us on our Facebook page (Ontario Stockyards) for the weekly updates and market information! Regular weekly stocker and feeder sales every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. All regular sales will start with vaccinated cattle first. Bred cow sales will be announced at a later date. Visit their website for updates at www.ontariostockyards.on.ca Sept 16

11:00 am

Cookstown

Special Fall Yearling Sale in conjunction with the regular sale

Oct 7

11:00 am

Cookstown

In conjunction with regular Thursday sale – CDN Angus Program/CDN Hereford Assoc. Sale

Oct 14

11:00 am

Cookstown

Leeds/Grenville Calf Sale In conjunction with regular Thursday sale

Northern Cattle Sales Network The Northern Cattle Sales Network is now on Facebook. View cattle on offer at upcoming sales or post pictures or descriptions of your own cattle that will be on sale at upcoming Northern auction sales, free! Or, send pictures and information to Gord Mitchell at mitchg@vianet.on.ca for uploading. If you need assistance, call Gord Mitchell at 705-571-1033.

Community Livestock Exchange (Hoard’s Station) Sponsored by Quinte Cattlemen’s Association Quinte Sales Contact - Denton Meiklejohn: 613-395-2008 or dentlynnefarms@yahoo.ca Farm fresh cattle only!

Sept 17

11:00 am

Campbellford

600

Mixed sale, vacc preferred, catalogued - farm fresh

Oct 22

11:00 am

Campbellford

700

100% vaccinated, catalogued - farm fresh

Nov 26

11:00 am

Campbellford

800

100% vaccinated, catalogued - farm fresh

Jan 21’ 22 11:00 am

Campbellford

1,000

100% vaccinated, catalogued - farm fresh

Oct 19

11:00 am

Cookstown

Ontario Stockyards Special Fall Yearling Sale

Mar 11 ’22 11:00 am

Campbellford

600

Vaccinations preferred, catalogued - farm fresh

Nov 2

11:00 am

Cookstown

Ontario Stockyards Special All Vaccinated Sale

May 6 ’22 11:00 am

Campbellford

1,000

100% vaccinated, catalogued - farm fresh

Nov 16

11:00 am

Cookstown

Ontario Stockyards Special All Vaccinated Sale

Kawartha Lakes Community Sale Barn Inc. Peterborough-Victoria Beef Farmers

Dec 2

11:00 am

Cookstown

Special Fall Yearling Sale in conjunction with the regular Thursday sale

Nov 3

10:00 am

Woodville

1000

100% Vaccinated- Guaranteed

Nov 17

10:00 am

Woodville

750

90% Vaccinated

Feb 9’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

900

90% Vaccinated

May 4’ 22 10:00 am

Woodville

1,000

90% Vaccinated

Dec 9

11:00 am

Cookstown

Ottawa Livestock Exchange

Special Vaccinated Calf Sale in conjunction with the regular Thursday sale Steve Spratt - 613-821-2634 or 613-822-1351 ottawalivestock@bellnet.ca

Regular sales every Thursday at Ottawa Livestock Exchange at 11:00 a.m. with stockers starting at approximately 12:30 p.m. Dates for special stocker sales and bred cow sales for the fall will be posted at www.ottawalivestockexchange.ca, or by calling the auction market at 613-821-2634.

Rainy River Cattlemen’s Sales - Stratton Sales Barn James Gibson home - 807-487-2731 Sale Barn week of sale - 807-483-5354

Cell - 807-271-2005 katjames2@gmail.com

Sales will be available via DLMS Network- PLEASE SIGN UP and REQUEST TO BID EARLY & PRIOR TO THE SALE STARTING. Please use CHROME or SAFARI as your browser and make sure your computer is updated.

8:00 am

Stratton

Majority yearlings & some early calves, cows & bulls to start the sale. Protocol cattle sell at 1:00 pm, many are age verified

Sept 25

8:00 am

Stratton

Mainly calves & some yearlings, cows & bulls to start the sale.

Protocol cattle sell at 1:00 pm, many are age verified

Oct 16

8:00 am

Stratton

Mainly calves & some yearlings, cows & bulls to start the sale.

Protocol cattle sell at 1:00 pm, many are age verified

Wayne Telford: 705-292-9531 Sale Week: 705-439-4444

Thessalon Sale Dennis Kirby cell - 705-842-2249 (sponsored by Algoma Co-operative Livestock Sales) Sept 21

10:00 am

Thessalon

900

Yearlings, 90% vaccinated

Oct 23

10:00 am

Thessalon

300

Calves, 90% vaccinated

May 7, ’22 10:00 am

Thessalon

300

Stockers

Wiarton Sale Terry Moser, President - 519-375-7957 (sponsored by Grey-Bruce Livestock Co-operative) Sept 28

10:00 am

Wiarton

500

Calf Sale - 90% vaccinated

May 5, ’22 10:00 am

Wiarton

500

Stockers

ON TAR IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

35

MARKET INFORMATION UPDATE

By Jamie Gamble, BFO Market Information Coordinator markets@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

T

he first quarter of 2021 saw the fed cattle market trade sideways with prices lower than the previous two years and the five-year average.

But, in mid to late April the market broke out of its slump with prices increasing from $240.00 cwt to $270.00 cwt dressed in a ten-week period.

At this point rail prices were stronger than last year, 2019 and the five-year average for the first time this year and maintained the $270.00 dressed prices for four consecutive weeks. At time of reporting, prices continue stronger than the last two years and the five-year average by at least $10.00 cwt, however fed cattle prices generally seasonally decline from here into the fall which is starting to happen. For most of 2021, Ontario has been trading on a positive basis to the U.S. with the exception of two weeks, while the market has been below Alberta for all but the last few of weeks in July. With the Ontario packers working through the first quarter backlog and improving prices, sellers have been marketing cattle and staying current. Enormous feed costs do not encourage holding onto cattle.

Ontario federal and provincial processing volumes as of June 30 are sitting at 341,825 head for steers, heifers and cull cows. This volume is up 1.4 per cent from June 30, 2020 but 3.2 per cent lower than 2019.

However, the 2020 volume is the second largest volume in this data set and the last 11 years. Volumes were strong to start the year, however they dropped off slightly in April and May of this year and picked up somewhat in June. Provincial processing volumes have been strong the first four months of 2021 with a slight decline in May, but volumes are still well above the 2019 and the five-year average with just a slight decline from 2020 numbers. The federal and provincial processing number for bulls has been higher this year but majority of the bulls processed in Ontario were done so at the provincial level. Very few were processed at federally inspected facilities. Carcass weights have been record high this year, but have been following seasonal patterns. The average weight for the first half of 2021 is the largest noted at 975 lbs for steers.

Exports of fed cattle and cull cows to the U.S. through Ontario ports started off the year very strong for steers but volumes have declined considerably since March 2021. Exports of steers are currently 46 per cent higher than last year at this time. Heifer volumes varied very little from month to month until April, with a slight increase which didn’t last as May numbers dropped by more than half. Year-to-date heifer export volumes are down 5 per cent from last year. The export of cull cows started off the year with strong demand but the numbers have dropped month over month, with the exception of March. Volumes are now the lowest noted in the last

36

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

three years and the five-year average, with year-to-date volumes down by 24 per cent from last year.

The cull cow market has seen stronger prices than 2019 the entire first half of 2021, stronger than 2020 for majority of the time and stronger than the five-year average since the end of March, but as of writing in mid-July the prices are starting to decline. Volumes sold through auction markets this year are currently 4.4 per cent fewer than last year and 1.4 per cent less than 2019. Volumes of beef cows sold as of June 30, 2021 are up 5 per cent over 2020 but only 1 per cent more than in 2019. Dairy cows sold as of June 30, 2021 are down 6.4 per cent from the same time in 2020 and 2 per cent fewer than in 2019.

Stocker volumes sold through auction markets as of June 30, 2021 are about steady to last year at this time but down 3.7 per cent from the same time in 2019. In this data set there are only three other years, 2015, 2016 and 2018 which have lower numbers traded than 2021. Stocker prices have been volatile with the cost of feed fluctuating and poor margins in the fed cattle market affecting demand. Heavier stocker steers are currently stronger than last year and the year before, and the five-year average but the lighter weights have come under some pressure. All categories of heifers are steady to stronger than last year at this time with the high feed prices not seeming to be having much effect. Volumes will start to increase as cattle are pulled off grass. Some areas will be moving cattle a lot sooner than usual due to severe drought in specific areas of the province. Special fall stockers sales will be ramping up as early as August in some areas. The complete fall listing of Ontario auction markets is available in this edition of Ontario Beef, as well as posted on our website under Market Information.

We have many options to help producers keep track of current pricing, all free of charge. If you are computer savvy, our website has multiple pages you can access for current market information. Visit www. ontariobeef.com and go to Market Reports and select from various options.

Individual auction market results are posted the next day under Auction Market Reports. A noon report is posted daily with updates from sales in progress that day. Daily and weekly reports are also posted by 4:30 pm with information on the sales of the day, other markets and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange closing figures. The daily market report is available on our website, or via email or fax. The weekly market report is available on our website, via email, fax and by regular mail every Friday afternoon. If you are interested in receiving any of the reports free of charge, please call the office to make arrangements. OB

Continued on page 38.

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

37

Continued from page 37. – Market

38

Info

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

BEEF EXPORTS - CANADA

United States

Mexico

Jan. 1 - May 31, ‘21 % Change

Total 135,049 tonnes

Jan. 1 - May 31, ‘21 % Change

+21%

9,220

Japan

China

Jan. 1 - May 31, ‘21

Total

21,557 tonnes

+109%

Jan. 1 - May 31, ‘21

+24%

7,540

+105%

BEEF PRODUCTION - CANADA

Jan. 1 - July 10 ‘21

Last Year Same Time

% Change

Fed

569,714 tonnes

493,972 tonnes

+15%

Non-fed

81,479 tonnes

75,284 tonnes

+8%

BEEF IMPORTS - CANADA

Jan. 1 - July 10, ‘21

Last Year Same Time % Change

US

53,403 tonnes

59,225 tonnes

Non-NAFTA

21,744 tonnes

28,701 tonnes

-24%

EU-28 (beef/veal total) 6,495 tonnes

7,387 tonnes

-12%

101,449 tonnes

-14%

Total

87,484 tonnes

-10%

LIVE CATTLE - CANADA IMPORTS

EXPORTS

Jan. 1 - May 31, ‘21

Jan. 1 - July 3, ‘21

Purebred

7,184

EXPORTS

Slaughter steers & heifers 208,195

% Change -21%

Non-Purebred 169,018 Feeder steers & heifers

47,718

-33%

15,046

-21%

Cows & bulls

LIVE CATTLE EXPORTS - ONTARIO

Week ending July 3, ‘21 Week ending June 26, ‘21 Year to Date

Total to US.

1,247

1,302

63,025

Steers, Heifers, Cows 1,082

1,052

58.,918

250

4,107

Bulls

165

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

39

CALENDAR

Ontario Beef Industry Events September 3 - Limousin Special Yearling Sale, Cargill Auction Market, Cargill September 11 - Ontario Autumn Simmental Classic Sale, Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover September 17 - River Valley Polled Herefords Genetics Design XVII Sale, at the farm, Newburgh September 17 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Hoard’s Station Sales Barn, Campbellford September 18 - Elm-Lodge and Guests Source For Success XX Hereford Sale, at the farm, Indian River September 19 - Medonte Highlands Polled Herefords Autumn Alliance XXXIX Sale, at the farm, Orillia September 25 - Lone Spruce Polled Herefords Complete Hereford Dispersal, Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover October 3 - IRCC Quality Control Simmental and Angus Sale, at the farm, Indian River October 7 - Hereford and Hereford-influence Fall Stocker Sale, Ontario Stockyards, Cookstown October 15 - Uppin’ The Ante Charolais Sale, Maple Hill Auction, Hanover

October 16 - Blue Water Angus Sale, Cargill October 16 - Fall Feature Charolais Female Sale, Hoards Station, Campbellford October 17 - M&L Cattle Company Beef Day, at the farm, Indian River October 22 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Hoard’s Station Sales Barn October 22 - Hereford and Hereford-influence Fall Stocker Sale, Brussels Stockyards, Brussels October 23 - Colours of Autumn Limousin Sale, Ontario Stockyards, Cookstown October 23 - Autumn Debutante Speckle Park Female Sale, at Silvertip Speckle Park farm, Brantford October 23 - 21st Annual Cream of the Crop Blonde d’Aquitaine Sale. Hoards Station Sale Barn, Campbellford October 25 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Carson Farms and Auctions, Listowel October 29 - Limousin Feeder Calf Sale, Cargill Auction Market, Cargill October 30 - Platinum Picks Charolais Sale, Hoards Station Sale Barn, Campbellford

November 2 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Ontario Stockyards, Cookstown November 2 - Fall Roundup Hereford Sale, Hoards Station Sale Barn, Campbellford November 4 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Ontario Livestock Exchange, Waterloo November 5 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Keady Livestock Market, Keady November 5 - Limousin Feeder Calf Sale, Cargill Auction Market, Cargill November 16 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Ontario Stockyards, Cookstown November 20 - Limousin Influenced Commercial Bred Female Sale, Carson Farms and Auctions, Listowel November 26 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Hoard’s Station Sales Barn Campbellford December 4 - Eastern Showcase Limousin Sale, Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover December 9 - Limousin Feeder Calf and Yearling Sale, Ontario Stockyards, Cookstown

BEEF BUSINESS LEADERS HAMMER MILLS FOR RENT Call today for all your feed processing needs.

Since 1973

BLUE MOUNTAINS FARM

BAR 5 STOCK FARMS

AgRig • Moorefield, Ontario • Ed Koster Jr. • 519-501-3624

Ron Sr. & Carla Nolan (905) 330-5299

Greg Nolan (416) 616-8834

NOLAN ANGUS FARMS

WHITTON-BROOK FARMS

Ron Jr. & Mike Nolan (416) 993-3218 / (519) 803-0555 WWW.BAR5.COM OFFICE: (519) 986-1330

Mitch & Brooke Whitton (647) 297-1517 WWW.ARTISANFARMS.CA

OFFICE: (905) 670-3450

636077 EUPHRASIA-HOLLAND TOWNLINE RR #3 MARKDALE, ON, N0C 1H0

Seeking Ontario Beef!

Fats & stockers for premium beef programs throughout Ontario!

Bar 5 Stock Farms

Brad Curran

Ron Sr. & Carla Nolan Mobile: (905) 330-5299 Office: (519) 986-1330

bradc@artisanfarms.ca

519 357 7600

CALL BRAD TODAY! P 905.670.3450 |

ArtisanFarms.ca | Info@ArtisanFarms.ca

Advertise in

BEEF BUSINESS LEADERS Very reasonable rates! Deadline for October 2021 issue is September 15.

Call 519-763-8833 for information

40

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

www.bar5.com

BOOMER

CREEK LIVESTOCK

636077 Euphrasia-Holland Townline RR #3 Markdale, ON, N0C 1H0

Owen Martin 4550 Ament Line Wallenstein Ont. N0B 2S0 C. 519-501-2207 E. owenmartin4550@gmail.com

Purebred Red & Black Simmentals

GENETICS

Quality Proven Fleckvieh Simmental Breeding Stock

Bulls and Heifers FOR SALE. DNA verified for carcass and feed efficiency.

Ross & Betty Small & Family R.R.#3 Harriston ON N0G 1Z0

Tel: 519-338-2077 • 1-800-461-3504 • Email: doraleegenetics1@sonicwaves.ca See our new website: www.doraleegenetics.com

R.R #5 HOARDS STATION Campbellford, Ontario SALE BARN Dave DeNure 705-653-3660 • Auction Sale Since 1949 • Sale Every Tuesday 12 p.m.

• Three Rings – Beef, Dairy, Pigs • Quinte Cattlemen’s Stocker Sales • Spring and Fall Member of O.L.A.M.A

M i ller La n d & Li vesto c k

Charolais Bulls, Hay, Straw, Feedlot George & Dianne, Dwayne, Ashley and Cowal Miller RR 1, Jarvis, ON N0A 1J0

Ph (519) 587-2755

Cell (519) 429-5902

Changes to OBCFPP Licenced Dealers List Now Licenced Country Dealer 2758282 Ontario Inc., o/a Kinder Foods Mount Forest, Ontario Willowtree Farm Port Perry, Ontario Renfrew Agricultural Society Renfrew, Ontario

No Longer Licenced Country Dealer Simon Langeraap Dunnville, Ontario

BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO PRIVACY STATEMENT

Abattoir/Country Dealer Butchers to Go Inc., o/a Abattoir Lefaivre Lefaivre, Ontario The entire OBCFPP list can be found on the OMAFRA website at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/ inspection/fpu/fpu_lists.htm Or for more information: Toll Free: 1-888-466-2372 ext. 64230 Local: (519) 826-4230 E-mail: foodinspection@ontario.ca

The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of producers’ personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Subscribers to Ontario Beef magazine, the official publication of the Beef Farmers of Ontario, do so on a voluntary basis. By subscribing, subscribers are consenting to have their contact information used for the purposes of receiving the magazine and developing an BFO mailing list.

This mailing list will be used for the distribution of the BFO magazine.

The BFO will not sell, trade or otherwise share its Ontario Beef mailing list under any circumstances. A service may be provided whereby items are submitted to the BFO and mailed internally with the magazine but all materials must be approved by and acceptable to the BFO. In rare instances where external, non-commercial organizations, like the provincial or federal government, wish to use the Ontario Beef mailing list to distribute information, the government must provide their mailing materials in a finished format to BFO and/or its mailing house.

BFO will then coordinate the mailing, at the requesting organization’s cost, thus maintaining confidentiality of the list. In cases where the BFO may commission a mailing, the company providing the service is required to sign a mandatory confidentiality agreement.

Subscribers to the Ontario Beef mailing list who wish to have their names removed, should call 519-824-0334 or email bethany@ontariobeef.com. Please allow 15 business days to allow us to update our records accordingly.

BFO’s complete privacy statement, covering areas of information including the electronic update system, Website, membership list and market information can be viewed on its Website at http://www.ontariobeef.com/privacy.asp

8669 Concession 6 Listowel, ON N4W 3G8

Gates, Hutches, Fencing, Scales, Chutes & More

sales@steelheadag.com • 519-266-6877 • www.steelheadag.com

Advertise in

BEEF BUSINESS LEADERS Very reasonable rates!

Deadline for October 2021 issue is September 15.

Call 519-763-8833 for information

ONTARIO MAINE-ANJOU ASSOCIATION

Commercial Angus Purebred Red Angus Purebred Black Angus Purebred Hereford

The Seed Family • Greg: 705-648-4274 seesonranch@outlook.com

Andy Millar

109 Bulmer’s Rd. • R.R.#2 Fenelon Falls • ON K0M 1N0 • Tel: 705-887-5142

Silver Springs Farms

SUNRISE ANGUS

James & Joan McKinlay R.R. 1, Ravenna, Ontario N0H 2E0 Tel: 519-599-6236 jmckinlay@bmts.com

Breeders of Quality Cattle Simmental • Red Angus • F1 Crosses

SILVERTIP

Embryos and Live Cattle for sale.

Garry & Sheila Smart 137606 Grey Rd. 12, RR # 2, Meaford, Ontario N4L 1W6 Phone: 519-538-4877 Cell: 519-372-7459 smartlimo@bmts.com www.smartlimousin.com

“Industry Accepted since 1978”

Breeding Stock Available at All Times.

Bulls and females sold private treaty Consigning to Bluewater Angus Sale in October

Joel & Irene Thomas • 477285 3rd Line Melancthon ON L9V 1T5

Phone: 519 925 5661• Cell: 519 940 1258 Email: sunriseangus@xplornet.ca

SPECKLE PARK

322 Burt Road St. George, Ontario N0E 1N0

We have both Red and Black Breeding Stock AVAILABLE to help improve your Weaning Weights and Carcass Quality.

(since 1995)

Purebred Black Angus Cattle

HUGH MACNEIL

519-861-2722 hugh.macneil@outlook.com

A: It’s in MAINE-ANJOU Offspring

jennalperry07@gmail.com

CHAROLAIS BULLS FOR SALE • Double Polled • Low Birth weights • Quiet Disposition • Well grown and ready to go to work

845040 Morrow Rd, New Liskeard Ontario, P0J 1P0

Q: Where’s the Beef?

Contact: OMAA Secretary: Jenna Perry 613-449-1719 or Facebook

Sunny Meadows Charolais

P: 519-760-0892 E: uspecs@roievents.ca FB: UNDERHILL SPECS

Performance live/frozen genetics available!

Wright’s R.R#1, #402144 Hanover, ON N4N 3B8 Tel: 519-369-3658

Carl Wright Cell: 519-369-7489 Ben Wright Cell: 519-374-3335 Laurie Wright Ofc: 519-369-3658

ON TA R IO BEEF • AU GU ST 2021

41

WELLNESS ON THE FARM

By Bethany Storey, BFO Communications Specialist and Darby Wheeler, BFO Policy Advisor

Feeling Burned Out? You’re Not Alone.

W

hile farmers face weather challenges on a regular basis, the drought and dry conditions this year have added a layer of

stress and anxiety to farm planning for many individuals and their families, and these situations can take a toll on our mental health. It is important during these difficult times to reach out to friends and neighbours to provide support to those who may need it while at the same time not forgetting to take care of yourself.

There are numerous mental health resources available and people to talk with if you or someone you know may be struggling at this time. Listed below are mental health resources, including mental health resources geared towards the agriculture sector. These resources aim to improve stress management strategies, start the mental health conversation and/or locate necessary mental health services.

Ontario Mental Health Line ConnexOntario Provides free and confidential health services information for

Distress & Crisis Ontario At one of Ontario’s Distress Centres you can find a listening ear for anyone who is feeling lonely, depressed, suicidal, or struggling otherwise. Most centres operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and include Suicide Survivor programs, support services for youth, telephone call-out programs for seniors and other vulnerable populations, mental health crisis lines, and more.

A complete listing of regional centres and contact information is available at www.dcontario.org/centres

BounceBack Ontario BounceBack is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

Learn more at bouncebackontario.ca.

people experiencing mental illness by connecting them with services in their area. They are funded by the Government of Ontario. Available 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600.

You can also use a chat online, email, and access additional resources from www.connexontario.ca.

The Farmers’ Toolbox This website serves as a mental health resource database. The information has been curated for farmers, anyone in the agricultural industry and residents of rural Ontario.

For more details, visit www.thefarmerstoolbox.com.

Do More Ag Do More Ag is a not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada.

For more details, visit www.domore.ag/resources.

Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iBCT) Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is a practical, short-term program delivered online. It helps people develop skills and strategies to address symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.

To sign up, visit myicbt.com/home

Help Starts Here Help Starts Here features online social workers and resources to help you help yourself. This site also lists thousands of clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other licensed mental health professionals.

To learn more, visit www.helpstartshere.org/ If you or someone you know is in crisis, call: 911, visit your local emergency room or call the crisis line ConnexOntario 1.866.531.2600

42

O N T A R I O B E E F • AUGUS T 2 0 2 1

OB

Get the Advantage

Member Services Manager: Ashton Colvin Cell: (519) 357-6775 memberservices.osa@gmail.com

CHAROLAIS SALE

Friday, October 15, 2021 • 7:00 PM Maple Hill Auction, Hanover, ON

50 Select Purebred Charolais Female Lots • Heifer Calf Show Prospects • Bred Yearlings • Flush & Recipients • 3 in 1 Cow/Calf Pairs JUNIOR INCENTIVE PROGRAM Cash incentive program for a project animal purchased from the Uppin’ the Ante Female Sale • $500 to the Grand Champion at the CCYA National Junior Show • $500 to the Supreme Champion at the Canadian Junior Beef Show (Royal Winter Fair) • $250 to the Reserve Grand Champion at the CCTA National Junior Show • $250 to the overall Grand Champion at the Junior Exhibitors Regional 4-H Show • $100 for the completion of the 4-H project

SCHEDULE Thursday, October 14 – Viewing of the cattle all day followed by a social in the evening FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 – Viewing of the cattle all day, supper and refreshments begin at 5:00 p.m. and run until the sale starts at 7:00 p.m.

CONSIGNORS Bridor Charolais ................................................ 519-323-2538 Cornerview Charolais ....................................... 613-646-9741 Medonte Charolais ........................................... 705-835-3310 Rollin’ Acres Charolais...................................... 705-627-0672 Saunders Charolais ........................................... 519-986-4165 Whiskey Hollow Cattle Co. .............................. 705-931-5436 Dudgeon-Snobelen Land & Cattle .................. 519-385-1023

SALE STAFF Chester Tupling, Sale Chair, Blockman ............ 705-627-0672 Helge By, Ring Service ...................................... 306-536-4261 Carl Wright, Auctioneer................................... 519-369-7489 Andy McCulloch, Sales Barn Manager ............ 519-379-1370 ACCOMMODATIONS Travelers Inn, Hanover ..................................... 519-364-1911 Best Western, Walkerton ................................. 855-436-3030

GUEST CONSIGNORS Double B Charolais ........................................... 705-718-9005 EMB Charolais................................................... 705-345-2970 Moyer Cattle Co. .............................................. 519-993-5010

Contact the breeders or sale staff for a catalogue or view it online at www.charolaisbanner.com