Ontario Beef - December 2021

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO

BEEF ON T A R I O

2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING LISTING • STAN EBY INDUCTED INTO CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME • CONSUMER RESEARCH DEMONSTRATES SUPPORT FOR CATTLE AND FOOD WASTE STORIES • DECEMBER 2021

HAY, WE DID IT!

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement Number 0040007029

Docility=Profitability Herefords are well known for their docility and ease of handling.

Science now proves Profitability comes with Convenience.

BETTER YOUR BEEF.

HEREFORD

Happy New Year and safe and Happy Calving from the Ontario Hereford Association.

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

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

December 2021

Volume 62, Number 5

COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER-SUPPORTED PUBLICATION

CONTENTS 4

Ahead of the Heard

6

The Beef Beat

8

2022 County and District Annual General Meetings

9

Taking Food Bullying by the Horns

12

10 Connecting with Consumers 12 Stan Eby Inducted into Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame 14 LRIC Update: Getting Research Into Practice 16 Rural Ramble 17 Consumer Research Demonstrates Support for Cattle and Food Waste Stories

20

20 Hay, We Did It!

ON THE COVER

22 OMAFRA Update

Our feature story in this issue of Ontario Beef highlights the collaboration between the Government of Ontario and BFO to provide emergency feed relief to livestock producers in northwestern Ontario who were deeply impacted by drought conditions throughout the 2021 growing season. Read about the impact of the initiative and special recognition to all those who helped provide support and donations.

24 Canada Beef Update 25 CCA Update 26 Farm and Food Care Update 27 Two Major Changes Endorsed for the Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program 29 Focus on Herd Health: Considerations for Lice Control Strategies 32 Market Information 37 Calendar of Events

Special thanks to Katrina Laine Photography and Rob and Coleman Campbell of Smith Falls, Ontario for this stunning cover photo of Allistar, affectionately nicknamed by the Campbell family as, “Big Al”. Don’t miss out on submitting your photos for our February issue. Please send your winterinspired photos by January 10 to be considered for the cover.

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

38 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

Making a List and Checking it Twice T

he hustle and bustle of the holiday season has arrived at our house as we prepare for another year-end celebration with family, neighbours and friends. Holiday shopping lists are being checked twice, festive menus are being carefully crafted, and outside on the farm, we are busy prepping for the winter months by storing equipment, and checking water bowls, pens and bunks for winter feeding. The hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be exciting and a nice change of pace from “normal” life, but for some, the holidays can be tough. The extra commotion can spark feelings of anxiety, stress and depression, not to mention the added pressures of the pandemic on everyday tasks. If you feel the holidays are taking a toll on your well-being, here’s a few quick thoughts to help you through.

•A cknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to feel sadness. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.

•R each out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out support from your community, family, neighbours and friends.

•B e realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. As families change and grow, traditions often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.

Speaking of lists, I would invite you to visit page 8 where you will find a complete listing of upcoming county and district annual general meetings, which will take place across the province in January. I would encourage you to join your fellow producers for some fellowship and an opportunity to discuss current issues and set the course for your local association in the year ahead. Each year, the BFO Board and staff look forward to connecting with our members at these meetings.

As some meetings cautiously returned to in person this fall, I had the pleasure of being a part of an announcement in early November with Minister Thompson and MP Lloyd Longfield at the Ontario Beef Research Centre in Elora, Ontario to highlight $1.3 million in new federal 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

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and provincial funding for feed intake monitoring equipment that has been installed in the new feedlot research barn. The following week, the federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers of agriculture met in Guelph for their annual ministers of ag conference. I was pleased to welcome and tour the ministers, deputies, and their staff around the Ontario Beef Research Centre prior to the start of the FPT meetings.

On the policy front, in consultation with BFO’s Board of Directors and Cow-Calf and Feedlot Committees, BFO’s policy team has been working on our submission on the Next Ag Policy Framework (NPF). The current agricultural policy framework, known as the Canadian Agricultural Program, is set to expire in March of 2023. Policy frameworks cover both business risk management programming and strategic investments like on-farm cost-share programs. Some of the items we’d like to see included in the next framework include things like manure storage funding, allowance for projects that support on-farm expansion, labour incentives for agri-food workers and employers, perimeter fencing and herd growth incentives.

Lastly, another issue on our list that continues to be a priority for us is working to address the loss of deadstock collection services which is impacting some of our members. The reduction in critical services is a result of a couple of licensed deadstock operators who have reduced their service area radius or have eliminated services altogether. We continue to work with Ontario’s livestock organizations and government, and are open to discussions with waste management facilities, municipalities and private industry to develop short, medium and long-term solutions to address the current service disruption.

In closing, I would welcome you to join us at our virtual annual general meeting, which will be held on the afternoons of February 23 and 24. Program details can be found in this issue of Ontario Beef, as well as on our website at www.ontariobeef.com, including registration info. Hope to see you there. OB

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

Consider Running for a BFO Director or Committee Position T

he degree to which BFO can provide leadership in responding to industry needs is heavily dependent on the competencies and leadership of the BFO Board of Directors and committees. BFO is currently seeking nominations for various positions with the BFO Board of Directors and committees. Elections will take place prior to the 2022 AGM, which will be a two-day virtual event on the afternoons of February 23 and 24. Election results will be ratified by delegates and announced during the AGM. Anyone interested in becoming a candidate for the BFO Board of Directors, Cow-Calf Committee, Feedlot Committee, or Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) positions must be elected as a voting delegate at his/her local annual meeting. Candidates must be members in good standing of BFO. Interested candidates are asked to submit their nomination form(s), biography and photo (if applicable) to the BFO office by Monday, January 24, 2022. Nominations will not be accepted after 4:30 p.m. on February 8, 2022. Nomination forms can be found on the BFO website at www.ontariobeef.com, or you can contact Darby Wheeler at the BFO office at 519-824-0334.

Board Directors There are four elected positions open on the 2022 BFO Board of Directors. In advance of the BFO Annual General Meeting in February, voting delegates will vote for the following director representatives: (1) Cow-Calf; (1) Feedlot; (1) Southern; and (1) At-Large

Committee Members There are three elected positions open on the 2022 BFO Cow-Calf Committee and four elected positions open on the 2022 BFO Feedlot Committee. In advance of the BFO Annual General Meeting in February, voting delegates will vote for the following representatives: (3) Cow-Calf Committee Members; (3) Feedlot Committee Members; (1) Background Committee Member on the Feedlot Committee.

Ontario Directors to CCA There are two elected positions open for Ontario directors to CCA. Nominees must be a member of the 2022 BFO Board of Directors, Advisory Council or alternate member of the Advisory Council. During the BFO Annual General in February, voting delegates will vote for two (2) representatives. OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

5

THE BEEF BEAT

By Darby Wheeler, BFO Policy Advisor darby@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

Resolutions Update A

t BFO’s Annual General Meeting in February, a number of resolutions were put forward and efforts to address these resolutions are near completion. An overview of the resolution responses and associated actions completed to date can be found below. If you are interested in reading more about a particular resolution, all BFO resolution responses can be found on BFO’s website or by contacting the BFO office.

21-01 – Increased Costs of Carbon Tax

Action Updates: BFO strongly supports efforts to help increase beef production efficiencies and the implementation of practices that assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but we do not believe a carbon tax is an effective tool to reduce emissions for Ontario’s beef farmers.

With a carbon tax in place, our position is for a blanket exemption for the agriculture sector. BFO’s Director on the Canadian Cattlemen Association (CCA) Environment Committee raised this issue and CCA also maintains the same position. Bills have been put forward at the federal level around expanding carbon tax exemptions for the agriculture sector, but these bills have not been made into law. In April of this year, the federal government announced its intention to return a portion of the federal carbon tax proceeds to farmers in provinces without their own provincial carbon tax. BFO continues to work with CCA to advocate for a blanket exemption from the carbon tax for farmers.

21-02 – Increased Funding for Risk Management Program

Action Update: The most recent increase to the program’s budget was in July of 2020, when the government announced it would be adding an additional $50 million. Even though this funding came at a critical time, it still does not meet the needs of our producers in most years which causes the regular proration of benefit payments. There has been a group lobby effort put forward for an additional increase to the RMP budget by the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC), which is comprised of the commodity groups that the RMP involves.

During 2021, the province committed to maintaining the current program structure, holding premiums at 2020 levels this year, and maintaining program funding at $150 million per year for all commodities.

21-03 – Business Risk Management Programs

Action Update: Enhancements to business risk management (BRM) programs continues to be a top priority for BFO. Similar to resolution 21-02, we were pleased by the additional $50 million that was added to the RMP budget in July of 2020, but the program remains underfunded.

BFO and our OASC partners continue to lobby for more funding for RMP. With respect to BRM programs, the province increased the compensation rate from 70 per cent to 80 per cent retroactively to the 2020 program year on the province’s 40 per cent portion. BFO continues to advocate for the following enhancements in 2021: AgriStability • Increase the trigger level from 70 per cent to 85 per cent • Remove the Reference Margin Limit 6

O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

• Increase/remove the per farm cap on program benefits • Increase the compensation rate from 70 per cent to 80 per cent Other Programs • Increase AgriInvest funding back to pre-Growing Forward II levels • Implement yield-based forage insurance for livestock producers • Increase the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program (APP) from $100,000 to $500,000

21-04 – Dairy Producer Relations and Cull Cows

Action Update: BFO has been closely monitoring dairy-to-beef slaughter ratios for several years, particularly since increases in Ontario slaughter utilization rates were noticed. BFO and Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) have increased our engagement and communications, including regular updates and proactive discussions regarding the cull cow market, DFO’s incentive program, and adjustments to quota.

Incentive day adjustments have not been a very reliable indicator of potential dairy cull cow marketings. Quota reductions, on the other hand, can be more problematic as they can have more of an impact on the rate in which dairy farmers cull their cows. DFO has a good working relationship with BFO and provides advance notice of these decisions.

In BFO’s view, the larger concern for the Ontario beef sector is the lack of sufficient processing capacity available to producers in Ontario, the result of which has negatively impacted the competitiveness of the beef and dairy cull sectors in the province.

21-05 – Incentive Program for Protecting Hay and Pastureland Action Update: BFO continues to communicate with the federal and provincial governments about the drastic loss of grasslands used for pasture and hay production in Ontario. Regulatory and voluntary carbon offset systems have been viewed as a tool that may provide beef farmers with incentives to keep grasslands intact. The federal government is currently developing a Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System that would apply to all provinces and territories that do not have their own offset system, which would include Ontario. The Canada Grassland Protocol, a voluntary protocol developed in 2019 to allow carbon offsets to be generated for grassland preservation and for carbon storage in grasslands, is being piloted in Canada by the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association. BFO continues to provide the government recommendations to ensure beef farmers have access to carbon offset markets that can incentivize the retention of grasslands, as well as support other environmental stewardship practices on-farm.

21-07 – County/District Organization Insurance Coverage

Action Update: At the April BFO Board of Directors meeting, the board approved a fifty percent cost-share initiative for Director and Officers (D&O) insurance premiums with local associations. We recommend any local association that does not currently maintain D&O insurance consider adding it to their insurance policy.

Continued on page 28.

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

7

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Ontario Charolais breeders.

to everyone who purchased Ontario Charolais Bulls and Females in 2021.

THANK YOU

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

LEADING THE WAY TO PROFITS

CHAROLAIS

FORMAT REGION

DATE TIME

DETAILS

Virtual

Elgin

Jan. 4

7:00 p.m.

Register - maryjotait@yahoo.ca

Virtual

Prince Edward

Jan. 4

7:30 pm

Register - tinahiddink@gmail.com

In Person

Lambton

Jan. 5

6:00 pm

Plympton-Wyoming Fairgrounds Building, 595 Main Street, Wyoming

In Person

Cochrane

Jan. 8

12:00pm

Porquis Junction Agricultural Hall, Main Street

In Person

Dundas

Jan. 8

9:00am

Country Kitchen Restaurant, 2159 County Road 31, Winchester, Complimentary breakfast included.

In Person

Stormont

Jan. 8

9:00am

Cornwall Township Lions Club, 17413 McPhail Road, RR 1, St. Andrews West

In Person

Grenville

Jan. 9

12:00pm

Spencer-City Bar and Grill, 11 Spencer Street, Unit 1, Spencerville

Virtual

Niagara

Jan. 10

7:00pm

Register - yungblut.charlene@gmail.com

In Person

Victoria

Jan. 10

7:00pm

Dunsford Community Centre, Dunsford

Virtual

Algoma

Jan. 11

7:00pm

Register - mparr@ssmic.com

In Person

Brant

Jan. 11

7:30pm

TBC

Virtual

Dufferin

Jan. 11

7:30pm

Register - laceyj.frizzell@gmail.com

In Person

Glengarry

Jan. 11

6:00pm

Alexandria Restaurant & Pizzeria, 127 Main Street South

Virtual

Peterborough

Jan. 11

7:00pm

Register - pleahy@nexicom.net

In Person

Wentworth

Jan. 11

8:00pm

Ancaster Fairgrounds - Main Building, 630 Trinity Road South, Jerseyville

Virtual

Frontenac

Jan. 12

7:30pm

Register - jennalperry07@gmail.com

In Person

Huron

Jan. 12

7:00pm

Royal Canadian Legion, Brussels. Due to capacity limit, please register - kitmacg51@gmail.com

Virtual

Lanark

Jan. 12

7:30pm

Register - barb.keith@ripnet.com

Virtual

Leeds

Jan. 12

7:00pm

Register - blarfarm@kos.net

In Person

Lennox & Addington

Jan. 12

7:00pm

Centreville Hall, 4504 County Road 4, Centerville

In Person

Manitoulin

Jan. 12

11:00am

Spring Bay Hall, Spring Bay

In Person/ Virtual

Perth

Jan. 12

7:00pm

Listowel Agricultural Hall, Listowel. Virtual access also available, register a-schneid@hotmail.com

In Person

Prescott

Jan. 12

7:00pm

TBC

Virtual

York

Jan. 12

10:00am

Register - galten.farms@sympatico.ca

Virtual

Durham

Jan. 13

7:30pm

Register - stanandmaryannfound@gmail.com

Virtual

Haldimand

Jan. 13

7:00pm

Register - haupt.greta@gmail.com

In Person

Hastings

Jan. 13

6:30pm

Tweed Agricultural (White) Building, 297 St. Joseph St., Tweed

In Person

Northumberland

Jan. 13

1:00pm

Hoard's Station Sale Barn, 2508 County Rd. 8, Campbellford

In Person

Oxford

Jan. 13

6:30pm

Unifor Hall, 126 Beale Street, Woodstock

Virtual

Simcoe

Jan. 13

7:30pm

Register - lorijchalmers@gmail.com

Virtual

Waterloo

Jan. 14

12:30pm

Register - mike@jfm.ca

In Person

Wellington

Jan. 14

7:00pm

Elora Central Pentecostal Church, 7674 Colborne St., Elora

Virtual

Ottawa

Jan. 15

10:00am

Register - stevenjacres@sympatico.ca

Virtual

Temiskaming

Jan. 15

8:00pm

Register - scrambledeggs55@hotmail.com

Virtual

Norfolk

Jan. 18

7:30pm

Register - rpeacock77@yahoo.com

In Person

Bruce

Jan. 19

11:00am

Royal Canadian Legion, 86 River Street, Tara

Virtual

Muskoka/PS/Nip.

Jan. 19

7:30pm

Register - blackmore_linda@hotmail.com

TBC

Thunder Bay

Jan. 19

TBC

TBC

Virtual

Grey

Jan. 20

7:30pm

Register - suchowbeef@gmail.com

In Person

Middlesex

Jan. 20

7:00pm

Ilderton Community Centre, Ilderton

Virtual

Peel/Halton

Jan. 20

10:00am

Register - tparker@uoguelph.ca

In Person/ Virtual

Rainy River

Jan. 20

7:00pm CT

Stratton Sales Barn, 97 Sales Barn Road, Stratton.

Virtual access also available, register - kimjobliss@gmail.com

In Person

Renfrew

Jan. 20

7:30pm

Cobden Agricultural Hall, Cobden

In Person

Russell

Jan. 20

7:30pm

4762 Rockdale Road, Navan

In Person

Kenora

Jan. 21

6:00pm CT

Oxdrift Hall, Oxdrift

In Person

Sudbury/West Nip.

Jan. 22

10:00am

Clarion Hotel, 117 Elm Street, Sudbury

At the time of printing, AGM details for Essex, Kent and Haliburton had not yet been confirmed.

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2022 BFO COUNTY & DISTRICT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS Traditionally, local county & district annual general meetings provide an excellent opportunity for members of the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) to meet with fellow farmers and neighbours, as well as directors and staff from BFO. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, associations have had to adapt to public health gathering guidelines and some have opted to host a virtual meeting again this year with the assistance of BFO. As you can understand, plans for these meetings may change quickly over the next several weeks.

Before you plan to attend, please refer to the BFO website for current listing, or as always, you can contact the office by calling 1.866.370.2333.

SAVE THE DATE

BFO’s 2022 VIRTUAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Taking Care of Business

February 23 & 24, 2022

Visit www.ontariobeef.com for details and to register!

www.ontariobeef.com

Taking Food Bullying by the Horns Author, Michele Payne, to Join BFO Virtual AGM as Keynote Speaker

By Michele Payn, CSP & Author

H

as anyone ever made you feel bad about the food you choose to eat? Why is a pregnant woman made to feel guilty if she’s not buying the “right” label of food, or a new dad totally frustrated over the thousands of options found in the grocery store? Is it necessary for a college student to be shamed over her choice to eat meat or not?

I don’t think it’s okay to shame, judge, or taunt others about their farming or eating choices. That’s why I wrote Food Bullying: How to Avoid Buying B.S. and will be speaking about it in February at BFO’s Virtual Annual General Meeting. Many people have never heard of food bullying, so I wanted to help frame this issue, as it’s an alarming trend in the $5.75 trillion business of food.

Bull Speak (B.S.) refers to the bad behaviors, deceptive label claims, marketing half-truths, and other unnecessary drama surrounding our food plates today. Frankly, it’s all just B.S.! An $8 bag of milk from a specialty store is not superior to a $2.99 bag of milk from a convenience store. Both the perceived better label and resulting sense of superiority are often B.S. Assuming you are a better person because you bought the “right label” of food is no different than schoolyard bullying over the “right brand” of clothing.

Bullying operates from a point of privilege, preying on fear. Food marketing is often fear-based. This misleading marketing has made

food overly emotional, to the point where our nutrition is seemingly trumped by moral statement.

The resulting social movement has caused an alarming rise in food bullying. The more food bullying, the more B.S. food— and so the cycle continues.

Consider this; if the power in your food choices has shifted to what you read on marketing labels, you are likely being bullied. The front of food packages frequently contains misleading and B.S. information— because companies want you to spend your money on their product.

The Michigan State University (MSU) Food Literacy 2018 study showed that 87% of people are at least somewhat influenced by food labels in their food buying decisions.

Bullying doesn’t happen without fear—and there’s a whole lot of fear in food today! Food bullying literally takes food out of someone’s hand—by removing choice, creating emotion, or forcing an individual into groupthink mentality.

“Somebody telling me I’m buying/eating incorrectly if I don’t eat vegan or organic” is how a Wisconsin millennial summed up food bullying, while another local friend said, “It’s simply someone belittling my eating choices without knowing the reason behind them.” A Canadian baby boomer dad pointed to food evangelists who try to force their viewpoint on him.

What does food bullying mean to you? It’s likely different for everyone, but it is impacting the practices you’ll be permitted to use in raising beef, what’s socially acceptable, and perceptions of you as a farmer. Isn’t it time we took food bullying by the horns? Join us on February 23!

Join Us at BFO’s Virtual Annual General Meeting BFO’s 2022 Annual General Meeting, themed “Taking Care of Business”, will be hosted virtually over two days in the afternoons of February 23 and 24, 2022. The usual business activities of the association will be presented and reviewed by voting delegates, including the financials and resolutions, but the mechanics of the meeting will operate differently. Elections for BFO Director and committee positions will be conducted in advance by the voting delegates, and a vote to ratify the election results will be presented at the AGM. In addition to keynote speaker, Michele Payne, BFO is also pleased to share that author, mental health advocate and Humboldt crash survivor, Kaleb Dahlgren will join the program as keynote speaker on day two (Feb. 24).

For agenda and registration details visit BFO’s homepage at www.ontariobeef.com OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

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CONNECTING WITH CONSUMERS Working All Angles

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

I

t seems like just yesterday that it was February 2020 and life was normal. Then the world stopped, we blinked and now 2021 will be soon drawing to a close. While many industries and businesses continue to struggle to adapt to a new way of communicating and interacting with folks, just like we did in March 2020, our Ontario Beef consumer engagement has continued to charge forward successfully with our plans. Since the last update in May, we have been busy, so thought we would share some of the highlights from the last few months.

Ontario Beef BBQ Battle After a very successful (and award-winning) run last summer, the battle was back again in 2021, this time with the theme of #JustAddFire. Nothing says summer like cooking with an open flame, so we tasked our four challengers to come up with the perfect combination of Ontario beef, fresh ingredients, bold seasonings, and a whole lot of fire! Our host Andrew Gunadie was back again this year and when the campaign was done, it was another homerun. The battle reached over 700,000 people, received 58,000 engagements (not including the video views!), made 2.1 million impressions and drove over 38,000 visits to the website. These numbers are fantastic, but when you look at the fact that the advertising market was MUCH more competitive this summer than in 2020 now that companies are starting to find their footing again, these numbers are even more impressive. Having become an annual event, watch for the battle to return again in 2022 with a whole new theme!

Enjoy Some Local Flavour Campaign With the battle wrapped up for another year, our fall/winter campaign hit the market in mid-November. Our Enjoy Some Local

Flavour campaign has us partnered with several Ontario food and beverage companies to do some cross-promotion. While all of the partners selected pair deliciously with Ontario beef, some are expected pairings (like Dennis’ Horseradish) and others a little more unexpected (like Carrick Bros Maple Syrup). The idea is to inspire shoppers to source other local products to pair with their Ontario beef, get their wheels turning on new recipe and pairing ideas, and capitalize on the “local food” movement that is still holding strong.

The first wave of partner content is in market now with a second wave expected in the new year as the campaign runs until the end of January.

Ontario Beef Podcast Ads In November, we did our first run of advertising on podcasts.

We opted for “host-read” ads which means we sent them some talking points, but each of the hosts had the freedom to create the

SEASONS GREETINGS I would like to extend a big

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O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

ad in a way that would best fit within their podcast and appeal to audiences. Our ads ran for four weeks on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Stuff You Should Know and Freakonomics. Yes, Conan talked about Ontario beef on his podcast! At press time, we were halfway through the flight and already our ads had been heard by over 290,000 listeners and we were on track to meet our target totals before the end of the four weeks. After a successful first run, we will take the lessons learned and will likely try this again in 2022.

Environmental Benefits of Ontario Beef PR Campaign In September, we kicked off a public relations campaigned aimed specifically at trying to get more good news stories into the media about beef and beef farming’s positive impacts on the environment.

The UN Food Systems Summit was being held in September, so we had anticipated an increase in negative press as a result. It was actually quiet though, which gave us the opportunity to do some relationship building with media contacts via our PR firm, so when the negative press DID start coming in during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) we were ready with pitches to take out to media and they were much more receptive to them with that relationship now established. Since the campaign kicked off on September 1st, we have managed to land several articles and interviews with outlets such as BNN, Reuters, Hamilton Spectator and Canadian SME Business Magazine, to name a few, and there are other pitches currently in the works. We also have plans for an opinion piece and some integrated media with a mainstream outlet before the end of the year.

AgScape Lesson Plans Throughout the spring and summer, we worked with the team at AgScape to create three curriculum-linked resources for grades 7-12. Touching on various subject areas from health and physical education to social studies, science, careers, and technology these resources aim to provide an overview of the practices involved in the production of beef in Ontario from farm to table. An Exploration of Beef Farming in Ontario was launched during Ontario Agriculture Week in October and AgScape has since had over 250 requests for the resource. A quick move to digital program delivery in the spring of 2020 has increased the reach of their programs exponentially over the last two years. We continue to work closely with AgScape to help them deliver on their mandate to bring accurate and balanced information about farming and food production to classrooms across the province.

In addition to the highlights shared here, we have had a number of other projects on the go throughout the year, including recipe development, photography, a new TESA video featuring Jackie and Steve Pemberton, influencer work, collaborations with both CCA and Canada Beef, and lots of social media, both paid and organic.

To keep track of what we are up to, we are working on a quarterly e-news update, so stay tuned for how to sign up for that shortly and in the meantime, if you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on social media! OB

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ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

11

Stan Eby Inducted into Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame B

FO Past President, Stan Eby, was one of nine outstanding Canadians who were officially inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame on November 21 at a ceremony in Winnipeg to showcase 2020 and 2021 recipients. The 2020 inductees were Jay Bradshaw, James Halford, Dr. Bryan Harvey and Dr. Douglas Hedley, and joining Stan as the 2021 inductees were Gordon Bacon, Dr. Don Buckingham, Johanne Ross and Dr. Phil Williams.

“After missing an in-person event in 2020, it was so heartening to have a room full of so many Canadians who, through their incredible and long-lasting contributions, have helped shape our agri-food industry to be world leading,” says Ted Menzies, president of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. “Our newest inductees truly represent the vast diversity of Canadian agriculture – crop breeding, livestock industry, agricultural literacy, agricultural law, environmental stewardship, policy development and soil conservation. Our sector continues to support and foster leaders who can see the big picture that keeps driving our industry forward.”

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 with counterparts on reopening borders to trade. Stan was nominated by BFO and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

Well-deserved congratulations to Stan and to all inductees.

2020 Inductees Jay Bradshaw is a respected agribusiness leader, and lifelong advocate for advancing modern agricultural technology. He lives in Guelph, ON and was nominated by Syngenta Canada Inc. and CropLife Canada.

James Halford is a soil conservation champion who pioneered zero tillage farming in Saskatchewan and across the Prairies and invented the ConservaPak® seeder. He lives in Indian Head, SK and was nominated by Léona Watson.

Dr. Bryan Harvey developed more than 60 varieties of barley throughout his prolific 50-year research career, delivering tremendous returns to the malting industry. He lives in Saskatoon, SK and was nominated by the Canadian Seed Growers Association.

Dr. Douglas Hedley led a distinguished career with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and is a 12

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Supporters from BFO and the former Ontario Cattlemen’s Association joined Stan Eby in Winnipeg for the induction ceremony. foremost expert on Canadian agricultural policy. He lives in Nepean, ON and was nominated by the Deans Council – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Medicine.

2021 Inductees Gordon Bacon has driven transformational change in Canadian agriculture, most notably in Canada’s pulse industry. Under his leadership, Canada became the world’s largest exporter of pulses. He lives in Winnipeg, MB, and was nominated by Pulse Canada.

Dr. Don Buckingham, the father of agricultural law in Canada, has built a strong legal structure for the complex Canadian agri-food system and inspired the next generation of agricultural lawyers in Canada. He lives in Ottawa, ON and was nominated by Dr. Wilf Keller.

Johanne Ross has dedicated her career to bringing agricultural education into classrooms across Canada as executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom – Canada. She lives on her family farm near Minnedosa, MB, and was nominated by Robynne Anderson, Laurel Hyde and Patti McKenzie.

Dr. Phil Williams is an internationally recognized pioneer and authority on near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology that revolutionized the Canadian cereal industry’s ability to accurately measure and compensate Canadian producers for wheat protein. He lives in Nanaimo, BC, and was nominated by Dr. Ronald DePauw, SeCan. The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA) honours and celebrates Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry. Portraits are on display in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Gallery located at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The CAHFA also publicizes the importance of inductee achievements to Canada. The Association was organized in 1960 and is administered by a 12-person volunteer board of directors residing in regions across Canada.

In June of this year, Eby was also formally inducted into Ontario’s Agricultural Hall of Fame which took place by virtual ceremony. OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

13

RESEARCH UPDATE Getting Research Into Practice

Making the jump from lab to on-farm implementation easier

By Lilian Schaer, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation

T

here’s no shortage of research happening in the livestock industry in Canada and around the world. Some discoveries ultimately end up being implemented by farmers and others in the sector. Many others, though, - and some would argue the majority - are never actually translated into direct action on the farm.

How to improve that conversion rate and spur more adoption of research outcomes is an issue the industry has been grappling with.

Now, there are efforts underway to try to improve not just how research results get to producers, but also how to encourage change.

“In order for the Ontario livestock sector to be competitive and sustainable, farmers need a system that makes research results accessible in a way that encourages them to make effective decisions for their businesses,” says Mike McMorris, CEO of Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC).

LRIC has been working with Prof. Ataharul Chowdhury of the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design and Rural Development to get a better handle on the issue and find ways to improve advisory services for Ontario’s livestock sector.

Since the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs dramatically reduced its involvement with extension - the term traditionally used to describe getting research results to farmers - in the 1990s, that responsibility has shifted to researchers, industry organizations and farm advisors. A similar transition has taken place across North America, creating a patchwork of regional, provincial and sector-focused efforts.

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O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

Chowdhury’s research has found that livestock advisory services in Ontario lack coordination and a unified approach.

There are significant differences between what is available for supply managed and non-supply managed sectors, and fee-for-service and product-linked advice has become far more prominent in the Ontario industry.

Dr. Steven Roche of ACER Consulting presented an LRIC Horizon Series webinar earlier this year and co-authored a white paper on the issue. He says there are particular challenges with underserved areas of the province where farmers don’t have the same level of access to advisors like veterinarians, agronomists, nutritionists and geneticists.

“If the government is relying on advisors to educate and work closely with producers, there is a significant reliance on these advisors to have the right information-seeking behaviour and deliver it consistently across the province,” Roche noted during his webinar.

It’s about more than just access to information however, he added. To be successful in getting farmers to adopt new practices, those delivering the information have to understand their audience, make their message relevant, and tailor their approach to fit farmers’ needs.

Chowdhury’s research showed, for example, that although various advisory methods and tools are used, including more digital services and online media, those that are most effective focus on one-on-one, interactive communication with farmers.

Roche suggests three things the industry must think about for what’s next with getting research into practice: 1. Improve and enhance our capacity to get research into practice including training, scholarships and investments.

2. Better collaboration between industry, academia, government and non-profit sectors.

3. More coordination through a centre or structure that could help guide activities and motivate change There are already efforts underway to bring more coordination, collaboration and focus to advisory services. In 2019, Canada joined with the United States and Mexico to form the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) to bring together its farm and rural development advisors.

The Network’s creation was driven by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development in Mexico, the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, the National Institute for Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System.

This past summer, NAAAN launched a mapping study to get a better understanding of agricultural training, education, and advisory services and needs across North America. Results are expected by the end of the year.

The Beef Cattle Research Council has just released its five-year research and technology transfer strategy for the Canadian beef industry.

It is built on six core principles, including developing, enhancing and encouraging the adoption of beneficial practices and innovative technologies to support industry competitiveness, and maintaining and rejuvenating critical research capacity and infrastructure in Canada.

To read LRIC’s Getting Research into Practice white paper or watch the Horizon Series webinar with Dr. Steven Roche, visit livestockresearch. ca/white_papers. For more information on Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury’s research into livestock advisory services in Ontario, please contact LRIC at info@livestockresearch.ca or call 519-766-5464 (Mike McMorris) or 519-767-8583 (Jean Howden).

This article is provided by Livestock Research Innovation Corporation as part of LRIC’s ongoing efforts to report on research developments and outcomes, and issues affecting the Canadian livestock industry. OB

WHY

SHORTHORNS?

Michael Pavan operates Hilltop Acres just outside of Fenelon Falls, Ontario.

Michael and his parents bought the farm in 2019, after he returned to Ontario from farming in Western Canada.

Hilltop produces pasture raised products, and is currently direct marketing pork, eggs and broilers. Michael is looking forward to adding his first grass-fed shorthorn beef to the menu next year, noting that “there is endless local demand for pastured & humanely raised products”.

In building his own herd, Michael had learned that continental European breeds were harder to finish on grass, and knew he wanted a British breed. He was lucky to find an Ontario Shorthorn breeder who had been selecting for grass-based genetics and selling grass-fed beef for many years, and purchased several cow-calf pairs.

Michael likes that his shorthorns are moderate framed animals, winter hardy, with nice udders and heads. Adding, “They are very easy to handle, with no rough cows or bulls.”

He wants to produce excellent beef and is doing everything to ensure they fatten and marble on grass; shorthorns are ideally suited for this purpose. Michael rotates his cattle daily to fresh grass, as well as moving their water and buffet-style mineral feeder to prevent back grazing.

With 85 acres of pasture, he buys in all his hay. Bale grazing across pastures improves soil fertility and increases carrying capacity of the land. Cattle have access to a rehabilitated bank barn during the winter. Focused on building his herd size, Michael feels making hay would limit the number of cattle he could keep. Retaining all his heifers, and purchasing a few cow-calf pairs each spring, Michael is looking to build a 40-50 cow herd.

Shorthorns are the perfect breed for him.

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

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

www.ontarioshorthorns.com

RURAL RAMBLE

By Jaclyn Horenberg, Senior Producer Relations Specialist jaclyn@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program Extended O

ne of the many things that I love about the agriculture industry is the opportunity to collaborate to achieve a common goal. Recently, Dan Ferguson and I, as the provincial Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) Coordinators, co-hosted a meeting with the John Baker, Chelsea Martin and Brent Cavell from the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program (OCFB). The intent of the meeting was to bring producers together who have already been audited through VBP+ or OCFB, to go through the next steps required for cattle to be eligible for the Cargill Certified Sustainable Beef (CSB) Program.

The agenda included speakers from Cargill Certified Sustainable Beef and TrustBIX, along with a demonstration on age verification.

Tanya Thomson, the Customer Engagement Lead for the Cargill Certified Sustainable Beef Program, stated that demand has increased by 528% since the program began in 2018.

As seen in this graph, the demand for CSB far exceeds the current supply of certified sustainable cattle. Recipe Unlimited, who owns The Keg, Montana’s, and Harveys, just to name a few, have stated that by 2025, all of their brands will be members of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), and that they will continue to grow their purchases of CSB as supply allows.

Emily Murray of Cargill, emphasized that they need beef producers

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O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

raising cattle eligible for CSB in order to meet this growing demand.

John Baker showed the Q1, Q2 and Q3 payments from the Cargill Guelph plant as $18.29/hd, $18.23/hd, and $19.50/hd, respectively. Payments have been made on a total of over 2,100 head of cattle so far. For cattle to be eligible as CSB, they must be raised their whole life on audited farms, be age verified, be enrolled in TrustBIX to trace cattle movements, and be shipped into Cargill.

We want Ontario producers to have the opportunity to receive these financial credits, but it is going to take all of the sectors working together to make that happen.

Quality 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. We are happy to announce that the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program has been extended into 2022 to 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. 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.

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

Consumer Research Demonstrates Strong Support for Cattle and Food Waste Stories

By Amie Peck, Public and Stakeholder Engagement, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association

F

ood waste is a key focus of both national and international climate change discussions with the Government of Canada announcing its Food Waste Reduction Challenge in 2020. Over half of the food produced in Canada never makes it to our plates, with the largest percentage of waste coming at the consumption level. Reducing food waste is also the most common food goal with consumers, identified by 90 per cent of Canadians as something they are actively doing or trying to do.

It is common practice in the beef industry to upcycle food loss and waste into high quality feed for cattle. This includes crops damaged by weather or pests (which was demonstrated through drought, smoke, and grasshoppers in 2021) all the way to non-retail quality food items from grocery stores and the by-products of brewing. Not only is this demonstrating the circular economy present in agriculture, but it also represents huge amounts of products being diverted from the landfill.

From the Hall and White study in 2017, it was determined that cattle utilize 43 billion kilograms of food waste per year in the Unites States.

CCA’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) team set out to determine how Canadians felt about the role of cattle in diverting food waste.

Finally, participants were asked to choose which key message resonated with them more, specifically about cattle in feedlots. The first was on how feedlots reduce the amount of resources required and the second was how feedlots play an integral role in reducing food waste. 76 per cent of participants identified the food waste key message as more personally relevant to them. Reasons for this included reducing food waste is a universal concept, something Canadians are doing in their own homes, and connects humans to cattle. Overall, no major concerns were identified with connecting cattle to food waste seen as positive by consumers and improves their impressions about the industry and its efforts to reduce impacts. OB

BETTER YOUR BEEF A large online focus group was conducted in July 2021. A representative sample of Canadians was chosen and then oversampled for women under 45, which prior research shows is the demographic most concerned about the environmental impact of eating beef.

Participants were first asked questions about their perceptions of the beef industry and farmers and ranchers. These were consistent with previous research conducted by PSE. Canadians do not know much about how beef cattle are raised but many have heard about potential environmental impacts. However, most Canadians feel that farmers and ranchers themselves are doing a good job taking care of the land and animals in their care. This demonstrates how trust for communications coming from ‘industry’ vs individuals raising beef cattle and highlights how important it is to have producers front and centre in public facing campaigns.

Participants were then shown social media and video content highlighting how cattle can utilize both waste products from brewing as well as grocery shrink. Ads instantly appealed as something surprising and new, especially among urban participants who lack awareness and knowledge about raising beef cattle and many wondered why they had not seen this information before.

When asked what the main message of the ads were, participants said: • “That cattle are fed good food (contrary to what may otherwise be shown in some popular documentaries) and that this process helps reduce food waste in Canada.

• “That all the food doesn’t go to waste and is fed to cattle. I think the ad is very believable and makes you look differently at the cattle industry.

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CLARK CATTLE CO. David Clark 2280 McCullough Rd. Port Hope, ON L1A 3V7 905-449-0149 clarkcattle1@hotmail.ca

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

HILLSIDE FARMS Ray and Stacie Stanton 4250 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1K4 416-505-0707 rays@londonproperty.ca

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

LOYAL LINE LIMOUSIN Brent and Vicky Black 82509 Loyal Line Goderich, Ontario N7A 3Y3 Cell: 519-955-1234 brentblack204@hotmail.com

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KOYLE FARMS LIMOUSIN Dwight & Catherine Koyle 33429 6th Line, RR#3 Iona Station, ON N0L 1P0 519-764-2697 • cdkoyle@gtn.net

GIBSON FARMS Dave and Emily Gibson 2148 Concession 4, RR1, Ripley Ontario N0G2R0 Dave-519-357-6174 Emily 519-440-9907

AFTER HOURS LIMOUSINS Rob & Erin Weppler 117078 Grey Rd. 3 , Tara, ON 519-375-6108 Rob@gbtel.ca

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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

NEW LIFE LIMOUSIN Justin and Melissa Burgess 261269 Conc. 18 Hanover, ON N4N 3B8 519-270-5415 New.life.limousin@gmail.com

POSTHAVEN LIMOUSIN John and Ena Post #7396 Sideroad #20, RR #2, Alma, Ontario N0B 1A0 519-846-9320 ejpost@posthavenlimousin.com

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Hay, We Did It! BFO Winds Down the Feed Component of the Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance Initiative

B

FO is pleased to share the Feed Component of the Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance Initiative has officially concluded.

BFO was named as the administrator of the initiative when the announcement was made by the Government of Ontario on July 27 to provide emergency aid to producers in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts who were deeply impacted by devastating drought conditions throughout this year’s growing season. On August 3, BFO launched the application process for affected producers, and quickly began sourcing feed and transport to provide much-needed forage relief to those in need in the two districts. Through collective efforts, the initiative provided over 5.8 million pounds of hay to 129 livestock farmers to feed over 11,000 head of beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts. Over the course of 60 days, the hay travelled to those in need on a total of 120 trucks, by CN Rail, and endured a collective voyage of over 200,000 kilometers from regions in southern and northeastern Ontario.

“On behalf of our members in the northwest, we are so grateful for the response from Minister Thompson and the Government of Ontario to help Ontario’s livestock farmers navigate the drought of 2021,” says Rob Lipsett, BFO President. “When we work together, we can accomplish great things and we sincerely appreciate the efforts of all of our partners and donors who played pivotal roles in providing an incredible amount of hay to the producers of Rainy River and Kenora in such a short time.”

“I very much appreciate the impact this drought has had on

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O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

Ministers Thompson and Rickford both met with local producers and representatives from BFO in September at the Rainy River drop site location, which was managed by Jeff Pollard. farmers, as well as their candor when discussing this issue. That is why our Government acted quickly to provide the emergency assistance to those affected by it,” shares Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Certainty is paramount when people work 365 days a year to produce quality food close to home, so when the farmers in northwestern Ontario needed assistance, we

Drought conditions plagued northwestern Ontario throughout the 2021 growing season.

Premier Doug Ford visited the Rainy River District to meet with local farmers and see the devastation first-hand.

listened and took appropriate action. This emergency initiative was a great success thanks to BFO and we are grateful for their willingness to partner with our government.”

Aside from providing relief through the government-supported Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance Initiative, BFO was overwhelmed by the response from fellow farmers who wanted to lend a helping hand by providing either donated forages or offers of surplus hay for sale. On behalf of farmers in the northwest, BFO humbly accepted over $64,000 in financial donations to support its efforts, and used the funds to purchase and transport additional feed for the region.

BFO would like to thank this incredible list of generous financial, feed and transport

donors, and especially those who provided their valuable time to help BFO execute this initiative with extreme professionalism and precision: • Chris Martin, Marhaven Agri Inc., hay and transport procurement • Fritz and Gise Trauttmansdorff, Dunlea Farms Ltd., hay and transport procurement • Jeff Pollard, Stratton drop site management • Evan Debney, Kenora drop site management • The many hay suppliers, transport companies, and drivers from across the province Forage Donations Frew Family Mark Horst, Marcrest Lucknow Kinsmen Club Jason Fuerth Larry Miehls George Dickenson Roger Thurston Brian Pelleboer Robert Halliday Ken and Marie McNabb Dan and Greg Schantz Nathan Fried James and Francis Johnston Transport Donations Titan Trailers Inc. Jerry Martens Mark Horst, Marcrest Financial Donations Ontario Federation of Agriculture Essex Federation of Agriculture Hastings Federation of Agriculture Kent Federation of Agriculture Lambton Federation of Agriculture Niagara Federation of Agriculture Simcoe Federation of Agriculture OB

The Government of Ontario provided $1,005,000 in emergency funding to BFO to help deliver emergency feed relief to all impacted livestock farmers in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts. The intent of the Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance Initiative was to help protect and maintain the breeding herd while the federal-provincial AgriRecovery assessment was being completed in the province.

Eligible livestock producers (ruminants, camelids and equine) who received support through this initiative were required to be residents of the Rainy River and Kenora Districts, have a valid premises identification number and farm business registration number, and attest to experiencing an immediate livestock feed shortage as a result of the extreme dry conditions of the 2021 growing season. The intake for applications closed on August 23, 2021.

SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE NORTH We appreciate the time and effort of BFO and staff to coordinate the hay supply and delivery to the Rainy River District during the drought we experienced this summer. We appreciated the support during this crisis. ~ Blackhawk Simmentals The quick response and support was critical to the local producers to help manage the drought crisis. The hay received and fed was critical during the drought and resulted in less cows being shipped out as the rain returned in September. ~ Louis Bujold It was really great to see how quickly the province reacted to our situation and started to deliver much-needed hay to our area. BFO did a great job coordinating this endeavor, as well as Jeff Pollard who managed the drop site location in Rainy River for local producers. ~ Murray McDonald Heather and myself would like to thank everyone involved from BFO who helped not only find hay but got it to us so quickly when we were in dire need of feed for our cattle. ~ Jeff and Heather Emisch

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

21

OMAFRA UPDATE

How Winter-Feeding Impacts Stocker Cattle Performance at Pasture

By James Byrne, Beef Cattle Specialist, OMAFRA • www.omafra.on.ca ow stocker cattle are managed over the winter-feeding period can have a direct impact on their performance, both physically and economically, when those cattle are put to pasture the following spring. Understanding this is very important where the intention is to graze stocker cattle on pasture following the winter-feeding period.

Research evidence clearly shows that there is little point in “overfeeding” stocker cattle over the winter where the intention is to subsequently graze those animals. This is because cattle that achieve modest gains over the winter have higher live weight gain at pasture than cattle who achieved high winter average daily gain. When both sets of cattle are compared at the end of the grazing season, those that gained less over the winter weight almost the same as those that gained more over the winter. The winter weight advantage of the high gainers has “disappeared” by the end of the grazing season. Since both groups weight almost the same by the end of the grazing season, the “high winter gainers” have lower profitability due the fact that fact that the cost of winter feeding to achieve these high gains is greater compared to the cost of feeding the more modest gaining group. By the end of the grazing season, the modest performing group are more profitable, having cost less to feed over the winter and most of their gains come from “cheap” pasture.

To minimize feed costs and exploit “catch-up” growth at pasture during the grazing season, live weight gains of 1.2 – 1.4 lbs./day throughout the winter is acceptable for cattle destined to return to pasture in spring. It must be stated that animals that achieve poor winter growth rates, i.e. less than 1 lbs./day, will perform poorly at pasture and cannot exploit “catch-up” growth at pasture. To maximize performance for subsequent grazing at pasture and ensure proper growth and development, it’s necessary to front load gains over the winter. This means achieving good gains for the first 120 days followed by modest gains over the remainder of the winter period. A gradual reduction in the amount of grain being fed from day 120 onwards is the simplest way to achieve this. This allows cattle to be put to pasture without the major reduction in gains often seen when “over-fed” cattle are put to pasture. Working with a nutritionist can help set up

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a winter-feeding program to achieve the desired winter performance while enabling good subsequent performance at pasture.

To demonstrate this effect, Mary O’Connor, OMAFRA 2020 summer student, looked at the impact of weight at turnout to pasture on average daily gain of 200 beef heifers grazing at the Victoria Community Pasture. Weight data was collected from individual heifers as they were turned out to pasture and again as the heifers came off the pasture in the fall. Knowing the number of days grazing, it was possible to calculate the average daily gain of each individual heifer.

Heifers were grouped by weight category, and the average daily gain of the group plotted on a graph, see Figure 1.

R² = 0.717

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Figure 1: The effect of weight at turnout to pasture on average daily gain.

The data shows that as weight at turnout increases, average daily gain increases up to a maximum, beyond which as weight at turnout increases, average daily gain decreases. From this analysis, it shows that the ideal weight at turnout lies between 550 lbs. and 700 lbs. It is interesting to note that cattle less than 550 lbs. at turnout have lower

Effect of Weight at Turnout on Profitability $600.00 $500.00 $400.00

Profit ($)

average daily gains but this is not hugely significant when compared to cattle greater than 750 lbs. that have significantly lower average daily gains at pasture. This illustrates the importance of not “over feeding” cattle over the winter to “too high” a weight.

The project also looked at the impact of weight at turnout on profitability. In this case, costs of winter feeding were assumed to be the cost of cattle, if purchased at the time of turnout. Assumed purchase costs for individual cattle were calculated from BFO’s Weekly Market Report, for the week ending the week of turnout. Equally, the end value of individual cattle was calculated from BFO’s Weekly Market Report for the week the cattle were removed from the pasture, as if sold at this time. The difference between the two being potential profit. The effect of weight at turnout on profitability was then plotted on a graph. See Figure 2.

The potential profitability of different weights at turnout for the years 2016 through 2020 were examined to ensure no one year provided a biased result. Figure 2 shows that cattle the weighted between 700 lbs., and 825 lbs. at turnout generated the highest profit.

While cattle less than 700 lbs. had comparable performance levels, (i.e., average daily gain), to those between 700 lbs. and 825 lbs., their average daily gain was not sufficiently high enough to achieve a comparable end weight to those weighting between 700 lbs. and 825 lbs. Cattle that were greater than 825 lbs. had equally lower profitability but this was primarily due to the fact that while their end weight was higher, their assumed cost of purchase was also higher, which affected their potential profitability.

Cattle performance observations at the Victoria Community Pasture are in line with earlier studies conducted by Mark Leahy with OMAF, at Pancake Hill Community Pasture, (1987), that demonstrated that animal performance at pasture was influenced by winterfeeding practices and a study at the Victoria Community Pasture, (1983), Mark Leaky demonstrated that frame size had little effect on the ability to

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Weight Range (lbs) 2020

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Figure 2: The effect of weight at turnout on profitability for the years 2016 through 2020. gain on pasture, emphasizing that the winter feeding regime has a big impact subsequently on pasture performance.

Both physical and financial analysis show the importance of not over feeding stocker cattle over the winter-feeding period. Feed costs make up a significant proportion of the costs of production and feeding stocker cattle destined for subsequent grazing to higher than ideal turnout weights simply means that the money spent getting those animals to that higher weight is “lost” over the grazing period.

In contrast where cattle are fed to a more ideal weight, winter feed costs are lower and performance on pasture is greater, delivering overall better revenue returns and higher profitability. Good pasture management is critical to see the performance differences and to justify limiting performance over the winter-feeding period.

References available upon request. OB

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CANADA BEEF UPDATE

Engaging with Consumers at Home and Abroad

By Gina Teel, Manager, Stakeholder Communications, Canada Beef

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he activity at Canada Beef continued at a brisk pace through fall and into early winter with programs and services that provided a solid offering of information to consumers and customers at home and abroad.

Climate change dominated the news cycle in October and November due to the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow, Scotland. Here at home, Canada Beef sponsored a panel discussion about sustainability and beef hosted by Foodies Group Founder, Steven Hellmann, and aimed at culinary professionals and the public.

The Behind the Apron with Taste Canada panel featured University of Lethbridge beef researcher Dr. Kim Baby & Child Care Stanford, Agriculture and Agri-Food Encyclopedia A perfect resource to Canada Lethbridge principal scientist share with your clients.

Dr. Tim McAllister, and Ontario beef producers Will Stoneman and Kasey Topics include: Whitwell from First Line Angus. The • starting solids • developmental milestones discussion focused on the role of cattle in • dental health sustaining land and diverting food waste.

• childcare The entire conversation is on the Taste • common ailments Canada YouTube channel. and more The Cows on the Planet podcast series is another example of Canada Beef’s Brought to you by investment in this area. Hosted by Drs. Stanford and McAllister, Cows on the Click here to order a free copy, courtesy of Canada Beef Planet has 10 podcast episodes available and plans to release 36 episodes. Episodes to date are on the science of beef production, beef, and the impacts of cattle on the environment.

The public-facing podcasts examine topics that range from the role of cattle in managing food waste, to the fat in the meat that we eat, and feature guest speakers from conservation groups, to scientists that specialize in Life Cycle Analysis. Canada Beef provided matching funding with the Beef Cattle Research Council to support the Cows on the Planet podcast series.

Look for Canada Beef in LCBO’s holiday edition of Food & Drink magazine, and nationally in House and Home, with content featuring tasty and tempting beef recipes for the holiday season.

The Consumer Marketing Channel partnership with FURLANI® garlic bread products continued with the latest phase aiming to be in select stores for the fourth quarter to promote the Comfort Food recipe collection collaborative marketing effort.

For the second year in a row, Canada Beef provided family friendly nutritional information as part of its Baby at the Table consumer campaign.

The campaign focuses on the importance of iron for growing babies.

Information is included in the latest edition of the Baby & Child Care Encyclopedia through a Support Partner program between Parents Canada and the Canada Beef Generic Consumer Marketing investment, Thinkbeef.ca.

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Dietitians across Canada will also see the information through a promotion in the Dietitians of Canada newsletter, reaching over 9,000 registered dietitians.

Work is also underway with the NOW Dietitians of Canada’s newsletter on a AVAILABLE! ‘Beef Matters’ campaign, featuring six ads focused on a variety of beef topics. Each Preview the ad will run for a month, reaching 9,000 digital book here dieticians per ad.

Also, on the health and nutrition front, the results are in for six television spots on Iron & Women’s Health that ran on Thinkbeef.ca is a stations in major urban centres across proud sponsor Ontario and Atlantic Canada from July to October. The combined reach of these televised spots was 2.3 million viewers, ending on a high note with a segment on Breakfast Television Toronto reaching 840,000 views - an important target audience for Canada Beef.

Canada Beef is doing its part to address chronic workforce shortages in Canadian agriculture through skills training at post-secondary institutions focused on excellence.

The Channel Marketing team launched a retail meat cutting skills program in coordination with vocational institutions and the Canadian Professional Meat Cutters Association.

The Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence is working with post secondary institutions across Canada to establish awards for culinary excellence, as part of new culinary training programming to support skills training for industry.

Both initiatives promote culinary excellence and drive interest in enrollment at Canadian vocational institutions that teach butchery and culinary arts.

The Canadian Beef Information Gateway (BIG) Solution is a timely tool for consumers as inflation pushed food costs higher.

Introduced to industry at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, the BIG Solution is in development with national grocery retailers and continues to evolve in response to feedback from the sector. Meat industry professionals got a taste of the BIG Solution in October during the first annual Canadian Beef Means Business live webinar, which also featured updates on meat trends and opportunities from key industry experts.

The BIG Solution’s use of scannable codes to access information aligns with recent changes in how consumers browse, shop, and buy food, as Canadians continue to prepare meals in the home to feed family and friends. Our goal is to inspire a wider repertoire of beef choices more often.

On behalf of the team at Canada Beef, we wish to extend our warm wishes for the holiday season and the coming year. OB

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

National Update As 2021 winds down, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) continues to make strides in our priority areas. Work continues to help secure solutions to overcome the adversity our sector has faced this year ranging from the devasting drought and wildfires to the uncertainty resulting from the pandemic. But there are still pivotal moments of success and momentum over the past few months for Canadian cattle production worth sharing.

This year’s summer came with its fair share of challenges for producers across the country, including drought and wildfires. We still don’t have a complete picture of the impacts of the drought, as further obstacles and stress are expected for beef producers and ranchers in the west and parts of Ontario moving into 2022. As further drought-related issues are identified, CCA will continue to work alongside our provincial partners to communicate these impacts and advocate for potential solutions to the federal and provincial levels of government.

The widespread impacts of the drought and wildfires has fueled further discussions about the environment and climate change. It is critical that CCA and cattle producers from across Canada are a part of discussions taking place on the link between cattle production and the environment. We have a positive story to share, and we need to take advantage of every opportunity to tell it.

In early November, CCA was invited to participate in the FederalProvincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ meeting outlining the priorities of the Next Policy Framework that’s set to replace the Canadian Agricultural Partnership ending in March 2023. Over the course of the meeting, a large emphasis was placed on the environment and climate change. CCA President, Bob Lowe, participated in roundtable with ministers and sector representatives on the role of agriculture in tackling climate change and environmental protection. He presented on the important role the beef sector plays in securing environmental benefits from carbon sequestration to biodiversity protection, as well as the need for further investments and incentives for cattle producers. Following the meeting, the ministers released the “Guelph Statement”, which aligns with CCA’s priorities for the Next Policy Framework. We will build off this momentum and continue to advocate our priorities to the federal government over the coming months.

CCA also participated in the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) at the end of September and co-led with the Nature Conservancy of Canada a series of pre-summit dialogues. Our goal was to build positive conversations about Canada’s red meat industry. CCA’s leadership paid off and ensured our sustainability efforts were recognized on a global scale. Canadian livestock producers were recognized by the Government of Canada on the world stage at the UNFSS for their sustainability efforts.

Building on the momentum at the UNFSS, CCA’s Fawn Jackson participated in a session at the United Nations Climate Change Conference UK 2021 (COP26) with other industry leaders from around the world on farmers’ climate ambitions and highlighted how sustainable beef production in Canada is an important part of the solution. The goal from our involvement in these international discussions is to help influence a small shift towards a more positive narrative surrounding Canada’s livestock industry in the global arena.

To help with important discussions about beef cattle production, CCA’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement team recently unveiled a new and improved Beef Advocacy Canada. This online learning program is

designed to empower, equip, and connect beef advocates. Program participants will learn about the key concerns consumers have about beef and be equipped with the messages, tools and strategies needed to communicate in ways that resonate. Beef Advocacy Canada is free and available for anyone interested. Get started by registering at www.beefadvocacy.ca.

Lastly, there have been important milestones in CCA’s leadership development programs over the fall months. The CCA’s Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program welcomed a new group of 16 participants in the fall. Among the group are Ontario participants Laura Scott (Oxford Mills) and Emily Seed (Earlton). The CCA’s Young Cattlemen’s Council also has a new Ontario delegate, where Evan Chaffe (Guelph) handed the reins to Charlene Yungblut (Niagara) at the Council’s Annual General Meeting held in August, marking the end of his two-year term.

We look forward to continuing working hard to make progress on the issues important to cattle producers in Ontario and the rest of Canada in 2022. OB

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FARM & FOOD CARE ONTARIO Faces Behind Food

By Amber Anderson, Communications Manager, Farm & Food Care Ontario

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hank you to the Wooddisse family of Palmerston and the Leblond family of Powassan for allowing themselves to be photographed and interviewed for the ongoing Faces Behind Food campaign on Instagram and Facebook. The campaign tells the stories of people behind food in Canada, from farmers, transporters to researchers and retailers. The campaign won an honourable mention from the Canadian Agri Marketing Awards in 2020. If you have suggestions of people who should be profiled, please send details to info@ farmfoodcare.org

FarmFood360.ca The new virtual reality tour produced by BFO and FFCO in 2020 is one of the top viewed tours on the www.FarmFood360.ca website in 2021.

Since January, the site has had 210,293 new visitors and almost 900,000 page views. The virtual beef tour has received 40,000 visitors, and features a cow-calf farm and a beef feedlot.

In the next few weeks, four new tours will be added to the site in partnership with Veal Farmers of Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Mushrooms Canada and Ontario Genomics. That will bring the count to 27 farms and food processing companies.

Beef farmers Josh Wooddisse, Taika Von Konisgslow and their daughter Annika are recent New in 2022, Agriculture in the Classroom will participants in the Faces Behind Food campaign. produce a virtual educators’ guide to complement the site with classroom and student activities to match each of the existing tours.

‘Ontario Flavours’ Gala-in-a-Box

The Real Dirt on Farming Wins Two Gold Awards In a virtual ceremony held September 24, the most recent edition of the booklet (published in 2020) placed first in the Canadian Farm Writers’ and Broadcasters’ Awards in the “Communication Long” category – awarded to the best publication of more than 750 words intended to provide information to a targeted audience about an agricultural topic.

The publication’s author Lilian Schaer and editor Madeline Rodrigue then received the prestigious award of “Communicator of the Year”, as judged by peers across Canada.

In October, with support from partners across Canada, 200,000 copies of the booklet were distributed through newspapers including the Vancouver Province, Calgary Sun, Edmonton Sun, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Regina Leader Post, Winnipeg Sun, National Post and Ottawa Citizen.

A new educator guide, created by Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, also provides classroom activities using the publication.

The booklet can be downloaded, or copies ordered, at www.

RealDirtonFarming.ca

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FFCO’s annual gala was held virtually again this year. ‘Ontario Flavours’ was the theme of Gala-in-a-Box, which brought together Ontario’s agriculture community for a night of fellowship, good food and friends.

Participants received a box filled with Ontario flavours, including goodies, ingredients and recipes to make their gala meal. In a live cook-along with Chef Nick Beninger of Fat Sparrow Group in Kitchener-Waterloo, they made turkey breast medallions and panroasted fall vegetables at home with main ingredient partnership from Turkey Farmers of Ontario. Guests were invited to prepare veal escalopes alla pizzaiola as appetizer and apple clafoutis for dessert for chances to win prize packages from partners Veal Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Apple Growers, and participated in a live mixology session with Grain Farmers of Ontario and The Porchlight in Elora.

Also on the agenda, Feed Ontario presented the recipient of the 2021 Paul Mistele Award. Annually, the award recognizes agricultural partners who have shown a significant and enduring commitment to ending hunger in Ontario. This year’s recipients, Ontario Pork, accepted the award during the Gala.

Thanks go out to BFO staff, directors and members for participating in the event. OB

Two Major Changes Endorsed for the Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program

By Cheryl Russwurm, Provincial Supervisor, Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee and Ontario Beef Breeder Co-op Programs

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ver 600 members across Ontario finance some or all of their beef cattle through one of the 15 feeder co-ops that operate under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program. The first co-ops started lending over 31 years ago and it’s a program that has provided great stability to its membership. The program exists based on a government endorsed Order in Council (OIC) that outlines the terms and conditions of membership and borrowing, amount of funds available, terms of repayment and allows for lenders to offer financing based on a government guarantee.

Of course, the program cannot remain stagnant for 30 years. There are always revisions and updates needed to meet the changing needs of Ontario’s beef sector and the program’s membership.

The last OIC was authorized in May, 2016. At that time, it was noted that the program would be reviewed in five years, which took place between February and June of this year. After consultations with members, lenders, BFO and OMAFRA staff, the Government of Ontario has proceeded with revisions under a two-phased approach.

On October 7, 2021 an amendment to the OIC was signed that endorsed two major changes to the program. For several years, the program membership has been asking for an increase in loan numbers to assist with cashflow on their operations. Members had been restricted to feeding four groups of cattle under the program, and we are pleased to share that limitation has now been removed. The board of directors of the co-ops are now negotiating with their lenders as to the maximum number of groups of cattle they will be able to offer their membership.

To further clarify, once the loan from one group of cattle has been paid, then the co-op can proceed with returning any excess equity from that group of cattle to the member.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted us to think about many aspects of life, including rules, protocols, science and how important our food chain is. When the Cargill Guelph facility shut down in December of last year due to COVID-19 infections, BFO and OMAFRA were challenged to work together to provide options for dealing with the anticipated backlog that was about to accumulate. It also forced folks administrating the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program to consider the impact of delayed marketings on the repayment of loans based on the restrictions of the OIC. It became apparent as we headed into the fiveyear review that a provision was needed to deal with unforeseen events that cause major impact on the normal marketing of cattle. As a result, an ‘Emergency Declaration’ is now included in the OIC, which allows the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs to implement an extension of repayment terms by an additional 90 days for an area, a co-op or across the province due to border issues, decreased processing capacity, disease, natural disaster, etc.

On behalf of BFO and the 15 feeder finance co-ops across Ontario, we thank Ontario’s Agriculture Minister, Lisa Thompson, for the positive amendments enacted by the province to improve the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program. Although further revisions are still to come, these two major changes to the OIC will support the future needs of feeder co-op members across the province. OB

Beef cattle herds maintaining optimum body condition have higher pregnancy rates, healthier calves, fewer calving issues and quicker return to estrus after calving.

Visit BodyConditionScoring.com or scan the QR code for specific cattle nutrition information.

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

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Continued from page 6. – Beef

Beat 21-11 – Access to Broadband Internet

Action Update: BFO strongly supports the need for every rural and remote community in Ontario to have access to broadband service that is reliable and affordable. Governments at all levels have committed funding to broadband and mobile infrastructure in rural and remote areas and have set timelines to build the infrastructure.

Understanding that more needs to be done, BFO continues to advocate for improvements to broadband services in rural and remote areas.

21-12 & 21-13 - Abattoir Capacity and Mobile Abattoirs/ Funding Support for Local Abattoirs

Action Update: The need to increase the amount of available processing capacity in Ontario, both provincially and federally, has been a key government relations priority for BFO for some time. Some actions BFO has taken include: the creation of a Processing Capacity Working Group in collaboration with the CCA; engagement with other key partners; discussions with major federal packers in eastern Canada and northeastern US; BFO sponsored a motion at the Beef Value Chain Roundtable for Minister Bibeau to develop immediate solutions and made a motion at CCA’s Domestic Agriculture Committee calling for immediate government support; dozens of meetings with key officials, including Ontario and Canadian agriculture ministers; investigation into the feasibility of mobile abattoirs; and participation on the provincial minister’s Processing Capacity Roundtable, to name a few.

BFO is also advocating for the following objectives with respect to the worker shortage and the lack of high skilled labour. These include: a domestic strategy to attract, train and retain highly skilled workers by providing investments and supports in training and education; a refocus of foreign worker programs into permanent worker programs; and a strategy that would create new pathways to allow workers from

countries with an ample supply of workers to come here to fill vacant jobs.

As for financial commitments from governments, the provincial government provided $4 million in funding through the Meat Processors Improvement Initiative Program in response to calls from industry.

In addition, BFO has long advocated for SRM harmonization with the US. SRM requirements are costly and a timely process for small and medium processing facilities. We are optimistic positive changes will be made as the OIE downgraded Canada’s BSE risk status.

On mobile abattoirs, Ontario Cattle Feeders Association and BFO began a preliminary investigation into the feasibility of a mobile abattoir pilot in Ontario. In September, staff obtained quotes on a consultant to help develop a plan to navigate the regulatory framework and provide advice on the viability of a mobile abattoir pilot.

21-14 – Boxed Beef Prices

Action Update: Transparency and price discovery are key to maintaining trust inside a supply chain. Since the loss of the boxed beef report in Canada, BFO has been working with CCA, Canfax and our counterparts to find solutions. A BFO Director sits on the national Boxed Beef Reporting Working Group. This group sought a voluntary approach from medium and large packers in Canada. Some packers expressed a willingness to report, but there has not been sufficient voluntary participation from packers to allow for a reliable report. A mandatory approach has been investigated as well. CCA’s Domestic Agriculture Committee formally passed a resolution that CCA request Statistics Canada establish a mandatory reporting of boxed beef and by-products from federally inspected packers. Given the timing of the recent federal election, we do not anticipate a decision being made for mandatory reporting until 2022. OB

Wishing Breeders, Buyers and Friends a Very Prosperous 2022 Secretary • Ciaran Yool • 905-807-8185 • ciaranyool@gmail.com

www.easterncanadiangalloway.ca

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FOCUS ON HERD HEALTH Considerations for Lice Control Strategies

By Jacques Van Zyl, DVM, Metzger Veterinary Services

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ice infestations, also called pediculosis, are a recurring parasitic problem in winter housed cattle. Lice are wingless, flattened insects usually around 2-4mm in length. Many producers struggle to control the pesky little creatures. It should not be overlooked how uncomfortable they can make cattle, and the large bald spots that can sometimes be observed on cattle from rubbing should give an indication of this reality.

In the world of cattle there are two broad groupings of lice: Biting Lice: The only species of biting louse found on Canadian cattle are Damalinia bovis, more commonly referred to as the cattle biting louse. These lice are very mobile and are typically found on the top of the neck, along the back of the animal and at the base of the tail. They feed on debris on the cattle’s skin leading to irritation that results in rubbing and scratching.

Sucking Lice: This grouping of lice consists of Haematopinus eurysternus (short nosed cattle louse), Linognathus vituli (long nosed cattle louse) and Solenopotes capillatus (little blue cattle louse). These lice are typically found on the top and sides of the neck, along the shoulders and on the dewlap of cattle. Sucking lice mouthparts pierce the skin of cattle to enable them to feed on the animal’s blood. Because of this, they are typically slower moving compared to biting lice. This can lead to great irritation, and under heavy infestations can cause blood loss and weight loss.

Lice are host specific, meaning they can only breed and lay eggs on the species they are adapted to. Their life cycle is completely dependent on cattle and they can only survive for a few days in the environment. They normally live in the microenvironment provided by cattle skin and hair. Female lice attach their eggs (also called nits) to the hair of cattle. These eggs hatch into the intermediate form, nymphs, which look similar to adults but are smaller in body size. The nymphs eventually mature into adults that mate, produce eggs and the life cycle starts all over again. The time from egg to adult is usually between two to four weeks.

Specific locations of the lice on cattle have been listed above, but under heavy infestations, lice species will cover the entire body. Typical signs include itchiness with rubbing up against posts, corners or whatever can provide the animal with some relief.

Cattle can also have a general unthrifty appearance, rough hair coat, reduced weight gains and can even have decreased calf birth weights.

Infestations tend to be worse in the winter and spring. This is because lice survive better in cold conditions and the thicker hair coat provides an optimal humidity for replication. Spread of lice is through direct contact, and so winter housing conditions allow for quick and efficient spread of lice between animals. Shorter hair in the summer months, along with increased UV exposure and decreased crowding on pasture helps diminish lice problems in the summer. However, a few lice usually manage to survive on some animals, and those will re-infest the whole herd come time for winter confinement.

Lice are fairly widespread among cattle. Calves entering feedlots bring with them lice infestations that can impact performance.

When last investigated in Alberta, around 70 per cent of calves coming from either single source or multiple source systems had lice infestations. This serves as a reminder that care must be taken when bringing in new animals. Determining if your cattle have lice is relatively straight forward and can usually be done from a distance if your animals are displaying some of the signs listed above. Confirming your suspicions can be done by parting the hair and examining the skin and hair coat. Observing the hair right next to the skin for eggs or actually seeing the adult lice moving will confirm if you are having issues. A magnification device is usually helpful in visually identifying these small parasites and their eggs.

Control of lice in confined cattle is typically done through biosecurity and parasiticide treatments. Biosecurity is a critical practice to avoid introduction of ectoparasites into a cattle herd and prevent the spread between farms. Isolating and treating cattle prior to introducing them into the herd can help prevent the introduction or continued spread of lice. If lice are identified on a group, treatment and isolation should be initiated. After treating a group for lice, care must be taken not to introduce new animals that can serve as a new source for another outbreak. Facilities where infected animals have been kept should be left empty for at least one week before introducing new animals to allow all the lice in the environment to die off.

There are many products available with label claims against lice. The two major classes include macrocyclic lactones and permethrin/pyrethrin-based products. Certain products are only effective against the adult stage of lice, in which case retreatment in two to three weeks may be necessary to eliminate the nymphs as they hatch from the eggs. This can create room for error if the producer is using a product only effective against adults and forgets to or is unable to re-treat a group. The majority of products are applied topically. When using a topical product, care must be taken to ensure the product is placed directly on the skin. If applied carelessly, the absorption, and treatment results, will be variable. Other products have activity against all stages of the louse and require only one treatment. Certain formulations also have residual activity, meaning that a one-time treatment continues to kill the lice for a certain period of time.

These products are beneficial if re-treatment is an issue as the residual activity can kill the nymphs as they hatch from the eggs.

These products can also provide a co-mingling guarantee where producers can introduce new animals within a certain time-frame without problems. Single application products are usually preferred due to ease of use, but each producer’s situation is different.

Meat withdrawals from topical treatments vary based on the ingredient. Some have withdrawals up to seven weeks so think ahead if you plan on treating heavier groups of cattle. As always, have a discussion with your veterinarian to determine what type of product is right for your herd.

References available upon request. OB ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

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Changes to OBCFPP Licenced Dealers List Now Licenced Livestock Dealer SA Halal Meat Inc. Fairview, New Jersey

No Longer Licenced Livestock Dealers Allan Stirling Little Britain, Ontario Holstock Farm Ltd. Harriston, Ontario Reiche Meat Products Ltd. Pembroke, Ontario

VIRTUAL BEEF SYMPOSIUM 2022

SAVE-THE-DATE Thursday, January 27 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST & Saturday, January 29 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST Stay tuned for more information!

Moore Agricultural Society Brigden, Ontario Artisan Farms Direct Ltd. Mississauga, 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

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Auction Markets’ Holiday Sales Schedule 2021 The Beef Farmers of Ontario office will close at noon on December 24 and will be closed from December 25 - 28. The office will also be closed on December 31 and will re-open on January 2, 2022.

Aylmer Stockyards Inc.

Dec. 22 - Regular Sale Dec. 29 - Regular Sale & Stocker Sale

Ontario Livestock Exchange Inc.

Dec. 21 - Regular Tuesday Sale - Fed Cows, Veal, Sheep, Lamb, Goats Dec. 22 - Regular Wednesday Vaccinated Stocker Sale Dec. 23 - Regular Thursday Sale - Fed Cattle, Cows, Stockers, Dairy & Bob Calves Dec. 24-26 - Closed Dec. 27 - Closed, but receiving livestock after 3:00 p.m. for Tuesday’s sale Dec. 28 - Regular Tuesday Sale - Fed Cows, Veal, Sheep, Lambs, Goats Dec. 29 - Regular Wednesday Vaccinated Stocker Sale Dec. 30 - Regular Thursday Sale - Fed Cattle, Cows, Stockers, Dairy & Bob Calves Dec. 31 - Jan. 2, 2022 - Closed Jan. 3 - Closed, but receiving livestock after 3:00 p.m. for Tuesday’s sale Jan. 4 - Regular Schedule Resumes

Brussels Livestock

Dec. 21 - Fed Cattle & Cow Sale Dec. 23 - Veal, Lamb, Sheep & Goat Sale Dec. 24 - Stocker Sale Dec. 28 - Fed Cattle & Cow Sale Dec. 30 - Veal, Lamb, Sheep & Goat Sale Dec. 31 - Stocker Sale

Ontario Stockyards Inc. Dec. 20 - Regular Sale - Veal, Lambs, Goats, Sheep

Community Livestock Exchange Hoards Station

Dec. 14 - Regular Sale Dec. 21 - No Sale, Closed Dec. 28 - No Sale, Closed Jan. 4, 2022 - Regular Schedule Resumes

Ottawa Livestock Exchange/ Embrun Livestock

Dec. 20 - Embrun Regular Sale Dec. 21 - Open Dec. 22-26 - Closed Dec. 27 - Embrun, Regular Sale Dec. 28-29 - Open Dec. 30 - Regular Ottawa Sale Jan. 1 - 2, 2022 - Closed Jan 3 - Regular Schedule Resumes

Denfield Livestock Exchange

Dec. 21 - Regular Sale Dec. 28 - Regular Sale Jan. 4, 2022 - Regular Sale

Renfrew Pontiac Livestock

Dec. 21 - Regular Sale Dec. 28 - No Sale, Closed Jan. 4, 2022 - Regular Schedule Resumes

Kawartha Lakes Community Sale Barn Inc.

Dec. 18 - Regular Sale Dec. 25 - Dec. 28 - Closed Dec. 29 - 3:00 PM - Calves, pigs, goats, lambs, sheep, veal, stockers, bulls & cull cows.

Receiving times remain the same.

Jan. 1, 2022 - Closed Jan. 8 - Regular Schedule Resumes

Temiskaming Livestock Dec. 13 - Regular Sale Dec. 20 - No Sale, Closed Exchange

Keady Livestock Market Ltd.

Dec. 14 - Regular Sale - Last sale of 2021 Dec. 15 - Jan. 10, 2022 - Closed Jan. 11 - First sale of the new year begins at 10:00 am.

Dec. 21 - Open for shipping Dec. 22 - Regular Sale - Fat Cattle, Cows, Bulls Dec. 23 - Regular Sale - Stocker Sale Dec. 24-28 - Closed Dec. 29 - 9:00 am - Veal, Lambs, Goats & Sheep 12:00 pm - Cows, Bulls, Fat Cattle Dec. 30 - Regular Sale - Stockers Dec. 31 - Jan. 2, 2022 - Closed Jan. 3 - Regular Schedule Resume

Dec. 27 - No Sale, Closed Jan. 3, 2022 - Regular Schedule Resumes

Wishing you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season!

Vankleek Hill Livestock Exchange Ltd.

Dec. 20 - Regular Sale Dec. 22 - Regular Sale Dec. 27 - Regular Sale Dec. 29 - Regular Sale Jan. 3, 2022 - Regular Schedule Resumes

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

31

MARKET INFORMATION UPDATE

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

T

he fed cattle market has been steady for most of the second half of 2021 with the railgrade price sitting at $270.00 cwt for 15 weeks

On the beef side, Canadian beef imports are at 134,826 tonnes as of November 6, 2021 down 18.5% from the same time in 2020

since the week of June 4. For eight weeks in July and August, prices

and 2.43% below 2019. Imports from the U.S. are down 11.3% from

dipped below $270.00, down to $258.00 but recovered back to the

2020 and 9.6% below 2019, with imports from non-NAFTA countries

$270.00 price the first week in September and continued at this price

down 39.4% from 2020 and 21.4% below 2019. E.U. beef imports into

to the time of reporting in late November. Steady prices in the fourth

Canada are down 12.8% from 2020 but noting an increase of around

quarter have encouraged sellers to keep current but higher feed prices

313% from 2019. On the Canadian beef export side, as of September

have also played a role.

30, volumes are up 24.6% from September 30, 2020 and 15.4%

Ontario federal and provincial plants reported 549,707 steers, heifers and cull cows processed as of October 31, 2021, up 6.4% from

above 2019.

Cull cow volumes sold through auction markets have declined for

the same time in 2020 but 5.8% below 2019. Ontario steer warm

the last two years, but are above 2015-2018 numbers year-to-date

carcass weights in 2021 have been higher than last year, 2019 and

with prices higher than the last two years. Beef cows have seen prices

the five-year average on a monthly basis, until October of this year.

stronger than the last two years on a month-to-month basis, while

The year started out at an all time high of 990-pound average for

dairy breeds have experienced a couple of months with prices below

steers, noting January carcasses are generally larger but there was also

2020 as volumes fluctuated. 2021 beef cows have been trading at a

a backlog at this time. Weights continued around 20 pounds higher

$5.00-$15.00 cwt premium over the dairy breeds.

than 2020 until May when Ontario steer carcasses jumped to 982

Stocker and feeder cattle volumes are down 1.7% from 2020 year-

pounds, up 42 pounds over 2020 and 20 pounds over 2019. August

to-date and 5.7% below 2019 but above 2018 at this time. Steers

to September weights were in line with 2020, 2019 and the five-year

900 lbs and over have been very strong this fall and continue at

average, however in October 2021, weights declined. The average

prices above 2020, 2019 and the five-year average. Heifers over 900

steer carcass weight for October 2021 is 943 pounds, which for the

pounds are above the last two years and the five-year average but are

first time this year is below 2020, 2019 and the five-year average.

seasonally declining. The remaining weight categories saw fall prices

Weights typically increase moving into the fall but decent fall prices

peak in August/September, and have seasonally declined since that

and good demand have kept the cattle moving. One point to note

time. While the majority of classes remain above 2019 and the five-

is that October steer carcass weights in Ontario are lower than the

year average, some are holding steady or slightly easier than prices

Canadian average, which has only happened approximately five times

seen in the fall of 2020. OB

since January 2009, on a month-to-month basis. Live cattle exports of steers, heifers and cows to the U.S. through Ontario ports are down 4.2% from the same time in 2020, down 4.8% from 2019 and 4.5% below the five-year average, year-to-date.

32

O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

Continued on page 34.

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

33

Continued from page 33. – Market

34

Info

O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

BEEF EXPORTS - CANADA

United States

Mexico

Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, ‘21 % Change Total 264,993 tonnes

Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, ‘21 % Change

+16%

17,694 tonnes

Japan

China

Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, ‘21 Total

44,979 tonnes

+104%

Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, ‘21

+35%

15,138 tonnes

+118%

BEEF PRODUCTION - CANADA

Jan. 1 - Nov. 13 ‘21

Last Year Same Time

Fed

989,976 tonnes

907,558 tonnes

% Change +9%

Non-fed

134,099 tonnes

119,240 tonnes

+12%

BEEF IMPORTS - CANADA

Jan. 1 - Nov. 13, ‘21

US

85,938 tonnes

Non-NAFTA

Last Year Same Time % Change 96,520 tonnes

-11%

28,385 tonnes

47,488 tonnes

-40%

EU-28 (beef/veal total) 12,147 tonnes

13,956 tonnes

-13%

168,902 tonnes

-19%

Total

137,427 tonnes

LIVE CATTLE - CANADA IMPORTS

EXPORTS

Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, ‘21

Jan. 1 - Nov. 6, ‘21

Purebred

EXPORTS

13,680 Slaughter steers & heifers 375,516

% Change -8%

Non-Purebred 307,786 Feeder steers & heifers

112,654

+12%

32,736

-11%

Cows & bulls

LIVE CATTLE EXPORTS - ONTARIO

Week ending Nov. 6, ‘21 Week ending Oct. 30, ‘21 Year to Date

Total to US.

2,285

2,508

96,029

Steers, Heifers, Cows 2,153

2,357

89,576

151

6,453

Bulls

132

ON TA R IO BEEF • D EC EMB ER 20 21

35

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 February 2022 issue is January 15.

Call 519-763-8833 for information

36

O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 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

CALENDAR

Ontario Beef Industry Events January 5 - Grey-Bruce Farmers’ Week 2022 Virtual Beef Day. Visit www.gbfw.ca to register.

January 5-6 - Ontario Agriculture Virtual Conference. Visit www.southwestagconference.ca for program details.

January 27 & 29 - Virtual Beef Symposium. Stay tuned for program details.

February 20 - Elm Tree and Ferme Forbell Online Simmental Bull Sale.

February 23 - Beck McCoy Annual Bull Sale, Maidstone, Saskatchewan.

February 23-24 - BFO’s 2022 Virtual Annual General Meeting. Visit www.ontariobeef.com to register.

March 4 - M&L Cattle Company Complete Charolais Dispersal Sale, Indian River.

April 16 - Cedardale Charolais Bull Sale, Nestleton.

BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO PRIVACY STATEMENT

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

ONTARIO MAINE-ANJOU ASSOCIATION

Q: Where’s the Beef?

A: It’s in MAINE-ANJOU Offspring

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

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

jennalperry07@gmail.com

Advertise in

BEEF BUSINESS LEADERS

Commercial Angus Purebred Red Angus Purebred Black Angus Purebred Hereford

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

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

Brantford, ON

(since 1995)

Purebred Black Angus Cattle

HUGH MACNEIL

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

Pete Coleman

8400 Huntington Road, Vaughan, ON 1-877-856-SEED (7333) • Fax: 905-856-7509

Andy Millar

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

Call 519-763-8833 for information

Where Quality Counts

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

Very reasonable rates! Deadline for February 2022 issue is January 15.

Cell: 519-865-3453 pete.bridgeview@gmail.com www.qualityseeds.ca

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 • D EC EMB ER 20 21

37

WELLNESS ON THE FARM

By Bethany Storey, BFO Communications Specialist

Don’t Let Stress Get in the Way of Effective Decision Making F

or many, our farms are more than just a business, but also a home, a history and a lifestyle. It can be hard to face important decisions without letting our emotions play a role, leading to anxiety and stress. Our brains are wired to be more reactionary under stress.

This can mean that when presented with difficult decisions we simplify our options to all-or-nothing extremes, going with our first instinct or staying on the fence not knowing what to do.

In these situations, it is important to step back and ask yourself questions to figure out the emotional connection to the logical business decision and enable yourself to not let it negatively affect your mental well-being.

It is important to take Instead of attempting to fight stress with fast food or alcohol, do your best to make healthy choices when you feel the tension rise. Exercise is a great stress-buster. Consider joining a local pick-up hockey league for fellowship and fun. various steps to manage your stress: • Track your stressors - Keep •G et some support - Accepting help from trusted friends and family a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the members can improve your ability to manage stress. most stress and how you respond to them.

When you find making business decisions brings on stress it is time • Develop healthy responses - Instead of attempting to fight stress with to take a step back and focus on what is the cause. Ask yourself what fast food or alcohol, do your best to make healthy choices when you aspect of the business is causing the stress? Check the farm’s business feel the tension rise. Exercise is a great stress-buster. Consider joining plan and strategies to see if there are changes that need to be made a local pick-up hockey league for fellowship and fun. or have been affecting other aspects of your farm’s operation. What’s • Establish boundaries - In today’s digital world, it’s easy to feel working and what’s not? Identifying these issues will help to put you in pressure to be available 24 hours a day. Establish some work-life control of the situation, allowing you to feel more confident and less boundaries for yourself from co-workers, partners and employees for overwhelmed. when you might be unavailable.

For many farmers, emotions are closely linked with on-farm • Take time to recharge - To avoid the negative effects of chronic stress decision-making, especially during stressful or uncertain times. and burnout, we need time to replenish and return to our pre-stress Identifying our stressors is an important management skill that will help level of functioning. us, our farm partners and our business overall. Planning, being honest • Learn how to relax - Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing with yourself and recognizing the facts can help mitigate the negative exercises, and mindfulness can help melt away stress. Start by taking impacts of stress. OB a few minutes each day to focus on a simple activity like breathing, walking, or enjoying a meal.

38

O N T A R I O B E E F • DE CE M BE R 2 0 2 1

M & L CATTLE COMPANY COMPLETE DISPERSAL SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 4TH, 11 AM, AT THE FARM

Largest Full French Dispersal in Canadian History 300 head of Bulls, Bred Heifers, Cows, Cow/Calf Pairs and Open Heifers. Horned and polled. Feel free to contact us regarding the cattle on offer — we will give you an honest evaluation.

The sale consultants have been through the cattle and are familiar with the program.

Sale Consultants: Carl Wright (auctioneer) 519- 369- 7489 Jack McCoubry 519- 671- 2776 Doug Briggs 705- 890- 8458 Erin Briggs 705- 345- 2970

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

www.mlcattleco.com