BFO Sharecost Innovation Awards

SHARECOST INNOVATION AWARDS ANNOUNCED By Bethany Storey, BFO Communications Coordinator

Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) and members across Ontario saw another successful year for the Sharecost Program in 2019. The program, administered by BFO, supports producer and consumer initiatives to promote and raise awareness for Ontario’s beef industry at local county and district levels. The annual Sharecost Program was well-utilized in 2019 with 38 participating counties receiving nearly $120,000 for county-led programs. Each year, counties and districts dedicate time, effort and commitment to support local initiatives and programs that promote beef and raise awareness of the beef industry in their areas.

In November 2019, final applications were submitted for projects, including invoices and record of payment for each activity. In return, BFO provides a cost-share of 80 per cent, up to a maximum of $2,500 for consumer initiatives and $2,500 for producer initiatives, with a total maximum return of $5,000 per county/district association. In 2019, qualifying producer applications ranged from educational workshops to bus trips, while consumer activities included involvement at fairs, local beef promotion and community sponsorship.

As an additional component of the BFO Sharecost Program, county and district associations were encouraged to submit their projects for the BFO Sharecost Innovation Award. Local associations submitted applications for either the consumer or producer project that the county or district was especially proud of.

The annual awards are presented based on leadership, innovation, creativity and success of execution. BFO was pleased with the exceptional entries received for 2019 initiatives and congratulate all those that took the time to get involved in their local community, dedicating their time to these projects and working to promote Ontario’s beef industry. The first-place winner is awarded $500, while second place receives $250 and third place receives $100.

Sharecost Innovation Award Winners

In 2019, BFO was pleased to receive four innovative entries. Congratulations to our 2019 winners: Bruce County Beef Farmers, Ottawa Beef Farmers and Lambton County Cattlemen’s Association.

1st Place – Building Up Beef!

In 2019, Bruce County Beef Farmers (BCBF) refreshed billboards advertising the BCBF and the iconic ‘Big Bruce’. These signs were originally erected in 2008 in conjunction with the International Plowing Match that was hosted in Bruce County that year.

Through the project, BCBF aimed to update the billboards with current graphics and messaging to promote the purchase of local beef and encourage people to choose beef more often for meals.

Three signs have already been updated, with three more in the works for 2020. Watch for these signs as you travel through Bruce County. 1 st

2nd Place – Innovative Influencers

Last year, members of the Ottawa Beef Farmers (OBF) leveraged social media to spread awareness and promote excitement of Ontario beef. The group promoted the OBF Facebook page by hosting three Facebook barbecue beef giveaways. These giveaways promoted local beef farmers, engaged consumers and sparked interest with online visitors to learn more about the Ontario beef industry. The 2 nd

giveaway posts also encouraged consumers and producers to get involved in other OBF events taking place.

Members of the OBF believe each of the three giveaways was an excellent opportunity to expand their reach, receiving many “likes” and “shares” for each post. The OBF Facebook

including the importance of animal care and health on cattle farms and different types of feed that are fed to cattle and why those diets can differ. Samples of feed types were displayed and two heifers were part of the beef station. Beef by-products were also discussed, highlighting products the cattle industry provides to everyday lives. The 2019 Agriculture in the Classroom program was an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about beef cattle, beef byproducts and about their food.

Congratulations to all 2019 Sharecost Innovation Award winners and entrants. BFO looks forward to receiving more fantastic and innovative entries in 2020. Watch for details about the 2020 Sharecost Program applications. OB

page increased their followers by 415 within six months as a result of the promotions. This is a great example of the positive impact social media can have to promote Ontario beef.

3rd Place – Spreading the Message to Next Generations

Lambton County Cattlemen’s Association partnered with Brigden Fair to participate in the Agriculture in the Classroom program in 2019. The program was offered to children in Grades 2 to 6 from schools in the Lambton County area. Volunteers hosted the beef cattle station of the program, discussing different aspects of the beef industry.

Volunteers touched on a variety of topics, 3 rd

OATTES CATTLE BULL SALE 138 Oattes Rd, Cobden, Ont. Off of Hwy 17, approx 4 miles west of Cobden, onto Oattes Rd, signs posted. FRIDAY EVENING, MARCH 6TH AT 6:00PM Viewing on sale day from 3:00 to 6:00pm Approx 25 Charolais Bulls & 2 Simmental Bulls Video & Sale Site - Live Auction TV

For more info call: Craig at 613-633-0755 or Jack at 613-633-7969 For bull stats and pictures go to prestoncull.com

ANNUAL BRED HEIFER SALE FOR PRESTON & TERRY CULL & FAMILY at the farm on 923 Spence Rd, Douglas, Ont. FRIDAY EVENING MAY 8 AT 7:00PM Viewing after 5:00pm 80 Charolais X-Bred first & second calf Heifers Bred to large frame Charolais or Red Angus Bulls Some with calves at foot, due anytime, May/June. All vaccinated. For viewing or info call Preston. Check prestoncull.com for pictures, sales, and more information. Auctioneer • Preston Cull, R.R. #1 Douglas, Ontario prestoncull.com • 613-649-2378