Ontario Beef - October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO

New Local Beef Brand Delivers New Ontario Choice

Q&A with new Executive Director Check-Off FAQs Connecting with the People Cow-Calf Management School Tours the Bruce Johne’s Disease Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement Number 0040007029

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

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Ontario

HEREFORD ASSOCIATION

Ontario

HEREFORDASSOCIATION

contents

COMPLIMENTARY, MEMBER SUPPORTED PUBLICATION OctOber 2019

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VOlume 60, Number 4

New Local Beef Brand Delivers New Ontario Choice Connecting with the People – Consumer Engagement Update Q&A with New Executive Director Check-Off FAQs Cow-Calf Management School Tours the Bruce Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program Licensed Dealers Listing

departments 4

Ahead of the Heard – by Joe Hill, BFO President

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The Beef Beat – by Richard Horne, BFO Executive Director

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Between You, Me and the Fence Post – by Jennifer Kyle, Editor, Ontario Beef

16 OMAFRA Update – by James Byrne, Beef Cattle Specialist, OMAFRA 20 Where the Maple Leaf Flies – by Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 26 INSIGHTS – by Jasper Munro, Manager of Research and Innovation, AgSights 28 Beef Brief – by Michele McAdoo, Executive Director, Brand & Communications, Canada Beef 30 Vet on Call – by Katharine Found, DVM 34 Market Information – by Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, BFO

ON THE COVER Fall is a busy season on the farm.

Harvest, stocker sales and preparing for the coming winter will keep everyone busy. Fall also signals the unofficial start of farm “meeting season”. Consider attending a workshop, industry event or local meeting to connect, share insights and learn more about our industry.

Don’t miss out on submitting your photos for our February 2020 issue. Please send your spring inspired photos by December 15 to be considered for the cover.

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

41 Calendar of Events 42 Spotlight on Food & Farm Care Ontario – by Farm & Food Care Ontario 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 Jennifer Kyle 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

A h e a d o f t h e Heard • By Joe Hill, BFO President

info@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

What’s the One Thing That Will Make the Industry Better?

T

his fall has gotten off to a busy start. I had the opportunity to speak with Minister Hardeman on several occasions, and together with Premier Ford at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in September. We’ve been emphasizing the hurtful impact that recent trade disruptions and limitations of our processing capacity are having on our farmer members. Despite tremendous opportunity to grow beef trade locally and internationally, the deck seems to be continuously stacked against us. Loss of the China market this spring, compounded with last year’s lost access to Saudi Arabia, and segregation rules affecting access to U.S. plants, has put Ontario beef farmers in a downward spiral. With no end in sight, we are left watching equity erode and our children leave the farm in pursuit of greener pastures. With no apparent immediate relief, we put out a joint statement with our Quebec counterparts to the federal election candidates calling for urgent action by implementing the ‘Beef Cattle Investment and Assistance Program’ as soon as a federal minister of agriculture is named after the election. This federal request is in addition to

the CCA’s request for a ‘market diversification fund’ which we support but believe it simply does not go far enough to help farmers in Ontario and Quebec.

The Risk Management Program (RMP) still remains the most effective program offered in recent memory to address market shortfalls. But it also remains underfunded.

Minister Hardeman is reminded often of his campaign promise to increase the RMP funding cap by $50 million. This additional money is not scheduled to be made available until 2021, and is expected to come with some program changes. We are hard at work discussing potential changes to RMP with OMAFRA and Agricorp, and are determined to keep it timely, bankable, predictable and effective.

We saw the grand opening of the new Ontario Beef Research Centre in Elora earlier this fall. This state-of-the-art facility is the result of a shared vision between industry, government and the University of Guelph.

This has been the inspiration behind a request to meet with Minister Hardeman, so that we can grow this shared vision for the Ontario beef industry. Much of what BFO has been doing already aligns with the provincial agenda of ‘Open for Business’. As our checkoff increase comes online later this fall, and our marketing and consumer engagement

programs really get rolling, we are doing everything possible to drive towards success. My hope is to engage the provincial government as a true partner in this success.

If we work together with a shared vision, we can identify obstacles and opportunities first, then find the best way to address them. We should also be able to avoid being collateral damage from regulations developed to serve another purpose.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with a couple of young 4-H members. I was excited to hear that just one of the clubs in Wellington County has more than 50 members. They were tasked to ask a producer some questions to develop a display board for the local fair. It was a little different interview than what I’ve been used to lately, but they asked me a question that I wasn’t ready for: “what is the one thing that will make the industry better?” I’ll admit that I likely didn’t give them a very good answer at the time, but it has been on my mind ever since. The truth is that there isn’t just one thing that will improve the industry. We need to start with the best genetics, build on that with the best nutrition and herd health programs, and finish with the best marketing plan. If you don’t agree, take a look at your most successful neighbours, and ask yourself what are they doing different? OB

BFO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019 Joe Hill (Feedlot Director) - President Phone: 519-843-3202 • Email: joe@roberthillfarm.ca Rob Lipsett (Background Director) - Vice-President Phone: 519-371-9850 • Email: lipsettrob@yahoo.ca Don Badour (Cow-Calf Director) Phone: 613-762-2161 • Email: don.badour@ripnet.com Jason Reid (Cow-Calf Director) Phone: 807-935-3224 • Email: reidridgefarm@tbaytel.net Craig McLaughlin (Cow-Calf Director) Phone: 613-646-7820 • Email: cmblackhorse@gmail.com Mert Schneider (Feedlot Director) Phone: 519-343-2849 • Email: nschneider@wightman.ca Jack Chaffe (Feedlot Director) Phone: 519-348-4607 • Email: jdchaffe@quadro.net Jason Leblond (Northern Director) Phone: 705-724-1887 • Email: jsacres5@gmail.com Dave Cavanagh (Eastern Director) Phone: 705-740-5212 • Email: homestead_herefords@msn.com Ron Stevenson (Southern Director) Phone: 519-887-6677 • Email: ron@metzgervet.com Dan Darling (Director-At-Large) Phone: 905-375-4019 • Email: dmdarling13@gmail.com Jordan Miller (Director-At-Large) Phone: 289-686-1124 • Email: b.jordan.miller@gmail.com

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BFO STAFF Executive Director Richard Horne • richard@ontariobeef.com Executive Assistant Cathy Golubienko • cathyg@ontariobeef.com Senior Advisor, Special Projects Dave Stewart dave@ontariobeef.com Senior Policy Advisor Katherine Fox • katherine@ontariobeef.com Manager of Communications & Marketing LeaAnne Wuermli • leaanne@ontariobeef.com (on maternity leave) Senior Communications Specialist Jennifer Kyle • jennifer@ontariobeef.com Communications Coordinator Bethany Storey • bethany@ontariobeef.com Market Information Coordinator Jamie Gamble • markets@ontariobeef.com

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

JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATION!

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIMOUSIN CATTLE IN CANADA AT THE LARGEST LIMOUSIN SHOW IN NORTH AMERICA...

THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR, TORONTO, ONTARIO

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST - Masterfeeds National Junior Beef Heifer Show • Showmanship 50TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET - Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto • Churchill Ballroom, Cocktails at 6:00pm, Dinner at 7:00pm Contact Brent Black for tickets.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND – Masterfeeds National Junior Beef Heifer Show - Conformation • Royal Elite Sale SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD – National Limousin Show MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH – Junior Limousin Show

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

3 RIDGE FARMS Jon Bell 217294 Conc. 3 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5 519-378-4006 roundbale14@hotmail.com ALBERTVIEW LIMOUSIN FARMS Jim and Karen Roffey and Family Walter Stothers 5735 Doane Rd., Mount Albert, Ont. L0G 1M0 Contact Jim Roffey: 905-473-2713 BEE ZEE ACRES Mary Anne & Bill Zwambag RR #4, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0 519-287-3219 CLARK CATTLE CO. David Clark 2280 McCullough Rd. Port Hope, ON L1A 3V7 905-786-2304 clarkcattle1@hotmail.ca

DARLING FARMS 4172 County Rd 25 Castleton, ON K0K 1M0 905-375-4019 dmdarling13@gmail.com GIBSON FARMS Dave and Emily Gibson 2148 Concession 4, RR1, Ripley Ontario N0G2R0 Dave-519-357-6174 Emily 519-440-9907 HAYSTACK ACRES John & Michelle McLean 3114 Walker Road, RR#2 Harrow, ON N0R 1G0 519-738-0453 haystacklimousin@yahoo.ca HILLSIDE FARMS Ray and Stacie Stanton 4250 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1K4 416-505-0707 rays@londonproperty.ca

KOYLE FARMS LIMOUSIN Dwight & Catherine Koyle 33429 6th Line, RR#3 Iona Station, ON N0L 1P0 519-764-2697 • cdkoyle@gtn.net AFTER HOURS LIMOUSINS Rob & Erin Weppler 117078 Grey Rd. 3 , Tara, ON 519-375-6108 Rob@gbtel.ca LAKESIDE FARM Wayne and Nancy Lawrence 263657 Southgate Rd. 26 RR#4 Durham, ON N0G 1R0 519-369-2806 POSTHAVEN LIMOUSIN John and Ena Post #7396 Sideroad #20, RR #2, Alma, Ontario N0B 1A0 519-846-9320 ejpost@posthavenlimousin.com

Ontario Limousin Association

Mike Geddes, President • Phone: 519-502-8864

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 261269 Conc. 18 Hanover, ON N4N 3B8 519-270-5415 New.life.limousin@gmail.com SMART LIMOUSIN Garry and Sheila Smart 137606 Grey Road 12 RR#2, Meaford, ON N4L 1W6 519-538-4877 www.smartlimousin.com TOP MEADOW FARMS RR # 1, Clarksburg, ON N0H 1J0 519-599-6776 WINDY GABLES LIMOUSIN Bryce & Nathan Allen RR #4, Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0 705-924-2583

Check out our Website for LimoNews: www.ontariolimousin.com ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

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The Beef Beat

• By Richard Horne, Executive Director richard@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

It Takes a Team W

orking on policy issues that are important to the Ontario beef industry has been a challenging and rewarding experience. I’m grateful to the many producers and industry representatives that took the time to discuss their challenges and experiences with me over the years.

The discussions have been fruitful and have helped our team develop and advocate policy and program solutions to help Ontario’s beef farmers and the industry. Although our recommendations were sometimes ignored or diluted by politicians and public servants, your input and feedback is important to our conversations with the provincial and federal governments. Fighting for change and improvement for the Ontario beef sector through sound policy development is a job I took seriously and enjoyed, despite the many obstacles.

As of July 22 of this year my role with BFO shifted gears from policy and advocacy to managerial oversight of the association after being appointed as the seventh executive director in the association’s history.

I’m honoured to have this position and excited by the opportunities and challenges it will undoubtedly bring. The legacy of my predecessors is long and storied, marked by the likes of Charlie Gracey, Graeme Hedley, Mike McMorris and Dave Stewart. My interactions with each of them over the years, their accomplishments and impact they had on the Ontario and Canadian beef industry will serve as an important and constant reminder to me about my role.

One truth I came to realize quite early working for Dave Stewart was that the executive director position is a challenging and demanding job within a challenging and complex sector. This role requires consistent dedication and thoughtfulness, effective communication, and strategic vision and execution. Dave provided strong and dependable management for 15 years at the BFO helm. While I have learned a tremendous amount from Dave in his approach to working with government, other organizations, and 6

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

Farmers and his local community pasture, as serving the board of directors and producers well as running his own farm. We wish Andy of this province, I can tell with you without well in his retirement. pause that Dave never stopped fighting for Andy’s successor, Chris Millar, is the new you. Regardless of the outcome, Dave poured Check-Off Inspector. Chris had a lengthy a tremendous amount of time and energy career with the Canada Border Services into his position in support of you and your Agency (CBSA) prior to joining BFO, and has businesses. Dave was a tireless advocate an excellent skill set earned through training for the beef sector. This wasn’t simply a and experience with the CBSA. Growing management job for him, he was truly driven up, Chris gained practical experience on to make the sector better, day in and day his family’s beef farm and will be a strong out. My take-away from Dave (among many addition to our BFO team. lessons) and my commitment to you, the I’m happy to report that BFO Manager producers, is to never stop fighting on your of Communications and Marketing LeaAnne behalf. While I can’t guarantee success, I Wuermli, and her husband Andreas, recently can commit that you will have a champion welcomed a baby girl into their family. While for your issues, supported by a team of LeaAnne is on maternity leave, Jennifer Kyle, capable and motivated staff that have helped BFO Senior Communications Specialist, will develop the culture and vision Dave instilled assume many of LeaAnne’s primary duties before me. and responsibilities with the help of Bethany I would like to extend a sincere thank you Storey, BFO Communications Coordinator. to Dave for his outstanding leadership and In the policy department, we are happy dedication to the Ontario beef industry during to have recently hired two new policy staff his tenure as BFO Executive Director. While to replace open positions. Jessica Schill still in a transition phase toward retirement, started her position as Policy Advisor in midDave’s many accomplishments and steady management will leave a lasting legacy for August, and in early September we welcomed BFO. Thanks Dave.

Angela Rouillard as Senior Policy Advisor. I BFO has been fortunate to maintain a am excited by the skill set that Jessica and stable and capable group of qualified staff for Angela bring to the BFO team and I believe many years. Recent events have and will bring they will complement our existing policy some changes to our organizational chart capacity well. that I would like to update you on.

The BFO staff are here to support you, the Jaclyn Horenberg, BFO Producer Relations producers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out Specialist, returned from maternity leave to us to discuss your issues and concerns, or in April to continue helping to coordinate your thoughts on the new government! Until and deliver industry development programs, next time. OB producer education and training workshops, the VBP+ program, and other producerfacing initiatives. Jaclyn’s work will be focused on the western region of Ontario, with Dan Ferguson handling the eastern part of the province. The north will be shared between the Jaclyn and Dan. Andy Millar retired as BFO’s CheckOff Inspector at the end of May, a position he had held since joining BFO in February 2006. Andy’s quiet, thoughtful and thorough approach allowed him to gain respect across the province and has improved BFO’s industry relationships.

Andy remains very active in our industry, Jessica Schill, BFO Policy Advisor and Angela being involved in Victoria County Beef Rouillard, BFO Senior Policy Advisor.

FIELD DAYS Cover Crop Grazing

Capture the Financial Opportunity

ST. GEORGE - Saturday, October 26, 9:00am - 12:30pm LAMBTON SHORES - Saturday, November 23, 9:00am - 12:30pm EAST-CENTRAL ON - TBD These field days will give farmers the opportunity to see cover crops put to use as pasture for beef cattle. Cover crops have important environmental and economic value, and these workshops will include farmers and speakers who can share their knowledge on the tools and resources available. Information on financial costs and gains of cover crop grazing will also be discussed. A light lunch will be provided at each field day.

There are no registration fees for these events, but please register early to secure a spot by contacting the Agricultural Information Contact Centre by phone 1.877.424.1300 or by email at ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.

TAKE YOUR FEEDLOT HERD PERFORMANCE

The MaxForce™ line of beef premix is designed to help your cattle stay healthy and profitable from receiving right through the grower and finisher diets. Available with Chelated Minerals and B Vitamins for added health and performance benefits.

Use MaxForce™ to get the most out of your herd.

To learn more about these products contact us directly at 1-877-625-4400.

1-877-625-4400 grandvalley.com

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

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Between You, Me and the Fence Post •

A Season for Learning N

ow that we are nicely into October and kids are back to school, everyone is back into routine and harvest is hopefully getting underway in your corner of the province. It has certainly been a mixed bag of weather this year, which has wreaked havoc on the growing season in more ways than one. And let’s not even get started on trade disruptions or processing capacity.

It’s been a tough year, but resilience is never lacking in the farming community.

I believe the ability to remain positive and bounce back from tough times stems partly from the natural inclination of farmers, like yourselves, to always be on the lookout for ways to improve your farms, learn something new and expand your networks. For example, if something doesn’t work, you might tweak the machinery or process for the next time. Or, maybe you discover you’re not going to have as much feed as you planned for, so you might learn more about grazing cover crops or use your connections in other parts of the province to see what feed is available.

The point is, you don’t get down or stay down for long because you don’t let yourself stay idle. Sure, everyone has their “woe is me” moments, and let’s be honest, Mother Nature has done her best to give us all those moments this year, but you keep moving, keep learning, keep connecting and keep on keeping on.

By Jennifer Kyle, BFO Senior Communications Specialist info@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com

There are a lot of opportunities for you to learn and connect over the next few months.

If you are interested in grazing cover crops, OMAFRA will be running their Grazing Your Cover Crops field days again this fall – watch for dates and details. BFO is planning to revive the bfoUP webinars again this fall and winter.

There are no dates set yet, but stay tuned to the website, social media or Bull-etin Board e-newsletter for dates and topics. In December, BFO is partnering with OMAFRA and the University of Guelph to put on a Carcass 101 workshop, again more details will be coming.

Curious about how the inaugural Cow-Calf Management School went this summer? It was very well-received! Check out page 24 for the full report and keep it on your radar for next year.

While tradeshows, fairs and livestock shows wind down for the year, fall also signals the unofficial start of "meeting season.” Events and meetings – whether big venues like the

JOIN US AT THE

ROYAL!

Please stop by our display at the Royal – we are proud to be Celebrating the 50TH ANNIVERSARY of the LIMOUSIN BREED in CANADA. Be sure to see our consignment in the ROYAL ELITE ALL BREEDS SALE.

Visitors Always Welcome – at The Royal and at The Farm Holli and Brian Lee Janetville, ON

hmacsand@hotmail.com 8

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

705-340-5944 Cell: 905-447-5173

Royal or smaller local producer meetings – are a great place to network and pick up new ideas. Check out the events calendar on page 41 and stay tuned to the BFO website and the Bull-etin Board e-newsletter to keep up-todate on what’s happening when and where.

Albert Einstein said, “education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” Farmers are thinkers AND problem solvers – constantly contemplating what you can do differently or adjust to improve your cow herd, weaning weights, handling facilities, feed rations, crop yields or even the industry as a whole. This learner mentality means you can jimmy-rig yourselves out of a mess – whether that is mechanical or technical, weatherrelated or market-driven – and come out stronger and more prepared for the next time.

As Henry Ford said, “anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.”

Stay young friends. Find those workshops, webinars, field days, courses, meetings and events that interest you, and keep learning and connecting. You will weather the storm and be even more ready for whatever challenge could come next. OB

GET THE

CHAROLAIS ADVANTAGE You can add more dollars to your producer pockets at these

CHAROLAIS INFLUENCED CALF SALES Carson Farms and Auctions, Listowel • October 28 Hoard’s Station, Campbellford • October 18 AND November 29 Kawartha Lakes Co-Op Market, Woodville • November 6 AND November 20 Keady Livestock Market, Keady • October 26 AND October 29 Ontario Stockyards, Cookstown • November 5 AND November 19 Brussels Livestock, Brussels • October 25 AND November 8

Be sure to join us at the Royal Agirucltural Winter Fair for THE NATIONAL CHAROLAIS SHOW AND SALE, Friday, November 1st.

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

BULL-ETIN BOARD New Products, News Releases and Awards

Mapleseed Pasture Award Application Deadline The Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Sheep Farmers, Mapleseed and the Ontario Forage Council invite you to nominate a deserving producer for the Mapleseed Pasture Award. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize individual producers who are doing an outstanding job of pasture management. The Mapleseed Pasture Award is also a way of encouraging producers to implement pasture management strategies that maximize production on every acre.

For each category, Mapleseed contributes a cash award of $500 to the winner and $250 to cover their accommodation to attend the BFO or Ontario Sheep Farmers AGM. The winner of each category will also be invited to share a presentation about their operation at their

respective commodity AGM. Each winner will also receive a 25 kg bag of their choice of a Mapleseed Forage Mix. The deadline to submit applications for the beef pasture award is November 29, 2019. Application forms can be found on the Ontario Forage Council website, www.ontarioforagecouncil.com.

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands Returns The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) recently announced the Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) is back for 2019 and 2020. SARPAL is an Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) initiative focused on working with Ontario farmers to support the management and recovery of species at risk on agricultural land.

Through the program, Ontario farmers implement a variety of on-farm Best Management Practices (BMPs) that create and maintain habitat for species at risk (SAR) while helping to sustain farm production and profitability. These species make use of wetlands, field edges, old fencerows, buffer strips, windbreaks and other grassy areas on farms as habitat, travel corridors and to forage.

With up to 65 per cent cost-share to support projects including planting trees and shrubs, grassland and wetland restoration, and rotational grazing BMPs, producers can receive funding up to $20,000 per farm business in the 2019 and 2020 program years.

SARPAL program highlights • 65 per cent cost-share level, to a maximum of $20,000 per farm business • First come, first served • Six supported BMPs for 2019 • Up to $50/tree for tree planting projects • Up to $11.50/m of permanent fence and $2.45/m for temporary fence • Up to a maximum of $2,000 in-kind contribution To be eligible for the program, farm businesses must have a valid Premises Identification Number and a 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan and Action Plan verified complete by OSCIA. The SARPAL program is available to landowners across the province. As part of SARPAL, landowners enter into a Conservation Agreement with ECCC to ensure maintenance of funded projects and habitat protection for SAR by producers for the length of the agreement.

Applications for the 2019 program began September 5, 2019 and will be open to December 15, 2019 or until funding is fully allocated. Funding will be allocated to eligible projects in the order they are received. SARPAL funding is limited, if you have a project idea that fits, submit your application as soon as possible. A second intake will open in February 2020.

To learn more or apply, visit the program’s website at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/oscia-programs/sarpal.

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O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

New Local Beef Brand Delivers New Ontario Choice

By Jeanine Moyer

C

ustomer conversations at the meat counter created a new, all-Ontario beef brand at Vince’s Market – Ontario Reserve Angus Beef. A chain of grocery stores located in the Greater Toronto Area that specialize in fresh food basket grocery items, Vince’s Market continually strives to meet and exceed customer expectations.

“We regularly engage with our customers and know that quality is their first priority, followed closely by sourcing local,” says Brian Johns, Vince’s Market chief operating officer. “Our customers want locally-sourced food, because, to them, local means quality, high nutritional value, support for our community and they recognize the related economic factors.”

Vince’s Market already sources 100 per cent Canadian beef, transitioning to allOntario beef in May 2019 to bring food a little closer to home. Johns recognized immediately that the brand has a strong story behind it – beef farmers and their families who feed the highest quality feed and care for their animals. This past summer he took eight team members to visit one of the farms the market now sources their beef from. “Meeting the farmers closed the farm to fork loop for us,” explains Johns. “Our staff can now confidently continue those conversations at the meat counter, sharing what they learned

at the farm and how passionate the farmers are in caring for their animals.”

The new Ontario Reserve Angus Beef brand was also developed to help the Vince’s Market stores differentiate in the marketplace. Johns notes this was a big step for their small company, and the brand aligns with their core values to serve their community and support local food producers.

“We’ve raised the bar for our customers with this new program that’s all about excellence – not just in flavour, but in sustainability and in supporting the local economy,” says Johns.

The new brand was developed through the Ontario Beef Joint Marketing Program – a collaboration between the Beef Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA) – with the objective to increase market penetration for Ontario branded beef.

“The project was developed to meet the commitment of Vince’s Market to feature a high quality, locally produced Ontario beef program,” says John Baker, marketing director for the Joint Marketing Program. Together, the partners worked along the supply chain to source high quality Angus beef that met onfarm quality assurance standards. “St. Helen’s Meat Packers supplies the new program and uses Angus cattle sourced from the OCFA

quality assurance program with additional program attributes.”

This program provides Vince’s with the required assurances to verify their claims of Angus beef raised on Ontario family farms.

And includes a documented on-farm quality assurance program to ensure animal health, a commitment to protecting the natural environment and high quality feed products for consistently great tasting Ontario beef.

Johns notes that everything about the brand contributes to a better choice for their customers, who they know spend time reading labels and carefully consider what goes in their shopping carts.

“We couldn’t do this without our partners,” says Johns. “If the producers, packers and program managers didn’t believe in this, we wouldn’t have such a solid, genuine brand.”

Johns says the sky is the limit for this program. He looks forward to touring more staff through Ontario beef farms to continue reinforcing the brand and the story behind it. OB

It’s part of the cycle.

We’ll state the obvious – weaning can add up to stress for both you and your calves.

Stress can rob your calves of fast, healthy gains and proper lifetime development. CRYSTALYX® Brigade® and Blueprint® Battalion® are highly palatable self-fed supplements that are designed to help calves overcome the nutritional stress associated with weaning, shipping and receiving.

PRODUCTS TO HELP OVERCOME WEANING NUTRITIONAL STRESS:

crystalyx.com I 800-727-2502 Visit your local CRYSTALYX® dealer for more information.

crystalyx.com I 800-727-2502 Visit your local CRYSTALYX® dealer for more information.

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

11

Connecting with the People

By Jennifer Kyle, BFO Senior Communications Specialist

I

n the blink of an eye we find ourselves in

finished beef, our thoughts on Beyond Meat

The site contains

October – where does the time go? While

Burgers, how cows impact the environment,

recipes,

the summer seems to have flown by, the

and, in the case of one very young visitor,

for buying and

consumer engagement team has been hard

how the very first cow ever came to be…

cooking

at work putting a number of pieces in place

we left that philosophical one for mom to

animal care and

to help us better engage with people.

tips beef,

answer! It was a positive experience overall

environment information, videos, a new

As with previous years, BFO had a

with a lot of support for beef. Looking ahead

e-newsletter and a product locator. Thank

presence at the CNE in The Farm building,

to next year, we would love to have beef

you to the producers who agreed to be

with 10 beef animals on display, in addition

farmers join us, so if this is something that

featured on The Farmers page. This page

to making a number of resources and

interests you, please connect with us at

aims to add faces to Ontario beef farmers in

promotional items available to visitors of the

the office.

a way that is relatable to the public, and is

fair. Over the course of the event, BFO staff

By the time you are reading this article,

a page we plan to continually add to. There

spent time at the booth interacting with the

our

–

are 19,000 beef farmers in the province, so

public, sharing information and answering a

www.ontbeef.ca – should be up and running.

the more faces we can feature, the better. If

lot of questions about beef farming. People

After months of work, we are so excited to

you are interested in being featured in this

want to know how the animals are raised,

finally have a site that is fresh and interactive

section, let us know.

the difference between grass and grain-

to share with members and consumers alike.

new

consumer-facing

website

Behind the scenes of BFO’s new public engagement campaign – building a solid library of imagery that showcases many diverse people cooking and enjoying beef in different types of situations.

12

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

One of the biggest pieces of the consumer

situations. We’re getting consumers excited

communication strategy will be developed

engagement strategy is the launch of a

about Ontario beef with an environmental

out of these findings to best share the

public engagement campaign. Staff have

video

Environmental

good news stories. We are in discussion to

secured the services of a creative marketing

Stewardship Award winner Steve Sickle, two

continue participation in the Future Foodie

agency to strategize, develop and implement

animated “Wondering About” videos, and

Program, which saw interactive cooking labs

a campaign to drive consumer confidence

our “flagship” video that will be added to

take place in more than 29 family studies

and interest in Ontario beef. We are on

our repertoire by the time the campaign

classes in Peel and Toronto District School

with

this

year’s

pace to have the campaign set to launch at the end of November, in time for the holiday season. As we have mentioned before, this

campaign

will

be

targeted to urban areas like the GTA, so be sure to

Boards this past spring.

Our ultimate goal is to get people to order, buy, cook, eat and enjoy Ontario beef.

follow us on social media to watch how it unfolds.

In anticipation of the consumer campaign, we have also been busy building our photo

And, we’ve held preliminary discussions with AgScape and

Canada

Beef

to

explore

opportunities

for

collaboration

better

and partnership on beef advocacy in schools.

Our ultimate goal is to

launches. Thank you to everyone who has

get people to order, buy, cook, eat and enjoy

let us get in their face with a camera in the

beef. Connecting and engaging with people

name of these projects.

is the name of the game, and every activity

and video libraries with new content. We’ve

We are also close to wrapping up a

we’ve undertaken in this arena has been

partnered with Canada Beef on a series of

research project to identify and communicate

done with that goal in mind. Stay tuned for

photoshoots to capture a diverse array of

the environmental benefits of grasslands

more updates as we work to bring “Ontario

people cooking and enjoying beef in different

and beef production in Ontario. A consumer

Beef” to life over the coming months. OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

13

Meet BFO’s New Executive Director Richard Horne R

ichard Horne assumed the role of BFO Executive Director in July 2019, after Dave Stewart’s retirement. Ontario Beef sat down with him to learn more about his role and vision for the organization.

[O.B.] Tell us about your new role as executive director [R.H.] The foundation of my role is to serve, advise and carry out the requirements of BFO’s elected Board of Directors in the execution of their duties as leaders of the Ontario beef industry. That includes watching for, and being proactive on emerging issues, executing the strategic vision and plan set out by the board, supporting BFO staff in their roles, and managing the financial performance of the association by ensuring producer check-off funds are spent appropriately, on budget, and in a transparent and accountable manner.

At the end of the day, the association is accountable to the producers of Ontario, and I am directly accountable to them through the board.

What experience do you bring to your new role?

My previous experience with BFO has afforded me the opportunity to develop close working relationships and a valuable network of contacts in the beef industry, including provincial and federal ministries, and with other beef and agri-food organizations.

I previously served as BFO’s Manager of Policy and Issues. In that role I worked to navigate our board of directors and various producer committees through regulatory proposals, policy analysis and advocacy plans in response to a variety of issues facing our industry. I’m comfortable and experienced serving industry led boards and committees, and maintain a firm belief in the importance of practicing good governance. My entire career has been spent serving or volunteering on or for various boards and committees.

14

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

What industry issues or concerns are on your agenda for your first year as executive director?

1. Continuing to lobby for increased investment in the Ontario Risk Management Program and improvements to the national suite of Business Risk Management programs 2. Pushing for solutions to the lack of sufficient processing capacity and competition for cattle in Eastern Canada 3. Continuing our work with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association on our joint strategy to brand and market Ontario beef at home and abroad 4. Continued push back against the pending changes to cattle transportation regulations 5. Increasing our investment and focus around producer and consumer engagement activities 6. Assisting the province in the development of new animal welfare enforcement legislation

What’s your plan to address and resolve these and other general agricultural industry concerns?

I know that BFO has one of the best teams in agriculture. I’m confident that our wellqualified, dedicated and capable staff will continue to serve the BFO Board of Directors and the producers of this province. Together, we will continue to deliver on our strategic plan, identified industry issues and promote Ontario beef to our consumers.

When it comes to working beyond our beef industry partners, cross-collaboration across all farm organizations is critical. The Ontario farm voice is a diluted one, given

the reduced influence of agriculture in the public and political realms, and the number of organizations speaking on behalf of producers that often conflict with one another. This is a problem. The entire agricultural industry – in Ontario and across Canada – is far greater than the sum of its parts, we need to work better to leverage our collective strength. I do see renewed opportunity to work more closely with other agricultural organizations and like-minded groups, particularly given the significant changes that have occurred within the senior management ranks across several agricultural organizations in Ontario and Canada. New leadership breeds new opportunity for partnerships and collaborations.

What do you think are the top issues Ontario beef farmers are dealing with today?

1. Processing capacity. We have a serious capacity and competitiveness issue in Ontario and across Eastern Canada. Too few processors are placing bids on cattle to ensure a competitive, healthy market.

And the processors that are in the game are running at, or near capacity as a result of an influx of dairy cull cows in the marketplace, a healthy supply of fed cattle and reduced marketing options south of the border. We need to find short- and longterm solutions to allow our farmers and processors to succeed and contribute to the economy by taking advantage of new market opportunities. Ontario beef farmers are producing superior quality cattle with plenty of markets to service, but lack the necessary processing infrastructure and labour to make it happen under current conditions, and this is a serious issue.

2. Improved safety nets. Ontario beef farmers need improved access and financial support for an effective and sufficiently funded Business Risk Management program. We

need programs that provide similar levels of support and protection that are currently available to supply managed and grains and oilseeds producers.

significant, and increasing with a growing population. But the cost realities and size of the industry often prevents Ontario beef from competing on a price or volume basis, making it difficult for Ontario beef to compete on the commodity market. What’s more – the concentration of power in the processing sector has prevented healthy competition in our marketplace, and all at the expense of producers’ bottom lines. That’s why leveraging Ontario beef brands that diversify our products from others in the marketplace will be critical to our industry’s success moving forward.

3. Red tape reduction.

Regulatory costs associated with Specified Risk Material removal policies and feed ban restrictions, transportation, processing, emergency slaughter and others are costing this industry millions. This issue needs to be addressed to enable Ontario beef farms Ira Mandell, PhD., University of Guelph, Richard Horne, BFO Executive to remain competitive and Director and Matt Bowman, Ontario cattle producer and past-president of BFO attend the opening of the Ontario Beef Research Centre. viable. from consumers and demands from foreign markets who are looking for greater 4. Growth opportunities. Improved access transparency and assurances to back up to start-up, expansion and farm and land label claims and understand how producers improvement financing and grants is take care of animals and the environment. necessary. These program updates need Public awareness, acceptance and I love this industry and thoroughly to include an expansion of breeder and support for animal production practices enjoy working for and on behalf of Ontario feeder finance, community pastures and is becoming as important, if not more producers. Like the beef sector itself, this Crown land access. Easier access to these important, than the approval of regulators. role will come with challenges, but also programs will provide new producer and Programs, policies, and marketing and tremendous rewards and opportunities. I may industry growth opportunities, benefiting communications strategies must adapt to not be able to control the outcome of every everyone. this changing public pace accordingly. decision our organization makes, or the ones we inherit due to forces beyond our control, 5. Consumer outreach. Our industry needs 6. Brand our beef. We need to invest in but I can control our level of effort and how increased investment in consumer branding and marketing Ontario beef. we respond. Standing up and fighting for engagement activities, including research Despite access to Canada’s largest producers and this industry is a choice, and and quality assurance programs to ensure consumer market, Ontario beef producers it’s a choice I choose to make every day of the continued public trust and support social operate in a high-cost environment where week and twice on Sundays. OB license. Our beef industry needs to position they must compete with cheaper imported itself to respond to increasing expectations products. The market for beef in Ontario is

What are you looking forward to the most about your new role?

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15

OMAFRA Update

• By James Byrne, Beef Cattle Specialist, OMAFRA www.omafra.on.ca

Exploiting the Financial Benefits of Compensatory Growth for Backgrounded Cattle I

f you are buying calves this fall or keeping some back to background on pasture next year, think about how to get the most economic benefits from compensatory growth. Exploiting the financial rewards of compensatory growth requires an understanding of the biology involved and careful planning needed in a winterfeeding regime that will maximize gains.

Compensatory growth is a well-known biological effect, but its real power is an economic one.

Compensatory growth is the rapid growth of animals following a period of nutrient restriction, and has been known since the early 20th century. More than 60 years ago a researcher demonstrated this effect when comparing two sets of steers – one set wintered on a “high gain” diet, the other wintered on a “low gain” diet. Both sets were grazed on the same pasture the following year. Steers fed the “low gain” diet grew less during the winter but faster the following summer compared with those animals fed the “high gain” diet.

Feeding for Financial Gain Despite the high average daily gains from pasture of the “low gain” diet steers, they did not weigh as much as the “high gain” diet steer group at the end of the grazing season.

Similar trials have demonstrated this “failure to fully compensate” effect. This means that overall, feeding calves a high plane of nutrition over the winter period results in animals with heavier sale weights at the end of the grazing season when compared to feeding animals a lower plane of nutrition over the winter period.

But if the cost of feeding animals on a “low gain” diet over the winter period is less than if the animals were on a “high gain” diet, the “low gain” animals could return a higher 16

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

TABLE 1: THE EFFECT ON PROFITABILITY OF WINTER FEEDING FOR “LOW GAIN” VS “HIGH GAIN” “Low Gain” Steer Group

“High Gain” Steer Group

Initial weight (lb.)

500

500

Backgrounding period (days)

330

330

Average daily gain – winter & summer (lb./day)

1.65

1.75

End weight (lb.)

1,045

1,078

Sale price ($/cwt)

177

177

Gross sale value

1,850

1,908

Hay fed (lb. DM)

3,000

3,000

Total hay cost ($/head)

300

300

Supplement fed (lb.)

180

700

Total supplement cost ($)

25

95

$1,525

$1,513

Margin after feed costs ($/head) profit despite weighing less at the point of sale. This is illustrated in Table 1.

Table 1 demonstrates that animals fed the “high gain” (more expensive) diet weighed more and received more at sale than the cattle fed the “low-gain” (less expensive) diet. But because animals on the “low gain” diet grew (compensated) enough to almost weigh as much as their “high gain” diet colleagues, they returned a higher profit than their heavier but more expensive to feed colleagues. It’s important to note that in this example, the “lighter” group compensated to within 96 per cent of the “heavier” group.

And anything less than compensating to within 90 per cent of the “heavier” group would have generated a loss compared to the “heavier” group. To be profitable, animals must compensate sufficiently over the grazing period to justify restricting feeding over the winter-feeding period.

To minimize feed costs and exploit compensatory growth at pasture, aim for a moderate rate of liveweight gain

(1.1 – 1.3 lb. per day) over the winter-feeding period. This performance should be front loaded, meaning it is ideal to have high rates of gain at the start of the winter feeding (first 120 days) followed by moderate gains for the next 60 days. This means cattle are going from a lower plane of nutrition to a higher plane of nutrition when they are turned out to pasture. If animals grow at rates less than those suggested in this example, they will not likely be able to compensate sufficiently at pasture. It’s always important to transition calves properly from weaning onto the backgrounding ration.

Getting the Rations Right Work closely with your feed nutritionist to design the feeding program that will drive high rates of growth in the first 120 days (the front-loading period) followed by a feeding program to give more modest growth rates for the remaining 60 days prior to putting out to pasture. For most producers that means

feeding grains in addition to good quality forage for the first 120 days followed by the gradual removal of grains from the diet for the remaining 60 days. Your feed nutritionist will be able to balance the ration for you based on your forage test results.

To realize the full financial benefit of compensatory growth, animals at pasture must have access to high quality grazing forage to drive the high rates of growth required. The difference in performance between animals showing compensatory growth and those that do not is usually modest (e.g. 0.2 - 0.7 lb./day), and high quality pasture must be available for several months to have a substantial effect on the liveweight of the compensating animal.

Pasture management over the whole of the grazing season is critical to exploit this valuable biological effect.

There is plenty of research that demonstrates the positive benefits of compensatory growth for financial reward.

But there is also huge variability between individual animals in any one group in their capacity for compensatory growth.

The reasons behind this variability are not well understood. The rate of compensation will depend on the degree of winter feed restriction and the quality of the pasture available during the compensation phase, (higher quality means higher grass digestibility, which drives DM intake and subsequently higher liveweight gain).

Conditions for Compensatory Growth

cost of winter feeding but you will need: • A winter-feeding program designed to give good gains over the first 120 days followed by moderate gains for the next 60 days to turn-out.

• Your feed nutritionist to test your winter forages and design a feeding program that balances for those test results.

• Cattle to have access to high quality pastures to allow them to “compensate” for the gains that would have been made if they were on a higher plane of nutrition over the winter period.

Research references on compensatory growth for backgrounded cattle are available upon request. OB

The benefits of compensatory growth can improve farm profitability by reducing the

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Genetics and Gut Bacteria Are Biggest Influence on Feed Efficiency, New Research Shows

By Lilian Schaer for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation

A

University of Guelph beef geneticist has found that the specific bacteria in a beef animal’s gut combined with their own unique genetic profile could influence how efficiently they can absorb nutrients.

That’s information that can be used to select more efficient animals, which could ultimately mean lower feed costs and healthier herds.

For beef farmers, this is a discovery with potentially important economic impact – feed is the most significant expense in raising cattle, representing about 70 per cent of the cost of production – which is one of the reasons Beef Farmers of Ontario is contributing funding to this research.

The findings could also lead to reduced methane production and lower greenhouse gas emissions as cattle with higher feed efficiency are expected to use metabolic energy more efficiently.

Prof. Angela Cánovas is an Associate Professor of Beef Cattle and Small Ruminant Genomics in the Department of Animal Bioscience, where she specializes in beef genetics and genomics associated with feed efficiency and methane emission, fertility and reproduction, meat quality and tenderness, and disease resistance.

“In a herd, we can see that some animals are more efficient than others at converting the nutrients they eat into weight gain,” Cánovas explains. “So then we are interested to see what the markers or specific genetics are that are associated with these more efficient animals in order to select and breed the top animals in the herd – that’s why this is so important.”

Working with the commercial mixed beef herd of mostly Angus Simmental crosses at the new Elora beef research facilities and

using the sophisticated new technology now available to Guelph researchers at the station, Cánovas and her team recorded a wide range of data, including daily feed efficiency, dry matter intake and feed intake for the cattle.

They tracked all the data using a software system called Go360bioTrack developed by AgSights in Elora.

The program lets farmers track everything from livestock inventory numbers and animal movements to pedigree, reproduction, health and body condition scoring information. The system, which had its start in beef genetics testing with AgSights legacy organization Beef Improvement Ontario, is available for beef, dairy, bison, goat and sheep farmers.

From their recorded data, the researchers identified several genetic markers associated with increased feed efficiency and better nutrient conversion, and validated those results across different purebred and crossbred herds in North and South America.

This included purebred Angus herds in Canada and the United States and Nelore cattle in Brazil.

At the same time, Cánovas and her team completed genetic analysis of bacteria in the rumen. According to Cánovas, diet, management and an animal’s immune system can influence bacteria in the gut microbiome, but recent research shows that it’s the genetics that have the biggest impact on how efficiently cattle can absorb nutrients.

“Animals that are more efficient have specific genetic markers as well as a specific bacteria profile – this is called host microbiome genetic interaction,” she says.

“Diet, for example, can have a short-term or temporary influence, but it’s the genetics that could determine the overall outcome of feed efficiency.”

What This Means on the Farm To apply these findings on-farm, Cánovas encourages beef farmers to use herd management software like Go360biotrack to first record specific measurements in their cattle related to feed intake and gain, and then genotype the animals to perform genomic evaluation for economically important traits.

“This way you know which animals are genetically superior and more efficient, leading to producer savings, especially if we know that one of the most important costs of raising a beef animal is feed,” she says. “So if we have a healthy herd that is more efficient and that eats less to produce the same or more, that is a benefit to producers.”

The markers Cánovas and her team are identifying are not only breed specific in beef, the markers can also be applied to dairy cattle.

The work is funded by Beef Farmers of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – University of Guelph partnership.

Cánovas has also just received funding under the new federal Beef Cattle Research Council beef research cluster announced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada last year.

The American Angus Association, Semex and AgSights are project collaborators. OB This article is provided by Livestock Research Innovation Corporation as part of LRIC’s ongoing efforts to report on Canadian livestock research developments and outcomes.

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O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

19

Where the Maple Leaf Flies: National Update

CCA Action News www.cattle.ca

New Film Explores Role of Cattle in Preserving Canadian Grasslands Native prairie grasslands are iconic landscapes in Canada providing vital habitat for more than 60 at-risk species and offering much of the carbon capture potential for our country. However, these grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate – even though considered one of the most endangered ecosystems in the entire world.

A new short documentary, Guardians of the Grasslands, looks at the integral role cattle play in maintaining and preserving grasslands for the plant and animal species calling these grasslands home. Created in collaboration with local ranchers and wildlife and conservation groups, the film will have official media release events across Canada this fall and is available by request for group film screenings.

To watch the movie trailer or request your own screening event, please visit us at: www.guardiansofthegrasslands.com/bor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GuardiansOfTheGrasslands.

Verify Your Sustainable Practices Today with CRSB Certified

Sustainability is a word you are hearing more and more these days.

Consumers are increasingly interested in how their food is raised, and Canadian beef farmers have a great story to tell. If you haven’t yet jumped on the sustainability train, now is the time.

Did you know you can certify your farm or ranch to the Sustainable Beef Production Standard, developed by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB)?

And, did you also know that if you are already certified (audited) as a VBP+ operation, you are automatically credited with CRSB certification, with the opportunity to participate in sustainable supply chains?

Momentum is THE GLEN ISLAY KIND growing in the For 50 years we have been supplying bulls all across Ontario, marketplace.

This nine other provinces and seven other countries.

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

McDonald’s and Harveys restaurants No One Ever Regretted Buying Quality. have launched Visitors Always Welcome advertising campaigns DON & JEANNETTE CURRIE about their support R R # 1, Nottawa, Ontario L0M 1P0 of sustainable beef Phone/Fax: 705-445-1526 production by sourcing Cell: 705-715-2234 • Email: doncurrie@glenislay.com

20

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

a portion of their beef from CRSB certified sustainable farms and ranches. There are now two certified processors, Cargill and Atlantic Beef Products Inc., and three additional processors have had audits on their chain of custody systems in order to facilitate supply chains to source CRSB certified products.

Start the certification process on your farm today to showcase the sustainable practices you already do on your operation and take advantage of market opportunities to participate in certified supply chains across Canada. For more information, visit www.crsbcertified.ca.

Whatever method you use to market your calves this fall, if you are already CRSB certified or audited with VBP+, make sure you promote your certification status, as buyers are looking for cattle to meet the growing demand.

Check out the CRSB “I Walk the Line” video on YouTube by searching Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. The video celebrates how farmers and ranchers walk the line every day in raising Canadian beef to be the high-quality product consumers know and love.

New Website Answers Common Beef Production Questions Earlier this year, a new online resource was launched to address the most common questions about Canadian beef production.

The website, www.raisingcdnbeef.ca, contains a digital version of the booklet “Where Does Canadian Beef Comes From?” plus other sections on nutrition, the economy and environmental impacts. The site is a great resource and education asset for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for information on our world class Canadian beef. A mobile version is also available that can be displayed on tablets at events and tradeshows.

CHECK-OFF INCREASES ST NOVEMBER 1

Effective November 1, 2019, check-off will increase from $4 per head to $5.50 per head.

Visit www.ontariobeef.com to see how your check-off dollars work for you. www.ontariobeef.com 519.824.0334 or 1.866.370.2333 info@ontariobeef.com ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

21

What is Check-Off and How Does it Work?

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

C

heck-off will be increasing to $5.50/head on November 1, 2019. Ahead of the increase, we thought it was a good time to review some of the most frequently asked questions about check-off.

Q. Who has to pay the Ontario check-off?

Regulation 54 of the Beef Cattle Marketing Act states that by law, every cattle seller has an obligation to pay the $5.50/head check-off. Breeding stock, cull dairy cows and beef calves are included. Cattle sold for the production of milk or veal are exempt.

Q. Isn’t the check-off collected only when cattle are sold for slaughter?

No. The $5.50/head check-off is payable whenever cattle are sold, subject to the exemptions cited above.

Q. Who is responsible for collecting the check-off?

Both the buyer and seller are responsible for collecting check-off. Regulation 54 of the Beef Cattle Marketing Act requires auction market operators, packing plant operators and livestock dealers to deduct the $5.50/ head check-off from the proceeds payable to cattle sellers and remit them to Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO). If cattle are sold by private treaty, the seller is responsible for remitting the $5.50/head check-off on cattle sold.

22

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

Q. How do I remit check-off and when is payment due?

In most cattle transactions, the buyer is responsible for deducting the $5.50/head check-off from the proceeds payable to the cattle seller. Firms that deduct check-off are required to remit the fees to BFO by the 15th day of the following month. A seller must remit the check-off accruing from private treaty transactions directly to BFO by the 15th day of the following month with a statement showing their name and complete address, and the number of head sold. A check-off remittance form can be found on the BFO website and in most editions of Ontario Beef magazine.

Q. Are check-off fees subject to HST? Yes, check-off 13% HST.

fees

are

subject

to

Q. I do not live in Ontario, but I sold cattle to an Ontario licensed dealer. Am I required to pay check-off?

Yes. Every province in Canada has a prescribed check-off rate. The buyer of the cattle is required to deduct and remit checkoff in the amount regulated by the province in which the seller resides.

Q. I live in Ontario, but I sold cattle out of province. Am I required to pay check-off to BFO? Yes. The buyer of the cattle is required to deduct and remit check-off in the amount of $5.50/head regulated by Ontario’s Beef Cattle Marketing Act.

Q. Does BFO provide a reporting commission for auction market operators, packing plant operators and livestock dealers?

Yes. To cover administrative costs, BFO will compensate auction market operators, packing plant operators and livestock dealers for deducting and submitting BFO check-off along with providing the names and addresses of the sellers.

If the monthly remittance before HST is: • Less than $200, the commission is $15 • $200 or over and less than $1,000, the commission is $35 • $1,000 or over, the commission is three cents per head, minimum $70

Q. Does BFO provide a reporting commission on private treaty sales?

No, BFO does not provide a reporting commission on private treaty sales.

Q. What is the Seven Day Dealer Exemption?

Q. Does BFO share its membership list with outside organizations?

Q. How are my check-off dollars spent?

This exemption applies to a livestock dealer who sells cattle within seven business days of having purchased them. The livestock dealer may apply to BFO for a rebate with proper documentation.

BFO is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our members’ personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Q. What is the proper documentation required to qualify for the Seven Day Dealer Exemption?

Personal information collected by BFO is used solely for the purposes of conducting the business of the organization. We do not share personal information with organizations not part of BFO’s normal business practice without membership consent. BFO will only share non-public personal information in the following situations: • In an emergency such as a disease outbreak, up-to-date membership lists may be provided to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and/or other appropriate regulatory authorities.

• With a party representing you, such as your accountant, farm business advisor, feed company representative, veterinarian, lawyer or other third parties, with your written consent.

• When permitted or required by law, such as in response to a subpoena or other legal process.

• Under circumstances where disclosure of personal information may be justified or permitted under a legal duty or right, BFO will not disclose more information than is required.

Check-off dollars are very important and valued by the organization. The provincial portion of the check-off ($4.50) remains in possession of BFO to fund programs and activities, and to maintain daily operations.

BFO is actively engaged in a range of issues and supports its membership in the following ways: • Advocacy on federal and provincial beef related issues and initiatives • Policy analysis • Development, coordination and administration of industry programs and services • Evolving industry sustainability • Market information reporting and analysis • Production and marketing research • Promotion of Ontario beef through consumer engagement • Producer and consumer communications • Industry communication through various mediums The bulk of the new money coming as a result of the $1.50 increase will be spent on the joint marketing committee comprised of directors from the BFO Board and the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA). A total of $1.25/head will be directed to the joint marketing committee, and the other 25 cents will go toward encouraging young people to get into the beef industry, and member and consumer outreach.

The remaining portion of the check-off ($1.00) is a mandatory national levy collected to fund research and marketing activities on behalf of the entire industry. The goal of the national check-off is two-fold – to increase sales of domestic and export beef, and to find better and more efficient methods of producing beef and beef cattle. OB

By law, the Beef Cattle Marketing Act requires that on or before the 15th day of each month the livestock dealer must provide a statement to BFO that indicates the number of head of cattle sold within seven business days of having purchased the cattle. The livestock dealer must also provide the date the cattle were purchased and sold, the class of cattle and the name of the purchaser.

Q. Why does BFO require the names and addresses of the buyers and sellers?

By law, the Beef Cattle Marketing Act requires that on or before the 15th day of each month that every person who deducts checkoff must forward a statement to BFO showing their full name, address, postal code and telephone number. It also requires the full name, address and postal code of each seller to be forwarded to BFO. This information populates the BFO membership list and provides a means to communicate with our membership on important industry issues or in the case of an emergency situation.

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

23

Touring the Bruce with Management in Mind

By Jaclyn Horenberg, BFO Producer Relations Specialist

A

fter 10 successful years of the CowCalf Roadshow, and a break last year to host the farm tours with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, the Cow-Calf Committee approved a motion to create a new revamped version of this event. A sub-committee was created, including Jamie O’Shea, Jason Hurst, Jason Reid and Steve Thede, and so the Cow-Calf Management School was born. The intent of this new event was to attract an engaged group of beef producers with a focus on the business aspects of farming.

The inaugural Cow-Calf Management School was held on August 16 and 17 in beautiful Bruce County. There were more than 70 participants, some travelling from as far as Manitoulin Island and the Ottawa region.

The event began Friday with a Ranching for Profit workshop with one of the most soughtafter speakers on sustainable farming in North America, Dave Pratt, President of Ranch Management Consultants, Inc. Knowing how to raise livestock is not the same as knowing how to run a business that raises livestock.

Dave challenged conventional wisdom by questioning the participants if they own a business, or just own a lot of assets and have a lot of jobs to do. He also explained that if you are in the cow-calf business, you are also in the cull cow business. Dave went on to say that managing the depreciation in those cull cows is critical when you are running your business. Participants spent the day soaking up the knowledge and experience Dave had to

Ken Schaus, explaining their new Daniels Manufacturing handling system will process more 35,000 head of cattle in the coming year. share, challenging us to think outside the box and to view farms through a different lens.

Ken Schaus, of Schaus Land and Cattle Co. Limited, welcomed the group to their Elmwood handling facility. Participants viewed their new handling system and had a candid conversation about the state of the Ontario beef industry. Nothing like getting a group of beef producers together to sort out the world’s problems!

After a roast beef dinner and wrap up to the Ranching for Profit workshop, the group continued the conversation and comradery at the hospitality suite at the hotel in Port Elgin.

A trip to Bruce County would not be complete without a picture with Big Bruce himself.

Thank you to Bruce County Beef Farmers for being such wonderful hosts of the Cow-Calf Management School.

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O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

On Saturday morning the event continued with a day of farm tours across Bruce County.

The first stop was the pasture farm of Wanda and Sam Snobelen of Dudgeon-Snobelen Land & Cattle. Wanda gave an overview of how their operation has grown over the years to 120 purebred Charolais cows. Breeding stock is sold privately at in the Uppin’ The Ante Charolais Female Sale, and the rest of the calves are marketed through the Bruce Peninsula Calf Club. Showing cattle in 4-H was a big part of Wanda’s childhood, so she continues to help local 4-H members by providing calves and training advice.

The convoy continued to the pasture farm of Dr. Peter Kotzeff, just east of Paisley. The farm includes 13 paddocks where Dr. Kotzeff rotates yearlings, moving them every two to three days to allow the pasture time to rest and rejuvenate. As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Koetzeff has the opportunity to see many beef farms, and he understands that what works at one farm, may not work at another farm. His advice to the group: farm in a way that works for you and your lifestyle, and that means building a herd that will perform well in your system.

Legge Beef Farms Ltd. was the midday stop, where Murray and Scot Legge welcomed the group onto their farm to tour their 5th generation feedlot. Participants toured through the barns where they feed about 1,000 Limousin influenced steers each year.

The Legge family and the Bruce County Beef Farmers pulled together to put on a delicious beef brisket lunch complete with homemade pie for dessert. Thank you to all of you who helped in making this lunch a success and to the Legge family for their kind hospitality.

Our final stop of the day was Scott MacDonald’s family farm – he’s the current president of the Bruce County Beef Farmers.

Scott explained how he recently purchased his grandparents’ farm, making him the 5th generation farming along with his partner Janine, two brothers and his parents. They own 140 Angus Limousin cross cows, background about 100 head, and market their steer calves through Keady Livestock. Scott spoke about balancing the work of the cattle, along with 700 acres and an ag commodity trucking company.

BFO would like to thank everyone who helped to make this event a success. To the Cow-Calf Committee, and the sub committee, thank you for being open to organizing a new event that challenges producers within our industry. Events like these are not possible without the generosity of sponsorship, so thank you to our sponsors. BFO has received many fantastic comments from the participants, and we are happy to hear that the event was well worth their time. Bruce County has set the bar high as a host this year, and we look forward to hitting the road again next year to continue learning more with the Cow-Calf Management School! OB

Participants contemplate moving to Bruce County to take in more of these beautiful views while Dr. Peter Kotzeff explains his windmill syphoning water system.

Scot Legge, of Legge Beef Farms Ltd., spoke on their commitment to the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program, and explained the type of cattle they choose to purchase.

GALLOWAY...

THE FIRST STEP TO A PROFITABLE GRASS GRAZING OPERATION

Eastern Canadian Galloway Association For additional information, please visit our website: www.easterncanadiangalloway.ca ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

25

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

VO LU M E 12 • I SSUE 4

Free Agency on the Farm

Insights

T

26

he Toronto Maple Leafs paid Mitch Marner how much? No, you’re not reading the sports section of the Toronto Sun, but there is something that can be learned from the Toronto Maple Leafs contract endeavours.

What goes into an NHL contract? Well, from the team’s perspective they want to maximize the return on their investment. They need to know Mitch’s output – goals, assists, points, penalty kill minutes, games played, etc. And they will weigh this against what the player is demanding as an input – their annual salary and contract length. Mitch’s output is high, but did the Maple Leafs pay too much? Now that Mitch Marner is signed, the Maple Leafs have limited funds to spend on the remainder of the roster, without going over the salary cap.

Jump to the beef industry, where, for many farms and ranches it’s weaning season when replacement decisions are made. These replacement decisions are similar to signing players to fill an NHL roster. We want to select animals that will maximize our return on investment, but does this usually happen in our industry? Typically, as farmers and ranchers, we select heifers that will maximize the output of our herd. So, we select for more calves (calving ease, birth weight, etc.) and more pounds (weaning weight). But are we actually maximizing our return? How much is it costing our operation to feed and manage these animals? We may select a heifer that will produce calves with 15 per cent higher weaning weights on average, but this may be the result of her calves eating 30 per cent more feed. Maximizing output does not equate to maximizing return on investment.

Farmers and ranchers are also pressed by a salary cap. We have limited feed and other resources to manage our animals, and with feed costs representing the industry’s largest variable cost, they directly affect our bottom line. Similar to signings in the NHL, we should select animals that have minimal inputs (feed, medicine, etc.), while maximizing output (number of calves and pounds of beef).

For example, if a 1,600 lb. and a 1,450 lb.

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

cow both produce calves with 625 lb. weaning weights, then it is likely that the lighter cow is producing more efficient offspring. This is not a perfect science, but it is a starting point that is more attractive than investing in equipment to measure feed intake.

There are other lessons that we can take from the NHL to help us stay under the farm or ranch’s salary cap while maximizing output.

We often hear the comments “he’s already peaked” or “his durability has become a concern” when hockey analysts debate how much a player will get paid. Switch to our industry, selecting heifers born from longlasting (high longevity), healthy and productive cows will result in savings in replacement heifer and health costs while still maximizing pounds produced. What about team fit? A player that is “good in the dressing room” helps team moral, often resulting in more wins.

Uniform calf crops bring a higher dollar at the sales barn, and having a common breeding objective will help ensure your replacements “fit the herd”. What about the fan base? NHL general managers need to build a team that will fill the couches and stands. By considering traits that lower our inputs such as efficiency and longevity we are also lowering our environmental impact and reducing drug use that will build our fan base…consumers and society.

There is a lot to consider when building a team or herd. NHL general managers have the luxury of being backed by a team of scouts, assistants and consultants. AgSights and our Go360|bioTrack software can be your support team with easy recording and analysis of your animal information, presented in flexible reports that help you make better selection decisions.

With the help of AgSights, you’ll begin to the reap the rewards of the investments in your herd long before the Maple Leafs win their next Stanley Cup.

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

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Beef Brief

• By Michele McAdoo, Executive Director, Brand & Communications, Canada Beef

Canada Beef Update Anyone interested in the work Canada Beef is doing can sign up for the newsletter at canadabeef.ca/producer. The first edition will be distributed October 2019.

Canadian Beef Industry Conference Canada Beef Announces Launch of Electronic Newsletter – Canada Beef Performs “We know beef producers are interested in hearing about the return on their investment in Canada Beef and the work the Canada Beef team is doing in Canada and the export marketplace,” says Michael Young, President, Canada Beef. “To keep producers informed we’ve developed a monthly e-newsletter that highlights the programs, activities and accomplishments of the team. It will feature updates on both domestic and export markets, consumer marketing activities, highlights from the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence as well as a calendar of upcoming events.”

The Canada Beef Team was fully engaged in the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary August 12 – 16, 2019.

“The conference is a great opportunity for the Canada Beef team to get in front of producers and stakeholder partners to let them know about the programs, services and initiatives we’re working on,” says Michael Young, President, Canada Beef. “It also provides the opportunity for industry groups to provide feedback to Canada Beef – this input helps us build a stronger organization moving forward.”

Canada Beef’s participation included a booth at the conference trade show. The highlight of the booth was an innovative meat case display designed by the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence (CBCE) titled “East meets West”. Given that Japan could be Canada Beef’s most important export market

after the U.S. in the future, the team designed a meat case to help producers understand Japan’s butchery and culinary requirements.

These culinary styles also influence what is seen in China, Hong Kong, Macau and the Philippines, as well as other markets.

CBCE also presented three educational sessions on the trade show stage.

1. The Producer and the Chef: Young beef producers and rising-star chefs learn what it takes to be the best in class, inspiring each other.

2. Artisan Craft: The CBCE team explores the relationship between two of Canada’s favourites: beef and beer, and explore what connects them.

3. Sustainable Cooking: A global perspective on the impact of sustainability in the kitchen and the effects on the Canadian beef industry.

The conference also provided the opportunity for Canada Beef to offer two presentations to delegates.

1. Building Relationships: Chris Tindall, Meat Buyer, Costco Warehouse Inc. – Chris was on-hand to talk about the beef market, share their approach to selling beef and discuss how Costco works with Canada Beef.

Interested in what Canada Beef is doing?

Sign up for regular updates.

Canada Beef Performs Subscribe to this monthly newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.

Updates on Canada Beef activities in Japan, China, Mexico and other international markets.

Market Development Activities in Canada and highlights from the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence.

Subscribe at: canadabeef.ca/producer info@canadabeef.ca | canadabeef.ca

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O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

2. Consumer Influencers: food and nutrition educators and their role in discussions on ethical eating. The presentation by Chef Shonah Chalmers, Humber College and Dr. June Matthews, University of Western Ontario focused on consumers and their interest in understanding where the food they eat comes from, how it was grown and how production practices impact animal well-being and climate change. While consumers might turn to dietitians and culinary leaders like chefs to answer these questions, often these experts don’t have formal education or training on these topics.

China

“East meets West” beef display case at Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August, 2019.

Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence hits the road

A taste of Canadian beef at this year’s Canadian Beef Industry Conference.

Other activities taking place later in the summer included a seminar by the CBCE and several initiatives by Canada Beef International Inc. China.

Canada Beef and the CBCE hosted the Philippines Purchasing Association executives in July for a pasture-to-plate experience tailored to retail and foodservice applications of Canadian beef products in the Philippines export market. Based on the enthusiastic response, Mathieu Pare, CBCE was invited to deliver a similar experience to more than 100 top foodservice industry professionals in Manila.

Canada Beef International Inc. (CBII) China partnered with Dairy Land to support the application of Canadian beef images to Dairy Land’s logistic trucks in Macau. Dairy Land is one of the most influential food distributors in Macau and a major importer and distributor of Canadian beef. Their trucks have high visibility, reinforcing the Canadian beef brand.

A Canadian Beef Fair launched in Yata supermarkets August 20 – 26, 2019. Yata is a local Japanese-style supermarket in Hong Kong with 11 stores. The promotion featured sales pricing and increased visibility for chilled AAA Canadian beef cuts including, striploin, petite tender, tri tip and bonein short rib. Yata is a long-term partner of Canada Beef, selling 2,000-3,000 kilograms per month.

CBII China partnered with Moorigins Steaks at their 25 retail locations across China, where 70 per cent of the steaks sold at Moorigins are Canadian. OB

OSA FALL CLASSIC SALE

Saturday, November 16, 2019 - 1pm Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover, ON

Offering: Bred and Open Females along with Show Prospects Contact Blair Williamson 519-808-0516 or ridgeviewshorthorns@hotmail.com www.ontarioshorthorns.com or Like Ontario Shorthorns on Facebook ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

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Vet on Call

• By Dr. Katharine Found, DVM

Johne’s Disease – It’s Not Just a Black and White Issue P

icture this: an older cow, observed to be eating normally, does not have a fever or any other signs of disease, but continues to lose weight and is now experiencing bouts of diarrhea. Sound familiar? One of the differential diagnoses for the above case should be Johne’s disease.

Once thought to be only a problem on dairy farms, this debilitating disease is certainly a very real possibility on many Canadian beef farms too, and there should be an active prevention program in place to keep your cattle disease free.

What is Johne’s?

Johne’s Disease is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP bacteria is most commonly spread in the manure, colostrum and milk of infected animals.

Cattle almost always acquire the infection when they are calves, usually less than six months of age. A quarter-sized amount of Johne’s positive manure or a belly full of colostrum from a Johne’s positive dam, contains enough MAP bacteria to infect a calf with the disease. The bacteria take up residence in the immune cells of the ileum where it slowly (over many years) damages the cells and causes thickening of the walls of the intestines. Affected animals will have good appetites, but eventually start wasting away as the thickened intestinal lining prevents the absorption of nutrients and eventually leads to diarrhea. Affected animals will often be culled from the herd for being poor-doers or alternatively, the animal will succumb to the disease and die due to malnutrition. Either way, these clinical scenarios often go undiagnosed, and are just the tip of the iceberg. For every known clinical case, there will be several more animals that are sub-clinically infected – they look normal but are actively shedding the bacteria. It is these animals that cost a farm the most – due to earlier culling, poorer reproductive performance, 30

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

lighter weaning weights, and the risk of exposing each new calf crop to the disease and perpetuating its spread on the farm.

How big of a problem is Johne’s disease in beef?

A project at the beginning of this decade looked at the prevalence of Johne’s in the province’s beef seedstock herds. Sixty-eight Ontario beef herds were enrolled, and all animals on the farm that were over two years of age were tested. Approximately three per cent of the cattle tested were positive for Johne’s, which doesn’t seem overly concerning. However, 50 per cent of the herds in the study had at least one positive case, and 28 per cent of the herds had more than one positive case – suggesting that the bacteria can be found on many farms.

Without strict management and biosecurity protocols in place, the disease may spread quickly and easily through the industry and lead to significant losses.

What can I do?

There is no treatment for Johne’s disease, and no vaccination available for prevention.

A farm must rely on various strategies and techniques to prevent the introduction of disease and to control the spread of the disease on the farm. And like most best management practices, these strategies will help to prevent and control many other diseases on a farm as well.

Here are five recommended strategies to manage the risk of Johne’s on your farm.

1. Test your herd. To control the problem on your farm, you must first understand if, and how big of a problem you have.

Because of the nature of the disease and the potential large number of subclinical infections, simply testing the old, skinny cows is not an effective option. If a farm truly wants to understand the scope of its Johne’s problem, a blood test should be performed on all animals over two years of age, to detect antibodies to the MAP bacteria. Alternatively, fecal samples can be cultured for the MAP bacteria, or analyzed

for parts of the MAP DNA. A positive test result is enough to make managementbased decisions for the animal and its offspring. However, a negative test result must be viewed with the understanding that the animal, if appearing normal today, may not be shedding the bacteria yet, but could still be infected. Producers serious about controlling a Johne’s problem on-farm, should test routinely and speak with their veterinarian about how to properly interpret test results and the most appropriate actions for each individual situation.

2. Buy replacements from a known source.

Cattle don’t show clinical signs of the disease until they are older, but can still shed the MAP bacteria from a younger age.

That’s why it is important not to buy in the disease if you are bringing a new animal into the herd. Purchase animals from a reputable source, preferably one that is testing their animals routinely, and only purchase an animal that has a negative test, and from a farm that has no known history of undiagnosed clinical cases.

3. Manage positive animals separately.

Known positive animals should not be housed with calves less than six months of age. If a positive animal is pregnant, she should calve in a separate area and her offspring should not be kept as a replacement. Positive bulls should not be kept for breeding. Ultimately, when, where and how you cull a known positive animal should be done after consultation with your veterinarian.

4. Use Johne’s-free colostrum products. If a calf requires colostrum supplementation, use powdered colostrum or colostrum that has been pasteurized, to ensure the product does not contain any MAP bacteria.

5. Calving pen management and stocking density. Maintain appropriate stocking densities in all housing areas to reduce manure contamination, and bed frequently enough to ensure cow udders are clean and dry at calving and throughout lactation. OB

Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency •

Chad Ross, Chair, Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency

Message From the Chair I

t is my privilege to have been elected Chair of the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency in August 2019, following our AGM. I am honored to lead such a dedicated group of producers and industry stakeholders, and work towards a unified and sustainable national funding strategy for Canadian beef cattle research, market development and promotion.

I am encouraged by the strengthened relationships between our agency and our provincial cattle association stakeholders. We have come a long way over the past few years, and it is our key priority to ensure the best use of the check-off dollars that the provincial associations allocate. The agency continues to work together with provincial associations, and I am confident that a renewed commitment to strong partnerships will help us deliver measurable value for Canadian beef producers.

We continue to support increased communication and education activities around check-off and import levy compliance.

Ensuring that all of our producers and beef importers are on equal footing strengthens our industry’s competitiveness and supports the programs that drive value for stakeholders through the investment of those dollars.

Our service providers are working hard to develop strategies and programs to continue delivering strong return for check-off dollars that they invest. Marketing activities are driving loyalty to Canadian beef, and delivering programing aimed at keeping beef on consumers’ plates. We continue to develop research tools to help producers find efficiencies and impact the bottom dollar, and studies back Canadian producers as sustainable stewards of the land. Public and stakeholder engagement dollars are invested into unique activities aimed at bringing beef producers and consumers closer together. With the growing gap between Canadians and how their food is produced, it remains a priority to align our industry messaging and tell our story.

I am looking forward to the release of the 2020-2024 National Beef Strategy in October and focusing our efforts on the prioritization and achievement of the goals within the strategy to the benefit of our entire industry.

The National Beef Strategy is designed to take advantage of the opportunities facing our industry, while also addressing the challenges.

The strategy aims to position the Canadian beef industry for greater profitability, growth and continued production of a high-quality beef product of choice around the world. I encourage all producers and beef industry stakeholders to keep an eye out for its release.

Our agency is strong because of of the people who guide our organization together, and because of the stakeholders we represent.

I am proud to be a voice for Canadian beef producers from coast to coast, and to work with our experienced agency members to deliver measurable value for our beef industry.

I am excited about the year ahead and encourage everyone to connect with us any way you can, including through your provincial representative. OB

ONTARIO ANGUS ASSOCIATION

Julie Townsend, Secretary-Treasurer P.O. Box 311, Fergus, Ontario N1M 3M7 Phone: 519-787-2397 • Fax: 519-787-2306 Email: secretary@ontarioangus.com • www.ontarioangus.com ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

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Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program Licensed Dealers Listing Reported as of September 26, 2019 DEALER TYPE Country Dealer Meat Packer Abattoir Assoc.

Abattoir Abattoir Country Dealer Country Dealer Meat Packer Country Dealer Auction Market Country Dealer Abattoir Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Meat Packer Auction Market Country Dealer Country Dealer Auction Market Meat Packer Meat Packer Packing Plant Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Auction Market Auction Market Country Dealer Auction Market County Dealer Country Dealer Meat Packer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Auction Market Abattoir Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Abattoir

32

NAME 33 Mile Cattle Corp.

Abattoir Lefaivre Al Madina Halal Meat Packers Algoma Co-Operative Livestock Sales Alwalaa Halal Meat Alzahraa Halal Meat Inc. Anderson, Stephen ANS Livestock Artisan Farms Direct Ltd. Aylmer Livestock Aylmer Stockyards Inc. Bateman, Harold Bentinck Packers Limited Besner, Donald Bill Wight Livestock Bourbonnais, Simon Bruno’s Meat Distribution Ltd. Brussels Livestock Butch Clare Livestock C.R.P. Theoret Farm and Livestock Services Ltd. Cargill Auction Market Inc. Cargill Ltd. Cargill Meat Solution Corporation Champlain Beef Co. Inc. Chris Rots Enterprises Clarence Poortinga Livestock Inc. Clark Bros. Canadian Livestock Inc. Cochrane, Ernest Cooper, James Couperus, Bram D.H. Hickson Limited David Carson Farms & Auction Services Ltd. Deklein Livestock Denfield Livestock Exchange Inc. Dewetering, Frank Dickson, Steve Dominion Meat Packers Limited Donald Thompson Farm Don Sholdice Livestock Dufferin County Meats Inc. Embrun Livestock Exchange Ltd. Field Gate Organics Gingerich Veal Transport Glavin, Donald Glenview Livestock Ltd. Gord’s Abattoir Ltd.

CITY Brussels Lefaivre

PHONE 519 357-7007 613 679-4698

Brinston

613 652-1301

Iron Bridge

705 842-5534

Scarborough Scarborough Chesley Kingston Mississauga Springfield Aylmer Tweed Hanover Vankleek Hill Nanticoke Moose Creek

416 285-0778 416 701-1590 519 375-5692 613 544-3038 905 670-3450 519 808-0904 519 765-2672 613 478-6443 519 364-3538 613 678-6421 905 776-2666 613 551-1641

DEALER TYPE Assoc.

Country Dealer Auction Market Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Abattoir Country Dealer Country Dealer Meat Packer Abattoir

Puslinch

647 228-0902

Country Dealer

Brussels Burford

519 887-6461 519 458-4318

Country Dealer

Moose Creek

613 538-1056

Cargill

519 366-2214

Guelph

519 823-5200

Auction Market

Witchita, KS

316 291-2575

Country Dealer

Whitehall, NY Odessa, ON

518 499-1895 613 561-5065

Country Dealer

Brussels

519 887-9747

Dutton

519 762-3313

Bethany Cardinal Toledo Campbellford

705 277-2935 613 652-4145 613 275-1412 705 653-3660

Listowel

519 291-2049

Mossley

519 269-3548

Denfield

519 666-1140

Sebringville Joyceville

519 393-6822 613 545-1342

Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Auction Market Abattoir Abattoir Country Dealer Country Dealer Auction Market Country Dealer

Toronto

416 762-7281

Country Dealer

Trout Creek Brussels

705 494-0973 519 357-5135

Country Dealer

Amaranth

519 939-8068

Country Dealer

Greely

613 821-2634

Zurich Harriston Lucan Wallenstein Leamington

519 228-7717 519 590-1367 519 878-0083 519 698-2248 519 326-2503

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

Abattoir Auction Market

Country Dealer Country Dealer Abattoir

Country Dealer Meat Packer Country Dealer Meat Packer Country Dealer Meat Packer

NAME Grey Bruce Livestock Co-Operative Ltd. Grof Livestock Hagersville Auction Centre Hamilton, Allan F. Hamilton Livestock Inc. Hank Dekoning Limited Henry Poortinga Livestock Ltd. Hensall Cattle Co. Hewitt’s Livestock Highland Packers Limited Holstock Horner Construction JBS USA L.L.C. J & J Meat Distributing Inc. Jador Beef Jeff McSherry Livestock Farms Joe Savage & Fils Abattoir Inc. Kawartha Lakes Community Sale Barn Inc. Keady Livestock Market Limited Keating, Glenn Kevin Barker Auctions Ltd. Kevin Dickson Livestock Kevin Mcarthur Livestock L & M Meat Distributing Inc. Lalonde, Jonathan Langeraap, Simon Laverty Trucking Listowel Livestock Ltd L’orignal Packing Ltd. Louro Bros. Meats Ltd. M & M Livestock Mangan Team Farms Maple Hill Auctions Ltd. Maple Row Farms Mar-Dale Transport (1985) Ltd. Mario Maciocia Et Fils Ltee Martin’s Holsteins (1996) Ltd. Martin, Eldon M. Matar Meats McCall Livestock Meatees LLC Menard & Fils Livestock Inc. Meyer Natural Foods

CITY

PHONE

Owen Sound

519 371-7961

Lindsay

705 878-3171

Hagersville

905 768-5601

Almonte Almonte Port Dover

613 257-4594 613 256-1244 519 583-0115

Hensall

519 263-2390

Hensall Jasper

519 263-2619 613 283-4637

Stoney Creek

905 662-8396

Harriston Tara Greeley, CO

519 503-1323 519 934-2126 970 506-8349

Toronto

905 859-1540

Chesley

519-363-5090

Teulon, MB

204 886-2614

St-Albert

613 987-2070

Woodville

705 439-4444

Tara

519 934-2339

Norwood

705 772-8500

Woodville

705 328-1478

Joyceville

613 532-5527

Mono

519 942-0264

Gilford

905 775-6775

Val-Des-Monts, QC Dunnville Mono Listowel L’orignal Ayr Goodwood Seeley’s Bay Walkerton Addison

613-677-2481 905 774-3707 519 942-5356 519 291-2200 613 675-4612 519 632-7364 905 852-3238 613 561-2912 519 506-1400 613 924-2732

Floradale

519 669-3392

La Presentation, PQ

450 796-3354

Palmerston

519 654-7833

Wallenstein Osgoode Brussels Germansville, PA

519 588-2653 613 821-7929 519 887-9571 646 373-7113

Embrun

613 443-5073

Loveland, CO

970 292-5546

DEALER TYPE Abattoir Abattoir Country Dealer Abattoir Abattoir Assoc.

Country Dealer Abattoir Abattoir Abattoir Country Dealer Abattoir Auction Market Auction Market Auction Market Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Abattoir Auction Market Country Dealer Abattoir Assoc.

Abattoir Abattoir Assoc.

Auction Market Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer

NAME Miedema’s Country Meats Miedema’s Meat Market Ltd. Mière Invesco Inc. Millgrove Packers Limited Mister Greek Meat Market Moore Agricultural Society Nature Calves Ltd. Newmarket Meat Packers Limited Northern Meat Packers & Abattoir Ltd. Norwich Packers Ltd. One Earth Farms Corp.

Ontario Halal Meat Packers Ontario Livestock Exchange Inc. Ontario Stockyards Inc. Ottawa Livestock Exchange P.D. Dale Enterprises Ltd. Paletta International Corporation Pallister Farms Livestock Ltd. Paradise Farms Parks Livestock of Canada, L.P. Pratten, Kevin Quinn’s Meats Rainy River Cattlemen’s Assoc Ralph Bos Meats Ltd. Reiche Meat Products Ltd Renfrew Agricultural Society Renfrew-Pontiac Livestock Ltd. Robert Rubino Trucking Ltd. Roberts, James Rowe Farm Meats Limited

CITY

PHONE

DEALER TYPE

Exeter

519 235-4978

Meat Packer

Embro

519 475-4010

Country Dealer

Granby

450 378-7517

Country Dealer

Waterdown

905 689-6184

Toronto

416 469-0733

Brigden

519 864-1197

Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Meat Packer

Norwich

519 424-2500

Newmarket

905 836-7001

Trout Creek

705 477-3800

Norwich Etobicoke

519 468-3617 416 803-1673

Milton

905 875-0270

Waterloo

519 884-2082

Cookstown

705 458-4000

Abattoir Meat Packer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Auction Market Country Dealer

Greely

613 821-2634

Hanover

519 364-6205

Burlington

905 632-6036

Dundalk

519 923-5811

Abattoir Country Dealer Country Dealer Abattoir Country Dealer Abattoir Abattoir Country Dealer

Toronto

416 449-5994

Auction Market

Milverton

519 595-8555

London Yarker

519 643-8564 613 377-6430

Country Dealer Country Dealer Abattoir Abattoir Abattoir Abattoir

Emo

807 275-9706

Strathroy Pembroke

519 245-1574 613 732-3773

Renfrew

613 432-5331

Cobden

613 646-7335

Porcupine

705 266-4076

Orillia

705 484-1052

Toronto

416 532-3738

Meat Packer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer Country Dealer

NAME Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd. Sauder Transport L.T.D. Schaus Land and Cattle Co. Limited Sedore Farms Snyder Livestock South East Livestock Ltd. St. Ann’s Foods Inc. Stayner Meat Packers Ltd. St. Helen’s Meat Packers Limited Stirling, Allan Sunny Miroca Farms Tebo Livestock Temiskaming Livestock Exchange 1992 Thames Sales Yard Limited The Beef Way (1997) Todd Dickson Livestock Toll Gate Farm Townsend Butchers Inc. Tremblay, Lucien University of Guelph V.G. Meats Vanbenthem, John Vankleek Hill Livestock Exchange Ltd. Vernla Livestock Inc. W.D. Livestock Walkerton Meat Market Wallace Beef Inc. Weiland Meats Ltd. Weltin Meat Packing Inc. White Veal Meat Packers Ltd. William Haalstra Livestock Wm. D. McComb Inc. Wood, Bill Woodrow, Neil Wright Livestock

CITY

PHONE

Etobicoke

416 744-0660

Arthur

519 848-5771

Elmwood

519 363-3516

Phelpston Beachburg Steinbach Etobicoke

705 322-8159 613 312-7054 204 694-7857 416 744-0660

Stayner

705 428-3006

Toronto

416 769-1788

Little Britain Gananoque Tweed

705 786-2993 613 382-7324 613 849-8968

New Liskeard

705 647-5415

Thamesville

519 692-3804

Kincardine Kingston Mountain Simcoe St. Chrysostome Guelph Simcoe Hagersville

519 396-2257 613 449-9750 613 989-3139 519 426-6750 450 826-0448 519 824-4120 519 426-2000 905 768-3945

Vankleek Hill

450 826-0448

Wallenstein Roblin Walkerton Glenburnie Petrolia Minden City

519 699-5921 204 937-2106 519 881-0781 613 536-6379 519 882-1215 989 864-8328

Cookstown

416 745-7448

Dunnville

905 774-1739

Cambridge Lyndhurst Courtice Jasper

519 658-3129 613 540-4074 905 404-4526 613 275-2771

The OBCFPP list is updated regularly and can be found on the OMAFRA website, www.omafra.gov.on.ca.

OB

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

33

Market Information

S

tatistics C a n a d a recently released July 1 cattle statistics.

As of July 1, 2019, there were 419,000 head of fed steers and heifers on Ontario farms, up 5.9% from January 1, 2019. Comparing July to July volumes, 2019 is down 5.1% from July 1, 2018 and 4.1% below July 1, 2017. In fact, the July 1, 2019 fed cattle inventory on Ontario farms is the lowest July volume in this 10-year data set. Steers one year and over on Ontario farms totaled 294,400 head as of July 1, 2019, up 8.9% from January 1, 2019, but 7.2% less than July 1, 2018 and 6.6% below July 1, 2017. July 2019 volumes of steers in this category are the lowest levels for July 1 since 2014. Heifers for processing on Ontario farms totaled 124,600 head as of July 1, 2019.

This is down 0.6% from January 1, 2019, but up 0.4% from last July. Heifer volumes have been about steady since 2016.

The Statistics Canada report calculated the volume of beef cows on Ontario farms, on July 1, 2019 at 240,800 head, down 2.5% from January 1, 2019, but 0.7% more than July 1, 2018 and 0.3% more than July 1, 2017.

Comparing July to July, volumes have been about steady for the last three years.

The report also listed volumes of replacement beef heifers on Ontario farms at 43,600 head as of July 1, 2019, up 6.6% from January 1, 2019. Comparing July to July data, 2019 numbers are down 6.3% from July 1, 2018 and 3.1% below 2017 volumes and is the lowest July volume since 2013.

34

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

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

The volume of calves under one year of age on Ontario farms, calculated by Statistics Canada’s report, shows a total of 435,400 head on July 1, 2019, up 1% from January 1, 2019. Comparing July to July values, the 2019 volume is up 6% from July 1, 2018 and 6.1% more than in 2017. In fact, the July 1, 2019 volume is the largest July 1 volume since 2014.

This year, the fed cattle market in Ontario traded in a fairly narrow range the first half of the year with the spring high of $258.50 dressed for steers occurring the last couple of weeks in April and the first week of May. At time of reporting mid-September, the rail price for steers is around $233 dressed. The U.S. market is under pressure due to a reduced processing capacity after a fire in Kansas, which has pressured the cattle futures sharply lower. With that said, Ontario is currently stronger than both Alberta and the U.S. on a dressed basis, but prices are below current breakeven. At time of reporting, the current breakeven for steers is $251 cwt on a dressed basis. With the average price currently sitting at $233, there is an estimated loss of $18 cwt. Moving into the last quarter of 2019, estimated breakeven prices range from $250-$257 cwt dressed. Historically, fed cattle prices improve in late October and into November, but the extent of the rally this year is uncertain.

Canadian boxed beef prices are well above 2017 and 2018 at this time, and the five-year average.

Since the fire at a Kansas packing plant in August, which

processed 6% of U.S. cattle, the boxed beef prices in the U.S. have soared and the Canadian prices followed suit. At time of reporting midSeptember, AAA prices continue strong while AA prices are pulling back slightly. Noting that the prices in the chart are only available until September 6, 2019. Since that time prices on the boxed beef have pulled back.

The fed cull cow market has been trading above prices from a year ago since mid-June of this year, with the prices slightly higher than in 2017 for the last five to six weeks.

But, as of the week of September 20, the market has dropped below 2017 prices, and is currently around $8-$10 above 2018 prices at this time. Moving forward into the fall, prices are expected to seasonally decline as more cows come to market.

The stocker and feeder cattle market has been under some pressure this year. Cattle have seen pockets of time where prices were above last year, with a few periods where prices increased above 2017 levels. However, not once this year have prices increased above the five-year average. At time of reporting, prices are sitting steady to slightly lower than 2018 prices. The fall stocker run is just starting to ramp up and volumes should start to increase week to week. The stocker and feeder cattle prices seasonally

improve moving into the fall run, but at time of reporting, most weight categories are weaker than anticipated. Higher feed prices, along with a weaker fed cattle market have put some of the pressure on the replacement cattle market.

The special fall stocker sales have started to take place with the majority of sales taking place in October and November. Vaccinated and processed stocker and feeder cattle

(i.e. dehorned, castrated, etc.) are in high demand and will bring a better price than non-processed cattle. Many of the upcoming fall stocker sales feature vaccinated cattle.

Info-Link cards are available on our website at www.ontariobeef.com/services/info-link.aspx, or ask the auction market if they have any available. Info-Link cards are pen-cards farmers can use to document feeder cattle information on vaccination, parasite control,

implants and any other important information.

These cards are designed to help facilitate information flow between buyers and sellers of feeder cattle. Info-Link cards are to be submitted to sales barn staff when selling feeder cattle. The cards can be placed on the pens holding the cattle or the information can be read by the auctioneer when the cattle enter the sale ring. A sample of this card can be found on page 36. OB Continued on page 37.

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

35

Continued from page 35. – Market

36

Info

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

The information provided on this report is based on weighted averages for actual data collected.

Input costs are a guideline only and will vary from producer to producer. BFO does not take any responsibility and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to damages or losses experienced by producers when using this information. This is to be used at your own risk.

Continued on page 38.

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

37

Continued from page 37. – Market

38

Info

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

BEEF EXPORTS - CANADA Total

United States

Mexico

Jan. 1 - July 31

Jan. 1 - July 31

182,104 tonnes

8,631 tonnes

BEEF PRODUCTION - CANADA Jan. 1 - Sept. 7, 2019

Last Year Same Time

Fed

720,313 tonnes

666,777 tonnes

% Change +8%

Non-fed

120,502 tonnes

117,108 tonnes

+3%

BEEF IMPORTS - CANADA Jan. 1 -Sept. 7, 2019

Last Year Same Time

% Change

US

73,322 tonnes

84,362 tonnes

-13%

Non-NAFTA

25,882 tonnes

34,358 tonnes

-25%

1,385 tonnes

+159%

126,081 tonnes

-14%

EU-28 (beef/veal total) 3,590 tonnes Total

108,264 tonnes

LIVE CATTLE - CANADA IMPORTS

EXPORTS

EXPORTS

Jan. 1 - July 31

Jan. 1 - Aug. 31, 2019

% Change

Purebred

2,346

Non-Purebred

Slaughter steers & heifers 304,907

+25%

106,150 Feeder steers & heifers

161,447

+9%

Cows & bulls

29,540

+1%

LIVE CATTLE EXPORTS - ONTARIO Week ending Aug. 31, ‘19 Week ending Aug 24, ‘19 Year to Date 1,881

2,201

Steers, Heifers, Cows 1,604

Total to US.

1,752

75,397

449

10,300

Bulls

277

85,697

ON TA R IO BEEF • OC TOBER 2019

39

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

Firm or Individual Producer Reporting

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

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

Finished:

Stocker:

Breeding Stock Females:

Culls:

Breeding Stock Bulls:

Calves:

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

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

Date:

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

Signature:

d) Total Amount Owing (b+c)

Print Name: Address:

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

HST# R107797128

!

BEEF BUSINESS LEADERS HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT ONTARIO Whole Farm Planning Courses Healthy Land...Healthy Profits Tony & Fran McQuail, Cert. Educators 519-528-2493 www.meetingplaceorganicfarm.ca/holistic Sold ario nt in O

Livestock Watering for All Seasons “Qualifies for Environmental Farm Plan Grants”

Since 1973

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

40

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

Plaunt’s Farm Service

Doug Plaunt • 705-328-5794 • dgplaunt@gmail.com 160 Cricket Hollow Rd. • RR#2 • Little Britain, ON • K0M 2C0

Semen Available!

Bob Wilson 519-855-4990 bob@leachman.com Leachman Cattle Co. in Canada

Calendar of Events October 10 - Hereford Influenced Stock Sale, Cookstown October 18 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Campbellford October 20 - M&L Cattle Company Open House, Beef Day and Sale, Indian River October 24 - The Wiarton Sale, sponsored

by Grey-Bruce Livestock Co-operative October 25 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Brussels October 26 - Ontario Blonde d’Aquitaine 19th Annual Cream of the Crop Sale, Campbellford October 26 - Hereford Influenced Stocker Sale, Brussels October 26 - Partners for Progress Hereford Sale, Shefford, Quebec.

October 26 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Keady October 28 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Listowel October 29 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Keady November 1 - Limousin 50th Anniversary Banquet, Toronto November 1 - Canadian National Charolais Sale, RAWF, Toronto November 2 - Eastern National Hereford Show, RAWF, Toronto November 3 - Royal Elite All Breeds Sale, RAWF, Toronto

BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO PRIVACY STATEMENT

November 3 - National Limousin Show, RAWF, Toronto November 4 - Junior Limousin Show, RAWF, Toronto November 4 - Junior Hereford Show, RAWF, Toronto November 5 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Cookstown November 6 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Woodville November 8 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Brussels November 16 - Ontario Shorthorn Association Fall Classic Sale, Hanover November 16 - Central Ontario Cattlemen’s Choice Angus and Simmental Sale, Campbellford November 19 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Cookstown November 20 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Woodville November 23 - Marywood Classic Bull and Female Sale, Listowel November 29 - Charolais Influenced Calf Sale, Campbellford December 7 - Mooving Forward Shorthorn Sale, Campbellford December 19 - Colours of Autumn Limousin Sale, Cookstown.

December 28 - Fallsview Production Sale, Niagara Falls

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

Maple Haven

Garry & Sheila Smart

Quality Belgian Blue Cattle

Bred for Calving Ease BREEDER BULLS FOR SALE

“Industry Accepted since 1978”

Sharon & Joe Daniel Tina & Ben Daniel

Breeding Stock Available at All Times.

Tel: 519-423-6722 • Cell: 519-421-4393 • RR#5 Ingersoll, ON N5C 3J8

North AmericAN LiNcoLN red AssociAtioN Looking for Easy fleshing, Dark red, and a Great temperament? Try a Lincoln Red.

www.lincolnred.org

Mille r Land & L ivest ock

Sunny Meadows Charolais

Selling progressive quality genetics since 1975 ~ polled with French influence.

Tel: 705-887-5142 Fax: 705-887-2341

Andy Millar

109 Bulmer’s Rd. R.R.#2 Fenelon Falls ON K0M 1N0

SUNRISE ANGUS (since 1995)

We source Canadian genetics to produce quality breeding stock.

Charolais Bulls, Hay, Straw, Feedlot George & Dianne, Dwayne, Ashley and Cowal Miller

Joel & Irene Thomas 477285 3rd Line Melancthon ON L9V 1T5 Phone: 519 925 5661• Cell: 519 940 1258 Email: sunriseangus@xplornet.ca

RR 1, Jarvis, ON N0A 1J0

Ph (519) 587-2755

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

Cell (519) 429-5902

Commercial Angus Purebred Red Angus Purebred Black Angus Purebred Hereford

The Seed Family- Greg: 705-648-4274

Greg Wilson 519-590-2348 • Dennis Robinson 519-892-3316

seesonranch@outlook.com 845040 Morrow Rd, New Liskeard Ontario, P0J 1P0

Silver Springs Farms 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

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 • OC TOBER 2019

41

Spotlight on Grain Dryer Fire Prevention

VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4

By Farm & Food Care Ontario www.farmfoodcare.org

W

hen it comes to reducing the risk of fire on the farm during harvest season, maintenance and prevention are your best defence. Dave McEachren, Glencoe, ON beef and grain farmer, 20-year volunteer firefighter and captain of the Southwest Middlesex Fire Department confirms the leading causes of fire and calls to emergency services for fires in grain dryers and storage bins are a result of mechanical failure and a lack of maintenance.

“Prevention is the biggest factor when it comes to fires,” says McEachren. “Fires in grain dryers are most common at the beginning of the harvest season, and the reason is usually preventable. Blockages in dryer columns, like leftover grain or dirt and debris that haven’t been cleaned out, can heat and ignite when the dryer is first fired up. Routine maintenance and cleaning can go a long way to prevent this.”

Steve DeVries, electrician and owner of Gotham Electric in Listowel, ON agrees with McEachren, noting fall is a busy time for him with emergency calls from farmers because their grain dryer don’t work properly. “I

42

O N T A R I O B E E F • OCT OBE R 2 0 1 9

encourage customers to spend time before harvest to grease bearings, change belts and clean out any accumulated debris in the dryer or augers,” says DeVries.

“And fire up the dryer for a test run to make sure everything runs properly before you need it. This can save precious time at harvest.”

Pre-harvest maintenance McEachren says that stand alone continuous flow dryers are the most common type of grain dryers found on Ontario farms. And they also result in the most frequent fires and responses from fire departments.

No matter the type of dryer, the best advice McEachren offers is to clean out every dryer column at the end of the season and check for blockages again at the beginning of the next season. If blocked, grain or debris within the columns can restrict grain flow, and in some cases, will heat and can combust. McEachren has seen blockages from leftover grain that has sprouted, causing serious fire risk.

Checking motors, replacing belts and greasing bearings should also be included in a regular maintenance schedule for grain dryers.

Thermal heat monitors can also be used to check bearings, belts and motors. “If anything is running hot, it should be checked. Otherwise, it’s a fire risk,” says DeVries.

Dryer on fire In the event of a fire, call 911. And as soon as it’s safe, and only if it’s safe to do so, shut off the heat source to the dryer. If the fire occurs inside the dryer, divert the grain outside to be extinguished to reduce the risk of spreading fire to storage bins.

Ensure fire extinguishers are on hand too, strategically placed throughout the facility and on all trucks and equipment. And if it’s safe to do so, extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher.

“Getting back to prevention, farmers need to remember to check that all extinguishers work and are up to date. And are appropriately sized. A minimum of 20 lb. extinguishers should be available in multiple locations around a grain dryer,” says McEachren.

This project was funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of the Partnership in Ontario.

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FOR DETAILS, VISIT FORD.CA/SUPERDUTY Vehicle may be shown with optional features. *When properly equipped. Maximum towing capacity on F-450 Regular Cab 4x2. **When properly equipped.

Maximum diesel torque on 2019 Super Duty with 6.7L V8 diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission (standard) conguration. ^When properly equipped. Maximum payload on 2019 F-350 DRW Regular Cab 4x2 with 6.2L gas engine. † Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. ©2019 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.