Ontario Angus Association

by Don McNalty ~ President, Ontario Angus Association

successful Junior show in Ancastor in conjunction with the Simmental Juniors and planning is well underway for 2023 The future of Angus genetics in Ontario is in great hands private treaty sales and public sales As we all know the service sires are really half of your herd, not in numbers but in results

The 2022 National Angus Show was held at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in conjunction with the Royal's 100th Anniversary in early November and it was a wonderful event We thank the many and significant sponsors that made this show possible and successful In addition the inaugural Future Stars of Angus event occurred at the Royal and as well a successful sale of Angus genetics.

In general feed inventory in Ontario is in good shape for this winter but it is acknowledged that there are local areas where supplies are limited as a result of the variability of rainfall over last summer Of course like the rest of the Nation, the cost of agricultural inputs is a growing concern We extend our thanks to Canadian Angus for allowing Ontario to participate in the Brand Ambassador Program

To all Canadian Angus members, our friends in the Commercial Sector and to all associated in or with the cattle business across Canada, we extend greetings on behalf of the Ontario Angus Association.

For the most part we have seen a return to normality with respect to participation in cattle related events in 2022 and we are optimistic that this will continue. Most of the traditional fairs and exhibitions went ahead over the summer and fall of 2022 giving the opportunity for breeders to return to the show circuit. Regional 4H shows and various Junior shows took place as well

We acknowledge the incredible continued great work of the Ontario Junior Angus for organizing last year ' s

The Angus influenced stocker sales last fall saw strong prices leaving optimism for our breed and industry in the future. We certainly extend our THANKS to the sales facilities in the province for these Angus influenced sales and to the Commercial operations that acquired Angus cattle. There were a significant number of purebred production sales where there were opportunities to acquire great Angus genetics that provided positive a influence on any purebred or commercial herd

It is likely that both Purebred and Commercial breeders are starting to think of the 2023 breeding season and determining their requirements for bulls Many of our Ontario Angus members have high quality bulls which would have a positive impact on your 2024 calf crop There will be opportunities to fill your bull needs through

Our Angus Brand Ambassador for Ontario, Brian Whitwell, was busy over the fall months promoting Angus in Ontario with an emphasis on the commercial sector. Please approach Brian if you have any questions about the Angus breed or what is happening in Ontario.

Our transition to linking with the Canadian web site has been successful and we appreciate this opportunity. Please watch the web site and social media for news and updates relative to sales, shows and breeder information. Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2023 in Orangeville and we encourage all our membership to attend This will be a return to an in-person meeting after two years of holding our annual meeting virtually and promises to be a informative event

Ontario Angus extends our best wishes and good health to our fellow Angus enthusiasts and citizens across Canada