EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED:
PROTECTING ONTARIO’S
BEEF SECTOR ANNUAL REPORT 2023/2024
Vision To be world leaders in quality and responsible beef production.
Mission To provide leadership that fosters a sustainable and profitable beef sector to meet producer needs and have Ontario beef recognized as an outstanding product by our consumers.
Animal Care Values Animal welfare is of the utmost importance. Beef Farmers of Ontario supports the National Farm Animal Care Council’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle as the minimum acceptable standard of animal care for beef cattle in Ontario. We expect our members to take responsibility in their role as beef farmers for the welfare of their animals, and for the reputation and positioning of the Ontario beef sector as proactive and principled when it comes to animal care.
Environmental Values Sustainable food production matters to all of us. Beef farmers are proud caretakers of Ontario’s hay and pasturelands, which do so much more than produce beef. To better understand the impact of Ontario beef farming on the environment, we invest in research and tools to study and improve our environmental footprint. We’re intimately connected to the soil, water and wildlife on our farms.
Community Values We recognize the beef sector does not always appear as diverse; however, there is a great amount of diversity among the people who enjoy our product and those dedicated to ensuring it makes it to our tables. We’re committed to advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion within the beef sector and the agri-food sector, as well as fighting racism and discrimination in all of its forms.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the President...............................................................................................................4 Message du Président..........................................................................................................................8 BFO Past Presidents .......................................................................................................................... 12 2023 Board of Directors ....................................................................................................................13 Message from the Executive Director.............................................................................................14 BFO Staff..............................................................................................................................................16
BFO Reports Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion........................................................................18 Government Relations & Advocacy................................................................................................20 Research & Innovation......................................................................................................................24 Communications............................................................................................................................26 Producer Engagement.......................................................................................................................28 Consumer Engagement.....................................................................................................................30 Ontario Beef Market Development Program................................................................................34 Committee Reports............................................................................................................................44 Ontario Beef Breeder Program........................................................................................................47 Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program...........................................................................48 Market Statistics.................................................................................................................................51
Industry In Review Beef Cattle Research Council...........................................................................................................64 Canada Beef ........................................................................................................................................66 Canadian Beef Check-off Agency....................................................................................................68 Canadian Cattle Association.............................................................................................................70 Canadian Cattle Identification Agency...........................................................................................72 Farm & Food Care Ontario................................................................................................................74 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation.................................................................................76 Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Fund............................................................................77 Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association................................................................................................78
BFO Financial Reports 2023 Audited Financial Statements................................................................................................81 2024 Preliminary Budget..................................................................................................................95
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT JACK CHAFFE
As I reflect on my term as president, I am
Speaking of beef sustainability, in 2023 BFO
from northern and rural areas, a program we
pleased to say we have made significant
continued to offer our Ontario Beef Quality
strongly supported.
strides in our efforts to protect Ontario’s
Assurance Rebate Incentive Program to BFO
beef sector from both the expected and the
members. The program provided a rebate
unexpected. We’ve worked hard to maintain
on audit fees for those farmers who became
Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP)
certified under the Verified Beef Production
and advocate for improvements to all
Plus (VBP+) program. The program was
business risk management programming,
initially launched in 2021 to improve the
fought for an exemption for ground beef
supply of Ontario certified sustainable calves
under Health Canada’s proposed front-
for Ontario certified sustainable feedlots,
of-package labelling requirements, called
encourage enrollment and support in
for improvements to the Provincial Animal
quality assurance programming, and to help
Welfare Services (PAWS) Act, advocated for the protection of farmland and increased supports for emergency preparedness specific to foreign animal diseases, and forged ahead with our consumer
offset VBP+ audit costs for our members. Producers at the very least need to get trained on the VBP+ quality assurance program.
Following the release of the provincial budget, the federal budget was released one week later. Along with the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), we were grateful to hear of the Government of Canada’s commitment of $57.5 million over five years to fund a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank, and support for the development of emergency response plans related to the devastating animal health disease should there be an outbreak in Canada. We and our allies across the Canadian cattle sector had been calling on the federal government to invest in this critical response measure
engagement and market development work
Following our AGM last year, the
for the better part of the last two years,
to bring increased value to our check-off
Government of Ontario released their
and are extremely appreciative of the
paying members. As an association, we also
2023 Ontario Budget, which included
announcement. In addition to the FMD
conducted a strategic planning process
a commitment to increase veterinarian
commitment, Budget 2023 also promised
identifying five important pillars that will
capacity and incentives for northern, remote
to provide farmers with an increase to
help foster growth and sustainability for the
and underserviced regions in the province.
the interest-free limit for loans under the
Ontario beef sector over the next four years.
In particular, we were very encouraged by
Advance Payments Program (APP) from
I’m proud of the work we’ve done, which I
support for the Collaborative DVM in Rural
$250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023/24
note below, and I thank my fellow directors
and Northern Community Practice Program
program year. It is our hope that the increase
and staff for their support and dedication to
that will see 20 additional veterinarians
in the interest-free portion of APP loans will
our sector and members.
trained annually with targeted recruitment
be continued beyond 2023/24, something
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REPORTREPORT 2019 2024 BFO ANNUAL 4BFO ANNUAL
we’ve been actively advocating for in
Grading Agency AGM and a grading session,
years, one of BFO’s top priorities has been
partnership with CCA.
which invited regional graders from across
the protection of agriculture and marginal
the country to discuss consistency in meat
lands as a way to maintain the province’s
grading in Canada. As co-chair of CCA’s
beef herd. We were an active voice in these
Foreign Trade Committee, I also delivered
discussions with the former Minister Clark,
a testimony in front of the International
Minister Thompson, MPPs and our fellow
Trade Committee in Ottawa on non-tariff
agriculture commodity groups and general
trade barrier issues where I highlighted our
farm organizations. Then in late May, I had
United Kingdom (UK) and Comprehensive
the opportunity to meet with Premier Ford
Another file we continue to watch closely is traceability. In March, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency released proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability) to enable a more effective and timely response to disease outbreaks and food safety issues, and improve support for disease surveillance activities. Over
and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade concerns.
the last decade, industry and government
Wearing my BFO hat, I was invited to
representatives have been working on
attend a Beef Day event hosted by the Beef
this file, and BFO together with CCA
Farmers of Cochrane District in April to share
have provided comments throughout the
an update on BFO activities and speak about
consultation process and will continue to do
my operation at home. The event was well
so on behalf of our members.
organized and attended and I appreciated
Speaking of CCA, I was honoured to be appointed to the position of CCA Officer At-Large this past year, where I joined CCA President Nathan Phinney, Vice President
the opportunity to meet with folks from the Cochrane area. In my opinion, the future of our sector is bright based on the attendance and engagement at this meeting.
and Minister Thompson on the topic to share our concerns specifically with the change in residential lot creation on agricultural lands, and the impact of the proposed changes on livestock operations and potential challenges with minimum distance separation. We were pleased the government listened to our concerns and extended the consultation process. In June, I attended the Ontario Livestock Dealers’ Association banquet and AGM where I received some good feedback on the
Tyler Fulton and Past President Bob Lowe
As we headed into spring seeding and
work of BFO and CCA, especially regarding
in my executive role. My first assignment
pasture turnout, our focus was turned to
the proposed traceability regulations.
was to attend the Livestock Markets
the Government of Ontario’s proposed
Then in late July, we invited our advisory
Association of Canada AGM and Convention
Provincial Planning Statement and changes
councillors and committee members to
in Alberta and then, a couple of months
to current land use policies to help address
convene at the Oakwood Resort in Grand
later, I participated in the Canada Beef
the housing crisis in Ontario. For several
Bend for our annual summer meeting.
BFOBFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
5
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Throughout the two-day event, we provided
Further to this, heading into the fall
No to a Bad Deal – where producers were
an update on our policy and advocacy files,
season, we really focused on trade, market
encouraged to participate in a letter-writing
our producer engagement work, and had
development and advocacy activities. To
initiative by visiting www.saynotoabaddeal.
three separate presentations on the history
remain competitive, our sector and partners
ca. On behalf of CCA and BFO, thank you to
of the Toronto Stockyards, Processor Links
in government need to continue to prioritize
those who took the time to write your MP.
and the proposed traceability regulations.
meaningful access to high value export
We had great response from Ontario and
In addition to the business portion of the
markets around the world. Together BFO
we appreciate you helping to mobilize our
meeting, we hopped on a couple of school
and OCFA have been in discussions with
message.
buses and headed to the Williamson family’s
OMAFRA staff and elected officials regarding
cow-calf operation and on-farm store
future support for Ontario beef market
followed by a stop at Lucan Feeders owned
development efforts in both domestic and
by the Bielak family near Lucan. I would like
export markets. Our market development
to sincerely thank both families for their
strategy aligns well with the provincial
hospitality and generosity in opening up their
government’s Ontario Made and Grow
farms for our group. The photo (page 26-27)
Ontario market initiatives, and we believe
at Lucan Feeders of BFO AC’s, Committee
our sector is well positioned for increased
Members, Directors, Staff, and the Bielak
investment in this area.
severely damage our trade relationships and
On October 4th, we hosted our annual lobby
and renegotiate beneficial trade deals for
family and workers is a true picture of what the beef industry is, “it’s the people that makes the beef industry so great!”
day and barbecue at Queen’s Park where we had individual meetings with over 20 MPPs
We also worked with CCA to support advocacy efforts around federal Bill C-282: An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management). If passed, Bill C-282 will take supply-managed sectors off the table during trade negotiations, which could constrain our ability to launch, negotiate, Canadian beef. In November, I participated in a presentation
The Ontario Beef Market Development
to talk about a number of sector issues
(OBMD) program was launched in late
like increased funding for RMP, market
2019 with the promise of a third-party
development opportunities for Ontario
evaluation of the program’s impact and
beef, building processing capacity in the
success after four years. An analysis of the
province, improvements to the PAWS Act,
transporters. We’re concerned the disparity
OBMD program was commissioned by the
and identifying ways for our sector to grow
between Transport Canada’s rules and the
Joint Marketing Committee (JMC), a sub-
through Crown land access in northern
time in transit rules for the transport of
committee comprised of directors from BFO
Ontario for food production and the
livestock will have an adverse impact on our
and the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association
expansion of community pastures.
supply chain in Canada. We continue to call
(OCFA), and it was deemed to be having a positive impact on the growth in domestic and export markets for Ontario branded beef. Upon recommendation of the JMC, both the BFO and the OCFA boards signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BFO and OCFA for continuation of the program on a permanent basis.
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
As I mentioned earlier, we continued to work with our provincial counterparts, CCA, the National Cattle Feeders’ Association and the Canadian Meat Council on the UK trade file and accession into the CPTPP. To further our collective efforts and gain traction with MPs
to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in Ottawa regarding the electronic logging devices (ELDs) used by
for clearer language in the guidelines for livestock transporters and harmonization with the U.S., who provide driver service hour exemptions for agricultural carriers that are within a 150-mile radius of their destination.
and Minister Ng, Canada’s Trade Minister,
An active issue for BFO in 2023 was the
CCA launched a national campaign – Say
PAWS Act, which came into force on January
1, 2020. BFO pursued and approved an
which will be resurrected in April 2024. I
rewarding experience of representing the
MOU between the Solicitor General and
was a graduate of the program in 2016, and
feedlot sector and Ontario beef farmers over
BFO in relation to the Act. This agreement
it really did provide me with a good base
my seven years as a director and two years
establishes the formal working relationship,
of understanding on strong governance,
as president. As I sat around the board table
including roles and responsibilities between
effective meetings and the importance and
at my first board meeting nine years ago, I
PAWS inspectors and BFO Animal Care
value of effective lobbying and advocacy
really wasn’t sure what I had gotten myself
Advisors in response to welfare complaints
work. I would strongly encourage anyone
into, but it has been an incredible journey
and inspections on Ontario beef farms.
who might be thinking about a leadership
serving my industry, and along the way I
While this is a good step forward, legislative
role with BFO in the future to consider
have made many great connections with
and/or regulatory changes are still needed to
enrolling in this program.
friends, farmers and elected officials across
address other concerns with the PAWS Act that have been noted by BFO and discussed
Speaking of leadership, I would like to
Canada and the United States.
extend sincere thanks to Charlene Yungblut
My vision for the Ontario beef industry,
General’s Office and ministry staff.
who served as our youth representative on
almost a decade ago as I submitted my
the BFO Board of Directors for two years.
candidacy, was to see an increase in the
The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability
Charlene’s term with BFO and the Canadian
Ontario cow herd numbers and to work
Cattle Youth Council ended in September,
along side the feedlot sector to make the
however she continues to sit as past
whole Ontario beef industry stronger and
on several occasions with the Solicitor
Coalition (OASC), of which BFO is a member, had positive meetings throughout the year with ministry staff and with Minister Thompson regarding our unified request for increased investment into RMP. To reinforce our need for more funding to make it a more workable program for farmers, we formally submitted a request to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. BFO’s Governance Committee was active
chair with the Council for one more year. Following Charlene’s departure, we were pleased to welcome Emily Bromley from Renfrew County who was selected to fill our youth representative position and join the
to transition into beef farming through
more work to be done, I am proud of our
as well as a review of our by-laws to assess compliance with Ontario’s Not-for-Profit
levy on every check off event where all other
Corporations Act (ONCA). In consultation
provinces in Canada are collecting $2.50/hd,
with our legal counsel, our by-laws were
at some point Ontario will have to address
found to be largely compliant, however
this issue.
AGM.
to make it easier for the next generation
One thing that still hangs over the head Ontario currently collects $1.00/hd for this
membership to be voted on at our 2024
the younger generation, and that we need
succession and proper supports to allow
of Ontario is the National checkoff levy.
by the Board and will be taken to the BFO
generation must share their knowledge with
Council representing Ontario.
in 2023 with a review of internal policies,
some amendments have been suggested
more profitable. I urged that the older
them to be successful. While there is always efforts to support youth development and integration within our association, and our commitment to industry stability for our members through to our processing sector. I wish you all the best in the year ahead. It’s been a pleasure to serve you as president.
As I conclude my presidential message, it signals the end of a chapter for me as I’ve completed the maximum term length of nine years on the BFO Board, and will be passing
A program I am happy to see return is our
the torch to a newly elected president in
BUILD Leadership Development Program,
February. I’m very grateful to have had the
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
7
UN MESSAGE DU PRÉSIDENT JACK CHAFFE
Alors que je réfléchis à mon mandat de
la croissance et la durabilité du secteur
son budget 2023, qui comprenait un
président, je suis heureux de dire que nous
du bœuf de l’Ontario au cours des quatre
engagement à augmenter la capacité des
avons fait des progrès significatifs dans nos
prochaines années. Je suis fier du travail
vétérinaires et les incitations pour les régions
efforts pour protéger le secteur du bœuf
que nous avons accompli, que je mentionne
du nord, éloignées et mal desservies de la
de l’Ontario à la fois contre les événements
ci-dessous, et je remercie mes collègues
province. En particulier, nous avons été très
prévus et imprévus. Nous avons travaillé
administrateurs pour leur soutien et leur
encouragés par le soutien au Collaborative
fort pour maintenir le Programme de gestion
dévouement à notre secteur et à nos
DVM in Rural and Northern Community
des risques de l’Ontario (PGR) et préconiser
membres.
Practice Program (Programme de D.M.V.
des améliorations à tous les programmes de gestion des risques de l’entreprise, nous avons lutté pour obtenir une exemption pour le bœuf haché en vertu des exigences proposées par Santé Canada en matière d’étiquetage sur le devant de l’emballage, nous avons demandé des améliorations à la Loi sur les services provinciaux visant le bien-être des animaux, nous avons préconisé la protection des terres agricoles et un soutien accru à la préparation aux situations d’urgence spécifiques aux maladies animales exotiques, et nous sommes allés de l’avant avec notre engagement auprès des consommateurs et notre travail de développement du marché afin d’apporter une valeur accrue à nos membres qui paient le prélèvement. En tant qu’association, nous avons également mené un processus
En parlant de durabilité du bœuf, en 2023, BFO a continué d’offrir notre Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program (Programme de rabais incitatif pour l’assurance de la qualité du boeuf
collaboratif dans la pratique communautaire rurale et nordique) qui verra 20 vétérinaires supplémentaires formés chaque année avec un recrutement ciblé dans les régions nordiques et rurales, un programme que
de l’Ontario) aux membres de BFO. Le
nous avons fortement soutenu.
programme offrait un rabais sur les frais de
Après la publication du budget provincial, le
vérification aux agriculteurs qui devenaient certifiés dans le cadre du programme Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+). Le programme a été initialement lancé en 2021 pour améliorer l’approvisionnement durable en veaux certifiés de l’Ontario pour les parcs d’engraissement durables certifiés de l’Ontario, encourager l’inscription et le soutien aux programmes d’assurance qualité et aider à compenser les coûts d’audit VBP+ pour nos membres.
budget fédéral a été publié une semaine plus tard. Tout comme l’Association canadienne des bovins (ACB), nous avons été heureux d’apprendre que le gouvernement du Canada s’engageait à verser 57,5 millions de dollars sur cinq ans pour financer une banque de vaccins contre la fièvre aphteuse et soutenir l’élaboration de plans d’intervention d’urgence liés à cette maladie animale dévastatrice en cas de flambée épidémique au Canada. Nous et nos alliés du
de planification stratégique identifiant cinq
Après notre AGA de l’année dernière,
secteur bovin canadien avons demandé au
piliers importants qui aideront à favoriser
le gouvernement de l’Ontario a publié
gouvernement fédéral d’investir dans cette
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
mesure d’intervention critique pendant la
sur ce dossier, et BFO ainsi que l’ACB ont
du bœuf organisé par les producteurs de
majeure partie des deux dernières années, et
formulé des commentaires tout au long du
bœuf du district de Cochrane en avril pour
nous apprécions énormément cette annonce.
processus de consultation et continueront à
partager une mise à jour sur les activités
En plus de l’engagement concernant la
le faire au nom de nos membres.
de BFO et parler de mon exploitation à la
fièvre aphteuse, le budget 2023 a également promis de fournir aux agriculteurs une augmentation de la limite sans intérêt pour les prêts dans le cadre du Programme de paiements anticipés (PPA), qui passera de 250 000 $ à 350 000 $ pour l’année de programme 2023/24. Nous espérons que l’augmentation de la portion sans intérêt des prêts du PPA se poursuivra au-delà de 2023/24, ce que nous avons activement défendu en partenariat avec l’ACB. Un autre dossier que nous continuons à suivre de près est celui de la traçabilité. En mars, l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments a publié des propositions d’amendements à la partie XV du Règlement sur la santé des animaux (Identification et traçabilité) afin de permettre une réponse plus efficace et plus rapide aux épidémies et aux problèmes de sécurité alimentaire, et d’améliorer le soutien aux activités de surveillance des maladies. Au cours des
En parlant de l’ACB, j’ai eu l’honneur d’être nommé au poste d’agent sans fonction définie de l’ACB l’année dernière, où j’ai rejoint le président de l’ACB Nathan Phinney, le vice-président Tyler Fulton et l’ancien président Bob Lowe dans mon rôle exécutif. Ma première mission a été d’assister à l’AGA et à la convention de la Livestock Markets Association of Canada en Alberta, puis, plus tard dans l’année, j’ai participé à l’AGA de l’Agence canadienne de classement du boeuf et à une séance sur le classement, qui invitait des classeurs régionaux de tout le pays à discuter de l’uniformité du classement de la viande au Canada. En tant que coprésident du Comité du commerce extérieur de l’ACB, j’ai également témoigné devant le Comité du commerce international à Ottawa sur les questions de barrières commerciales non tarifaires, où j’ai souligné nos préoccupations commerciales concernant le Royaume-Uni et le PTPGP.
maison. L’événement était bien organisé et bien fréquenté, et j’ai apprécié l’occasion de rencontrer des gens du nord de l’Ontario. À mon avis, l’avenir de notre secteur est prometteur si l’on en juge par la participation et l’engagement à cette réunion. À l’approche de l’ensemencement du printemps et de l’ouverture des pâturages, notre attention s’est portée sur la Déclaration de planification provinciale proposée par le gouvernement de l’Ontario et sur les changements à apporter aux politiques actuelles d’utilisation des terres pour aider à résoudre la crise du logement en Ontario. Depuis plusieurs années, l’une des principales priorités de BFO est la protection de l’agriculture et des terres marginales comme moyen de maintenir le troupeau de bovins de la province. Nous avons participé activement à ces discussions avec l’ancien ministre Clark, le ministre Thompson, les députés provinciaux et nos
dix dernières années, des représentants de
Portant mon chapeau BFO, j’ai été invité
collègues des groupes de produits agricoles
l’industrie et du gouvernement ont travaillé
à participer à un événement de la Journée
et des organisations agricoles générales.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
9
Puis, à la fin du mois de mai, j’ai eu l’occasion
après quatre ans. Une analyse du programme
province, la Loi sur les services provinciaux
de rencontrer le premier ministre Ford et
OBMD a été commandée par le Joint
visant le bien-être des animaux (PAWS)
le ministre Thompson pour leur faire part
Marketing Committee (JMC), un sous-
et l’identification des moyens pour notre
de nos préoccupations sur le sujet, en
comité composé d’administrateurs de BFO
secteur de se développer grâce à l’accès
particulier en ce qui concerne la modification
et de l’Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association
aux terres de la Couronne dans le nord de
de la création de lots résidentiels sur les
(OCFA), et il a été constaté qu’il avait un
l’Ontario pour la production alimentaire et
terres agricoles, l’impact des changements
impact positif sur la croissance des marchés
l’expansion des pâturages communautaires.
proposés sur les exploitations d’élevage et
intérieurs et d’exportation du bœuf de
les difficultés potentielles liées à la distance
marque de l’Ontario. Sur recommandation du
minimale de séparation. Nous sommes
JMC, les conseils d’administration de BFO et
heureux que le gouvernement ait écouté nos
de l’OCFA ont signé un protocole d’entente
préoccupations et ait prolongé le processus
(PE) entre BFO et l’OCFA pour la poursuite
de consultation.
du programme sur une base permanente.
En juin, j’ai assisté au banquet et à
En outre, à l’approche de la saison
et l’adhésion à l’Accord de partenariat
l’assemblée générale annuelle de l’Ontario
d’automne, nous nous sommes
transpacifique global et progressiste
Livestock Dealers’ Association, où j’ai reçu
vraiment concentrés sur le commerce, le
(PTPGP). Afin de poursuivre nos efforts
de bons commentaires sur le travail de BFO
développement du marché et les activités de défense des intérêts. Pour rester
collectifs et d’obtenir l’appui des députés
et de l’ACB, en particulier en ce qui concerne la réglementation proposée en matière de
compétitifs, notre secteur et nos partenaires
traçabilité. Ensuite, à la fin de juillet, nous
gouvernementaux doivent continuer à
avons invité nos conseillers consultatifs
donner la priorité à un accès significatif aux
et les membres de nos comités à se réunir
marchés d’exportation de grande valeur dans
à l’Oakwood Resort de Grand Bend pour
le monde entier. Ensemble, BFO et l’OCFA
notre réunion annuelle d’été. Au cours de cet
ont discuté avec le personnel du ministère
événement de deux jours, nous avons fait
de l’Agriculture, de l’Alimentation et des
le point sur nos dossiers de politique et de
Affaires rurales de l’Ontario (MAAARO)
défense, sur notre travail d’engagement des
et les élus concernant le soutien futur des
producteurs, et avons eu trois présentations
efforts de développement du marché du
distinctes sur l’histoire des parcs à
bœuf de l’Ontario, tant sur les marchés
bestiaux de Toronto, sur les liens avec les
intérieurs que sur les marchés d’exportation.
transformateurs et sur la réglementation
Notre stratégie de développement des
proposée en matière de traçabilité. En plus
marchés s’aligne bien sur les initiatives
Nous avons également travaillé avec l’ACB
de la partie affaires de la réunion, nous
du gouvernement provincial en matière
pour soutenir les efforts de plaidoyer autour
sommes montés dans deux bus scolaires
de marchés « Produit en Ontario » et «
du projet de loi fédéral C-282 : Loi modifiant
pour nous rendre à l’exploitation vache-
Croissance Ontario », et nous pensons que
la Loi sur le ministère des Affaires étrangères,
veau et au magasin de la ferme de la famille
notre secteur est bien placé pour bénéficier
du Commerce et du Développement (gestion
Williamson, suivi d’un arrêt chez la famille
d’un investissement accru dans ce domaine.
de l’offre). S’il est adopté, le projet de loi
Bielak, près de Lucan. Je tiens à remercier sincèrement ces deux familles pour leur hospitalité et leur générosité en ouvrant les portes de leurs exploitations à notre groupe pour qu’il puisse les apprécier et en tirer des enseignements.
Le 4 octobre, nous avons organisé notre journée annuelle de lobbying et notre barbecue à Queen’s Park, où nous avons rencontré individuellement plus de 20 députés pour discuter d’un certain nombre de questions sectorielles telles que
Comme je l’ai mentionné précédemment, nous avons continué à travailler avec nos homologues provinciaux, l’ACB, l’Association nationale des engraisseurs de bovins et le Conseil des viandes du Canada sur le dossier commercial du Royaume-Uni (RU)
et de la ministre Ng, la ministre canadienne du Commerce, l’ACB a lancé une campagne nationale - Say No to a Bad Deal (Dites non à un mauvais accord) - dans le cadre de laquelle les producteurs ont été encouragés à participer à une initiative d’écriture de lettres en se rendant sur le site www. saynotoabaddeal.ca. Au nom de l’ACB et de BFO, nous remercions tous ceux qui ont pris le temps d’écrire à leur député. Nous avons reçu une excellente réponse de l’Ontario et nous apprécions que vous nous aidiez à mobiliser notre message.
C-282 exclura les secteurs gérés par l’offre de la table des négociations commerciales, ce qui pourrait gravement nuire à nos relations commerciales et limiter notre capacité à lancer, négocier et renégocier des accords commerciaux avantageux pour le bœuf canadien.
Le programme Ontario Beef Market
l’augmentation du financement du PGR, les
Development (OBMD) a été lancé vers la fin
possibilités de développement du marché
En novembre, j’ai participé à une
de 2019 avec la promesse d’une évaluation
pour le bœuf de l’Ontario, le renforcement
présentation devant le Comité permanent de
de l’impact et du succès du programme
de la capacité de transformation dans la
l’agriculture et de l’agroalimentaire à Ottawa
10
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
concernant les unités de journalisation électronique utilisées par les transporteurs. Nous craignons que la disparité entre les règles de Transports Canada et les règles relatives au temps de transit pour le transport du bétail ait un impact négatif sur notre chaîne d’approvisionnement au Canada. Nous continuons à demander que les lignes directrices soient plus claires pour les transporteurs de bétail et qu’elles soient harmonisées avec celles des États-Unis, qui prévoient des exemptions d’heures de service pour les transporteurs agricoles qui
des finances et des affaires économiques. Le Comité de gouvernance de BFO a été actif en 2023 avec un examen des politiques internes, ainsi qu’un examen de nos règlements pour évaluer la conformité avec l’ONCA, la Loi ontarienne sur les organisations à but non lucratif. En consultation avec notre conseiller juridique, nos règlements ont été jugés largement conformes, mais le conseil d’administration a suggéré quelques modifications qui seront soumises au vote des membres de BFO lors
se trouvent dans un rayon de 150 milles de
de l’AGA de 2024.
leur destination.
Un programme que je suis heureux de
Une question active pour BFO en 2023 a été
voir revenir est notre Programme de
la Loi PAWS, qui est entrée en vigueur le 1er janvier 2020. BFO a poursuivi et approuvé un protocole d’entente entre le Solliciteur général et BFO en relation avec la Loi. Cet accord établit la relation de travail formelle, y compris les rôles et les responsabilités entre les inspecteurs PAWS et les conseillers en soins animaliers de BFO en réponse aux plaintes relatives au bien-être et aux inspections dans les fermes bovines de l’Ontario. Bien qu’il s’agisse d’un bon pas en avant, des changements législatifs et réglementaires sont encore nécessaires pour répondre à d’autres préoccupations liées à PAWS qui ont été notées par BFO et discutées à plusieurs reprises avec le bureau du Solliciteur général et le personnel du ministère.
développement du leadership BUILD, qui sera ressuscité en avril 2024. J’ai complété ce programme à ses débuts et il m’a vraiment permis d’acquérir une bonne base de compréhension sur la gouvernance forte, les réunions efficaces et l’importance et la valeur d’un lobbying et d’un travail de plaidoyer
de neuf ans au conseil d’administration de BFO et je passerai le flambeau à un président nouvellement élu en février. Je suis très reconnaissant d’avoir eu l’expérience enrichissante de représenter le secteur des parcs d’engraissement et les éleveurs de bovins de l’Ontario au cours de mes sept années en tant qu’administrateur et de mes deux années en tant que président. Lorsque je me suis assis autour de la table du conseil d’administration lors de ma première réunion il y a neuf ans, je ne savais vraiment pas dans quoi je m’étais embarqué, mais ce fut un voyage incroyable au service de mon industrie, et en cours de route, j’ai noué de nombreux liens avec des amis, des agriculteurs et des représentants élus à travers le pays. Il y a près de dix ans, lorsque j’ai présenté ma candidature, ma vision du secteur du bœuf de l’Ontario était de voir l’expansion du cheptel de vaches de l’Ontario afin de rendre l’ensemble du secteur plus fort et
efficaces. J’encourage vivement tous ceux
plus rentable. J’ai insisté sur le fait que la
qui envisagent de jouer un rôle de direction
génération plus âgée devait partager ses
au sein de BFO à envisager de suivre ce
connaissances avec la jeune génération, et
programme.
que nous devions faciliter la transition de la
En parlant de leadership, j’aimerais remercier sincèrement Charlene Yungblut qui a été notre représentante des jeunes au sein du conseil d’administration de BFO pendant deux ans. Le mandat de Charlene au sein de BFO et du Conseil canadien des jeunes de l’industrie bovine s’est terminé en
L’Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition
septembre, mais elle continue de siéger en
(OASC) (Coalition pour la durabilité de
tant que présidente sortante du Conseil
l’agriculture de l’Ontario), dont BFO est
pour une année supplémentaire. Suivant
membre, a eu des réunions positives tout
le départ de Charlene, nous avons eu le
au long de l’année avec le personnel du
plaisir d’accueillir Emily Bromley, du comté
ministère et avec le ministre Thompson
de Renfrew, qui a été choisie pour occuper
concernant notre demande unifiée
le poste de représentante des jeunes et se
d’augmentation des investissements
joindre au Conseil en tant que représentante
dans le PGR. Pour renforcer notre besoin
de l’Ontario.
prochaine génération vers l’élevage de bœuf par le biais d’une succession et d’un soutien adéquat pour leur permettre d’exploiter une ferme à plein temps. Bien qu’il y ait toujours plus de travail à faire, je suis fier de nos efforts pour soutenir le développement et l’intégration des jeunes au sein de notre association, ainsi que de notre engagement en faveur de la stabilité de l’industrie pour nos membres jusqu’à notre secteur de la transformation. Je vous souhaite le meilleur pour l’année à venir. Ce fut un plaisir de vous servir en tant que président.
de financement supplémentaire afin de rendre le programme plus viable pour les
Alors que je termine mon message
agriculteurs, nous avons officiellement
présidentiel, cela marque la fin d’un chapitre
soumis une demande au Comité permanent
pour moi, car j’ai terminé le mandat maximal
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
11
BFO PAST PRESIDENTS
12
1963
Bruce Mehlenbacher, Haldimand
1989
Jim Magee, Oxford
1964
Ross Beattie, Simcoe
1990
David Whittington, Peterborough
1965
George Morris, Kent
1991
Glenn Coultes, Huron
1966
Harvey Ackert, Bruce
1992
Doug Gear, Dufferin
1967 - 1968
Walter Beath, Ontario County
1993
Robert Kerr, Kent
1969
Vern Kaufman, Oxford
1994
Ken Summers, Victoria
1970
Lawrence Markusse, Lambton
1995
Harvey Graham, Durham East
1971
Hugh Grace, Lanark
1996
Dale Pallister, Grey
1972
Tom Jackson, Peel-Halton
1997
Linda Barker, Haldimand
1973
Stewart Brown, Elgin
1998
Bob Dobson, Renfrew
1974
Grant Burroughes, York
1999
Darlene Bowen, Temiskaming
1975
Clarence Hardy, Middlesex
2000
Stan Eby, Bruce
1976
Ronald Oswald, Bruce
2001
Dick van der Byl, Glengarry
1977
Archie Etherington, Huron
2002
Mike Buis, Kent
1978
Alex Connell, Wellington
2003 - 2004
Ron Wooddisse, Wellington
1979 - 1980
Morley Shepherdson, Temiskaming
2005 - 2007
Ian McKillop, Elgin
1981
Gus Lask, Ontario County
2008 - 2009
Gord Hardy, Middlesex
1982
Tony Noorloos, Lambton
2010 - 2011
Curtis Royal, Simcoe
1983
Robert Chapple, Kent
2012 - 2013
Dan Darling, Northumberland
1984 - 1985
Gerhard Schickedanz, York
2014 - 2015
Bob Gordanier, Dufferin
1986
Edgar Wideman, Waterloo
2016 - 2017
Matt Bowman, Temiskaming
1987
Hugh Sharpe, Lennox and Addington
2018 - 2019
Joe Hill, Wellington
1988
Robert Gregson, Elgin
2020 - 2021
Rob Lipsett, Grey
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BFO’s Board of Directors consists of 12 elected officials - three from the cow-calf sector, three from the feedlot sector, one from the background sector, one each representing the southern, northern and eastern regions of Ontario, and two elected at-large. Directors are elected for three-year terms on a rotating basis. In addition to the 12 elected officials, one youth representative is appointed by the BFO Board of Directors through an application process to fill a non-voting position.
JACK CHAFFE PRESIDENT Feedlot Director CCA Director CBCA Director
CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN VICE PRESIDENT Eastern Director CCA Director
2023 BFO EXECUTIVE
JOOST VAN DER HEIDEN Background Director
DON BADOUR Cow-Calf Director CRSB Director
RON STEVENSON Southern Director BCRC Director
JACK CHAFFE PRESIDENT Feedlot Director
DON HARGRAVE Cow-Calf Director CCIA Director
JORDAN MILLER Northern Director TSYLDB Director
CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN VICE PRESIDENT Eastern Director
JASON LEBLOND Cow-Calf Director CCA Director
JASON REID At-Large Director
JASON LEBLOND Cow-Calf Director
JAIRUS MAUS Feedlot Director
KIM JO BLISS At-Large Director
JASON REID At-Large Director
JOE DICKENSON Feedlot Director
EMILY BROMLEY Youth Representative (Non-Voting)
RICHARD HORNE Executive Director
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
13
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RICHARD HORNE
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
BFO’s 2024 AGM theme, “Expect the
financial stress on business owners and
Ontario beef sector after the first four years
Unexpected: Protecting Ontario’s Beef
consumers alike.
of funding with producer check-off dollars.
Preparation, for the BFO Board of Directors
The BFO Board also completed a full review
in 2023, included the completion of a new
of BFO’s constitution and bylaws to ensure
BFO Strategic Plan. The new plan includes
compliance with the new Ontario Not-For-
the doubling down on the commitment
Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), and the
to market development and consumer
Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations
engagement efforts, producer excellence,
Act (AHOA). Funding was also allocated to
sector growth and stability, and continued
relaunch the BUILD Leadership Program in
focus on robust advocacy and government
2024.
Sector” is both a reflection of this past year’s events in the beef sector and broader Canadian economy, and a reminder for future planning efforts, be that at the association or farm level, that the only constant in life is change. How well an operation, association, or government responds to emerging threats and opportunities that drive change can be largely attributed to the level of preparation and the confidence to act. With the record market prices that blessed the sector in 2023, preparation for a potential market shift have begun to dominate discussions on finding better ways
relations efforts all underpinned by principlebased governance and development of leadership capacity within the association and the broader sector. While these areas of focus are broad by design, the Board has made a number of commitments on programming, policies and operations to
On the personnel front, BFO welcomed Michelle Dyer to the team as our new Office Manager this past September, replacing Tammy Purdham who left BFO for other opportunities. Michelle brings a wealth of experience in property and office
support and action these various areas of
management and has been a welcomed
focus.
addition.
record high cattle prices across all weight
Some of our major commitments included
We were also pleased to welcome Charlene
categories resulting in some much-needed
the signing of a long-term agreement with
Yungblut as BFO’s new full-time Engagement
equity being built into the Ontario beef
the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association
Coordinator, who had previously served
sector, which was great to see. With that
(OCFA) to make the Ontario Beef Market
as the Youth Representative to the BFO
said, production costs remain high and debt
Development (OBMD) Program permanent,
Board for the last two years. Charlene farms
servicing costs reached levels not seen in a
after the successful completion of a third-
in the Niagara region and has previous
generation with interest rates and lingering
party assessment that demonstrated
experience with the OFA and the tender
inflationary pressures continuing to place
overwhelmingly positive results for the
fruit sector. Charlene’s experience with the
to insulate farms and farm businesses from escalating risks in the marketplace. 2023 saw
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
national Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) and the
Jason Reid has represented BFO and
service to the Ontario beef sector. Jack has
Canadian Cattle Youth Council will serve as
northern producers since 2015 and has
served in numerous capacities during his
great assets to BFO and the development
been a vocal champion for emergency
tenure with BFO, including representative
of both the BUILD Leadership Program and
response programming, quality assurance,
to Canada Beef and National Check-off (the
the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance (OBYA).
and leadership training, amongst other files.
Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency), CCA, the
Speaking of OBYA, Jaclyn Horenberg was
Jason also represented Ontario for several
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation
named Director of OBYA to ensure the
years at the Canadian Cattle Association
(LRIC), the RMP Reference Committee,
alliance maintains the dedicated voice and
(CCA). Jason’s grassroots perspective
the BFO Feedlot Committee, the Canadian
attention it deserves to help it evolve and
routinely helped right-center discussions
Beef Grading Agency, as well as other
grow.
around the board table.
roles. I would like to commend Jack on his
Also, Chris Millar was also named Manager
Jordan Miller has served BFO and northern
of Compliance and lead for all animal care investigations supported by BFO’s Animal Care Advisor (ACA) service. Chris has provided tremendous leadership in representing the sector with the Animal Welfare Services (AWS) branch of the Solicitor General’s Office (which are responsible for animal welfare enforcement in Ontario), and was a key contributor to development and completion of the BFO-AWS (PAWS) memorandum of understanding that was signed this year. As we look ahead to 2024, I would be remiss if I didn’t specifically mention our three outgoing directors, Jason Reid, Jordan Miller, and Jack Chaffe.
producers since 2018, focusing his efforts largely on the Toronto Stockyards and on BFO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and corporate social responsibility efforts. Jordan also brought the multi-generational farm perspective to the table, and was a vocal advocate for better marketing strategies and cooperative efforts amongst the province’s cow-calf sector. Jordan provided a reasoned and balanced approach to all issues and debates, which will be sorely
exemplary leadership and dedication to his various roles with the association and the sector, including his last two years as BFO President. As I look back on all of the great directors I’ve had the privilege to work with, Jack certainly stands out as one of the most prepared and well-read. You will be missed Jack! Every AGM is somewhat bittersweet. Directors with whom I’ve worked closely with for several years move on while we welcome new directors to the board. For
missed.
those who are departing, thank you for
Lastly, Jack Chaffe, outgoing President
the board. It has been a distinct pleasure
and feedlot director will be termed out in February after nine years of dedicated
your commitment and sacrifice to serve on working for you.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
15
CONTACT THE BFO STAFF TEAM RICHARD HORNE Executive Director x 234 richard@ontariobeef.com
CATHY GOLUBIENKO Board Secretary cathyg@ontariobeef.com
MICHELLE DYER Office Manager x 221 michelle@ontariobeef.com
AMBER MCINTYRE Accountant x 222 amber@ontariobeef.com
THOMAS BRANDSTETTER Manager of Policy and Issues x 236 thomas@ontariobeef.com
DARBY WHEELER Policy Advisor x 226 darby@ontariobeef.com
EVAN CHAFFE Policy Advisor x 233 evan@ontariobeef.com
JENNIFER KYLE Manager of Public Engagement & Digital Strategy x 229 jennifer@ontariobeef.com
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
LEAANNE WURMLI Director of Communications x 230 leaanne@ontariobeef.com
CHARLENE YUNGBLUT Engagement Coordinator x 224 charlene@ontariobeef.com
JAMIE GAMBLE Market Information Coordinator x 235 jamie@ontariobeef.com
SLOANE MURRAY Engagement Coordinator (Summer) sloane@ontariobeef.com
DAN FERGUSON Manager of Producer Relations 905.375.8551 dan@ontariobeef.com
JACLYN HORENBERG Senior Producer Relations Specialist 519.608.2429 jaclyn@ontariobeef.com
ROBERT MCKINLAY Producer Relations Specialist 226.668.0775 robert@ontariobeef.com
CHRIS MILLAR Manager of Compliance 613.324.2207 chrism@ontariobeef.com
CHERYL RUSSWURM Provincial Supervisor: Ontario Feeder & Breeder Co-op Programs 519.367.5590 crfeederfin@wightman.ca
CATHY LASBY BFO Contract Ontario Beef Advertising Manager 519.763.8833 pams@sentex.net
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
17
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION In late 2020, BFO made a public commitment to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the beef sector and broader agrifood industry, and to fight racism and discrimination in all its forms. As we move into 2024, we continue to help lead a culture shift that sees the industry become a welcoming and inclusive environment for anyone who lives in, works in, and interacts with our sector. DEI remained a priority for the BFO Board of Directors and staff throughout 2023 and we would like to share some of the activities we have undertaken in our effort to live up to our commitment. LEARNING As we have stated in the past, DEI, and all it encompasses, is an ever-evolving topic and there is always more to learn. It takes time and a commitment to ongoing learning to create a cultural shift like the one we are endeavouring to achieve. With that in mind, the BFO Board continued to look for learning opportunities throughout the year and
18
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
committed to an Indigenous Awareness course in September of 2023. The session provided valuable insights into how we might better establish and strengthen our relationships with Indigenous and First Nations communities as an organization. One of the key takeaways from the session is that every Indigenous community is unique in how they operate and how we might interact with them. Working with Indigenous communities is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There is a companion course to the Indigenous Awareness course, Indigenous Relations, so that will be a possible option for a future learning opportunity moving forward. ACTIVITIES In addition to the above-mentioned learning, BFO continued to participate in and undertake a number of different activities throughout the year: • Sponsored the University of Guelph’s Women in Ag Club event. • Director Joe Dickenson served as a panelist for Agriculture Financial
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•
Services Corporation’s Celebrate Diversity Month Panel. Director Jordan Miller and Jenn Kyle presented to the Beef Cattle Research Council’s Tech Transfer Network with a specific lens on communication as it relates to our DEI efforts. Ensured DEI was top of mind when selecting influencers, spokespeople and companies to partner with for our consumer engagement and PR work. Jordan and Jenn traveled to Calgary to present at the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium, which was the first opportunity to speak in front of an international beef audience. The presentation was very well received. As a part of our BFO commitment to Truth & Reconciliation, the Board ran an Orange Shirt Day fundraiser. We had a simple orange shirt produced, and we ran a campaign to sell the shirts throughout the summer and early fall. For every shirt that was sold,
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$10 was donated to Water First, an organization whose work helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration. We were pleased to send a donation of $1,000 to Water First in December 2023. We do still have some shirts in stock, so they will be available for sale throughout 2024, and proceeds from any sales will continue to be funneled to Water First to support their work. Joe Dickenson joined the DEI Panel Discussion at the 2024 Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef AGM in September, 2023. BFO continues to be part of the Perceptions Working Group organized by Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council. Participated in a great meeting with OMAFRA and OFA on Indigenous relations. Continued to strongly support
•
community organizations like Feed Ontario, AgScape and 4-H Ontario that provide important service, support, education and programing to diverse communities all across the province. Increased advocacy for mental health resources and support services for farmers.
ACCOUNTABILITY The DEI Committee continues to put effort toward ensuring we remain accountable to our commitments as we move forward with our DEI work. In the spirit of inclusivity, the committee remains an open committee. Any board or staff member is welcome to join the committee at any time. The committee is tasked with keeping the organization accountable, as well as ensuring the work continues to move forward and addressing any DEI-related issues and questions as they arise. In 2023, the committee took a look at the terms of reference and worked
to provide more structure around our workplan and the frequency of our meetings to ensure proper time for planning. Moving forward, the committee will meet quarterly, with the opportunity to call additional meetings, if required. The workplan ensures that, as an organization, we are always working on something and don’t become complacent in our efforts. We continue to actively look at our organization and current activities to see where we can do better, and how we can weave education and advocacy around diversity, equity and inclusion into existing activities and programing. As we continue to listen and learn, our commitments and actions will continue to develop over time as we work to evolve the culture within the sector to be more welcoming to and supportive of all members of our communities. If you have questions or if you have thoughts or ideas on actions to consider or areas for improvement, please connect with us.
Strong communities. Safe, clean water. Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities continues to be a pressing issue in Canada. Nobody understands the evolving challenges and needs more than the people who live there. Drinking water challenges are complex: in some communities, local concerns may be around infrastructure, for others, source water contamination. And numerous communities have challenges recruiting and training young Indigenous adults to join the drinking water field. Infrastructure and technology alone cannot solve the water crisis; having enough skilled people to operate and maintain the systems is also critical. Safe water needs skilled people. Water First is guided by the Indigenous youth and young adults who participate in their programs, Indigenous staff and board members, local Indigenous community partners, and by members of their Indigenous Advisory Council. Collaborations are built on respect and meaningful partnerships, with Indigenous youth and community partners at the heart of their work. Like Indigenous neighbours, beef farmers across Ontario have an innate respect and relationship with the land and water where they farm. Farmers spend much time and energy ensuring they protect the waterways connected to their farms as part of their commitment to the environment. When selecting an organization to donate to as part of the fundraiser, the BFO Board felt water was an important and relevant fit. If you would like to learn more about Water First and their important work, visit waterfirst.ngo
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
19
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & ADVOCACY
RICHARD HORNE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In 2023, BFO continued to monitor, research and respond to a high volume of legislative proposals, bills, and proposed policy and program changes. In addition, BFO’s Board of Directors and senior staff maintained close contact with MPs, MPPs, and officials to keep the priorities for Ontario’s beef sector top-of-mind with decisionmakers. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, or PAWS for short, was a top priority provincially for BFO this past year. BFO continued to push for legislative and regulatory amendments to the Act through various roundtables and meetings with officials at Queen’s Park. While some legislative and regulatory changes we would like to see remain outstanding, we have seen significant improvements in the internal processes used during livestock investigations and in situations involving removal or seizure in the extreme minority of cases where those actions are deemed necessary. This year, BFO also hired outside counsel to advise on
20
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
regulatory pathways for the beef sector to pursue to help correct these issues, and to explore intervenor status in court cases if and when that becomes necessary. BFO also completed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Solicitor General to formalize the working relationship between BFO Animal Care Advisors and AWS investigators on cases involving beef cattle.
budget. I will note that while we think we have made inroads on the need for additional funds to make this a more workable program for farmers, the province’s bearish outlook on provincial finances has created extra scrutiny on all expenditures. Budget 2024 will certainly be revealing with respect to provincial priorities and the prospects for additional funding into this critical program.
On the Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) front, BFO continued to heavily advocate for additional funding for the program with MPPs, ministers and political staff in collaboration with our OASC partners. In addition to pre-budget consultations and Ministry of Finance deliberations that BFO took part in, we held meetings with staff and members from Treasury Board, Finance, OMAFRA, the finance committee, and the Premier’s Office on multiple occasions throughout the year. As of writing, we understand that our request for additional funding is under consideration for the 2024 provincial
2023 also included significant consultation on the future of the Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program (FPP). BFO, along with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA), the Ontario Livestock Markets Association (OLAMA), and the Ontario Livestock Dealers’ Association (OLDA) developed a unified position and worked collaboratively throughout the consultation period with OMAFRA and the Minister’s Office. We anticipate changes to this program will be made sometime in 2024, which will likely include an increase in the FPP levy to ensure the health of the fund remains
viable moving forward. This year, we also worked collaboratively with OCFA regarding support for the Ontario Beef Market Development (OBMD) Program. A push for a significant funding commitment from the province began in earnest at our Queen’s Park barbecue held in early October. We are hopeful that the province will cement a funding commitment soon to help augment our refreshed market development business plan for Ontario beef activities in domestic and export markets. Advocacy work also continued this year regarding access to Crown land, community pasture support, veterinary access and training, deadstock services and funding, support for meat processing and labour training and support, and modernization of the Beef Cattle Marketing Act (BCMA). With respect to the BCMA, BFO has been pursuing amendments that would eliminate the current exemption on custom
processing, which stems from multiple
It is our understanding that the risk
resolutions from previous AGMs calling
assessment of harmonization with the
for this change. We anticipate changes
U.S. will be completed this spring for
to be introduced sometime in 2024.
review by the federal government.
On the federal front, BFO made a decision in December to join the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) to augment the work BFO is doing both on our own, and in collaboration with the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) efforts in Ottawa.
This file is moving slower than anyone would like to see, but we continue to raise the importance of the issue every opportunity we have in discussions with MPs and other federal officials. CCA continues to provide excellent leadership on this file and should be commended for their work to advance our collective interests.
50+ Meetings with MPs, MPPs, and political staff
Hosted 500+ MPPs and legislative staff as part of our 16th Queen’s Park BBQ
One of the top federal priorities continues to be harmonization with U.S. practices on SRM removal requirements.
Responded to 12 government consultations across 4 different ministries & agencies
Regarding the Joyceville abattoir in Kingston, Senator Black sent a
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
21
letter to the Minister of Public Safety and Preparedness, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Minister of Employment, Workforce last March encouraging them to work together to find an effective solution and reopen the facility at Joyceville. The BFO Board of Directors and staff met with elected officials during the CCA lobby days in April on Parliament Hill and during our annual barbecue in October at Queen’s Park to discuss the facility and its future needs. Correctional Service Canada (CSC) conducted a review of the building condition earlier this year and found that repairs are required before the facility can be reopened. Once completed, a request for proposal (RFP) will be publicly posted. They are anticipating this will occur in the spring or early summer of 2024. In response, BFO worked with MP Gerretsen’s office to develop a parliamentary petition to help expedite the RFP process which
has been circulated for members in the area to sign. Thank you to all who signed the petition. Advocacy work also continued to pursue the removal of the 100-day residency requirement in the U.S. for Canadian cattle to qualify for U.S. export to South Korea. We are hopeful that we will see some positive movement on this file in the near future to provide more fulsome access and regular bids from packers in the northeastern United States for cattle in Ontario. On the private members bill front, BFO worked in close coordination with CCA, NCFA and others to support the passing of Bill C-234 (the Carbon Tax bill), which was unfortunately gutted and sent back to the house by the Senate at the 11th
hour late last fall. We will continue to advocate for the passing of this bill in its original form when it returns for debate on the House floor. On Bill C-282 (the Supply Management bill), BFO has and will continue to strongly advocate against this bill with both MPs and Senators. The beef sector cannot afford to allow the hands of Canadian trade negotiators to be tied heading into important trade negotiations abroad, and in the lead-up to the review of CUSMA (USMCA). To switch gears, what came as a major win in April by the announcement that the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program (APP) would increase to $350,000, eventually turned to concern by mid-year after signals that the federal government was intent $5 million to support the creation of the Veterinary Incentive Program to incentivize and support large animal veterinarians in rural and remote regions of Ontario.
$14.7 million to support the expansion of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine enrollment by 20 students per year with focus on northern, rural and indigenous communities and those with a focus on food animals.
Funding Commitments that Support Ontario’s Beef Farmers and Beef Sector
$35.9 MILLION
$1.5 million to support the Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative to support deadstock management capacity in Ontario.
$13 million to support the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative to enhance meat processing capacity in Ontario.
$1.7 million to support agriculture and food careers, including butchery and industrial meat cutting.
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on reducing the interest-free portion back to $100,000 for the 2024/25 program year. BFO, along with many groups including CCA and a number of feeder cattle co-ops, sent letters to the federal minister and other MPs urging them to maintain the current interestfree portion beyond 2023. While BFO continues to press the government on this file, it appears, unfortunately, that a reduction back to $100,000 is more likely than not. Finally, BFO and our allies across the livestock sector continued to press for increased flexibility with respect to electronic logging devices (ELDs) and requirements under the humane transport regulations. The majority of time on this file this past year was spent advocating for a 150-mile radius exemption to point of destination which U.S. livestock haulers currently have access to. More flexibility is needed when it comes to time in transit rules
and ELDs to ensure animal welfare issues are minimized while upholding driver safety standards and speed of commerce. While important financial commitments and policy, program, and regulatory improvements were made this past year that will protect and strengthen the Ontario beef sector, we continue to press government and regulators on a number of other files and issues of importance. Progress on the advocacy front is often more of a marathon than a race, and the understandable frustrations that come with slow progress are shared by all in the beef sector, including your Board of Directors. As always, we strongly encourage all local associations and members to engage directly with their elected officials on issues impacting the beef business. Please do not hesitate to reach out to BFO staff or directors for assistance with those meetings.
Policy & Program Achievements Fought against the proposal to allow up to three severances on agriculturally zoned lands, which was repealed. Lobbied to obtain a more reflective grain corn to silage conversion formula under production insurance in response to a 2021 resolution, which was successful. Actively lobbied and supported an increase in the interest free portion of the Advance Payments Program (APP), which was fulfilled in April with an increase from $250,000 to $350,000. Fought to obtain an amendment to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Act to exempt feeder cattle under feeder finance from the Innkeepers Act to allow co-ops to offer custom feeding agreements. While the push to have this change was successful, implementation has not yet occurred. Collaborated with other farm organizations to help modernize, in partnership with the government, the Agriculture Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) Act.
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23
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
RESEARCH & INNOVATION The Beef Farmers of Ontario committed to six new research projects during the 2023 calendar year, addressing challenges faced by both our feedlot and cow-calf sectors. These projects all went through an intensive research review process by our Research Committee in late 2022 and early 2023 to ensure that BFO is delivering on our five-year research strategy, and supporting sound research projects with solid objectives, deliverables and Knowledge Translation and Technology (KTT) strategies. The
Research Achievements BFO has committed to an investment of $645,000 for the next three years (2023-26) in beef research. Funded six new research projects ranging from forage production to mitigating methane emissions and calf health. Additionally, committed to a partnership with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association to deliver a Living Lab project focused on cover crop grazing.
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projects that BFO is funding for the next three years include: 1. Optimizing forage production for beef producers, Dr. Schneider 2. To Chop or Not To? Understanding the impact of forage processing on efficiency and enteric gas emissions, Dr. Wood 3. Does dietary guanidinoacetic acid and rumen protected methionine supplementation improve performance, carcass yield and meat quality traits for beef finishing steers, Dr. Duarte 4. Mitigating methane emissions in beef cattle using functional genomics, Dr. Canovas 5. Rotational Grazing and One HealthCan rotational grazing practices improve animal and environmental health, Dr. Murphy 6. Optimization of Purebred and Crossbred Dairy Calf Performance, Health, and Welfare, Dr. Steele The six new projects have a total of $645,000 allocated to them, and as these projects provide interim reports
over the following years, BFO looks to ensure producers are up to date on their progress. The last of the research projects that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through our 2019-2022 BFO Research Program will be wrapping up in the 2024 calendar year, and BFO will showcase any positive results that those research projects produced on the BFO website through research summaries. Additionally, BFO is involved in the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Living Labs projects where the main focus for the beef sector is grazing cover crops and identifying any possible impacts on the following year’s corn crop. The Living Labs project focuses on on-farm research trials that can directly impact producers when introducing best management practices. The project aims to have three different sites that focus on a potential best management practice and, through this project, the sites will have to provide updates through webinars, social media, and
2023 RESEARCH COMMITTEE Matt Bowman, BCRC Mike Buis, AgSights James Byrne, OMAFRA Jason Koudys Ron Stevenson, BCRC Will Stoneman, Youth Rep Jim Whitley Dr. Katie Wood, UofG
site events to showcase how they are implementing the practice on the farm. With producers, the University of Guelph, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers involved in this project, the results will be valid from a practical and academic perspective. Canadian Beef Goals 2030 BFO continues to support the goals of the Canadian Beef Advisors and the development and iterations of Canada’s National Beef Strategy. The Canadian beef industry is working to improve water and soil quality, support the health and safety of all people throughout the supply chain, improve beef quality, and incorporate technology to strengthen farmers’ bottom lines. Building upon five-year goals that were outlined in the 20202024 National Beef Strategy, the industry has now identified a suite of ambitious ten-year goals that will provide positive and clear messaging about the process to continually improve practices, product quality, enhance natural environments and
utilize technologies to benefit people health, safety and profitability. These goals will be used by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) to inform the update of their Sustainability Strategy. They will also inform the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) update of the National Beef Research and Extension Strategy for 2023-28. As well, these goals will
as part of the solution on these topics, rather than the problem, in Ottawa. In setting these goals, industry is aiming to build government and public support for beef production and its activities through a clear consistent message that addresses the challenges faced head on while also communicating its benefits. For more information, visit beefstrategy.com
position the Canadian beef industry
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
COMMUNICATIONS Brand Refresh
Ontario Beef Magazine
Bull-etin Board E-Newsletter
Nearly a decade ago, our association
Ontario Beef was published five times in
The Bull-etin Board e-newsletter was issued
underwent a significant transformation
2023 (February, May, August, October and
weekly to our subscribers in 2023. The
as it changed its name from the Ontario
December) and distributed to approximately
e-newsletter captures the headlines of the
Cattlemen’s Association to Beef Farmers
16,000 of BFO’s members, industry partners,
week, news releases, upcoming events and
of Ontario. The new logo (and brand) was
MPs and MPPs. The magazine provides
weekly market information. If you would like
unveiled in October of 2013, which served
BFO members and industry stakeholders
to receive the Bull-etin Board in your inbox,
BFO extremely well over the last nine years
with timely information, updates on current
please visit the homepage of BFO’s website
most specifically with government, media,
industry issues, upcoming events, market
to sign up.
consumers and members of the public.
statistics and more. We continue to update
In 2023, BFO’s communications team took inventory of the association’s brand, communication assets and ventured down the path of a refresh, which included the launch of an updated website, digital assets, tradeshow materials and internal/external communication documents.
our circulation database to better reflect our active and current membership data, with the goal of ensuring all active members of BFO are receiving this publication. If you have had interruptions in receiving Ontario Beef, please contact the BFO office to verify your complete mailing address.
Industry Updates and Breaking News To expand our reach, we worked diligently in 2023 to increase contact with our members through important industry updates and breaking news sent direct by email from BFO. While this is similar to the Bull-etin Board e-newsletter, the information through this channel is shared as it happens and provides background on issues in
INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE & TWITTER
more detail QUARTER 01 Followers: 19,117
QUARTER 02 Followers: 19,285
QUARTER 03 Followers: 19,517
QUARTER 04 Followers: 21,572
Website Visits: 83,583
Website Visits: 73,904
Website Visits: 74,486
Website Visits: 83,841
Social Engagements: 12,431
Social Engagements: 3,885
Social Engagements: 6,110
Social Engagements: 3,452
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
25K+
ENGAGEMENTS
impacting the beef sector. Social Media BFO’s social media platforms
BFO SUMMER MEETING
continue to keep our members informed of
Sponsorship, Partnerships & Events
the latest news, events and opportunities
BFO continued to support a number of
within the beef industry. We are currently
groups and initiatives in 2023:
active on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and
•
4-H Ontario
Instagram, posting regularly to our social
•
AgScape
channels. Our following continues to grow,
•
Farm & Food Care Ontario
and we are always focused on increasing our
•
Feed Ontario
engagement and reach with our members.
•
Water First
•
Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week
•
Livestock Research Innovation
Sharecost Program The Sharecost Program continues to provide financial support to BFO’s local associations for their hosted producer and consumer engagement activities. In 2023, 33 local associations received a total return of close to $110,000. Local associations continue to find new ways to reach consumers in their communities, and to connect and inform their local producers. Qualifying producer applications in 2023 included youth programs and scholarships, and educational workshops, while consumer activities included generous support of local food banks throughout the province, engaging consumers at agriculture awareness events and advertisement campaigns with both radio and newspapers.
Corporation •
Ontario Forage Council
•
Ontario Legislature Internship Programme
•
Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers’ Award
315,814
VISITS TO WWW.ONTARIOBEEF.COM Market data is the number one reason why folks visit our site.
finding ways in which we can help address food security to support our communities and those in need across the province. Our total financial contribution to Feed Ontario in 2023 was increased to $50,000, which provided 60,606 servings of ground
•
University of Guelph, College Royal
•
University of Guelph, Veterinary
beef.
Scholarships
In addition to our work on the provincial
•
Youth Events and Cattle Shows
Lending a Helping Hand Unfortunately, now more than ever, Ontarians are struggling to absorb the increased cost of goods and services, including food. We continue to be committed to our Ontario beef program to supply food banks with ground beef, and
level, we can’t forget about the work of our local associations and their commitment to their local food banks. Over the last couple of years, we have started tracking food bank donations through BFO’s Sharecost Program, and in 2023 the local associations provided just over $29,000 in support of beef donations to local food banks.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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FEEDLOT MANAGEMENT SCHOOL
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
PRODUCER ENGAGEMENT The producer engagement team enjoyed the opportunity to connect with beef farmers across the province in 2023. We appreciate the time that producers took to attend in-person and virtual events, and for the engagement throughout the year. The highlight of the year was hosting three in-person tours: Feedlot Management School in June, Ontario Beef Youth Alliance (OBYA) Tour in July, and Cow-Calf Management Tour in September. The Feedlot Management School was hosted in conjunction with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association and featured a two-day agenda which started with a tour of the University of Guelph Meat Lab where participants matched beef and dairy-beef carcasses with their live animal attributes, and heard from guest speakers about carcasses grading, fibre digestion, feedlot lameness, dairy-beef genetics, and a market outlook. Day two involved tours of two progressive feedlot operations with a hands-on session in ultrasounding cattle for carcass quality, and a feedlot health and
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
processing demonstration. The OBYA was started in 2021, and now has more than 200 people between the ages of 18-35 subscribed to the group. We have been thrilled with the engagement from this group, and were excited to host our second OBYA Tour. This two-day event started with two farm tours showcasing pasture management, direct marketing, and succession planning, followed by a producer panel focusing on cover crop grazing. Day two involved a tour of a dairy-beef operation followed by an engaging discussion and tour at Norpac Beef. We encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the OBYA to visit the BFO website to subscribe. Members must have an active interest in the Ontario beef industry, but do not need to be BFO check-off paying members. The Cow-Calf Management Tour was hosted in Durham Region with three progressive cow-calf operations, and one innovative feedlot operation. Tours focused on pasture management,
rotational grazing, and use of cover crops; and featured guest speakers on succession planning, vaccine management, and bull soundness exams. We had a fantastic turn out for these summer tours with generous support from our industry partners, and we are looking forward to hitting the road again in 2024. In January 2023, in conjunction with OMAFRA, the University of Guelph, and Beef@Guelph, we hosted a virtual Beef Symposium. With this joint group, we also hosted a Calving School edition of Beef Day@Guelph in December. This event focused on preparation for calving season including early calf health and colostrum management. As recommended by the BFO Cow-Calf Committee, a webinar was organized to highlight the Risk Management Program (RMP) with producer examples of how the program works. In addition, In The Know Mental Health workshops were offered to our members, and we
presented to the Food Animal Club at the Ontario Veterinary College, along with speaking engagements at colleges and universities. The producer engagement team also continued to speak and provide support at many industry meetings, Farm and Food Care Ontario culinary tours, and BFO consumer events and tradeshows. We continued to support quality assurance programing through the provincial delivery of the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program. With the goal to improve the supply of
Ontario certified sustainable calves for Ontario certified sustainable feedlots, we administered the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program which helps offset VBP+ audit costs for our members. We continue to offer webinar training for the VBP+ program. We would like to thank our members for their ongoing engagement with these activities. A always, we value your feedback and suggestions on how we can bring value to our members.
COW-CALF MANAGEMENT TOUR
Producer Engagement Achievements Hosted the Feedlot Management School together with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association, which attracted 70 producers. Hosted the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance Summer Tour, which attracted over 20 producers. Hosted the Cow-Calf Management Tour in Durham Region, which attracted 55 producers. 80 in attendance for the Calving School edition of Beef Day@Guelph hosted together with OMAFRA and the University of Guelph. Hosted a Risk Management Program webinar to encourage enrollment in the program. 200 OBYA members and counting! Administered the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program and provided rebates on VBP+ audit fees to producers.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT Ontario Beef supports Ontario beef industry stakeholders by laying the foundation for the promotion of all Ontario beef products and the entire industry. Our focus is entirely on Ontario consumers and our efforts support the Ontario Beef Market Development Program, as well as individual farmers, brands, retailers, etc. As a reminder, 25 cents of the $1.50 check-off increase, implemented in November 2019, stays with BFO to support producer and consumer engagement activities. 2023 saw us continue to build on the great momentum we set in motion back in 2020. We will cut right to the chase. 2023 was a fantastic year for our consumer engagement efforts. We were able to expand some of our existing activities and re-imagine others to get the most mileage out of the assets we had created. While our budget was healthy, it’s always important to remind folks that, in the world of marketing and advertising dollars where it is pay-to-
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
play, our budget is modest. With this in mind, remaining crafty to ensure we got the most out of every dollar spent remained a priority. We kept our plans mostly focused online and saw fabulous results again in 2023. Excitingly, we also saw a real return to in-person events, which got us out and interacting with people at several events throughout the year. It was a very busy year and we continued with the same “simmer and boil” approach for our work that we have talked about in the past. Again, this is the concept of a continual stream of content and activity happening
throughout the year (simmering), and then ramping up to a boil when we go live with our larger campaigns and big projects. The following is the re-cap of the work we undertook in 2023. Many might remember the high-profile influencer sustainability campaign we undertook in 2022, which was to build on the momentum of the PR campaign we had run the year before to increase the good news stories about beef and the environment. The 2022 campaign, while very successful, had not yet passed its expiry date, so in 2023 we worked with the same three influencers to somewhat re-imagine their content from the previous year and re-launched the campaign on Instagram and TikTok. As a reminder, these influencers were Wallace Wong (a well-
known Food Network personality), Sara from Nutrient Matters (a blogger and TikToker focused on adding more nutrients to average meals), and Michael Rizzi (a lifestyle influencer, content creator and LGBTQ+ advocate). When we talk about “high-profile influencers,” we are talking about folks who have follower counts significantly higher than average. Collectively, the three we worked with have over five million followers across their channels. The re-imagined content was very wellreceived on the channels and, amazingly, outperformed the original campaign by more than double the impressions. In 2022, the campaign generated over 2.2 million impressions and in 2023, the campaign achieved over 6.2 million impressions and 4.5 million video views! Another impressive stat was the clicks we received on TikTok. The industry benchmark is a 0.15% click rate, which is when someone clicks the link to learn more, and this is more likely to happen with a static photo. Click rates are usually lower on videos because the
viewer has seen and heard enough. BUT our campaign generated over 12,000 clicks on our videos, which translates to a 0.38% click rate – more than double the benchmark and a great indication that people are curious to learn more about beef farming! Podcast advertising statistics are still very strong. With that in mind, we signed on with music personality Alan Cross again to do two three-month flights again in 2023. This time, a total of six ad spots were read by Alan who hosts Ongoing History of New Music. The ads aired on Alan’s show, as well as other podcasts across the Corus network. The first flight ran from June 1st to August 31st and focused on continuing to reiterate the environmental message while also talking about summer and barbecue season. The second flight ran two ad
spots from October 1st to mid January 2024 and focused more on comfort food and cold weather cooking, while also reiterating the sustainability message. When the final numbers came in, our ads made well over 2 million impressions for the year. In addition, we were able to score some bonus display ads as part of our media buy. We added an additional 500K impressions with those bonus ads. Another great win! This past summer, we were back with the fourth annual BBQ Battle. The 2023 edition was themed “Raising the Steaks” and with a bigger budget behind this iteration, we were able to make it the most interactive edition yet. Andrew Gunadie was back as host, and this time, Andrew traveled to each of the three competitors to capture them in action and sample their takes on the perfect steak. Despite three amazing
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
31
contenders, including one that used the “Swedish Torch” to flame his steak to perfection, it was the classic charcoal grill that took this year’s prize. As with previous battles, we included a contest portion to drive engagement from the community. This year, entrants had to
very well achieving 5.3 million impressions!
with pre-COVID events in terms of participation! We were able to visit with the public at three Breakfast on the Our final campaign was our Local Farm events hosted by Farm and Food Flavour campaign. We again partnered Care Ontario (FFCO), one of which was with three Ontario food and beverage held at a beef farm. Thank you to Tim companies for some cross-promotion. Prior and family for hosting! All three This year’s partners were: Brantview were wellattended, and we were even able to GREAT TASTE IS BBQ BATTLE & PODCAST INFLUENCER provide CLOSER THAN YOU LOCAL FLAVOURS ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS THINK CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN tasty MILLION TOTAL meatball IMPRESSIONS 5.3 MILLION 17.6 MILLION 2.5 MILLION 6.2 MILLION samples at IMPRESSIONS IMPRESSIONS IMPRESSIONS IMPRESSIONS the “Brunch Edition” held in Pain complete a “steak personality” quiz Court, Ontario. We attended both the Apples & Cider/Howell Road Cider, to find out what method they should Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and Stonetown Cheese, and Fire in the cook with to be entered to win the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) Kitchen Spice Company. Each product grand prize. This proved to be a winning again this year. We had large crowds of pairs well with Ontario beef in multiple contest with over 13K entries! This visitors at both events, and our booth ways and the companies are all familyyear’s BBQ Battle knocked it out of the was a popular stop. A big thank you to oriented and value social responsibility, park with over 13.3 million impressions everyone who volunteered their time which is important to BFO and has and 1.9 million engagements! to help at the booth at each event. resonated with our audiences. We Not only do folks like the opportunity went with bright and fun for the look Back in 2022, we tried our hand at to chat with “real farmers”, we also of the campaign, and that really hit the some video advertising. We created really appreciate the support. We mark with our audience. The campaign and launched two 15-second videos, would like to say a BIG thank you to generated 4.3 million impressions with both centering around the theme our Summer Engagement Coordinator, over 274K engagements! “Great Taste is Closer than You Think”. Sloane Murray, for her hard work and The opening visuals suggest the meal dedication to making our presence at Throughout the course of the year, is taking place in London, UK or Paris, the CNE awesome! The CNE is 19 days we also worked with influencers to France, before quickly transitioning to long, and Sloane was there for almost all create four separate “micro” influencer show the delicious meals are in London of it! THANK YOU! waves (one per quarter) to keep our and Paris, Ontario. The idea is to remind messaging top of mind for our followers folks great tasting beef can be found In April, we had the opportunity to and to reach new audiences. To build right in their own backyard. These collaborate with Samurai Media to our recipe library, we partnered with video ads only ran for five weeks on have a booth space at the Toronto another four influencers to create some YouTube and Connected TV, so there Food & Drink Festival. Chef Joe Friday tasty creations. Via influencer waves, was still lots of life left in them for served up delicious Ontario beef smash campaigns and direct partnership, we 2023! We ran these same two ads for burgers, while mixologist Brenton mixed were able to add 15 new recipes to the another five weeks in the fall, so if you up delicious cocktails to go with it. ontbeef.ca website database in 2023. were streaming on YouTube or through Our booth was a VERY popular spot… ConnectedTV devices (AppleTV, Roku, so popular that we were sold out by While 2022 saw the return of some inAmazon Fire, Smart TV, etc.), you might person events after the COVID-induced Saturday afternoon and couldn’t open have caught them! The ads performed on Sunday because we were completely hiatus, 2023 was certainly more in line
MAJOR CAMPAIGNS
30+
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
out of burgers! Food & Drink Fest is an event that we would not be able to participate at on our own without a massive price tag to cover space, time, catering, ingredients, etc. Partnering with Samurai provided an awesome opportunity to be present without the additional costs to go on our own. We completed production of a video featuring our 2023 Ontario Environmental Stewardship Award winner, Lynn Leavitt. Lynn did a fabulous job explaining what he does on his farm, including the thousands of hours he has spent developing a recycling solution for used bale plastic – a solution that is now used on farms across the country.
website for those wishing to have their retail business added to the map. Since the launch of the online application in the late spring, we have added 38 new retailers! On that note, there continues to be a number of promotional items and resources available through the BFO office. These are great for use at fairs, ag awareness days and similar. Many of these items are also well-suited for retail settings and events. Speaking of the return to in-person events, we couldn’t keep enough stock in the office this past year! Our materials and resources were put in the hands of countless event goers across the province in 2023! If you are interested in materials for promoting Ontario Beef at an event or retail business, contact the office.
Traffic to the consumer website continues to increase steadily. We continued to drive traffic to the site as part of the call to action for our We have continued to strengthen our campaign work. We had over 54K visits relationship with AgScape to work on to the website in 2023, and over 31K getting our beef messaging in front of of the visitors were firsttime visitors to the site. BREAKFAST ON THE FARM - HURON COUNTY We continue to update the site regularly to ensure it remains fresh and new content is highlighted. We also launched a social impact section where we showcase the work we do in the community to complement the rest of our content. Our beef cuts page, recipes and store locator remain the most popular stops for visitors to the website. We continue to promote the students. Throughout 2023, our beef store locator for butchers, retailers and resource, An Exploration of Beef Farming farmers marketing direct. Currently, in Ontario, continued to be one of the there are nearly 200 retailers included most-requested resources at AgScape. in the locator. We recognize there are Touching on various subject areas still many others who may wish to from health and physical education be included in the listings. An online application is now available on the to social studies, science, careers,
and technology, the resource aims to provide an overview of the practices involved in the production of beef in Ontario from farm to table. We also had the opportunity to participate in several ThinkAg Career Competitions over the course of the year. Our Guardians of the Grasslands video game was a big hit with students and teachers alike! We are pleased that our support of AgScape helped them reach over 1 million student experiences for the first time in 2023. We look forward to continuing to support them in their mandate to bring accurate and balanced information about farming and food production to classrooms across the province. It truly was a banner year for our consumer engagement efforts. When we look at all of our 2023 activities, collectively, our content made over 40 million impressions, which doesn’t include any in-person events we attended or the events we supported with materials. Looking to 2024, our mission will be to continue building momentum. We have some great plans in the works and look forward to bringing those plans to life. We will put a focus on promoting those more affordable cuts in our activities to help combat the narrative that beef is too expensive, while continuing to work to increase awareness of Ontario beef and the great environmental benefits of beef farming. To stay up to date on what we are up to throughout the year, be sure to follow us on social media.
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM JOHN BAKER, OBMD PROGRAM DIRECTOR
2023 was the last year of the inaugural four-year strategy. While the first two years were significantly hampered by the coronavirus pandemic, the final two years have seen tremendous results achieved. The Mission Statement for the original strategy was clear: Our mission is to create an environment where Ontario Beef farmers are profitable and sustainable for future generations The program’s goals were also very clearly defined and concise: • Enhance the competitiveness of the Ontario beef industry • Provide direct benefits to Ontario beef producers • Deliver clear and tangible return on current check-off investment The focus of the Ontario Beef Market Development program is to provide the market with unique brands of Ontario Beef with tangible and unique points of differentiation compared to the primary alternatives available in the market. An Ontario Beef strategy based on
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
differentiation provides Ontario packers with a comparative advantage over their many import competitors. By creating demand for beef sourced from Ontario cattle, we provide significant opportunities for Ontario packers to capture market share through an increasingly growing demand for locally sourced food in the Ontario retail and foodservice sectors. As 2023 came to an end, there were 44 active projects underway in our project portfolio in various stages of completion from initial draft concepts, advanced discussions to ongoing support. 34 of those projects are focused on the Ontario market with another 14 projects being implemented in seven priority export markets. Projects are being completed by various sectors within the industry including retail, foodservice, processing, packers, producers, industry associations and academic institutions.
Areas of focus for the projects include: • Brand Development • Certified Sustainable • Brand Promotion • Export Market Development • Supply Chain Development • Technical Support • Corporate Branding Some of that work is focused on developing a supply of specification cattle and verification processes, providing technical support and establishing supply chain connections
with end-use customers. The active project portfolio is reviewed with the Joint Marketing Committee at the quarterly meetings. Increasing the Share of Ontario Beef in the Ontario Market We are fortunate to have committed retail and foodservice partners who have maintained their commitment to Ontario beef throughout the pandemic and the various challenges it has created. We continue to focus on providing support to those partners in the retail and foodservice sectors who have stood by Ontario beef farmers and maintained their brand commitments. One of the key aspects of a successful market development program is building long-term partnerships over time. In the foodservice sector we have continued our commitment to our long-term partnerships with Ontario based distributors including Flanagan Foodservice and Morton Foodservice.
In 2023, we established a new Ontario based distributor partner in Rowe Beef.
Beef program that has been extremely successful.
Rowe Beef was established in 2005 with the aim of delivering an exceptional steak dining experience. To this day, the Rowe Family upholds this principle by procuring top-notch products with a keen emphasis on quality and sustainability.
Morton Foodservice introduced their new Grass Roots Ontario Beef program in 2022 with a wide variety of products sourced from beef raised on Ontario family farms and processed at Ontario facilities.
“Rowe Beef is very excited to partner with the Ontario Beef Market Development Program to bring high quality locally raised beef to customers across the province. At Rowe Beef, we believe the people who raise cattle that produce great tasting beef are a key component of the story and need to be recognized. We look forward to sharing that story with our customers across the province”, says Rod Rowe, President of Rowe Beef. These distributor partners each provide unique brands of premium Ontario Beef with distribution reach across the entire province. Flanagan Foodservice continues to build on their CARVE Premium Ontario
As an Ontario company, Morton believes it is important to support its local communities and Ontario’s economy. Supporting local farmers and food processors is an aspect of their commitment to social responsibility. “This initiative, including marketing support, has provided crucial support, helping Morton and VG Meats gain substantial momentum in the Southern Ontario independent restaurant sector. While working in partnership, Morton and VG have experienced positive strides and are poised to share additional growth through this program, benefiting our organizations and the local beef industry. For example, we recently launched a fundraising site where 90 per cent of the
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
35
items are Ontario beef products”, says Jean Beauchemin, Director of Marketing at Morton. Loblaw Companies continues to be the retail market leader in their commitment to the Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand. Loblaw and their affiliate banners (Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaw) utilize a feature ad that appears in their digital flyer showing their commitment to Ontario Corn Fed Beef and their support for Ontario beef farmers. Banners including Valu-Mart and Your Independent Grocer continue to include the Ontario Corn Fed Beef logo in their weekly flyers. Ontario Beef Marketing Materials Enjoy Some Local Flavour is the focus of our new point of sale materials for retail stores and butcher shops across the province. The new materials are designed to be catchy, colourful and promote highquality locally produced Ontario Beef. Over 150 kits have been distributed to retails stores across the province in partnership with Ontario packers and distributors. The materials are designed to align with the consumer engagement activities promoted on the ontbeef.ca website Creating Brand Awareness – Engaging with Industry Tradeshows provide an opportunity to engage with key industry representatives and create awareness around Ontario Beef brands and their supply chains. In 2023, we participated in four major events in Ontario including the Restaurants Canada Show, Grocery
36
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Innovations Canada, SIAL Canada and the Meat & Poultry Ontario Meating Place Conference. These events provide access to key decision makers in the retail and processing sectors, and an opportunity to enhance their awareness of high-quality Ontario beef, as well as introduce supply chain possibilities. At the Restaurants Canada Show, Ontario Beef hosted three Ontario
provincial packers as well as one distribution partner in the Ontario Beef pavilion. SIAL is Canada’s internationally focused trade event welcoming more than 21,000 professional visitors from Canada, the United States and 60 other countries. Ontario Beef was once again a primary sponsor of Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition. This annual event attracted 15 competitors from all across the province. The event provides an opportunity to interact with our front-line industry partners and provide educational resources to the competitors which highlight the uniqueness and overall quality of Ontario beef.
Meat Industry Training and Development The Ontario Beef Market Development program provides support to academic institutions to attract and educate new entrants to our industry. In 2023 the Ontario Beef Quality Resource was distributed to students enrolled in the Fanshawe College Professional Butchery Techniques program. The resource provides students with background knowledge and insights into cattle production in Ontario and the on-farm processes that contribute to high quality Ontario Beef. The program also donated a meat case to the Chef’s Table located at their downtown campus in London. The meat case provides the students with hands-on learning on how to engage with consumers about Ontario Beef, speak confidently about beef production and share valuable insights on various cuts and cooking methods to enhance eating quality. “Fanshawe College and the Professional Butchery Techniques Program extend our gratitude for the generous donation from the Beef Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association. Your contribution has allowed us to enrich the learning experience for our students and better prepare them for the challenges of the meat industry. The meat case you have provided helps us effectively teach the essential skills and knowledge within our curriculum, empowering our young workers to excel in butchery and beyond. Your support not only impacts our students but also contributes to the sustainability and growth of the industry at large. Thank you for your dedication
to developing the next generation of meat industry professionals”, says Troy Spicer, Professor Program Coordinator Professional Butchery Techniques Certificate Program School of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Adding Value to Ontario Beef Through Quality Assurance As one of the strategic objectives of the Ontario Beef Market Development Program and the foundation of many premium Ontario Beef brands, quality assurance continues to provide opportunities to support a differentiated strategy for Ontario Beef. Producer participation in a recognized quality assurance program can also provide many opportunities for financial incentives for participating producers based on market demand. The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) continues to see increased demand for beef sourced from cattle operations certified to the CRSB standards. In Ontario, Cargill implements the CRSB standards through their Certified Sustainable Beef program. In order for cattle to qualify, all cattle must be registered in an approved quality assurance program from birthto-finish. Increased demand for certified sustainable fed cattle increases demand for calves certified under the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program. Since 2021, the Ontario Beef Market Development Program, in partnership with BFO, has provided funding to support the Ontario Beef Quality Assurance Rebate Incentive Program to increase cow-calf participation. Cargill provides incentive credits for cattle certified to meet CRSB standards paid directly to producers in Ontario.
The increase in market demand for CRSB certified beef means the opportunity for producers to capture value for CRSB eligible cattle continues in all sectors of cattle production. In 2023, $57,020 of additional value was paid to Ontario producers. The three-year total of credits paid out to Ontario producers now exceeds $209,562. • • •
2021 - $93,302 2022 - $59,240 2023 - $57,020
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) also provides an additional incentive to FCC customers to maintain certification to CRSB standards. Growth in the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program In 2023, 314,091 head of cattle were certified under the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program. Over the past five years the program has averaged 315,735 head of program cattle. Based on the $3 per head credit paid by packers, the program has generated an additional $4,736,028 to participating producers for maintaining certification in the program. Engagement with Ontario Packers The Ontario Beef Market Development team maintains active engagement with many Ontario packers including federal and
provincial inspected plants to provide market insights and technical assistance that enhance their operations. Some examples of interaction include consultation on sourcing funding for expansion opportunities, access to foreign worker programs, regulatory issues, supply chain development, innovative cutting techniques, carcass yield analysis and carcass utilization. Increasing Share of Ontario Beef in Export Markets Participation at key trade events is a high priority for creating awareness for the high quality of Ontario Beef in targeted markets around the world. They provide an opportunity to showcase high-quality Ontario Beef to customers in targeted markets and segments around the world. Ontario Beef was represented at six high priority events in 2023. In Japan we participated at events in major markets including Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa. These events provide access to key decision makers and influencers in our priority export markets and generate awareness around high-quality Ontario Beef. Since 2014 Ontario Beef has developed
ONTARIO AGRI-FOOD TRADE MISSON TO JAPAN
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
37
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
long standing partnerships that continue today. These partnerships have stood the test of many market disruptions including the coronavirus pandemic when virtually all exports were halted. Because of the strong relationships in place, Ontario packers were quickly able to re-establish export volumes.
their appreciation for the great taste of Ontario Corn Fed Beef. The event showcases Kinsho’s commitment to the Ontario Corn Fed Beef brand which has been in place for over eight years. Plans are in place to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our partnership at the Kansei World Expo in Osaka in 2025.
2023 provided another significant challenge in export markets when the strike at the Port of Vancouver once again stalled our ability to export our product to our dedicated customers. Many orders were significantly delayed and cancelled due to the strike. Once again, our longstanding relationships and brand awareness enabled Ontario Beef to re-establish export volumes once the strike ended.
Ontario Beef was also represented at another three events in Saudi Arabia including major markets of Riyadh and Jeddah.
Kinsho Stores hosted an annual customer appreciation BBQ event at the popular rooftop garden at the Harukas Abeno, the tallest building in Osaka. Japanese consumers continue to show
38
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and is one the highest valued markets for Canadian beef exports. Ontario beef has several well-established distributor partners in the market as well. Ontario Beef Brand in Saudi Arabia This year we were excited to see Tamimi Markets, a market-leading retail chain in Saudi Arabia, launch Ontario Heritage Angus Beef at their 32 stores across Saudi Arabia. The brand was launched
in conjunction with the Canadian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Jean-Philippe Linteau issuing a press release. Partner Satisfaction Survey Collaborative working relationships are a high priority for the Ontario Beef Market Development program. Since 2020, we have surveyed industry partners to measure the value of the services we provide to ensure alignment to common goals and objectives. Respondents include federal and provincial packers, distributors, retailers and importers. Industry Government Collaboration Ontario Beef was invited to join the Ontario Agri-Food Trade Mission to Japan and Vietnam along with the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The mission provided an opportunity to introduce Minister Thompson to many of our long-time partners in Japan and highlight the importance these markets play in driving export growth for Ontario Beef.
PROJECT EXPENSES The Ontario Beef Market Development Program is funded by $1.25 of producer check-off investment in Ontario. The annual budget of $1,075,000 was based on BFO projections. Actual expenses in 2023 totalled $1,328,268.42, which include marketing and promotions, program implementation, project management/contracted services, market intelligence/data services, and administration.
ACTIVITY
BUDGET
ACTUAL
VARIANCE
Domestic Market Development
$325,000
$206,369.42
$118,630.58
Global Market Development
$250,000
$331,461.10
$(81,461.10)
Quality Assurance Program
$50,000
$54,961.20
$(4,961.20)
Promotional Materials
$15,000
$20,468.06
$(5,468.06)
Trade Missions
$60,000
$42,480.04
$17,519.96
Travel
$40,000
$92,052.93
$(52,052.93)
Total Program Expense
$740,000
$747,792.75
$(7,792.75)
Total Overhead Expense
$580,000
$580,475.67
$(475.67)
$1,320,000
$1,328,268.42
$(8,268.42)
TOTAL EXPENSE
The Ontario Beef Market Development Strategy is evaluated annually for return on check-off investment, including project deliverables, expenses and market indicators.
RETURN ON CHECK-OFF Over the 2020-2023 period, Ontario cattle producers have invested approximately $1 million check off dollars per year in the Ontario Beef Market Development Program. As a result of our third-party assessment of the Program, it can be stated that the producer check-off investment of $1 million into the OBMD Program generates $24 million in annual returns.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
39
ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ASSESSMENT As outlined from the beginning of the strategy, the 2020-2023 Ontario Beef Market Development Program (the Program) would be assessed by an independent third party to determine the results against the check-off investment. A decision was made by the Joint Marketing Committee to contract with Kevin Grier Market Analysis to provide the assessment. Purpose and Objectives The purpose of the research project was to assess the impact of the Program from a market perspective. More specifically, the purpose was to statistically test whether the Program is having a pricing and revenue impact in the market for cattle and beef. This 2023 research project builds upon two prior evaluations of the OCFB Program with the first completed in 2014 and the second in 2018. The lessons and achievements of the OCFB Program and those evaluations of 2014 and 2018 were applied to this research. KEY FINDINGS Market Share The following are some of the market and production outcomes that have occurred in the Ontario beef industry since the inception of the OCFB Program and then built upon by the Ontario Beef Market Development Program. • The previous long-term decline in the Ontario cattle inventory has stabilized in 2017-2023. • Ontario cattle processing has stabilized or increased since the 2012 when OCFB Program growth
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
•
•
•
•
•
began in earnest. Ontario Corn Fed processing has grown from less than 10% of the total to well over 50% in 2013-2020 and then jumped to 57% in 20212022. Export data indicates that the Program-focused export markets have grown rapidly and robustly and far more than the overall export markets. Beef imports into Ontario have been declining sharply since 2012 when the Program growth began in earnest. Ontario production share of Ontario consumption has been increasing strongly. Import share of Ontario consumption has been decreasing.
Alignment with Ontario Packers Throughout the implementation of the Ontario Beef Market Development Program, all federal packers and many provincial packers who process cattle for commercial sale have been engaged by the Program since 2020. The list includes Cargill, St. Helen’s Meat Packers, Tru Harvest, Kinder Foods, Norwich Packers, VG Meats, Ottawa Valley Meats, Beverly Creek, Parkhill Meats, Penokean Hills and Peel Meat Packers. The strategic alignment with Ontario packers provides significant opportunities for Ontario packers to capture market share through an increasingly growing demand for locally sourced food in the Ontario retail and foodservice sectors.
Another differentiating point is the geographic fact that it is marketed as an Ontario product building on the local food movement. This local aspect is important to merchandisers. There is a retail/restaurant consumer segment of the Ontario market that has demonstrated a preference for buying high quality, locally produced beef. Decreased Imports Generally, imports have trended steady to lower the past five years. That is with the notable exception of 2020 when imports surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic declines in production. It is noteworthy that imports are down 32 per cent from their long-term peak of 161 million kilograms in 2012. The year 2012 is an interesting point of comparison as it coincides with the period in which the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program became entrenched in Ontario. Domestic Market Share Based on the trends aside from 2020, Ontario production is gaining share of the Ontario consumption. With reference to the competitiveness definition, Ontario beef production is gaining market share in the domestic market. Export Performance The marketing of Ontario Beef in export markets began in 2014 when the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program began implementing marketing efforts to target markets including Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The role of export marketing was incorporated into
ONTARIO BEEF IMPORTS
IMPORTED BEEF SHARE OF ONT. CONSUMPTION
Imports are down 32% from their long-term peak of 161 million kilograms in 2012.
Based on the trends aside from 2020, Ontario production is gaining share of the Ontario consumption.
ONTARIO BEEF PRODUCTION & CONSUMPTION
Source: Statistics Canada
ONTARIO BEEF EXPORT CHANGE IN QUANTITY
TARGET EXPORT MARKETS QUANTITY SHARE
2013-2022 Corn Fed Versus Total
Ontario Versus Rest of Canada
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
41
ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ASSESSMENT the Ontario Beef Market Development program beginning in 2020. The net result as seen in the graph on the previous page is that Ontario Beef exports to these priority focused markets increased in tonnage by 186%. For comparison, from 2013-2022, total Ontario exports increased 63% over that same timeframe. In the four years from 2010-2013, prior to the 2014 export focus, Ontario’s exports to the target countries represented 19% of total non-Ontario Canadian tonnage. In the past six years from 20172022, after the export focus begins in earnest, the Ontario export share of the Canadian non-Ontario tonnage was 21%. Ontario efforts to those target markets are gaining share against the rest of Canada. Based on the production and trade data, the Ontario beef industry has made strides in improving its market share in domestic and export markets. This Program in turn has been enhanced and built upon by other OBMD brands. OCFB and OBMD have played a significant role in the market share changes described above. Logic and evidence point to the OCFB and the OBMD Program as a major contributor to the positive trends in the Ontario industry. The Program has achieved its quality goals and is contributing to increasing enhanced domestic and export market
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
share of the Ontario industry. This is one of the main definitional characteristics of competitiveness. Furthermore, it is important to state that the entire array of OBMD Program brands have given Ontario packers several brand options that differentiates them from their competitors in the west and the U.S. This is an important factor in driving demand for fed Ontario cattle. Program Pricing Impact The pricing impact analysis is because given its market leverage, Corn Fed beef and the other brands within the OBMD Program are not easily or readily substituted with imported U.S. beef. The premise is that a large share of the Ontario branded product are not part of the weekly negotiated offering. This, in turn, has pricing impacts on the local market in Ontario. Based on a price flexibility analysis, it can be calculated that the basis or local price spread in Ontario is stronger by about $2-3/cwt or about $30-40/ head due to the Corn Fed and other Programs. In addition, it is also important to note that the added value is passed through the chain. In a competitive market, such as cattle, the added value at the cattle feeder level is passed along to the cowcalf sector. The OBMD Program adds value through the entire Ontario beef and cattle supply chain from retail through to cow-calf farmer.
The Ontario Beef Market Development Program adds value through the entire Ontario beef and cattle supply chain from retail through to the cow-calf farmer.
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43
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
BFO COMMITTEE REPORTS BFO COW-CALF COMMITTEE Submitted by Blair Williamson, Chair
The BFO Cow-Calf Committee had a productive year in 2023 meeting roughly once a quarter (February, May, July and December). In February, the committee selected its Chair (Blair Williamson), Vice Chair (Sandra Vos), Governance Rep (Sandra Vos) and Feedlot Committee Rep (Jason Desrochers).
•
Throughout the year, the committee reviewed and provided input on federal and provincial government priorities to support the work of the BFO Board of Directors.
•
A number of the key issues that the Cow-Calf Committee discussed in 2023 were: • Planning of the Cow-Calf Management tour program and the need to have the program align with Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association’s (OSCIA) Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) programs which would make any producers that
44
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
•
•
•
•
attend eligible for the Ontario OnFarm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) funding Discussion of different land use issues across the province and how best to help different regions with these challenges Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funding and the need to have longer application periods so it can be more accessible to all producers Assessment of the Ontario Beef Breeder Loan program and how it could potentially be improved to service more of Ontario Discussed and commented on the proposed Beef Cattle Marketing Act (BCMA) changes and shortage of deadstock capacity Traceability and the impact on the cow-calf sector, and the need to ensure there is a funding program to help with any additional capital improvement costs The need for more effective CCIA tags as the current options may hinder traceability
• •
•
Review of the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation program Looked at challenges regarding pastureland and if there was any mechanism that pay producers for the work they are doing to improve grasslands and sequester carbon Provided comments on the Beef Code of Practice renewal process
The BFO Cow-Calf Committee looks to build on the progress it made in 2023 into the new year and thanks the BFO Board of Directors for their full support in addressing the issues that face the cow-calf sector. We also thank Michaela Stoneman for her time as the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance (OBYA) representative on the committee and look forward to another young producer joining the committee in the upcoming year.
2023 COW-CALF COMMITTEE
2023 FEEDLOT COMMITTEE
Blair Williamson, Chair Don Badour Brent Cadeau Jason Desrochers Joe Dickenson, Feedlot Rep Ralph Eyre, Background Rep Kirby Hakkesteegt Don Hargrave Jason Hurst Jason Leblond Michaela Stoneman, Youth Rep Sandra Vos
Gordon Dibble, Chair Bob Bennett Jack Chaffe Scott Cochrane Jason Desrochers, Cow-Calf Rep Joe Dickenson Steve Eby Bill Herron, Background Rep Scot Legge Jairus Maus Jacob Palmateer, Youth Rep Darrell Russett
BFO FEEDLOT COMMITTEE Submitted by Gordon Dibble, Chair
The BFO Feedlot Committee held six meetings in 2023 and early 2024. The first meeting took place at the BFO AGM where the Committee elected the Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and representatives to BFO’s Cow-Calf Committee and Governance Committee. Members also discussed the Committee’s meeting schedule for the year, the Advance Payments Program (APP) and plans for the 2023 Feedlot Management School. In April, the Committee held a meeting at the St. Helen’s Meat Packers facility in Toronto and received a tour of the plant. At the meeting, St. Helen’s representatives provided further information on the plant’s operations and their perspectives on imported beef products, export markets, SRM/OTM regulation changes and sustainability. Additional items discussed included: the Feedlot Management School, federal traceability consultation, boxed beef price reporting, cattle inventory update,
and a cattle-on-feed proposal. In July, the Committee met both virtually and in person prior to BFO’s Summer Meeting in Grand Bend. Committee members discussed the final plans for the Feedlot Management School, possible Ontario feedlot nominations for the Environmental Stewardship Award, deadstock capacity issues, BFO’s APP resolution response, a proposal for a Feedlot Market Security Forum, and received a high-level government relations update from staff. An ad hoc meeting was also scheduled in October with Agricorp representatives. Agricorp provided the Committee with a presentation and update to a BFO resolution from 2021, which asked BFO to work with Agricorp to update the corn silage to grain corn conversion formula used for Production Insurance. The Committee met virtually in December to discuss and provide feedback on: the National Farm Animal Care Council’s beef code of practice review process, the fed cattle price
reporting program, the draft agenda for the Feedlot Market Security Forum, APP, and BFO nominations efforts. Representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the University of Guelph also joined to share information with the Committee about a Beef Cattle Research Council funded project that will examine Ontario feedlot benchmarking and sustainability, and areas where BFO and committee members can support the project. Lastly, in January, the Committee met in person at the Beef Industry Convention in London with some members joining virtually. Feedback was provided on a presentation being made by BFO’s President to the Manitoba Beef Producers around marketing cattle in Ontario, BRM program modifications, the Feedlot Market Security Forum, the Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle carbon offset protocol, APP, BFO market price reporting, and BFO nominations.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
45
2023 GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
BFO COMMITTEE REPORTS
BFO GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Submitted by Don Hargrave, Chair The BFO Governance Committee met twice during the year led by Chair Don Hargrave and Vice Chair Kim Jo Bliss. The most significant item the Committee was tasked with was overseeing the review of BFO’s bylaws to ensure compliance with the new Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), which replaced Ontario’s Corporations Act on October 19, 2021. Non-profits like BFO have until October 19, 2024 to comply with the ONCA legislation. In response to the new ONCA legislation, BFO tasked legal counsel with conducting an audit of BFO’s bylaws to assess compliance with both ONCA and the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act (AHOA), under which BFO also falls. The result of this audit included a number of changes that BFO will be required to make to our bylaws (also referred to as the BFO Constitution) to come into compliance. While the vast majority of changes could be deemed as minor housekeeping changes that do not significantly change
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
the governance of the association, the advice from legal was it would be most efficient to draft a new By-Law No.1 to replace the current Constitution (and bylaws) and seek support from the membership to approve the new document in its entirety. Doing so would avoid seeking approval on a lineby-line basis. The proposed new BFO By-Law No.1, which will be reviewed at the 2024 AGM, effectively incorporates ONCA and AHOA requirements while maintaining the internal BFO nuances set out in the current Constitution (and bylaws). The Governance Committee also directed staff, based on the results of last year’s audit, to draft a formalized Signing Authority Policy, which was reviewed by the Committee and approved by the Board in October. The new policy formalizes signing authorities and separation of duties for various financial and legal endeavors the association undertakes, including grants and MOUs, legal retention, vendor contracts, bill and cheque writing, etc. The compensation policy for Ontario representatives who take on leadership
Don Hargrave, Chair Don Badour Kim Jo Bliss Jack Chaffe Scott Cochrane, Feedlot Committee Jason Leblond Sandra Vos, Cow-Calf Committee
roles with CCA was also reviewed. Changes by the Committee were recommended and subsequently approved by the Board that would see CCA honorariums eliminated and replaced with per diems with an annual cap matching the previous honorarium amounts. The CCA Past President role was also added as a position eligible for compensation from BFO. Finally, the Committee undertook a review of just over a third of BFO’s standalone policies with the goal of having all policies reviewed approximately once every three years to ensure they are kept up to date and relevant. This review included the following: • Workplace Violence, Harassment and Discrimination Policy #3 • Whistleblower Policy #4 • Social Media Policy #5 • Record Retention Policy #7 • Conflict of Interest Policy #12 • Director Code of Conduct #13 • Procurement Policy #14
ONTARIO BEEF BREEDER PROGRAM The Ontario Beef Breeder Co-op program is instrumental in helping to build Ontario beef herds by providing coop members with access to financing to purchase beef breeding females. In 2023, the seven breeder co-ops from across the province saw increased business as a result of the strong price of calves throughout the year. Some areas of the province had excess feed supplies, which fueled increased activity. In addition, good cull prices stimulate some operators to replace or even upgrade their herd.
“About 50 per cent of the membership is under 40 years of age.” For a complete listing of local feeder and breeder co-ops in Ontario, visit www.ontariobeef.com
More and more young producers continue to utilize the program. About 50 per cent of the membership is under 40 years of age. The average number of females being financed per member across the province is 33. The average loan total per member ranges between co-ops from $22,000 to $50,000.
YEAR as of June 30th
2023*
2022
2021
2020
2019
Number of members
246
338
357
374
403
Number of active members
221
301
317
362
365
Total cow inventory
7,229
9,261
9,738
10,380
10,656
Total principal outstanding (million)
$9.0
$10.6
$10.8
$12.1
$12.6
Average number of females per active member
33
31
31
29
29
Number of new members in the first six months of year
14
19
21
19
26
Number of females purchased in the first six months
821
760
906
1,212
1,136
* Data missing from two co-ops at the time of printing.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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ONTARIO FEEDER CATTLE LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM 2023 was a record-setting year for the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee program. High interest rates and high cattle prices resulted in a surge of uptake in the program and record volumes. The program has benefited from the increase to loan limits announced by the provincial government in February, 2022 that BFO lobbied for. Although not everyone borrows the maximum $1M per individual member, we did see 15 per cent of members borrowing over $500,000 at year-end. In February, the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced changes to the Innkeepers Act that would better position the co-ops for custom feeding among members. The guidelines associated with this change are still being finalized. OVERALL ACTIVITY As the chart indicates, 2023 exceeded the record-setting year of 2022. 123,102 head of cattle were purchased. There was almost $252M worth of cattle funded which is nearly double what the program funded five years ago. That level of funding was done with 76 more active members than a year ago. Average total loans per member outstanding at the end of the year was $290,000, a 27.7 per cent increase from 2022 and a 62.5 per cent increase from 2021 year-end. The benefit of the Advance Payments Program (APP) was a contributing factor to the approval of 108 new members which is the second highest in the 33 years of the program. Impressively, 40 per cent of our membership is under 40 years of age, which is a great indication of the young farmers the program has attracted and continues to attract over the years. As we head into 2024, there will now be 14 co-ops due to the successful amalgamation of two co-ops for economies of scale and to maintain a dedicated board of directors.
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Number of Co-ops
15
15
15
16
16
Total Membership
826
735
759
795
802
During Year
741
665
697
724
749
As of December 31
649
547
577
600
599
Under Age 40
297
258
223
256
244
Purchased in Year
123,102
108,839
103,572
96,529
92,748
Sold in Year
112,708
104,781
98,302
92,482
93,363
On Hand, December 31
88,700
79,955
76,113
75,013
70,891
Outstanding Loans, December 31
$188.6M
$127.0M
$104.8M
$102.5M
$95.3M
Total Amount Committed, December 31
$197.7M
$134.9M
$107.1M
$106.1M
$98.6M
Total Loans Advanced During Year
$251.9M
$166.4M
$139.8M
$134.5M
$125.7M
Active Members
Number of Cattle
Financial
ADVANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM (APP)
The interest-free component of the APP that is offered by BFO via the feeder co-ops was a big drawing card for the co-ops after the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) increased the interest-free component in May, 2023 from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023/24 production year. Historically, members utilized about $24M in interest-free loans in 12 months when the limit was $100,000. In the first nine months members sourced over $83M under the interest-free component. The average participating member had a total interest benefit in the 2023 calendar year of about $9,000. Co-ops, BFO and CCA continue to lobby the federal government to maintain the interest-free level at $350,000 permanently.
For a complete listing of local feeder and breeder co-ops in Ontario, visit www.ontariobeef.com BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
MARKET STATISTICS Four Convenient Ways to Access Market Information from the BFO Office
WEBSITE
www.ontariobeef.com
markets@ontariobeef.com
RECORDING
TF: 866.370.2333 Local: 519.824.0334 Ext. 300 - Daily Report Ext. 301 - Noon Report
FAX
519.824.9161
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
51
Replacement Steers 1,000 lb + Ontario Average Monthly Price 2021
2022
2023
5 yr avg- 2018-2022
Price per hundred weight
290.00 270.00 250.00 230.00 210.00 190.00 170.00
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
150.00
Replacement Steers 500-599 lb Ontario Average Monthly Price 2021
2022
2023
5 yr avg- 2018-2022
365.00 Price per hundred weight
345.00 325.00 305.00 285.00 265.00 245.00 225.00
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
205.00
Replacement Steers Ontario Average Monthly Price Per Hundred Weight Over 1000 lb. Month
500 – 600 lb.
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
January
234.54
197.95
164.24
269.03
225.79
212.33
February
245.02
192.22
170.71
304.01
221.86
227.83
March
245.18
181.93
162.32
312.78
219.17
221.09
April
248.43
178.95
164.43
299.14
231.42
229.04
May
260.62
183.24
160.89
328.40
237.84
222.48
June
273.53
191.89
167.15
324.17
240.02
221.47
July
281.20
194.47
166.53
327.21
243.06
205.66
August
293.54
205.85
180.93
370.75
246.17
224.76
September
295.50
224.29
184.88
376.82
265.16
224.72
October
294.99
232.02
184.00
371.18
268.20
220.67
November
295.02
239.05
185.76
346.10
263.53
210.72
December
292.83
239.81
193.51
346.37
262.99
209.87
Stocker Volumes Sold Through Ontario Auction Markets 260,000
255,000
250,000
Number of head
245,000
240,000
235,000
230,000
225,000
220,000 Stockers
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
258,755
244,940
237,298
230,963
238,292
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
53
Ontario Beef Cows Monthly Average Price - Live 145.00 135.00
Average price cwt
125.00 115.00 105.00 95.00 85.00 75.00 65.00
2021
55.00
2022
2023 Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
Annual Cow Volumes Sold Through Ontario Auction Markets 120,000
Number of Head Sold
100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0
54
2020
2021
2022
2023
Total
123,712
124,493
112,135
117,034
Dairy
99,913
100,809
82,802
89,761
Beef
23,801
23,684
29,333
27,273
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Beef Cow Volumes On Ontario Farms 250,000
Total number of head
240,000
230,000
220,000
210,000
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Jul
Jan
Jul
Jan
Jul
Jan
Jul
Jan
Jul
Jan
Jul
Jan
Jul
Jan
Jul
Jan
200,000 2023
Data from Statistics Canada -Cattle Stats
Ontario Annual Processing Volumes Federal Inspected Plants
Total Volume Processed
600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Steers
400,083
379,314
387,548
400,200
358,742
Heifers
128,465
111,068
122,483
110,748
97,748
Cows
93,713
80,871
98,231
98,108
99,974
Bulls
174
284
234
963
1,003
Total
622,435
571,537
608,496
610,019
557,467
Data Source: CBGA/Canfax
2023 Volumes- Preliminary
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
55
Ontario Annual Processing Volumes Provincial Inspected Plants 90,000 Total Volume Processed
80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Steers
34,484
35,227
42,910
40,961
35,571
Heifers
20,284
24,629
28,343
29,029
25,920
Cows
10,277
12,459
11,891
11,764
10,488
Bulls
6,805
6,329
7,266
6,398
5,592
Total
71,850
78,644
90,410
88,152
77,571
Data Source: OMAFRA
2023 volumes - Jan - Nov
Ontario Annual Processing Volumes Federal and Provincial Inspected Plants Total Volumes Processed
700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Steers
434,563
417,710
430,458
441,161
389,104
Heifers
148,747
137,835
150,826
139,777
118,695
Cows
103,989
93,438
110,120
109,902
108,979
Bulls
6,979
7,115
7,497
7,361
5,133
Total
694,278
656,098
698,901
698,201
621,911
Data Source: CBGA/Canfax
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
2023 Volumes- Preliminary
Ontario Railgrade Steers Ontario Average Monthly Price 2021
2022
2023
5 year avg- 2018-2022
405.00
Price per hundred weight
385.00 365.00 345.00 325.00 305.00 285.00 265.00 245.00 Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
225.00
Ontario Live Fed Steers Ontario Average Monthly Price 2021
2022
2023
avg-5 yr- 2018-2022
245.00
205.00 185.00 165.00 145.00
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
125.00
Jan
Price per hundred weight
225.00
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
57
Monthly Average Warm Carcass Weight Steers
Heifers
Monthly Average Warm Carcass Weight Steers Ontario
Monthly Average Warm Carcass Weight Heifers Ontario
Canada
Canada
Month
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
Month
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
January
979
956
990
944
926
936
January
854
840
878
831
839
856
February
975
953
983
936
932
920
February
844
848
875
847
853
858
March
967
959
978
919
930
928
March
849
852
872
847
853
860
April
964
962
971
899
939
927
April
846
854
873
840
954
858
May
958
948
982
882
913
899
May
840
844
856
821
846
838
June
946
920
944
873
881
872
June
839
835
851
795
815
805
July
936
927
930
886
893
889
July
831
813
830
810
803
808
August
822
815
820
829
830
817
August
941
936
930
917
915
904 September
816
837
813
846
849
829
September
949
947
942
942
952
933
October
818
814
824
867
865
851
October
960
956
943
958
969
949
November
840
836
818
870
855
846
November
961
970
947
964
962
939
December
843
853
833
862
831
838
December
961
970
946
976
950
941
Data Source: Canfax/CBGA
Data Source: Canfax/CBGA
Ontario/Alberta Fed Steer Price Spread Dressed Basis
Ontario/U.S. Fed Steer Price Spread Dressed Basis
$23.00
$5.00
per hundred pounds
-$5.00
-$15.00
$13.00
$3.00
-$7.00
-$17.00
Data Source: Canfax/BFO
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
2023
5 year avg - 2018-2022
Data Source: USDA/BFO
wk 51
wk 49
wk 47
wk 45
wk 43
wk 41
wk 39
wk 37
wk 35
wk 33
wk 31
wk 29
wk 27
wk 25
wk 23
wk 21
wk 19
wk 17
wk 15
wk 13
wk 9
wk 11
wk 7
-$27.00 wk 5
wk 1 wk 3 wk 5 wk 7 wk 9 wk 11 wk 13 wk 15 wk 17 wk 19 wk 21 wk 23 wk 25 wk 27 wk 29 wk 31 wk 33 wk 35 wk 37 wk 39 wk 41 wk 43 wk 45 wk 47 wk 49 wk 51
5 year avg -2018-2022
wk 3
2023
-$25.00
wk 1
per hundred pounds
$15.00
Canadian Beef Imports and Exports Total Beef Imports
Beef Imports from US
Beef Imports Non-CUSMA
Beef Exports
500,000 450,000 400,000
Tonnes
350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0
2019 2020 Data Source: Agriculture & Agri Food Canada 2023-Exports Jan 1- Nov 30
2021
2022
2023
Ontario Exports of Beef Products to All Countries Ontario Exports of Beef Products to All Countries
115,000,000
Total Kilograms of Product
105,000,000
95,000,000
NOTE: Data only Captures January to October, 2023
85,000,000
75,000,000
65,000,000
55,000,000
2019 United States of America
2020 Japan
Korea, South
Source: Statistics Canada, Prepared by AAFC/MISB/AID/Redmeat Section
2021 Mexico
Hong Kong
2023 - January to October Only.
2022 Viet Nam
Peru
2023-Jan - Oct Taiwan
Philippines
Others
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
59
Beef Grade Distribution 2023 CANADA
Quality Grade A Prime AAA AA A B1 B2 B3 B4 Total
Youthful Cattle Beef Grade Distribution 2023 Federally Inspected Plants Youthful Cattle Percent Yield Group Y1 0.09 7.94 9.09 0.82
Y2 1.18 30.39 12.06 0.16
Y3 1.88 22.23 2.96 0.02
Y4 1.11 6.08 0.37 0.00
17.95
43.80
27.09
7.56 2.14 100.00 No. head graded 2,606,133
Average warm carcass weight (lbs) Steers 926 Heifers 840 Cows 736 Bulls 957
Y5 0.50 1.59 0.05 0.00
Total 4.76 68.23 24.54 1.00 0.12 0.03 0.25 1.07
ONTARIO
Quality Grade A Prime AAA AA A B1 B2 B3 B4 Total
Youthful Cattle Beef Grade Distribution 2023 Federally Inspected Plants Youthful Cattle Percent Yield Group Y1 0.01 0.95 3.82 0.47
Y2 0.62 17.12 10.59 0.19
Y3 2.63 32.34 5.18 0.05
Y4 2.97 14.95 1.02 0.00
5.25
28.53
40.19
18.94 4.96 No. head graded
Average warm carcass weight (lbs) Steers 961 Heifers 843 Cows 674 Bulls 980
D1 D2 D3 D4 E Total head graded Total head ungraded
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Y5 1.36 3.55 0.06 0.00
Total 7.59 68.92 20.66 0.71 0.10 0.00 0.02 2.01 100.00 456,172
Mature Cattle Graded 2023 Federally Inspected Plants No of Head Ontario Canada 8,051 12,591 33,325 247,329 30,114 114,756 802 4,694 63 15,879 528,527 (Includes youthful and mature catttle) 3,001,382 28,940 (Includes youthful and mature cattle) 143,189
Volume Of Live Cattle Imports into Ontario
Ontario Live Cattle Imports from the U.S. 50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Data Source: Stats Canada/AAFC- Red Meat Section- Data Includes All Live Cattle Imports - Except Pure-bred Breeding and Dairy Cattle (majority stockers)
2023-Jan Dec 19/23
Ontario Live Cattle Exports to the U.S. 100,000
Number of Head
80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Steers
6,372
6,207
5,329
8,457
5,486
32,671
Heifers
24,154
31,931
22,514
18,969
17,720
30,382
Cows
51,887
51,310
68,767
48,928
36,546
38,316
Total
82,413
89,448
96,610
76,354
59,752
101,369
Data Source:Canfax/Statistics Canada
2023 values are from Jan 1-Nov 30, 2023
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
61
62
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
INDUSTRY IN REVIEW Beef Cattle Research Council Canada Beef Canadian Beef Check-off Agency Canadian Cattle Association Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Farm & Food Care Ontario Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Fund Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
63
BEEF CATTLE RESEARCH COUNCIL CRAIG LEHR, CHAIR
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is Canada’s industry-led funding agency for beef, cattle and forage research and extension. The BCRC is directed by a committee of 16 beef producers including Ontario representatives Ron Stevenson (ViceChair) and Matt Bowman (past Chair). It is funded primarily through the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off. In 2022/23, the BCRC received on average $0.67 (unaudited) of every $2.50 of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off collected by the provinces. This funding was leveraged under the Beef Science Cluster program with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding, where industry contributed 28 per cent ($666,494) and AAFC contributed 72 per cent ($1.67 million) in 2022/23.
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) AgriScience Program, totals $21.7 million, with $12.1 million in federal investment and industry contributing $9.6 million primarily through the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off. Funding will be allocated to 23 projects from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028. All projects are focused on three centralized themes: climate change and environment, economic growth and development, and sector resilience and societal challenge.
In addition, the BCRC leveraged the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off for an additional $3.7 million in research funding and $250,000 in-kind from government and industry partners through initiatives outside of the Beef Science Cluster.
Cluster IV project objectives include: • improved diagnostics and vaccines to manage production-limiting diseases in cattle, • development of new forages that have the potential to thrive across Canada, • improvement food safety technologies in beef processing facilities to reduce the use of water and energy, and • development of practical, sciencebased resources and economic decision-making tools to support the Canadian beef industry.
Beef Science Cluster IV Cluster III ended March 2023. Cluster IV was announced at the 2023 Calgary Stampede. Canada’s Beef and Forage AgriScience Cluster under the
Project Spotlight Under Cluster III, a project led by Dr. Jeff Caswell at the University of Guelph studied the development of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) caused by
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) in feedlot calves. The team found that M. bovis infection in healthy calves does not cause severe disease on its own. The driving force of sickness is a result of inflammation and respiratory tract damage from other BRD pathogens and dust. Ultimately, results concluded that controlling stress, dust and exposure to other respiratory disease can reduce the BRD pathogen M. bovis from progressing to severe disease. BCRC Funds Extension Activities Across Canada New in 2023, the BCRC pledged funding to support 14 regional extension events and initiatives across Canada. Some of these activities include: • Training and education events for Atlantic beef producers including Beef Day @ Dal, Feedlot Club, and Beef School – hosted by the Maritime Beef Council • Producer-friendly video(s) sharing applicable research results – led by University of Calgary College of Veterinary Medicine • Peer Groups Pilot to facilitate producers learning from other producers – led by the University of Saskatchewan • Extensive wintering management including non-traditional feeds workshop – December 5, 2023
•
in Weyburn, SK – hosted by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Who Darted? A Seminar on Remote Drug Delivery Best Practices – hosted by Veterinary Agri-Health Services, Airdrie, Alberta
Proof of Concept Informs Research Investment The BCRC funds short-term projects in a proof-of-concept or clinical trial format to validate the feasibility of pursuing larger, more defined projects in that particular area. Proof of concept (POC) projects are funded by the Canadian Cattle Beef Check-Off with some leveraged with government and/ or industry partner funding. A POC project led by Dr. Marcio Duarte at the University of Guelph sought to identify the link between vitamin A supplementation during late gestation and marbling in the offspring. They found that maternal vitamin A supplementation encourages marbling without depositing fat elsewhere on the carcass or impacting dam or calf performance. CowBytes CowBytes ration-balancing software was developed by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) and available for purchase from AAF until 2020. Because AAF no longer has the capacity to
distribute or update CowBytes, the BCRC has assumed the CowBytes trademark and responsibility for the software in 2023. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is an active partner, providing technical support for users and the beef nutrition expertise to lead future upgrades. The software allows producers to formulate their own feed rations while considering various combinations of feed and by-products at different prices,
to reduce feed costs while still meeting production targets and preventing overor under-feeding. It is available for purchase at www. cowbytes.ca Cow-Calf Record Keeping Courses The BCRC launched a suite of cowcalf record keeping courses in 2023 designed for beef producers that are working to strengthen their farm record-keeping and analysis skills for profitable decision making. The free
courses deliver valuable information to producers’ inbox in digestible bites every few days. Courses currently available include: • Animal Health and Performance Records • Forage & Grasslands Records • Records for Tracking Genetic Improvements Project Spotlight In addition to projects within the Beef Science Cluster, the BCRC funds research projects aimed at achieving high-priority goals of the beef industry. A BCRC-funded research project led by Dr. Bainard at AAFC Swift Current assessed the impact of grazing annual forage cover crops in integrated crop-livestock systems in Alberta and Manitoba. The team was able to conclude that different crop management did impact forage productivity and soil health however, weed pressure was a challenge for both sites likely caused by drought during the trial years. Additionally, willingness for crop producers to participate in growing cover crops and allow grazing on their fields is low even when it is economically beneficial to both crop and cattle producer.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
65
CANADA BEEF Canadian Beef Information Gateway Canada Beef has been building the capacity to enable Canadian consumers to scan existing bar codes on beef packages with a smartphone using the Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway). The Gateway currently supports barcodes from more than 30 retailers who, together, represent most of the beef sold in Canadian grocery stores. The ability to scan the existing barcode on beef packages represents a convenient solution for retailers and Canadian consumers. Scanning barcodes will provide dedicated information about a specific product, including recipes, videos, storage, and preparation tips, as well as nutrition information. The Gateway also highlights content from provincial cattle organizations and provides an overview of why consumers should purchase Canadian beef. Consumers were introduced to this new scanning capability in January 2024 with a national contest supported by a multilayered promotional campaign that includes signage in the meat department at more than 3,300 retail locations across Canada. The consumer aspect is part of a larger Gateway initiative that will target consumers and industry professionals
66
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
in the domestic retail and foodservice sectors. Digital Marketing Canada Beef’s social and digital spaces engage and connect with consumers and producers to build brand loyalty. A concerted effort was made to post more content on LinkedIn this year in order to build a stronger network of members and to provide access to resources and global information. Canada Beef had 78,441 followers across seven social networks, a gain of 3,874 new followers. Facebook was the top social network referral site to Canadabeef.ca followed by Pinterest and Instagram. Contests and the Burger it Forward campaign helped to attract new followers and increase engagement on Facebook and Instagram. Top post content subject categories were contests, sustainability and nutrition. Consumer Marketing (branded) The consumer marketing campaign, My Canadian Beef, was refreshed with a theme of ‘Pick the beef with the maple leaf’. Monthly advertising outreach helped drive traffic to the Gateway primarily; the campaign partnered with grill master influencers Maddie & Kiki to gain audience outreach. Media events held in Ontario with Taste Canada’s national cookbook award and Alberta
during the Calgary Stampede generated five TV broadcasts, three articles, influence with eight culinary education programs, and five unique content posts with Maddie & Kiki to their 65,000 Instagram followers. Understanding consumer concerns about beef pricing at retail, a new resource, Make the Most of Your Beef, was created with messaging about the value-proposition of Canadian beef, and tips and videos about how to cut steaks, roasts and more from beef primals. A provincial specific version was created in partnership with BFO. The Burger It Forward campaign will launch in February 2024, partnering with provincial beef organizations to gain support for ground beef sales, support local restaurants under inflationary pressures and raise funds for food banks. Generic Beef Marketing - Import Levy The Import Levy (collected on beef imports at the equivalent rate of $1 per head) provides funding for positive beef messaging across Canada. The funding supports consumer campaigns that leverage loyalty and purchase of beef and resource development for ThinkBeef.ca, including the following: The consumer campaign The One & Only Beef is scheduled for release in FQ4 and will bridge to next fiscal for a
six-month presence nationally. Under the theme Unforgettable Beef, Canada Beef has worked with six influencers to share their memorable beef stories and recipes. New ThinkBeef.ca consumer resources included: a refreshed website, Baby at the Table (circulated via media partner ParentsCanada), Healthy Bones Healthy Life (circulated via Osteoporosis Canada), Fuel Up For Fun (circulated via media partner Team Snap) and a refresh of seven other recipe resources. Health and Nutrition As a member of the International Meat Secretariat, Canada Beef contributed to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report which concluded that “animal source foods contribute to healthy diets,” among many other positive findings for meat. A suite of videos was developed to capture key nutrition messages and topics that engage consumers about beef nutrition. The videos were used for several communication campaigns, consumer marketing ads, online services for visitors to the Dietitians of Canada website, and in consumer marketing placement at Gym TV in 750+ fitness centres across Canada.
requested a copy of the webinar and later made it part of their undergraduate nutrition program. OC asked permission to share the webinar with their network. To meet the demand for this information a second webinar was organized. Channel Marketing The Canadian Beef Wholesale Information Gateway, Retail Edition (Wholesale Gateway) was showcased to retailers at the 2023 Grocery Innovations Canada Show in Toronto. The comprehensive digital training tool contains detailed videos featuring information on how to cut beef subprimals into retail cuts, allowing retailers to increase carcass utilization through creative merchandising. A parallel Wholesale Gateway being developed for foodservice stakeholders will illustrate how to utilize Canadian beef in a culinary setting most effectively. A pilot will be completed with a restaurant partner next fiscal.
Osteoporosis Canada (OC) released new Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Notably, for the first time in Canada, these guidelines include a protein consumption recommendation. CPGs are used by health professionals in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis.
Export Market Development Programs and Services The current Export Market Development (EMD) program is fully underway, with 30 program applications approved to date for the current fiscal year. This includes projects that involve three outgoing missions, nine incoming missions, attendance at eight trade shows and 10 promotion and marketing campaigns. During this time, 22 different companies have been approved for funding for initiatives in nine different export markets, with three projects that encompassed multiple markets.
The Brain Health Webinar about the importance of nutrition on brain and mental health generated a great deal of interest. The information was featured in a segment on Global News, with a reach of 145,000. McGill University
Canada Beef received approval in October from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation for a new grant of $500,000 that provides top-up funding of an additional 25 per cent for eligible Alberta beef exporters and importers for
the next three years, up to March 31, 2026. Funding is retroactive to projects that began on or after April 1, 2023. Canada Beef’s EMD program provides cost-shared funding support to help facilitate export market growth for Canadian beef representative companyinitiated projects and activities in five main strategic categories. Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence The Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence (CBCE) continues to play a pivotal role in communicating the Canadian Beef Advantage (CBA) across digital platforms to consumers, students and meat professionals worldwide. The CBA educational content produced has been widely utilized and is especially successful among trade partners who actively participated with hundreds of registered learners. The CBCE recently introduced educational content related to the CBA via new online video courses. These courses enhance value for stakeholders by delivering efficient and effective training to industry professionals at no cost to the user. The new CBA video course shares information related to the Canadian Beef Quality Assurance System. It provides an overview of the quality assurance system that places carcasses into uniform groups of similar quality, yield, and value in accordance with national standards. This grouping facilitates marketing and production decisions and provides consumers and professional users with a consistent product. The beef category is complex, and it’s important that representatives selling Canadian beef have the technical knowledge to help their customers make the right beef purchase decisions for their business.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
67
CANADIAN BEEF CHECK-OFF AGENCY JEFF SMITH, CHAIR
Last year, the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off revenue totalled $18,299,587 on cattle marketed, net of the provincial portion of the federal levy. These funds were remitted from across the country and invested into national programs that benefit Canadian beef producers and the Canadian beef industry. A small percentage also stays with the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency to administer the check-off dollars on behalf of the industry. The import levy on beef cattle, beef and beef products imported into Canada was collected at a rate of $1 per head equivalent, for a total of $1,185,219. These funds, net administration, are allocated to unbranded, generic beef and veal marketing such as nutrition marketing, recipe development and culinary skills education. A total of $812,178 was spent on the administration of the Agency and the Board, which was under budget by $104,822. Administration The Agency’s budget supported the operations and Board, as well as the Agency’s four strategic objectives: • Sound Governance and Administration • Structured Reporting and Compliance • Educated and Engaged Stakeholders • Strategic Communications and Collaboration
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Sound Governance and Administration The Agency finalized a five-year review of the governance and operational structure of the Marketing Committee, and most of the work was completed in 2022/23. The review was focused on ensuring that the Agency and Marketing Committee were able to function efficiently in both governance and operation, and deliver the highquality service that stakeholders expect. The review did not identify any major challenges to the governance or operational structure, but did identify opportunities to better support the Marketing Committee members in their role. The Committee has developed a plan to address challenges in onboarding, orientation and ensuring clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the Committee. The Agency continues to focus on strengthening the skills of Agency Members to prepare for future leadership roles. A set of recruitment resources was developed to ensure that potential and new members can understand the role, requirements, and responsibilities early on. The tools, along with the commitment from the Agency Members, continue to attract and retain engaged Members.
for the beef import levy. Strong connections built through collection management have given way to an increasing compliance rate for both the pork and beef levies. The Agency’s administrative costs were higher last year when compared to the past few years operating during the COVID-19 pandemic closures and travel restrictions. To reconnect with stakeholders across the country, Agency representatives began travelling to AGMs, meetings and met in person as a full board at the AGM in August for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. The Agency is still focusing on efficient administration and will continue to employ remote meeting and work opportunities when it makes sense to do so. The Agency also chose to hold a fall board meeting in Ottawa in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC), building on the robust relationship between the two organizations.
Structured Reporting and Compliance The Agency’s appointed inspectors conducted multiple field and provincial association audits last year. A contract inspection program with Veal Farmers of Ontario (VFO) showed value to both the A full year of administering the pork VFO and the Agency, with an “education import levy has proven to be a beneficial first” strategy. Field inspections in partnership for both the pork and beef Manitoba, British Columbia, Ontario, promotion and research agencies, and Saskatchewan resulted in piggybacking on existing infrastructure identifying over $360,000 in unremitted and processes that the Agency employs check-off. In addition, three provincial
cattle association audits have been completed, where both efficiencies and error corrections were implemented. New staff support and training also took place in both Alberta and Prince Edward Island to help new hires familiarize themselves with processes and requirements of check-off collection and remittance. Reporting requirements for service providers, especially for provinces who allocate to provincial investment, continue to be a focus for increased efficiencies and reporting content. Stakeholders continue to seek transparent reports from the Agency in these areas, to showcase the results that check-off dollars are generating through innovative projects, programs, and strategies. Engaged and Educated Stakeholders The Agency continued to develop annual report cards for ten provincial associations and I.E. Canada, which focus on year-over-year revenue comparisons, the allocation of checkoff and import levy investments, and a distilled picture of how marketings and imports change throughout the year and across the country. These report cards provide valuable information for associations to assist with budgeting and identifying slippage or collection errors. Last year was a tremendous year of growth for the Agency’s youth engagement strategy. The Agency worked directly with the Canadian Cattle Youth Council to receive a Youth Member nomination and welcomed Julie Mortenson to the board in August. Julie continues to be an active and engaged member of the Agency, working closely with her Agency mentor Chad Ross to develop a stronger understanding for the governance of
the Agency, regulatory framework, and making informed decisions on behalf of Canada’s beef industry. The Agency’s first scholarship program was also developed as a part of the youth strategy, with the firstever winner announced at the Agency’s AGM in August 2023. Strategic Communication and Collaboration The Agency continues to be a go-to source for cattle marketing data in Canada. With one of the most accurate sets of data for number of marketings in the country, the Agency has found opportunities to work with stakeholder groups and larger industry organizations to help create more accurate data sets. This could add value to producers and producer groups who rely on accurate data from these organizations to make business or program decisions. The Agency’s online communication channels were busy this year, with a 27 per cent increase in website traffic (about half generated through social media) and a 10 per cent increase in readership (open rate) on the Agency’s newsletter and email blasts. Most of the increase can be attributed to the interest in the Agency’s recent ROI study showcasing the 33:1 return on investment for producers, and the launch of the Agency’s first scholarship program. The first winner of the Agency’s scholarship was announced at the AGM in August. Congratulations to Hannah Nikkel of Pickardville, Alberta, who
submitted a video focusing on her future in the beef industry. Our service providers at Canada Beef,
the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) continue to do great work on behalf of the industry. Canada Beef renovated the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence (CBCE) to meet the changing needs of consumer and partner outreach since the pandemic. BCRC invested into industry-leading research on the relationship between transport rest stops and Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). The PSE team continued to show strong value in public engagement, with a rallying call to Canadians to “Get Both Sides”, a campaign focused on the environmental benefits of beef production aimed at millennial women. My first year as Chair was a pleasure working on behalf of our stakeholders, and I’m looking forward to continuing the work we’ve begun. I am confident you will continue to see lots of great things from the Agency, and we will continue to do what is right for the beef and veal industry in Canada.
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CANADIAN CATTLE ASSOCIATION NATHAN PHINNEY, PRESIDENT
As we look back on the challenges, opportunities, and accomplishments of 2023, we see the continued perseverance of Canadian cattle producers reflected. Producers have faced another year of adverse weather conditions - from continued drought conditions in the west to excess rain in the east to wildfires in many provinces. While it’s easy to focus on the challenges, there were many positive outcomes and momentum gained this year that deserve mentioning. The uncertainty created by adverse weather was top of mind in 2023. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) monitored the situation closely along with our provincial member associations to better understand the impacts on cattle producers and the support needed. The trade file has kept us busy with issues that can threaten our ability to export Canadian beef. With exports bringing significant added value to cattle producers, we needed to up our engagement with Parliamentarians on key issues including Bill C-282: An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management), trade with the United Kingdom (UK), and Product of the USA. Earlier in 2023, Bill C-282 gained momentum and received all party
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
support. This Bill, which takes supplymanaged sectors off the table during trade negotiations, could severely damage our trade relationships and highly constrain Canada’s ability to launch, negotiate and renegotiate the best deals. Significant time was dedicated to defending the interests of Canadian beef producers in trade negotiations – particularly when it comes to the UK accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It is important that the staggering trade imbalance between Canada and the UK, resulting from non-tariff trade barriers, is addressed and resolved during bilateral negotiations. Last year, we didn’t export any beef to the UK while Canada imported $C33 million in beef from the UK. Through the “Say No to a Bad Deal” campaign, we are urging the Government of Canada to push for the UK to remove its trade barriers before ratifying the CPTPP accession. We are monitoring the progress of the proposed amendment to the voluntary “Product of the USA” label. We worked closely with the Government of Canada and industry stakeholders to ensure our consultation submissions were complementary. Our concern remains that the proposed rule states that any beef product
labelled as “Product of the USA” must be derived from cattle that are born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States (U.S.). If adopted, exports of Canadian beef and live cattle into the U.S. could be significantly impacted and the integrated nature of our North American supply chain would be threatened. We continue to work to get CFIA rules on specified risk materials updated to match the U.S. “short list.” As long as the current “long list” is in place, Canadian beef processors are at a disadvantage. This removes value from our marketings and will stifle any chance of new slaughter capacity development as long as this disparity remains. This also impacts our live cattle exports, particularly from Ontario east. Work continues on risk analysis and advocacy to move CFIA to fixing this imbalance and competitiveness hurdle. It has not been all negative news on trade. 2023 saw Japan and Taiwan lift remaining BSE-era restrictions following Canada’s attainment of BSE-negligible risk status by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2021. These decisions may signal other countries in the Indo-Pacific region to follow suit. Advocacy work is ongoing to strengthen business risk management (BRM) programming including expanding Livestock Price Insurance to the
Maritimes and improving forage insurance offerings across Canada. CCA chairs an Industry Government Forage Insurance Task Team, where work with governments over the years has improved forage insurance.
over five years to establish a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank and develop emergency response plans. We advocated for this tirelessly over the last few years and it was an urgent advocacy priority in 2022.
comes to being stewards of our land and caring for our animals. It is critical that we participate in discussions about climate change and livestock systems to showcase our leadership in sustainable beef production and celebrate the innovative practices undertaken by Adverse weather events have The establishment of this vaccine bank Canadian cattle producers through demonstrated the need for more is critical with the ongoing threat of the Environmental Stewardship Award effective tools for producers FMD remaining high. It provides our (TESA). Voices pushing to take beef off managing weather-related risks. A key industry with an important tool to regain the table and cattle off the land are very recommendation in our 2024 preexport markets if FMD finds its way loud and active at these international budget submission is amending the here. We are actively working with the meetings. Protectionist countries also Livestock Tax Deferral provision under Canadian Food Inspection Agency on have a big presence. If we are not the Income Tax Act to give producers this important piece of the wide-ranging there, vocal and determined, there will be negative impacts felt on our own the ability to self-elect rather than rely animal health file. operations. on a geographic determination, as well We are building momentum in sharing as expanding it to include all classes of Although it pays to look back, we are the environmental benefits of cattle cattle. constantly looking forward to stay production in Canada– whether it’s ahead of the issues and to protect and On the animal health and care front, we CCA or our young leaders carrying this were pleased to see Federal Budget Day important message to policymakers here represent the interests of our Canadian beef producers. 2023 bring good news for our industry at home or on the international stage. with an investment of $57.5 million We have a lot to be proud of when it
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CANADIAN CATTLE IDENTIFICATION AGENCY Industry Comes to the CCIA As part of the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC), the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) was very proud to host over 100 industry guests at its new Calgary offices – the first time the CCIA has opened its door publicly at this location. Guests were treated to a freshly cooked breakfast before touring our National Distribution Centre, meeting staff and board members, plus getting the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns regarding their Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) accounts with our Client Support team. In addition, special presentations were given to delegates on tag application and UHF technology advances. We received unanimously positive feedback from our visitors, and it was a real pleasure to meet with so many new, and familiar, faces. CCIA to Manage Chain of Custody Verification for CRSB In October we were thrilled to announce that the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) had chosen the CCIA to become the only provider of Chain of Custody (COC) verification for their Certified Sustainable Beef Framework (CSBF) across Canada (excluding Quebec). Certified producers working to the CRSB guidelines will now be able to manage their commitments to the program through the CLTS database, and as such will be supported by the CCIA as and when they need assistance. The agreement between the CCIA and CRSB provides a single source of verification to Canada’s sustainable beef program, and greatly simplifies the process, making it clearer and easier to navigate for certified producers. Producers will now be able to see the “CRSB Certified” status of their cattle’s identification indicators as those indicators/cattle move through the supply chain through their CLTS accounts. Proposed Regulatory Amendments In March, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published proposed amendments to Part XV Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability), opening a consultation period which ran until June. The CCIA was active in encouraging members of industry to study the proposals and submit their comments to the CFIA; and in consultation with its own Board, the CCIA has also submitted its own feedback on those areas where it was felt appropriate to do so. The CFIA has yet to publish a timetable of next steps as it continues to review industry feedback to the proposed changes.
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2023 CCIA Board Updates The CCIA held its Annual General Meeting in April, followed by a meeting of the Board of Directors. The CCIA was pleased to announce that the Executive Committee remained unchanged with Lyle Miller (ACFA) as Chairman, Howard Bekkering (ABP), Vice Chair, Dr. Oliver Schunicht (CVMA), Finance Chair, and Ken Perlich (LMAC) and Ivan Johnson (MBC), members at large. We were also delighted to welcome new members to the Board, who include Ryder Lee and Matthew Atkinson, both representing the Canadian Cattle Association, accompanied by Jason Pollock from Saskatchewan Stock Growers. They join Duncan Barnett (BCBA), Matt Bowman (CCA), Sylvain Bourque (QBP), Cam Daniels (CMA), Kim O’Neil (CMA), Don Hargrave (BFO), Nancy Howatt (MBP), Yvonne Mills (CBA), Corlena Patterson (CSF) and David Saretsky (CLDA). CCIA Milestones in 2023 2023 saw the CCIA celebrate its 25th anniversary, as it continues to support Canada’s word-class traceability system, adds more value-added services to its portfolio, and looks to the future with the proposed changes to traceability regulations. In July, the CCIA’s National Distribution Centre passed its first year in service and has so far distributed more than four million RFID tags across Canada. Remember, your tags can be ordered online, direct from CCIA, through our dedicated webstore at https://tags. canadaid.ca/. CCIA Bids Farewell to Anne Brunet-Burgess In December, the CCIA bid a very fond farewell to its General Manager, Anne Brunet-Burgess, who had led the Agency since 2015. Anne was an incredible advocate for the Canadian traceability program and helped spearhead several value-added service initiatives to assist the organization’s growth and develop its reputation within the data management sector. Anne will be hugely missed by staff and board members alike. Retention Matters 2024 will see the launch of a new nationwide campaign aimed at improving producers’ experience with tag retention. While the issue is, fortunately, not widespread, the CCIA believes the time is right, ahead of the proposed new CFIA regulations, to visit this topic, and deliver new and revised resources on how to achieve best tag retention. Called “Retention Matters”, the initiative launches in January, and will have its own dedicated website which will be updated regularly throughout the year and supported by a dedicated online and print media campaign. To learn more please visit retentionmatters.ca.
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FARM & FOOD CARE ONTARIO Thanks to the support of Platinum members like Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO) and its partners were able to execute some major projects in 2023 that brought beef farmers, food producers and agribusinesses together with urban and suburban consumers to interact, answer questions and learn more about what it means to be a beef farmer in Ontario. Platinum members are foundational to FFCO’s successes, and allow the organization to continue working to build public trust in Ontario agriculture. This year FFCO and BFO partnered on six in-person activations, as well as virtual initiatives to spark conversations and answer consumer questions about beef and beef farming in Ontario. BFO director Jason Leblond serves as an ex officio member of the FFCO Board of Directors. Breakfast on the Farm Partnering with BFO, FFCO hosted the first Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) in June of 2023 at Grazing Meadows Wagyu, a beef farm in Huron County owned by the Prior family. Together, this outreach work was continued by showcasing a beef cattle breed display at the second Breakfast on the Farm event in Napanee and providing delicious meatballs for guests to sample
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
at the third and final BOTF event of 2023 near Chatham. Over 3,300 urban and suburban visitors attended these three events and visitors were able see farm animals (including beef cattle), equipment, talk to farmers and ask questions about where their food comes from. Feedback for these events continues to be exceptionally positive. Farm Tours 2023 was an exceptional year for FFCO’s on-farm tours with a record 10 tours taking place for key target audiences across the province. These tours included hosting three tours for food influencers and Registered Dietitians, as well as four culinary student tours for future chefs and food influencers, students and faculty from Algonquin College, Fanshawe College, Georgian College and Centennial College. In June, Fanshawe students toured a beef farm in Strathroy and in September, FFCO took a group of food influencers to the beef research station facilities in Elora. Thanks to the partnership with BFO, 145 beef culinary guides were provided to everyone that participated in the culinary tours. Culinary tour participants were surveyed on their knowledge about and perceptions of Ontario agriculture before and after each tour. When asked about their impression of Ontario
agriculture before their tours, 65% responded good or excellent, while the post-tour survey results showed an increase to 93% who responded good or excellent. This shows the value of an in-person tour experience. The Real Dirt on Farming FFCO unveiled the sixth edition of The Real Dirt on Farming in November of 2023. The booklet is available in English and French. In early 2024, a digest version will be available, a digital educator resource will be released this winter by Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, and a new 4-H manual is in development by 4-H Ontario. Beef continues to be a key area of focus in The Real Dirt on Farming publication with Canada Beef continuing on as a major sponsor of the new project. This edition answers questions on the topics of food costs, food safety and food labelling, livestock in relation to healthy soil, climate change and the preservation of grasslands. It also explains grass-fed and grain-fed diets, cattle rearing and animal welfare. Prince Edward County beef farmer Lynn Leavitt is featured as one of the booklet’s profiles. Events In 2023 FFCO returned to the CNE with an ‘Ask-a-Farmer’ video booth and spent the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
BREAKFAST ON THE FARM
sharing FarmFood360 virtual tours including a virtual beef farm tour - with the public. These types of events offer invaluable opportunities for FFCO to facilitate conversations between farmers and their urban and suburban neighbours about how food and farming relates to all of us here in Ontario. Digital Outreach Digital outreach plays a key role in FFCO’s work. The online Faces Behind Food campaign told the stories of 79 individuals from a diverse cross-section of commodities and food service types and answered 38 Ask-a-Farmer questions while garnering over seven million impressions on Instagram and Facebook. As a part of the Faces Behind Food project, several beef farmers were profiled. In 2023 FFCO, in partnership with
AgScape, hosted 17 virtual field trips. It is estimated that these trips reached more than 83,869 people. FFCO and AgScape will continue to offer these tours throughout 2023 and are looking for farmers interested in hosting them. Training and Workshops FFCO continues to offer media and Speak Up training and commodityspecific updates, with 46 presentations and training sessions in 2023. Additionally, FFCO was able to present to insurance and commodity groups information surrounding how to approach on-farm emergencies and strategies for fire prevention.
online or in person. The course covers factors critical to the decision-making processes for accidents involving livestock trailers, including trailer design and the implications for extrication points, animal behavior, laws and regulations, euthanasia protocols, and how to develop response teams. FFCO also worked with commodity groups on 13 Animal Care Helpline calls in 2023, on cases of concern such as animals on the loose and provision for animals in extenuating circumstances.
With funding from BFO, 16 Livestock Emergency courses were held in 2023 for 339 firefighters and first responders across Ontario. The three-year total is 1,112 first responders taking the course
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INNOVATION CORPORATION 2023 saw the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) take on several new roles based on member needs. While deadstock is not a new issue, it warranted additional effort and so LRIC took on a special project on behalf of Beef Farmers of Ontario and Dairy Farmers of Ontario. This work documented the whole picture and led to a meeting of all parties involved, a simple yet critical step. A second project has begun, which is focused on centralized pick-up centers with a goal of making pick-up costs reasonable for farmers.
Universities, governments and industry groups all face the challenge of hiring staff with farm experience. Our mentorship program for early career faculty is in its fourth year and has built better industry connections for twenty faculty. This year we extended our efforts to “get some dirt on boots” and build connections across academia, government and industry by launching a structured farm tour program. Our first trip was to a dairy farm near Woodstock, and it is clearly an effort needed by all.
Getting research into practice (GRIP) remains a big challenge. We co-hosted On behalf of members, we met with both the President and Vice President of a second GRIP roundtable, bringing Research at the University of Guelph to researchers, government staff and industry together to acknowledge the express concern about communication challenge we face and to build new and of the University’s daycare centre to switch to a vegan diet. Arising from that better approaches. Our own efforts in meeting, we hosted these individuals on GRIP include writing articles for member two day-long tours of beef, dairy, swine organizations, BFO included, for their producer magazine; regular articles and aquaculture farms to highlight in Farmtario; our monthly newsletter; the importance of and innovation on Ontario livestock farms. Another session several speaking engagements; is being organized for the spring focused participating in the Canadian Beef Technology Transfer Network; and an on poultry. active social media presence. LRIC was instrumental in the We remain very active with members Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute’s documentation of the importance of the and government regarding research priorities. Each year we provide a cross livestock sector to Canada’s economy, sector analysis of research priorities environment and food security. Their for Ontario livestock. This past year, full white paper, and a condensed University of Guelph faculty submitted version are accessible on our website (livestockresearch.ca). This work will be 37 livestock research proposals for Alliance funding. LRIC reviewed all as invaluable to livestock sectors as they well as coordinated additional industry work with funders and policy makers.
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reviewer input (about 90 in total), all of which is considered as we participate in the review panels to decide which project proposals receive funding. We enjoy strong support from members as well as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) from whom we receive funding through a five-year transfer payment agreement. We were successful in our request for additional funding which will carry on until March 31, 2028. With this new funding, we hired Kelly Somerville, our Manager, Member Relations. Kelly has a beef background and work experience with Cargill, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Our Board approved a new strategic plan with a clear purpose (“Drive Innovation”) and a focus on member services. Our International Research Advisory Committee gathered in Canada and met with industry, government and researchers. Their mission for the coming year is to identify what we all need to be doing today and into the future to ensure that, thirty years from now, livestock farmers will say “We got tremendous value from the research facilities.” That value doesn’t just happen, we need to collaborate to make it happen. Central to that success will be funding and industry groups will need to be active in their efforts to ensure adequate funding from all parties.
LIVESTOCK FINANCIAL PROTECTION BOARD FUND FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS - FINANCIAL POSITION OF FUND BALANCE Total
REVENUE March 31
Deduction Income (Fees)
Investment Income
1982-1990
$ 4,193,421
$ 1,840,250
$ 6,033,670
1990-1991
122,045
550,719
672,764
1991-1992
122,690
516,580
639,270
1992-1993
129,619
359,584
489,203
1993-1994
118,522
320,641
439,164
1994-1995
117,214
272,497
389,711
1995-1996
116,336
395,416
511,751
1996-1997
122,363
280,360
402,723
1997-1998
129,849
285,801
415,650
1998-1999
119,662
330,511
450,173
1999-2000
117,271
291,267
408,537
2000-2001
117,586
461,611
579,197
2001-2002
104,694
210,047
314,741
2002-2003
116,558
196,465
313,023
2003-2004
100,233
186,020
286,253
2004-2005
106,275
170,477
276,752
2005-2006
115,188
222,225
337,413
2006-2007
103,033
254,962
357,995
2007-2008
102,652
296,185
398,837
2008-2009
113,422
265,844
379,267
2009-2010
100,248
262,957
363,205
2010-2011
109,882
264,454
374,336
2011-2012
105,346
269,320
374,666
2012-2013
106,068
244,642
350,710
2013-2014
112,525
245,792
358,316
2014-2015
110,083
254,063
364,146
2015-2016
109,267
241,410
350,677
2016-2017
204,805
237,478
442,283
2017-2018
199,631
246,024
445,655
2018-2019
206,302
261,664
467,966
2019-2020
217,219
287,904
505,123
2020-2021
191,930
277,077
469,007
2021-2022
203,190
266,763
469,953
2022-2023
200,627
367,028
567,655
(not including claim recovery)
EXPENSE March 31
Net Claims Paid
Fund Expenses
Total Expenses
(Recoveries)
(Excluding Claims Paid)
(including net claims)
1982-1990
$ 1,144,988
$ 230,190
$ 1,375,178
1990-1991
1,062,592
26,468
1,089,060
1991-1992
(4,128)
28,141
24,013
1992-1993
297,706
26,318
324,024
1993-1994
0
16,531
16,531
1994-1995
631,307
25,276
656,583
1995-1996
(140,770)
39,655
(101,115)
1996-1997
84,964
55,604
140,568
1997-1998
1,040
12,874
13,915
1998-1999
135,420
51,087
186,507
1999-2000
7,534
74,151
81,685
2000-2001
2,086,337
79,302
2,165,639
2001-2002
678,357
192,367
870,724
2002-2003
(39,760)
63,465
23,705
2003-2004
131,342
66,473
197,815
2004-2005
247,787
69,989
317,776
2005-2006
0
64,248
64,248
2006-2007
(350,000)
62,535
(287,465)
2007-2008
0
69,859
69,859
2008-2009
0
67,631
67,631
2009-2010
(31,044)
87,295
56,251
2010-2011
235,110
148,360
716,338
2011-2012
69,371
116,571
402,483
2012-2013
657,227
127,766
784,993
2013-2014
(290,926)
179,348
(111,578)
2014-2015
164,452
179,770
344,222
2015-2016
387,136
227,524
614,660
2016-2017
0
196,733
196,733
2017-2018
0
203,168
203,168
2018-2019
0
174,119
174,119
2019-2020
13,768
117,577
131,345
2020-2021
0
70,974
70,974
2021-2022
(22,383)
204,608
182,225
2022-2023
0
305,576
305,576
Fund Balance at March 31st, 2023 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
$496,350 $1,559,367 $2,111,466 $2,803,336 $3,470,057 $3,629,155 $4,353,020 $4,683,492 $4,267,196 $4,882,453 $5,047,632 $5,470,264 $5,203,392 $5,816,257
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
$6,078,412 $6,480,147 $6,743,918 $7,070,770 $5,484,329 $4,928,346 $5,218,720 $5,306,236 $5,265,078 $5,538,243 $6,183,703 $6,512,681 $6,824,578 $7,131,542
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
$7,122,407 $7,311,131 $6,876,848 $7,347,626 $7,063,727 $7,103,567 $ 7,349,117 $ 7,591,604 $ 7,885,451 $ 8,259,229 $ 8,657,262 $ 8,944,990 $ 9,207,069
NOTES: 1) Total income in 1982-83 includes a $25,000 start-up grant from OMAFRA. 2) Deductions to the Fund were lowered from $0.20/head to $0.10/head in 1984. Deductions were lowered from $0.10/head to $0.05/head in April 1989 for sellers and agents and eliminated for buyers. Deductions were increased from $0.05/head to $0.10/head in 2016. 3) Fund expenses include the board and expenses for determining financial responsibility.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
77
ONTARIO CATTLE FEEDERS’ ASSOCIATION
JIM CLARK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Ontario Corn Fed Beef (OCFB) program has forged a strong and strategic partnership with the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), which has played a pivotal role in the remarkable success and growth of the OCFB brand. Our partnership’s unwavering strength and resilience became even more critical over the past few years as our organizations worked closely together to tackle the economic and social challenges that arose amid the pandemic and its aftermath. During these challenging times, our organization remained steadfast in its focus on building the OCFB brand and delivering value to the Ontario beef sector. The importance of brand marketing has become even more evident during these times, and our partnerships with organizations such as BFO have played a critical role in our success. From the outset of our development, we recognized the need to differentiate ourselves from commodity production and create unique, high-quality beef products to gain a foothold in foreign markets. We are proud to have achieved this goal and are committed to continuing to provide value to our industry. The blueprint we have employed has been instrumental in the establishment of the Ontario Beef
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Market Development Program. Together with BFO, we are striving to introduce and develop more brands with unique attributes that offer greater opportunities for Ontario producers, regardless of their participation in any specific program.
food and drink opinion leaders that are Michelin starred chefs and sommeliers. Today’s consumers are demanding exceptional quality and taste, and receiving this award demonstrates that Ontario Corn Fed Beef has what it takes to meet this demand.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to create a sustainable and profitable environment for beef farmers in Ontario, with strategic objectives that include expanding the domestic market for Ontario-branded beef, achieving growth in export markets for Ontariobranded beef, maximizing the value of Ontario beef products, and enhancing the value of quality assurance. These objectives are anticipated to not only bolster the Ontario beef industry but also to stimulate the consumption of high-quality Ontario beef products across the globe.
When it comes to communicating with consumers, it is essential to emphasize the unique brand story of our Ontario packers. Our story is built on four key elements: who we are, what we do, how we do it, and why it matters. Our quality assurance program supports these elements, ensuring that we deliver a high-quality product that stands out in key markets around the world.
In demand at retail and at foodservice at home and around the world, Ontario Corn Fed Beef has gained a reputation for its great beef flavour, tenderness and consistent quality. We were thrilled once again this year to receive a 3-Star Superior Taste Award from the International Taste Institute. This is the fifth time Ontario Corn Fed Beef has been awarded this recognition. The Superior Taste Award is the only stamp of quality in taste granted by 135
For Ontario packers, we are proud to offer them a differentiated product that is recognized for its exceptional quality. Our beef is raised on family farms and is produced with social responsibility in mind. We strive to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of our product, and we take pride in every step of the process. We believe that it is imperative to continue telling our unique story in our marketing efforts. Our story is not just about the quality of our product, but also about our commitment to social responsibility and our dedication to the well-being of our animals. By highlighting these aspects of our process, we can continue to
differentiate ourselves and stand out in the global market. Despite the rise in costs and interest rates, our customers have displayed remarkable resilience and loyalty to our brand. They have continued to purchase our beef products, which is a testament to their trust in the quality of our brand. However, the beef industry is often prone to headwinds when consumers have less disposable income. On the positive side, we have discovered that our customers love the food we produce. This past summer, we embarked on a tour of Loblaw banner stores with our Pride of Ontario mobile kitchen unit, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from consumers.
The price of food was a top-of-mind issue for many consumers. However, we found out that despite the economic challenges, people still enjoy eating a good steak, especially when it’s cooked on a barbecue. This was reassuring for us, as it affirms that our brand’s commitment to quality is deeply appreciated by our customers. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in the agricultural sector who has supported and partnered with us in the Ontario Beef Market Development program. It is a privilege to lead and be a part of the Ontario Beef Market Development Program and the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program, and I feel fortunate to witness the various pieces of the puzzle fit together and yield positive results. This wouldn’t
be possible without the industry’s support, and I wish to extend my thanks to the Beef Farmers of Ontario, the Government of Ontario, and the Grain Farmers of Ontario for their backing. In Ontario, we have something that we must continue to focus on - strong partnerships, passionate and resilient producers, an industry-leading quality assurance program, and the best beef brand story. I’m excited about the future, knowing that we have accomplished a lot of great work together. However, there’s still more to come in the years ahead. I’m confident that we can continue to build on the success we’ve achieved so far and achieve even greater heights. Thank you again to everyone who has supported us and partnered with us in this journey.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
79
80
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
FINANCIALS 2023 Audited Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2023
2024 Preliminary Budget
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
81
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 Page INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
3-4
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Financial Position
5
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
6
Statement of Operations
7
Statement of Cash Flows
8
Notes to the Financial Statements Schedule of Expenses
82
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
9 - 13 14
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT To the Board of Directors of: Beef Farmers of Ontario Opinion We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Beef Farmers of Ontario, which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2023 and the statements of changes in net assets, operations and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Beef Farmers of Ontario as at December 31, 2023 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not for profit organizations. Basis of Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of Beef Farmers of Ontario in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not for profit organizations and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the organization's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to a going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the organization or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the organization's financial reporting process. Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements, as a whole, are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Page 3
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
83
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the organization’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the organization’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the organization to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Guelph, Ontario February 20, 2024
Chartered Professional Accountants Licensed Public Accountants
Page 4
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BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2023 2023 CURRENT ASSETS Cash Accounts and grants receivable Accrued checkoff fees receivable Investments (note 4) Inventory - supplies Inventory - livestock (note 11) Prepaid expenses Government remittances receivable
2022
ASSETS $
CAPITAL ASSETS (note 5)
664,204 175,394 655,233 4,645,720 30,845 34,421 84,951 0 6,290,768
$
879,540 80,162 735,624 4,491,740 22,429 34,421 64,436 2,846 6,311,198
274,022
291,848
$ 6,564,790
$ 6,603,046
$
$
LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accrued national checkoff payments payable Deferred revenue (note 6) Research trust liability (note 11) Government remittances payable
577,604 59,567 56,320 353,231 49,662 1,096,384
521,411 66,875 500 279,517 0 868,303
NET ASSETS NET ASSETS Internally restricted building repair fund (note 2g) Internally restricted research and projects fund (note 2g) Internally restricted trade action fund (note 2g) Externally restricted marketing fund (note 2g) Unrestricted
See notes to the financial statements
229,411 609,276 500,000 314,320 3,815,399 5,468,406
225,000 759,958 500,000 547,926 3,701,859 5,734,743
$ 6,564,790
$ 6,603,046
Page 5 BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
85
86
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
BALANCE, end of year
Transfers (note 14)
(Deficit) Surplus of income over expenses
BALANCE, beginning of year
$
$
229,411
4,411
0
225,000
(note 2g)
(note 2g)
(note 2g)
609,276
(150,682)
0
759,958
$
$
500,000
0
0
500,000
$
$
314,320
(233,606)
0
547,926
(note 2g)
$ 3,815,399
379,877
(266,337)
$ 3,701,859
EXTERNALLY RESTRICTED MARKETING FUND UNRESTRICTED
See notes to the financial statements
$
$
INTERNALLY INTERNALLY INTERNALLY RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED BUILDING RESEARCH TRADE REPAIR AND PROJECTS ACTION FUND FUND FUND
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO
$ 5,468,406
0
(266,337)
$ 5,734,743
2023
Page 6
$ 5,734,743
0
28,985
$ 5,705,758
2022
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
INCOME Fees Less: Commissions to firms making deduction 7 day dealer refund Investment income Magazine revenue Other income Toronto Stockyards Land Development Board (note 12) Grants (note 13) Drought support EXPENSES Association activities - budgeted (schedule 1) Operations budgeted (schedule 1) (DEFICIT) SURPLUS OF INCOME OVER EXPENSES for the year
2023 BUDGET (note 7)
2023 ACTUAL
2022 ACTUAL
$ 5,420,000 (41,000) (240,000) 5,139,000 50,000 80,000 24,300 5,293,300
$ 5,388,034 (43,709) (191,634) 5,152,691 183,205 80,668 24,424 5,440,988
$ 5,394,890 (41,380) (226,498) 5,127,012 (151,639) 86,804 26,121 5,088,298
1,265,000 0 0 6,558,300
1,396,429 59,207 0 6,896,624
1,239,754 205,708 46,144 6,579,904
4,912,500 1,935,000 6,847,500
5,208,269 1,954,692 7,162,961
4,691,233 1,859,686 6,550,919
$ (289,200)
$ (266,337)
See notes to the financial statements
$
28,985
Page 7 BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
87
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 2023 CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES (Deficit) surplus of income over expenses for the year Items not requiring an outlay of cash Amortization
$ (266,337)
$
28,985
23,675 (242,662)
22,956 51,941
(95,232) 2,846 80,391 (8,416) 0 (20,515) 56,193 (7,308) 55,820 73,714 49,662 187,155 (55,507)
204,336 (2,846) (166,104) 2,309 (11,368) (39,333) (114,792) 15,100 (14,500) 34,595 (162,035) (254,638) (202,697)
(5,849) (153,980) (159,829)
(31,867) (36,040) (67,907)
NET DECREASE IN CASH
(215,336)
(270,604)
NET CASH, beginning of year
879,540
1,150,144
Changes in non-cash working capital Accounts and grants receivable Government remittances receivable Accrued checkoff fees receivable Inventory - supplies Inventory - livestock Prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accrued national checkoff payments Deferred revenue Research trust liability - New Liskeard Government remittances payable
CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES Additions to capital assets Investments
NET CASH, end of year
$
See notes to the financial statements
88
2022
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
664,204
$
879,540
Page 8
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
1.
PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION Beef Farmers of Ontario is a tax exempt body established by Provincial legislation to support the beef cattle industry in Ontario through promotion, research and other activities.
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The organization is subject to the Ontario Business Corporations Act. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not for profit organizations and include the following significant accounting policies: (a)
REVENUE RECOGNITION The organization follows the restricted fund method of accounting for contributions in which externally restricted contributions are recognized upon receipt in the appropriate fund corresponding to the purpose for which they were contributed. Externally restricted contributions of the unrestricted fund are recognized as revenue when the related expenditure occurs. Unrestricted revenues are recognized in the unrestricted fund when received or receivable and collection is reasonably assured.
(b)
INVENTORY Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, using the weighted average cost basis, and net realizable value.
(c)
CAPITAL ASSETS Capital assets are recorded at cost and amortized on the basis of their estimated useful life using the following methods and rates: Building and building renovations Office furniture and equipment Computer equipment Computer software
(d)
- 4% declining balance - 20% declining balance - 30% declining balance - 50% declining balance
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG LIVED ASSETS Long lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value exceeds the total undiscounted cash flows expected from their use and eventual disposition. The amount of the impairment loss is determined as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.
(e)
USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian accounting standards for not for profit organizations requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. The significant areas where estimates have been used are the accrued checkoff fees receivable, amortization and accrued national checkoff payments payable. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Page 9 BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
89
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) (f)
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Measurement of financial instruments The organization initially measures its financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The organization subsequently measures all its financial assets and financial liabilities at amortized cost, except for its investments, which are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized in net surplus. Impairment Financial assets measured at amortized cost are tested for impairment when there are indicators of impairment. If an impairment has occurred, the carrying amount of financial assets measured at amortized cost is reduced to the greater of the discounted future cash flows expected or the proceeds that could be realized from the sale of the financial asset. The amount of the write-down is recognized in net surplus. The previously recognized impairment loss may be reversed to the extent of the improvement, directly or by adjusting the allowance account, provided it is no greater than the amount that would have been reported at the date of the reversal had the impairment not been recognized previously. The amount of the reversal is recognized in net surplus. Transaction costs The organization recognizes its transaction costs in net income in the period incurred. However, financial instruments that will not be subsequently measured at fair value are adjusted by the transaction costs that are directly attributable to their origination, issuance or assumption.
(g)
FUND ACCOUNTING Internally restricted building repair fund The internally restricted building repair fund reports resources available for the organization's building repair activities. Internally restricted research and projects fund The internally restricted research and projects fund reports resources allocated by the organization for research and project commitments in future years. Internally restricted trade action fund The internally restricted trade action fund is used to fund trade or market access disputes and related projects. This fund shall maintain a minimum balance of $200,000 with an upper balance limit of $500,000. Externally restricted marketing fund The externally restricted marketing fund reports resources allocated to the Ontario Beef Market Development (OBMD) program. The OBMD is a jointly administered marketing program led by a Joint Marketing Committee (JMC) under a formal agreement between the organization and the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA) to collaborate on sustaining and building growth in the Ontario beef sector through domestic and international promotional and marketing initiatives.
Page 10
90
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) (g)
FUND ACCOUNTING (continued) Unrestricted fund The unrestricted fund reports resources available for the organization's general operating activities.
3.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Unless otherwise noted, it is management's opinion that the organization is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from the financial instruments. The extent of the organization's exposure to these risks did not change in 2023 compared to the previous period. The organization does not have a significant exposure to any individual customer or counterpart.
4.
INVESTMENTS Investments consist of a combination of Canadian and foreign equities and mutual funds, as well as cash temporarily held in its investment trading accounts: 2023 2022
5.
Beginning balance Transfers into an investment account Realized gains in the year Broker fees Unrealized loss on adjustment to market value
$ 4,491,740 0 192,573 (41,062) 2,469
$ 4,455,700 200,000 87,661 (49,061) (202,560)
Ending balance
$ 4,645,720
$ 4,491,740
Net 2023
Net 2022
CAPITAL ASSETS Cost Land Building Building renovations Office furniture and equipment Computer equipment Computer software
Accumulated Amortization
$
94,000 217,367 204,515 146,076 255,772 55,341
$
0 149,195 139,471 133,620 224,425 52,338
$
94,000 68,172 65,044 12,456 31,347 3,003
$
94,000 71,012 67,754 15,570 38,414 5,098
$
973,071
$
699,049
$
274,022
$
291,848
Page 11 BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
91
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
6.
DEFERRED REVENUE Deferred revenue consists of sponsorships and trade show space related to the annual meeting: 2023
7.
2022
Beginning balance Less: amount recognized in the year Add: amount received relating to the following year
$
500 0 55,820
$
15,000 (14,500) 0
Ending balance
$
56,320
$
500
BUDGET FIGURES The budgeted figures are presented for comparison purposes as prepared and approved by the Board, reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation. They have not been audited or reviewed by the auditor.
8.
NATIONAL CHECKOFF AGENCY The organization pays $1 per head to the National Beef Cattle Research Market Development and Promotion Agency and for the National Beef Advertising and Promotion Campaign, and subsequently receives 50 cents per head (less administration) for association activities which are aligned with the national proclamation. As of April 1, 2023 the organization receives 42 cents per head (less administration) for association activities.
9.
FEEDER FINANCE PROGRAM The organization has embarked on a joint program with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the purpose of which is to guarantee a portion of loans to feeder cattle finance co-operatives to purchase cattle. The expenses are not to exceed $55,000 in the provincial government's fiscal year and are fully recoverable from the Ministry.
10.
COMMITMENTS The organization has committed to fund future research projects in the amount of $310,944 in 2024, $181,644 in 2025, $73,900 in 2026, and $42,788 in 2027 totalling $609,276.
11.
RESEARCH HERD During 1994, the organization entered into an agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in which the organization agreed to purchase the beef cattle research herd in New Liskeard. The purchase took place over a period of years during which the organization paid for the annual crop of calves born and continues to receive the proceeds from sale of these animals. Any excess proceeds over time must be used for beef research. In 2021, the livestock inventory was moved to the Ontario Beef Research Centre in Elora. Subsequent to year end, the organization sold the livestock inventory to the University of Guelph for $374,880. Upon completion of the transfer of the herd in accordance with the agreement, the amount held in the research trust liability of $353,231 was transferred to the New Liskard Research Station.
Page 12
92
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
12.
TORONTO STOCKYARDS LAND DEVELOPMENT BOARD The former Toronto stockyards land has been developed as a commercial rental property by the Toronto Stockyards Land Development Board. The organization receives a contribution from this organization.
13.
GRANT REVENUE Grant revenue relates to the following programs: Feeder Finance Program (note 9) National Feedlot Surveillance Program Export Market Diversification project
14.
2023
2022
$
53,001 6,206 0
$
54,495 85,501 65,712
$
59,207
$
205,708
INTERFUND TRANSFER During the year, the organization transferred $233,606 from the externally restricted marketing fund to the unrestricted fund (2022 - $1,935) and $4,411 to the internally restricted building repair fund from the unrestricted fund (2022 - $0). In addition, the organization transferred $150,682 from the internally restricted research and projects fund to the unrestricted fund (2022 - transferred $484,650 to the internally restricted research and projects fund from the unrestricted fund). The closing balance in the internally restricted research and projects fund of $609,276 is for beef cattle research commitments in future years.
15.
ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT FUND The Ontario Beef Market Development (OBMD) is a jointly administered market development program led by a Joint Marketing Committee (JMC) under a formal agreement between the organization and the Ontario Cattle Feeders' Association (OCFA) to collaborate on sustaining and building growth in the Ontario beef sector through domestic and international promotional and market development initiatives. $1.25 from each checkoff remittance, after exemptions, commissions and other deductions, is directed to fund this program.
16.
CORRESPONDING FIGURES Certain figures presented for corresponding purposes have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
Page 13 BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
93
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO SCHEDULE OF EXPENSES
Schedule 1
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 2023 BUDGET (note 7) ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES - BUDGETED Annual meeting (net of revenue $56,392 - 2023, $32,000 - 2022) Grants and memberships - Canadian Cattle Association - National checkoff (note 8) - County and district associations - Memberships and sponsorships - Farm & Food Care Ontario Insurance Communications - Ontario Beef magazine - Promotions, trade shows and general (net of revenue $1,080 - 2023, $1,349 - 2022) Consumer engagement program Producer engagement and industry development License fee enforcement Lobbying Breeder finance support Research Ontario Beef Market Development program (note 15) OCFA/Ontario Corn Fed Beef
OPERATIONS - BUDGETED Elected officers' remuneration Elected officers' expenses Salaries and benefits Staff expenses and professional development Postage Premises costs Office Telephone and fax Legal and consulting Audit Amortization
$
259,000
255,863
$
91,062
476,881 532,805 162,596 180,495 40,000 49,493
502,163 464,373 161,576 171,009 40,000 47,561
168,000
167,563
183,272
60,000 570,000 330,000 115,000 160,000 0 200,000 1,075,000 432,500
62,591 574,835 365,810 114,619 181,204 1,729 281,593 1,328,318 431,874
72,270 572,849 386,368 103,644 174,163 2,883 277,600 992,631 447,809
$ 4,912,500
$ 5,208,269
$ 4,691,233
$
$
$
260,000 215,000 1,165,000 65,000 10,000 65,000 44,000 31,000 40,000 19,000 21,000
See notes to the financial statements
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
$
2022 ACTUAL (note 16)
484,000 635,000 157,000 182,000 40,000 45,000
$ 1,935,000
94
2023 ACTUAL
280,772 225,713 1,140,237 74,347 8,801 60,589 44,875 33,337 43,846 18,500 23,675
$ 1,954,692
243,354 202,137 1,108,328 64,208 10,058 87,492 40,318 31,080 34,980 14,775 22,956
$ 1,859,686
Page 14
2024 Preliminary Budget INCOME Check-Off Income License Fees (Gross) Other Provincial Fees Less CCA Membership Fees Less CCA Legal Assessment Fees Less National Check-off - Returned to Ontario Less Commissions Less Seven Day Dealer Exemption Net Check-off Income
2024 BUDGET
$ $
$
5,300,000 205,000 478,000 28,000 1,060,000 350,000 45,000 210,000 4,034,000
Other Income Toronto Stockyards Land and Development Board Interest & Investment Income Lease Revenue Brand Registration Other SUBTOTAL
$
1,360,000 125,000 23,500 1,100 340,000 1,849,600
TOTAL NET INCOME
$
5,883,600
$
$285,000 230,000 1,230,000 85,000 10,000 168,000 45,500 35,000 16,000 49,000 19,000 21,000 2,193,500
$
EXPENSES Administrative & General Elected Officers Remuneration Elected Officers Expenses Staff Salaries & Benefits Staff Expenses & Professional Development Postage & Courier Building Maintenance and Repair Office Supplies & Equipment Rentals Telephone, Internet & Fax Legal & Consulting Insurance Audit & Accounting Services Amortization SUBTOTAL ADMIN & GENERAL
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
95
2024 Preliminary Budget EXPENSES - CONTINUED
Association Activities Memberships Sponsorships County & District Grant & Sharecost Programs Ontario Beef Magazine Communications Annual General Meeting Lobbying & Advocacy Check-off Enforcement SUBTOTAL ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES
96
2024 BUDGET $
$
123,000 115,000 180,000 88,000 73,000 265,000 140,000 118,000 1,102,000
Industry Expenses Ontario Beef Market Development Producer Engagement & Industry Development Consumer Engagement and Ontario Beef Promotion Research Ontario Corn-Fed Beef SUBTOTAL INDUSTRY EXPENSES
$
1,105,000 400,000 570,000 250,000 440,000 2,765,000
TOTAL NET EXPENSES
$
6,060,500
GAIN/LOSS ON OPERATIONS
$
(176,900)
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2024
$
IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE, THERE IS HELP AND HOPE.
1-866-267-6255 The Farmer Wellness Initiative provides access to free counselling services and tailored mental health support and resources to all Ontario farmers and their families. If you’re in need of support, please reach out and call anytime - from the tractor, from the barn, or from the house after the sun sets on another long day. Accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO
130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario 1.866.370.2333 www.ontariobeef.com www.ontbeef.ca