1:15 p.m. Debate on Resolutions (if required) 3:00 p.m. Adjourn (late afternoon) PAYING IT FORWARD
Thank You to Our Tradeshow Exhibitors
Please take the time to visit with our exhibitors in the plaza foyer and plaza A throughout the AGM, and thank them for their support.
Agricorp
AgSights
Provincial Animal Welfare Services
Beef @ Guelph
Bio Agri Mix/Phibro Animal Health
Boehringer Ingelheim
Britespan
Brodie Ag
Brussels Agri Services Ltd.
Canada Beef
Canadian Cattle Identification Agency
Canadian Speckle Park Association
DeDell Seeds
Farm Credit Canada
Genrep Ltd.
Grand Valley Fortifiers
IGPC Feeds
Intervet Canada Corp
Jones Feed Mills
Kane Vet Services
Kubota Canada Ltd.
Masterfeeds
Metzger Veterinary Services
Meat & Poultry Ontario
Ontario Angus Association
Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association
Ontario Charolais Association
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario Limousin Association
Ontario Shorthorn Association
Ontario Soil and Crop
Improvement Association
Robert’s Farm Equipment
Solvet
Vetoquinol Canada
Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd.
WeCover
Zoetis
Sponsors
Silver
Bronze Sponsors
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
7 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
DELTA HOTELS
BY
MARRIOTT TORONTO AIRPORT & CONFERENCE CENTRE, PLAZA C
Join us for an evening of learning and hospitality as we kick-off our annual meeting.
Vaccine Handling and Administration
Getting the most out of the products you use
Dr. Bruce Kostelansky, Technical Services Veterinarian-Cattle, Zoetis
Your National Check-off Dollars At Work
Through this rapid fire session, you will hear from BFO’s national partners to learn how these organizations use and leverage check-off dollars to benefit beef farmers in eastern Canada.
Moderated by Melinda German, Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off Agency
Andrea Brocklebank, Beef Cattle Research Council; Eric Bienvenue, Canada Beef; and Amie Peck, Canadian Cattle Association
THE PROGRAM WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY BY VISITING livecast.live/ontariobeefagm
CATTLE ACADEMY PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
TO RE INFORCE CALF IMMUNITY
BRSV IBR virus PI3 virus & M. haemolytica BVD virus Type 1 and 2 Contact your veterinarian or Zoetis territory manager to learn more about complete calf protection or visit www.crb-solutions.ca.
Concurrent administration, comprehensive coverage
Intranasal administration of INFORCE 3 combined with One Shot BVD demonstrated protection against the most common agents that cause pneumonia in young calves.1,2
Published, peer-reviewed studies
INFORCE 3 was shown to be effective against BRSV and IBR in the face of maternal antibodies.3,4
1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Summary of Studies Supporting USDA Product Licensure. Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot. August 18, 2022. Accessed April 25, 2024. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/190-4x4120.pdf
2. Stoltenow CL, Cortese VS, Seeger JT, Stokka GS, Weigel D. Immunologic response of beef calves to concurrent application of modified-live viral vaccine (intranasal and systemic administration) and systemically administered Mannheimia haemolytica bacterin-leukotoxoid. Bovine Pract. 2011;45(2):132–138.
3. Mahan SM, Sobecki B, Johnson J, et al. Efficacy of intranasal vaccination with a multivalent vaccine containing temperature-sensitive modified-live bovine herpesvirus type 1 for protection of seronegative and seropositive calves against respiratory disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2016;248(11):1280–1286.
4. Ellis JA, Gow SP, Mahan SM, Leyh R. Duration of immunity to experimental infection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus following intranasal vaccination of young passively immune calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;243(11):1602–1608.
trademarks are the property of Zoetis or its licensors.
YOU’RE INVITED
ONTARIO BEEF YOUTH ALLIANCE
RECEPTION
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
5
P.M. - 7 P.M.
DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT TORONTO AIRPORT & CONFERENCE CENTRE, TORONTO AB
This casual reception is an opportunity to meet with young beef farmers from across the province, as well as BFO board and committee members and other industry stakeholders. The event is open to all producers between the ages of 18-35 who are attending the Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual General Meeting.
BFO also offered complimentary registration to BFO's AGM to all members of the OBYA
OBYA RECEPTION PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO ANNUAL BANQUET
Join us for the Past Presidents Reception from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza Foyer
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
6:30 p.m.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre, Toronto
Tickets: $100/person
Includes Ontario Corn Fed Beef Dinner and MNP After-Party
It’s more than your livelihood, it’s your life
With
everything you’ve invested in your agriculture operation, you deserve a local advisor who really gets what’s on the line.
Speaker Profiles
SPEAKERS
DR. BRUCE KOSTELANSKY
Vaccine Handling and Administration
DR. BRUCE KOSTELANSKY, TECHNICAL SERVICES VETERINARIAN
Bruce was born and raised in southern Alberta in the Lethbridge area where he was very involved with Rodeo. Riding bucking bulls and horses put him through school at Casper College in Wyoming and Montana State University. While attending college, Bruce twice qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo. From there he attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1989.
MELINDA GERMAN
MELINDA GERMAN, GENERAL MANAGER
CANADIAN BEEF CATTLE CHECK-OFF AGENCY
Melinda’s role is to oversee the Agency and the administration of check-off, to ensure transparency and prudency. She is the lead staff for both the Agency’s board and staff, and manages the operations of the Agency as a whole. Melinda’s strong background in the beef industry is beyond valuable when it comes to ensuring that the Canadian beef industry is seeing a return on check-off investment, and she is a positive and passionate leader for the Agency. Outside of work, Melinda likes to spend her time on the course swinging golf clubs, and spend time with her family at the farm near Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
ANDREA BROCKLEBANK Cattle Academy Your
National Check-off Dollars At Work
ANDREA BROCKLEBANK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BCRC
Andrea Brocklebank has worked in various roles within the Canadian Cattle Association over the last twenty years with the majority of her time being spent overseeing the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). In her current role, she oversees the delivery of BCRC’s research and extension programming and the delivery of Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) training and on-farm certification.
Under Andrea’s oversight, the BCRC portfolio has grown from funding a handful of projects annually to managing an ongoing portfolio of 100+ research projects and positioning BCRC as a leader in the delivery of relevant and timely beef and forage extension resources to Canadian producers. She has also overseen the transition of the VBP+ certification program to a national funding framework that ensures consistent delivery across the country and VBP+ being a certification body under the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef’s verification framework.
Cattle Academy Your National Check-off Dollars At Work
ERIC
BIENVENUE
ERIC BIENVENUE, PRESIDENT, CANADA BEEF
A strategic leader with nearly 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles in the Canadian pork and poultry industries, Eric Bienvenue brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Canada Beef.
Bienvenue served for several years as President and CEO of Boire et Frères Inc., Canada’s largest hatchery company and among its biggest chicken producers. During his more than 20 years at Olymel S.E.C, Bienvenue held various jobs from line supervisor to Executive Vice President of all pork operations, with responsibilities for 13 plants across Canada and a team of more than 6,500 people. While at Olymel he participated in mergers and acquisitions and led initiatives to improve efficiencies and market and product developments and was responsible for multi-million-dollar projects in Red Deer, Alberta, Cornwall, Ontario, and in Quebec.
Bienvenue has a Master of Business Administration degree from Université de Moncton, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of New Brunswick, and various leadership certifications from Harvard University and the Institut de Leadership.
Cattle Academy
AMIE PECK
Your National Check-off Dollars
At Work
AMIE PECK, MANAGER PUBLIC & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, CCA
Amie leads the Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) team at the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) which works to increase public trust in the Canadian beef industry by supporting industry synergies, forming strategic partnerships and connecting positively with consumers and the public. This includes addressing industry issues by coordinating key messages and specific responses together with provincial and industry organizations. As well, promotional content and campaigns are also developed that highlight the benefits of beef production in Canada.
NATHAN PHINNEY Canadian Cattle Association Update
NATHAN PHINNEY, PRESIDENT, CCA
Nathan became President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in December 2022. He got involved initially to be part of the policy making conversations in the beef industry to bring forward perspectives from his home region, the Maritimes, and share ideas on how to improve the industry. His goals are to unify the industry from coast to coast, and ensure the industry’s success for the long term.
Nathan also sat on New Brunswick Cattle Producers for nearly two decades and the Maritime Beef Council for over fifteen years. Outside of the cattle industry, he coaches minor hockey.
Nathan is the third generation on the farm that was established by his grandfather. He also works closely with his wife, who also works off farm, and their three young kids. Together, they run a backgrounding feedlot where they typically feed 1,200-1,500 head. They are in the process of transitioning to a grass backgrounding operation and contracting cattle into the feedlot market.
DENNIS LAYCRAFT Canadian Cattle Association Update
DENNIS LAYCRAFT, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CCA
Leading the CCA and its various divisions, Dennis serves as a spokesperson for the beef cattle industry on trade, product safety, and animal disease issues. A senior policy analyst and lobbyist for the CCA, Dennis addresses issues at the national and international levels which impact Canada’s beef cattle industry. He manages any legal actions that the CCA undertakes to defend Canada’s beef cattle sector from trade actions or unfair trade practices and is a member of the industry technical advisory group on World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations.
Participating on several government and industry task forces and committees, Dennis has chaired or sat in an advisory capacity on many initiatives including the Regulations and Standards working group on the Agri-Food Competitiveness task force; advisor to Canada’s Auditor General’s department on a number of food inspection and research matters; and is the current co-chair of the Beef Value Chain Roundtable which brings together industry leaders throughout the value chain to provide strategic direction. Dennis is a founding member of the Canadian Beef Grading Agency.
CATHY JO NOBLE
National Cattle Feeders' Association Update
CATHY JO NOBLE VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & POLICY, NCFA
Cathy Jo (CJ) began her career as a political advisor to a Member of Parliament and to the Minister of Agriculture. She then served as a Chief of Staff to the Minister of Rural Affairs.
After her time on the Hill, CJ served as a government relations consultant at Hill & Knowlton for a range of organizations and businesses with a specialization in agriculture and agri-food. She then began her own government relations practice. She served as a consultant for the National Cattle Feeders’ Association for 12 years prior to joining the association full-time in 2023.
CJ has an honours degree in political science from Wilfrid Laurier University. She also enhanced her professional development through the Advance Agriculture Leadership Program (AALP - Class 12).
JIM CLARK Ontario Beef Market Development Program Update
JIM CLARK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OCFA
Jim Clark is the Executive Director of the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA), a position he has held for over 20 years. In addition to his responsibilities as executive director of OCFA, Jim is also the CEO of the Ontario Beef Market Development program, a partnership between OCFA and BFO. Previously, Jim served as Senior Policy Advisor and Stakeholder Relations Specialist for the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
TIM HUDAK
The Five Commandments of High Impact Advocacy
TIM HUDAK, SPEAKER, POLITICAL PUNDIT, OPINION LEADER
For over seven years, Tim served as the Chief Executive Officer of OREA, Canada’s largest provincial professional association. Under Tim’s leadership, OREA transformed into one of Ontario’s most impactful advocacy groups, making great strides in strengthening consumer protection, keeping the dream of home ownership alive and creating a new health and insurance benefits program for all realtors. As a result, Tim was named one of the most powerful people in North American residential real estate by Swanepoel Power 200 for five consecutive years.
Prior to association management, Tim had a 21-year distinguished career as a Member of Provincial Parliament, Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. Post politics, Tim has continued to advise government including as a Member of the provincial Housing Affordability Task Force and as Chair of the Ontario Tourism Economic Recovery Task Force post-COVID. In January of this year, Tim joined Counsel Public Affairs as a Partner, and leads the firm’s Ontario government relations practice. Tim is married to Newstalk 1010 host Deb Hutton, and together they have two daughters, Miller and Maitland. In his spare time, Tim enjoys exploring trails less taken on his mountain bike or hiking shoes as well as outdoor cooking.
DR. JODY CARRINGTON Reignite: Building Resilience
DR. JODY CARRINGTON, PSYCHOLOGIST, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR
Dr. Carrington excels in guiding individuals and organizations through the intricacies of re-establishing relationships in today's increasingly disconnected society.
Through her insightful analysis, Dr. Carrington explores how societal detachment occurs and outlines practical, meaningful solutions for reconnection. Her approach combines a deeper understanding of how necessary acknowledgment has become and she underscores how this need is so much bigger than recognition. Her dynamic and heartfelt presentations, infused with humor and honesty, captivate and energize audiences worldwide.
She is the Founder and Principal Psychologist at Carrington & Company, she has served as a civilian member of Canada's national police force, the RCMP, and practiced with the most complex cases on a psychiatric inpatient unit. Dr. Jody's balance as a devoted practitioner and brilliant communicator result in an ability to authentically connect through impactful presentations that has set a new bar in talking about the shifting landscape of mental health.
Dr. Jody has authored three best-selling books including Feeling Seen (Harper Collins, 2022) and hosts the widely celebrated podcast, "Everyone Comes from Somewhere."
MELISSA DOWNING
DIRECTOR, REGULATORY & SUSTAINABILITY, NCFA
Melissa has a background in beef production, value chains and verification programs and leverages her experience to advocate for the collective success of the feedlot sector and the entire beef industry. She grew up in Manitoba and now lives with her husband in east central Alberta, where their children are the fifth generation to be involved on their ranch. In her spare time, she is an active 4-H leader and community volunteer, a chauffeur for countless extracurricular activities, and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree through the University of Guelph.
DR. TOM COX
DR. TOM COX, OPERATIONS SPECIALIST, CFIA
Dr. Cox is an Operational Specialist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and has worked in several roles with CFIA from Veterinary Inspector, District Veterinarian and Regional Veterinary Officer. Tom graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College and currently lives in Mitchell, Ontario.
DON BADOUR
DON BADOUR, BEEF FARMER & LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTER
Don Badour and his family farm near the town of Perth in Lanark County. Together, they own and operate a cow-calf beef farm with 60 Hereford/Red Angus cross cows. They also grow corn and soybeans, as well as providing custom no-till planting, haying and combining services. In addition to the work on his own farm and through his custom business, Don also transports livestock. Don has experience serving as a representative for a number of agriculture organizations, including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Board of Directors
Candidates for Election
Sector/Region
COW-CALF
(1 rep to elect, for 3-year term)
FEEDLOT
(1 rep to elect, for 3-year term)
SOUTH
(1 rep to elect, for 3-year term)
At-LARGE
(1 rep to elect, for 3-year term)
Board of Directors Elections
Current Director 2025 Candidates Requirements
Don Badour Don Badour (Lanark)
Elected by voting delegates identified as "Cow-Calf”
Joe Dickenson Nick Martin (Manitoulin) Elected by voting delegates identified as “Feedlot”
Ron Stevenson Denise Byers (Durham) Elected by voting delegates residing in "Southern” Ontario
Kim Jo Bliss Kim Jo Bliss (Rainy River) Elected by all voting delegates
Don Badour Lanark County
ACCLAIMED AS: Cow-Calf Directo r
Provide details of your farm operation including experience in cattle production and knowledge of current beef sector issues. In addition, please describe your vision for Ontario’s beef sector and, in your opinion, the top three challenges the sector needs to address:
I farm near the town of Perth in Lanark County with my wife Barb, and our two boys, Logan (18) and Lucas (15). We currently run about 60 Hereford/Red Angus cows bred to Charolais bulls. We also cash crop corn and soybeans, as well as provide custom no-till planting and combining services in the area. I also custom round bale hay and haul livestock.
Being on the BFO Board for the past six years has me involved in a number of beef sector issues. Also as a livestock hauler, I am in regular contact with many beef producers discussing current beef industry issues. We have also hosted the Algonquin College Agricultural Business students on a number of occasions, which gives me the opportunity to hear future producers' perspectives on different issues.
My vision for the beef industry is to see sustainability in both the cow-calf and feeding sectors for the foreseeable future. I think we are a stronger industry overall by all sectors working together with the common goal of producing a high quality product. Both our boys have an interest in farming, so I want to see an industry that they can be profitable in and proud to be a part of. Programs such as CRSB, VBP+ and the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program allow us to produce a high quality product that goes through a quality assurance program, that consumers trust and can feel confident in purchasing.
Top 3 challenges in my opinion:
• Declining cow numbers and age of producers
• Adequate risk management programs to protect producers from major market upheavals that are beyond their control
• Overreaching regulations on the sector
Provide a summary of demonstrated leadership skills and experience planning for the future of a business or an organization (for example, strategic planning, governance, policy development, etc.):
I was a provincial OFA Director for 10 years, and along with being a BFO board member for the past 6 years, I have had experience in policy development for provincial agricultural organizations. With my time on BFO and OFA, I have had the opportunities to meet with many MP's and MPP's over the years. I have also been part of delegations that have met with our local MP and MPP on several occasions. I sat on the Sustainable Economic Development Working Group for Tay Valley Township, and I also currently sit on the Lanark County Agricultural Advisory Committee, where in both cases we put forth recommendations for both levels of municipal government to consider and make into policy.
Outline your understanding of financial management principles (i.e. review of financial statements and budgets, prudent financial business sense, adherence to confidentiality and conflict of interest policies, etc.):
I am co-owner of DBM Land and Cattle where I am responsible for accounting and a high percentage of the marketing decisions. I am also a director on the Ottawa Valley Breeder Finance Co-op where all of the decisions that we make have financial implications. I currently sit as a director on Certified Sustainable Beef Framework Canada, which oversees the finances of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. I have participated in a number of director training exercises with different organizations, so I am well aware of the importance of confidentiality and conflict of interest policies.
BFO’s Board of Directors work closely to set BFO’s goals and to advance BFO’s priorities through advocacy with elected officials and other stakeholders. Please outline experiences you have had working in a cohesive team and how this team worked together to advance an issue and ensure a particular outcome.
I have had the good fortune over the past six years to get to work with a great team here at BFO - both directors and staff. The ability of the team at BFO to work together very well to advance different issues affecting the beef sector, makes the chances of successful solutions and outcomes much greater. I feel with everyone being able to work together well makes for a strong, successful organization.
Nick Martin Manitoulin
ACCLAIMED AS: Feedlot Directo r
Provide details of your farm operation including experience in cattle production and knowledge of current beef sector issues. In addition, please describe your vision for Ontario’s beef sector and, in your opinion, the top three challenges the sector needs to address:
Together with my brother and parents, I farm full time on Manitoulin Island. In 2016, I graduated from University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus and have been home on the farm ever since. My family runs a large commercial cow herd along with purebred Shorthorns and Angus cattle. We sell some purebred bulls and F1 females and bring all of the remaining calves through to finish to be marketed through our brand, Pure Island Beef. We currently finish roughly 300 head and this number continues to grow as the farm expands. We also custom graze 300 steers a year. For the last seven years, I have served as the Advisory Councillor for Manitoulin and I sat on the BFO Cow-Calf Committee in 2020 and 2021. Being involved with BFO through my AC role has kept me up to date on ongoing issues in the beef sector.
My vision for the Ontario beef sector is to see it grow and remain both environmentally and economically sustainable.
The top 3 challenges that I see for the sector are the financial barrier to entry, the declining cow herd and public perception. As with most ag sectors, there is a huge financial barrier to entry that prevents many young farmers from entering the beef sector. There must be policies and programs put in place to address this sooner rather than later. Another challenge the sector faces is the declining cow herd. I feel that part of the solution to this issue goes hand in hand with mitigating the barriers that young/new producers face. Public perception of our industry is another major challenge. Continued outreach and promotion of the benefits that cattle have on the environment and the important role that beef plays in our diets is needed.
Provide a summary of demonstrated leadership skills and experience planning for the future of a business or an organization (for example, strategic planning, governance, policy development, etc.):
Over the years I have held various different leadership roles: President of our local 4-H beef club; Beef head for the Ridgetown Spring Expo; and Vice President of the Ontario Shorthorn Association. I am entering my fourth year as a board member of the Ontario Shorthorn Association where I have been involved with the promotion and
advancement of the breed. I have always been very involved on our family farm. Specifically, on our farm, I play an active role in the planning of our farm's future expansion and production goals. Together with my brother, we have made significant changes to the way we farm; from integrating technology and improving handling facilities, to a large expansion in cropping and forage production. Most recently, I spearheaded the construction of a new finishing barn on our farm. These advancements will in return help to greatly expand our beef production moving forward.
Outline your understanding of financial management principles (i.e. review of financial statements and budgets, prudent financial business sense, adherence to confidentiality and conflict of interest policies, etc.):
In college, many of my courses were centred around business management and financial planning. These courses gave me a solid understanding of all financial management principles. Between my involvement on the farm and other organizations, I am very familiar with financial statements and budgets and the need to keep things in the black. This involvement has also given me an appreciation for the democratic process in which a board operates and the importance of standing behind the board's decisions. I also recognize the importance of keeping certain matters confidential and the repercussions involved when confidentiality and conflict of interest policies are not adhered to.
BFO’s Board of Directors work closely to set BFO’s goals and to advance BFO’s priorities through advocacy with elected officials and other stakeholders. Please outline experiences you have had working in a cohesive team and how this team worked together to advance an issue and ensure a particular outcome.
I have had the opportunity to meet with local MP's and MPP's to express concerns facing the beef industry as a whole, as well as advise on issues that local young farmers face. Along with other young producers in the area and offcials from NOHFC (Northern Ontario Heritage Fund), I've had the opportunity to provide input on funding opportunities for producers in the North and outline some of the obstacles that new or expanding producers face. As a board member with the Ontario Shorthorn Association, we collectively resolve many issues brought to our attention and are tasked with planning of annual meetings, junior shows and the upcoming World Shorthorn Congress to name a few.
Denise Byers Durham Region
ACCLAIMED AS: Southern Directo r
Provide details of your farm operation including experience in cattle production and knowledge of current beef sector issues. In addition, please describe your vision for Ontario’s beef sector and, in your opinion, the top three challenges the sector needs to address:
My husband and I own and operate a 35+ cow-calf to finish purebred Limousin herd in Durham Region. We focus on the production and sale of limousin beef directly to the consumer from home raised calves, offer select breeding stock every year, and retain replacement heifers with our eye on increasing our numbers to meet the demand for our beef.
In addition to the daily mechanics of raising and calving out cows, feeding stockers and dealing with processors, my daily interaction with beef customers provides valuable insight to issues and trends from a consumer's perspective.
I see a vibrant beef sector in Ontario that is well respected world wide, and an industry that supports its farmers and continued beef production in our province.
I feel the organization needs to:
1. Increase equitable global market access and bring SRM rules in line with our trading partners.
2. Maintain and increase our market share at the meat counter and attractiveness to consumers both domestically and internationally through education and promotion.
3. Explore and encourage initiatives that support cattle farmers to make beef production a viable and sustainable endeavour for our generation and the next.
Provide a summary of demonstrated leadership skills and experience planning for the future of a business or an organization (for example, strategic planning, governance, policy development, etc.):
In 2018, my husband and I brought beef cows to our 5th generation former feedlot/cash crop farm and started direct marketing beef to local customers through an on-farm storefront and online platform. Six short years have seen our farm transition from a cash-crop operation to hay/pasture land, fences, livestock and handling facilities, feed storage and equipment purchases and the growth of our herd from that first heifer calf bought at the Royal Elite Sale to breeding 40 cows in 2025. Our newly built on-farm market store and retail space is a tribute to our progress and marks an exciting time for our direct-to-consumer beef marketing stream.
Outline your understanding of financial management principles (i.e. review of financial statements and budgets, prudent financial business sense, adherence to confidentiality and conflict of interest policies, etc.):
The entrepreneurial nature of farming resonates well with me, having spent a lifetime self-employed as a professional artist, carpenter and homebuilder.
During time in the building industry, I was required to submit multiple business plans and proposals of varying scale, as well as drafting and putting forth applications for grants and financing.
More recently, I was successful in receiving CAP cost-share funding administered through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association to fund a new handling system to improve our on-farm animal welfare
Starting a cow-calf-to-finish-to-consumer operation is not without its challenges (financial ones included). As farmers, we wear a lot of different hats but ultimately, we are business owners and operators, and without sound knowledge of the bottom line, we can't farm. These basic principles translate to any industry, sector and organization.
BFO’s Board of Directors work closely to set BFO’s goals and to advance BFO’s priorities through advocacy with elected officials and other stakeholders. Please outline experiences you have had working in a cohesive team and how this team worked together to advance an issue and ensure a particular outcome.
My past experience co-owning a carpentry business and subsequent home builds involved extensive project management, sub-contractor collaboration, materials acquisition and scheduling, as well as budget preparation and administration.
These projects required careful attention while working with customers to transform their visions into reality.
Lately, as the Vice President of the Cattle Producers of Durham Region, I have had the pleasure of working with great local cattlemen and women to promote the cattle industry in our area. Through our association, I have learned about industry issues and how the BFO and local organizations work together to resolve some of these challenges.
In the past few years, I have collaborated with BFO to host tours on our farm highlighting advanced pasture management strategies and educating culinary students on beef production.
As a director at large for the Durham Farm Connections organization, I witness first hand great accomplishments towards advocacy and education about the beef industry.
Kim Jo Bliss Rainy River District
ACCLAIMED AS: At-Large Directo r
Provide details of your farm operation including experience in cattle production and knowledge of current beef sector issues. In addition, please describe your vision for Ontario’s beef sector and, in your opinion, the top three challenges the sector needs to address:
I farm in northwestern Ontario near the town of Emo, Ontario. I have been involved with the farm since I was a young kid who spent all of her time with my grandmother who ran her own farm. The only job I ever wanted to do was to farm. My farm will celebrate becoming a century farm in 2026.
I feel I have a good knowledge of current beef sector issues. I have been on the board of BFO the past four years but have been involved in the ag industry my entire life. In the Rainy River District, I have spent a lot of time with the Stratton Sales Barn and the Rainy River District Regional Abattoir.
I think my vision for the Ontario Beef Sector is an industry that the next generation has a desire to be involved in with profitable incomes that allow them to farm full-time.
I realize we are up against some very challenging times, but I would really like to see an enhanced RMP program because I believe this would help grow the cow herd. Another challenge that I would like corrected is the tax classifications of abattoirs across the province that is putting many at risk of closing. In this same category we need to promote the butchery trade because processing is a back-log and is holding back producers from feeding/ finishing more beef and expanding local markets. I would also like us to figure out how to get more producers involved with the VBP+ program. We are one of the only commodities without a quality assurance program and we need to be pro-active about getting one in place.
Provide a summary of demonstrated leadership skills and experience planning for the future of a business or an organization (for example, strategic planning, governance, policy development, etc.):
I have been involved in the community and provincially for most of my life. I believe my leadership skills started through the 4-H program. I have been awarded various awards for my leadership, communication and dedication. I have never turned down an opportunity to learn or train more in this area as well. Working with our local sales barn and abattoir has given me plenty of experience of business downsides and upsides. I have been involved with various strategic planning sessions, governance and policy development. I was chosen to work and
help write the Ontario Grow North Plan. I am often asked to work with other organizations to help guide them with policies, governance and planning both in the ag industry and outside groups.
Outline your understanding of financial management principles (i.e. review of financial statements and budgets, prudent financial business sense, adherence to confidentiality and conflict of interest policies, etc.):
I have a good knowledge of financial principles from running my own farm business but as well our local sales barn and abattoir boards. I feel I have good business sense, but I am not much of a risk taker. I have completed various bookkeeping courses. I have a small group of people that I complete income tax returns for. The two main boards that I have worked with; Sales Barn and Abattoir have strict confidentiality and conflict of interest policies that I have followed and most recently updated because of the new ONCA changes.
BFO’s Board of Directors work closely to set BFO’s goals and to advance BFO’s priorities through advocacy with elected officials and other stakeholders. Please outline experiences you have had working in a cohesive team and how this team worked together to advance an issue and ensure a particular outcome.
As previously noted, I have worked with organization for many years and have worked as part of a team to move things forward. I generally work well with others and am very proud to advance agriculture. I have found the BFO Team (board and staff) are very passionate, proud and work hard to advance the beef industry across this huge province. I work everyday to promote agriculture in the Northwest and let others know all the good things that are happening.
I believe I have worked as a team player on many occasions, but I think one of the more recent events was the year of the drought. I could see our industry struggling and by reaching out to BFO within a very short period of time the Rainy River District was receiving feed for our cattle and a Northwest Emergency Feed Program was developed. This was not an easy task and the hurdles were big, but it happened and though we did see a slight decrease in cattle numbers, it could have been far more severe without this issue being addressed.
Cow-Calf Committee Elections
Sector Requirements
Cow-Calf The (3) Cow-Calf Directors from the 2025 BFO Board of Directors receive automatic appointment to the committee
6 x members elected by AGM voting delegates identified as "Cow-Calf" to fulfill a 2-year term
Feedlot 1 x member appointed from the Feedlot Committee by its members to fulfill a 1-year term
Background 1 x member elected by AGM voting delegates identified as "Backgrounder" to fulfill a 2-year term
Cow-Calf Committee Candidates
Youth 1 x member elected by the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance aged 18-35 to fulfill a 2-year term as a non-voting member.
Don Badour
Don Hargrave
Jim Whitley
Jason Desrochers
Emily Croft
Amy Reinhart
Jason Hurst
Sandra Vos
Blair Williamson
Don Badour Returning Returning Returning Returning Returning Open Open Open
Tom Kroesbergen 2025 To be appointed by Feedlot Committee
Ralph Eyre 2025 Open
Kendyl Anderson 2026 Returning
Sector Candidates for the 2025 Cow-Calf Committee
COW-CALF
BACKGROUND
Glen Bronn
Glenn Dorland
Jason Hurst
Ben Kellington
Scott MacDonald
Erin Theriault
Blair Williamson
Mike Swidersky
Individuals who wish to let their name stand for election to the Cow-Calf Committee may have their name put forward from the floor at the AGM.
Feedlot Committee Elections
Feedlot The (3) Feedlot Directors from the 2025 BFO Board of Directors receive automatic appointment to the committee
6 x members elected by AGM voting delegates identified as "Feedlot" to fulfill a 2-year term
Cow-Calf 1 x member appointed from Cow-Calf Committee by its members to fulfill a 1-year term
Background 1 x member elected by AGM voting delegates identified as "Backgrounder" to fulfill a 2-year term
Youth 1 x member elected by the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance aged 18-35 to fulfill a 2-year term as a non-voting member
Feedlot Committee Candidates
Joe Dickenson
Jairus Maus
Tom Kroesbergen
Scott Cochrane
Gordon Dibble
David Millsap
Bob Bennett
Scot Legge
Darrell Russett
Nick Martin Returning Returning Returning Returning Returning Open Open Open
Jason Hurst 2025 To be appointed by Cow-Calf Committee
Chris Pletch 2026 Returning
Sarah Alton 2026 Returning
Sector Candidates for the 2025 Feedlot Committee
FEEDLOT
Bob Bennett
Darrell Russett
Alex Wytenburg
Individuals who wish to let their name stand for election to the Feedlot Committee may have their name put forward from the floor at the AGM.
Cow-Calf Committee Candidates
Candidates were asked to provide details of their farm operation, as well as their vision for Ontario’s beef sector and, in their opinion, the top three challenges the beef sector needs to address.
I am 60 years old and farm with my brother and son, dad watches over things now. Raised on a beef farm, my dad started with Herefords, which we had for many years. We have had Simmental and Charolais on the farm before we started our registered black Angus herd in the 90's. We run about 35-40 cows with our own bulls. We try to have all our calving take place in January/February, and we do background our own calves. We also farm about 450 acres, growing corn, soybeans and wheat, as well as hay and forage for the cattle.
I think moving forward, the beef industry in Ontario really needs to focus on presenting a positive image to the consumer. To this end, I think the VBP+ program needs to be become a more prominent part of the producers in Ontario and our efforts to show the consumer of our desire to be a leader in beef production. I also think a challenge moving forward will be maintaining our herd size in the province and this affects not just cattle numbers but producer numbers. It is going to be a real challenge to keep people in our industry and find ones to invest their time and energy in farming and raising beef. I also believe that with the constantly changing demographics and economics of our consumer base and what they want when they walk into a store or restaurant, it is going to be extremely important to maintain a social media presence to keep our industry in the mind of the consumer. We need to be able to show the people of Ontario what we do daily in a positive light for the economy and the environment.
GLEN BRONN Niagara Region
GLENN DORLAND
Northumberland County
I am multigenerational cattle farmer. I farm with my wife, children, and my parents. I also work full-time off the farm at an automotive parts manufacturer. We run about 40 Angus commercial cows, background the calves for 100 days and market through auction. We also developed a direct to consumer cliental selling quarters to whole carcasses to customers. We also cash crop and provide custom planting and haying. I have been actively involved on the Northumberland County Cattlemen's board for the last 15 years holding the advisory councillor and president positions for a few of these years.
My vision for the Ontario cow-calf sector, is a sector that is as valued and profitable as any other sector of Ontario agriculture. A sector where in parts of our province we pasture lands being re-established and also considered alternatively serious to cropping, reforestation, and/or kept solely for natural habitat projects.
Three major challenges I see that need to be addressed are:
Government Overreach: i.e. CRA with taxation of transferring operations from generation to generation. CFIA with either livestock transportation regs or cattle harvesting and disposal regs. MPAC and their creative ways of increasing land values and the way they're taxed. Provincial/Municipal on new housing developments and MDS from existing and new animal buildings.
Keeping RMP/Funding Programs: Keeping RMP is important for when markets turn towards negative profit margins in market price waves. Funding programs are a great way for making our operations more environmental friendly, sustainable, and economical to finish the projects at hand.
Supply chain Challenges: The Ontario beef sector faces a few different challenges from aging producers, shrinking size of cowherd due to profitability and manpower, market competition of finished and cull cows, and availability of Ontario beef on grocery store shelves.
Cow-Calf Committee Candidates -
JASON HURST
Wellington County
Together with my wife and kids, we run a small cow-calf and hay operation outside of Belwood. Our herd consists of purebred and commercial Simmental and Angus cattle. We currently market our cattle through the presort sales at Keady. I currently work in the feed business working for Masterfeeds working with both cowcalf operations and feedlots across Ontario.
The vision I would have for the Ontario beef sector is one where the industry continues to flourish and compete with other commodities to grow its presence.
The three issues the industry needs to address as I see it are as follows:
1) Producer financial literacy
2) Having the beef being labeled as a negative for the environment
3) Continued development of markets both domestic and foreign.
BEN KELLINGTON
York Region
I currently run a 20 pair cow-calf operation with my wife using rented land. we incorporate various forms of grazing into our feeding strategies. We are working toward backgrounding and finishing our own calves for freezer beef orders. My day job is helping run a 500-pair registered Angus operation using similar management methods. This job introduces me to many different challenges that a small operation may never see. Once a week, I also process stocker calves at Ontario Stockyards Inc. for buyers. This helps to involve me in the next step of the beef industry with the feeding sector and get a sense of their needs in the industry.
I feel that the Ontario beef industry needs to continue to work to help make it easier for young people to get into. Financing is a big one, especially for the cow-calf sector. The next is in helping create connections that help a young person start small and grow as time and finances allow, or have some plans that a young person can try and implement to start their farm. The next big issue with the beef industry in Ontario is help with promoting Ontario beef. We have done lots in the last few years in this area and I think it still needs to be a priority. Our product is not the same as beef from western Canada or from other countries, and it needs to continue to be a main focus for us.
SCOTT MACDONALD Bruce County
Together with my family, we run around 140 cows, market the steer calves through a protocol sale in the fall and background the heifers for the winter. Emphasizing on pasture and hay, we also dabble in corn, soybeans and wheat allowing for some cover crop and residue grazing, and operate a small trucking company hauling grains and commodities.
• Became certified under the VBP+ program in 2022
• Director and a past president of the Bruce County Beef Farmers
My Vision:
• To see the industry thrive and be stable allowing the next generation to continue on.
Challenges:
• For all sectors of the industry to work together to ensure profitability, but also that our product is affordable for the consumer against other proteins.
• Find ways to expand community pastures to accommodate the cow-calf sector.
• Get more producers certified under VBP+ to help align standards.
Cow-Calf Committee Candidates -
ERIN THERIAULT
Grenville County
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to spend time on both dairy and beef farms. I realized early on that I had a passion for agriculture and more specifically working with cattle. Currently, my family and I raise Simmental cattle on our 120-acre farm just outside Brockville. I have been an active member of Grenville County for almost 10 years and have held the positions of Director, Advisory Councillor and Secretary-Treasurer. I was fortunate to be able to attend the BUILD Leadership program in 2024 allowing me to hone in on my specific communication style and strengthen my interpersonal skills. In 2023, I was presented the opportunity to support producers through the role of Animal Care Advisor. This has allowed me to forge strong working relationships with Provincial Animal Welfare Inspectors and beef producers from across eastern ontario. I utilize publications such as the Bull-etin Board and the Ontario Beef magazine, along with news publications and social media platforms to stay current on beef sector issues such as access to veterinary care, processing backlogs, potential trade tariffs, ELD transport logs and current FMD findings to name a few.
My vision for the Ontario beef sector is one that allows future generations and new farm start ups the ability to profitably and sustainably raise beef cattle. An industry that continues to strengthen the value of Ontario beef locally and in the export market. I envision an industry that continually promotes environmental sustainability and animal health, ensuring consumers think of Ontario Beef first when making protein choices at the supermarket.
The top three challenges I believe the sector needs to address are; the continual decline in the number of beef farms and the number of cattle within the province, the extremely high start up costs and the financial constraints often holding younger generations back from taking over family farms, and the ongoing need for access to timely veterinary care across the province.
BLAIR WILLIAMSON
Lambton County
I own and operate Ridgeview Cattle Co. in Lambton Shores. The herd consists of 40 Shorthorn and Simmental cows. Females are marketed in fall female sales and bulls are sold privately off farm each spring. Steers are retained and finished in our family feedlot. Pasture, cover crops and crop residue are the main feeding source for the cow herd, with a goal to graze cattle on field crop land as much as possible when they are off pasture for the regular grazing season.
I serve as the current Advisory Councillor for Lambton County - participating in the meetings and providing a report back to our members. I am also the past president of the Lambton Cattlemen's Association. I've participated in various focus groups for BFO on topics such as cow herd expansion and industry loan programs. In 2020, I was appointed to the Livestock Financial Protection Board by the Provincial Agriculture Minister.
Being raised on our family's mixed farming operation, which included 150-head feedlot and an on-farm store where we market 50+/- head of cattle per year direct to consumer. My current cow herd provides me with a good overview of the Ontario beef industry and the many challenges the sector has. It would be an honour to serve the Ontario cow-calf producers on the Cow-Calf Committee again. Over the last two years, I have enjoyed being on the Committee and providing feedback to the board on issues like RMP, VBP+, producer engagement ideas and helping plan the Cow-Calf Management Tour, to name a few. I hope I can count on your vote!
My vision for the Ontario beef sector is no different than many others, it is for a sustainable future for everyone along the chain. Three challenges that need addressed are: the current tariffs imposed by the U.S., opportunities for cow herd retention and hopefully expansion, and processing capacity.
Cow-Calf Committee Candidates -
MIKE SWIDERSKY Dufferin County
Backgrounder
I own and manage Riverview Ranch which is first generation family farm. The farm is a pasture-based operation, which consists of an intensively managed custom grazing stocker enterprise and 700 ewe pasture lambing sheep flock. Those two enterprises complement each other grazing long term perennial pastures and several hundred acres of cover crops each year. I have also been providing the management services for the Grey-Dufferin Community Pasture for over 10 years.
Top 3 Challenges
1. Loss of available pasture land for grazing, which inhibits the ability to maintain and scale the cow-calf sector and decreases the availability of grass yearlings to the feedlot sector.
2. The unbalanced government support to other ag commodities such as the grain and oilseeds sector which has extra benefits such as crop insurance, and ethanol and biofuel mandates and supports.
3. Lack of competitive buyers of finished cattle.
My vision for Ontario’s beef sector is one which attracts new and young producers because it is a profitable and rewarding industry. An industry with high animal welfare standards that is known as the ecological and environmental standard of the agricultural world. This due to the cow’s role in improving grassland and riparian habitat and improving soil health in cropping systems.
Feedlot Committee Candidates
Candidates were asked to provide details of their farm operation, as well as their vision for Ontario’s beef sector and, in their opinion, the top three challenges the beef sector needs to address.
BOB BENNETT
Huron County
I am proud to be a Huron County farmer, where along side my parents, we own and operate a 6,000 beef finishing operation. I have been honoured to serve on the Feedlot Committee in the past and with your nomination will gladly do so again.
In the past all the members of this Committee have been a pleasure to work with, and they bring a broad wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. I have no doubt that this will, again, be the case moving forward this year.
I will put our industry's best interests, opportunities, needs and challenges first based on the wide variety of issues that we and BFO face both on an ongoing basis and new issues that our members bring forward this year.
Thank you for your consideration.
DARRELL RUSSETT
Hastings County
I have been farming all my life. I took over the family farm from my father and I am looking forward to passing it down to our son who has been working with us since he graduated high school. We have a cow-calf operation and a feedlot operation. We grow most of the crops that are required for feed.
I think we have a good future ahead of us. We all know the importance of protein in our diets, which we produce in the beef sector. A large challenge that needs to be addressed is the government red tape. Another challenge is the overwhelming rising cost of operating, which I am grateful for the provincial government's recent raise to the Risk Management Program.
ALEX WYTENBURG
Feedlot Committee Candidates -
Renfrew County
My dad and I run Windy Ridge Farms, a feedlot and cash crop operation in Renfrew County. We buy in mostly Charolais influenced, 600-800 heifers through our local sale barn and finish them in our once dairy buildings (bad run in with stray voltage in the 90's). Our finished animals are marketed to Cargill with a target hanging weight of 950+lb on a corn and forage diet. On the crop side we grow corn, soybeans, winter and spring wheats, seed barley, hay and a variety of cover crops. We've recently directed an intense focus on a diverse and healthy soil biome and are thrilled with the benefits so far, driving our yields higher. Our operation is rounded out with custom feeding purebred replacement heifers and a small commercial Charolais cow herd.
Prior to returning to the family farm, my background is in Carpentry, Architectural Engineering, Restaurant and Nightclub Service then Management, Large Scale Event Coordination, and Business Relations Consulting. I have worked on farm operations in Germany and Western Australia and attend beef, agronomy or farm management events when the farm allows.
The future of Ontario's beef sector will ultimately come down to the producers and those who represent them. It goes without saying that there is a mass disconnect between where the food is produced and the consumer. The right foot forward and personal connections with both the general public and the policy makers of the political world are key to the beef and all ag sectors today and for the future. Of which the BFO staff and Board have continued to excel at and drive industry standards forward with their exceptional work.
Other challenges I feel are in the beef sector are not new:
• continuing to drive international trade and markets for Ontario Beef, exacerbated by the recent threat of U.S. tariffs
• the lack of large animal vets, particularly in rural areas
• the reduction of the cow herd
Proposed Change to the Beef Cattle Marketing Act & BFO By-Law Amendments
BEEF CATTLE MARKETING ACT
Check-off Increase
Section 6(1) of R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 54, Licence Fees, Federal Agency Levies, under the Beef Cattle Marketing Act
It is proposed that Section 6(1) of R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 54, under the Beef Cattle Marketing Act be amended to reflect a $1.50 per head increase in the mandatory national license fees payable by a person who sells cattle in the Province of Ontario, from the current $1.00 per head to $2.50 per head, to bring the overall Ontario check-off up to $7.00 per head.
BFO CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAW NO.1 AMENDMENTS
The majority of the proposed amendments to BFO’s Constitution and By-Law No. 1 are administrative in nature. The first is to update the ministry name to reflect the change in name that took effect in 2024. The second is to provide clear language on the voting procedures used by BFO. A ranked-choice ballot is used in the elections for the positions of BFO Board of Directors, CCA Directors (Board Members) and BFO’s Cow-Calf and Feedlot Committee members. All other elections are conducted by secret ballot with simple majority. In the instance of a tie when more than two individuals running for one spot, the bottom person drops off and another vote occurs. The final proposed amendment that is administrative in nature is intended to reflect current terminology used by the Canadian Cattle Association with respect to the title of “board member” rather than “director”.
The one proposed amendment that is more procedural in nature is regarding the time a BFO director must wait before becoming eligible to serve as a director again. Currently, the wait period is 12 months, and the proposed amendment is to increase the wait time to three years after a director has served the maximum number of terms or if an individual resigns or does not seek re-election as a director.
Any change to check-off rates and/or constitution and by-law amendments must be approved by two-thirds majority vote at the BFO AGM or special meeting of members.
Ministry Name – see section 4 (11)
Current: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Within ninety (90) days of each AGM, a copy of the audited financial statements, a statement of the number of current Members, a list of the Directors and Officers and their addresses, and a copy of the annual report must be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This information shall be open to examination by the public upon request to the Ministry.
Proposed: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rural Affairs. Within ninety (90) days of each AGM, a copy of the audited financial statements, a statement of the number of current Members, a list of the Directors and Officers and their addresses, and a copy of the annual report must be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rural Affairs. This information shall be open to examination by the public upon request to the Ministry.
Ministry Name – see section 11 (5) (a) ii.
Current: The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed: The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rural Affairs
Ranked Choice Ballot – see section 5 (6) (e)
Current: In the event of three consecutive tie-votes, a single candidate name shall be drawn from a hat to determine a winner. All other voting procedures shall follow those outlined under Section 5(3).
Proposed: In the event of three consecutive tie-votes, a single candidate name shall be drawn from a hat to determine a winner. All other voting procedures shall follow those outlined under Section 5(3).
Ranked Choice Ballot – see section 6 (1)
Proposed: (d) The voting procedure in (b) and (c) shall follow those outlined under Section 5(3)(a), (b) and (c).
Ranked Choice Ballot – see section 11
Proposed: 11 (9) The voting procedure in 11 (2) (a) i. and ii. and in 11 (2) (b) i. and ii. shall follow those outlined under Section 5 (3) (a), (b) and (c).
Canadian
Cattle Association
Directors
(Board Members) – see section 6 (1)
Current: The President and Vice-President of the Association will receive automatic appointments to sit on the CCA’s Board of Directors. Depending on the number of seats allocated to Ontario, subsequent appointments to the CCA’s Board of Directors will be made by the Association as follows:
(a) The nomination of candidates for appointment to the CCA Board of Directors shall be in writing and submitted to the Executive Director of the Association (or such person duly appointed by the President) prior to or at a time during the Annual General Meeting as designated by the President.
Proposed: The President and Vice-President of the Association will receive automatic appointments to sit as one of Beef Farmers of Ontario’s CCA Board Members on the CCA’s Board of Directors. Depending on the number of seats allocated to Ontario, subsequent appointments to the meetings of CCA Board Members CCA’s Board of Directors will be made by the Association as follows:
(a) The nomination of candidates for appointment to the meetings of CCA Board Members CCA Board of Directors shall be in writing and submitted to the Executive Director of the Association (or such person duly appointed by the President) prior to or at a time during the Annual General Meeting as designated by the President.
Term
of Office – see section 5 (4)
Current: Term of Office. At each AGM at which an election is required, the Members shall elect Directors for a term that shall expire at the third (3rd) AGM held after the election. In addition, at each AGM, the Members shall ratify and confirm the composition of the current Board of Directors. An individual may not serve as a Director for more than three (3) consecutive terms (approximately nine (9) consecutive years). After serving the maximum amount of terms, an individual must wait twelve (12) months before becoming eligible to serve as a Director again.
Proposed: Term of Office. At each AGM at which an election is required, the Members shall elect Directors for a term that shall expire at the third (3rd) AGM held after the election. In addition, at each AGM, the Members shall ratify and confirm the composition of the current Board of Directors. An individual may not serve as a Director for more than three (3) consecutive terms (approximately nine (9) consecutive years). After serving the maximum amount of terms, or if an individual resigns or does not seek re-election as a Director, an individual must wait three (3) years twelve (12) months before becoming eligible to serve as a Director again.
Resolutions & Background Information
RESOLUTIONS
Procedures Based on Robert’s Rules of Order
1. Robert’s Rules of Order will be used as a guide for our discussions
2. To move a resolution or speak to a motion, go to the nearest microphone; state your name and county/district.
3. Opportunity to speak will be limited to two (2) minutes per individual
4. The mover of a resolution has the right to speak first and may speak again to close the debate. All other individuals may only speak once to each resolution.
5. Amendments or substitute motions must be moved and seconded before being spoken to.
6. Each main resolution will be read, moved and seconded. In cases where resolutions presented by more than one county/district have been combined for efficiency of discussion, delegates who feel strongly that their specific issue will not be addressed by the main motion, may ask to deal with it separately before debate on the main motion begins, or they may move an amendment to the main motion.
7. The vote on any resolution will be called when:
(a) all who wish to speak have done so; or
(b) when the ‘previous question’ to close debate has been moved, seconded and passed by a 2/3 majority; or
(c) when several speakers have spoken on the same side of an issue and no one is wanting to speak to the other side of the issue
8. Delegates will vote using their own electronic devices using their voting credentials as provided by Data on the Spot
9 Independent scrutineers will be appointed and accepted by the meeting. They will observe and monitor the integrity of the voting process, which is provided by Data on the Spot.
10. Anyone in attendance may speak to a resolution, but only official Beef Farmers of Ontario AGM voting delegates may move or second resolutions, motions, or amendments, etc.
Highlights Relating to Motions
1. Main Motion
Mover, seconder 2. Amendments
Mover, seconder. Cannot change the subject but may add to, delete from, clarify
Mover, seconder. Passing a substitute motion replaces the main motion.
Mover, seconder Non-debatable, majority needed
Mover, seconder Debatable only to where referred or how long deferred; majority needed, but where deferral changes the agenda, then needs 2/3 majority
6. Previous Question to Close Debate
Mover, seconder. Non-debatable, 2/3 majority needed; if passed, then vote on amendment or main motion (not necessarily both) is taken immediately without further debate. If lost, debate continues. 7 Objection to Consider a Question
Mover, does not need a seconder. Must be made before debate begins even if another has the floor; non-debatable, 2/3 majority needed
8. Motion to Reconsider a Resolution Mover must be one who voted on the prevailing side, seconder. Needs majority vote to reconsider. If passed, reopens the main question for debate 9. Motion to Suspend or Change the Mover, seconder. 2/3 majority needed
Accepted Rules of Debate
25-01 THE PROTECTION OF LIVESTOCK FROM DOGS ACT
VICTORIA
MOVED BY:
Adam Shea
SECONDED BY:
Lois Batty
WHEREAS, domestic dogs kills in the province fall under the scope of Protection of livestock and Poultry from Dogs Act Ontario Regulation 329/11, WHEREAS, in 2019, OMAFRA changed the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP) program (for payments due to predation losses from Wild Animals) to no longer have maximum payment amounts, and only using market rates, WHEREAS, beef prices have risen exponentially in recent years, and the current regulation imposes a $2,500 non-registered cattle maximum rate, WHEREAS, municipalities are required to adhere to the above regulation when determining maximum compensation values,
WHEREAS, municipalities should have the ability to use fair market rates in assessing domestic dog predation kills in the same manner that wild animal predation kills are valued, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO submit a request to the Minister responsible for Regulation 329/11 to remove the maximums altogether from the legislation and to explicitly permit fair market rates to be used in cases of Domestic Dog kills.
25-01 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Protection of Livestock and Poultry from Dogs Act is followed when a dog kills or injures livestock or poultry. The Act states the local municipality in which the kill or injury occurred is liable to the owner of the livestock or poultry for the amount of damages that is determined and shall pay the amount to the owner within 30 days of the determination.
If compensation is payable under this Act, the amount payable shall not exceed the market value of the livestock or poultry at the time of the death, injury or damage. No municipality shall be liable to an owner for an amount in excess of the maximum amount prescribed in the regulations.
The Minster of OMAFA is responsible for setting regulations within Regulation 329/11, and the compensation maximums established within those regulations for cattle are $2,500 for non-registered cattle and $8,000 for registered cattle.
Currently, the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program determines compensation using the indicated weight and standardized fair market value formula up to a maximum value of $4,000 for non-registered cattle and $8,000 for registered cattle.
25-02 LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARY ACCESS DUFFERIN
MOVED BY:
Rex Crawford
SECONDED BY:
Mike Swidersky
WHEREAS, Access to large animal veterinarians for beef producers is a challenge in many parts of Ontario. This is causing many veterinarians to expand their service area and travel much further distances. This problem leaves many parts of Ontario with minimal to no veterinary care for their cattle. THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT BFO focuses on efforts to improve access to veterinarians throughout the whole province and identifies geographic areas of concern including but not limited to Northern Ontario and continue to work with veterinary and government partners to provide solutions.
25-02
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In 2023, Ontario launched the Veterinary Incentive Program to encourage newly licensed veterinarians who practice on food animals to practice in underserviced areas including northern communities in Ontario by
providing annual grants that can total up to $50,000 per person. The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering the Program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
The new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in collaboration with the University of Guelph and Lakehead University, has been established by the Ontario government to help address veterinarian shortages. This program will add 20 veterinary students per year beginning in the fall of 2025, and 80 new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine spots over the course of four years.
The Minister of Northern Development, during his speech at BFO’s AGM in February 2024 publicly announced plans to conduct a review of Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP). BFO is currently waiting for the ministry to release its findings.
25-03 PAWS ACT PETERBOROUGH
MOVED BY: John Lunn
SECONDED BY: Gavin Faught
WHEREAS, the PAWS Act as written, calls for livestock to be adopted out if the farmer is unable to meet the requirements of an inspector or he or she cannot pay the fees for the cattle to be taken care of THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO continue to lobby to have a separate legislation for livestock written.
25-03 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act) came into effect on January 1, 2020, and replaced the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1990 (OSPCA Act). The PAWS Act implements a provincially-funded animal welfare enforcement model, designed to protect animals from abuse and neglect across the province. In Ontario, there is currently no formal separation between commercial livestock, companion animals, or zoo/aquatic animals, fish or birds, although sector specific standards of care are used to evaluate animal care practices across these distinct sectors.
25-04 YIELD-BASED FORAGE INSURANCE
MANITOULIN
MOVED BY: Nick Martin
SECONDED BY: Jordan Miller
WHEREAS, hay is a managed and valuable crop just like any of the other commodity crops grown in Ontario that are already insured through a self-reporting, yield-based system; and WHEREAS, rainfall is not the only significant peril that affects a hay crop’s yield; and WHEREAS, rainfall amounts can vary significantly within a current reporting area and are not an accurate representation of localized weather; and WHEREAS, BFO’s goal is to increase the Ontario cow herd and hay is the primary feedstuff for the Ontario cow herd;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO work with OMAFA and Agricorp to move towards a self-reporting, yield-based hay insurance program that replicates the production insurance program already in place for other commodities such as corn, corn silage, wheat, beans etc.
Sub-Resolution 1
COCHRANE
MOVED BY: Chris Riach
SECONDED BY: John Caron
WHEREAS, hay is a managed, valuable crop just like any of the other commodity crops grown in Ontario that are already insured via a self-reporting, yield-based system; and WHEREAS, rainfall is not the only significant peril that affects a hay crop’s yield; and WHEREAS, rainfall amounts can vary significantly within a current reporting area and are not an accurate
representation of localized weather; and WHEREAS, BFO’s goal is to increase the Ontario cow herd, and hay is the primary feedstuff for the Ontario cow herd;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO work with OMAFA and Agricorp to move towards a self-reporting, yield-based hay insurance program that replicates the production insurance program already in place for other commodities such as corn, corn silage, wheat, beans, etc.
Sub-Resolution 2 TEMISKAMING
MOVED BY: Matt Bowman SECONDED BY: Paul DeJong
WHEREAS, hay is a managed, valuable crop just like any of the other commodity crops grown in Ontario that are already insured via a self reporting, yield based system.
WHEREAS, rain fall is not the only significant peril that affects a hay crop’s yield.
WHEREAS, rainfall amounts can vary significantly within a current reporting area and are not an accurate representation of localized weather.
WHEREAS, BFO’s goal is to increase the Ontario cow herd, and hay is the primary feed stuff for the Ontario cow herd
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO works with OMAFA and Agricorp to move towards a self reporting, yield based hay insurance program that replicates the production insurance program already in place for other commodities such as corn, corn silage, wheat, beans, etc.
25-04 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Forage Rainfall Plan is the only forage protection plan within Ontario and is administered by Agricorp. It offers forage producers coverage for both excess and insufficient rainfall. Rainfall is used as an indicator of the quality and quantity of established forage. For accurate rainfall data, Agricorp uses a professional weather service to gather information from a network of 350 rainfall stations in Ontario.
The insufficient rainfall program measures rainfall at the rainfall collection sites that are chosen during the insured period and if they received less than 85 per cent of the long-term average rainfall for those area, a claim may be paid to the producers. To recognize the limited benefit of increased rainfall, rainfall amounts are capped at 50 mm per day and 125 per cent for a month based on the long-term average for that county/district. Other factors to aid producers include days with less than 1 mm of rainfall are counted as 0 mm towards the monthly total to recognize small amounts of rainfall lost to evaporation. There are four different coverage options available to producers when it comes to the insufficient rainfall forage program.
There currently is no yield-based forage insurance within Ontario. Several yield-based insurance model attempts have been made in recent years, including in Ontario, without much success. Currently, several provinces are investigating/modelling satellite-based insurance products. Recently, Alberta eliminated their yield-based program due to poor enrollment as producers seemed to favour alternative insurance models available for forages.
25-05 WILDLIFE DAMAGE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
VICTORIA
MOVED BY: Adam Shea
SECONDED BY: Lois
Batty
WHEREAS, the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation program relies on municipal clerk offices to administer this program with farm experienced investigators conducting investigative work in the field, WHEREAS, these investigators are being asked to sign a waiver exempting them from compensation should an accident or event occur while an investigation is taking place, WHEREAS, if individual investigators are required to purchase insurance for themselves at great cost, the industry potentially may lose most or all the investigators if it is no longer a profitable arrangement,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO work with the other General Farm Organizations on this file to make a request to the appropriate body (Province or Municipality) that investigators be covered under their insurance.
25-05 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Under the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP), municipalities are responsible for appointing investigators to evaluate predation claims. Upon receiving a report of a livestock or poultry attack, municipalities must assign an investigator immediately. They must also ensure that investigators have access to current application forms and verify that all required information is collected and submitted. After completing the application, municipalities review the claim and submit it to OMAFA along with any supporting evidence. Once OMAFA issues a Municipality Report with the compensation value, municipalities are responsible for distributing the approved compensation and providing the owner with a Statement of Farm Support Payments (AGR-1). Municipalities are also required to pay and reimburse investigators for their services. At the time of writing, BFO has no background to provide with respect to the liability waiver/insurance issue identified in this resolution.
25-06 CFIA ACCOUNTABILITY PETERBOROUGH
MOVED BY: John Lunn
SECONDED BY: Harry Ellis
WHEREAS, CFIA is making and implementing rules in the agriculture sector, and WHEREAS, CFIA was originally developed for food safety it was then decided that CFIA would not have to answer to anyone or be accountable for decisions made, to prevent interfering where food safety is concerned and that CFIA is doing more than food safety, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO work with CCA ensuring that CFIA is held accountable for the rules developed and enforced.
25-06
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has a mandate to mitigate risks to food safety and protect the health and safety of Canadians. When the CFIA identifies non-compliance with the legislation it administers and enforces, it has a number of tools it can use to respond. CFIA shares compliance and enforcement information with the public on their website. CFIA is accountable to the Minister of Health, and according to their website, they are accountable to Canadians and regularly report to Parliament on their activities and spending.
25-07 RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (RMP) BRUCE
MOVED BY: Mike Jeffray
SECONDED BY: Scott MacDonald
WHEREAS, profitability in the beef sector is completely market driven from input costs to cattle prices; WHEREAS, the Risk Management Program is an excellent tool to help beef producers manage risks that are beyond their control
WHEREAS, government budgets are under constant pressure; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that BFO keep RMP as it’s Number One priority – applying pressure in all lobbying efforts to ensure government realizes the significant economic spinoff that comes with a healthy beef sector.
25-07
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On January 28, 2025 the Ontario government announced that it is increasing annual funding for its Risk Management Program (RMP) from $150 million to $250 million to enhance support for farmers and the province’s $51 billion agri-food sector. The $100 million increase will support farmers in responding to market
challenges while boosting their long-term business confidence and competitiveness.
The $100 million increase will be phased in over a three-year period, starting with a $30 million increase for the 2025 program year, leading to an annual total of $250 million by the 2027 program year. Producer premiums will remain at 35 per cent of government funding, and the current phase-in of this will continue.
This investment builds on the $50 million annual increase to RMP in 2020 to $150 million, and past reforms which allowed unused program funds to be rolled over to future year claims, allowing the program to be most responsive in times of greatest need.
25-08 RMP PROGRAM GUIDELINES LAMBTON
MOVED BY: Tom Wilson
SECONDED BY: Doug Wilson
WHEREAS, the RMP Program became permanent in 2011 with maximum weights for steers 1500 lbs live or 900 lbs dressed and heifers 1400 lbs live and 820 lbs dressed.
WHEREAS, carcass weights have increased because of many factors such as pandemic, Cargill Strike, Ryding closing and shortage of replacements.
WHEREAS, now the average carcass weight is over the maximum that the RMP pays, which means over half of the cattle are over RMP maximum.
WHEREAS, now many dressed steers and heifers are being deemed OTM and are not allowed in the RMP Program but are still graded AAA or Prime but were not OTM when they reached the RMP maximum weight THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO lobby to have an OTM over the maximum weight allowed in the RMP program if it grades AAA or Prime.
25-08 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The current program guidelines for RMP for cattle going to processing is that they must be less that 30 months of age and the coverage on the animals is capped at 1,500 lb for steers and 1,450 lb for heifers. The weight limits and cost of production are regularly reviewed by the RMP Reference Committee in conjunction with OMAFA. Cattle sold beyond the maximum feedlot weight may still be enrolled; however, payments are based only on the eligible weight range.
25-09 ONTARIO BUILDING CODE HASTINGS
MOVED BY: Jake Palmateer
SECONDED BY: Paul
Kinlin
WHEREAS, the building codes have changed as of January 2025 that apply to agriculture buildings, and WHEREAS, the codes require increased costs and unrealistic requirements, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO work towards more reasonable building codes that are adapted to livestock and agricultural conditions.
25-09 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The 2024 Building Code came into effect on January 1, 2025, with a three-month grace period until March 31, 2025 for certain designs that are already underway. Between January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 permit applications may be submitted using the new 2024 Building Code or permit applications may be submitted using the 2012 Building Code if the applicant demonstrates that their working drawings were substantially complete by December 31, 2024. After, April 1, 2025 permit applications must be submitted using the 2024 Building Code.
Ontario's Building Code is a regulation under the Building Code Act, 1992, which establishes minimum
administrative and technical standards for new construction, renovations, and changes of use for buildings. New editions or major updates to the Ontario Building Code are typically released every five years to align with changes to the National Construction Codes.
For the upcoming 2026/2027 edition of Ontario's Building Code, which will follow the 2025 National Building Code, the Ministry will primarily engage stakeholders through the National public consultations. The ongoing updates to Ontario's Building Code create greater alignment with the National Construction Codes, with around 60 per cent of Ontario's Code already consistent with these national standards.
25-10 SRM HARMONIZATION
VICTORIA
MOVED BY: Adam Shea
SECONDED BY: Lois Batty
WHEREAS, the SRM issues has been a deterrent to profitable Canadian beef production and exports, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO request that the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) allocate an appropriate amount to legally resolve the SRM harmonization issue with the U.S. within six months. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT failing the above course of action, encourage and facilitate grassroots producers to aggressively lobby the appropriate and necessary government representatives to take decisive and immediate action to remedy the situation.
Sub-Resolution 1
DURHAM
MOVED BY: Dale Mountjoy
SECONDED BY: Arthur Schickedanz
WHEREAS, the SRM issue has been a deterrent to profitable Canadian beef production both nationally and internationally, particularly with the USA, our largest trading partner, and WHEREAS, a resolution, passed at the 2024 BFO AGM, has not been successful in reconciling this issue, despite great efforts on the part of BFO and CCA, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO and CCA consult with high level lawyers and lobbyists to accelerate action on this issue through legal action.
Sub-Resolution 2 PETERBOROUGH
MOVED BY: John Lunn
SECONDED BY: Bill Elmhirst
WHEREAS, Canada is a negligible risk country for BSE, the same as the United States, as we continue to remove large amount of material for cattle that are 30 months or over, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO work with CCA to resolve this issue having the same standard as the United States by any means.
25-10 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
CFIA, in close cooperation with industry stakeholders, are currently reviewing Canada’s SRM removal protocols. This review includes a wide range of factors from trade to human health and includes the following key focus areas:
• A review of current BSE policies and risk assessment
• Analysis of the North American cattle slaughter, processing and rendering industries
• Environmental scan of international standards and evaluating countries for BSE status
• Trade implications of BSE and effects of policy changes to international markets
• An economic assessment of any potential SRM policy change
The Canadian cattle industry is seeking equivalency with the U.S. in terms of SRM removal and disposal, and market utilization of meat and bonemeal. In addition, BFO had previously requested that CCA request that the Canadian Meat Council update the estimated costs of the Canadian SRM removal requirements to support our advocacy efforts. This request was responded to as CMC updated the cost estimates in 2020, the last time
CARRIED
this was done was 2009. The updated analysis found that on average, SRM disposal costs had increased from $128/Mt, to $167/Mt between 2009 and 2020, that total costs for animals under thirty months of age had increased from $4.52 to $5.88 per head, and that costs for animals over thirty months of age was now costing industry approximately $29 per head. Overall, the updated numbers demonstrated that current SRM removal practices cost industry, on average, approximately $31 million per year in lost value. The results of this study were shared with decision-makers at all levels of government, and continue to be used in our messaging with officials.
Aside from the updated cost study, an extensive risk assessment was recently completed by a third-party firm to compare Canada’s current SRM system to the system used in the United States. The study is now complete and throughout late 2024 the study was being reviewed by international experts. The national meat groups are now advocating for immediate regulatory change.
25-11 PROVINCIAL ABATTOIR CAPACITY AND WAIT TIMES GRENVILLE
MOVED BY: Kim Weedmark SECONDED BY: Paul Ferguson
WHEREAS, access to provincial abattoirs has become increasingly more difficult with no movement on the vacant Joyceville Penitentiary facility.
WHEREAS, the devastating fire at Quinn’s meats has only further exacerbated the processing backlog. WHEREAS, government red tape and astronomical start-up costs prevent most interested parties from opening a new facility.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO lobby the Government for large scale funding assistance and training incentives to significantly increase operating capacities at small, medium and large-scale abattoirs as well as pursue new operating facilities where expansion is not feasible in order to address the current backlog. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT BFO continue to put pressure on the provincial and federal governments to fast track the reopening process for the abattoir located at Joyceville Penitentiary.
25-11 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In November of 2021, the Government of Ontario invested $7M in the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative. Eligible businesses could receive 60 per cent cost-share funding, up to a maximum of $150,000 per business. Eligible projects must be completed with equipment delivered and claims submitted by March 1, 2022, with the equipment installed by June 30, 2022.
This program added to the $4M allocated through a similar program run in December of 2020. Through the 2021 fall economic statement, the Ontario Government released a plan to invest $25M in the food processing sector over the next three years. The program was 30/70 cost share split between government and business and that 40 per cent of the funds will be earmarked for northern and eastern Ontario.
In August of 2023, OMAFRA announced the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative, which was a $13M funding program through SCAP, this program is currently closed due to the program being fully subscribed. The program was a 60 per cent cost-share a maximum of $150,000 in funding under the Initiative. In certain regions of the province other funding opportunities are available to offset training of staff, internships and non-capital related expenses mainly through FedNor and NOHFC.
Currently in Ontario there are no base grant or grant funding with a repayable portion as all programs require businesses to invest money into the project alongside the government programs.
On August 22, 2024, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) asking interested parties to provide information for a potential lease to operate a commercial activity at Joyceville in the building where an abattoir once operated. The EOI closed October 15, 2024 and BFO was informed that there were three submissions, all wishing to utilize the building as an abattoir. The next step would be a full Request for Proposal (RFP) which has yet to be launched.
CARRIED DEFEATED
25-12 OVERWEIGHT CARCASS DISCOUNTS MIDDLESEX
MOVED BY: Edward
Fox
SECONDED BY:
Steve Bannister
WHEREAS, in the 1960s the average weight of beef cows was 945 pounds, and in 2024 the average weight of beef cows is now 1450 pounds which produce larger framed animals that to be finished at a higher weight to reach optimum finish, which means; because the animals now finish at a higher weight (1100+ lbs dressed) there are more being discounted at a cost of 20 cents per pound on total weight. With the current smaller number of beef cows and the fact that more beef is required. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO and CCA work to correct this unfair situation.
25-12 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Cattle that exceed a processor’s heavy weight discount are applied at the sole discretion of the processor, and vary from plant to plant. Table 1 below provides data on average carcass weights in Canada since 1977.
Table 1
25-13 PROVINCIAL ABATTOIR CONDEMNATIONS VICTORIA
MOVED BY: Adam Shea
SECONDED BY: Lois Batty
WHEREAS, a high proportion of animals slaughtered at Provincial abattoirs are being condemned, WHEREAS, the Carcass Condemnation Discussion Request mechanism that is available to producers is not an appeals process,
WHEREAS, it seems as though there are inspection and condemnation inconsistencies between inspectors, WHEREAS, there is food waste occurring where there are arguably carcasses that should not have been condemned,
WHEREAS, unnecessarily condemned carcasses are a substantial cost to the producer and abattoir operator, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO assesses the situation of condemnations at provincially inspected abattoirs and look at the possibility of lobbying for an appeals process, for inspection standards/processes to be modified such as to require extensive physical and laboratory testing before a carcass is condemned.
25-13
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In Ontario, the powers given to veterinary inspectors under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 allow dispositions to be made on individual livestock, groups of livestock, carcasses, parts of carcasses and products based on professional judgement. As part of the program, veterinary inspectors may condemn a whole carcass or parts of it, deeming it unsafe for human consumption. They provide meat plant operators with a disposition through Form 202: Whole and/or Partial Carcass(es) Condemnations, which outlines the reasons for condemnation.
OMAFA has introduced a process for producers to follow-up with OMAFA to fully understand why their animals were condemned. If you are a meat producer or consigner, you may request a discussion with a veterinarian from OMAFA to talk about the reasons for condemnations written on the form. You must submit your request within
10 business days of Form 202 being issued. Note that this is not a formal appeal process, and discussions will not change the disposition given to animals, carcasses or parts of carcasses.
To request a discussion with a ministry veterinarian, a producer will need to contact the meat plant operator that processed the animals as they are the ones who will notify the local Meat Inspection Program area manager, who will provide a discussion request form. The producer, consigner, or herd veterinarian must complete the form, and the operator will submit it to the area manager to arrange the discussion.
For the five-year period from 2019-2022, the average number of condemnations for cows in Ontario was 631.55 per 10,000 (6.3%) with fed heifers at 26.34 per 10,000 (0.26%) and fed steers at 21.59 per 10,000 (0.22%). When all data is combined the average over the five years on number of condemnations per 10,000 is 102.46 or 1.02 per cent of total slaughter. As for federally inspected cattle in eastern Canada during the same time period, the number of condemned animals per 10,000 is 44.98 or 0.45 per cent. The data is not available for further breakdown at the federally inspected plants between cows and the different types of fed cattle.
25-14 CAN-AM CARCASS WEIGHT DISPARITY MIDDLESEX
MOVED BY: Edward Fox
SECONDED BY: Jim Scott
WHEREAS, the dressing percentage of cattle marketed in Canada will differ from that of similar animals marketed in the United States, (on a dressed basis) the United States carcass weight includes the weight of internal meats which is NOT included in the Canadian carcass weight. Dressing percentages for the equivalent animals are therefore dressing 2.5 to 3.0 per cent higher in the United States than Canada. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO and CCA work to correct this situation.
25-14
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
CARRIED DEFEATED
The Definition of a beef carcass in Canada. Beef carcass means the carcass of a slaughtered bovine animal that is produced for beef and has had the following removed, namely,
(a) the hide,
(b) that portion of the head and neck forward of the first cervical vertebra,
(c) that portion of the foreshank below the carpal (knee) joint and that portion of the hindshank below the tarsal (hock) joint,
(d) the respiratory, digestive, reproductive and urinary systems and the thoracic and abdominal organs, (e) the membranous portion of the diaphragm and the pillar of the diaphragm, (f) the spinal cord,
(g) the kidney fat, pelvic fat, heart fat and scrotal or udder fat,
(h) the tail posterior to the first coccygeal vertebra, and (i) any portion of the carcass the removal of which is required for pathological reasons under the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1990; (carcasse de boeuf)
As noted in point (d) kidney fat, pelvic fat, heart fat are removed in Canada. However, in the USA the kidney fat, pelvic fat and heart fat are not removed and is expressed with the hot carcass weight but does have an impact on the Yield Grade of the animal if the percentages of these fats are higher in relation to the rest of the carcass weight.
25-15 REGULATION 950 TICKETING
PETERBOROUGH
MOVED BY:
John Lunn
SECONDED BY:
Gavin Faught
WHEREAS, the Ontario government is trying to implement regulation 950 that is duplicating CFIA rule and can fine producers under that umbrella and whereas the parameter of the ability to fine producers is vague and poorly written, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO lobby the government so that it does not have the authority to fine producers.
25-15 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
OMAFA is looking to amend Regulation 950 under the Provincial Offences Act to expand its ability to issue tickets for a targeted number of recurring Level 1 offences in current legislation where the ministry believes ticketing has the greatest potential to achieve compliance. Some provisions include the transport of deadstock, operating a salvage facility without a licence, operating a sales barn without a licence or hindering or obstructing an inspector in the course of his or her duties at a sales barn.
The goal of the initiative is to improve the current risk-based regulatory enforcement approach and ensure that all actors and businesses in the agri-food sector and rural communities comply with food safety, animal health, consumer protection, and environmental legislation in the most efficient way possible to achieve compliance. Education and awareness will remain key compliance tools when working with the industry, and tickets will be an additional option when stronger progressive compliance action is required.
25-16 ONTARIO FOOD BANK POLICY HASTINGS
MOVED BY: Darrell Russett
SECONDED BY: Paul Kinlin
WHEREAS, the increased check-off needs to be directed towards improving the beef industry, and WHEREAS, BFO is incentivising clubs to donate specifically to food banks, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO consider focusing resources on the consumer and producer policy that was previously in place and not direct extra funds to food banks.
25-16 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In 2014, BFO signed an agreement with Feed Ontario to develop an Ontario Beef Program that would deliver fresh Ontario ground beef to people facing hunger. Through a tender process, BFO’s cash donation of $50,000 is used for the direct purchase of Ontario ground beef from an Ontario processor, with the transportation generously provided by the Erb Group, another partner of Feed Ontario. To provide fair and equitable distribution of the beef, each year Feed Ontario rotates the receiving zone through their network of food banks.
Feed Ontario represents a network of more than 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief organizations across Ontario. Through their network, they deliver millions of pounds of food across Ontario, serving more than one million people each year.
Over the last ten years, BFO’s cash contribution to the program has totalled $360,000, supported the purchase of 127,045 pounds of beef, and provided 769,969 servings of Ontario ground beef for those in need.
Prior to 2024, food bank donations were eligible for partial reimbursement to local associations through the BFO Sharecost Program under the consumer engagement stream, however in 2024 BFO established a dedicated stream for food bank donations to provide additional funding to local associations who support their communities through food bank donations. The new stream provides an 80 per cent reimbursement up to $1,000 of any food bank donations the local associations make. In 2024, BFO’s local associations, with support from BFO, provided over $47,000 in beef donations to local food banks. CARRIED
25-17 CROWN LAND ACCESS
COCHRANE
MOVED BY: Mark Liznik
SECONDED BY:
Jodie Rusell
WHEREAS, the ability to access to Crown land continues to be a limiting factor for producers; and WHEREAS, access to Crown land is one option to increase the beef herd in the province; and WHEREAS, BFO has made access to Crown land a lobby priority for the last few years; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO continue to make access to Crown land for the production of beef in the province of Ontario a top priority in the lobby efforts.
25-17 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Approximately 77 per cent of Ontario’s land mass is made up of Crown land. A majority of Ontario’s Crown land is located in northern Ontario, making 90 per cent of northern Ontario’s land mass. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRF) oversees Ontario’s Crown land and how it is used, leased, or sold. MNRF has a process from how Crown land can be leased for agricultural purposes through land use permits (LUC). Individuals apply to MNRF for parcels of land and MNRF may lease up to 160 acres of land per application Crown land can be purchased after five years of being managed under a LUC.
BFO has long argued that the application process for farmers to access Crown land is lengthy and cumbersome, and that accessing Crown land for agricultural purposes in other provinces, especially in Western provinces, is much easier and a common practice. BFO has also advocated that improving the agricultural access to Crown land in Northern Ontario will help reduce the red tape, generate revenue for the provincial government, support economic development, support the next generation of farmers, and provide a number of environmental benefits associated with grazing livestock.
In 2024, BFO met with Deputy Minister John Kelly from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness to discuss BFO’s key priorities for Ontario’s beef sector. Agricultural expansion in northern Ontario and improving the Crown land disposition process for agriculture was discussed during the meeting. BFO also met with staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to discuss the process for accessing Crown land for agricultural purposes, specifically those targeted for grazing, and if there are ways of making it less onerous. Ministry staff were going to develop guidance material for when farmers call into district offices to inquire about Crown land access.
25-18 BREEDER FINANCE PROGRAM
DURHAM
MOVED BY: Tim Rudkin
SECONDED BY: Arthur Schickedanz
WHEREAS, the number and size of beef cow herds within Ontario have been diminishing for years, and WHEREAS, current breeder finance programs are not bankable options, particularly for young or beginning producers, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO work with the necessary finance groups such as FCC and ACC to make a breeder finance program as attractive as the current feeder finance program.
25-18 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program is backed by a government guarantee which backstops the program in case of a significant non-repayment of loans. The government guarantee allows the program to gain more attractive interest rates with lending institutions.
The current Ontario Beef Breeder Co-operative Program does not have a government guarantee, which elevates the loan's risk, creating more unfavorable terms than the feeder finance program in terms of interest rates, and the down payment that is required to secure a loan. Term length in the breeder finance program is also a factor when considering the impact on the program's risk level, as lending institutions take on more risk the longer credit is extended, which in the case of the breeder program is up to five years.
25-19 CHECK-OFF BREAKDOWN HASTINGS
MOVED BY:
Jake Palmateer
SECONDED
BY:
Darrell Russett
WHEREAS, the dairy industry has greatly increased the production of cross bred calves that do not go into the veal market, and
WHEREAS, Beef Farmers of Ontario’s work in promoting Ontario beef has helped drive beef demand, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO investigate the percentage of check-off between Veal Farmers of Ontario and Beef Farmers of Ontario.
25-19 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Veal Farmers of Ontario (VFO) is a regulated marketing board under the Farm Products Marketing Act and works closely with the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission. Like other cattle organizations, VFO collects a licence fee (check-off) to fund the operations of the organization. The licence fee of $7.50/head is applied on the sale of male dairy calves and veal cattle. VFO and the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off Agency work together to ensure the continued integrity in the national check-off system.
The definition of “Veal Cattle” includes:
a) Male calves or freemartin female calves of any dairy breed or dairy crossbreed, each weighing no more than 150 pounds (68 kilograms),
b) Intact male calves of any dairy breed or dairy crossbreed, each weighing no more than 450 pounds (204.1 kilograms),
c) Calves of any breed, each weighing no more than 769 pounds (348.8 kilograms), that are to be sold for slaughter at an auction or through a livestock dealer,
d) Calves of any breed that are sold for slaughter to a processor to be processed into a veal carcass within the meaning of section 304 the Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations (Canada).
In recognition that not all bob calves go into veal production, the two organizations of BFO and VFO agreed upon a revenue sharing agreement in 2020 to split the proceeds of bob calf check-off revenue, with the majority of that revenue going to VFO.
25-20 GUARANTEED 1St YEAR RESIDENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH BRANT
MOVED BY: Scott
Cochrane
SECONDED BY: Sandra Vos
WHEREAS, there is only one agricultural degree program in Ontario located at the University of Guelph; and WHEREAS, first year undergraduate students are not guaranteed residence, and may choose a different University to attend where residence is guaranteed; and WHEREAS, BFO spends approximately $200,000 per year on research a year, and $0.30 per head goes to the BCRC (Beef Cattle Research Council) for research that potentially is completed at the University of Guelph and BFO has donated in the past $1.5 million for the new beef research barn at the University of Guelph; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT BFO lobby the University of Guelph along with other industry, and commodity partners, to ensure that first year students enrolled in the OAC at the University of Guelph are guaranteed first year residence.
25-20
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
BFO has committed $720,532 since 2022 into research projects conducted at the University of Guelph.
If you are an Ontario high school applicant, residence will be guaranteed if you receive an offer of admission on
or before March 1, 2025 and you submit your residence application and deposit of $750 by April 15, 2025. If you receive an offer of admission after March 1, 2025 or submit your residence application and deposit after April 15, 2025 you will be entered into a residence lottery.
Starting on May 1, 2025 and continuing through June 2, 2025, Ontario high school applicants who submit a completed residence application will be notified within 48 hours of submission if they have a confirmed residence offer, or if they will be placed on a residence waitlist.
IMPORTANT
Additional resolutions may have been submitted after the printing deadline. According to BFO policy, late resolutions submitted after the deadline, but received within five business days of the AGM, will be submitted for debate at the discretion of the BFO Board of Directors.
The BFO Board of Directors gives careful consideration to all carried resolutions and will respond to all county/district associations after a final decision has been made on each resolution. A reminder that resolutions can be forwarded to BFO at any time throughout the year.
Resolution responses and archived resolution responses can be found online at www.ontariobeef.com.
