MARK YOUR CALENDAR
OCTOBER
31
Ontario Hereford Association Futurity AND Ontario Junior Hereford Showmanship Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
HIDDEN-VIEW POLLED HEREFORDS
Joe and Karen Paszternak NORWOOD, ON 705-9573739 or 705-957-7470
karen.paszternak@gmail.com
Cows and heifers for sale
JDL CATTLE CO. & D&S LIVESTOCK
David & Shirley Lasby
Josh Lasby, Justin & Jaimie Lasby & Family, Jessica Lasby & Travis Fulford & Family
MULMUR, ON 519-943-4147 or 519-278-6819
jessica.lasby@hotmail.com
Good-looking, Sound, Functional Cattle!
NOVEMBER
2
Eastern National Hereford Show 9:00 am
Judge: Jirl Buck Madill, Oklahoma Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
LIAN MOR POLLED HEREFORD
Wally & Fern Pugh MONO, ON Wally & Fern Pugh lianmor48@gmail.com · 519-941-8515
Trevor & Amy tpugh27@yahoo.com · 519-939-7489
Breeding Stock Available
MEDONTE HIGHLANDS POLLED HEREFORDS 3055 Universal Dr. Mississauga, Ontario (905)625-3151
maria@standardmechanical.com
“6 Star Breeder”
O’SHEA FARMS
Jamie and Mel O’Shea DENFIELD, ON 519-477-1238
osheafarms@hotmail.com
Bulls and Females for sale
WHISKEY LANE LIVESTOCK
Herford and Angus Scott, Paula, Jason and Shelby Cornish INDIAN RIVER, ON 705-295-2925
705-878-3248 (Scott’s Cell)
705-341-3220 (Paula’s Cell) wll@nexicom.net
Visitors Always Welcome
Dr. Lois Batty, President – 705-328-4302 www.ontarioherefords.ca
BEEF
ON THE COVER
In early September, BFO’s Cow-Calf Management Tour made a stop in Brant and Oxford counties where 80 producers came together for a two-day event of farm tours, speaker presentations and a unique visit to Norpac Beef. To read about the stops, visit page 20. In this issue of Ontario Beef, you will also find an update on our consumer engagement campaigns and a feature on the Hyatt family from the Rainy River District who were the recipients of Ontario’s Environmental Stewardship Award in February. The Hyatt family travelled to Saskatoon in August for the national competition at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. This issue also includes a couple of articles to help prepare producers for cattle arriving to the feedlot this fall, and a deep dive into triticale and its growing popularity in Ontario as a forage crop.
Don’t miss out on submitting your photos for our December issue. Please send your holiday-inspired photos by November 15 to be considered for the cover. Digital photos in portrait orientation that are at least 300dpi are preferred, and can be emailed to
ONTARIO BEEF • Beef Farmers of Ontario 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, ON N1K 1B1 • Phone: 519-824-0334 • Toll Free (for Ontario callers only) 1-866-370-BEEF (2333) Fax: 519-824-9101 • info@ontariobeef.com
EDITOR
LeaAnne Wurmli
CIRCULATION COORDINATOR
Charlene Yungblut
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Cathy Lasby, Preferred Agri-Marketing Services Guelph, ON
Phone: 519-763-8833 • Fax: 519-763-8833 pams@sentex.net
DESIGN and LAYOUT
Prism Studios Advertising and Design Inc. Guelph, ON
PRODUCTION and PRINTING
Beck’s Printing Services, Brantford, ON
PROVIDING A FORUM FOR THE ONTARIO BEEF INDUSTRY
Ontario Beef is the official publication of the Beef Farmers of Ontario. Contents of this publication may be reproduced only by permission of the Editor and with credit acknowledged.
Opinions expressed herein are those of the author and/or editor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Beef Farmers of Ontario. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement or approval by Ontario Beef or the Beef Farmers of Ontario of products or services advertised.
Advertising deadlines are January 10, April 15, July 15, September 15 and November 15. The publisher reserves the right to refuse or cancel any advertising, including advertising that is inconsistent with BFO’s Sponsorship Policy, available at www.ontariobeef.com. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, however no responsibility can be assumed for advertising not received in clear, type-written form.
Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement Number 0040007029
POSTMASTER: Return undeliverable
Canadian addresses to: Beef Farmers of Ontario, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, ON N1K 1B1
NowPreparing for Fall AHEAD OF THE HEARD
By Craig McLaughlin, BFO President info@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com
that the days are cooler and the daylight hours considerably shorter, our thoughts turn to fall preparation. For many it will be time to move cattle to auctions or return cattle home from the summer pastures. Others will think about cozy wood fires, flannel shirts, beef stew and an abundance of pumpkin spice flavoured treats. With harvest underway, it’s also a good reminder to take the time to have all equipment in good working order. Unfortunately, when we’re rushed is often the time when something we depend on fails, and people can get injured or worse. Stay safe, your operations depend on you.
In August, I, along with a contingent from Ontario, travelled to Saskatoon to attend the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, as well as a number of meetings held in conjunction with the conference. Our delegation participated in the CCA committee meetings on foreign trade, domestic agriculture, animal health and care, environment, food policy, and the board of directors meeting. The Canadian Cattle Youth Council and the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders’ Program also held their meetings that week, and I am proud to share that BFO’s Youth Representative, Emily Bromley, has been named as the chair of the Canadian Cattle Youth Council for the 2024/25 year (read more on page 24). In addition, the Canadian Beef Check-off Agency held their annual meeting that same week where I was elected to their board and named as their Governance Chair. I would like to thank Jack Chaffe, BFO Past President, for his time and contributions on this national board, as well as the marketing committee.
Investment into Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) continues to be a priority for BFO, as well as our partners in the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC). Our leadership teams have been meeting regularly to develop strategies on how we can secure more dollars for this important program, and ensure Minister Flack and all Ontario MPPs understand the value and impact this program has on Ontario farmers and rural communities. We’ve also been working with OMAFA and Agricorp to address some producer concerns on RMP
BFO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024
Craig McLaughlin (Eastern Director) – President
Phone: 613-504-1863 • Email: cmblackhorse@gmail.com
Jason Leblond (Northern Director) – Vice President
Email: jacres5@gmail.com
Don Badour (Cow-Calf Director)
Email: don.badour@gmail.com
Don Hargrave (Cow-Calf Director)
Email: dchargrave@gmail.com
Jim Whitley (Cow-Calf Director)
Email: modelaranch@hotmail.com
Joost van der Heiden (Background Director)
Email: jcvdheiden@hotmail.com
Joe Dickenson (Feedlot Director)
Email: joe@dickensonfarms.com
Jairus Maus (Feedlot Director)
Email: ellengowanfarms@gmail.com
Tom Kroesbergen (Feedlot Director)
Email: tomkroes50@hotmail.com
Ron Stevenson (Southern Director)
Email: ron@metzgervet.com
Ralph Eyre (Director-At-Large)
Email: ralph@eyrefarms.ca
Kim Jo Bliss (Director-At-Large)
Email: kimjobliss@gmail.com
Emily Bromley (Youth Director)
Email: fondoak@live.ca
file reviews most specifically related to Agricorp’s request for railgrade information on cattle sold on a live basis. We’ve maintained a position that it’s inappropriate to request railgrade information when producers have no legal right to obtain that information when selling cattle live. We thankfully believe this issue has been resolved, but if you experience any concerns with an RMP file review, please contact the BFO office to discuss.
In late August, I, along with BFO Executive Director Richard Horne, met with Deputy Minister John Kelly and Assistant Deputy Minister David Hagarty to review a number of topics impacting our members. This included topics like RMP, northern land use and Crown land access, as well as our proposed changes to the Beef Cattle Marketing Act to ensure all beef transactions trigger a check-off levy, which would improve fairness and equity amongst beef farmers. The meeting was positive and it’s always good to keep our issues top of mind with senior ministry officials.
In September, I attended our Cow-Calf Management Tour, which you can read more about on page 20. It was an excellent event and I would like to personally thank all farm hosts and Norpac Beef for taking the time to host our group.
Later in the month, I travelled to Ottawa to attend CCA’s annual advocacy barbecue on Parliament Hill. During the event, we welcomed over 450 ministers, members of parliament, senators, staffers and other key stakeholders back to Ottawa for the fall session with Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef certified Canadian beef brisket sandwiches.
As we settle into the fall, I look forward to meeting with our local association members at our regional meetings that will be held across the province beginning at the end of November. If you have any local concerns or issues that you would like raised at these meetings, I encourage you to contact your local advisory councillor and/or president and request them to bring those issues forward for discussion.
Beef farming: Only for the brave. OB
BFO STAFF
Executive Director
Richard Horne • richard@ontariobeef.com
Manager of Policy and Issues
Thomas Brandstetter • thomas@ontariobeef.com
Policy Advisor
Darby Wheeler • darby@ontariobeef.com
Policy Advisor
Evan Chaffe • evan@ontariobeef.com
Director of Communications
LeaAnne Wurmli • leaanne@ontariobeef.com
Manager of Public Engagement and Digital Strategy
Jennifer Kyle • jennifer@ontariobeef.com
Engagement Coordinator
Charlene Yungblut • charlene@ontariobeef.com
Market Information Coordinator
Jamie Gamble • markets@ontariobeef.com
Engagement Coordinator (Summer Position)
Sloane Murray • sloane@ontariobeef.com
Accountant
Amber McIntyre • amber@ontariobeef.com
Office Manager
Lisandra Lima • lisandra@ontariobeef.com
Manager of Producer Relations
Dan Ferguson • dan@ontariobeef.com
Senior Producer Relations Specialist
Jaclyn Horenberg • jaclyn@ontariobeef.com
Producer Relations Specialist
Robert McKinlay • robert@ontariobeef.com
Manager of Compliance
Chris Millar • chrism@ontariobeef.com
Provincial Supervisor, Ontario Feeder Cattle and Beef Breeder Co-op Programs
Cheryl Russwurm • crfeederfin@wightman.ca
Changes Coming to AgriInvest in 2025
By BFO Staff
Beginning with the 2025 program year, enrollment in AgriInvest will require all farm operations with average Allowable Net Sales (ANS), before the ANS limit is applied, that exceed $1 million for the previous three program years to have a valid agri-environmental risk assessment to receive matching government contributions.
Recently, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) published the updated list of eligible programs that will satisfy the new agri-environmental risk requirement, which now includes Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+), and the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance (OCFBQA) program. The inclusion of VBP+ and OCFBQA are programs BFO has been lobbying to have accepted under this new requirement.
What programs are eligible to satisfy the new agri-environmental risk requirement?
•4R designation for farmers
• Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) Sustainable Beef Production Standard, which includes:
-Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+)
-Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance
-Where Food Comes From
•Certified Organic
•Environmental Farm Plan (updated)
•Nutrient Management Plans
•Saskatchewan Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment
•Plan agroenvironnemental de fertilisation
•Plan d’accompagnement agroenvironnemental
What is your ANS and how is calculated?
A farm’s ANS is calculated by subtracting gross purchases from gross sales for allowable commodities. For the 2025 program year,
the average ANS is calculated using the three previous program years (2022 – 2024).
How to declare that you have an agri-environmental risk assessment?
You must declare that you have an eligible and valid agrienvironmental risk assessment in place for the program year in your My AAFC Account. If you’re not a My AAFC Account user, you can sign up by visiting agriculture.canada.ca. If you need help with the online sign-up process, contact AAFC toll-free at 1-866-367-8506.
Producers are now able to submit a declaration confirming that they have an eligible agri-environmental risk assessment. Agrienvironmental risk assessments must be valid at some point during the 2025 fiscal year.
You don’t have to provide a copy of your agri-environmental risk assessment to submit your declaration. However, the Administration may contact you later and ask for a copy. When you declare that you have an eligible and valid agri-environmental risk assessment in place, you must provide the date it became valid and the date it is valid until (valid from and to dates).
Have more questions?
If you have questions about the changes to AgriInvest or about getting certified under VBP+, please call the BFO office. Questions regarding the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program should be directed to the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association.
As a reminder, BFO continues to offer VBP+ training and audit preparation support to Ontario producers, and financial rebates to offset the cost of an audit. See page 19 for details.
Producers may also contact Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999 with questions regarding AgriInvest enrollment. OB
WeSRM Harmonization: A Hot Topic THE BEEF BEAT
By Thomas Brandstetter, BFO Manager of Policy & Issues thomas@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com
were recently asked to provide an update on a resolution that was passed at our annual general meeting in February related to the specified risk material (SRM) issue that has been a deterrent for the Canadian beef sector since post-BSE. The resolution seeks to achieve harmonization with U.S. requirements. “When will this issue be resolved?” is probably the most asked question we get when speaking with our members about policy and issues. Therefore, I thought it would be beneficial to include excerpts from our resolution response in this month’s article.
BFO shares everyone’s concern regarding SRM requirements in Canada and the industry-wide desire to see our practices harmonized with the U.S. For many years, CCA, BFO, other provincial cattle associations, the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association have pressed federal and provincial officials and elected representatives at both levels of government to address this issue.
In May of 2021, Canada’s BSE risk status was upgraded from controlled to negligible, which finally paved the way to engage in meaningful discussions with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and more specifically, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), regarding the SRM requirements. Prior to the risk status change, the likelihood of Canada amending the SRM requirements was low. Since that time, industry groups, including BFO, have ramped up advocacy efforts in an attempt to have the federal government initiate a formalized review of our SRM removal practices with the hope they could eventually be harmonized with those in place in the U.S.
Some of BFO’s efforts in this regard have included motions and resolutions to the CCA Board of Directors and Animal Health and Care Committee, requests for updates from CCA and CFIA to the BFO Board, formal requests of Ministers Thompson and Flack to raise this issue with their federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) counterparts at their annual FPT meetings, and discussions with individual MPs and political staff during regular lobby days in Ottawa. Regarding the latter, SRM harmonization has been one of our top federal priorities for the last several years and as mentioned, our advocacy and attention to this issue has increased dramatically since Canada’s BSE risk status was changed in the spring of 2021. This issue was formally discussed by FPT ministers of agriculture this past July in Whitehorse, Yukon.
In addition, BFO had previously requested that CCA request that CMC 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, something that was last done in 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 finally, that costs for animals over thirty months of age were now costing industry approximately $29 per head. Overall, the updated
numbers demonstrated 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 both 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 an outside firm to compare Canada’s current SRM system to the system used in the United States. The assessment sought to address the following:
1. The likelihood of a susceptible animal species or human being exposed to a BSE agent under the current and proposed (U.S.) scheme
2. The likelihood of the BSE agent being recycled in the cattle population under the current and proposed scheme.
3. The likelihood of domestic or international market impacts as a result of the changed policy.
4. The likelihood of a changed policy having a negative impact on Canada’s BSE negligible risk status.
We are pleased to report the study is now complete and is currently in the process of being reviewed by international experts. Once this peer review process is complete, it will be up to CFIA to determine the development of potential new regulations to support SRM policy, consult with industry and the public, and implement the changes, hopefully. This process will take additional time, but our view is that industry has helped position the need for change and the risk of doing so in a manner that will hopefully lead to positive changes for the Canadian sector. BFO acknowledges the speed of this work is less than desirable but we are pleased to see progress being made. It was not that long ago we were very much less optimistic of the potential for harmonization or something close to it.
In summary, our interpretation of the risk of moving to a United States model is that the risks are very low, the economic impact is significant, the consumer impact is unknown, and the risk to our negligible risk status is low. The risk assessment study was a necessary step to support potential regulatory change.
This issue is not a financial issue and ultimately, progress on this file will be made based on available data and science to determine risk across a number of different areas, some of which have been noted above. On this front, industry has worked hard to support that process to ensure decision-makers have access to the best data to help inform their decision on potential regulatory change.
We have been updating members on this file at our AGM, summer and fall meetings for the last number of years. We will continue to provide updates at those meetings when meaningful progress has been made, or if additional setbacks occur until this issue is finally resolved. OB
InAsk Your Butcher for Ontario Beef Campaign Makes Big Impact CONNECTING WITH CONSUMERS
By Jennifer Kyle, Manager of Public Engagement and Digital Strategy jennifer@ontariobeef.com • www.ontbeef.com
contrast to the first quarter of the year, the late spring and summer were busy as we brought to life our exciting plans for the year.
This year’s plans included the return of some familiar activities, some with a new twist, and of course, some brand-new projects we are very excited to share! The budget was approved at the end of March, so April, May and June were full-steam-ahead with production to make sure we were ready to launch at various points throughout the summer. We have employed a variety of tactics to make the best use of check-off dollars, and reach the biggest audience we can. Check out below for details on the specific campaigns.
In addition to our structured campaign work, the summer was busy with events where we interacted with thousands of people at the CNE, and a number of breakfast on the farm events. At these events, the #1 question we are asked is “Where can I buy local beef?” Our answer is to direct them to the locator on the ontbeef.ca website. Folks are looking, so if you know of any butcher shops or you (or someone you know) direct market your beef and are not currently listed on the locator map, please consider it! Visit ontbeef.ca/store-locator/ to apply.
In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at what we have been up to. Check out some of the highlights below!
Ask Your Butcher for Ontario Beef Campaign
Our big campaign for the year is our Ask Your Butcher for Ontario Beef campaign. The campaign is built around three quick video ads that use humour to capture viewers’ attention. The focus is to encourage shoppers to ask their butchers for Ontario beef and to use their expertise to guide their shopping experience. Our research tells us that typically folks are either intimidated or unsure about what to ask at the meat counter. Our campaign aims to help demystify the meat counter and make the butcher more approachable. The video ads are currently running on Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and YouTube, and there are static ads (images only) on Pinterest.
In conjunction with the video ads, we also created a series of three “guerilla-style” videos to complement. Our team visited three butchers in Toronto and interviewed them, again with the goal of showing that butchers are approachable and knowledgeable when it comes to guiding the beef purchasing experience.
We are expecting an update on the campaign analytics again in early October, but less than a month in-market and we had already reached over 3 million people, made 12 million impressions and had over 300,000 views on YouTube! And, those numbers are from Julywe are anticipating BIG numbers!
Producing this campaign was our first experience with acting talent. It was very cool to see things come together behind the
scenes, and the actors chosen to play our butcher and customer were the perfect fit. You might have even recognized them from other commercials (Shreddies and OLG come to mind!).
Visit the Ontario Beef YouTube channel to see the videos and to see the guerrilla-style videos, be sure to check out our @ontbeef Instagram channel!
Local Flavour Campaign
Our Local Flavour campaign is back again in 2024, but this year, we opted to launch it in the summer and run it for a longer period of time to complement our other campaign. The local flavour campaign kicked off in July and will run until mid-November.
As with previous years, we partnered up with three Ontario brands for some fun cross-promotion and to help shoppers be inspired to pair their beef with new or different products. This year, we took a slightly different approach and expanded our partnership to also include products that complement the preparation of beef, and leverage other trends in society. To that end, we partnered with the Pickled Canadian, Furtado Farms Cook Wood, and Zero Bar. Pickles on burgers are a nobrainer and these Ontario pickles are the real deal! Smoking meat is all the rage still, so a partnership with Furtado Farms for great local wood and pellets for the smoker just made sense. There is a growing “sober curious” movement; for instance, you may have noticed a significant increase in non-alcoholic cocktail offerings at your local grocery store. To capitalize on this movement, we partnered with Zero Bar, which is Toronto’s first non-alcoholic cocktail bar, tasting room and bottle shop. They serve up delicious cocktails to pair with beef that don’t require someone to be the designated driver.
Local Flavour ads are a mix of quick videos and still images, and are featured on Meta (Facebook and Instagram). As they are still in market, we don’t yet have performance data, but we anticipate an update in early October, and final data will come at the conclusion of the campaign later this fall.
Podcast Advertising
To complement our other campaign work, we once again ran a series of podcast advertisements throughout the summer. This year, we partnered with Alan Cross again and also added Kathy Kenzora to the mix. Alan is the host of the Ongoing History of New Music, and Kathy hosts the History of the 90’s podcast. Both Alan and Kathy focused the ads on the themes of environmental benefits of beef and beef farming, nutrition, and supporting local farmers, in addition to reinforcing the messaging around asking your butcher for Ontario beef. The ads ran from June through August, which is of course, the height of BBQ season.
While we are expecting the final wrap report to come in shortly, we don’t yet have the performance results. Anecdotally, the ads were
well-received again this year. We heard from lots of folks who caught them while listening to the podcasts. Podcast stats continue to remain high, so we will certainly consider them again moving into 2025.
Breakfast on the Farm
Following a great Breakfast FROM the Farm event held at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in the spring, staff and volunteers were out in full force at two more Breakfast ON the Farm events - one in the Ottawa area and one near Dublin. Staff and volunteers were excited to be there to talk beef and beef farming with attendees, who were excited to meet our Ontario Beef four-legged ambassadors. The crowds were great and guests were keen to engage about beef and beef farming. The everpopular spinning wheel made an appearance at the Dublin event and folks lined up for the chance to answer questions and win prizes.
Both events were fantastic! Kudos to Farm & Food Care Ontario for two more great Breakfast events, and of course, thank you to our volunteers and everyone who helped to make both days a huge success!
Canadian National Exhibition
The CNE was another great opportunity to connect with folks about beef farming. Held in Toronto over 18 days, the CNE is by far, the largest urban crowd we are able to get in front of. Thousands of visitors come through the gates each year, and this year was no exception. As with previous years, we were located in the Farm building along with many of our other ag and food commodity friends. The Farm Team at the CNE did a great job organizing and caring for the cattle on display, and our BFO team was there with our display, resources and, of course, giveaways!
This year, we had a pseudo celebrity on display...a Highland Steer named Mr. T! Mr. T drew the crowds and opened the door for lots
of great questions and conversations. Our colouring station was back again this year with a new twist. Instead of colouring books, we created a colouring sheet with a calf on it that our budding artists coloured, gave a name and hung up on the fence to help us “grow our herd”. It was a huge hit with young AND young-at-heart visitors who wanted to add their creations to the gallery. Over 8,000 creatively coloured and named calves were added to our herd! Booth staff had a great time reviewing the names and checking out the designs, as well as learning the valuable skill of “culling the herd” throughout in order to make room for new additions to the herd.
Thank you to the Farm Team, as well as our volunteers and staff who spent time interacting with visitors and telling the Ontario beef story. We could not do it without them!
We will continue to provide updates on all of our consumer engagement work throughout the year. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on social media to see what we are up to. OB
Circle H Farms Competes for National Environmental Award
By Canadian Cattle Association
WhileCircle H Farms has adopted several practices over the years that all contribute to a productive and sustainable beef operation in northwest Ontario, the second-generation family farm also knows there is more to learn and improvements to be made.
Changes to their rotational grazing system over the years, for example, has significantly improved the carrying capacity of their farm, near Rainy River, says Shawn Hyatt, who along with wife Tracy and brother and sister-in-law, Gord and Pat, owns and operates.
And while they have increased forage production, at the same time their management has also served to maintain and improve habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.
Their commitment to developing a sustainable farming operation, while benefiting the environment, earned Circle H Farms recognition as the recipient of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for 2024, presented by Beef Farmers of Ontario.
“We are proud of our achievements over the years, but there are also some new things I would like to try,” says Shawn Hyatt. “We are always interested in learning and trying new production practices to find out what works as well as what doesn’t work.”
Shawn and Tracy and Gord and Pat are the second generation on the farm located near the south end of Lake of the Woods. The Rainy River area is in a corner of Ontario that also borders Manitoba and Minnesota. It’s about a three-hour trip to the west to reach Winnipeg, Manitoba, and two-and-a-half-hour drive north to Kenora, Ontario.
Farming nearby is Shawn and Tracy’s daughter Kerry and her husband Brodie Gross who own KB Ranch. Along with raising their own cattle and direct marketing of beef, they help out on Circle H Farms as needed.
Circle H Farms runs a 275 head cow-calf herd, along with 50-bred heifers with about 130 head of calves retained for backgrounding. Their land base covers about 2,500 acres that includes hay land, and mostly native grassland pasture, along with bush and wetlands. They rent about 1,000 acres of land as well. Their only annual cropping is to produce combinations of barley and peas or oats and peas, to be put up as baled greenfeed for winter-feeding.
The Hyatts have always considered the environment in their farming operation. “It is better to work with the environment and do what we can to encourage wildlife,” says Tracy. “It benefits our livestock operation, and it benefits the land. We enjoy seeing all types of wildlife, which has never been a conflict with our farm. Rather than fight it we work with nature. It is better for everything.”
The Hyatts have developed a system where the cattle are always out on pasture. There is a winter-feeding period, but thanks to stockpiled forage and bale grazing it is all done on pasture.
“The cattle are never brought into a home yard for winter feeding, they are always out pasture,” says Shawn. “As we bale hay and
greenfeed we place the bales on any pastures that may need the extra nutrients. We move to different areas every year. Depending on the year, cattle could be out on pasture until the late October or even up to mid-November and then we move them to the winter-feeding sites.”
“With bale grazing we can keep nutrients on the fields in areas where it will do the most good,” says Kerry. “We don’t need to apply in-organic fertilizer. We can even feed in the bush areas, which provides shelter for cattle as needed, but also helps control brush and increase forage production.”
One practice introduced in recent years that benefits wildlife as well as forage production is to delay haying so certain species of birds can complete their nesting cycle. Species at risk such as the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlarks are two songbirds benefiting from this practice.
“We can take early cuts of hay in some areas and then in others we let the hay grow until the birds are done nesting,” says Kerry. “Waiting that extra two or three weeks to bale certain fields still allows us to produce good quality hay for beef cattle, and it is also good to see there are definitely more Bobolinks on the farm as well.”
And Shawn explains that baling mature forages that have gone to seed, also benefits pasture rejuvenation. “As we use this more mature hay for bale grazing, forage species such as timothy, reed canary and alsike clover shed their seeds on the pasture. The hoof action of the
Continued on page 12.
To help BFO expand its outreach on the environmental benefits of beef production, the Hyatt family helped create a video to be shared through our consumer engagement channels. Watch the video on YouTube by searching “Stewards of the Grasslands: Circle H Farms”.
STRONG PARASITIC CONTROL THREE FORMULATIONS
No matter what your operation looks like, consider using Safe-Guard® for the treatment of internal parasitic infections* that could be eating into your bottom line and affecting your herd’s health. Its unique fenbendazole molecule:
• Has been demonstrated to achieve fecal egg count reductions above the 90% efficacy threshold guidelines1,2
• Has been shown to improve pasture performance of cattle infected with internal parasites
– In Western Canadian studies conducted over three consecutive years, increased weight at weaning was demonstrated in calves treated with Safe-Guard® (18.2 lb3, 26.8 lb 4 and 11.6 lb5) compared to non-treated calves
• Is offered in three different formulations (oral suspension, premix or crumbles) for flexible on-farm use
*Please consult the product label for the list of internal parasites that Safe-Guard® is indicated to treat.
Need more information?
• Producers: talk to your veterinarian to determine whether Safe-Guard® is suitable for the animal to be treated
• Veterinarians: please contact your Merck Animal Health representative, call 1-866-683-7838, or go to www.merck-animal-health.ca
Always read the product label for more information on administration instructions and important warnings.
1Are dewormers working? A decade of results. An efficacy summary of the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) National Database (2009-2018), Merck Animal Health.
2Kaplan, R. M., et al. (2023). World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) guideline for diagnosing anthelmintic resistance using the fecal egg count reduction test in ruminants, horses and swine. Veterinary parasitology, 318, 109936.
3Determination of the benefit of a strategic deworming program for cow/calf operations in western Canada. Study AH75-SAFG-M-2012.
4Determination of the benefit of a strategic deworming program for cow/calf operations in western Canada. Study AH85-SAFG-M-2013
5Determination of the economic benefit of a Strategic Deworming combined with an Anabolic Implant Program for Cow-Calf operations in western Canada. Study 41-AH90-SGRA-M-2014
SAFE-GUARD® is a registered trademark of Intervet International B.V. Used under license. MERCK® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. Used under license.
© 2024 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. CA-SFG-240700002
Scan to learn more.
cows works the seeds into the soil, and it becomes an effective way to rejuvenate pastures without tilling the soil and reseeding. It is a win for the birds and the environment, and it benefits our pastures as well.”
The Circle H cowherd begins calving in late April on the winterfeeding pastures. They are supplied hay, but also are in pastures with stockpiled forage. By late May and early June, the cow-calf pairs are moving out onto new grass growth and into the rotational grazing program for the summer and fall.
“We have been rotational grazing since 2002,” says Shawn,” but it has been an ongoing learning experience, with fine-tuning and adjustments every year. The biggest pasture we have may be about 150 acres with the majority being considerably smaller. We have permanent fencing on the perimeters but what has really helped has been the use of portable electric fencing and now we are using portable solar powered fencing in some areas. That’s really helped us to increase grazing efficiency. Depending on the size of the pasture we are moving cattle every two or three days and overall, I’d say our carrying capacity has double over the years.”
“Our production practices have helped to improve forage production and at the same time improve soil quality,” says Tracy. “That was pretty evident a couple years ago during a drought. We usually have good moisture in this area, but that year it was an extremely dry growing season. But our soil quality was good, soil organic matter had increased, and with good ground cover, the soil was able to retain enough moisture to keep the grass growing that season. This management system really paid off.”
The Hyatts are also using several portable solar powered water systems, which can be moved into areas to pump water out of ponds and streams into a water trough for the cattle. Having water available helps with livestock distribution and the system helps to protect the environment.
Cow-calf pairs will remain on rotational grazing until late October, with calves weaned about mid-November. Most years the heavier calves will be sorted off and sold at a nearby auction, while lighter steers and heifers will be backgrounded for the winter and then put on pasture the following season. Some of these grass cattle will be finished by KB Ranches and then processed for direct meat sales in the local area.
“”We have learned a lot over the years which has helped to increase the biodiversity on the farm, and make for a sustainable farming operation,” says Shawn. “But there are a lot of different things people are doing, and several things we would like to try. We are planning to try some forage blends this coming year. And I know swath grazing is used in many parts of the country, and growing corn for grazing, is another possibility. We have a system that is working, but we feel it is important to try different things. It may help save a gallon of fuel, or improve production, and benefit the environment at the same time.”
Circle H Farms competed for the national title of The Environmental Stewardship Award in August at the Canadian Beef Industry
TIBS SHORTHORNS
Pat Thibodeau Georgetown, ON 416-319-1901 tibsshorthorns@gmail.com
COLDSTREAM FARM
Flesherton,ON
Don Jack: 519-924-1540
Shea O’Neill: 519-373-6599
Heifer, Bulls, Show Prospects Breed Leading EPDs
HOLLAND LANE FARM
Tim & Jocelyn Gilbert & Family
Ross Laycock, Herdsman
Shannon Kingston,Manager 519-477-1526 hockeymama@live.ca
RED ROSE FARM
Martin & Liz Mason & Sons
747710 Twp Rd 4,Drumbo,ON Cell: 519-771-7066 martin.mason@redrosefarm.com
GLENROTHES FARM
B1265, Hwy 48 Beaverton,ON
Doug Brown: 905-431-8496
Nancy Brown Andison: 416-817-0369
LOCUSTVIEW SHORTHORNS
Steve, Joyce & Dan Bartlett Almonte, ON 613-256-3042 locustviewshorts@outlook.com
Steve Bartlett, President - 613-256-3042 email: locustviewshorts@outlook.com
HILL HAVEN FARM
Duntroon,ON
Dale Asser: 705-444-9403
Matt (herdsman): 519-378-5508 hillhavenshorthorns1@gmail.com www.hillhavenshorthorns
MARTIN FARMS
Gore Bay,ON
Jim: 705-348-1294
Nick: 705-348-1022
Alex: 705-782-4725 Bulls, Females, Commercial Cattle
CRAWFDOWN FARMS Glencoe,ON
Gord & Sally Crawford 519-870-2396
Reed & Jane,Shelby&Josie 519-857-7333
FLIGHTPATH
Caledon,ON
David&Joanne Currie& Family
David: 647-400-2844
Jessica: 519-400-3160 farm.flightpath@gmail.com
Canadian Beef Check-off Agency Hosts AGM in Saskatchewan
By Canadian Beef Check-off Agency Staff
TheCanadian Beef Check-off Agency (the Agency) is pleased to announce the Agency Board, following the Annual General Meeting held in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Saskatchewan on August 20, 2024.
The 2024/25 Agency Members have been announced as: Primary Producers - Andrea Van Iterson, British Columbia; Michelle Ball, Alberta; Sheila Hillmer, Alberta; Chad Ross, Saskatchewan; Mary Paziuk, Manitoba; Craig McLaughlin, Ontario; Sylvain Bourque, Quebec; Trevor Welch, New Brunswick; Bert Meyer, Nova Scotia; Nick Green, Prince Edward Island; Adeleen Bolduc, Canadian Cattle Youth Council. Canadian Meat Council: Russ Mallard, Atlantic Beef Products; Andre Forget, Montpak; Jeff Cline, Cargill; Leslie Gold, St. Helen’s Meat Packers. Retail and Foodservice: Denis Burelle, Sysco Canada. I.E. Canada: Coral Manastersky, Maple Leaf Foods
A full financial report showed that the Agency received $18.3 million in national check-off revenue in the past fiscal year, and $1.3 million in import levy. Of that, 57 per cent was invested in marketing by Canada Beef, 27 per cent was invested in research through the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), 5 per cent was invested through the Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) team, and 11 per cent was invested in provincial research, market development and promotion projects by seven provincial cattle associations.
“I’m proud of what the Agency has accomplished over the past few years,” said Jeff Smith, outgoing Chair. “Producers in Canada should be confident in their check-off investments, and that we have, and continue to be focused on transparency and strong return on investments for our industry.”
Smith retired from the Agency board following the AGM after eight years, and two years of leading the Agency as chair. The Agency elected Trevor Welch from Glassville, New Brusnwick as the new chair following the AGM.
“I’m excited to continue with the progress that Jeff has made at the Agency’s helm over the last two years as chair,” said Welch. “The organization is in a place where we can continue to show strong value for the industry and also start exploring new ways to deliver that value on behalf of beef producers and the entire value chain.”
At the meeting, Agency General Manager Melinda German shared an update focused on the Agency’s programming, including the focus on education and compliance.
“Our inspection program identified close to $400,000 in slipped check-off last year, which shows the significant return on the
investment we have made into compliance and education,” said German. “The program is helping to ensure that everyone in Canada is playing by the same rules and has a level playing field.”
The Agency’s youth program has also picked up steam over the past year, with the second annual scholarship being awarded at the AGM, and the election of a new Youth Member position.
Outgoing Youth Member, Julie Mortenson, delivered a report on her two-year term with the Agency at the AGM and welcomed the newly elected Youth Member Adeleen Bolduc.
“I am really pleased with the Agency’s encouragement of youth involvement with the national check-off,” said Mortenson. “Young producers are key in helping grow the future of the beef industry in Canada and having them engaged with check-off discussions is paramount to that growth.”
This year’s $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Gus Halibert of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Agency received over 20 applications again this year, and the scholarship has proven to be one of the Agency’s most wide-reaching communications priorities for the second year in a row.
Following the Agency’s AGM, the board elected their Executive Committee. Joining Welch on the Agency’s Executive Committee are Sheila Hillmer, Vice Chair; Sylvain Borque, Finance Chair; and Craig McLaughlin, Governance Chair.
The Agency’s delegates also re-elected two Members-at-Large this year: Clay Holmes, Intercity Packers and Cam Daniels, Harmony Beef.
The Marketing Committee also elected their Executive Committee, including Jeff Cline as Chair, Chad Ross as Vice Chair, and Russ Mallard as Finance Chair.
The Marketing Committee is responsible for planning and establishing Canada Beef’s strategic, business and operational goals and objectives and for the overall management and operation of the business and affairs.
The Marketing Committee has been announced as: Elected - Cam Daniels, Harmony Beef; Clay Holmes, Intercity Packers; Mike Guest, Western Prime Meat Processors; Michelle Ball, Alberta Beef Producers; Chad Ross, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association; Jim Clark, Ontario Corn Fed Beef & Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association. Appointed - Jeff Cline, Leslie Gold, Russ Mallard and Andre Forget, Canadian Meat Council; Coral Manastersky, I.E. Canada; Denis Burelle, Retail and Foodservice; Jennifer Haley, Veal Farmers of Ontario.
Cline said he looks forward to chairing the Marketing Committee and working with member perspectives from across the beef value chain as they consider the challenges and opportunities for the Canadian beef industry together. “Canada Beef has an excellent team, and a new path under new leadership, and the Marketing Committee is ready to assist as they promote the advantages of high-quality Canadian beef in domestic and international markets,” he said.
Canada Beef President Eric Bienvenue welcomed the newest members of the Marketing Committee and looks forward to a continued collaborative process with the oversight group for the organization’s strategic business plan.
“Canada Beef has benefitted from strong operational oversight from the Marketing Committee. I have every confidence that with guidance and expertise from the new committee and chair, Canada Beef will be well-positioned to expand the reach of Canadian beef and
veal through strategic marketing and promotion initiatives,” he said.
Bienvenue wished departing committee members well and thanked them for their service to the beef industry. He also acknowledged the leadership of outgoing chair Russ Mallard, who will still be involved in the Marketing Committee as a Canadian Meat Council representative.
“We appreciate Russ’s continued support and the continuity his presence and experience will bring to the new committee.”
The Agency would like to recognize all outgoing members for their contributions to the Agency and thank them for their ongoing dedication to growing Canada’s beef industry: Jeff Smith, Alberta Beef Producers; Jack Chaffe, Beef Farmers of Ontario; Larry Weatherby, Nova Scotia Cattle Producers; David Francis, PEI Cattle Producers; John Curtis, Canadian Meat Council; and Julie Mortenson, Youth Member, Saskatchewan. OB
AnnualOMAFA UPDATE Trendy Triticale
By Christine O’Reilly, Forage & Grazing Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness
crops have played a larger role in forage production systems in recent years. Annuals often excel at filling production gaps for perennials, such as the summer slump, early spring, or late fall. Despite costing more per tonne of dry matter to grow, their ability to extend the growing or grazing season has made annual forage crops a popular complement to the perennials that provide most of Ontario’s forage.
Selecting the right annual forage crop starts with deciding when the feed is needed. Winter cereals –specifically fall rye and winter triticale – offer more options for when and how to harvest than other annual crops. If they are seeded in late summer or early fall, winter cereals can provide late fall grazing, early spring grazing, or an early spring cut. Winter cereals seeded in the spring will not head out and can provide high-quality grazing all growing season.
Triticale [pronounced trit-uh-KALE-ee] was originally a cross between wheat and rye. Both winter and spring triticale are available. There has been a lot of research at Cornell University on using winter triticale as a forage crop, especially in a double-crop system with a short-season silage corn. In the last few years there has been a large increase in triticale acres in Ontario across all ruminant sectors.
Yield and Quality
Since it tillers aggressively, well-managed triticale can produce a yield similar to rye. Depending on growth stage at harvest, triticale can yield between 4,000 and 8,000 lb DM/acre when fall-seeded and harvested in the spring. This yield potential range is consistent with research in New York State, where the average triticale yield was higher than the average rye yield.
In Ontario, Johnson & McClure (2015) estimated pounds of gain per acre based on total digestible nutrients (TDN) and yield of four winter cereal species at boot stage based on data collected from a field trial. Yield and crude protein content were driven by N rate. As yields increased, so did theoretical cattle gains. Although fall rye outperformed the other cereals in their analysis, the two highest N rates greatly increase lodging risk in rye, which makes harvest very challenging. Winter barley does not overwinter consistently in Ontario, and winter wheat is usually more valuable as grain and straw.
Agronomy
Triticale requires more management than fall rye, and seed is usually more expensive. Farmers who can put the effort into agronomy often prefer triticale, whereas rye is more forgiving of less-than-ideal seeding and growing conditions. Triticale should not be established on poorly drained soils. Triticale should be seeded at the optimal seeding dates for winter wheat, which varies across the province (Figure 1). Seed at a rate of 90-115 lb/acre (900,000 to 1.2M seeds/acre), to one-inch depth or into moisture. Use the phosphate and potash
recommendations for winter wheat found in OMAFA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops.
Triticale stems are thicker than rye, which makes it more resistant to lodging. Apply 75-90 lb N/acre at green-up in the spring. Due to the higher nitrogen application rates, triticale poses a greater risk of nitrate poisoning in livestock and silo gas production shortly after harvest. Laboratories that offer forage analysis services can test for elevated nitrates, and a nutritionist can advise on how to feed highnitrate triticale forage. Triticale is usually ready to harvest in midto-late-May, about 10 days later than rye. This can be the difference between poor field conditions and soils fit to carry equipment. However, the later harvest date may start to squeeze double-cropping options, particularly in areas of Ontario with shorter growing seasons. Triticale can be harvested as baleage or haylage if cut before heading. It can also be harvested as whole-crop cereal silage if harvested at soft dough. This silage feeds more like corn silage than haylage because there is starch developing in the grain. Triticale silage, cut at the correct time, has about 70 per cent the potential animal performance value of corn silage due to lower NEm and NEg. Additional grain would be needed to sustain a similar animal performance. Unlike corn silage, harvesting triticale late is very detrimental to feed quality.
Silo gas can be deadly. It has a bleach-like odour and may be a reddish-brown colour, although it is not always visible. The greatest risk is the first 12-60 hours after filling a silo, and then the risk declines over the next six weeks. More information on preventing injury or death from silo gas can be obtained from the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services.
Continued on page 18.
Figure 1. Optimum planting date map for winter wheat in Ontario. Map was updated in partnership with WIN.
Canadian Angus Bulls
Maximize your marketing by buying Canadian Angus bulls and participating in the Canadian Angus green tag program. When you buy your Angus bull, insist on the registration papers, and be sure they are transferred in your name.
Canadian Angus cattle present a balanced genetic profile in terms of calving ease, growth, and quality carcass merit. They are versatile animals that work well in both purebred and crossbreeding programs.
When Canadian Angus bulls are used in crossbreeding programs they contribute to low birth weights, valuable maternal traits, and moderate frame size to replacement heifers.
and the Green Tag Advantage
Visit the Ontario Angus Association website for more information and to find listings of Ontario purebred sales: www.cdnangus.ca/ontario-angus-association
Contact any of the breeders below to arrange for your private viewing of cattle for sale.
Cairnlee Acres
Victor, Yvonne & Andrew Richardson
6193 Walkers Dr, Strathroy, ON Vic Cell: (519) 871-4240
Cambray Livestock Company
Luke, Matt, Joe and Carl Jewell 1153 The Glen Road, Woodville ON 705-934-2853
Fallis Land and Cattle
Mike, Lisa and Cole Fallis 1273 6th Line, Selwyn, ON K9J 6X5 705-740-4878 | sunsetacres@nexicom.net
Gilchrist Farms
Brad & Kristie Gilchrist 1269 Grey Ox Ave RR#5 Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0 519-440-6720 | brad@gilchristfarms.com
Glen Islay Angus
Don Currie
2234 Conc 11, Nottawa, ON L0M1P0 705-715-2234 | doncurrie@glenislay.com
Loval Farms
Scott & Sandra Honey 127 Honey Road, Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0 705-924-3809 | lovalfarms@gmail.com
Harprey Farms
Allan Hargrave/Don Hargrave 307483 Centre Line A Proton Station, ON N0C 1L0 Allan 519-375-5541 | Don 519-375-1500 harprey@gmail.com
Maple Line Farm
Ian & Tim Rudkin 3320 Bradburn Road, Blackstock, On L0B 1B0 Ian 905-718-5331 | Tim 905-213-6518 maplelinefarm@hotmail.com
Meadow Bridge Angus JJ Deslippe 922580 Rd 92 RR # 4, St Mary’s, ON N4X 1C7 519-275-1739 | meadowbridge14@gmail.com
Rob Roy Angus
Don & Betty McNalty 634514 Road 63 RR#2 Singhampton, ON N0C 1M0 705-446-4740 | robroyangus@gmail.com
SCOMAC Livestock
Scott & Elizabeth MacDonald 4169 Highway # 6 Hagersville, ON N0A 1H0 Scott 519-820-1272 | Elizabeth 226-971-0015 scomaclivestock@gmail.com
Silver Springs Farm
James, Joan, Robert and Emily McKinlay 609027 12th Sideroad RR#1 Ravenna, ON N0H 2E0 519-599-6236 | jmckinlay@bmts.com
Tullamore Farms
Bill & Sylvia Jackson 260 Regional RD 39 Zephyr, ON L0E 1T0 Cell 647-990-2697 tullamore.angus@gmail.com
Whiskey Lane Livestock
Scott, Paula, Jason & Shelby Cornish 2295 Hwy 7, Indian River, ON K0L 2B0 705-341-3220 | wll@nexicom.net
Windcroft Farms
Darcy & Courtney McMorris 573333 Boot Jack Ranch Road
Priceville, ON N0C 1K0 226-203-4506 | windcroftfarms@gmail.com
Worth-Mor Cattle
Kyle, Rachel, Jordyn and Mason Petherick 950 County Rd 8 Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0 705-768-3560 | worth-mor@hotmail.com
Triticale growers need to have an adequate herbicide plan in place prior to planting in the fall and ensure that they’re scouting postharvest and after cereal seeding for regrowth or escapes.
Grazing
Winter triticale provides high-quality grazing in the fall, with very low risk to animal health. Since the crop must vernalize before it sets seed, there is no risk of grain overload and rumen acidosis. The same is true if grazing winter triticale established in the spring.
Triticale can be grazed in the early spring; however, more careful attention must be paid to crop development to prevent problems in the livestock. Triticale awns may cause mouth injuries, and as grain fill progresses there is an increasing risk of rumen acidosis.
Nitrate poisoning may be a risk when growing conditions enable triticale to take up nitrogen, but the plant cannot convert it to protein very quickly. Nitrogen moves into the plant roots with soil water, so the rain than ends a dry spell can trigger high nitrate concentrations in the triticale. Nitrates are converted into protein in the leaves, so hail damage or prolonged overcast conditions may slow protein conversion and allow nitrates to accumulate.
Forage Varieties
The Ontario Cereal Crops Committee does not include forage yields and quality in their trials, and there are no independent forage trials in Ontario. Without independent data, forage cereal varieties are not registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This means that triticale is typically sold in branded mixes of two or three unregistered varieties, and the genetics are often unknown. Farmers are encouraged to do their own on-farm trials if they are interested in finding the best forage cereal genetics for their situation.
Final Thoughts
Winter triticale can do an excellent job of filling late fall and early spring gaps in perennial forage production. It requires good agronomic management to achieve yield and quality targets. Forage variety recommendations are not available for Ontario. OB Sources available upon request.
Canadian Feedlot Benchmarking Study Now Underway
By Megan St. Martin and Katie Wood, University of Guelph and Megan Van Schaik, OMAFA
Youmay have noticed quite a few producer-focused surveys circulating over the last number of months requesting your time to gather information about things like animal management, health and nutrition.
These benchmarking surveys are critical to understanding the state of the industry, track progress and identify challenges over time. They allow producers to compare their practices to other operations across Canada and North America, and most importantly help to direct policy, research and innovation, extension activities, and provide critical information to conduct life cycle assessments. Much of this data directly informs policy making, which is why it’s important that the information collected reflects true industry practices. Since these surveys of late are national initiatives, it’s also important that Ontario production practices are well represented so that the unique aspects of eastern Canadian beef production can be captured. Earlier this year, the Canadian Cow-Calf Survey was released and had an outstanding number of respondents from Ontario (well done to Ontario producers!), and recently launched is a similar benchmarking study for backgrounding and feedlot operations.
So, why so many surveys you ask? These important benchmarking surveys are a part of the 23 research projects selected to be part of the $21.7 million in joint funding from the Government of Canada’s AgriScience Cluster program and check-off dollars allocated to Beef Cattle Research Council. This five-year program aims to improve economic and environmental sustainability through the beef supply chain through a variety of research projects.
The Canadian Feedlot Benchmarking Study, led by Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro at the University of Saskatchewan with a team of researchers from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, will be one of first
national studies to create a national benchmark database of feedlot and backgrounding nutrition and management practices. The study includes a survey for feedlot and backgrounding managers to complete, focusing on production practices related to animal management, receiving practices, housing, cattle health, feed management, feed additives and implant programs, and ration composition. The benchmark created from this survey will be used to identify best management practices that increase both efficiency and sustainability of Canadian beef feedlot operations.
What’s in it for you? Each participant will receive a personalized and confidential report of how their practices “stack up” against the Canadian benchmark. This direct feedback will help to identify practices that could improve the efficiency and profitability of the individual participant’s operation.
In the second phase of this project, a few feedlots across Canada will be recruited to help provide feed and fecal samples to support the development of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) fecal calibrations for different feed management practices, cattle performance, and feed sources. This allows us to generate fast and accurate data to improve feed processing, diet formulation, and cattle performance and help bring this technology to on-farm applications. For feedlot operators interested in participating in Phase II of the project, this is a great opportunity to get feed and fecal test results as part of direct and quantifiable feedback on your production practices.
If your feedlot is interested in learning more or taking the survey, scan the QR code to be taken to the study’s website.
TRAINING
Currently offered as a free, live webinar. Please email jaclyn@ontariobeef.com for upcoming
During the training webinar, you will learn about the audit requirements. Operations must have at least six months of records for cow-calf producers and three months of records for feedlots.
ON-FARM AUDIT
Schedule an on-farm audit with a trained auditor coordinated through the national office. Complete any Corrective Action Requests from the audit to successfully become a VBP+ Certified operation.
Complete yearly record requirements to ensure that you are still in compliance with the program. On-farm audits are completed once every five years.
Cow-Calf Management Tour Makes a Stop in Brant and Oxford Counties
By Jaclyn Horenberg, BFO Senior Producer Relations Specialist
Over 80 enthusiastic registrants, plus sponsor representatives, hit the road on September 6th and 7th for our annual Cow-Calf Management Tour. The Brant County Cattlemen’s Association were excited to welcome the group as we travelled throughout Brant and Oxford County over the two-day event.
We started off the tour at the farm of Chris and Yvonne Schaap near Drumbo. Along with their four children, Chris and Yvonne have a commercial cow-calf operation that has grown to about 160 cows since they began in 2014. When they started farming, they were marketing their cattle through a grass-fed program, but have since switched to backgrounding their own calves and they just built a new WeCover barn for finishing cattle. Chris talked about the evolution in the genetics of their cow herd as they have switched from marketing into the grass-fed program. Their new finishing barn has a capacity for 700 head, which will be filled with their own weaned calves, purchased stockers, and some custom feed pens. The group really appreciated the opportunity to see a young couple with enthusiasm and energy investing in the beef business.
The convoy began as we travelled to Norpac Beef in Norwich, where we met with Matthew Heleniak. Founded in 1954 by Marian and Mary Heleniak as a small local abattoir, the business has remained in the family and is now managed by Matthew as the third-generation. Norpac employs close to 60 people, and processes 250-350 head of cattle per week. They focus heavily on exotic breeds, specifically Limousin-influenced cattle, for a high-quality and leaner product that still has the tenderness their customers are looking for. Some of the cattle they process come from their own cow-calf division and custom feeding process which, after its introduction in the 1990s, helped increase consistency and product quality. Matthew spoke to the group about changes to the business over the years that have been required to stay competitive. The importance of carcass utilization was emphasized as they try to find value in new markets for by-products, like blood and tallow. Over the years, Norpac has continued to make it their mission to develop tender, healthy, and high-quality beef, while also adapting to the emerging markets desired by changing end user demands.
Dr. Gabriel Jantzi of Metzger Veterinary Services joined the group at Norpac to do a session on management around calving. Dr. Jantzi discussed preparing the cow for calving - touching on nutrition and ideal body condition score, bull selection, and vaccine options. Next, he talked about newborn calf management including colostrum management, scour protection, antibodies, and ideal timing for vaccine options. The room was filled with insightful questions and discussion amongst producers. Dr. Jantzi encouraged producers to check-out the new Metzger Vet Academy video series that can be found on YouTube.
For the evening reception, the group travelled to the Best Western in Brantford for an Ontario beef dinner and some hospitality. Guests were welcomed to the reception by BFO President Craig McLaughlin and BFO CowCalf Committee Chair Sandra Vos. Following dinner, Steve Sickle, from Bant County, presented on his approach to pasture management and experiences with cover crop use. Steve was candid is sharing his experiences, acknowledging that what works for him on his operation, may not work for someone else. Steve spoke on the importance of learning from each other, which lead in nicely to our next speaker, Jim Whitley from Simcoe County. Jim spoke about the Grazing Network, which was established as part of a five-year research project funded by OMAFA. There are 18 participants in the Grazing Network across Ontario that are a mix of new to experienced grazing managers. The intent of this network is to provide peer-to-peer learning as a way to adopt research results and drive progress on-farm. The group is also working to collect data that will be used to calibrate the rising plate meter so it can be used to measure pasture biomass in Ontario. Jim emphasized the value of working together with other farmers, and the opportunities that it provides to ask questions that lead to
composting. Restoring soil health to the former tobacco/vegetable land through regenerative practices is a priority for Scott and Pamela through practices like no-till planting, the use of cover crops, and the application of composted manure. Scott talked about what they are looking for when sourcing cattle for their feedlot, and the importance of programs like the Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program and Ontario’s Risk Management Program. Having a son and his family recently move back home from Alberta, Scott and Pamela look forward to having the next generation involved in the farm.
On behalf of BFO, we would like to thank all of the participants for making our Cow-Calf Management Tour another success. The farm hosts were incredibly generous to welcome producers to their farm, and to share their production practices and hospitality. Thank you to the speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise. This event would not have been possible without the generosity of the many sponsors who continue to invest in farmers and the Ontario beef sector. We sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make this event possible, and we look forward to next year!
DAVID CARSON AUCTIONS
Stocker Sale featuring Limousins
OCTOBER 21, 2024
CARGILL AUCTION
Stocker Sale featuring Limousins
OCTOBER 25, 2024
JUNIOR LIMOUSIN SHOW
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
OCTOBER 31, 2024
LIMOUSIN SHOW
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair NOVEMBER 2, 2024
EASTERN SHOWCASE
LIMOUSIN SALE
DECEMBER 7, 2024 | Maple Hill Auction Hanover, ON
Contact any of these breeders to arrange for a private viewing of cattle for sale:
3
RIDGE FARMS
Jon Bell 217294 Conc. 3 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5 519-378-4006 roundbale14@hotmail.com
ARCON CATTLE CO
Art Thompson, Jim & Connor Wiley 5174 Concession Road 4 Everett, ON L0M 1J0 Art 705-434-8582 Jim 705-734-7379 arconcattleco@gmail.com
BEE ZEE ACRES
The Zwambag’s 4140 Glendon Drive, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0 Bill: 519-494-9613 Matt: 519-870-3219 beezeeacres@gmail.com
CROWN HILL ACRES
Craig and Michelle Kennedy 258 Sturgeon Rd. Omemee, ON K0L 2W0 705-741-6700 crownhillacres@gmail.com
DARLING FARMS
4172 County Rd 25 Castleton, ON K0K 1M0 905-375-4019 dmdarling13@gmail.com
GIBSON FARMS
Dave and Emily Gibson 2148 Concession 4, RR1, Ripley Ontario N0G2R0 Dave-519-357-6174 Emily 519-440-9907 gibsonfarmstrucking@gmail.com
CLARK CATTLE CO.
David Clark 2280 McCullough Rd. Port Hope, ON L1A 3V7 905-449-0149 clarkcattle1@hotmail.ca
LOYAL LINE LIMOUSIN
Brent and Vicky Black 82509 Loyal Line Goderich, Ontario N7A 3Y3 Cell: 519-955-1234 brentblack204@hotmail.com
SPARE TIME LIVESTOCK
Don & Donna Scott & family Oxford Mills, ON Don: 613-913-1579 Laura: 613-316-8728 sparetimelivestock@gmail.com
HILLSIDE FARMS
Ray and Stacie Stanton 4250 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1K4 416-505-0707 rays@londonproperty.ca
AFTER HOURS LIMOUSINS
Rob & Erin Weppler 117078 Grey Rd. 3 , Tara, ON 519-375-6108 rob@gbtel.ca
LAKESIDE FARM
Wayne and Nancy Lawrence 263657 Southgate Rd. 26 RR#4 Durham, ON N0G 1R0 519-369-2806 lakesidelimo@hotmail.com
RAIL LINE FARMS
Paul and Brad MacIntyre 221 Bruce County Rd. 1 RR #3, Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0 519-528-2423 pcmacintyre@hurontel.on.ca
POSTHAVEN LIMOUSIN #7396 Sideroad #20, RR #2, Alma, Ontario N0B 1A0 John Sr - 519-766-7178 ejpost@posthavenlimousin.com John Jr - 519-831-1869 john@posthavenlimousin.ca
PINCH HILL LIMOUSIN
Paul, Brandon & Chad Homer Stittsville, Ontario Chad: 519-339-9659 Brandon: 613-978-0822 pinchhill@gmail.com
NEW LIFE LIMOUSIN
Justin and Melissa Burgess 261269 Conc. 18 Hanover, ON N4N 3B8 519-270-5415 new.life.limousin@gmail.com
SMART LIMOUSIN
Garry and Sheila Smart 137606 Grey Road 12 RR#2, Meaford, ON N4L 1W6 519-538-4877 www.smartlimousin.com
WINDY GABLES LIMOUSIN
Bryce & Nathan Allen RR #4, Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0 705-924-2583 nathana@alleninsurance.ca
YOUNG LIMO FARMS
Jim and Joe Young 601 Tara Road Ennismore, ON 705 755 6820 young_electric@hotmail.com
ANNA & ELISABETH STUDER 44390 Glenannon Rd Clifford, ON N0G 1M0 519 327-4489 anel.studer@gmail.com
BOULDER LAND & CATTLE COMPANY
Ben Belanger 4510 Hwy 7 RR#1, Omemee, ON 705-875-0020 Blcccattle@outlook.com
BENNVILLE LIMOUSIN
Anita or Greta Haupt 613 Con. 14 RR #1, Hagersville N0A 1H0 Greta: 905-865-2529 haupt@xplornet.ca www.bennvillelimousin.com
SAMMERICH FARMS
Joost & Carolyn van der Heiden 8493 Rd 176, Listowel, ON 519-291-2507 cell 519 292-1171 jcvheiden@hotmail.com
CCA UPDATE Ontario’s Emily Bromley Elected President of Canadian
Youth Council
Submitted by Cailey Church, CCA Youth Leadership Coordinator www.cattle.ca
Witha year under her belt as a member of the Canadian Cattle Youth Council, Emily Bromley of Renfrew, Ontario was recently elected as president of the Council at their annual meeting this past August during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon. Emily is eager and ready to take on the opportunity as the new president for the 2024/2025 year.
The Canadian Cattle Youth Council, a subsidiary of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), welcomes young beef producers from across Canada between the ages of 1840. The vision of the Canadian Cattle Youth Council is to cultivate youthful leadership by exposing delegates to industry policy development, while giving them opportunities to gain experience and bring fresh ideas to the Canadian Cattle Association and Canadian beef cattle industry. The council also strives to be a conduit of information between industry organizations and youth of the beef industry.
Emily grew up on her family’s commercial cow-calf operation in Renfrew County where her passion for the beef industry and youth involvement flourished with the help of the 4-H program and the Canadian Charolais Youth Association. Expanding her knowledge of the agriculture industry, Bromley attended the University of Guelph and has since been working in ag retail while continuing to stay involved with and helping to grow her family’s operation.
With a passion for youth involvement in the industry, Emily taking the next step on the Council and fulfilling the role of president “just seemed like the right thing to do.” She is no stranger to the commitments of sitting on a board as she currently sits on her local board, Renfrew County Beef Farmers, as well as the Beef Farmers of Ontario as its youth representative.
“These boards have been a great source of knowledge as our youth dig deep into matters that are affecting farmers and the industry,” says Bromley.
As president, Emily hopes to be able to continue to attract new entrants and create a platform that allows the next generation of
farmers and ranchers to grow. She believes the Council is a conduit between the next generation of producers and the current board. She believes that by bringing the voice of young producers to the table, youth can help solve problems facing the future of the industry.
Her advice to young producers in agriculture is to jump in and get involved in the industry - there are many great opportunities.
“Whether it be through breed associations, 4-H or local boards, they’re all great networking tools and it’s through these avenues that I truly believe we will make a stronger beef industry.”
For more information about the Canadian Cattle Youth Council and to sign up for a free membership, visit canadiancattleyouthcouncil.ca. Alternatively, contact Cailey Church, Youth Leadership Coordinator, at churchc@cattle.ca.
The opportunities provided to the next generation of beef farmers and ranchers through the Canadian Cattle Youth Council would not be possible without the generous support of our Program Platinum Partner, New Holland, and provincial associations; BC Cattlemen’s Association, Alberta Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Manitoba Beef Producers, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Les Producteurs de bovins du Québec, New Brunswick Cattle Producers, Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers, Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, and the Canadian Cattle Association.
Chelsea Allan Named as Finalist in CYL Program
The Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program is excited to welcome Chelsea Allan of Cumberland, Ontario as a finalist to participate in the 2024/2025 program year.
The Canadian CYL program is a national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattle Association that provides young people ages 18-35 with industry-specific training and mentorship opportunities.
“I am so honored to be chosen as a finalist for the [Canadian] CYL Program,” she said. “I truly think this program is one of a kind and should be considered an industry gold standard when it comes to mentoring, embracing, and empowering young people in the agriculture industry,” stated Allan. “Thank you to CCA and their partners for taking the initiative to create such a well-organized and meaningful program to support the next generation in the Canadian beef industry.”
Chelsea is looking forward to acquiring new skills and knowledge through creating contacts in the program. She is particularly excited about learning how to build resilience and create efficiencies on her own cow-calf to finish operation while prioritizing animal well-being and environmental sustainability. She is happy to share what she learns with other farmers through her network as a large animal veterinarian and with consumers through their direct meat sales business. “I believe
Continued on page 26.
Missing...
From harsh weather to rugged terrain, various hazards can impact the lifespan of your indicators. Factors like vegetation, fencing and feeders can contribute to wear and tear. Increase retention by implementing environmental modifications or choosing an indicator best suited to your needs.
Don’t forget to check the manufacturer recommendations and best practices for the applicator and indicators that you are using. Proper indicator placement is key to increasing retention.
CCIA is led by industry to help you make informed decisions toward traceability to better protect your investment.
LivestockRESEARCH UPDATE
Kelly Somerville Appointed as New CEO of LRIC
By Lilian Schaer for the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation
Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest CEO. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has assumed the role effective September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.
Somerville, a University of Guelph Animal Science graduate, has an extensive background in the beef industry, as well as past roles with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. She also co-owns a small herd of purebred Angus cattle.
“Over the past year, Kelly has impressed us with her passion, drive and vision for the livestock industry, as well as her expertise and ability to build relationships across our industry and beyond, positioning her well to lead this organization into its next chapter,” says LRIC board chair Don Gordon. “LRIC is an innovation organization, and we believe Kelly is an innovative hire who is very reflective of the generational shift in our industry as young, innovative people move into leadership roles.”
Since joining LRIC last year, Somerville has been heavily involved in developing and leading many of the organization’s current projects. This includes the farming innovation tour series to introduce government, academia and industry representatives first-hand to farmers and innovation on livestock farms, the Horizon Series webinars, and the Engineering a Better Farm initiative to help bring engineering expertise and innovation to livestock farming by building relationships with engineering schools at several universities.
She also works closely with LRIC’s membership and with its International Research Advisory Committee and Emerging Trends and Opportunities Committee.
“As an organization, LRIC is on a solid path, with the board and staff fully committed to driving research as a key element in the
livestock innovation cycle. I look forward to building off the existing momentum and continuing the great initiatives currently underway,” says Somerville. “This includes our GRIP (Getting Research into Practice) roundtable coming up this fall, which will be the next step in our ongoing efforts to get research from the lab into the barn.”
Somerville got her start in the livestock industry showing beef cattle in 4-H in her pre-teen years, and has been involved with various cattle organization boards, including the Ontario Angus Association and Canadian Junior Angus Association. OB
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. This article is provided by LRIC as part of its ongoing efforts to report on research, innovation, and issues affecting the Canadian livestock industry.
that the skills I acquire through this program can help make me a better farmer, a better veterinarian, and a better Canadian beef cattle advocate,” she stated.
After participating in the selections process at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August, Allan has already been amazed at the connections she has formed so far. As being selected as a program participant, she is most excited about meeting and learning from all the people she will encounter in her time as a mentee and commented,
“Everyone I meet can teach me something different or provide me with a perspective I had not yet considered – and for that I am grateful.” Chelsea, along with the other 15 program participants, will be paired with a hand-picked expert this fall for a nine-month mentorship in their specified area of interest where the mentor and mentee will set out goals they wish to achieve during the program. Additionally, each program participant will be granted a travel budget to fund participation in numerous industry events and learning opportunities.
For information on the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders, visit www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca. Alternatively, contact Cailey Church, Youth Leadership Coordinator, at churchc@cattle.ca.
The opportunities offered to the next generation through the Canadian CYL Program would not be possible without the generous support of its Platinum Partners, McDonald’s Canada and Cargill, Foundation Partners MNP, New Holland and Elanco, and Gold Partners Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, and RBC Future Launch. OB
PLL 13L - He sells!
LHY 5K - He sells!
PLL 15L - He Sells!
GF Emerald 55K - Daughter sells!
LHY 3L - He Sells
Coleman Donna 8255 - Genetics Sell!
CanadaBeef was pleased with the results of a recent segment in the ongoing Pick the Beef with the Leaf campaign that targeted consumers in the Toronto market and featured the familiar faces of a few Ontario beef producers and popular influencers to spread the message of sustainable beef production.
CANADA BEEF UPDATE Pick the Beef with the Leaf
By Gina Teel, Manager, Stakeholder Communications, Canada Beef
The campaign involved billboards, an insert in the Globe & Mail and Canada Magazine, and an influencer initiative that was supported by in-house social media digital marketing on all platforms. The placement of the two billboards on major Toronto highways during the Canadian National Exhibition 2024 plus a good construction traffic jam provided an unanticipated additional opportunity to attract attention to the campaign’s key messages.
The billboards had an estimated reach of 160,000 impressions of a six-second static digital billboard spot on the Gardiner Expressway from August 26th to September 1st, and 100,000 impressions on the second placement.
A featured ad appeared in the Globe & Mail magazine insert, and the digital and print ‘Canada’ magazine. Distribution included 50,000 printed hard copies with 32,000 printed copies inserted into the Globe & Mail weekday edition (Ontario) delivered across the province plus 18,000 printed copies inserted into the National Post (GTA delivery only). Beef producers let staff know how happy they were to see this ad placement.
Beef Farmers of Ontario’s 2018 recipient of Ontario’s The Environmental Stewardship Award, Sandra Vos, was a featured guest on Maddie & Kiki LIVE in September, and they featured the link to her We Love What We Do short video in their program description.
For the We Love What We Do segment of the main campaign, Canada Beef worked with Chime agency to promote five producer videos on Meta (which includes Facebook and Instagram) for a sixweek period this summer. The objective was to drive traffic/visits to the Pick the Beef with the Leaf web pages.
The results for this segment of the campaign included 3.38 million impressions and surpassed the anticipated Click-Through-Rate (80K) to achieve 138,817. The top performing video featured Alberta beef producer Tom Thompson, with the videos from Ontario’s Vos and Canadian Cattle Association’s Ryder Lee vying for second and third place on the most-watched video list. The results were impressive given that the video creative demanded much more of people’s attention versus tempting imagery of delicious food.
In September, Canada Beef published the backgrounder, Red Meat/ Beef Consumption in Canada. The document, which examines the protein intakes of adult Canadians, found that contrary to entrenched misinformation in the public space, Canadians are not over-consuming red meat and protein.
Canada Beef commissioned Statistics Canada to provide information on the amount of protein adult Canadians consume based on the most recent national Canadian Community Health Survey. The results confirmed that many adult Canadians are not reaching their protein threshold needs, especially seniors. In fact, the results show almost one-third of Canadians aged 65 plus (32.5 per cent) ate less protein than the current recommended daily allowance (RDA) recommendation, the minimum daily goal, and the numbers were lower for women than men. These findings debunk the assumptions that Canadians overconsume red meat and protein.
Canada Beef seeks to publish the results in journal articles for health professional and policy maker reference and to build new resources.
The Canadian Beef Information Gateway is being used to scan packages at retail stores across Canada and is now gaining the capability to scan barcodes on packer box labels.
The first to implement this latest feature is Harmony Beef in Balzac, Alberta, who will be using the scanning feature to help end users learn more about their products.
Customers can access the Harmony Beef edition of the Gateway (Harmony Beef Gateway) with the browser of a smartphone to scan the barcode of boxed beef sub-primals.
Once the application activates the smartphone’s camera, the user is granted access to photos, specifications, videos, nutritional information and recipes for the portioned beef cuts derived from the beef subprimals available on the Harmony Beef Gateway.
The tool enables packer customers to access useful information about their beef products for the Canadian market, information that can also be utilized in training of associates to improve awareness and knowledge of available beef products.
Packers who wish to utilize this new feature of the Wholesale Gateway need to register their barcodes with Canada Beef. Additional features such as 3D viewing of beef cuts are also coming close to launch.
For more information on the Wholesale Gateway or to register a barcode, please contact Mauricio Arcila by email at marcila@canadabeef.ca
October marks the one-year anniversary of Canada Beef President Eric Bienvenue joining the organization. It’s also the month when the business planning process for the next fiscal year commences.
Canada Beef will continue to create value for producers for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026 and beyond. The leadership team looks forward to working collaboratively with the Market Development and Promotion (MDP) committee chair and members in what will be Bienvenue’s first business plan under the mandate of Canada Beef’s revised Mission, Vision, and Values statement developed in
participation with our 28 international and domestic staff in June:
Mission: To create value for producers and the entire beef value chain through impactful and innovative marketing solutions to enhance demand, experience, and awareness.
Vision: Position Canadian beef as the protein of choice, appreciated worldwide, to maximize the return on investment for producers, partners, and customers.
Values: Authentic, Accountable, Collaborative, Knowledgeable, Respectful.
These are the guiding principles that will both anchor and drive Canada Beef’s efforts going forward.
For detailed information on domestic and international market initiatives to increase demand for Canadian beef while ensuring the maximum value for producer dollars, please subscribe to Canada Beef Performs and follow Canada Beef on LinkedIn. OB
Take a look at these dams of some of our HERD BULLS that will be available during MARCH 2025.
Watch for details for Online Spring Bull Sale or come look at bulls as we develop them this winter.
This Ain’t Texas: An Experience for Content Creators
By CCA’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement Staff
Haveyou noticed the recent mainstream popularity of western fashion, country music and romanticized aspects of a rural lifestyle? Maybe it’s due to the hit series Yellowstone, or perhaps it’s Beyonce we must thank. Either way, the trendiness of all things ‘western’ is an opportunity that the Canadian beef sector can capitalize on – and so, the concept of a full day ‘Ranching Experience’ for content creators was born.
Content creators were sourced through an agency, who also managed communication and logistics leading up to the event. Creators applied for the chance to participate and selections were made based on the demographics of their following, the focus of their account and their content offering. Those chosen were from Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, with audiences ranging across Canada, and their accounts focus on topics like food, travel, fashion and lifestyle.
The exclusive experience started with a shopping event held at a new Lammle’s Western Wear store in Calgary. The 12 content creators were ‘suited and booted’ to play the part, thanks to a generous shopping budget provided by Lammle’s. The event fell on the hottest day of the summer up until then, so cowboy hats were not only fashionable but functional.
From Lammle’s, the group took a chartered coach to the foothills and spent the bulk of the day on a ranch near Nanton, Alberta. Our hosts were fourth generation ranchers Rachel and Tyler Herbert, who proudly keep sustainability at the heart of their ranch. One content creator described the Herberts as ‘glowing with passion for what they do’ as they shared the story of their business, its history and their hopes for its future. Trail’s End Beef’s idyllic location and the Herberts’ ability to be tremendous spokespeople on behalf of the Canadian beef community made for the perfect ranch to visit.
A long-table lunch in a barn was expertly prepared by Chop Steakhouse’s Executive Chef Stephen Clarke using Trail’s End Beef’s patties. Following lunch, creators were broken into groups where they rotated through interactive stations including learning about raising beef cattle; meeting ranch horses and hearing about how they’re used for cattle handling; a roping demo and chance to try their own hand at it; and lastly, a visit to the on-farm store. The activities provided simultaneous content creation and learning opportunities, and despite the heat, enthusiasm was high.
Following the hands-on activities, a reprieve in the barn was welcome with refreshments and a screening of Guardians of the Grasslands. The Herberts’ daughter, Avery, then gave a riding
demonstration that had creators raving about the teen’s grit and the family’s dedication to working together.
From there, everyone loaded back into the bus for a short drive through the Porcupine Hills to Trail’s End Beef’s summer pasture. The rolling hills were ablaze with wildflowers, and the expansiveness of the native prairie was something most of the creators had never experienced. Here we met up with representatives from Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada who spoke about the importance of the grassland ecosystem for wildlife habitat and as a natural climate solution. All 12 of the creators mentioned in their content that the grassland ecosystem is more endangered than rainforests or coral reefs, and that Canada’s beef producers play a critical role in conserving what is left, demonstrating the impact of this message.
Rounding out the day was a dining experience at Chop, which presented the group with a tasting menu of dishes featuring Canadian beef. Executive Chef Stephen Clark described why he loves showcasing Canadian beef on Chops’ menu, as well as the importance of the restaurant’s Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) membership. We shared stories, laughs and more insights into the Canadian beef industry.
Seeing the content roll out from ‘The Ranching Experience’ has been a highlight for all involved. Each content creator approached the experience and what they learned from a slightly different angle. Some are humorous, some are more factual, and others went above and beyond sharing more than they initially committed to based on sheer interest and excitement about the day.
The Ranching Experience project was led by Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE), a national check-off funded program of the Canadian Cattle Association, which aims to build public trust in the way beef cattle are raised in Canada. Representatives from PSE, Canadian Cattle Young Leaders and CRSB were in attendance on the tour, and a ratio of about one industry representative to one content creator led to great discussion and questions throughout the day. We thank Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada for sharing their expertise as well as partners Lammle’s Western Wear, Chop Steakhouse and Trail’s End Beef, each of which was integral in the well-roundedness and appeal of the experience.
To build on the success of this project, the PSE team has had some preliminary discussions with the BFO team to offer a similar experience in eastern Canada next year. OB
FARM & FOOD CARE ONTARIO
Connecting Community and Agriculture: FFCO’s
Breakfast on the Farm Draws 2,500 to
Perth County
OnSaturday, September 14, 2024, over 2,500 guests gathered at Hillmanor Holsteins outside Dublin, Ontario, for Farm & Food Care Ontario’s (FFCO) highly anticipated Breakfast on the Farm. Hosted by the Louwagie family, who have managed this farm since 1960, the event provided a unique opportunity to bring non-farming community members to a modern farm for a day of experiential learning.
By Jessica McCann, Farm & Food Care Ontario
Hillmanor Holsteins, welcomed guests to tour their state-of-the-art barn. The family proudly showcased their commitment to animal comfort and care, sharing, “We built this barn with all the best and newest ideas of how to take care of the animals as best we could.” The farm demonstrates how Ontario’s farms are thriving in the modern age by seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
The day was filled with excitement, learning, and appreciation for Ontario’s farming community. Attendees were greeted by friendly volunteers who answered questions and shared their love of farming throughout the barn. Many visitors expressed newfound admiration for local farmers, with one attendee remarking, “I will never complain about the price of local food again,” while another noted, “This event exposed so many to the newest advances in farming and the pride all who have chosen this profession feel about their career choice.”
The event’s impact was amplified by the participation of over 50 partners and commodity educators, supported by more than 200 dedicated volunteers. Ontario beef was well represented with a breed display of Speckle Park cattle kindly provided by JC Cattle Co. The cattle exhibit was located adjacent to the booth of the Beef Farmers of Ontario, where staff were available to answer visitors’ questions about raising beef cattle in Ontario.
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees praising the experience. Comments such as, “The volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable” and “We learned so much... I loved seeing how well the cows are cared for” emphasized both the educational value and the lasting positive impression of the day.
This event fostered appreciation for Ontario’s farming community and sparked conversations about the importance of supporting local agriculture. For information on future Farm & Food Care Ontario events or for more information on the work the organization is doing, please visit www.FarmFoodCareON.org
Culinary Students Visit MurrayHill Farm
FFCO and BFO teamed up again in September to host an educational farm tour for Centennial College’s baking and culinary students. The day featured three diverse farm stops, complemented by a delicious lunch from a local farm market.
The day’s first stop took students to MurrayHill Farm, a purebred Limousin farm located near Blackstock in the Durham Region. Students had the chance to personally meet owners Denise and Jeff Byers, ask questions, and get a close look at the pasture-raised cattle. Dan Ferguson from BFO also joined the tour to go over the basics of beef production in Ontario and help answer questions. MurrayHill also showcased its on-farm market, and the Byers family shared their exciting plans for a new market space opening soon.
Next, the students visited White Feather Farms, where they saw egg-laying hens in enriched colony housing and the egg grading facility. The final stop of the day brought them to Algoma Orchards, Canada’s largest family-run apple orchard and processing business.
These farm tours continue to start essential conversations and foster connections with the next generation of chefs and culinary professionals. One student shared, “I gained lots of information about Canadian farming; I saw the modern equipment that keeps the workers safe and keeps the costs down”. Another stated, “It’s beneficial to know how these farms work when in the culinary industry.” OB
AsFOCUS ON HERD HEALTH
By Jacques van Zyl, DVM, Metzger Veterinary Services
Identifying Pneumonia in Newly Arrived Feedlot Cattle
we enter the fall, most feedlot producers will be starting to gear up for the arrival of calves into their feedlots. With the entry of all these calves and the turn of the weather, unfortunately, pneumonia treatment rates will soon start to climb. Pneumonia, often referred to as bovine respiratory disease (BRD), continues to be a major health challenge for feedlot operations and the leading cause of treatment in feedlot calves. Along with animal welfare concerns, treatment costs add up and calves that suffer from a bout of pneumonia never perform as well as their pen mates who were never treated. A critical element in successful BRD treatment is timely identification and intervention. As such, identifying and initiating appropriate treatment in calves with pneumonia is an important part of a feedlot’s overall health management plan.
Pneumonia can occur at any stage in the feedlot but generally occurs seven to ten days after a stressful event, such as weaning and trucking, with most treatments occurring within the first three weeks after arrival at the feedlot. Detection of sick cattle can be more of an art than a science. Identifying calves with pneumonia is generally done by someone walking pens and visually identifying sick animals. This can be difficult as cattle are generally only examined for a short period of time and can be hampered by their natural instincts to hide clinical signs of illness to avoid detection by their prey. Moreover, the cues we look for in cattle are subtle. If cattle are exhibiting obvious signs of illness, it’s likely well into the course of the pneumonia and a significant portion of lung may already be affected.
When walking pens, it is incredibly important to take time to examine the pen before you enter. This is something that can’t be stressed enough. If the pen checker is in a hurry and cattle are running around, identifying cattle that may be ill will be very difficult. Walking pens right after cattle have been fed allows cattle to be up at the bunk and may aid in the identification of animals who are off feed. When walking a pen, move slowly as not to get cattle worked up and pause periodically to listen and observe the cattle. Move through pens consistently and thoroughly, being sure to get cattle up. If you see groups of cattle, slowly walk towards them to disperse them. It’s not uncommon to have a large group around a water bowl and notice one animal walking in the opposite direction of the crowd. Often, this individual is compromised and looking to hide.
Pneumonia in cattle is caused by a combination of different viruses and bacteria. Diagnosing pneumonia is usually done through a combination of clinical signs rather than identifying the exact cause of the pneumonia. Although this can impact treatment success, practical and effective means of identifying the exact cause of a pneumonia remains impractical in most situations.
When deciding what to look for to identify a calf with pneumonia there are a few scoring charts available online. These include the Wisconsin Calf Health Scoring Chart or the California Scoring Chart. The important thing is being objective and consistent, which can be difficult if there are multiple people checking cattle. A scoring chart may help alleviate differences between pen checkers. When I work with farms, I tell pen checkers to use the acronym DART.
Continued on page 34.
Let me explain:
1. Depression: A depressed/dull calf appears tired or less active than usual. This behavioral change is often one of the first signs of illness. A calf that is not moving around, standing apart from the herd, or showing a general lack of interest in its surroundings may be suffering from pneumonia or another health issue.
2. Appetite: A reduction in appetite is a significant sign of illness. Calves with pneumonia often eat less than healthy calves. This decrease in feed intake can be due to discomfort, difficulty breathing, or a general decline in well-being. Monitoring feeding behavior and noticing any reluctance to eat or drink should raise concerns about potential respiratory (or other) problems. Studies that have looked at feed intake as an early predictor of pneumonia showed that cattle went up to the bunk less and ate less per meal up to seven days before the animal was visibly identified as sick with pneumonia.
3. Respiratory Rate: An increased respiratory rate is a key sign of pneumonia. Normal respiratory rates for calves’ range between 20 to 40 breaths per minute. Calves with pneumonia may exhibit elevated breathing rates, often accompanied by labored, shallow or noisy breathing.
4. Temperature: Elevated body temperature is a common indicator of infection. Calves typically have a normal rectal temperature between 101.5 and 102.5°F (38.6-39.2°C). A temperature above 103.5°F (39.7°C) suggests fever, which is often associated with pneumonia, particularly in the early feeding period. Regular temperature monitoring is essential, especially for new arrivals and those showing other signs of illness. Although it is far from perfect, rectal temperature tends to be the most objective measure we have on farms. It is important to have an accurate and working thermometer to use for these situations.
When performed by skilled pen checkers, visual identification has a sensitivity of approximately 62 per cent and a specificity of 63 per
cent. This means that out of 10 calves that have pneumonia, you will be able to visually identify approximately six of them as being sick. If you pull 10 animals that you have identified as sick, approximately six will truly have a pneumonia. This means that with visual identification we are missing approximately four in ten pneumonias and overtreating four in ten pneumonias. These are rather dismal numbers with some studies showing a sensitivity ranging from 28-71 per cent.
As mentioned previously, the above clinical signs are not completely specific to pneumonia but disease in general. An animal suffering from other illness may show similar signs. To improve accuracy, after identifying an animal you believe to have pneumonia, a confirming test can be performed. This can include listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, blood tests or nasal swabs. Logistically this is tough as it requires time and expertise and is therefore rarely performed.
Technology continues to improve and provide options to producers in the field of disease identification. These include but are not limited to ear tags, neck collars or ankle collars that measure the animal’s activity, temperature and ruminations. There are a few technologies on the market or soon to be coming. Discussing all the differences, as well as the pros and cons of different technologies to aid in feedlot disease diagnosis would exceed the capacity for this article. Talk to your veterinarian to discuss what technology is available and what may be a benefit for your operation.
In a perfect world we would only treat the sick animals and leave the healthy animals, but detection of sick feedlot calves, whether sick with pneumonia or something else, remains a difficult task. Regularly discussions with your veterinarian to develop protocols on identifying and treating sick cattle on your farm is an important step in maintaining the health of your animals. Auditing these protocols and pen-checking procedures prior to the fall run will also help ensure everyone is on the same page before things get too busy. At the end of the day it, there is no substitute for spending time in the barn watching your cattle. OB
Changes to Ontario Licenced Dealers List
Now Licenced
Abattoir & Meat Packer
Parkhill Meats Limited
Now Licenced
Country Dealers
Masen Way
No Longer Licenced
Abattoir & Meat Packer
11261991 Canada Inc. HM Halal Meats
Weltin Meat Packaging Inc.
Hilts Butcher Shop Ltd.
No Longer Licenced
Country Dealers
Henry Poortinga Livestock Ltd.
Wright Livestock (Randy Wright)
Donald Glavin
South East Livestock Ltd.
Country Dealer Updates
Willowtree Farm updated to: Willowtree Farms Inc.
Mangan Team Farms updated to: Mangan Team Farms Limited
Bill Wood Livestock updated to: Bill Wood and Terri Wood
Deklein Livestock updated to: Deklein Livestock Ltd.
The Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program is administered by Agricorp. The listing of licensed dealers is updated regularly and the complete listing can be found on the Agricorp website. OB
TotalMARKET INFORMATION UPDATE
By Jamie Kerr, Market Analyst for Canfax and BFO markets@ontariobeef.com • www.ontariobeef.com
cattle and calves in Canada as of July 1, 2024, were down 1.4% to 11.9 million head. This is the smallest inventory since 1987. The Canadian beef cow herd was down 2.3% from last year to 3.5 million head. Beef heifers kept for breeding were up 0.8% to 586,000 head. Steers over one year old were 0.7% higher than last year to 1.6 million head, however heifers for processing were 1.5% lower at 858,300 head. Total yearling supplies (steers + heifers) were steady with last year. Calves under one year old were 3.8 million head, down 2.4% from last year.
Canada’s cattle herd may be entering a period of consolidation. Beef cow liquidation was occurring until late spring when moisture conditions improved in the west in May. Smaller beef cow processing volumes since then point to the possibility of a shift in the cattle cycle.
In Ontario, total cattle and calves were 1.2% higher than last year, at 1.62 million head. Ontario’s beef cow herd declined 0.9% to 223,000 head, while beef replacement heifers were up 3% to 37,700 head. Ontario’s dairy herd saw a 1.2% increase to 324,500 head, but a 0.4% decline in replacement heifers to 144,400 head. Ontario’s female beef herd (cows + heifers) was down a slight 0.4% from last year and down 4.4% compared to the five-year average. In contrast, Ontario’s female dairy herd (cows + heifers) was up a modest 0.7% from last year but down 1.4% from the five-year average.
Steers over one year old were up 3.3% to 334,300 head. Slaughter heifers were also up 3.3% to 126,500 head. Calves under one year old were up 0.6% to 409,100 head. Larger year-over-year supplies may limit some of the upside potential in the Ontario fed market in 2025.
The Ontario railgrade market strengthened in July and August, pushing above $251/cwt in August, 5% stronger than last year and 35% stronger than the five-year average. Ontario fed prices moved to a slight $1/cwt premium over Alberta fed steers, from an $8/cwt discount in July. Ontario fed cattle trade have ranged $243-245/ cwt during the first half of September, down $7/cwt from August. Profit margins in both July and August were estimated to be positive after eight consecutive months of negative margins.
In the ten weeks after the resumption of processing at the Cargill Guelph plant, fed processing volumes were 4% higher than last year, but 5% below the five-year average for the same period. From the third week of July to the second week of August, processing volumes were 9-16% higher than last year. Over the most recent four weeks since, processing volumes averaged 5% smaller than last year and 10% smaller than the five-year average for the same period.
With the Cargill labour strike in June there was potential that Ontario feedlots would get backlogged. However, fed cattle were shipped into western Canada and the U.S. to manage supplies. Fed cattle exports into the U.S. from Ontario were well above both last year and the five-year average. Between May and July, fed exports were 32,500 head, up 130% from last year and up 350% from the five-year average. Non-fed exports were 14,300 head, up 79% from last year and up 33% from the five-year average.
Feeder volumes sold through auction marts were seasonally light between June and August, at just over 34,000 head. This is down 6% from last year and down 10% from the five-year average. Auction volumes were lower in both June (-25%), and August (-8%), but were partially offset by an increase in July (+31%). Between June and August, all classes of Ontario feeder steers found tailwinds, with new all-time highs established for all classes of feeder steers and most classes of feeder heifers. In August, steers under 700 lb were 23-27% stronger than last year and 75-82% stronger than the five-year average. Steers over 700 lb were 7-18% stronger than last year and 53-89% stronger than the five-year average. Heifers were 23-31% stronger than last year and 71-82% stronger than the five-year average. Moving into the fall run, most classes of feeder steers and heifers have run into some headwinds.
Cull cow volumes sold through auction marts between June and August were just shy of 21,000 head, down 22% from both last year and the five-year average. Ontario cull cow prices have benefitted from a strong lean trim market, driven by smaller cow processing in both Canada and the U.S. Ontario D2 cows averaged $172/cwt in August, 26% stronger than last year and 69% stronger than the five-year average. Similarly, to the fed and feeder markets, cull cow prices have seen some price correction since the beginning of August. In August, Ontario D2 cows were at a $15/cwt discount to Alberta D2 cows and a $12/cwt discount against US D2 cows.
Continued on page 36.
The special fall stocker sales are slowly getting underway across the province.
We have many options to help producers track current pricing, all free of charge. You can access current market information by visiting www.ontariobeef.com. Market results are posted the next day under Auction Markets - Individual Auction Market Reports. A noon report is posted daily with updates from sales in progress that day. Daily and weekly reports are also posted by 5 p.m. with
information on the sales of the day, other markets and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange closing figures. The daily report is available on our website or by email and fax. Every Friday afternoon, our weekly report is also available on our website, by email and fax, or by regular mail. If you are interested in receiving any of the reports by email, fax or mail please call the office 519.824.0334 to make arrangements. OB
CATTLE EXPORTS-ONTARIO
Week ending Sept. 7, 2024 Week ending Aug. 31, 2024
BEEF EXPORTS – CANADA (AAFC)
LIVE CATTLE – CANADA (AAFC)
BEEF PRODUCTION – CANADA (AAFC)
BEEF IMPORTS – CANADA (AAFC)
CALENDAR Ontario Beef Industry Events
October 19 – Blue Water Angus Sale, Cargill
October 20 – RPCC & Guests Fall Gala 8th Annual Production Sale, Glencoe
October 21 – David Carson Auctions Stocker Sale featuring Limousin, Listowel
October 25 – Cargill Auction Stocker Sale featuring Limousin, Cargill
October 26 – 24th Annual Cream of the Crop Blonde d’Aquitaine Sale, Campbellford
October 26 – Platinum Picks Charolais Female Sale, Colborne
October 26 – Walnut Drive Farms Hereford Production Sale, Listowel
October 31 – Ontario Hereford Association Futurity and Junior Show, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
October 31 – Junior Limousin Show, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
October 31 – OYCSA Showmanship, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
November 1-10 – Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ontario
November 2 – Eastern National Hereford Show, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
November 2 – Limousin Show, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
November 3 – Simmental Show, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
November 6 – National Blonde d’Aquitaine Show, Edmonton
November 8 – Hereford and Angus Influence Stocker Calf Sale, Brussels
November 9 – Dudgeon Cattle Company and Guests 10th Annual Top Cut Commercial Heifer Sale, Hanover
November 16 – Ontario Shorthorn Association “Fall Classic Sale”, Hanover
November 16 – Leahy Select Bull and Female online Simmental Sale, Duoro
November 16 – Kern Simmentals and Marywood Breeders Group Simmental Sale, Listowel
November 16 – Cattlemen’s Choice Female Sale, Hoard’s Station
November 20 – Healthy Calf Conference, Hosted by the Veal Farmers of Ontario, Stratford, Ontario
November 26-27 – OFA Annual General Meeting, Delta Hotel Toronto Airport & Conference Centre
December 7 – Eastern Showcase Limousin Sale, Hanover
December 30 – Premier & Guests Falls View Production Sale, Listowel
January 9-11 – Beef Industry Convention, Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn, London. beefindustryconvention.com
January 30 & February 6 – Virtual Beef Symposium
February 18-20, 2025 – BFO Annual General Meeting, Delta Hotel Toronto Airport and Conference Centre
and Connie Clarke and Family
Chatham Street South, Blenheim, Ontario N0P 1A0
and Marketing Manager Hugh M. Ross: 519-365-4026 hugh.clarkeffi@gmail.com
VIRTUAL BEEF SYMPOSIUM
SAVE THE DATE! MARK
Thursday, January 30, 2025
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET
Thursday, February 6, 2025
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET PRESENTED BY
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO PRIVACY STATEMENT
The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of producers’ personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Subscribers to Ontario Beef magazine, the official publication of the Beef Farmers of Ontario, do so on a voluntary basis. By subscribing, subscribers are consenting to have their contact information used for the purposes of receiving the magazine and developing an BFO mailing list.
This mailing list will be used for the distribution of the BFO magazine.
The BFO will not sell, trade or otherwise share its Ontario Beef mailing list under any circumstances. A service may be provided whereby items are submitted to the BFO and mailed internally with the magazine but all materials must be approved by and acceptable to the BFO. In rare instances where external, non-commercial organizations, like the provincial or federal government, wish to use the Ontario Beef mailing list to distribute information, the government must provide their mailing materials in a finished format to BFO and/or its mailing house. BFO will then coordinate the mailing, at the requesting organization’s cost, thus maintaining confidentiality of the list. In cases where the BFO may commission a mailing, the company providing the service is required to sign a mandatory confidentiality agreement.
Subscribers to the Ontario Beef mailing list who wish to have their names removed, should call 519-824-0334 or email info@ontariobeef.com. Please allow 15 business days to allow us to update our records accordingly.
BFO’s complete privacy statement, covering areas of information including the electronic update system, Website, membership list and market information can be viewed on its Website at http://www.ontariobeef.com/privacy.asp
WELLNESS ON THE FARM
Information provided by Lesley Kelly, Farmer and Co-Founder, Do More Agriculture Foundation
Cultivating Gratitude on the Farm
Gratitudecan be a powerful tool for resilience in the face of uncertainty and stressful situations. The weather and economic factors on the farm are some examples that can have a significant strain on our mental health. Meanwhile, the benefits of gratitude can help in those stressful situations and enhance areas of our lives, from our professional and personal relationships, our business, to our sense of fulfillment.
of community and helping others during hard times. Random acts of kindness can be small and may only take a moment. For example, an illness or death strikes a family during harvest, a convoy of neighbours and their combines will help get the crop off. Or if fire strikes and burns down a barn, community members will donate supplies, their labour and time and help to rebuild.
Gratitude can be understood as both a state of being and a personal trait. Ultimately, it’s a form of appreciation, whether it’s being thankful for a specific situation or a wider life perspective. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people recognize the source of goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to people, nature or a higher power.
Studies have shown that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude can be an effective tool both on and off the farm because it helps us feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve our health, deal with adversity and build stronger relationships.
People feel and express gratitude in many ways. They can apply it to the past (retrieving positive memories and being thankful for past blessings), the present (not taking good fortune for granted), and the future (maintaining a hopeful and optimistic attitude). Regardless of when, where or the current level of someone’s gratitude, it’s a quality that individuals can successfully cultivate further.
Ways to cultivate gratitude on the farm:
Through acts of kindness: One of agriculture’s strengths is sense
By showing gratitude to others: Showing gratitude can provide a boost to your mental health. Saying ‘thank you’ to employees and teammates can inspire them to do the same for someone else. Expressing gratitude to friends and family can often feel more difficult to do. Rather than a simple ‘thank you,’ you can tell someone you are grateful for them doing something specific and what that means to you. This helps you be grateful for what they have done and also the person themselves, growing your sense of gratitude.
By showing gratitude to yourself: Thinking of and sharing positive traits that make yourself unique and special, whether it’s your personality, qualities, your actions can lead to positive self-talk and an increased self-esteem.
By counting your blessings: Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings, which can be done at home, in the office or even in the cab of a tractor, and reflect on what you are grateful for. As you write, be specific and think about what you felt when something good happened to you.
Through meditation or mindfulness: Meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgement. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as peace or ‘I am…, I feel…, I see…”), you can also focus on what you’re grateful for (the warmth of the sun, the drizzle of rain, the breeze, a pleasant sound, etc.).
By turning negatives into positives: One way to practice gratitude is by changing our perspective, or to try to see things through a different lens. It isn’t a cure for negative emotions but helps us be honest with our feelings and what we are going through. Asking yourself questions like:
• Is there a silver lining to this?
• Is there a different way to look at this?
• What can I or have I learned through this?
• What can I be thankful for in this situation?
These questions can help turn the negative into a positive and help us through stressful situations.
It’s not easy to practice gratitude when you don’t feel like it, and it’s perfectly normal that you don’t feel over-the-moon blessed when you’re going through hard times. But you can be sad and disappointed about the problems you’re facing and feel grateful for the things that are going well at the same time. In fact, positive feelings like thankfulness can help you deal better with the inevitable negative ones.
Practicing gratitude may seem elementary, but it is extremely powerful and effective and simple everyday practices can help overcome any obstacles in your way. OB
Ontario Simmental Association
FALL 2024 SALES WHAT’S HAPPENING
Check out the upcoming Fall Sales for Quality Simmental genetics to propel your program
Ontario Simmental Solution Sale
October 5 ~ Listowel, ON
Future's One Simmental Sale: Edition 15
October 5 ~ Listowel, ON
IRCC Quality Control VIII Female Sale
October 6 ~ Indian River, ON
Koyle/Stewart/Miller 2nd Annual Online Sale
October 7 ~ Iona Station, ON
Stars of the Valley Simmental Sale
October 19 ~ Metcalfe, ON
RPCC & Guests Fall Gala 8th Annual Production Sale
October 20 ~ Glencoe, ON.
Royal Winter Agricultural Fair Toronto, ON
October 31 ~ OYCSA Showmanship Show 9:00 AM
November 3 ~ Simmental Show 8:30 AM
Dudgeon Cattle Co. & Guests 10th Annual Top Cut Commercial Heifer Sale November 9 ~ Hanover, ON
Marrywood Simmental Breeders Group Sale November 17 ~ Listowel, ON
Leahy Livestock 4th Annual Online Simmental Sale
November 17 ~ Douro-Dummer, ON
Premier & Guests Falls View Production Sale
December 30 ~ Listowel, ON
Like
an
Extra Hand When You Need It Most
You know that pulling and treating sick cattle early helps provide better outcomes. Merck Animal Health technology solutions, like our upcoming SenseHub® Feedlot monitoring system, will help make you even more efficient and accurate at the work you do every day.
Scan the QR code for more information and cattle health resources.