expanding

68 Pages·2015·7.7 MB·English

E X PA N D I N G
Ontario’s Beef Industry
2015
ANNUAL REPORT
Who We Are
Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) represents over 19,000 beef farmers in Ontario and is the leading organization in Ontario
working with all beef farmers to develop and support landmark achievements that move Ontario’s beef industry
forward sustainably and profitably. BFO is involved in a wide range of issues and initiatives that are important to all
stakeholders within Ontario’s beef industry which include industry sustainability, trade, animal health and care,
environment and food safety.
Table of Contents
2014 Board of Directors and Representatives ................................................................................................... 1
Message from the President.................................................................................................................................2
BFO Past Presidents ............................................................................................................................................. 3
2015 Advisory Council ...........................................................................................................................................4
BFO Staff...................................................................................................................................................................5
Executive Director’s Report...................................................................................................................................6
BFO Reports
Government Relations...........................................................................................................................................7
Programs In Review................................................................................................................................................8
Communications...................................................................................................................................10
Research & Innovation........................................................................................................................................12
Feeder and Breeder Co-operative Programs.................................................................................................14
Feeder and Breeder Co-operative Programs - Administrators....................................................................15
Market Information and Industry Statistics......................................................................................................16
Industry In Review
Beef Cattle Research Council...........................................................................................................................28
BIO...........................................................................................................................................29
Canada Beef Inc..................................................................................................................................................30
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association..................................................................................................................31
Canadian Cattle Identification Agency...........................................................................................................34
Farm & Food Care Ontario..................................................................................................................................35
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation.................................................................................................36
Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association...............................................................................................................37
Ontario Veal Association....................................................................................................................................39
Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Fund..............................................................................................40
BFO Financial Reports
Audited Financial Statements............................................................................................................................41
2015 Preliminary Budget....................................................................................................................................55
AGM Sponsors and Tradeshow Exhibitors
AGM Sponsor Ads................................................................................................................................................57
AGM Tradeshow Exhibitors................................................................................................................................63
AGM Sponsors......................................................................................................................................................64
Increasing the cow herd in Ontario will strengthen and
grow our industry.
2014 Board of Directors
Standing (Left to Right)
Arden Schneckenburger - At-Large; Steve Eby - Feedlot; Joe Hill - Feedlot; Cory Van Groningen - South;
Gerald Rollins - Cow-Calf; Rick Hobbs - East; Tim Fugard - At-Large
Sitting (Left to Right)
Tom Wilson - Feedlot; Vice President, Matt Bowman - North; President, Bob Gordanier - Cow-Calf;
Past President, Dan Darling - Cow-Calf; Rob Lipsett - Backgrounder
Photo Not Available
Garnet Toms - Eastern Director (Nov. 2014 - Feb. 2015)
2014 Representatives
Beef Cattle Research Council Feeder Finance Co-operative Program Ontario Corn Fed Beef Inc.
Matt Bowman Steve Eby Bob Gordanier
BIO Financial Protection Adjudication Board Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Rick Hobbs Bill Herron and Paul Sharpe Rob Lipsett

Canada Beef Inc. Forage Insurance Steering Committee Ontario Forage Council
Arden Schneckenburger Steve Eby Rob Lipsett

Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Ontario Livestock Medicines Committee
Matt Bowman, Dan Darling, Bob Gordanier, Joe Hill Steve Eby

and Tom Wilson
Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council Presidents’ Council
Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Matt Bowman Bob Gordanier
Steve Eby
Ontario Livestock and Poultry Council
Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef BFO Staff
Bob Gordanier
Tim Fugard
Toronto Stock Yards Land Development Board
Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program
Farm & Food Care Ontario Tim Fugard
Tim Fugard, Joe Hill and Tom Wilson
Gerald Rollins
1 I Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual Report 2015
Increasing the cow herd in Ontario will strengthen and
grow our industry.
Message from the President
Bob Gordanier
It has been a very challenging year as President Expanding the cow herd in northern Ontario is another pathway to
of the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) and one with strengthening and growing Ontario’s beef industry. What lies ahead of us
quite a pace. I have met a lot people that I believe in 2015 is tremendously exciting for our industry. BFO is well positioned,
will help move our industry forward and that will a result of the intensive undertaking of a feasibility study that revealed
provide new opportunities for our farmers. that expansion of Ontario’s cow herd in the north is doable and very
much needed, to creating an implementation plan that will see growth
Leading up to and during an election year, I had a for our industry for years to come. It has been said “Opportunity never
bird’s eye view of how government works and many arrives. It’s here!” With the developed interactive financial model, support
opportunities to meet with key politicians and bureaucrats on issues and through government policy and programs, new private equity financing
initiatives that matter to Ontario’s beef farmers. Through meetings and options, and access to Crown land at an affordable price, beef farmers
encounters with government, we have been able to keep BFO’s priorities at – young and emerging, new to the business, or experienced and ready
the forefront. Priorities such as maintaining the Risk Management Program to expand – can take our industry to a whole new level of strength and
as a workable program for farmers, increasing the loan limits for Feeder stability. Forging stronger relationships with government, with mentors, and
Finance, enhancing Breeder Finance, the need for federal/provincial/ with community resources is just as critical to the viability of this expansion
industry partnerships in the development of an effective safety-net program, project. I encourage you to learn more about this initiative, to ask questions,
and opening of doors for global reach of our product. Together with the to get to know what tools and avenues you have access to, and to uncover
BFO Board of Directors, and with the support of our grassroots membership, the potential around you for growth, leadership, succession planning, and
we effected an increase in the provincial check-off fee by $1.00 enabling marketing your product.
us to maintain delivery of our current programs at current levels, and we
launched a new initiative leading us to pursue new avenues for growing I believe this will be a momentous year for the province of Ontario as the
Ontario’s beef industry. expansion of the province’s beef industry is one of the keys to, as the
Premier stated in her mandate letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and
Throughout the numerous, sometimes laborious steps needed to implement Rural Affairs, supporting the growth of the agri-food sector and ensuring the
these and future changes for Ontario’s beef industry, the value of working sustainability of agriculture and developing rural economies. I look forward
on existing industry and government relationships and building new ones to continuing to work with Minister Leal and the OMAFRA staff together with
truly became clear to me. It is this collaborative approach combined with the provincial government in our endeavours for industry growth and jobs
recognizing and embracing opportunities that present themselves to inform, in Ontario.
to discuss and debate, and to find solutions and overcome barriers to
our forward motion that makes my job as BFO President challenging but As I reflect on this past year, I am reminded of what makes the Beef Farmers
interesting and rewarding. It is also a critical pathway to success: building of Ontario the way it is. It is the strength of the Board of Directors, the
bridges before we cross them. capabilities of the BFO Executive Director and staff, and the steadfastness
of our grassroots producers. It is a complete team and a strong team. I
A great testimony to the hard work that has been carried out on behalf am amazed at how often I am told – by industry colleagues, by government
of Ontario’s 19,000 beef farmers and to the value of check-off dollars is officials and staff, and by other provincial organizations – how well BFO is
the Report Card that was developed by BFO that highlights some of our run, and how engaged our grassroots membership is in the initiatives and
achievements over the past five years. Activities such as establishing the direction of the organization. I love hearing this feedback and I am proud to
Risk Management Program, a much needed business tool for farmers; be a leader of such a great organization.
enhancing the Feeder Finance program and exploring new financing options
for the Breeder Finance program both vital to the growth of our industry; I am looking forward to the year ahead, and I welcome conversations and
continuing to support the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program, a premium brand ideas that will help expand Ontario’s beef industry.
for our product that is drawing increasingly more attention and demand
from consumers thanks to the fantastic job Jim Clark and his team have
done over the years in developing this unique program for Ontario beef; and
continuing to identify and develop future leaders of our industry through our
BUILD Leadership Development Program are all pathways to strengthening
and growing Ontario’s beef industry.
Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual Report 2015 I 2
BFO Past Presidents
1963 Bruce Mehlenbacher, Haldimand 1987 Hugh Sharpe, Lennox and Addington
1964 Ross Beattie, Simcoe 1988 Robert Gregson, Elgin
1965 George Morris, Kent 1989 Jim Magee, Oxford
1966 Harvey Ackert, Bruce 1990 David Whittington, Peterborough
1967 - 1968 Walter Beath, Ontario County 1991 Glenn Coultes, Huron
1969 Vern Kaufman, Oxford 1992 Doug Gear, Dufferin
1970 Lawrence Markusse, Lambton 1993 Robert Kerr, Kent
1971 Hugh Grace, Lanark 1994 Ken Summers, Victoria
1972 Tom Jackson, Peel-Halton 1995 Harvey Graham, Durham East
1973 Stewart Brown, Elgin 1996 Dale Pallister, Grey
1974 Grant Burroughes, York 1997 Linda Barker, Haldimand
1975 Clarence Hardy, Middlesex 1998 Bob Dobson, Renfrew
1976 Ronald Oswald, Bruce 1999 Darlene Bowen, Temiskaming
1977 Archie Etherington, Huron 2000 Stan Eby, Bruce
1978 Alex Connell, Wellington 2001 Dick van der Byl, Glengarry
1979 - 1980 Morley Shepherdson, Temiskaming 2002 Mike Buis, Kent
1981 Gus Lask, Ontario County 2003 - 2004 Ron Wooddisse, Wellington
1982 Tony Noorloos, Lambton 2005 - 2007 Ian McKillop, Elgin
1983 Robert Chapple, Kent 2008 - 2009 Gord Hardy, Middlesex
1984 - 1985 Gerhard Schickedanz, York 2010 - 2011 Curtis Royal, Simcoe
1986 Edgar Wideman, Waterloo 2012 - 2013 Dan Darling, Northumberland
3 I Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual Report 2015
2015 Advisory Council
COUNTY NAME TOWN PHONE EMAIL
ALGOMA Will Samis Iron Bridge [phone] [email protected]
BRANT Brian Cochrane Paris [phone] [email protected]
BRUCE Steve Thede Port Elgin [phone] [email protected]
COCHRANE Jason Desrochers Val Gagne [phone] [email protected]
DUFFERIN John Stirk East Garafraxa [phone] [email protected]
DUNDAS Rose Stewart Winchester [phone] [email protected]
DURHAM Stan Found Courtice [phone] [email protected]
ELGIN Dug Aldred West Lorne [phone] [email protected]
ESSEX Kris Nelson Cottam [phone] [email protected]
FRONTENAC Dave Perry Harrowsmith [phone] [email protected]
GLENGARRY Ian Howes Apple Hill [phone] [email protected]
GRENVILLE Kim Sytsma Athens [phone] [email protected]
GREY Don Hargrave Maxwell [phone] [email protected]
HALDIMAND Wilbert Rowntree Cayuga [phone] [email protected]
HALIBURTON Bryan Barlow Minden [phone] [email protected]
HASTINGS Dale Grant Stirling [phone] [email protected]
HURON Harvey Hoggart Clinton [phone] [email protected]
KENORA Roger Griffith Oxdrift [phone] [email protected]
KENT Frank Byrne Chatham [phone] [email protected]
LAMBTON Debbie Coke Dresden [phone] [email protected]
LANARK Don Badour Perth [phone] [email protected]
LEEDS Blair McDonald Seeley’s Bay [phone] [email protected]
LENNOX/ADDINGTON Moe Street Yarker [phone] [email protected]
MANITOULIN Chris Noland Spring Bay [phone] [email protected]
MIDDLESEX Jamie O’Shea Granton [phone] [email protected]
MUSK/PS/EAST NIP. Klaus Wand Powassan [phone] [email protected]
NIAGARA Jason Koudys Port Robinson [phone] [email protected]
NORFOLK Robert Peacock Simcoe [phone] [email protected]
NORTHUMBERLAND Glenn Dorland Brighton [phone] [email protected]
OTTAWA Reg Campbell Ashton [phone] [email protected]
OXFORD John Kaufman Woodstock [phone] [email protected]
PEEL/HALTON John Adema Georgetown [phone] [email protected]
PERTH Murray Brodhagen Brunner [phone] [email protected]
PETERBOROUGH Edgar Cornish Indian River [phone] [email protected]
PRESCOTT Geordie MacLaren Vankleek Hill [phone] [email protected]
PRINCE EDWARD Tina Hiddink Bloomfield [phone] [email protected]
RAINY RIVER Kim Jo Bliss Emo [phone] [email protected]
RENFREW Craig McLaughlin Foresters Falls [phone] [email protected]
RUSSELL Raymond Lalande Saint-Pascal-Baylon [phone] [email protected]
SIMCOE Doug Shelswell Hawkestone [phone] [email protected]
STORMONT Jamie Clark Cornwall [phone] [email protected]
SUDBURY/WEST NIP. Adrian Verhoeven Massey [phone] [email protected]
TEMISKAMING Greg Seed New Liskeard [phone] [email protected]
THUNDER BAY Jason Reid Thunder Bay [phone] [email protected]
VICTORIA Alex Cameron Woodville [phone] [email protected]
WATERLOO Mike Edwards Millbank [phone] [email protected]
WELLINGTON Rob Unsworth Harriston [phone] [email protected]
WENTWORTH Ken Mills Puslinch [phone] [email protected]
YORK Ted Taber Stouffville [phone] [email protected]
Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual Report 2015 I 4
BFO Staff
DAVE STEWART RICHARD HORNE KATIE DETTMAN
Executive Director Manager of Policy and Issues Policy Advisor and Research
x 233 x 234 Coordinator
[email protected] [email protected] x 226
[email protected]
CATHY GOLUBIENKO JACKIE PIERCE LEAANNE WUERMLI
Executive Assistant Office Manager Communications Manager
x 228 x 231 x 230
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
AMBER MCINTYRE JAMIE GAMBLE BETHANY STOREY
Accountant Market Information Coordinator Communications Coordinator
x 222 x 235 x 224
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
DAN FERGUSON CHERYL RUSSWURM ANDY MILLAR
Manager of Producer Relations Provincial Supervisor: Check-off Inspector
905-375-8551 Ontario Feeder & Breeder 519-827-5446
[email protected] Co-op Programs [email protected]
519-367-5590
[email protected]
CATHY LASBY CHRIS ATTEMA
BFO Contract Employee BFO Contract Employee
Ontario Beef Advertising Manager Water Quality Specialist
519-763-8833 905-386-0272
[email protected] [email protected]
5 I Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual Report 2015
Executive Director’s Report
Dave Stewart
Our Annual General Meeting program this year is focused beef system for the province. We are ready to work in full collaboration on this project
on expanding Ontario’s beef industry. More than two years with our government and we are eager to get started.
ago, during their strategic planning process, BFO’s Board
Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP)
identified that a shrinking cow herd and decreasing supply
BFO and the leaders of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition (OASC) continue
of locally-produced beef in the province was one of the
to work with the provincial government towards an affordable balance between the
issues that needed to be addressed. The Board recognized
needs of both government and producers which can be a win-win for both. Our primary
that this decline poses a direct threat to the survival of
concern is to ensure that the program is maintained and continues to be offered to
processing plants in the province and to the sustainability
beef producers.
of Ontario beef farming. Since then, we have been exploring new avenues for growing
Ontario’s beef industry. The Beef Cattle Reference Committee also continues to meet with the provincial
government to monitor and adjust the implementation of the program. BFO is grateful
BFO’s Vision
for the time and effort each of the Committee members have quietly dedicated on
The vision for our organization is helping to foster a sustainable and profitable beef
behalf of beef farmers.
industry and have Ontario beef recognized as an outstanding product by our consumers.
For that reason, BFO assembled some of the best minds in the province to determine BUILD Leadership Development Program
if expansion of beef production in northern Ontario was economically feasible or not. In the fall of 2014, the BFO Board of Directors approved funding to offer a condensed
BUILD Leadership Development course in northeastern Ontario. This training program is
Cow Herd Expansion in Northern Ontario
delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute and is designed for beef farmers to develop and
Our best thinkers and marketing consultants, with input from northern Ontario farmers,
improve the leadership skills of existing and potential leaders of BFO. The northeastern
took a fresh look at the beef cow-calf business in Ontario utilizing the best research
session is targeted for the spring of 2015.
results we could find. One of the objectives of this analysis was to determine the
feasibility of a Premium Northern Beef System that would be a meaningful component A visionary group of leaders for our industry is essential to plan for and carry out the
of Northern Economic Development which would i) be profitable and sustainable growth strategies of our organization, and supporting this program demonstrates our
for decades, ii) attract new entrants, expansion and new investment, and iii) scale Board’s commitment to developing future leaders.
the northern herd beyond 100,000 head. This new beef system is to be designed to
Increase in Check-off
enhance the relevance and sustainability of the entire Ontario beef system.
Voting delegates at last year’s BFO Annual General Meeting overwhelmingly endorsed
The findings and accompanying economic model that was developed from this study (77%) a proposed increase of $1.00 to the provincial portion of the check-off raising the
demonstrate that northern expansion is both economically feasible and required to total check-off per head from $3.00 to $4.00. The approval of the check-off increase
support Ontario’s current beef industry infrastructure including processing sectors. was formalized by the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission on August 19,
2014 and the increase took effect on November 1, 2014.
In Numbers
For long term sustainable, efficient farm operations, we require contiguous land base BFO developed a Report Card that outlines how BFO has used producers’ check-off
of approximately 2,500 acres per farm. This is not economically available in southern dollars over the last five years and how we continue to use check-off dollars responsibly.
Ontario as land is too expensive. Given the new global market reality, new climatic
BFO Staff
conditions, new technology, new sources of capital, and provided there is affordable
I am very pleased to announce that our great staff continues to be a strong, cohesive
access to Crown land, long-term northern beef production will be economically
team working hard to bring value to your check-off dollars. To increase the effectiveness
feasible and sustainable. Adding 100,000 cows to Ontario’s herd will contribute 4,500
and coordination of BFO’s efforts to promote the interests of our producers, Richard
permanent jobs to the province of Ontario, $318 million value-added GDP per year, and
Horne assumed the newly created position of Manager of Policy and Issues. He also
a $600 million revenue stream from transfer of Crown land. Adding 30 economically
is the staff lead for the Feedlot Committee. Katie Dettman assumed responsibility for
viable farms per year for the next 20 years generates more than $3 billion in economic
the Research file, the Nominations Committee, and the Cow-Calf Committee. To reflect
activity for northern communities.
these responsibilities more fully, Katie’s title is Policy Advisor and Research Coordinator.
Planning to expand Ontario’s cow herd requires tremendous collaboration. The
Looking Ahead
Premier’s ongoing commitment to growing the industry and to finding ways to expand
The BFO Board of Directors and staff will continue to work with government and with
the agricultural footprint in the north is critical. The support and cooperation amongst
municipalities to refine the strategy required to move from planning to implementation
all contributing government ministries, endorsement of local municipalities, promotion
of the northern cow herd expansion project. We will also continue to lobby for adequate
by industry leaders, and access to external capital are all vital components for this new
financing programs for beef farmers, both existing and new to the industry.
Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual Report 2015 I 6
Expanding the cow herd by 100,000 animals will add more than
4,500 permanent jobs and more than $318 million value-added
GDP per year for the province.
Government Relations
Shortly after Beef Farmers of Ontario’s 2014 AGM, BFO’s President Bob provincial guarantee - so it is a no-cost request of the government to amend
Gordanier attended a pre-budget consultation hosted on February 26th by the Order in Council to effect this change. We are hoping for good news
Finance Minister Charles Sousa. Bob underscored the value and importance on this shortly.
of the Risk Management Program (RMP) to Ontario’s beef farmers and
Members of the BFO Board of Directors were able to meet separately with
requested that the Minister give the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
nine Cabinet Ministers, each of whom has expressed strong support for the
the flexibility to work with commodity organizations to find solutions to the
cow herd expansion project. BFO’s President also attended the Premier’s
RMP that will achieve an affordable balance between the needs of both
Summit on Agri-Food on November 27th at which the northern cow herd
government and farmers.
expansion initiative was a topic of conversation.
In his presentation to the Minister, Bob also expressed the importance of
We continue to work with the provincial government to ensure Ontario’s Risk
expanding the cow herd in northern Ontario which would create jobs and
Management Program is maintained and continues to be offered to beef
generate income for the Province, the value of BFO’s community sourced
producers. In 2014, the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition (OASC)
agriculture initiative creating a direct link between farmers and urban
reviewed in depth, with great assistance
consumers, and the significance of raising
from OMAFRA staff, RMP redesign options
loan limits for the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan
and other program models to determine
Guarantee Program and improving the Beef
“When the legislature is the most effective option for which to utilize
Breeder Finance Program – all of which are co-
the $100 million RMP funding envelope
dependent and vital to strengthening Ontario’s not sitting, it is a golden
which impacts the program’s overall
beef industry. opportunity for beef farmers
effectiveness. After a year of discussions,
Minister Sousa presented the budget in the to meet with their local MPPs OASC and OMAFRA determined RMP to
Legislature on May 1st. Both PC Leader Tim be the most effective program design for
in their own constituency
Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath Ontario farmers. Through this review, it also
stated that their parties would not support to talk about issues and became clear that the requirement that all
the Ontario Budget and very quickly Premier RMP participants also enroll in AgriStability
initiatives that are important
Wynne announced a June 12th election. On was doing more harm than good, given
July 2nd, having won a majority government with to their own operations and cuts to the AgriStability program and other
38% of the votes and 59 seats (27 for PC, 21 to the beef industry as a challenges with the way it is currently
NDP, 0 GRN), Premier Wynne re-introduced the operating. With government support, the
whole.”
budget that triggered the election. We were linkage between AgriStability and RMP will
able to glimpse the government’s priorities be removed in 2015.
as Premier Wynne’s mandate letters to her
When the legislature is not sitting, it is a
Cabinet Ministers were made public for the first
golden opportunity for beef farmers to
time in Ontario. BFO expressed its gratitude to
meet with their local MPPs in their own
Premier Wynne and to Agriculture, Food and
constituency to talk about issues and
Rural Affairs Minister Jeff Leal for the Provincial
initiatives that are important to their own
Government’s commitment to work with farmers
operations and to the beef industry as a whole. Our hope is that most of
on a visionary plan to bring Crown and private northern land into agricultural
you have done so as that is what moves politicians to action: hearing what
development. The mandate letter, provided to the Minister of Agriculture,
matters most to their constituents.
Food and Rural Affairs by the Premier, made it clear that this is a priority of
the Provincial Government. Nationally, together with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, BFO
Directors and staff travelled to Ottawa in April and November to meet with
Because of the interruption caused by the election, progress on some of
Ontario MPs and political staff of all parties to discuss the major issues facing
our initiatives, especially on our outstanding request to increase the loan
the beef industry. The Directors and staff impressed upon the politicians
limits for Ontario’s Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program, has not been
the need for federal/provincial/industry partnerships in the development
rapid. The program’s history is pristine - there has never been a draw on the
of an effective safety-net program, one that works for Ontario. Plans are
7 I Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual Report 2015