The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) has approved a $1.50 increase to the national portion of Ontario’s mandatory provincial beef check-off, bringing the total to $7.00 per head effective November 1, 2025.
Of this amount, $2.50 per head will go to the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off Agency, while the provincial portion of $4.50 will continue to support the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO). The increase applies to all individuals and entities who sell, collect, or remit fees under Regulation 54 of the Beef Cattle Marketing Act.
The proposal to raise the national check-off received strong backing from producers, with 92 per cent of BFO delegatesvoting in favour during the organization’s 63rd Annual General Meeting in February. The Ministry formalized the increase in September 2025, marking Ontario’s first adjustment to the national portion since 2008.
BFO says the change reflects the need to sustain services and advocacy rather than expand them. The increase will help maintain programming, support collaboration with policymakers, and ensure Ontario remains aligned with other provinces already contributing $2.50 nationally.
“This adjustment helps ensure we can continue to represent our members effectively and maintain strong collaboration with national partners,” BFO said in a statement.
The additional funding will maintain BFO programs and services, strengthen support for the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA), and expand the Ontario Beef Market Development Program, jointly managed by BFO and OCFA. At the national level, the increase will contribute to research, consumer trust, and public engagement under the National Beef Strategy. The adjustment also helps offset inflationary pressures and financial constraints from flat cattle marketings.
Ontario’s beef check-off system dates back to 1968 and has supported industry research and promotion for over five decades. The mandatory national check-off, introduced in 2008 at $1.00, replaced earlier voluntary contributions to national programs. The new $7.00 total — consisting of $4.50 provincial and $2.50 national portions — ensures Ontario producers continue to contribute equitably to both provincial and national initiatives supporting the future of Canada’s beef industry.
Effective Date: November 1, 2025
Total Check-off: $7.00 per head
Provincial Portion: $4.50 to BFO
National Portion: $2.50 to Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off Agency
