At the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) in Toronto, delegates overwhelmingly approved a $1.50 boost to the national portion of the beef cattle check-off, with 92% voting in favor. Pending regulatory approval, this adjustment will raise the federal levy per head from $1.00 to $2.50, bringing Ontario’s total check-off fee to $7.00 per head, up from $5.50.
This funding increase aims to help BFO manage financial pressures linked to inflation and stagnant market growth. It will also enhance support for the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association in overseeing the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program and expand investment in the Ontario Beef Market Development Program. On a national scale, the higher check-off aligns Ontario’s rate with the rest of Canada, reinforcing investments in research and consumer outreach under the National Beef Strategy.
During the meeting, BFO’s Board of Directors confirmed Craig McLaughlin as president and Jason Leblond as vice president for 2025. New board members include Nicholas Martin, who will represent the feedlot sector, and Denise Byers, taking on the role of southern director. Martin, replacing Joe Dickenson, operates a cow-calf-to-finish farm on Manitoulin Island, while Byers, succeeding Ron Stevenson, runs a similar operation in Durham Region. Returning board members include Don Badour and Kim Jo Bliss.
The two-day gathering attracted nearly 400 attendees, featuring keynotes from Tim Hudak on advocacy strategies and Dr. Jody Carrington on mental wellness and connection. A panel discussion explored traceability requirements under the upcoming Livestock Identification and Traceability Amendments. Additionally, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Francis Drouin, delivered remarks at the annual banquet, where guests enjoyed an Ontario Corn Fed Beef dinner provided by St. Helen’s Meat Packers.
