Testimonials
Ontario Cattlemen's Association
Welcome to the 14th Annual Beef Industry Convention. The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is a proud sponsor of this event that continues to impress all attendees with its exceptional program and opportunity to network with fellow producers and industry professionals in the beef business.
OCA continues to collaborate with the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association to whom, as an organization, we have committed $350,000 in funding towards the Ontario Corn-Fed Beef Program in 2011. Our hope is that by working together we can contribute more effectively in improving the long-term competitiveness for our Ontario feedlot producers and all our members.
Unarguably, OCA’s greatest achievement in 2011 was the announcement and establishment of the Risk Management Insurance Program for all non-supply managed commodities in Ontario. This was a huge win for Ontario agriculture and after months of hard work, determination and collaboration we are now able to see the program at work for producers. We understand that this, like any new program, will require changes and improvements to provide producers with the best risk management tool possible and your board is committed to making a good program better.
After a number of years requesting a much needed increase to the Feeder Cattle Co-operative Program, in July of 2011, the Ontario government provided an increase in the level of support from $80 million to $130 million to the Ontario Feeder Cattle Co-operative Program. This increase will ensure continued support for our cattle feeder sector in Ontario and provide the resources to help young farmers establish themselves in the cattle industry.
With Ontario as the second largest beef producing province in Canada, the Ontario Corn-Fed Beef Program was developed to provide a high-quality, premium branded, beef program for the Ontario marketplace. My fellow OCA Directors and I were encouraged to hear that in July of last year Canada’s largest grocery retailer, Loblaw, introduced the Ontario Corn-Fed Beef brand in over 150 grocery retail stores in Ontario. With retail sales exceeding expectations, this is a great opportunity to grow and strengthen our entire beef industry and OCA commends the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association for their perseverance.
In closing, I would like to mention to all producers that it is important that you attend your local county cattlemen’s association annual general meetings. These meetings, held in January, provide our provincial association with feedback and direction for the coming year. Your active participation would be greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the OCA Board of Directors, I wish the Ontario Cattle Feeder’s Association a successful 14th Annual Beef Industry Convention and it has been a pleasure serving you as President of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association.
Pfizer Animal Health
Again this year, Pfizer Animal Health is pleased to be a platinum sponsor of the 14th Annual Beef Industry Convention.
The Pfizer team welcomes the opportunity to meet with colleagues and industry partners to gather the latest information on new products and technologies as we enjoy some social time together, celebrate the previous year, and recharge our batteries for 2012.
The challenges in today’s beef industry continue. Strong management skills and key decisions are needed to make it work across the entire production chain. Whether it is raising a healthy calf crop, sourcing strong reputation calves to go on feed, finishing quality animals for harvest, or procuring retail space for branded product like Ontario Corn Fed Beef, top notch management skills are called upon. We at Pfizer are confident the Ontario industry possesses those much needed skills and abilities and is the primary reason why Pfizer supports this industry and enjoys the relationships with the people dedicated to its success.
As a sign of our ongoing support, Pfizer Animal Health will, once again, host Cattleman’s College the evening of Thursday, January 5. We welcome all to attend where I will be pleased to give an update on effective vaccination programs and the impact they have made over the last 10 years.
We look forward to seeing you again and enjoy the conference!
Randy S. Graham DVM
Senior Manager, Veterinary Services – Cattle
Pfizer Animal Health
Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health draws on the strength of Intervet and Schering-Plough. It is the second largest animal health company in the world, built on innovation and focused on meeting the challenges of the industry.
Merck Animal Health is proud to continue its tradition of being a Platinum sponsor, now for the 14th Annual Beef Industry Convention.
With a sound pipeline, Merck Animal Health has been able to offer one of the broadest portfolios of innovative products covering the prevention, treatment and control of diseases in the cattle industry. These products include:
- Resflor® - the only dual-action BRD treatment enhanced with the combination of an antibiotic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
- Revalor – XS® - an implant which delivers trenbolone acetate and estradiol with a specialized coating formula for delayed and prolonged release.
- Vista® Vaccines – modified live respiratory and reproductive vaccines.
- Zilmax® - from a category of feed ingredients that will increase rate of weight gain, increase carcass leanness and improve feed efficiency in finishing steers and heifers.
Merck Animal Health values the opportunity to not only sponsor this conference but also the opportunity to network with all facets of the cattle industry. We are honored to have been a key sponsor of the Annual Beef Industry Convention since its inception fourteen years ago.
As a company, Merck Animal Health looks beyond simply providing products. Our portfolio is augmented and updated continually as we drive new innovations – products, technologies and services – to better support your industry – the cattle industry in Ontario. |
