Consistent winters in the North, although colder, are easier on cattle than inconsistent weather conditions
By Leslie Bowman, University of Guelph Agricultural Communications Student, for Farms.com
Northern Ontario’s Great Claybelt is being expanded to provide additional farmland for the province’s beef farmers, through the anticipated release of Crown land.
The Beef Farmers of Ontario have developed a plan to encourage beef producers to move to the North. The organization aims to emphasize the economic benefits in the North and the unique opportunity for young beef producers. This long-term investment could remove some of the pressure on Southern Ontario, where new farmland is scarce.
“With the proper supports, we believe access and cultivation of the available and untapped lands in Northern Ontario will help reverse the decline in Ontario’s beef production and increase jobs and income for families in Northern Ontario,” says LeaAnne Wuermli, Communications Manager at the Beef Farmers of Ontario.
This leadership expressed by the Beef Farmers of Ontario shows the faith the group has in the future of the North. The organization recognizes the opportunity and benefits there.
For example, adequate moisture provides ample ability to grow forage for cattle. The consistent winters in the North, although colder, are easier on cattle than inconsistent weather conditions. The infrastructure and large amount of land is available for larger operations and larger blocks of land closer together. All this, and land is cheaper, too. Seemingly, it is a definite opportunity to grow Ontario’s beef herd in the North.
However, some challenges are present such as the much colder winters, meaning more energy is required for the cattle. There is also a further distance to market because cattle need to be transported farther from cow calf operations to get to feedlots or feeder sales.
“Everything has its pros and cons, but this expansion overall has a good impact on the North and provides opportunity for farmers,” says Brad Noyes, a beef producer in the Temiskaming area who moved from Southern Ontario 14 years ago to avoid urban pressure and to make the most of the larger land base.
Will other farmers like Noyes have their interest in the North piqued? The next steps will be to have producers follow through with the move, which will determine the future of this project.
As a young girl, Leslie Bowman enjoyed helping out on her family’s beef and cash crop farm in Temiskaming. Today, she spends her days at the University of Guelph studying Crop Science -- with graduation just around the corner. As an agriculture agvocate, Leslie knows the importance of getting the agriculture story across. As a beef enthusiast, she enjoys exploring the advancements and exciting happenings of the Canadian Beef Industry. This article is part of Leslie’s course work for the University of Guelph agricultural communications course, instructed by Prof. Owen Roberts.
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