The Weigh and Trim Program is an effective tool in developing and maintaining consistent standards and credibility in settlement for the sale of beef cattle on a live or dressed weight basis in Ontario. This program has been funded under a partnership between the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) since January 1986.

Ontario’s weigh and trim inspector, Bill Lowe, has a mandate to monitor sales barns and slaughter plants for compliance under several acts and regulations. These acts include the Beef Cattle Marketing Act, the Livestock Community Sales Act, the Livestock and Livestock Products Act, the Farm Products Grades and Sales Act, the Food Safety and Quality Act and the Canadian Agriculture Products Act (beef grading).

Lowe works in the Policy and Audit Services Unit of OMAFRA’s Food Inspection Branch, reporting to program manager Dr. Robert Vanderwoude.

In 2005, Bill Lowe traveled 55,121 kilometres across the province to:

• Conduct 43 inspections in federal and provincial slaughter facilities, monitoring compliance with carcass weigh and trim requirements and advising on required procedures that also meet hygienic dressing requirements; and,
• Conduct 118 inspections in licensed livestock auction markets monitoring the weighing of live animals, disease control and proper handling of livestock from an animal welfare perspective.

In addition to conducting inspections, Mr. Lowe provided assistance and advisory services to various stakeholders, organizations and Ministry programs in the livestock and meat industry, including the OCA Checkoff Inspector and the Beef Financial Protection Program. He completed audits for the 42 licensed sales barns and trained six new Lay Inspectors for lay inspection at livestock auction markets. There are now over one hundred approved Lay Inspectors trained to assist the appointed veterinarians at sales. This is an on-going program for updating and training new inspectors.

Lowe also made 26 sale visits with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).

ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2006 INCLUDE:

• Maintaining current compliance advisory and enforcement.
• Continue assisting other program staff and the meat processing industry in advisory and enforcement activities to ensure a safe food supply.
• Training of more Lay Inspectors at sales yards.