The OCA Sharecost Program is one of my favourite OCA programs for two reasons: One: It puts check-off dollars back in producers hands to promote beef and provide education 2: It’s a good news story and fosters good relations with OCA members. Basically, it’s gratifying to see the efforts made by so many of our county associations to promote the beef industry (Consumer Education) and engage farmers in learning opportunities (Producer Education) that can ultimately benefit their own operation, and the industry as a whole. These projects are over and above any provincial initiatives taken on by OCA as an organization…and some of those efforts are projects to be proud of.

I believe that there’s much to be said about putting in your own time and effort to benefit others. And, on the county level, there’s a lot of great work being done to that end. That’s why OCA funnels a few extra dollars to counties who have shown extraordinary creativity in their county initiatives.

Kent

This year, first prize in OCA’s Best Project Competition (and $500) goes to Kent County Cattlemen’s Association for the “Buis Beef Ranch”, part of the Round the County Agri-Tour” a self-guided event held on September 13, 2009.

As Mike Buis writes: “This was a family day out on the ranch with something for everyone. [The event offered] a visit to the stable to pet the horses and enjoy free pony rides along with many photos. We had an activity centre for kids set up to colour and learn fun facts about beef and farming. Our guests enjoyed a free bbq burger and refreshments as they visited on the lawn. The store was open with recipes an opportunity to buy homegrown beef direct from the farm.

“For young and old alike the highlight was a wagon tour of the pasture.An antique John Deere tractor took load after load of visitors out to the field. On the way, we explained the ”unique to a beef farm“ machinery that was on display. Finally, we stopped in the pasture alongside the cow calf pairs and watched them graze happily in the lush green grass. We talked about modern beef production and answered many questions. The wagon ran full ,non-stop for six hours. Family friends and local cattlemen (identified with black hats and t-shirts ) cooked burgers, did tours and rides, answered questions and most important put a friendly caring face to beef production. Almost 600 people enjoyed the day and still talk about how much fun it was.”

The event also garnered press coverage in local papers, and was sponsored by many local businesses and radio stations.

Lennox and Addington

Kudos and $250 also go out to our second prize winners – Lennox and Addington Cattlemen’s Association for their contributions to the local Hay Day.
Local beef farmers work to ensure that beef used at the barbecue is procured from within 100 miles of the region. At a cost of $5.00 for a locally-prepared beef or veggie burger, drink and local corn, Hay Day is designed to be an affordable outing for the entire family.

A new interesting game at the fair this year was Cow Pie Bingo. Like the name implies, fencing is put up in the street and marked off with squares of chalk. You buy squares to play and then they bring in a couple of cows. If they drop their “cow pie” on your square, you win $250.

Other highlights of this year’s event included a petting farm for kids, hay rides, backhoe basketball, a literal needle in a haystack game, displays by local artists and artisans, farm machinery, home baking and the 100 mile beef and veggie barbecue.

Cochrane

Winning the $100 third prize, was the Cochrane County Cattlemen’s Association for their sponsorship of the Homemakers Recipe Contest at each of the four fairs within their district. The contest rules state that Ontario beef must be the main ingredient and that the recipe should be a “meal in one”.

Cochrane District cattlemen provide the prize money of $150 at each fair, with judges picked from the crowd. With specific regulations on recipe submission, the event is a great way to promote use of Ontario beef.

While OCA works hard on behalf of beef farmers, grassroots initiatives like these are still necessary to ensure that beef can be promoted at local levels. To help move the industry forward, county projects are always encouraged. The fact that county associations take the time and expend the effort to better their own industry is something to be proud of – especially in this day and age.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!!

Program details for the 2010 Sharecost Program will be disclosed in full in April, following the March Board meeting, at which time a budget will be set

Preliminary applications for the 2010 Sharecost Program will be available from the OCA office in late March and will be due no later than April 30, 2010.
Contact Lianne Appleby at 519-824-0334 for more information.