Nicholas Donaldson
New transportation regulations for animal handling could be coming along soon.
Jason Reid, a Beef Farmers of Ontario board member, outlined the major points of these proposed changes during the annual meeting of the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association last Thursday evening at Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.
These changes, which aim to increase animal welfare and their humane treatment, will affect the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Health of Animals Act.
They include:
•reducing the maximum time cattle can be in transportation without food, water, or rest from 48 hours to 36 hours;
•increasing the required rest period for cattle after this 36-hour threshold from five hours to eight hours; and
•reducing the maximum time for transporting young animals without rest from 18 hours to 12 hours.
Other proposed changes include the addition of a contingency plan requirement, a records requirement, and more strictly-controlled transfer of responsibility when transporting livestock.
Reid also covered market prices and cattle movement across Canada, as well highlighted the branding and marketing initiative known as the “Beef Checkoff” program.
This is a marketing and research program, funded by producers, that aims to increase the demand for Canadian beef both locally and internationally through promotion, research, and new product development.
A small fee is paid per head of cattle sold by a Canadian producer, which then goes into funding the program.
Also at last Thursday’s meeting, Barry Potter of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs gave a talk on preparing for calving season.
He spoke about having the right tools, making sure the cows are healthy, and the importance of a good relationship between a farmer and their veterinarian.
Meanwhile, various reports were given by RRCA members, including:
•the president’s report by Murray McDonald;
•the RRCA financial report by treasurer Leanne Mose;
•a sales barn report by Kim-Jo Bliss, including the addition of a new sale date;
•the community pasture report by Scott McNabb;
•Breeder and Feeder Finance report by Joe Sletmoen;
•a report on the “Rainy River Raised” branding and marketing by Kim-Jo Bliss;
•the Weigh Club report by Tom Morrish;
•the Soil and Crop Improvement Association report by John Sawatzky; and
•an abattoir update and status report by Bill Darby.
