1. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ACT
Wellington
Moved by: Nairne Sittig Seconded by: Bob Cartright
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Cattlemen's Association lobby
to hold off the enforcement date of the Nutrient Management Act until
such time as the Source Water Protection Act is reviewed and finalized.
Northumberland
(Also: Huron, Ottawa, Lanark, Grenville, Middlesex, Dufferin, Glengarry,
Renfrew)
Moved by: Dan Darling Seconded by: Roger Doidge
WHEREAS it is becoming increasing apparent to the farm business
community that the well intentioned Nutrient Management Act (NMA) will
provide no benefit to farmers, will create significant cost for farmers,
will be enforced by M.O.E. instead of OMAF (the M.O.E. has a historic
attitude of indifference toward the economic well-being of farmers) and
is not having the jurisdiction over erratic municipal by-laws or court
decisions as was intended (this would have provided farmers with the
right to farm), and
WHEREAS the McGuinty government has demonstrated an unwillingness to
continue the development of the NMA regulations in consultation with
Ontario's farm organizations, as did the previous government, but
rather, is demonstrating a preference for unilateral government
decisions, and
WHEREAS the only benefit of the NMA is "societal assurance", and
WHEREAS existing legislation protects the environment through the
Environmental Protection Act and the Right to Farm legislation could be
strengthened to give farmers the right to farm,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the implementation of the NMA be put on
hold indefinitely until the overall need for, the economic and farm
business impact of, and the value of a NMA is more thoroughly
scrutinized by and accepted by all stakeholders.
Simcoe
Moved by: Roger Cameron Seconded by: Doug Shelswell
WHEREAS the Ontario government is not prepared to stop cities from
polluting our clean water, and
WHEREAS without 100% funding of compliance costs and 100% of future
incurred costs,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA not support the NMA as proposed by the
Ontario government.
Grey
Moved by: Ted Acheson Seconded by: John Verdonk
WHEREAS the cost of compliance for the NMA cannot be recovered from the
marketplace,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA insist that full funding for all
capital costs and annual compliance costs be part of the program.
Bruce
Moved by: Dean Ribey Seconded by: Ryan Wolfe
WHEREAS the Nutrient Management Act is now law, and
WHEREAS the beef industry has been financially hit hard due to BSE /
border issue, and
WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has a Nutrient Management Financial
Assistance Program for operations with more than 300 nutrient units and
under 300 units, and
WHEREAS this program ends December 31, 2005,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Cattlemen's Association lobby
the government to extend the Nutrient Management Financial Assistance
Program and its funding.
Rainy River
Moved by: Tom Morrish Seconded by: Rick Boersma
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA petition the Ontario Government
that Nutrient Management be 100% funded, whereas we feel that this is a
social issue rather than just an agricultural issue.
Temiskaming
Moved by: Matt Bowman Seconded by: Terry Phippen
WHEREAS the border closure has caused unplanned financial hardship, and
WHEREAS the financial strain of complying with the Nutrient Management
Act will be difficult for many producers,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA petition the government of Ontario to
delay the implementation of the Act until there is a 90% financial
assistance program.
York
Moved by: Murray Empringham Seconded by: Ken Rogers
WHEREAS it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Nutrient
Management Act and its regulations will have a significant cost burden
to the Farming Community, and
WHEREAS the present debt load and economics of all facets of food
production are disastrous, and
WHEREAS the present government policies in Ontario have demonstrated an
enormous lack of understanding of the present day operation of the farm,
and
WHEREAS there is already legislation in place through the Environmental
Protection Act (EPA), to protect the environment,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the implementation of the Nutrient
Management Act be put on hold until the impact on farmers is addressed
and accepted.
2. FLOOR PRICE FOR MATURE ANIMALS
Glengarry
Moved by: Hubert Carriere Seconded by: Vernon McDonald
WHEREAS the price of mature beef animals (over the age of 30 months) has
been driven down to ruinously low levels by the BSE crisis, and
WHEREAS the U.S. border will possibly not be opened to mature beef
animals for several years and prices will therefore continue to be
unacceptably low, and
WHEREAS the cause of this catastrophic market depression has been a
world food safety policy publicly adhered to by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency for the benefit of the world and the Canadian public,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby the Federal and Provincial
Governments to support a floor price for mature animals until the market
is restored to a competitive level within North America.
Northumberland (also Dufferin, Renfrew)
Moved by: Wayne Pollock Seconded by: Roger Doidge
WHEREAS the price of mature beef animals (over the age of 30 months) has
been driven down to ruinously low levels by the BSE crisis, and
WHEREAS the U.S. border will possibly not be opened to mature beef
animals for several years and prices will therefore continue to be
unacceptably low, and
WHEREAS the cause of this catastrophic market depression has been a
world food safety policy publicly adhered to by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency for the benefit of the world and the Canadian public,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Canadian public be asked to share the
burden of the cost of the effect of implementing this policy by
providing a temporary subsidy to Ontario farmers that would bring the
price of mature animals up to $0.42/lb until the marketplace is restored
to a normal world competitive level.
Ottawa
Moved by: David Cavanagh Seconded by: Rick Hobbs
WHEREAS the price of mature beef animals (over the age of 30 months) has
been driven down to ruinously low levels by the BSE crisis, and
WHEREAS the U.S. border will possibly not be opened to mature beef
animals for several years and prices will therefore continue to be
unacceptably low, and
WHEREAS the cause of this catastrophic market depression has been a
world food safety policy publicly adhered to by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency for the benefit of the world and the Canadian public,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Canadian public be asked to share the
burden of the cost of the effect of implementing this policy by
providing a temporary subsidy to Ontario farmers that would bring the
price of mature animals up to $0.42/lb until the marketplace is restored
to a competitive or Quebec level within North America.
Lanark (also Middlesex)
Moved by: John Miller Seconded by: Gary Hudson
WHEREAS the price of mature beef animals (over the age of 30 months) has
been driven down to ruinously low levels by the BSE crisis, and
WHEREAS the U.S. border will possibly not be opened to mature beef
animals for several years and prices will therefore continue to be
unacceptably low, and
WHEREAS the cause of this catastrophic market depression has been a
world food safety policy publicly adhered to by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency for the benefit of the world and the Canadian public,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Canadian public be asked to share the
burden of the cost of the effect of implementing this policy by
providing a temporary support to Ontario farmers that would bring the
price of mature animals up to $0.42/lb until the marketplace is restored
to a competitive level within North America.
Grenville
Moved by: Jacqueline Fennell Seconded by: Gordon French
WHEREAS the price of mature beef animals (over the age of 30 months) has
been driven down to ruinously low levels by the BSE crisis, and
WHEREAS the U.S. border will possibly not be opened to mature beef
animals for several years and prices will therefore continue to be
unacceptably low, and
WHEREAS the cause of this catastrophic market depression has been a
world food safety policy publicly adhered to by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency for the benefit of the world and the Canadian public,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Canadian public be asked to share the
burden of the cost of the effect of implementing this policy by
providing a temporary support (until live cattle are exported) to
Ontario farmers that would maintain parity with the price of mature
animals in all provinces.
3. SRM FEED BAN
Perth
Moved by: Rob Unsworth Seconded by: Joe Daunt
WHEREAS a feed ban on the feeding of ruminant parts to ruminant animals
was initiated in 1997, and
WHEREAS it is virtually impossible to eliminate the possibility of cross
contamination,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA and CFIA work together to develop and
implement a total ban on the feeding of specific risk materials (SRMs)
to animals slotted for human consumption or animals used in the
production of food for human consumption, and that appropriate penalties
be established for those found to be in contravention of the ban.
Niagara
Moved by: John Smink Seconded by: Wayne Beaudoin
THEFEFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA endorse the CFIA proposal for a total
ban on specified risk materials (SRMs).
Lambton
Moved by: Wayne Annett Seconded by: Ken Smith
WHEREAS Canada has lost its status as a BSE free country and concerns of
enforcement and compliancy to regulations of the 1997
ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban leave our industry open to scrutiny and
uncertainty,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA support and lobby for a complete
removal of all animal protein feed and totally remove these feeds from
the marketplace and be banned from ruminant, chicken and swine forever.
Simcoe
Moved by: Earl Briggs Seconded by: Ron Coulter
WHEREAS there could be cross contaminated feedstuffs,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby the CFIA to work with the USDA
to ban the use of animal products and by-products in all feed used to
produce livestock and poultry for human consumption.
Haldimand
Moved by: Anita Haupt Seconded by: Walt Armstrong
WHEREAS the beef industry can not afford any more cases of BSE, and feed
contamination is still a threat under the current rules for feed
ingredients,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA seek a total ban on all animal
proteins in all livestock feeds.
Durham
Moved by: Harvey Graham Seconded by: John Wolters
THEFEFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby the appropriate federal agency
to ban the feeding of rendered ruminate livestock to any class of
livestock.
Sudbury
Moved by: Paul Shoppmann Seconded by: Jim Barrett Sr.
THEFEFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT no animal parts be fed to any livestock.
Rainy River
Moved by: Len Kuorokoski Seconded by: Jim McDermid
THEFEFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA lobby the Canadian Cattlemen's
Association to ask the Government of Canada to restrict the feeding of
animal byproducts to agricultural livestock.
4. REGISTER BIRTH DATES OF CALVES
Glengarry
Moved by: Adrian van der Byl Seconded by: Ian MacLennan
WHEREAS in this year 2005, internet access is available just about
everywhere in Ontario,
WHEREAS CCIA has a website for cow-calf producers to register calf birth
dates, with ear tag numbers, and
WHEREAS age records are to be very important from this year on and into
the future,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA should encourage every single cow-calf
producer to keep acceptable records and register them on the CCIA
website; and every county or district Cattlemen's Association should
make every effort to assist all producers in their area to register all
2005 calves.
5. MANDATORY TESTING OF OLDER ANIMALS
Kent
Moved by: Neal Craven Seconded by: Scott McGeachy
WHEREAS the beef industry has been inundated with beef health concerns,
and the beef market has been a dumping ground for any bovine animal. In
today's market, the beef industry needs to be in total control of its
own destiny, and be able to provide assurances to our beef consumers at
home and abroad of the safeness and consistency of beef in Canada.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Cattlemen's Association lobby
the provincial and federal governments to set in place mandatory testing
for BSE on all dairy breeds over 60 months of age, as well as beef
breeding stock. The testing for BSE will stay in effect for a period of
3 years to assure an adequate timeframe for any potential cases.
6. AGE VERIFICATION
Huron
Moved by: Paul Coultes Seconded by: Harvey Hoggart
WHEREAS making the determination of the age of cattle over thirty months
by dentition will continue to be the accepted measure for some time, and
in order to instill producer confidence in the process,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby to have the final determination
made by government personnel, not packing plant employees.
Huron
Moved by: Paul Coultes Seconded by: Glen Walker
WHEREAS beef from cattle over 30 months of age can be marketed
domestically at full retail value and currently these cattle are being
heavily discounted,
THEFEFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA work to establish a) if a discount is
warranted, and b) if so, create a consistent discount on such animals,
as is the case with weight and grade discounts.
Kent
Moved by: Neal Craven Seconded by: Scott McGeachy
WHEREAS the beef industry has enforced new grading rules pertaining to
the age of animals. This new ruling pertains to any animal over 30
months of age, and is done by aging the animal by its teeth. The aging
by teeth is subject to a large variation due to breed, environment, and
nutritional requirements. This method of aging is causing large
discounts within the industry. With the mandatory use of CCIA registered
tags, the age and herd of origin should be obtainable.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT in the event an inspector determines an
animal is over 30 months of age, upon this discovery, allow the producer
to have a copy of the CCIA tag number and 48 hours to verify the age of
the animal.
Grenville
Moved by: Kim Weedmark Seconded by: Don Bennett
WHEREAS the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and meat inspectors
are using the third tooth to identify animals over 30 months of age, and
WHEREAS this is inaccurate because depending on the breed and diet, this
tooth arrives between 18 to 24 months, and
WHEREAS this inaccurate process has caused extreme hardship to feedlots
selling these animals at cull cow prices (i.e. $20 to $30 per cwt),
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA and the Canadian Cattlemen's
Association lobby the government to replace this inaccurate practice
with age verification and compensate those producers who have had to
sell animals for ridiculously low prices.
Middlesex
Moved by: Jim Scott Seconded by: Frank Hardy
WHEREAS beef from cattle over 30 months of age can be marketed
domestically at full retail value, and currently these cattle are being
heavily discounted,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA work to establish a) if a discount is
warranted, and b) if so, create a consistent discount on such animals,
as is the case with weight and grade discounts.
Bruce
Moved by: Steve Eby Seconded by: Dean Ribey
WHEREAS the proposed BSE rule has been published, and
WHEREAS aging slaughter cattle is not an exact science, and
WHEREAS currently slaughter plants use in-house staff to age cattle
using dentition, and
WHEREAS cattle over 30 months of age can be discounted due to age,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA work to establish an independent third
party to determine the age of cattle slaughtered.
7. EXIT STRATEGIES
Bruce
Moved by: Harry Thede Seconded by: Don Grant
WHEREAS the National BSE Task Force has talked about, but not acted on
an Exit Strategy for beef farmers, and
WHEREAS the Canadian Cattlemen's Association had listed Exiting Strategy
as one of the components of the Strategic Plan forward in August 2004,
and
WHEREAS in Ontario, the perception is that there has been a greater loss
of farmer's equity than in some other provinces,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA work on an Exit Strategy that
makes up for some equity losses since May 2003 for beef farmers who want
to permanently get out of the business. Then petition the provincial and
federal governments to take action on this Exiting Strategy.
Wentworth
Moved by: Tony Onufer Seconded by: Philip Krakar
WHEREAS the state of the beef industry is such that dramatic
readjustment of the herd size may be required in the future which could
have severe implications on the tax situation of some producers, and
since tax deferrals and "specified treatments" have been looked at in
the past by OCA,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA request the appropriate government
Ministries to permit the proceeds from government sanctioned forced
slaughter or herd dispersals to be eligible for RRSP status the same as
employment severance payments.
Grey
Moved by: Bill Herron Seconded by: Ted Acheson
WHEREAS BSE has drained producers of already scarce funds and especially
for those who want or are forced to exit the industry,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA and CCA develop an exit plan and
tax strategies to accommodate these realities.
8. EMERGENCY SLAUGHTER
Ottawa
Moved by: Jack Shaw Seconded by: Tom O'Rourke
To limit the pain and suffering of healthy but distressed cattle (broken
ankle, prolapse, or other similar situations), emergency slaughter of
animals be permitted either at a licensed slaughter house or on the farm
so long as a meat inspector veterinarian has inspected the animal and
provides a certificate and as further described below:
a) that with a meat inspector or veterinarian's certificate, a slaughter
house be able to kill and process an animal using standard processing
procedures and practices, as deemed acceptable during non-emergency
kills, and
b) that the meat from the animal referenced in paragraph a) above can be
consumed by other than the immediate family, and
c) that an animal killed on the farm with a meat inspector veterinary
certificate can be cut and wrapped at a butcher shop or other similar
facility if delivered to the facility within 2 hours of slaughter as
determined by the veterinary certificate if this facility has sufficient
designated cooler space for the cooling of warm carcasses, and
d) that in the case of a purebred animal, the breed pedigree be accepted
as proof of age over the presently recognized system of counting teeth.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA lobby the provincial and federal
governments to amend the pertinent Acts immediately.
9. ON FARM SLAUGHTER
Stormont
Moved by: Terry Brownell Seconded by: Andre Giroux
WHEREAS the on-farm slaughter of cattle has been done for thousands of
years,
WHEREAS the on-farm slaughter of cattle for personal use would be done
in limited numbers,
WHEREAS it is very unlikely that an operator would jeopardize food
safety for himself or his family,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA petition OMAF and the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency to continue to allow on-farm slaughter of cattle for
personal use.
10. COW SET-ASIDE PROGRAM
Grey
Moved by: Jackie Hendry Seconded by: Mark Sparkhall
WHEREAS we have a surplus of cattle that are severely depressing prices,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby the Ontario government to
initiate a holdback program for existing cow-calf producers to pay
producers for not breeding their cows and heifers for a period of time.
Producers would be compensated for feed costs plus lost income
potential.
11. REDUCTION IN VOTING DELEGATES
Grey
Moved by: Bill Herron Seconded by: Ross Laycock
WHEREAS prior to restructuring, there were 49 Board members plus 200
voting delegates eligible to attend the annual meeting,
WHEREAS now Board members, Advisory Councillors and voting delegates now
total 261 individuals, increasing the annual general meeting cost,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA constitution be changed so that
the calculation for number of voting delegates include Advisory
Councillors and be set at 225 with a minimum number of one delegate per
county or district.
12. CHECKOFF INCREASE
Middlesex
Moved by: Ed Fox Seconded by: Jamie O'Shea
WHEREAS it takes a great deal of money to increase meat sales to many
countries world wide, which is of great importance to all involved in
beef production without dependence on exports, and
WHEREAS money will be needed to litigate future trade problems,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the current OCA checkoff of $2.25/head be
increased to $3.00/head.
13. CROSS-REFERENCE OF GRADING INFORMATION TO CCIA NUMBER
Bruce
Moved by: Francis Zettler Seconded by: Elmer Smeltzer
WHEREAS CCIA tags are a requirement to identify all cattle, and
WHEREAS the CCIA tags are designed for traceback,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the producer who ships directly to the
slaughter plant receives grading on the grading slip with reference
directly related to each CCIA tag.
14. REIMBURSEMENT OF DEADSTOCK COSTS
Ottawa
Moved by: Dwight Eastman Seconded by: David Cavanagh
WHEREAS Ontario farmers continue to receive record low prices for their
cattle, and
WHEREAS the deadstock industry now charges for the removal of deadstock,
thus imposing an additional financial burden on farm families, and
WHEREAS the deadstock industry currently supplies the majority of
animals for BSE testing,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA request that the provincial
government quickly develop a program that would reimburse farmers for
their deadstock costs.
15. "ORDER OF CANADA" FOR CHARLIE GRACEY
Huron
Moved by: Ross Procter Seconded by: George Adams
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Huron County Beef Producers
enthusiastically support the nomination of Charlie Gracey to the Order
of Canada.
16. CHECKOFF EXEMPTION FOR BREEDING STOCK
Hastings
Moved by: Stan Meeks Seconded by: Reg Barr
WHEREAS producers selling beef breeding stock are currently being
charged the OCA checkoff,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT beef breeding stock be treated the same as
dairy stock and be exempt from the OCA checkoff.
17. CULLING PRE - FEED BAN COWS
Niagara
Moved by: Andy Klodnicki Seconded by: John Smink
WHEREAS there are 1.3 million pre feed ban cows in Canada,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA petition the government to compensate
for the culling and disposal of these animals at fair market value.
Lambton
Moved by: Mac Parker Seconded by: Tom Lassaline
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT all cows born before the feed ban was
introduced be compensated for and taken out of the food chain.
RESOLUTIONS REFERRED TO THE OCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
18. DEVELOPING A UNIFIED AGRICULTURAL SOLUTION
Lambton
Moved by: Ralph Eyre Seconded by: Tim Fugard
WHEREAS there are many different and diversified farm organizations that
lobby the government for fair and equal access and representation to the
marketplace, and
WHEREAS the government can not be all to all things and must be
representative and effective for the common good of the industry and
country,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA extends an invitation to other
farm organizations to share their views and concerns so that a common
grass root solution can be presented to the government for a solid and
effective change to the agriculture industry. United we stand, divided
we fall!
19. CAIS IMPROVEMENTS
Huron
Moved by: Carl Bolton Seconded by: Dave Wheeler
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA work with other farm organizations to
lobby the federal and provincial governments to improve, simplify and
better administer the CAIS program.
20. EXCLUSION OF BSE IMPACTED YEASR FROM CAIS REFERENCE MARGIN
Simcoe
Moved by: Roger Cameron Seconded by: George Anderson
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA and CCA lobby government to get the
BSE years removed from the CAIS reference margins.
21. CAIS INCOME AND PROCESSING IMPROVEMENTS
Stormont
Moved by: William Rutley Seconded by: Steve MacDonald
WHEREAS farmers need an element of predictability and stability in
income over time,
WHEREAS the CAIS program administration and delivery includes
calculations and adjustments to reduce or minimize the real variation in
"production margin" on paper without providing any income (e.g.
structural change adjustment and particularly the accrual adjustments),
and
WHEREAS it is now 2005 but the CAIS officials are still struggling with
2003 income, adjustments, and delivery,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA take steps on an immediate and urgent
basis to convince provincial and federal officials to incorporate
improvements into the CAIS program to enhance the "income" provisions,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT OCA impress upon government officials the
need to be more current in program delivery.
22. SUPPORT SMALL ABATTOIR EXPANSION
Algoma
Moved by: Jack Tindall Seconded by: Ken MacLeod
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA pursue more funding for small
abattoir expansion and/or new facilities, especially in Northern
Ontario.
23. ACTION PLAN FOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Kent
Moved by: Scott McGeachy Seconded by: Frank Byrne
WHEREAS the OCA was reorganized several years ago to become more
effective and efficient as an organization, and
WHEREAS the County Cattlemen Associations were directed to replace their
representation from Provincial Directors to County Advisors, and
WHEREAS the County Advisors are to communicate to county members as to
the OCA / Doug Powell (University of Guelph) reports / updates, and
WHEREAS the County Advisor positions presently do not justify the
expense or the time on behalf of OCA and the individual Advisors as
there is not a vehicle for those Advisors to be more involved /
challenged, and a vehicle for those less active Advisors to leave their
positions vacant,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA Board immediately develop an
action plan and new direction for those County Advisors who choose to be
active and report to all Counties by June 30, 2005.
24. SUPPORT OF ATWOOD PET FOOD PROJECT TO RECYCLE RENDERED SRMs AND
DEADSTOCK AS FUEL
Perth
Moved by: Joe Daunt Seconded by: Rob Unsworth
WHEREAS May 2003 showed us how vulnerable we are to disease, and
WHEREAS we need to be good stewards of the land, and
WHEREAS Atwood Pet Food has taken the initiative to be on the cutting
edge in Canada of deadstock removal technology,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby CFIA and all levels of
government to create a committee of interest groups (i.e. MNR, MOE, OCA,
CFIA, local government, provincial government, etc.) in order to
encourage, expedite, and financially support Atwood Pet Food in its
innovative pursuit for alternative uses of deadstock bi-products (such
as hydro and biodiesel).
25. CHECKOFF ON PACKER-OWNED CATTLE
Perth
Moved by: Jamie Kerr Seconded by: Katrina Kerr
WHEREAS packers own a large number of yearling cattle and a large number
of the calves in Canada, and
WHEREAS the system currently allows packers to own and kill cattle
without paying checkoff,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA amend the system effective immediately
so that all owners of kill cattle are treated equally in respect to
checkoff dollars.
26. APPRECIATION FOR OCA DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Grenville
Moved by: Jenny Playfair Seconded by: Jerry Clements
WHEREAS our beef industry has been in financial crisis since May 20,
2003 with the single case of BSE and borders closed to our beef products
as a result,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Grenville Cattlemen's Association
appreciates the dedication, hard work and total commitment by the OCA
Directors and staff to resolving the problems BSE have created for us.
You have shown true leadership and we ask the other county associations
to join with us in thanking you and your families.
27. INCINERATION OF DEADSTOCK AND SRMs
Grey
Moved by: Lloyd Kuhl Seconded by: Dale Pallister
WHEREAS there is not at present a satisfactory way of disposing of
specific risk material, and
WHEREAS on-farm disposal of deadstock is not a preferred option,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA Board, with other livestock
organizations, lobby the provincial government to investigate the
economic feasibility of incinerators to dispose of all deadstock and
specified risk materials in Ontario.
28. MORE TIMELY REPORTING OF MARKET INFORMATION
Grey
Moved by: Harold Klages Seconded by: John Verdonk
WHEREAS rapidly changing markets can make effective marketing decisions
difficult,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA rethink their price gathering and
reporting system to make timeliness a priority.
29. SHARING BIRTH DATE INFORMATION USING THE CCIA NUMBER
Bruce
Moved by: Dean Ribey Seconded by: Steve Eby
WHEREAS it is mandatory that all cattle are tagged with a CCIA tag, and
WHEREAS a slaughter plant may discount cattle that are over thirty
months of age, and
WHEREAS CCIA has a website program in place for producers to enter the
birth date of the calf receiving that tag, and
WHEREAS backgrounders and finishers currently can not access CCIA tag
information,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby CCIA to release tag birth date
information to partners in the Beef Value Chain.
30. SUPPORT ABATTOIR EXPANSION IN THE NORTHWEST
Rainy River
Moved by: Tom Morrish Seconded by: Aarne Hahkala
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA petition both governments to continue
to fast track the opening of abattoirs for cattle in Northwestern
Ontario.
31. ELIMINATE SUPPLEMENTARY IMPORT PERMITS
York
Moved by: Steve Pallett Seconded by: Jim Sellers
WHEREAS Canada, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is
required to accept 76,409 tonnes of beef as a Tariff Rate Quotation (TRQ)
from non NAFTA members of the WTO, and
WHEREAS every effort since the export markets have been closed due to
BSE has been to expand our slaughter and processing capacity in Canada,
and
WHEREAS with this added processing capacity and varieties of products
available it would be very difficult for firms to prove a need for
Canadian Supplementary Import Permits,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA lobby the Minister of
International Trade and the Federal Minister of Agriculture to maintain
zero tolerance for authorizing Supplementary Beef Import Permits.
32. TRACEABILITY OF IMPORTED CATTLE
Norfolk
Moved by: Percy McNabb Seconded by: Mary Bruce
WHEREAS Canada has a national identification program in place, namely
the CCIA, which has the capacity to provide the date of birth, and
WHEREAS Japan has indicated that it will re-establish trade with Canada
and the U.S. when supplied with trace ability and birth date
information,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA work with CCA to lobby the government
to ensure any imported cattle into Canada have the same traceability
standards.
33. ELIMINATE SUPPLEMENTARY IMPORT PERMITS
Renfrew
Moved by: Bill Laventure Seconded by: Myles England
WHEREAS the federal government has allowed supplementary beef import
quotas for non NAFTA beef importers for many years,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA lobby to have the federal
government put in place a permanent ban on any of these imports beyond
the 76,000 tonnes previously negotiated.
34. DEVELOP A MATURE COW PROGRAM
Renfrew
Moved by: Justin Quigley Seconded by: Mark Wegner
WHEREAS the previous federal and/or provincial government programs
overlooked the depressed prices of cattle over the age of 30 months,
causing severe economic hardship for the cow/calf producers and
dairymen,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA lobby the federal and provincial
governments to come up with an aid program to help these producers.
35. DEVELOP A COMPLETE AND ACCURATE MEMBERSHIP LIST
Russell
Moved by: Raymond Lalande Seconded by: Marcel Laplante
THEFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Russell County Cattlemen's Association
recommends that all future programs, such as the Set-Aside Program, be
communicated directly and individually to all beef farmers, and
THAT OCA consider the viability of creating a central database of all
Ontario beef farmers, their address, breed, and other pertinent
information. In essence, the Association recommends that the OCA create
a Customer Relationship Management approach to its clients, the Ontario
beef farmers, with the goal of improving the communication with all
Ontario beef farmers as these relate to government sponsored programs or
other information that may affect beef farming operations.
REFER TO BEEF INFORMATION CENTRE (B.I.C.)
36. CONSUMER EDUCATION
Lambton
Moved by: Bert Vandendool Seconded by: Carl Whiting
WHEREAS the survival of the Canadian cattle and beef industry is
dependent on the confidence of our consumer,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA / CCA and the provincial / federal
governments support and invest in an educational / promotional media
format that will inform the consumer why we are confident / accountable
and can ensure that the Canadian cattle and beef industry is safe and
that we are open for business! It is tough to get ahead when you are
always on the defence.
37. EDUCATING CONSUMERS ON ANIMAL DIETS
Bruce
Moved by: Brian Dudgeon Seconded by: Dale Stewart
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA launches an aggressive awareness
campaign to inform the public what an animal diet consists of.
REFER TO B.I.C., CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION,
AND CANADA BEEF EXPORT FEDERATION
38. FINANCING THE PROMOTION OF BEEF
Temiskaming
Moved by: Brian Huff Seconded by: Don Hern
WHEREAS the packers are beneficiaries of beef promotions,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCA lobby packers to finance the promotion
of beef to a much greater extent.
REFER TO CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION
39. ELIMINATION OF COUNTERVAIL RISK
Grey
Moved by: Dale Pallister Seconded by: Harold Klages
WHEREAS Quebec is putting the rest of Canada's beef production at great
risk of countervail with their provincial industry support,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA and CCA lobby to effectively eliminate
this risk.
40. ESTABLISH A FLOOR PRICE FOR CATTLE
Rainy River
Moved by: Jim McDermid Seconded by: Tom Morrish
WHEREAS if the floor price established is below world market value,
countervail charges can not be levied against our industry, and
WHEREAS if the floor price is set at 30% below United States market
price, countervail charges can not be levied against our industry.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Rainy River Cattlemen's Association
requests the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, in conjunction with the
Government of Canada, establish a floor price for cattle to safeguard
our industry.
REFER TO ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
41. PREDATION
Algoma
Moved by: Ken MacLeod Seconded by: Roger Shaule
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby against the new Predator Control
Act.
42. MAKING FARMING VIABLE FOR YOUNG FARMERS
Bruce
Moved by: Brian Dudgeon Seconded by: Dale Stewart
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA and CCA take immediate action to
address the crisis of young people leaving the family farm.
43. DEVELOP A UNIFIED AGRICULTURAL VOICE
Glengarry
Moved by: Stewart Irvine Seconded by: Hubert Carriere
WHEREAS agriculture in Ontario is becoming increasingly stressful with
added legislation, decreasing farm income, and additional public
pressure to abide by conflicting management programs, and
WHEREAS due to no central voice addressing all agriculture commodity
groups, farmers are increasingly divided, and
WHEREAS Queen's Park seldom, if ever, acknowledges the plight of Ontario
Agriculture,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA lobby the Ontario government to use
all the commodity groups to work more together to create solidarity.
REFER TO BEEF VALUE CHAIN ROUNDTABLE
44. DEVELOPING CANADIAN BEEF PROTOCOLS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Lambton
Moved by: Jennifer Annett Seconded by: Ralph Eyre
WHEREAS Canada has embarked on increased slaughter capacity and to
rebuild and define the new Canadian cattle and beef industry to supply
Canadian and world consumers with quality Canadian beef,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA work with all stakeholders,
governments and organizations to continue to build and develop a trained
workforce, standard quality assurance program, branded Canadian beef
protocols, policies, and procedures.
REFER TO OCA COW CALF COMMITTEE
45. VACCINATED CALF CERTIFICATION
Brant
Moved by: John Nunan Seconded by: Brian Cochrane
WHEREAS cattle feeders have shown a growing interest in vaccinated and
preconditioned replacement cattle, and
WHEREAS there is concern that not all so-called "vaccinated cattle" sold
through Ontario auction rings have in fact been subjected to an adequate
vaccination protocol,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OCA undertake to encourage those in
charge of Ontario auction rings to adopt a policy that will create a
paper trail to verify that all cattle sold as "vaccinated" carry with
them certification that appropriate vaccination protocol has been
followed. This certification to be signed by a veterinarian or by the
seller of the cattle with adequate documentation as to the type of
vaccination and when it was done.
REFER TO ONTARIO SEEDGROWERS' ASSOCIATION
46. FARMERS' RIGHT TO SAVE, RE-USE, SELECT AND SELL SEEDS
Manitoulin
Moved by: Max Burt Seconded by: Keith Harfield
WHEREAS farmers have had inherent rights to save, reuse, select,
exchange and sell seeds, and
WHEREAS the proposed changes to the Seeds Act and the Plant Breeders'
Rights Act will restrict these rights,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCA petition the Parliament of Canada to
not make changes to the Seeds Act and the Plant Breeders' Rights Act and
to recognize farmers' inherent rights to save, reuse, select, exchange
and sell seeds.
REFER TO ONTARIO INDEPENDENT MEAT PROCESSORS
(O.I.M.P.)
47. GRADING MEAT AT LOCAL ABATTOIRS
Hastings
Moved by: Dale Grant Seconded by: Reg Barr
WHEREAS some consumers are having bad experiences when buying meat at
the local abattoirs due to product inconsistency,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT all beef being processed at local
abattoirs be graded so the consumer and the seller will know what
quality of beef they are buying and selling. |
