Farmsmart - Beef Symposium

Winter Feeding Strategies to Reduce Feed Costs
Dr. Katie Wood, University of Guelph
This session will focus on winter feeding programs for cow-calf producers. Learn about
strategies to maintain body condition, stretch forage supplies, optimize performance of your
herd, and manage input costs.

Unique Grazing Perspectives
Graeme Finn, Southern Cross Livestock
Graeme is an innovative grazer who uses his grazing program to support cattle performance,
soil health, and environmental sustainability. Learn about Graeme’s unique pasture
management strategies addressing rejuvenation, fertility, grazing techniques and more.

Sustainable Beef Panel: The Retailer’s Perspective
Gurneesh Bhandel, Cargill; Jennifer Lambert, Loblaws; Monica Hadarits, CRSB; Christoph
Wand, OMAFRA, Moderator
Hear from sustainability experts on what their customers are looking for in beef. How do
sustainable beef claims resonate in Canada, and how can producers get involved?

Enhancing Feedlot Health: From Pre-Wean to Finish
Dr. Greg Dimmers, Metzger Veterinary Services
A veterinarian’s insight on top health issues faced by Ontario’s feedlots and management
considerations for improved cattle health, including practices to set calves up for success at
the cow-calf level.

Breeding Livestock for Resilience
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Dr. Bonnie Mallard, University of Guelph
Learn how biotechnology in animal breeding plays an important role in managing disease in
livestock and contributes to economically and environmentally sustainable food production.
Hear about Dr. Mallard’s research across livestock species and how advancements in
immunogenetics and related technologies lend to improved animal health, reduced antibiotic
use, climate-adapted livestock management and breeding practices, and improved economic
sustainability for producers.

Genetic Selection for Profit Panel
Brad Gilchrist, Semex; Katie Wilson, Gilbrea Farms; Scott Cornish, EastGen; Jamie O’Shea,
BFO Cow-Calf Committee, Moderator
Experienced industry panelists will discuss aspects of cattle breeding that increase
performance and profitability within the sector with Q & A from the audience.

Facing Beef Industry Issues Head-ON
Stina Nagel, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
Stina will discuss the issues the Canadian beef industry is facing, the importance of
stakeholder engagement to further positive messaging, as well as strategies beef farmers
themselves can utilize.