Production practices and economic progress of Ontario beef cow-calf producers

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis were: (1) to describe the Ontario cow-calf beef industry production practices, various management decisions and veterinary procedures, (2) to identify opportunities, barriers or impediments faced by the industry, and (3) to investigate differences in production practices across the province and in Western Canada. A cross-sectional observational study of Ontario cow-calf producers was initiated in spring 2017 using an online survey platform (Qualtrics.com (Provo, Utah, May, 2017)). Producers were asked questions regarding their 2016 calf crop and management behaviours related to calving, weaning, nutrition, reproduction and animal health. Information was also collected on the economics of production, technology use on-farm, and sources of information accessed. Overall, this study provides the industry with a baseline level of production in the province and highlights additional elements including education, extension, management practices and aging producer demographics that would benefit from further attention in research in the years to come.