Fall 2012 Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association
Ontario Simmental Advocate www.ontariosimmentalassociation.com The Advocate is the official publication of the Ontario Simmental Association. The emphasis of the magazine is to keep Ontario Simmental breeders informed about past and up-coming events; provide a resource for marketing and advertising; and, to support Simmental youth programs. We also highlight local and international news items that impact cow-calf operators and the beef industries as a whole. Areas of interest include: animal health; beef trade and market issues; the latest research initiatives; and, consumer attitudes toward beef.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Fall 2012
Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association Official Publication of the Ontario Simmental Association
2 Designed by melDesignAdvocate | Fall 20122
Designed by melDesign
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As we move into the Fall season I would like to take this opportunity to update all the OSA members and friends on some of our upcoming activities.
The Royal Futurity Simmental Show and the Royal YCS shows have changed to the Friday this year. So please join us on Friday November 3rd, 2012 commencing at 2pm to watch and cheer on those who are participating. We wish everyone Good Luck.
The RAWF Simmental Beef Show will also be on Friday November 3rd commencing after the YCS Show. The winners of the Ron Wooddisse Carcass Class will be selected and an-nounced at the Simmental Show. We will be auctioning a heifer donated by Donovandale Farms as a fundraiser for the OSA programs and youth programs. We hope to see you there and please join us for the after show social to share some good times with old and new friends.
Selections are taking place for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair All Beef Breeds Sale to be held Saturday November 4th, 2012. Please consider attending to support your fellow breeders.
Don’t forget to check out the 2012 Membership Directory included in this edition as well as the upcoming events section. If you have an upcoming event you would like us to include in future editions of the Advocate please forward to Melissa Ledoux ([email protected]) or myself ([email protected]).
Debbie Elliott will be accepting Age Verification entries until September 15th, 2012 for the 2012 Age Verification Contest. The Winner will be selected at the 2012 RAWF.
The deadline is fast approaching for the Cattleman of the Year Award. If you know of a commercial cattleman that you would like to nominate, please forward your nomination to Debbie Elliott ([email protected]) prior to September 1, 2012.
If you are looking for promotional material to hand-out at sales, shows, etc we have avail-able for purchase the OSA “trading card” which was developed as an education card aimed at children. The cost per 100 is $20.00.
This summer has not been kind to farmers as we have experienced exteme heat tempera-tures and droughtt situations in many areas of our province. We have all experienced challenges with our hay and cereal crops making it difficult. Let’s hope for gentle rains, warm sun and plenty of green grass.
Have a safe end of summer and all the best for the months ahead.
Keitha Harris-DonovanPresident, Ontario Simmental Association
Published show results, sale results, events, annoucements, etc. will only be listed in the Advocate if delivered to the graphic designer in writing or email. Simmental related photographs you wish to share are also encouraged.
ADVERTISING RATESB&W ¼ Page $75
B&W ½ Page $110
B&W Full Page $175
Color Full Page $300
Color Inside Covers $325
Color Back Cover $375
Yearly Card Ad $75
YEARLY CONTRACTSReceive 10% discount on regular rates
with exception to the cards ads.
YEARLY CONTRACTSConsists of 2 issues
*Must be a paid OSA member to advertise
1 year | Membership $30 3 year | Membership $85
*Prices may change according to printing costs.
ADVERTISING & COPY DEADLINES
All advertising, copy, and photographs must be submitted by the following dates
ISSUE1 February | DUE: Dec 31st ISSUE2 September | DUE: July 31st
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President's Message
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Cover PictureTaken by Brian Robertson,at Jeff MacCrostie's farm
With my grade 10 history course the final requirement was to find something that I was interested in that had to
do with Canadian history and complete a display project on it. Me be-ing raised with cattle wasn't going to do fashion or hockey, I decided on what I was most interested in - Simmental cattle. The project was fun learning; where the first animal was imported to; where the name originated from and even who the first animal in Canada. Now try and tell a city teacher what beef cattle are let alone Simmental and that the world doesn’t revolve around Holstein “milking cows”. The next step was to find artifacts, now try and find an artifact for Simmen-tal! So I decided on the next best thing to bring a live Simmental animal, my two bull calves; DeeBran Kummins and DeeBran D Kinsman. They didn’t believe that I would actually bring them but I did. The people that know me well know that I live, breath, dream and eat Simmental! The next challenge was how to display it at the museum most of the projects were just propped up against the wall or on a table for display. Where mine needed to be secure; some place where they could poop, pee and eat! Once I found a spot it was great, I was concerned that no
one would view my project during the open house since I was placed by the tractor exhibits where no one comes. Once they heard I had "baby cows" on displays there was a crowd. Try to get through city people’s heads that they were bulls not cows-there is a difference. Even my own friends where scared to get near them but after I explained to everyone and they read my displays about what all us Simmental breeders already know what the bred can offer they became really interested where they could buy Simmental meat and not Augus. I really enjoyed putting this together, showing my friends what I re-
ally am interested in and proud of. I do wish to thank the Ontario Simmet-al Association for the use of the dis-play banners they showed everyone clearly what the cattle were about and the different colours and that black doesn’t really mean only one type
of breed. I also want to say a Big thanks to the D J farms crew who also helped me get things to the open house on time. After completing this project and meeting the public I have realized the work that still needs to be done to help the Simmental breed excel and get in the minds of not only the breeders and cattlemen but also the urban public to understand their food options.
Dee-Anna Elliott • DeeBran D-a division of DJ Farms
« It's a Girl! »Newest addition to Wiser Heights Stock
Farms, Thorndale Ontario.
Molly Isabel Arnold, born February 2nd,
2012, weighing 9lbs 10oz. Proud parents
are Brad & Val Arnold and big brother Colin.
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I know any number of highly successful cattle producers, like you, who are to be congratulated for having developed a successful business to date. You chose your breed and built your business to satisfy the needs of your customers (your target market) You’ve earned the right to proudly wear your Stetson. Like most of us, you may wear any number of hats: spouse, parent, breadwinner, community volunteer, church member, competitor, board member, friend, teacher or student. Little wonder that you have, as yet, not had the time, opportunity, or resources, to master the art of marketing your cattle business in a tough economic climate.
For those of you who are looking to putting on your marketing person’s hat, I respectfully dedicate this new series of marketing tips to give you a leg up on this, perhaps under developed, aspect of your business. In today’s highly challenging times, improving your marketing strategies by taking advantage of free or cost effective marketing techniques may make the difference between barely surviving and thriving. It’s my goal to help you with your time and resources crunch by offering you a series of Marketing Tools articles. Starting with this issue, I will provide basic information at the rate of one tool per issue. Each tool will be offered in sequence so you can construct your marketing plan from the ground up. Should some of these tools stir your interest and you want to go into more detail, you are invited to read more on my Marketing Tips blog (www.horsescoops.com/blog/)
MARKETING TIP #1 – THE BARE BONES OF MARKETING Marketing is more than just advertising, it’s really the whole environment surrounding your cattle business. While that may sound intimidating, don’t worry, you are already employing marketing strategies on a daily basis. You just may not recognize it as such. Let’s say you are in town picking up mineral from a local feed store, who politely asks you how things are going? You reply “Great, we’re really excited about our new calf crop.” A customer in line behind you asks, “What kind of cattle do you raise?” And the conversation takes off. Well, you’re not just having a conversation, you’re marketing – good for you!
THE NO. 1 ABSOLUTE “MUST-HAVE” MARKETING TOOL :But, do you have a business card to give this customer, or to leave some behind at the feed store? Does your business card accurately describe your operation? Does it include your contact information, and list your email address and website? Serious business people have business cards and they make the effort to distribute them as often as possible. Should we, as serious cattle-business people, do any less?If you don’t already have business cards, please, start here. Commercially printed business cards are not all that expensive. You could even print them yourself on your computer very economically, but be sure to choose good quality card stock and to use a classy design because you only get one chance to make a good first impression. If you think you don’t need business cards, then how would that customer from the feed store manage to remember who she spoke to at the store? How would she contact you? Or look up your website?
WHAT OTHER TOOLS DO YOU NEED?Having your business card in hand jump starts the marketing cycle. That customer from the feed store notices your website address on your business card and looks up your cattle operation. Your website offers her an on-line sign up form so she can receive regular email updates or a monthly newsletter. The email or newsletter sign up permits you to be in touch with her on a cyclical basis. This increases your opportunities to sell her on your program. (Okay, so you don’t have a website yet, never mind a monthly newsletter – we’ll deal with that in later articles.) While each of these marketing tools can stand alone, they work so much harder for you when they support and complement each other. If you have other printed materials such as business stationery, letterhead, envelopes, brochures, or you place advertisements in cattle magazines, sale catalogues or industry directories, make sure they contain all your contact information including your telephone number, email and website addresses. You’d be surprised how often I notice one or more of these critical identifiers are missing!
To hopefully whet your appetite for what’s to come – here are the top ten Marketing Tools articles to follow in subsequent issues 1. The Bare Bones of Marketing (covered in this issue) 2. Identifying and Developing Relationships with your Customers 3. Writing & Submitting News Releases 4. Showcasing your product or services in public places 5. Marketing through Email, Facebook, Twitter and other Social Networking sites 6. Net Etiquette (Website & Email “do’s & don’ts”) 7. Measuring the effectiveness of your website (is it working for you?) 8. Building business networks & positioning your business within the industry 9. Building credibility to generate customer referrals 10. After sales service In the spirit of mutual learning and sharing, I invite your comments and feedback (positive and negative), which you can post on my website’s blog or submit direct to the editor of this magazine. See you next issue.
Marnie Somers is a freelance writer and web designer. Her articles have been published in numerous horse and cattle magazines across North America. She is the designer/webmaster for the Manitoba Simmental Association, among numerous other agribusiness clients. Somers has been a media/marketing consultant to the horse industry since 1997, and has presented Marketing Tips seminars. Somers may be contacted via email at: [email protected]. Her Marketing Tips blog may be found at www.horsescoops.com/blog/.
Top ten no cost or low cost marketing tools for your cattle business.
SENIORChampion Senior Showman: Brittany BarkleyReserve Champion Senior Showman: Grant Milliner
Grand Champion Showman: Grant MillinerReserve Champion Showman: Brittany Barkley
King & Queen of the Ring fromBeachburg Fair h July 28th 2012
show RESULTS
The King and Queen of the Ring are selected from all breeds entered in the Contest.
OYCSA Trillium Classic 2012 | Dundalk, Ontario | July 27th and 28th 2012 Judged by : Mr. David White
CONFORMATION
Grand Champion FemaleKaitlyn O’Neil with a 2 Year Old pair: Maplerose Kesha with Maplerose Miss Kacey
Reserve Champion FemaleAlexa Campbell with a Senior Yearling: Destiny Target Shandy
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show RESULTSLondon Junior Beef Expo | London, Ontario | March 10th 2012
Orangeville Youth Forum 2012 | Orangeville, Ontario | April 7th 2012
Sarah Heights – Reserve Female
Sarah Heights – Supreme Female
Jack Oates – Supreme Female
Jack Oates – Reserve Female
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Saturday September 8th, 2012Fleckvieh Fever ‘12Annual Fall Female SaleCrimson Tide Fleckvieh and Guests(at the farm), Mount Forest, Ontario
Saturday September 8th, 2012The Purebred PrimaryAnnual Fall Coloured Female SaleIn conjunction with Fleckvieh Fever ‘12(at Crimson Tide), Mount Forest, Ontario
Fall entry, Sept/Oct 2012-08-07 All Ontario Simmental Bull Test(at Crimson Tide), Mount Forest, Ontario
September 18th, 2012 @ 1:00 pmAutumn Classic SaleMaple Hill Auctions, Hanover, Ontario
September 18-22nd, 2012International Plowing Match (IPM 2012)Roseville, Ontario, Waterloo Region
October 5-9th, 2012 River Point Cattle Co. Internet SaleGlencoe, ONwww.riverpointcattlecompany.com
Oct 6th, 2012 @ 1:00 pmFutures One Group Private Treaty and ShowcaseDestiny Simmentals - Meaford
October 7th, 2012Bar 5 Extravaganza VIIFall Production SaleMarkdale, Ontario
October 13th, 2012 @ 1:00 pmOttawa Valley Simmental Harvest SaleMetcalfe Fairgrounds, Metcalfe, Ontario
October 20th, 2012 @ 1:00 pmPartner's for Progress Sale Vol.2Waterloo, Quebec
November 2nd, 2012Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Simmental ShowCommencing at 2 pmFuturity Show, YCS ShowmanshipOpen Beef show
November 3rd, 2012Royal Elite All Breeds SaleRoyal Agricultural Winter FairToronto, Ontario
November 3-16th, 2012North American International Livestock Exposition, Louisville, KY
November 18th, 2012 @ 1pmCentral Invitational Simmental SaleWoodville, Ont.
Upcoming Events
There were 4 entriesPhoto CONTEST entries
Thank-you to all the photographers who entered the "Cover Contest"We appreciate your support.
Dee-Anna Elliott
Brian Robertson • WINNER
Dee-Anna Elliott
Branden Elliott
Sophie Wotten
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CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER CALFBouchard Livestock International Crossfield, AB
RESERVE CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER CALFHallridge SimmentalsDr. Everett and Marylon Hall • Owen Sound, ON
CHAMPION SENIOR HEIFER CALFProspect Hill SimmentalsAndrew Schuller and Family • Granton, ON RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR HEIFERLeahy Stock FarmsBernard and Lise Leahy and Family Lakefield, ON
JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALEWaydamar SimmentalsDave and Gayle Milliner • Dundalk, ON RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALEDonovandale SimmentalsGerald and Keitha Donovan • Ashton, ON SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALETo be announcedRESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALETo be announced
GRAND CHAMPION FEMALEBar 5 Stock FarmsRon and Carla Nolan • Markdale,
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALEFlo-Lar Farmsin memory of Larry Behnke BULL CALF CHAMPIONRobson AcresThe Robson Family • Millbrook, ON
RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALFEvergreen OddsNorm and Barb Plume • Cardinal, ON