The beef cattle industry in Ontario is very diverse and dynamic in nature. Ontario s beef farmers are committed to good stewardship of the animals and land in their care. As well, the industry supports research that will improve the industry s knowledge and understanding of beef cattle. The average size Ontario cow-calf farm is very small, comprised of approximately 25 cows.
Cows usually give birth in the spring.
Calves are born annually and weaned at 5-6 months of age or about 227 kilograms. Cows are kept in calving areas during the calving period so that farmers can keep close watch over cows and calves during this critical period. Cows and their calves spend the spring, summer and fall living and grazing on pasture. Beef animals gain approximately 181 kilograms of weight over a 10-month period in a backgrounder operation. Pastures and forages are not only important to feeding programs in both cow-calf and backgrounder operations, but also are important to soil conservation and quality.