The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) held its annual general meeting virtually last week. During the event, the producer group handed out awards and held elections for the board.
Of note, Kim Jo Bliss was elected to fill a vacant seat as director at-large for a one-year term.
Bliss farms near Emo, Ont.., where she has a 50-head cow-calf operation and a small sheep flock. In addition to juggling life on the farm and her job with the Ontario Crops Research Centre – Emo, operated by the University of Guelph, Bliss is also involved in many community organizations including the local hospital foundation and the Rainy River sales barn and abattoir.
Rob Lipsett from Annan, Ontario, who represents the background sector on the BFO board, will continue to lead the organization in the year ahead as president, with Jack Chaffe serving as vice president. Also re-elected are Jason Leblond of Powassan, who will represent the cow-calf sector; Jordan Miller of Kagawong, representing northern Ontario; and Jason Reid from Thunder Bay as director at-large.
Jackie and Steven Pemberton, of Pemdale Farms located at Inkerman, Ont., received The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for their work on farming strategies committed to the environment, nutrient management, and water way health.
“Jacqueline and Steven are exemplary members of the community, and their dedication to environmental stewardship is having an impact throughout Eastern Ontario and beyond,” says Brendan Jacobs, program coordinator, ALUS Ontario East. “It is through fostering these relationships that new perspectives can emerge, leading to effective and lasting stewardship activities.”
BFO, Mapleseed, and the Ontario Forage Council also awarded the Mapleseed Pasture Award to Denise and Jeff Byers of MurrayHill Farm, from the Durham region of the province.
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