Beef cattle thriving on Oxford County pastures

A beef cow-calf herd enjoys lush pasture last week on a farm southwest of Tavistock in East Zorra Township, Oxford County. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Oxford County has long been known across Canada as the country’s “Dairy Capital,” with neighbouring Perth County not far behind in milk production.

But while dairy farming remains a major part of the region’s agricultural identity, beef cattle continue to play an important role on many local farms as well.

At this time of year, it doesn’t take long while travelling rural roads across Oxford County to spot beef cattle enjoying lush, green pastures. While many beef animals are raised in feedlots, cow-calf herds can still be seen grazing peacefully in fields throughout the countryside.

The local beef industry is also celebrated annually during the Oxford County Beef Producers Association barbecue in Tavistock, an event that continues to draw beef lovers from across the region each summer.

The popular event features locally raised and prepared beef, cooked and served by Oxford County beef producers with help from their families and volunteers. The meal typically includes side dishes grown close to home, including locally grown sweet corn when in season.

The annual barbecue has become a showcase for the quality of Oxford County beef and the strength of the local agricultural community.

Members of the Oxford County 4-H Beef Club are also heavily involved in the event each year, helping with ticket sales and fundraising activities that support the club and its youth programming.

Club members later showcase their beef projects during achievement day at the Tavistock fall fairgrounds each September.

Many local dairy farmers are also involved in beef production as part of their operations. Lower-producing dairy cows are often marketed for beef, while many dairy producers now breed a portion of their herds using beef semen.

At the same time, female-sexed dairy semen allows farmers to selectively breed their top cows to produce replacement heifer calves for future milk production, helping strengthen their dairy herds while also creating additional value through beef-cross calves.

The combination of dairy and beef production continues to play an important role in the agricultural economy of Oxford and Perth counties, where farming remains a cornerstone of rural life.