Jason Leblond was elected president of Beef Farmers of Ontario during the 64th annual general meeting in Toronto on Feb. 18.
“I love this industry, it’s fantastic,” said Leblond, adding he’s honoured by the trust and confidence the board has in him. “We’re super lucky (with this board.) My ambition is to do what the industry and producers are telling us to do. It’s that simple.”
Why it matters: There’s been unprecidented growth in beef prices, meaning a need for leadership in the sector.
The first-generation Powassan producer is a certified engineering technologist and operates a 35-head grass-fed cow-calf operation with his family.
Leblond is committed to bringing his Northern Ontario perspective, municipal government experience and positive yet determined solutions-based attitude to address any issues presented to the board.
Alongside Leblond, the board welcomed newly elected vice-president Don Badour of Perth. Two new directors also joined: Grey County’s Lisa Pallister for the feedlot sector and Don Scott from Grenville County, who replaces outgoing president Craig McLaughlin for the eastern region.
“His leadership, dedication, steady presence and sense of humour have made him a valued part of this team,” said Leblond of the outgoing president. “He made a genuine effort to include directors and staff in the decision-making part of that process; he gave everyone time and space to share their perspectives. He led thoughtfully, respectfully and with appreciation for the team around him.”
The two men worked closely together this year on the provincial beef association working group to develop a unified path for the Canadian Cattle Association’s future.
Leblond’s top priorities are advancing traceability, streamlining the Beef Cattle Marketing Act and securing a provincial guarantee under the Beef Breeder Loan Program.
“When you look around this room and see all these young producers, that’s who it’s going to help,” he said. “That program I’d love to see get across the finish line.”
McLaughlin’s confident that Leblond will step handily into the role and help accomplish whatever the board sets out to do.
“When people just sit down and roll up their sleeves, they can find solutions and make the industry better,” said McLaughlin, adding Leblond is a “fixer,” which has and will continue to serve the organization well.
“I’m just estimating, but approximately 20 per cent of our voting delegates are under the age of 35,” said McLaughlin. “We were trying to provide them with opportunities, because sometimes that’s their biggest challenge — getting an opportunity.”
One solution was to establish the Ontario Beef Youth Alliance five years ago, which now has over 300 members. Another was BFO’s BUILD leadership program, revamped and relaunched in 2024 with the Rural Ontario Institute after a seven-year hiatus.
“It currently has over 20 applicants. Sadly, we won’t be able to accept them all this year,” he said.
StrongHER in Beef, a new, sold-out event launching in March, was created to celebrate, connect, and empower women across Ontario’s beef industry, rapidly growing from a seed into a cohesive event within a few years.
“There’s a demand for that (kind of programming),” McLaughlin said. “We have realized, just like on your farm, what you invest in BFO will come to fruition years down the road.”
Along with the newly elected directors, several were re-elected or acclaimed for another term. Don Hargrave secured a third term representing cow-calf operators. Jairus Maus will serve a second term as feedlot director, and Joost van der Heiden will serve a second term as background director. Emily Bromley will complete her term as the BFO youth representative this year.
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