Beef Breeder Co-operative Program

Co-operatives in Northern Ontario

How your Beef Breeder Co-operative can work for you

1. Apply to the co-operative’s Board of Directors for membership
2. Eligible members include individuals who are at least 18 years of age and who are landowners or who rent land, or are voting shareholders in partnerships or corporations owning land in Ontario.
3. After becoming a member, apply for a purchase order for the amount of anticipated breeding female purchase. Depending on co-operative, maximum funding per member ranges from $50,000 to $65,000. If you have not calved out 20 cows in previous year you are limited to a maximum of $25,000.
4. Most loans are payable over a five year term.
5. Once you receive a purchase order, breeding females may be purchased in the name of the co-operative.
6. Females are tagged with co-operative tags and inspected by their supervisor.
7. The co-operative facilitates the payment for the cattle.
8. Offspring are sold in the name of the co-operative and the member’s name, then the loan payment is made.

Costs to Members

Each co-operative charges and annual membership fee, administration fee, insurance and tag cost. A 15% security deposit based on loan amount is required.