HISTORY

In 2005, five local beef farmers joined together under the guidance of the Ontario Cattleman’s Association to start thinking about collectively selling their meat as a local branded beef product. This option would allow the farmers to group their time, resources, and abilities to put forth a larger marketing campaign that would create more demand for local beef products.

In 2006, the farmers opened up the group to other interested farmers and were successful in recruiting four more members. In 2007 they incorporated, and officially launched in May 2008 with one mission in mind:

“To produce the highest standard of tasty, nutritious beef while enhancing the environment and supporting the local community.”

FARMS

1. Algoma Farm Fresh: Jack & Lou Ann Tindall, Desbarats
2. Applehill Farm: Will & Elaine Samis, Iron Bridge
3. Clear Water Farms: Ken & Robin MacLeod, Poplar Dale
4. Leeburn Valley Farm: Gordon Hacker, Leeburn
5. Spruce Ridge Farm: Ray & Joanne Prestedge, Thessalon
6. Sweet Water Ranch: Luke & Amy Vine, Thessalon

CODE OF ETHICS

• We will produce a wholesome, tasty, and nutritious product
• We will meet the needs of every animal on our farms every day
• We will protect and improve the environment on our farms, leaving it better for future generations
• We will encourage and foster the growth and positive development of all individuals involved
• We will as individuals and as a corporation be a positive force in the area’s communities

PROTOCOLS

  1. Calves must be born on members farm and raised to the protocol standards with proper documentation
  2. 100% traceable- all animals will be age verified with the Canadian Cattle Identification agency
  3. Complete and submit an approved animal information sheet with each animal to Northern Quality Meats and keep a record as well
  4. All animals processed under provincial inspection
  5. Be less than 24 months of age
  6. Attain a minimum grade A
  7. Have no growth hormones or implants administered at any time
  8. Have no antibiotics administered at any time
  9. Have no ionophores administered at any time
  10. Have parasite control program administered
  11. Be castrated by 600 lbs or by weaning
  12. Vitamins and minerals may be used
  13. Must be vaccinated
  14. Must be dehorned
  15. Beef must be finished with full grain feed for approximately the last 100 days using our approved locally grown by 2010 barley/pea diet of which peas must constitute no less than 25% by weight
  16. Farmers must have completed an Environmental Farm Plan Course, a Verified Beef Production Course and must keep Verified Beef Production records that are adequate for full traceability of cattle and inputs
  17. The goal is to have calves sired by a bull with minimum AA grade for marbling on approved test upon replacement of a farms bull
  18. Conducts third party farm audits

AWARD WINNING DIET

Penokean Hills Farms recently received the 2009 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence in Espanola on June 12th 2009. The group won the award because of their finishing diet which includes peas and barley that are locally grown. The group also won another Premier’s Award for the 25 lb frozen mixed box of steaks, roasts, and ground beef.