Simcoe County family receives 2024 Ontario Mapleseed Pasture Award

The Chalmers family of JPD Angus of Oro-Medonte in Simcoe County are the recipients of the 2024 Mapleseed Pasture Award.

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The award was presented at the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) annual meeting banquet in Toronto. For their environmental improvements and exceptional pasture management, JPD Angus received a cash award of $500 and a bag of forage seed, courtesy of Mapleseed, the BFO said in a release.

At JPD Angus, the Chalmers family currently raise 60 cow-calf pairs, 20 yearling heifers and 20 yearling bulls on 120 acres of rotationally managed acres. They utilize rotational grazing as a method to both minimize damage to root systems on dry soil, and to maximize the number of cow-calf pairs per acre. While their well-drained soil has adequate moisture in the spring and fall, special attention is given to rest periods to preserve root structures and ensure pasture health and regrowth.

On the main farm, Lori and her husband Darryl manage the maternity pens, a handling barn, and 50 of the total pastured acres. Their sons Evan, Owen and Nolan all reside at home and serve in various roles on the farm – Evan manages the day-to-day operations, Owen is the lead mechanic and repair specialist, and Nolan helps with whatever needs to get done.

“We’ve been farming here since 2008. It’s a true family effort, “ says Lori Chalmers.

Lori and Darryl’s daughter Michaela and her husband Chris Stoneman manage the larger group of cattle at a nearby property, which consists of 70 acres of pastureland. Michaela and Chris also take the lead with promoting their herd genetics by showing cattle at local fall fairs and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

The annual award is sponsored by the BFO, Mapleesed and the Ontario Forage Council.

Scott Fisher, western Ontario sales manager with Mapleseed said JPD Angus “is a wonderful example of a beautifully manicured well-cared for farm, where the cattle get to live their best life.”

Patricia Ellingwood, general manager of the Ontario Forage Council said  “It is an exciting time for rotational grazing. We are seeing an increased interest in best management practices that help bolster the bottom line while keeping environmental responsibility top of mind.”

“JPD Angus is a wonderful example of this.”

The deadline for applications for the 2025 Ontario Mapleseed Pasture Award is November 30, 2024.