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Who We Are
Marywood Simmentals is a family-operated cow/calf farm in Wellington County, Ontario. Ron and Mary Ellen Wooddisse’s farm is home to purebred Simmental cows, as well as some Red Angus and crossbred cows. The entire family has been involved in the day-to-day operation of the farm and has shown cattle around the country.
The name “Marywood Simmentals” is the combination of “Mary Ellen” and “Wooddisse,” created by Ron to sweeten the news of a surprise purchase of a couple of purebred Simmental cows. Ron gained industry knowledge and contacts through his involvement in the local Simmental association and the Ontario Simmental Association before moving into the Canadian Simmental Association. Marywood grew with the support of Ron’s brothers Richard (Richwood Simmentals) and Dave and brother in-law Bob McFarlane (McRobdon Simmentals).
Genetic Development
Marywood strives to produce calves that weigh half their mother’s weight at weaning and grow to 1,300lb within 13 months of age on an all-vegetable diet with no growth hormones. By selectively promoting genetic traits, breeding produces an ideal cow that matures early, is exceptionally fertile, breeds back within 60 days and produces a 700-lb calf at weaning. With these genetics, Marywood produces breeding animals and strives for two sales per year. The animals that do not meet breeding requirements are sold by boxed meat.
Ron Wooddisse
Ron had a keen interest in genetics and a voracious appetite for numbers which back up the traits that created great meat and milk. Although Marywood is home to 130 cattle, Ron knew all of his animals at a glance and could easily pick out family trees in his own herd, as well as other herds. Over the years he built his knowledge from working on many boards and associations, including: Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Canadian Grading Agency, Ontario Simmental Association, Wellington County Cattlemen’s, Ontario Member Co-op Association, Grain & Feed Dealers Association and the Fertilizer Institute of Ontario.
With the loss of Ron in 2010, Marywood will be dispersing the herd in 2011.