Industry News

Industry News

You can now subscribe to DFO “Industry News” as an RSS news feed and have it delivered automatically to your tablet or mobile device.

Learn more about DFO’s RSS news feeds.

MilkUP Post-to-Pay Pop-UP back in Toronto with new campaign

January 31, 2024

MilkUP’s widely successful post-to-pay pop-up is back in Toronto this winter. This campaign is all about highlighting dairy as a cozy companion to all the fun winter has to offer to Ontario Gen Z. DFO built a winter wonderland and partnered with beloved local vendors so guests can enjoy delicious limited-edition dairy treats and merchandise.


dairychill.jpg

2024 Annual General Meeting and Recognition Dinner highlights the past year’s successes and acknowledges leaders in Ontario’s dairy sector

January 19, 2024

TORONTO, January 18, 2024 – During a celebration yesterday evening at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) Board recognized producer commitment to the production of high-quality milk and industry leadership at its DFO Recognition Dinner. The event also celebrated Board Chair, Murray Sherk, for his 12 years on DFO’s Board, as he steps into retirement. DFO also delivered its 2023 Annual Report.

Five Ontario dairy producers with the best quality scores were recognized for their outstanding commitment to quality, and the annual DFO Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Donald (Don) Johnston (Cherry Crest Holsteins in Martintown, Ontario).

001-DFO_AGM-FULL.jpg

Quality Award Winners received Gold Quality Certificates in January 2023
for milk shipped in 2022:

Zethill Farms Ltd. (Bruce), Russell and Joyce Zettler and Joel and Alisha Zettler
Sunnyfield Holsteins (Durham), Brent, Susanne and Cal Snoddon
Campbell Farms (Brant), Donald and Laurie Campbell
Slits Dairy Farms Ltd. No.2 (Perth), Pedro and Jolanda Slits and Maik and Bianca Schapendonk
Oasis Acres Ltd. (Middlesex), Albert and Suzanna Westerhof
 
“For 12 years I have been incredibly proud to be part of the dairy industry as a Board member at DFO and represent Ontario dairy producers, who demonstrate the passion and commitment it takes to be best-in-class,” said Murray Sherk, DFO’s Chair. “Our Quality Award Winners and this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient are true examples of what it means to be a leader in our industry.”

003-DFO_AGM-FULL.jpg
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Don Johnston, runs Cherry Crest Holsteins in Martintown, Ontario. Don is an active volunteer in his community and has served three terms on DFO’s Glengarry Dairy Producer Committee. He is recognized for this year's Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to the betterment of Ontario’s dairy industry and has made outstanding contributions to the dairy community.  
 
DFO released its 2023 Annual Report demonstrating a continued focus on supporting a dynamic, profitable and growing dairy sector.

“DFO provides leadership in the production and marketing of high-quality Canadian milk,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer, DFO. “It is a pleasure to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of these exceptional leaders. We are all committed to supporting a strong Canadian dairy system for a thriving dairy industry.”

If you require hi-res photos, please contact media@milk.org.
 
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,213 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.



 

DFO Board elects 2024 Board Executive

January 18, 2024

DFO Board elects 2024 Board Executive

At a Special Board meeting held on Jan. 18, 2024, following Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), DFO’s Board elected its 2024 Board Executive.

Mark Hamel, Board Member for Region 11, was elected as Chair; Roger Boersen, Board Member for Region 10 was elected as Vice-Chair; and Don Gordon, Board Member for Region 5, was elected as 2nd Vice-Chair.

Murray Sherk ended his final term as Chair of the Board and retired as Board Member for Region 8.

Pete Overdevest begins his term as Board Member for Region 8.

Arlene Minott was re-appointed as Corporate Secretary to the Board. Rey Moisan was re-appointed as Treasurer to the Board.

DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO MAKES MILK & COOKIES MEAN EVEN MORE WITH ANNUAL CAMPAIGN AND HOLIDAY DONATION

November 16, 2023

For the fifth consecutive year Dairy Farmers of Ontario donates to SickKids and other Ontario children’s hospitals reaching $2.6 million to date.

TORONTO, ONT. (NOV. 16, 2023) – This season, to spread holiday cheer and support communities across Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) will make a donation of $500,000 to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and other Ontario children’s hospitals in Hamilton (McMaster Children’s Hospitals), London (Children’s Hospital) and Ottawa (CHEO). Cumulatively since 2019, DFO will have donated $2.6 million through the Milk & Cookies campaign to initiatives that support patients and families spending the holidays in Ontario children’s hospitals.
 
To make the magical ritual of milk and cookies for Santa mean even more, this year DFO is creating Magic Milk Glasses that will be given to children spending the holidays at Ontario children's hospitals. These unique keepsake milk glasses, with a built-in cookie cutter, will feature designs drawn by children from across the province, so the holiday magic can be shared by all this season.
 
Milk-Pic-5.jpg
 Dairy Farmers of Ontario's makes Milk and Cookies mean even more this holiday season through #MagicMilkGlass initiative, supporting SickKids and other Ontario children’s hospitals.
 
"Dairy Farmers of Ontario is committed to nourishing communities all across Ontario, and every year, we want to demonstrate to children and their families spending the holidays at a hospital that we are thinking of them,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Dairy Farmers of Ontario. “This year’s Magic Milk Glass initiative goes beyond the donation and ensures each child spending this holiday season in an Ontario children’s hospital is able to experience the special Christmas Eve ritual of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa.”
 
In the spirit of spreading holiday cheer, Ontarians are invited to get creative and join DFO in showing their support for patients by submitting their own #MagicMilkGlass design. Select designs will be printed on a Magic Milk Glass and distributed to kids spending the holidays at SickKids and other Ontario children’s hospitals.
 
“All of us at SickKids Foundation greatly appreciate the continued support and partnership from Dairy Farmers of Ontario,” says Jennifer Bernard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the SickKids Foundation. “The holiday season can be a challenging time for many families who are spending it in hospital, and DFO’s commitment will help us continue to support and spread joy to patients during their stay.”
 
Between November 15 to November 28, submit your own Magic Milk Glass drawing design and make the magical ritual of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa mean even more this season. Share your #MagicMilkGlass design on social using @ontariodairy and using the hashtag.
 
For more information about Dairy Farmers of Ontario #MagicMilkGlass and how you can share your support for patients at SickKids and other Ontario children’s hospitals, visit www.milk.org and @ontariodairy.
 
Download hi-res images here.
 
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,273 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.
 
About SickKids
Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada. Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids – one of the world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions. Thanks to the generosity of the community, SickKids Foundation generated more than $205 million in revenue in support of children’s health for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. Precision health for every child is the future. At SickKids, it’s already begun. Join us at HealTheFuture.ca.
 
Media Contact
Corissa Miles, Account Manager, Middle Child
corissa.miles@wearemiddlechild.com
705-507-3718
 

Register now for DFO's 2024 AGM

November 13, 2023

join-us.jpg

To register for the Annual General Meeting, click here.
To reserve your hotel in advance, please click here.
To download the agenda, click here.


Inquiries can be directed to dfoagm2024@milk.org or directly to Chantel Crockett, DFO’s Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, at 416-320-9885.

New Entrant Quota Assistance Program

October 24, 2023

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) New Entrant Quota Assistance Program is designed to assist those with an interest in dairy farming who may not otherwise have the financial means or opportunity to get started in the industry.
 
The P5 makes available 160 kilograms of quota per year for the program in Ontario.  Subject to DFO issuing a licence to produce and market milk and approving an order to issue quota, DFO will match 20 kilograms of quota to each successful applicant.
 
As a result, there are 8 positions available.
 
Click here for the application.  The deadline to submit the 2024 application is October 31, 2023.
 
If you have further questions, please contact the Field Services Representative in your area of the province.
 

Save the date! DFO's Annual General Meeting

October 24, 2023

agm-save-the-date.PNG

To reserve a hotel room in advance, click here.

Inquiries can be directed to Chantel Crockett, DFO’s Manager, Stakeholder Engagement,
at 416-320-9885 or chantel.crockett@milk.org.

More details to come!

DFO, The NBA and City of Toronto unveil WNBA-themed court

September 11, 2023

WNBA-Court-Shot.jpg

The National Basketball Association (NBA), Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and the City of Toronto today unveiled the newly restored Don Mount Court (DMC) in Toronto’s downtown community of Rivertowne, marking the first official Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)-themed court in Canada.  The court design – which features the iconic logos of the WNBA and DFO’s youth lifestyle brand MilkUP – was created by local Toronto illustrator Fiorella Granda to celebrate women’s basketball in Canada and around the world.
 
“DFO is committed to supporting local communities across Ontario through MilkUP, our youth lifestyle brand, and together with the NBA we have proudly created the first WNBA-themed outdoor court in the country,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at DFO. “We hope the Riverdale neighbourhood and all communities are able to enjoy the court that visually celebrates women’s basketball and provides an inclusive space for young girls who want to learn and play the game.”
 
“The amazing upgrade to this popular basketball court provides an exciting new space for Rivertowne community youth and others to enjoy playing the game while encouraging young girls and women to join the game and to be proud of their ongoing contributions to the sport,” City of Toronto Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth).
 
To celebrate the collaboration and court unveiling, the non-profit organization Buckets & Borders hosted an immersive event for fans that featured a basketball clinic for youth in the community, fun activations, live music from a local DJ, and a basketball competition featuring Hoop Queens, a network for Canadian female basketball players.  The event builds on MilkUP’s efforts to bring unique community-driven experiences to local neighbourhoods across Ontario to empower youth on and off the court, while highlighting dairy’s nutritional benefits.
 
“We couldn’t have asked for a better reception to the first WNBA game in Canada from local fans, partners and the larger basketball community and we’re thrilled to team up with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario on this legacy project in celebration of women’s basketball in the country,” said Leah MacNab, Sr. VP, NBA Canada.  “This court symbolizes the passion and enthusiasm for basketball across Canada and we can’t wait to see Rivertowne’s community members utilize this court for years to come.” 
 
The first WNBA Canada Game presented by Tangerine featuring the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx was held on May 13, 2023, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto in front of nearly 20,000 fans.  The first WNBA game ever held in Canada set league records for attendance, viewership and merchandise sales. Nineteen marketing partners from across Canada, including DFO, supported the game through fan activations, digital marketing, out of home assets, TV commercials, ticket giveaways, merchandise and community clinics.
 

DFO partners with Ridgetown campus on dairy herdsperson apprenticeship program

August 16, 2023

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, have partnered to enhance the Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship (DHA) program to reach more students interested in a professional career as a herdsperson.

In partnership with DFO, Ridgetown Campus will use $300,000 in provincial government funding to develop virtual learning modules and increase program accessibility to produce highly trained graduates while addressing a labour shortage faced by dairy farms.

“As a long-standing partner, we are proud to support the University of Guelph’s commitment to the dairy industry through programs such as the Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship,” said Murray Sherk, chair at DFO. “We are thrilled to work alongside Ridgetown Campus, who will use the Skills Development Fund to virtually expand the program, reach more students and meet the needs of Ontario’s dairy producers.”

To read more, click here: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2023/08/dairy-farmers-of-ontariopartner-with-u-of-gs-ridgetown-campus-on-dairy-apprenticeship/

DFO announces 2023 bursary winners in partnership with OMHA and OHA

July 10, 2023

Thirteen students who have made a big impact in their schools and in their communities – in addition to being recognized as top players and volunteers in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Ontario Hockey Association – have been chosen as this year’s winners of Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s post-secondary bursary programs.

20230609_OMHA_Bursary-Winners.jpg

The Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary Program recognizes hockey players within the OMHA and OHA for their outstanding contribution to community service, athletic and academic success. Applications for 2024 Bursary Programs will be announced next season.

To learn more about the winners, visit the OMHA and OHA.