DFO acknowledges collaboration in new Dairy Code of Practice release

April 18, 2023

On March 30, the revisions to the Dairy Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle were released by the National Farm Animal Care Council, building on the high standards already in place for dairy producers across Canada.
 
Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) Board acknowledged the commitment of all those from Ontario and across the country who contributed to the revision process, an arms-length endeavour that began in 2021.
 
“Ontario dairy farmers take animal welfare and the production of high-quality milk very seriously and follow some of the most stringent standards in the world,” said Murray Sherk, DFO’s board chair. “The revision process was fair and demonstrated effective collaboration among producers, the public and industry in helping update protocols and standards for animal welfare.”
 
Read the joint NFACC and DFC press release here.
 

Election of Board Member for Region 2

March 10, 2023

In accordance with Section 12(1) of R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 760, as amended, Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) Board, at its meeting on March 7, 2023, declared Brian Burnett elected by acclamation to serve as Board Member for Region 2, commencing on March 28, 2023.
 
Mr. Burnett will complete the remainder of the four-year term of Nick Thurler, whose term began on Jan. 19, 2022, immediately following DFO’s 2022 Annual General Meeting.
 

Dairy producer, Mac Emiry, among 11 inductees to the Agricultural Hall of Fame

February 23, 2023

In 2023, the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame (OAHF) will induct 11 individuals who have made significant impacts on Ontario agriculture and beyond. One of those inductees is Carleton Mackinnon (Mack) Emiry, a dairy farmer who has dedicated his life to the advancement of agriculture in Ontario. His greatest passion in agriculture is soil health and his objective has always been to leave the soil in an improved condition for future generations.



His work as chair of the land stewardship committee evolved into work that led to the development of the environmental farm plan. He has also provided a much-needed voice to many agricultural discussions on behalf of Northern Ontario. Organizations benefiting from his commitment include the Manitoulin West Sudbury Milk Producers’ Association, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the provincial Nutrient Management Advisory Committee.

Mack Emiry was nominated by the Manitoulin North Shore Federation of Agriculture. To see the full press release, visit https://www.oahf.on.ca/news-2/2020-inductionceremony/.

Second wave of Everybody Milk campaign set to launch

February 22, 2023

The second wave of Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) Everybody Milk campaign will run Feb. 20 through Apr. 9.

Once again, the campaign celebrates the universal love of milk through fun, energetic and meaningful content with the goal of increasing consumption. Consumer research confirms that those who recall the ads from the Fall 2022 campaign have a stronger perception of milk, seeing it as being irreplaceable, delicious, and loved by everybody.

To further entrench this message and reinforce the love for milk, various campaign tactics will celebrate the different ways everybody loves milk.

Over the seven weeks of the campaign, DFO will reach Ontarians with 30- and 15-second Everybody Milk ads on TV as well as online video ads, social media, a morning show broadcast segment, influencers, billboards, digital advertising, traditional radio, and podcast radio ads. A partnership with a Toronto coffee shop will shine a light on milk lovers. Stay tuned for more details.

Watch the commercial here.

DFC to hold its policy conference March 20, 21

February 22, 2023

In-person registration closes on Feb. 27

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) has moved its annual policy conference to March 20 and 21, 2023. Topics will focus on consumer, economic and public policy trends shaping the dairy industry, as well as the industry’s place in the safe and sustainable food system of the future.

The agenda is as follows:
     Friday, March 17 – virtual Lobby Day briefing
     Monday, March 20 – full day conference and banquet dinner
     Tuesday, March 21 – Lobby Day and dairy reception

In-person and virtual registration is now open – sign up here. Note that in-person registration closes Feb. 27 and virtual registration closes on March 17.

Existing registrations and registration fees already paid have automatically been transferred to these new dates and there is no need to register again.

Canada's Ag Day on Feb. 15

February 15, 2023

Canada’s Ag Day will be celebrated on Feb. 15, 2023. Everyone is encouraged to join farmers and consumers to raise their fork and acknowledge the ongoing effort and commitment made by the agriculture sector.

Facts:

• Dairy sector contributes more than $16 billion to Canada’s GDP
• Dairy industry provides more than 700,000 jobs across the country
• There are 3,273 Ontario dairy producers and in the last year they shipped more than 3 billion litres of milk across the province

Join the conversations about food and agriculture and get the word out on social media across Canada with #CdnAgDay. It’s a good time to showcase all the amazing things happening in the dairy industry and create a closer connection between consumers, their food and you, our dairy farmers.

Visit www.CdnAgDay.ca to find inspiring ideas for organizing local activities, as well as plenty of merchandising items available for order.

Peter Gould to be inducted into Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in June

February 01, 2023

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) Board is thrilled that DFO’s nomination of Peter Gould, DFO’s former General Manager, to the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame has been accepted. Peter’s many contributions to the Ontario and Canadian dairy industry have helped shaped the sector into what it is today. He was a dedicated advocate for the industry and for supply management and his legacy has been far-reaching and profound.



Throughout Peter’s career, he developed and nurtured numerous relationships both within the organization and in the dairy sector. His qualities, experience, passion and vision have served the industry well, and we are forever grateful.

Peter will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the GrandWay Events Centre in Elora, Ont.
 
To read the full press release on Peter’s induction, please click here.

Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium

January 27, 2023

The 2023 Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium (SWODS) will be held on Feb. 22
at the Woodstock Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The SWODS committee is working on providing an excellent program for dairy producers
and a great tradeshow for exhibitors. Keynote speaker will be Michael Barrett, president and
chief executive officer of Gay Lea Foods. Tickets cost $25 and include lunch. There will be a
full line up of speakers starting at 10:15 a.m. in the main auditorium.

The symposium is planned and sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Ontario, through the dairy
producer committees in Essex-Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Elgin, Huron, Perth, Oxford,
Waterloo, Wellington, Brant, Norfolk, Wentworth, and Haldimand and Niagara, and in cooperation
with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Visit www.dairysymposium.com for more information.

DFO Board elects 2023 Board Executive

January 19, 2023

Board Executive Election
 
At a Special Board meeting held on Jan. 19, 2023, following Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) 2023 annual general meeting (AGM), DFO’s Board elected its 2023 Board Executive. Murray Sherk, Board Member for Region 8, was re-elected as Chair; Mark Hamel, Board Member for Region 11, was elected as Vice-Chair; and Adam Petherick, Board Member for Region 4, was re-elected as 2nd Vice-Chair.
 
Regional Elections
 
On Jan. 19, 2023, immediately following the adjournment of DFO’s 2023 AGM, the following producers will each begin their four-year term on the DFO Board: John Wynands, Board Member for Region 3; Albert Fledderus, Board Member for Region 7 and Mark Hamel, Board Member for Region 11.

DFO honours industry achievements and delivers Annual Report

January 19, 2023

 

TORONTO, January 19, 2023 – During a celebration earlier this evening at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) Board recognized producer commitment to the production of high-quality milk and industry leadership at its inaugural DFO Recognition Dinner. The organization also delivered its 2021-22 Annual Report.



Five Ontario dairy producers with the best quality scores were recognized for their outstanding commitment to quality, and the first-ever DFO Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Glen McNeil (Heather Holme Holsteins, Goderich, Ont.).

• Citilimits Farms Inc., Jordan Dietrich and Nicole Dietrich
• Zethill Farms Ltd., Russell Zettler
• Ontowa Farms Inc., Martin Family, Ralph Martin and Judy Martin
• Elliottdale Holsteins Ltd., Andrew Elliott and Nicole Elliott
• Slits Dairy Farms Ltd., Pedro Slits and Jolanda Slits

 
Juanita Echeverry-Munera, Ph.D candidate in the Trouw Nutrition Ruminant Research Centre at the University of Guelph, received the 2023 DFO Doctoral Scholarship of $100,000 to explore methods to raise dairy-beef calves to improve productivity, sustainability and economic return on Canadian farms.
 
“Ontario dairy producers meet some of the most stringent milk quality requirements in the world and these Quality Award recipients have demonstrated the passion and commitment it takes to be the best of the best,” said Murray Sherk, DFO's chair. “It’s a true reflection of what we do to support our Canadian dairy system. I commend these producers for their leadership.”

“Glen McNeil’s contributions to the dairy industry as a producer, mentor and advocate have been immense,” said Sherk. “He is kind and generous in giving back to dairy producers and his community, and the sector has benefitted from his commitment to quality, advocacy and goodwill. His is truly a lifetime of achievement, with much more to come, and DFO's board is proud to present this award to acknowledge that.”
DFO also released its 2021-22 annual report demonstrating a continued focus on supporting a dynamic, profitable and growing dairy sector. You can find the Annual Report on DFO's website on the Industry Resources page on the top right navigation.

“We set an ambitious growth target and put all our efforts toward meeting it. In the face of high inflation, rising interest rates and increasing costs to produce the food Canadians need, we were able to move the needle for Ontario producers,” said Cheryl Smith, DFO's chief executive officer. “Dairy is the largest agricultural sector in Ontario, contributing almost $8 billion to the provincial gross domestic product and supporting 100,000 full-time jobs and, as an organization, we remain committed to delivering for Ontario producers.”