2022 DFO Virtual Annual General Meeting

November 30, 2021

 

Savour Ontario winter campaign

November 15, 2021

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s culinary brand, Savour Ontario, is launching its winter campaign, Savour Ontario Winter Pairings from Nov. 10 to Dec. 10. The campaign is a continuation of four partnership with the LCBO and local Ontario winery, Henry of Pelham. The campaign will promote pairings of cheese, wine and feature recipes curated by beloved Ontario chefs on select bottles of Henry of Pelham wine at LCBO stores across Ontario.

Savour Ontario will promote the campaign across digital and social platforms. In addition, it will amplify through a television partnership on Citytv’s Breakfast Television featuring notable Chef Michael Bonacini, who will infuse his culinary creativity and love of Ontario flavours into this branded content.
 

Board Member Elections Region 6

November 10, 2021

The ballot count for the 2021 Election for Board Member in Region 6 was held in accordance with the procedures detailed in Ontario Regulation 760, as amended, made under the Milk Act, on Nov. 9, 2021. The ballot count resulted in a tie vote.

In accordance with Section 15(5) of Regulation 760, DFO’s Board, at a meeting held via video-conference call on Nov. 9, 2021, declared the election void and directed staff to conduct a further election within 15 days, in keeping with requirements set out in the regulations.

DFO invests nearly $540,000 to antimicrobial stewardship research

October 15, 2021

Dairy Farmers of Ontario is pleased to announce an investment of nearly $540,000 in research at the University of Guelph into antimicrobial medicines which are used to treat, control and prevent animal and human disease and improve production and growth.  The project also received more than $3 million from the Ontario Research Fund. Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to support Dr. David Kelton in his research into antimicrobial stewardship solutions in the Ontario dairy sector. Antimicrobial stewardship promotes the prudent use of antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, to limit an increase in resistant organisms and is becoming an integral part of food systems around the globe. “We are proud to partner with the University of Guelph, including Dr. David Kelton and his research team, as we work together toward finding sustainable, science-based solutions to reduce the use of antimicrobials without compromising animal health and welfare,” says Cheryl Smith, Dairy Farmers of Ontario CEO. “We provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk. We value consumer trust in our industry and farm practices and work hard to meet their expectations every day.” To read more about this research project, click here.

2022 Milk Calendar now available

October 12, 2021

This year, the iconic Milk Calendar is celebrating a monumental milestone with 45 years of dairy inspiration.
 
This 45^th edition marks a milestone in the history of cooking and baking with local dairy, crafted on Canadian family farms. It’s a celebration of the hundreds of delicious Milk Calendar recipes that have graced Canadian family tables for almost half a century.
 
The calendar features 17 classic recipes reimagined from past Milk Calendar editions. With the success of last year’s Milk Calendar subscription and digital download, we are continuing to encourage consumers to download the digital recipe collection from the 2022 Milk Calendar (printed copies continue to be available).
 
Together with the support of our retail partners, we will further extend awareness and engagement of the Milk Calendar across digital newsletters and owned platforms through October and November.

Ault family honoured for longstanding contributions

October 12, 2021

The Ault family was recognized in a ceremony to commemorate their work in the dairy business and contributions to the Winchester, Ont. community.

DFO’s Board Chair Murray Sherk, Board Member Nick Thurler and CEO Cheryl Smith gathered with other local dignitaries and Lactalis Canada representatives to celebrate what the family started in 1891 and recognize the positive impact they’ve had on the Canadian food manufacturing sector.
 
Ault Foods is currently owned by Lactalis Canada.
 
The family was recognized with the unveiling of a mural, which shows various phases of the business throughout its history, and will have a section of Main Street in Winchester renamed to Ault Way and the arena at the Joel Steele Community Centre now known as the Sam Ault Arena.

Notice of board Elections

October 08, 2021

DFO will be holding an election for Region 6 this month. Nominations were received from Bonnie den Haan and George Van Kampen.
 
Ballots have been mailed to producers in Region 6. All ballots must be returned postmarked on or before Oct. 26, 2021. Any ballots with a postmark date of Oct. 27 or later will not be counted. All ballots received by Nov. 5 and postmarked on or before Oct. 26 will be counted on Nov. 9.
 
During the Sept. 28 and 29 board meeting, the board declared Nick Thurler and Roger Boersen elected by acclamation to serve as Board Member for Regions 2 and 10, respectively. They will begin their four-year term on Jan. 20, 2022, following the adjournment of DFO’s annual general meeting. 

Head office closed for Thanksgiving holiday

October 08, 2021

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) head office will be closed Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Producers requiring DFO services over the holiday period should contact their local field services representative. DFO will be maintaining key services for dairy farmers, transporters and processors during the holiday period. Staff will be available or on-call as needed.

Joint statement recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021

Dairy Farmers of Ontario, along with other agricultural and supply management partners, joined together to observe Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours and publicly commemorates the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and lasting impact on their communities.
 
Please read the full statement here:
2021_09_30_National-Day-for-Truth-and-Reconciliation_Joint-Statement_FINAL

Milk Producer magazine: A love for Brown Swiss cows

September 28, 2021

Dairy farming is a way of life for Stefan Gubelmann. “We’re cow people,” says the Walton, Ont., farmer. “My dad had cows and my grandpa was a dairy farmer. There were probably generations before that, too. It’s in our blood and it’s what we do. We love working with cattle.”
 
In particular, he loves working with Brown Swiss cows—“the best ones there are,” Gubelmann says.
 
“(The breed has) many advantages. An excellent temperament on the cows. They’re very docile and trouble free. They’ve got great longevity,” he says. “I think they have the best feet and legs of any dairy breed, and they have a low susceptibility to diseases. They’re extremely easy to calve and have high components.”
 
Gubelmann isn’t alone in his admiration of the breed—many more farmers are becoming aware of the breed’s advantages.
 
Read more about Stefan Gubelmann in the September issue of Milk Producer magazine.
 
You can also catch up on previous issues by clicking here.