Early Fall issue of Milk Producer magazine available online

September 27, 2022

The online version of the Early Summer Milk Producer magazine is available at www.milkproducer.ca.

• What Can't Milk Do?  Educators, dieticians and athletes agree: milk is a WONDER FOOD. 

 
You can also catch up on previous issues by clicking here. 

DFO and MLSE announce enhanced partnership agreement

September 20, 2022

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) announced today an expanded sponsorship opportunity that will see DFO’s milk logo placed on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ home and away sweaters.



Read the news release here: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/09/20/2519491/0/en/TORONTO-MAPLE-LEAFS-PARTNER-WITH-DAIRY-FARMERS-OF-ONTARIO.html
 
This is a very exiting, high-impact opportunity that will give game-changing visibility to DFO’s brand and will increase milk consumption, especially with Gen Zs and millennials. It will also emphasize the impacts of our partnership with MLSE and what that stands for – supporting healthy, active living, community programming and access to hockey (and sport) for youth players and fans.
 
This is an expansion of our existing partnership with MLSE and builds on the highly effective marketing work done by DFO to date, leveraging efficiencies achieved over the last few years. Having our milk logo on the Maple Leaf sweater puts our brand in front of the right people, in the right place, at the right time. Research confirms the Toronto Maple Leafs have been able to reach beyond the traditional fan base to dramatically expand engagement with millennials and Gen Zs, and that there are more eyes on the Toronto Maple Leafs than other sports organizations. This massive reach—almost 4 billion impressions—reinforces milk as relevant and modern to our millennial and Gen Z target audience.
 
Adding the blue and white milk logo to the Maple Leafs’ iconic blue and white sweaters is a symbol of our shared commitment with MLSE to healthy communities, and recognition of the immense benefits of milk to both elite and everyday athletes.
 

Dairy Farmers of Ontario increases presence at International Plowing Match

September 19, 2022

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) will be at the International Plowing Match (IPM) & Rural Expo.The popular event will run from Sept. 20 to 24 in Kemptville, North Grenville, United Counties of Leeds & Grenville. Hosting the event is a collaborative effort of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and a local committee.

The event has returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and will feature all the activities it is well-known for, such as plowing competitions, a range of activities for people of all ages, numerous opportunities to learn about agriculture, live entertainment in multiple venues, hundreds of vendors and exhibitors and a wide variety of food. IPM is held in a different community each year and attracts more than 80,000 people from across Ontario, Canada, the United States and beyond.
 
Participating DPCs will be onsite every day to serve Shaw’s ice cream to attendees at DFO’s booth, and Shaw’s will set up their ice cream trailer for everyone to enjoy.
 
On Wednesday, Sept. 21, DFO will host a VIP parlour to allow DFO Board and staff to interact with invited Ontario MPPs. DFO Board members in attendance will include Murray Sherk, Nick Thurler, Mark Hamel, Albert Fledderus and George Van Kampen.
 

DFO and Toronto Raptors join together to revitalize basketball court in Toronto

August 26, 2022

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and the Toronto Raptors, with the support of the City of Toronto, are thrilled to come together to unveil a brand new and revitalized basketball court at Woolner Park today, where youth and community members can once again play and gather together.

This one-of-a-kind space has been reimagined to celebrate the Syme-Woolner community and elevate the space with a focus on youth. The new design features the message ‘Choose to Shine Together,’ boldly written in block-style letters across the entire court. To make it more inclusive, MLSE decided to translate the word ‘together’ into 16 languages - those most spoken in the Syme-Woolner neighbourhood – using them around the perimeter.

With investment from DFO of $250,000 and additional contributions from the Toronto Raptors and support from the City of Toronto, what was once a court in disrepair is now a fully updated community space for local youth, who played an integral role in the court design process. Throughout the project, an advisory group of neighbourhood youth were consulted to ensure the end result would meet their needs.

“The creativity and collaboration behind updating the Woolner Park court is truly inspiring and Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to support it,” said Cheryl Smith, DFO’s chief executive officer. “Our MilkUP program celebrates youth success and provides opportunities for them to succeed both on and off the court, while highlighting the benefits of milk in a healthy, active lifestyle. On behalf of Ontario’s 3,400+ dairy producers, their families and employees, we wish the Syme-Woolner Park Community many years of enjoyment.”

The official unveiling will include a community celebration with a MilkUP pop-up featuring interactive games, The Toronto Raptors mascot, a youth basketball clinic and giveaways.

 

DFO launches updated Dairy Education Centre at CNE today

August 19, 2022

Today is the first day of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) after a two-year pandemic hiatus and DFO is thrilled to be returning to the popular Toronto, Ont., event.

This year, DFO unveiled a brand new freestall setup and fully functioning milkhouse as part of its updated Dairy Education Centre layout. Visitors to the new display will be able to take a peek inside the milkhouse through a window and can attend live milking demonstrations hosted by educators. Six cows will be onsite, as well as four heifers at various stages of development.

Other new features include a cow brush to demonstrate cow comfort. The new, modular dairy education barn will house new interactive digital assets, puzzles and games to promote learning for all ages through the journey of milk. Previous materials, such as a biodigester simulation and feed display, will be available at the centre.

DFO is also pleased to present the CNE Secret Menu, as part of the CNE food experience.

From ice cream to cheeseburgers, and everything in-between, the CNE is home to some of Ontario’s favourite carnival foods. This summer, to celebrate these extraordinary treats, DFO will be sponsoring the Secret Menu, which will provide exhibition goers with mouth-watering foods made with high-quality, local Ontario dairy.

DFO to celebrate Food Day Canada on social media

July 29, 2022

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) will be joining Canadians from coast to coast on July 30 in one massive celebration in praise of local agriculture and the people who make and prepare our foods.  
 


DFO is looking forward to marking the Food Day Canada celebration with a social media post to promote using fresh, local Ontario dairy. It will feature a quick summer salad made with Ontario burrata for a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy local, in-season produce on its Instagram (@OntarioDairy) and Facebook (/OntarioDairy) pages.
 
Food Day Canada was created by the late Anita Stewart, her family and some pioneering supporters as a tribute to Canadian farmers and ranchers in 2003. Her vision was to have our country come together, in person and online, to celebrate our incredible food and all the great people in our food system.
 
Here are some ways to celebrate #FoodDayCanada:
 

• Cook. Try a new recipe or bring back a family favourite. Home cooks and barbecue enthusiasts this is your time to shine with a #FoodDayCanada feast or picnic;

 

• Dine. Support a local restaurant that features Canadian ingredients. Check out the Food Day Canada partner restaurants and events for extra special menus on www.fooddaycanada.ca;

 

• Celebrate. Dozens of icons are being lit up red and white from coast to coast. Visit one near you! Make some special plans with your favourite people. Make a #FoodDayCanada road trip to your favourite farms, markets, or restaurants. Insert your ideas here;

 

• Share. Food Day Canada comes alive online with people like you sharing your stories. Be sure to use #FoodDayCanada and tag us @FoodDayCanada so you join the millions of conversations happening the week leading up to and the big day, July 30.

 
You can also enter to win on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @FoodDayCanada. This year, they are giving away three KitchenAid Canada white stand mixers and several "Proudly Grown in our province" food baskets from coast to coast to those who like, share and comment on the giveaway post on their social media channels. The 2022 #FoodDayCanada giveaway runs from July 22 to 31.
 
Visit www.fooddaycanada.ca for more information. 

Head office closed for Civic Holiday

July 29, 2022

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) head office will be closed Monday Aug. 1, 2022 for the Civic Holiday and reopening on Tuesday Aug. 2, 2022. 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.

2022 Brand Equity Summer Campaign

July 25, 2022

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) latest Farmer Equity campaign is now in market (July 18 through Aug. 31). This campaign continues to build trust and a meaningful connection with Ontario consumers to increase milk consumption across the province.

 

DFO has leveraged existing successful creative assets, including The Reminder TV spot, while adding new initiatives to ensure our message remains fresh and relevant to Ontario consumers. The campaign also features real Ontario dairy farmers. The Krul family from Arthur, Ont., are seen in The Reminder TV spot; Shelley Kuepfer and her three young daughters from New Hamburg, Ont., supported promotional photography and social media for National Ice Cream Day; while the deVos family from Manilla, Ont., will be featured in a Food Network Canada digital and social video in August, as will the Donkers family from Branchton, Ont.

Together, these assets tell the collective story and shared values of the over 3,400 Ontario dairy farms that work hard to produce high-quality milk, every day.

Late Summer issue of Milk Producer magazine available online

July 19, 2022

The online version of the Early Summer Milk Producer magazine is available at www.milkproducer.ca.

• Meet the future of dairy in Ontario. These 12 young producers share the same passion and vision for a vibrant industry as previous generations but they are achieving it in new ways.

 
You can also catch up on previous issues by clicking here. 

New Entrant Quota Assistance Program

July 06, 2022

New Entrant Quota Assistance Program
 
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.
 
DFO has given priority access to 1 new entrant who plans on shipping organic milk.  As a result, there are only 7 positions available.
 
Click here for the application.  The deadline to submit the 2023 application is October 31, 2022.
 
If you have further questions, please contact the Field Services Representative in your area of the province.”
 
Kind Regards,