Save the Date: DFO 2025 Annual General Meeting     Questions? Please contact dfoagm@milk.org

At Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) regular board meeting held on Sept. 25, 2024, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 760, as amended, made under the Milk Act, the Board approved the elections by acclamation as follows: Bart Rijke, Board member for Region 1; Don Gordon, Board member for Region 5; Vicky Morrison, Board member for Region 9. Each will serve for a four-year term commencing Jan. 16, 2025, immediately following the adjournment of DFO’s annual general meeting. Please note, the board election results will also be shared with local ag media. If you receive any media inquiries, please direct the outlet to contact DFO through media@milk.org.

Sixteen 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 (OMHA) and Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) – have been chosen as this year’s winners of DFO’s postsecondary bursary programs. These bursary programs recognize eight hockey players within the OMHA and eight hockey players and members within OHA for their outstanding contribution to community service, as well as athletic and academic success. Applications for 2025 Bursary Programs will be announced next season. To learn more about the winners, visit the OMHA and OHA.

As we continue to support our communities, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and the Toronto Raptors, hosted the Day to Shine, an all-day event for the youth in the community at Woolner Park in west Toronto. The day included a milk and cereal breakfast and pizza lunch, a skills competition, a basketball clinic, and fun activations! In 2022, DFO worked with the City of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to revitalize the basketball court to motivate Ontario youth and inspire them to realize their untapped potential. This summer, MilkUP is continuing the work by providing the youth with an 8-week summer basketball program complete with cheese pizza lunches and cold milk every Saturday.

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is launching an exciting new culinary campaign, Why Milk? This digital and social campaign will answer the question of WHY milk makes our favourite dishes taste so rich, hearty, moist, tasty, etc. The seven-week campaign (May 28 to July 8) will feature exclusive videos of Ontario chefs answering a range of questions on why milk makes any dish taste better. Consumers will be driven to milk.org to explore the range of questions and answers and be inspired by the chef recipes and related recipe content. Go to Why Milk to learn more!  

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).

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.”

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.

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.

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).

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.”

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

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’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.

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.

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.

To register for the Annual General Meeting, click here. To reserve your hotel in advance, please click here. To download the agenda, DFO-AGM-Daily-Agenda-2024_Finalclick here.

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

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.org0.

More details to come!

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.

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/

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.

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.

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is proud to be one of the sponsors for Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival taking place in Midland, Ont., on Saturday, June 10.

This event provides an excellent platform to showcase the versatility and deliciousness of dairy products, especially butter, which is the key ingredient to creating the ideal butter tart.

With more than 60,000 Ontarians expected to attend this free local event, our support aims to create a memorable experience for attendees, nurturing a positive association between dairy and key consumption moments.

DFO is also launching an exciting new culinary campaign, called Summer is Made with Milk . This comprehensive digital, social and out-of-home campaign aims to remind consumers of the major role dairy plays in their favourite summer moments and without dairy, their cherished summer moments would not exist.

The five-week campaign, running June 12 to July 16, will feature a combination of digital videos and influencers showcasing how dairy is irreplaceable in great summer moments. The campaign will be further supported via a PR activation in partnership with Shaw’s Ice Cream on July 16, National Ice Cream Day (more details to follow).

It is well-known that Gen Zs love the arts—both as a way of seeing the world and as a means of self expression. DFO is excited to create an interactive (and delicious) art-filled world for them to explore the many ways dairy, the ultimate moos, has shaped culture. Inside Moo’seum, Gen Zs will be able experience dairy in fresh, modern ways.

With help from local artists and makers, Moo’seum will merge Gen Zs love of in-real-life events, food, and art to create a space that’s part art gallery, part museum, part cool cafe. Guests will see exclusive milk-themed works from their favourite artists, enjoy snacks from their favourite local hotspots, and have the opportunity to participate in’ surprise and delight’ special programming throughout the month.

Moo’seum is post-to-pay, meaning guests will have to follow MilkUp on Instagram or TikTok to enter and will need to post something from inside the experience to exit with their dairyinspired merch and treats. This helps encourage engagement, spreads the world online, and prompts dairy-forward conversations among our Gen Z audience. The gift shop is created in the style of a museum gift shop (think MoMa or the Tate), with items made in collaboration with Moo’seum artists.

Where and when: Five Brock 5 Brock Avenue Toronto, Ont. M6K 2K6 Opening weekend: June 9 to June 11 Regular period: June 15 to July 2 Hours: Thursday/Friday: 12 to 6 p.m. or Saturday/ Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On June 17, 2023, Breakfast on the Farm will be hosted by Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO) and local farmers, one of which is at Hallahan Dairy Farm in Huron County.

This family-friendly event provides a unique opportunity for farmers and non‐farming Ontarians to have a conversation about food and farming. It gives visitors a chance to visit real, working farms, provides a showcase for agriculture and allows non-farmers to have their questions answered by real farmers.

After being treated to an all-Ontario breakfast, visitors can tour a beef and dairy farm as part of a special farm crawl edition. There will also be more than 100 Ontario farmers on hand to answer guests’ questions about food and farming. Interactive stops around the farm will include displays, activities and exhibits showcasing other types of Ontario farms.

Since 2013, farm families across Ontario have opened their farms to host Breakfast on the Farm events. These popular experiences have attracted thousands of urban and suburban visitors to local farms across the province. For the past two years, FFCO hosted drivethrough and walk-through events with local fairs as host locations to meet COVID-19 safety guidelines. For 2023’s events, FFCO is returning to the on-farm format.

Breakfast from the Farm is made possible with host farms Grazing Meadows Wagyu and Hallahan Dairy and the support of local agri-businesses and organizations.

Stop one: Breakfast and tour at Grazing Meadows Wagyu Farm.

Stop two: Tour of Hallahan Dairy Farm and ice cream stop: The seventh-generation dairy farm is located just outside Blyth and home to a herd of 60 milking cows. Guests will tour the modern barns and milking facility, which features two milking robots.

Event details Saturday, June 17

Location 1: Grazing Meadows Wagyu 43085 Newry Rd, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 9 a.m. to noon

Location 2: Hallahan Dairy 39732 Westfield Road, Blyth, ON K0M 1H0 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.