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.