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.