LITTLE CURRENT—The annual Manitoulin West Sudbury Milk Producers’ Association meeting held January 26 saw Island dairy farmers come away, once again, with certificates of quality.
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) Field Service Representative Jean-Guy Seguin presented Gold quality certificates to Wilkin Farms of Manitoulin and Emiry Farms of Massey, while general quality certificates went to Jonella Farms, also from Massey, and Oshadenah Holsteins of Manitoulin.
“Milk quality is improving constantly, farm practices are improving consistently,” said Mr. Seguin. “Farms are constantly investing to improve their operations, particularly in the area of animal care.” Mr. Seguin noted that everyone wants their animals to be healthy and content.
“Production is strong, milk consumption is holding, and we have seen cream consumption on the rise and cheese, a little bit,” he continued. “Overall, the dairy industry is in good standing and we remain in good standing with the public.” The consuming public values their local milk quality and the producers who keep Ontario milk and milk products on the shelves.
Dairy comprises the largest slice of agriculture’s $47 billion contribution to Ontario’s GDP and Ontario produces 30 percent of the milk consumed in Canada.
DFO is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Its 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.
Manitoulin West Sudbury Milk Producers’ Association DFO board member Steve Runnalls noted that the board is waiting for the other shoe to drop as legislation regarding the removal of the carbon tax for farms wends its way through the process.
