$8M to upgrade Ontario dairy processing

Jan 19, 2024

Ontario's dairy processors, are receiving a much-needed boost thanks to a $8 million investment from the Canadian and Ontario governments. This funding, delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to enhance processing efficiency and food safety in the province's dairy sector.

Eligible dairy businesses, including cow, goat, sheep, and even water buffalo milk processors, can now apply for the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative. This initiative provides cost-share support, up to $200,000 per applicant, to acquire modern technologies that streamline operations and bolster food safety measures. This includes funding for purchasing and installing new or refurbished equipment, as well as associated costs like training.

“Our government is committed to working with Ontario’s dairy processors, so they will be able to continue to supply the array of delicious, nutritious and safe products that consumers enjoy and trust,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Efficiencies realized through new technologies will play a key role in helping the sector continue to thrive.”

The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, echoed this sentiment, praising Ontario dairy processors for their commitment to quality and safety. He further emphasized the initiative's role in supporting the industry's growth and continued success.

The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is part of a larger, $3.5 billion commitment through the Sustainable CAP. This five-year investment, spanning from 2023 to 2028, aims to strengthen the entire agriculture and agri-food sector across Canada. By fostering competitiveness, innovation, and resilience, the program seeks to secure the future of this vital industry.

Applications for the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative open on April 2, 2024, and will continue until the program reaches its capacity. Eligible project costs incurred on or after April 2, 2024, are also covered.

Video: Making budget friendly pig feed on a small livestock farm

I am going to show you how we save our farm money by making our own pig feed. It's the same process as making our cattle feed just with a slight adjustment to our grinder/ mixer that makes all the difference. We buy all the feed stuff required to make the total mix feed. Run each through the mixer and at the end of the process we have a product that can be consumed by our pigs.

I am the 2nd generation to live on this property after my parents purchased it in 1978. As a child my father hobby farmed pigs for a couple years and ran a vegetable garden. But we were not a farm by any stretch of the imagination. There were however many family dairy farms surrounding us. So naturally I was hooked with farming since I saw my first tractor. As time went on, I worked for a couple of these farms and that only fueled my love of agriculture. In 2019 I was able to move back home as my parents were ready to downsize and I was ready to try my hand at farming. Stacy and logan share the same love of farming as I do. Stacy growing up on her family's dairy farm and logans exposure of farming/tractors at a very young age. We all share this same passion to grow a quality/healthy product to share with our community. Join us on this journey and see where the farm life takes us.