DFO: AGM highlights successes, honours leaders

Jan 24, 2024

TORONTO – 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

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.”

Click here to see more...

Video: What is Anhydrous Ammonia and Why Do We Use It?

Border View Farms is a mid-sized family farm that sits on the Ohio-Michigan border. My name is Nathan. I make and edit all of the videos posted here. I farm with my dad, Mark and uncle, Phil. Our part-time employee, Brock, also helps with the filming. 1980 was our first year in Waldron where our main farm is now. Since then we have grown the operation from just a couple hundred acres to over 3,000. Watch my 500th video for a history of our farm I filmed with my dad.

I started making these videos in the fall of 2019 as a way to help show what I do on a daily basis as a farmer. Agriculture is different from any other industry and I believe the more people that are showing their small piece of agriculture, helps to build our story. We face unique challenges and stressful situations but have some of the most rewarding payoffs in the end. I get to spend everyday doing what I love, raising my kids on the farm, and trying to push our farm to be better every year. I hope that I can address questions or concerns that you might have about farms and agriculture.