DAIRY NEWS
DFO LAUNCHES MILK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH NEW INDUSTRY LOGIN PAGE
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airy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) has launched the second phase of its website redesign—an updated industry website, which includes a comprehensive Milk Management System (MMS) for producers, processors, transporters and DFO staff. The new platform, which launched in early February 2021, is a web-based system that uses modern software to integrate all aspects of the milk marketing supply chain, including milk collection, billing, payment, quota exchange and invoicing. It offers more flexibility to help producers effectively access their information online. MMS replaces DFO’s current IT system, including the industry website, login page and producer dashboard. “When you log in to the system, you will still see the important information you have al-
ways had access to, such as test results and milk statements, but it will have a brand new look and feel,” says Murray Sherk, DFO’s board chair in a letter to all producers earlier this year. “We want to reassure you the functionality you have come to depend on will remain in the new MMS, and the platform has been improved to support future growth.” The letter also detailed how producers can pre-register for MMS to ensure continued access to DFO’s online systems. For those who do not have access to the Internet, DFO hosted a telephone town hall meeting to allow DFO staff to explain the login process and features of the new platform. Those who require assistance with MMS can call the support centre at 1-866-517-2326 or email mmssupport@milk.org.
FROM LEFT are Murray Sherk, Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) board chair, Nick Thurler, DFO’s vice-chair, and Steve Runnalls, DFO’s second vice-chair.
ON-FARM COMPONENT PAYMENT POLICY UPDATE
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airy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) has updated its Quota and Milk Transportation Policies book to reflect changes to the on-farm component payment policy, previously announced by P5 boards in January 2020. Changes to the on-farm component payment policy have been implemented, effective Feb. 1, 2021, in Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, and will be implemented in Quebec and Nova Scotia no later than Aug. 1, 2021. These changes have been made to allow producer payments to better reflect the market revenue for solids non-fat (SNF) and ensure better equity between producers in an environment of SNF structural surplus. It does not affect plant billing, but rather the method of distributing revenue among producers. Before the policy changes, producers were paid the same price for all SNF less than or equal to the ratio of 2.30 and were not paid for SNF when the ratio exceeded 2.30. With the modified policy, two SNF/butterfat (BF) ratios are used to establish payment parameters for SNF below the 2.30 SNF ratio cap. Meanwhile, all BF produced on a within-quota basis is paid at a similar rate as the previous price. For more information on these changes, refer to the Markets section in the January 2021 issue of Milk Producer. For Ontario producers, the new on-farm component payment policy will be reflected in the March 15, 2021, producer milk statement for payment of February milk. To view the updated Quota and Milk Transportation Policies book, visit DFO’s industry website. Producers should direct any policy questions to their field services representative.
2021 DFO BOARD EXECUTIVE ELECTED
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airy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) board elected its 2021 board executive at a special meeting held on Jan. 13, 2021, following DFO’s annual general meeting (AGM). Murray Sherk, board member for Region 8, was re-elected as chair. Nick Thurler, board member for Region 2, was re-elected as vicechair. Steve Runnalls, board member for Region 12, was elected as second vice-chair.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | MILKPRODUCER
As well, Arlene Minott was reappointed as corporate secretary to the board, and Rey Moisan was reappointed as treasurer to the board. At a special board meeting held on Sept. 30, 2020, DFO’s board declared Bart Rijke (Region 1), Don Gordon (Region 5) and Vicky Morrison (Region 9) elected by acclamation to each serve four-year terms, effective Jan. 13, 2021, immediately following the adjournment of DFO’s AGM.
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