2022 ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

FOCUS | INTEGRITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

THOUGH DOMESTIC and global supply chain challenges persisted throughout the year, Ontario’s dairy farmers worked with confidence and integrity to ensure quality, fresh, local milk was always in stable supply. Consumers relied on the strength and resilience of the Canadian dairy system and were not disappointed.

“As we continued to emerge from the global pandemic, we gave a lot of time and attention to pricing, the cost of production and the rising cost of almost everything,” said Murray Sherk, Board Chair, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO). “We are fortunate to have a predictable system, even if there are challenges to managing it,” he added.

At DFO, our focus remained squarely set on supporting a dynamic, profitable and growing dairy sector through balancing milk supply with fluctuating consumer demand during a challenging economic recovery. From the farm where Field Services were focused on delivering the provincial raw milk quality program to the table where our marketing efforts were dedicated to increasing milk consumption and making Ontario dairy an inspired food choice, the DFO team was dedicated to producer-focused outcomes.

“An ambitious growth target was set and the organization put great effort toward meeting it, moving the needle forward for Ontario producers,” says Cheryl Smith, CEO, DFO. “Our 2023 plan is agile enough to navigate changing market dynamics and take advantage of opportunities. We continue to look for programs and industry collaborations that support growth in Ontario, elevate our brand and influence and strengthen our Canadian dairy system.”

What has never been more obvious is to grow and thrive, our industry needs investment for processing ingredients. The demand for butterfat remains strong, but structural surplus will remain burdensome if processing capacity does not materialize. DFO is focused on this and, while it will take time, collaboration and unique problemsolving, we are strengthening relationships across the country and are optimistic producers, processors and governments will support this goal.

“Our Canadian dairy system is what gives us the strength and sense of purpose to deal with challenges and opportunities — for that we should all be grateful,” said Sherk.

2023 DFO Board Executive

MARK HAMEL, VICE CHAIR

Region 11

Bruce and Grey