Milk

ON THE FARM

It takes long days and hard work to run a dairy farm. When the result is healthy cows and quality milk, it’s all worth it.

KNOW YOUR COWS

Most people picture a Holstein when they think of a dairy cow. While they’re certainly the most common, they are just one of seven common dairy cattle breeds producing milk on Ontario dairy farms.

A DAY ON A DAIRY FARM

Dairy cattle need care and attention to stay healthy, happy and productive. Here’s a quick peek into an average day on the farm.

Free of antibiotic residue, and no artificial growth hormones

When cows are sick and require antibiotic treatment, the milk they produce is discarded for a regulated period to ensure the milk collected at the farm is free of antibiotic residue. All milk leaving the farm is then tested to verify that there is no trace of antibiotics.

Similarly, Canadian dairy farmers are committed to offering the best possible care for their animals, which means never using artificial hormones. Artificial growth hormones are illegal for use in Canada.

SEE HOW WE CARE FOR COWS

Sustainability and on-farm cleanliness

To protect cows, every farm is thoroughly regulated to keep bad bacteria out and maintain quality milk standards. Farmers also try to be as sustainable as possible to help protect the environment.

LEARN ABOUT FARM PRACTICES

Technology then and now

Dairy farms are constantly evolving as new technology becomes available to complement traditional practices. From the introduction of freestalls to the implementation of milking machines and robots – these advancements have improved resource and time management, and quality of life for our cows on an everyday basis.
See how farmers keep the milk fresh while they wait for pick-up

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT OUR FARMS

Who are the farmers behind your dairy?

MEET OUR FARMING FAMILIES