Seven Ontario dairy farms in the top 10
[UPDATED: Feb. 24, 2023] Stewardson Dairy Inc. of Thedford, Ont., has been named Canada’s third best-managed dairy herd by Lactanet.
Each year, Lactanet brings together dairy producers and industry stakeholders from across the country to pay tribute to top-performing herds and celebrate excellence in dairy herd management.
Lactanet’s Herd Performance Index allows herds across the country to compare performance with their peers. Canada’s best-managed herds demonstrate outstanding overall herd health and production across the performance metrics.
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Stewardson Dairy Inc., run by Jeff, Brenda and Dylan Stewardson, had a performance index of 969. They were tops in the country last year. Pfister Dairy Farm was second in the province, with an index of 967, and Heidi Farms Inc. (Paul Oeggerli and family) was third with 963. Ontario herds took seven of the top 10 placings.
The top farm in the country was Ferme Karibel Inc. from Quebec, run by Luc and Isabelle Lasalle and Jacinthe Breault with a score of 976, closely followed by Sunny Point Farms Ltd. run by Phillip and Lori Vroegh with a score of 975.
Canada’s list of the 25 best-managed dairy herds was revealed at a virtual event on Feb. 21, and featured online presentations from top herds by province.
“Milk recording has many advantages and data is the foundation for our six herd performance indicators,” says Barbara Paquet, chair of Lactanet Canada’s board of directors. She said the ability to analyze data from milk production, udder health, reproduction, heifer rearing, longevity and calving allows it to rank and share results of exceptional herds.
“A commitment to best management practices is at the forefront of a high-performing herd and we would like to congratulate each and every farm that was featured at our event,” said Neil Petreny, CEO at Lactanet Canada.
A full list of the 2022 top best managed dairy herds is available at lactanet.ca
*Update: placing information was corrected.
