“We are very proud to receive this honour,” Laquerre said. “It is great to have recognition of the work we did and renews our energy to continue with our environmental practices. We must also acknowledge and thank our partners, with whom we have worked over the years.”

{socialbuttons}The selection committee was particularly impressed with the winners’ efforts in protecting the watershed and with their involvement in habitat conservation projects and their contribution to the advancement of new practices. The farm adopted these practices with the aim of reducing their environmental footprint.

“Our award recognizes farmers with innovative management practices that improve the social, environmental and economic impact of dairy farming in Canada,” Smith said. “For decades, Canadian dairy producers have been adopting various sustainable production measures on their farms. We are pleased to take this opportunity to recognize one of these producers who have done so much for the environment.”

“We need to see sustainability as a huge opportunity for our industry,” Ritchie added. “Agriculture can go from being part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.”

The other two finalists — Terryland Farms Inc. (Ontario) and Rimrose Dairy Ltd. (Alberta) — also will receive a trophy and a $1,000 prize during the annual general meeting of their respective provinces within the next few months.

The finalist profiles and a video of the winners are available on the DFC website.  PD

—From Dairy Farmers of Canada news release