Dairy Farmers of Manitoba

 

 

 

Our Farms

 

 

Dairy Farmers of Manitoba is committed to producing milk according to the highest standards of quality. It represents and is totally financed by all dairy farmers in the province of Manitoba. A total of 345 family-owned dairy farms produce 856,684 litres of milk every day. These dairy farms are found in all areas of the province with the majority located in the southeastern region. All milk produced in Manitoba is processed into consumer-ready dairy products. Approximately 40% of all milk is packaged for table milk and cream and 60% of all milk is processed into cheese, ice cream, butter, and skim milk powder.

 

 

Food We Eat

Dairy farmers are committed to producing milk according to the highest standards of quality. Dairy farmers’ commitment to providing high quality milk begins with a high standard of animal care including: providing their cows with nutritious diets, healthy living conditions, and good veterinary care.

 

All Canadian milk is produced according to standards that are among the highest in the world for safety and quality. Every load of milk that is sent to the processing plant is tested for quality by the processor. In addition to processor testing, an independent lab tests all milk that is transported off the farm.

 High in quality and rich in nutrients, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba is proud to offer 100% Canadian milk from our farms to your table.

 

 

Jobs We Need

The dairy industry employs approximately 4,500 Manitobans in production, processing and distribution of dairy products

All 345 dairy farms in Manitoba are family-owned. The average size of herd is 105 cows. In addition to the family members who live and work on the farm, many dairy farmers also employ staff.

The milk is picked up from dairy farms every day or every second day by a fleet of trucks from 13 independent transport companies. Approximately 67 bulk milk truck drivers deliver milk to three fluid milk processors (milk, chocolate milk, and creams) and six milk product processors (cheese, butter, and ice cream) in Manitoba. In addition to processing plants, there are also two repackaging plants for cheese and milk powder as well as two research and development facilities. In total, dairy processing employs more than 450 Manitobans.

Another 350 Manitoba professionals are involved in the distribution of dairy products. These jobs include retail jobs (e.g. grocery store dairy case), dairy feed representatives, dairy equipment representatives, export companies, government workers specifically working on dairy industry files, dairy processing equipment/maintenance representatives, milk metering/sampling companies, dairy research companies, and universities researching dairy topics.

 

 Jobs We Create

The dairy industry generates approximately $270 million annually in direct economicbenefits for Manitoba. The majority of the milk and cream purchased in Manitoba comes from a local dairy and is processed in the province.

Dairy products exported from Manitoba include mainly milk powder and whey products. One fifth of the butter produced in the province is also exported in products such as cookies.