Frequently Asked Questions
PRODUCTION FAQ
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No. Hormone use is not permitted in Canadian dairy production.
Like all animal products, milk naturally contains very small amounts of naturally occurring hormones. These levels are extremely low and are a normal part of milk composition. The amount of estrogen naturally found in milk is very small compared to the amount of hormones naturally produced by the human body every day.
We follow strict Canadian dairy regulations and produce milk that meets all food safety standards. As farmers, we’re proud to produce a product that we feel confident serving to our own families.
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Milk in Canada is tested to ensure it meets strict food safety standards, including testing for antibiotic residues.
If a cow requires antibiotics or medication, her milk is kept separate from the rest of the herd’s milk and is discarded during the required withdrawal period. This milk does not enter the food supply until it is confirmed safe.
As part of our farm’s standard practices, we carefully track treated animals and follow all Canadian dairy regulations. Our goal is always to care for our cows when they need treatment while ensuring the milk we produce is safe and high quality.
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NO. The sale of raw milk is illegal in Canada, and we as dairy producers will lose our milk license if we sell it. Since the ban of raw milk illnesses such as
Tuberculosis
Brucellosis
Typhoid fever
Diphtheria
Scarlet fever
Listeriosis
have been eradicated, that's cool right?!?
We do sell Cheese milk which is a full fat non-homogenized whole milk, which is the closest thing to raw milk you can legally get in Canada.
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This is a full-fat, non-homogenized milk that is minimally processed, allowing the cream to naturally rise to the top and form a rich cream layer.
For customers looking for a milk experience that is as close as possible to traditionally processed milk, this is one of the closest legal options available to raw milk in Ontario. Because the natural cream layer is especially prominent, we offer it only in a 2L bottle to make it easier to manage and enjoy.
We use this milk to make our own cheese, and many customers also enjoy using it successfully for their own cheesemaking at home.
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No. Colostrum is reserved for newborn calves because it is their first and most important source of antibodies and nutrients after birth. It helps give calves the immune support they need to get a strong, healthy start to life.
We firmly believe that a calf’s first milk is meant for the calf. It plays an essential role in helping newborn animals develop their immune system and thrive.
Colostrum is not part of our regular milk supply and cannot be sold as fluid milk in Canada.
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No. We only raise Jersey cows and are focused on creating products made exclusively from the milk produced by our own herd.
Our milk and cheese come specifically from our Jersey cows, which allows us to stay connected to the entire process—from caring for our cows to producing the dairy products we’re proud to share with our customers.
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No. We use HTST (High Temperature Short Time) pasteurization, which gently heats the milk to make it safe while preserving as much of its natural flavour and quality as possible.
Ultra-pasteurization uses higher temperatures and is designed to extend shelf life. While this process can help milk last longer, it can also create a different flavour profile compared to traditionally pasteurized milk.
Our goal is to provide milk that tastes as close to fresh milk as possible. The trade-off is that our milk may not have the same extended shelf life as some grocery store milks, so we recommend enjoying it fresh and keeping it properly refrigerated.
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No, we do not sell our cows for meat consumption or as cull cows.
We are Jersey breeders, and our focus is on raising high-quality dairy cattle. We sell cows to other Jersey breeders and dairy farmers who continue their breeding, milk production, and record-keeping. This allows each animal’s milk production history, genetics, and classification records to be followed and continue to contribute to the future of the breed, even after they leave our farm.
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No, we do not sell shares to cows.
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Yes, we transport our milk from the farm to the creamery for processing, but that does not eliminate the costs associated with getting milk from the farm into the processing system.
Even when we move the milk ourselves, the same required procedures still apply. The milk truck must come to our farm to collect a sample, the milk must be tested and graded, and the volume produced must be reported to the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. These steps are required for every dairy farm, regardless of who transports the milk.
We also still have transportation costs, including paying for the driver’s time, fuel, and the logistics involved in moving the milk safely. Processing our own milk allows us to have more connection and control over our product, but it does not remove the regulatory and operational costs involved in producing safe, high-quality dairy products.
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Yes, we can plan our production around our own processing schedule, but we still work within the same supply management system as all dairy processors in Ontario.
Dairy plants must order their milk supply from Dairy Farmers of Ontario in advance and provide an estimate of how much milk they will need. This helps ensure the right amount of milk is produced, transported, and used efficiently, while reducing waste and allowing processors to plan their production schedules.
When smaller processors like us request milk, that information helps the system coordinate transportation, scheduling, and deliveries. If milk needs to be redirected or transported to another location, everyone involved has the information needed to plan ahead.
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Fresh curd is ready by 4pm on Monday’s. Stop by and grab warm squeaky deliciousness.
DAIRY PRODUCT FAQ
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No, we're not an organic farm—we're a conventional dairy farm.
For us, that means if one of our cows becomes sick or injured, we believe it's our responsibility to provide the care and treatment she needs. If a cow requires antibiotics, her milk is discarded for the entire mandatory withdrawal period and is not allowed to enter the food supply until it's safe to do so.
Canadian dairy standards are very strict, and every load of milk is tested to ensure it meets food safety requirements. If antibiotic residues are detected, the milk is rejected.
We're proud of the milk we produce because it's the same milk we drink and serve to our own family. Many local families choose our farm-fresh milk because they enjoy its rich taste and appreciate knowing where it comes from.
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To keep your milk as fresh as possible, we recommend transporting it home in an insulated cooler bag or cooler to help maintain a consistently cold temperature.
Once home, refrigerate your milk promptly and keep it away from direct light whenever possible. Because it's packaged in clear glass, the bottle allows light to reach the milk more easily than opaque containers, and prolonged exposure to light and warmer temperatures can affect its quality.
For the best flavour and freshness, we recommend enjoying your milk within 7 days of opening. Once the bottle has been opened, air is introduced, which gradually affects the milk over time. Keeping the bottle tightly sealed and refrigerated will help it stay fresh for as long as possible.
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As our strawberry milk gets closer to its best before date, you may notice the pink colour begins to fade and the milk looks whiter. This is a natural change that can happen over time as the colour in the strawberry flavouring gradually breaks down.
If the milk has been kept properly refrigerated and is still within its best before date, this change in colour doesn't mean the milk has gone bad. It should still have the same delicious strawberry flavour—the colour has simply faded.
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That's the natural cream rising to the top of the bottle!
Because our milk is minimally processed, the cream naturally separates and floats to the top over time. This is completely normal and is a sign that the milk hasn't been heavily processed.
You can simply give the bottle a good shake to mix the cream back in, or skim it off if you prefer. Many people save the cream to add to their coffee, tea, or recipes for an extra rich flavour.
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Yes, freezing our milk is a popular way to enjoy our specialty flavours even when they’re not currently available.
Before freezing, we recommend transferring the milk into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion as it freezes. Glass bottles are not recommended for freezing because the liquid expands and can cause the bottle to crack.
For a fun treat, try freezing the milk in ice cube trays and adding the cubes to your tea or coffee, or pour it into popsicle molds for a delicious frozen snack.
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We do not ultra-pasteurize our milk, which allows it to remain as close to its natural state as possible. Because it is minimally processed, you may occasionally notice subtle changes in aroma and flavour, especially as the milk gets closer to its best before date.
Sometimes, the milk can take on a slight “farm-fresh” aroma that reflects the cows’ diet and the natural characteristics of minimally processed milk. This does not mean the milk has gone bad—it’s simply a difference you may notice compared to more heavily processed milk.
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Some customers do choose to transfer their milk into their own containers, but we don't recommend it.
Moving milk from the original glass bottle into another container can introduce additional handling and exposure to air, which may affect the milk’s freshness and shorten its shelf life. For the best quality and longest shelf life, we recommend keeping the milk in its original bottle until you’re ready to enjoy it.
If you do choose to transfer it, make sure the container is clean, food-safe, and properly refrigerated to help maintain freshness.
MISCELLANEOUS FAQ
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Yes, it's our own beef, raised from cattle born and cared for on our farm.
Our cattle are grass-fed whenever possible, although we are not certified grass-fed.
Our beef is also not certified organic. We believe that if an animal becomes sick or injured, it's our responsibility as farmers to provide the treatment it needs rather than withhold care to maintain an organic label.
In Canada, both milk and meat are subject to strict regulations. Any animal treated with medications must complete mandatory withdrawal periods before its milk or meat can enter the food supply. If drug residues are detected, the milk is discarded or the carcass is condemned. Antibiotic use is closely regulated, and hormones and antibiotic residues are not permitted in the Canadian food system. Because of these existing standards, labels such as "antibiotic-free" or "hormone-free" often reflect marketing rather than a difference in food safety.
We're proud of the food we produce because it's the same food we feed our own family. We believe in raising healthy animals, providing them with proper care when they need it, and producing beef that we're confident serving at our own table.
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No, for biosecurity reasons we don't offer farm tours.
Our Farm is also a workplace and is a running farm and making sure it runs and is functioning is our priority. Maybe someday, but not yet.
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During the summer, our cows spend their days out on pasture. If you're driving by, you're welcome to pull over safely and, if the cows choose to come over to the fence, you can say hello and give them a gentle pat.
Please do not climb or cross the fences. They're there to protect both our animals and our visitors, and entering the pasture without permission is considered trespassing.
If you'd like to meet the cows up close, we host two farm open houses each year—the last weekend of June and the first weekend of October. These events are a great opportunity to safely interact with the animals, ask questions, and learn more about life on a dairy farm.
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The Modern dairy cows have been selectively bred to produce much more milk than their calves naturally require. If a calf is allowed to drink unrestricted, it can sometimes overconsume milk, which may lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and dehydration if not managed properly.
Another reason calves are often separated is for their safety. While many cows are excellent mothers, some may reject their calf, accidentally injure it, or become aggressive toward their own calf or others. Although we've never had a fatal incident, it is a risk that farmers take seriously.
When we have a cow with strong maternal instincts, we encourage that bond as much as possible because it's a positive experience for both the cow and the calf. We also keep calves with their mothers for a period after birth before moving them into their own care.
Ultimately, most dairy farmers share the same goal: giving calves a healthy, safe start to life while ensuring they receive the nutrition and care they need to thrive.
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We milk approximately 50–60 Jersey cows year-round. During the summer, that number is often on the higher end because our cows are out enjoying fresh pasture.
Altogether, we have around 150 Jersey cattle on the farm, ranging from newborn calves to mature cows. This includes our milking herd, young replacement heifers, dry cows, and calves at various stages of growth.
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GMO stands for “genetically modified organism.” It means a plant has been carefully changed to have a helpful trait—like resisting pests or growing better in tough conditions. This is a more precise version of the plant breeding farmers have done for generations.
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Organizations like Health Canada and the World Health Organization have reviewed a large body of research and concluded that approved GMO foods are as safe as non-GMO foods.
Do GMOs affect milk?
No. Some cows are fed crops like corn or soy that may be genetically modified. But during digestion, those ingredients are broken down just like any other feed.
👉 There are no GMO traits passed into the milk.Why do farmers use GMO crops?
GMO crops can help farmers:protect plants from pests
reduce crop losses
grow more food using fewer resources
Like any farming method, how crops are grown still matters—but the GMO trait itself is about the plant, not the final food product.
Are GMOs the same as pesticides?
No. GMOs and pesticides are different things.GMOs refer to how a plant is bred
Pesticides refer to how crops are protected in the field
People often group them together, but they’re separate topics.
Why do some products say “non-GMO”?
“Non-GMO” labels are a marketing choice. Both GMO and non-GMO foods must meet the same safety standards set by regulators like Health Canada. -
For biosecurity and animal health reasons, we don't rent out our cows.
In Canada, cattle movements are carefully tracked for traceability. Any farm or property where cattle are kept must have a Premises Identification (PID) number, allowing authorities to trace an animal's movements if there is ever a disease outbreak or other animal health concern. This system helps protect the health of livestock across the country by making it possible to quickly identify where animals have been and limit the spread of contagious diseases.
Because of these biosecurity and traceability requirements, our cows remain on our farm unless they're being transported for an approved purpose.
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We're a working dairy farm with a farm store, and while we love sharing our farm with the community, we don't currently offer private cow experiences or farm tours outside of our scheduled open house events.
Offering hands-on farm experiences comes with important insurance, safety, and liability considerations that we're not set up to accommodate at this time. Our first responsibility is caring for our animals and running the day-to-day operations of the farm.
To give visitors a chance to experience the farm in a safe and enjoyable way, we host two open houses each year where guests can meet the cows, ask questions, and learn more about dairy farming. We hope you'll join us at one of those events!
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Do you sell cow poop? No.
Do you sell cow pee? No.
Can I get raw milk from a cow that recently gave birth to a boy or girl (gender of your choosing)? No.