Frequently Asked Questions
PRODUCTION FAQ
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NO. The use of hormones is banned in Canada. The natural hormones in milk are very small compared to what your own body produces on a daily basis. People often get wrong is dairy contains hormones but they're tiny, your body produces thousands of times more estrogen daily than from milk.
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Milk in Canada is antibiotic free.
We test the milk for antibiotics as a standard operating procedure.
Cows that receive medication are milked into a separate bucket milker and the milk is immediately disposed of.
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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?!?
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Which is a full fat non homogenized milk, that is minimally processed and forms a thick cream top layer which milk naturally occurs in. This is the closest legal alternative to raw milk you can get. This is only available in a 2L bottle, because of the cream top layer being too prominent. We make our cheese from it, and many customers use it successfully in their cheese making.
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No, colostrum is used as a baby's calves' best defense of getting antibodies to grow a healthy and strong immune system. We firmly believe they need it more than anyone else does.
Colostrum is for newborn calves
It's also illegal to sell.
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NO. We only have jersey cows and want to focus on selling products produced by our cows' milk.
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NO. Our method of pasteurization is HTST (high temperature for a short time) which means we are able to pasteurize a large amount of milk in a short period of time. Ultra-pasteurization tends to burn the milk because of the extreme heat and removes the natural milk flavour, it also extends the shelf life of the milk. Which is why when you buy our milk it tastes like milk, but unfortunately it doesn’t last as long when compared to grocery store milks.
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No, we don’t sell milk cows or cows for meat consumption.
We are Jersey breeders, we sell cows to other breeders and dairy farmers so that their milk record and classification records can be tracked and continue to prosper even if we are not the owners any more.
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No, we do not sell shares to cows.
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Yes, we do move our milk from the farm to be processed at the creamery, but we still pay a transportation charge to DFO. Regardless if we move the milk ourselves the milk truck must come to our farm, take a sample of milk, Grade the milk, and report the amount of milk produced and what we are taking to DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO, the same operating procedures are taken regardless if the milk stays or goes. We have to pay the milk truck driver for his time and fuel.
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Yes, but all dairy plants across Ontario must order milk from DFO a few days prior to taking it, and give a quantity of how much they plan on using. This ensures that all the milk is used, there is no over production and it allows plants to plan how much they are producing. When farms like ours take a small amount it allows the larger plant to plan and if trucks need to drive further to another location they know beforehand.
DAIRY PRODUCT FAQ
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NO. We are conventional farmers, which means when our cows get sick or hurt we can treat them. If they’re receiving antibiotics the milk has a withdrawal period and that milk is dumped. We wouldn’t sell a product that is ourselves as farmers wouldn’t feel safe to consume. We have multiple families transferring their young children to our milk with great satisfaction. Their kids love the taste, and are getting the nutrients they need as naturally as possible.
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We strongly recommend transporting your milk in a cooler bag to maintain a consistently cold temperature on the way home.
Minimize exposure to light. Because the milk is packaged in glass, the bottle can amplify heat during transport. Light exposure can also contribute to faster spoilage.
For best quality, consume the milk within 7 days of opening. Once opened, air enters the bottle and begins to oxidize the milk, which can shorten its shelf life.
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As the strawberry approaches its best before date, the protein in the milk begins to erode the colouring in the milk. It still taste like strawberry, its just white.
Meat FAQ
Where does your beef come from? Is it grass fed? Is it organic?
It is our beef, from our cows. It is grass fed to the best of our abilities, but not certified.
No, our beef is not organic. We strongly believe that if our cattle get hurt or sick it is our responsibility as farmers to treat them.
General criteria: Milk and Meat both have withdrawn periods for medications, if medications are detected the milk or carcass is disposed of. Antibiotics are heavily regulated in Canada nationwide. When you're buying milk and meat in the store labelled “antibiotic or hormone free” you're paying for the label. It's understood nationwide that neither antibiotics or hormones are acceptable in Canada's food system.
And often paint the farmer in a bad light that we invite these practices into our farms, where 99% of Canadian farmers weren't adopting these practices in the first place.
We’re farmers, all of the products we produce we also consume and are proud to do so, we sell and produce products that we also feel safe consuming.
Cow and farming questions
Do you offer tours?
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.
Can we pet the cows?
In the summer the cows are out on pasture, you're welcome to stop safely on the side of the road and if they come up to you to pet them.
Absolutely no jumping of fences, the fence is there for yours and the cows protection.
you’re trespassing when jumping fences.
We host 2 open houses a year where we have the opportunity to get close to the cows. The last weekend of June and the first weekend of October.
Calf rearing?
The modern Dairy cows produced too much milk, often calves try to drink all of their milk their mother’s produce, and it results in the calf often getting ill, getting severe diarrhea, and they can pass of severe dehydration.
We also have had mothers that get sick of their calves, kick their or other calves or try and get away from them and it results in the calf being harmed or it can be fatal(has never happened to us).
Some mothers are naturals and others are unfortunately not. When there's a good mother we try and nurture that as much as possible, it’s a good temperament to expose calves to. We do keep calves with their mother for some time after birth.
Most dairy farms care that calves have a strong healthy start to life.
How many cows do you have?
we milk around 50-60 cows year round. Summer time we tend to milk, more because they are on pasture. We altogether have around 150 head of jersey cows ranging from all ages.
Do you use GMOS?
What does “GMO” mean?
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.Are GMOs safe to eat?
Yes. Organizations like the 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.ODD FAQ
Do you sell cow poop?
No.
Do you sell cow pee?
No.
Do you rent cows?
For bio security reasons, no we don't rent out cows.
If you’re shipping cattle you must have a premise ID for traceability of the cattle’s whereabouts. So when the farm is inspected and a cow leaves the property the inspector has its whereabouts available. This is precautionary if a cow was to get sick and it was contagious it would be easily traceable.
Can I get raw milk from a cow that recently gave birth to a boy or girl (gender of your choosing)?
No.
Why don’t you offer farm experiences?
We’re a farm and store, we don't advertise cow experiences outside of the open house days. There is a lot of insurance and legality that at this time we don't have the mental capacity to explore. We’re farmers first and foremost and that is out #1 priority at this time.
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Its a cream top layer. Milk naturally will accumulate a cream top at the top of the bottle, its natural, and normal. You can strain it off and enjoy the rest of the bottle.
Take the cream and enjoy your coffee or tea. A cream top layer is common when milk is minimally processed.
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Yes, its very popular with our specialty flavours to freeze them so you can enjoy them even when we aren’t making them. But first transfer them into another container. Pour into an ice cube, try and enjoy them in your tea or coffee. Or freeze them in a popsicle tray.
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We don't ultra pasteurize, which leaves the milk as natural as possible so sometimes and more prominently near the expiry date the milk can start to smell like what the cows are eating. It’s not bad, it's just the result of minimally processed milk.
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Customers do, we don't recommend it as transferring the milk from the glass bottle to yours will affect the shelf life.
MISCELLANEOUS FAQ
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It is our beef, from our cows. It is grass fed to the best of our abilities, but not certified.
No, our beef is not organic. We strongly believe that if our cattle get hurt or sick it is our responsibility as farmers to treat them.
General criteria: Milk and Meat both have withdrawal periods for medications, if medications are detected the milk or carcass is disposed of. Antibiotics are heavily regulated in Canada nationwide. When you're buying milk and meat in the store labelled “antibiotic or hormone free” you're paying for the label. It's understood nationwide that neither antibiotics or hormones are acceptable in Canada's food system.
We’re farmers, all of the products we produce we also consume and are proud to do so, we sell and produce products that we also feel safe consuming.
-
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.
-
In the summer the cows are out on pasture, you're welcome to stop safely on the side of the road and if they come up to you to pet them.
Absolutely no jumping of fences, the fence is there for yours and the cows protection. You’re trespassing when jumping fences.
We host 2 open houses a year where we have the opportunity to get close to the cows. The last weekend of June and the first weekend of October.
-
The modern Dairy cows produced too much milk, often calves try to drink all of their milk their mother’s produce, and it results in the calf often getting ill, getting severe diarrhea, and they can pass of severe dehydration.
We also have had mothers that get sick of their calves, kick their or other calves or try and get away from them and it results in the calf being harmed or it can be fatal (has never happened to us).
Some mothers are naturals and others are unfortunately not. When there's a good mother we try and nurture that as much as possible, it’s a good temperament to expose calves to. We do keep calves with their mother for some time after birth.
Most dairy farms care that calves have a strong healthy start to life.
-
We milk around 50-60 cows year round. Summer time we tend to milk, more because they are on pasture. In total, we have around 150 head of jersey cows ranging in age.
-
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.
-
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 bio security reasons, no we don't rent out cows.
If you’re shipping cattle you must have a premise ID for traceability of the cattle’s whereabouts. So when the farm is inspected and a cow leaves the property the inspector has its whereabouts available. This is precautionary if a cow was to get sick and it was contagious it would be easily traceable.
-
We’re a farm and a farm store, we don't advertise cow experiences outside of the open house days. There is insurance and legality that we don't have the capacity to explore. We’re farmers first and foremost and that is out #1 priority at this time.
-
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.