Starting September 1st, 2021 we are validating the Environment module and Traceability Reporting. For Traceability, validators will be requesting to review your reports into the National Traceability Database (DairyTrace), with the expectation that all dairy farmers have activated their accounts and have been reporting since (at least) September 1st, 2021. 

To activate your DairyTrace account or if you have any questions on using your DairyTrace account, contact DairyTrace customer service at: 1-866-558-7223 or info@dairytrace.ca

DFNB’s board of directors set its 2021-22 operational budget at its June board meeting.   As a result, the producer administration levy will drop from $0.0635 to $0.057 per kgs of total solids effective August 1, 2021. 

The main factors contributing to the reduction are because total solids produced are forecast to increase by 5% compared to the 2020-21 budget and operating expenses are forecast to reduce by about 5% as well. 

Operating expenses are expected to remain lower than prior years as a number of provincial and national meetings will continue to be held virtually until restrictions are fully lifted.   

Lab fees charged to producers are set to increase from $0.0067 per kg of total solids to $0.0100 per kg of total solids effective August 1, 2021 in order to offset the costs of IBC/Bactoscan tests.  The remaining levies including Research and Promotion are anticipated to remain the same.  

The transportation levy is also expected to remain similar to last year but is influenced by time and fuel.    Reduced promotion activities has resulted in the accumulation of funds which are being set aside in a promotion reserve and will be reviewed by the board over the coming months. 

The Board has also implemented a policy that will cause it to consider whether its retained earnings are in excess of its needs.  The retained earnings target that the board has set is 50% of budgeted operational expenses.   Upon completion of the audited financials the board will determine what amount, if any, should be returned to producers with the objective of reducing retained earnings to that stated target.

DFNB AGM – November 30 (afternoon), Dec 1 (all day), Dec 2 (morning)

DFNB’s board of directors are planning to hold a face to face Annual Meeting at the Delta Fredericton.  Work is underway to create an online registration process for delegates and guests.  The agenda will be similar to previous Annual Meetings but could be adjusted as a result of ongoing or future restrictions.    As in previous years Local Milk Committees will be asked to select delegates and submit resolutions for consideration.

More details on the agenda and speakers will follow in the coming months.

DFNB will say goodbye to Milk Matters Monthly Newsletter

The July 2021 issue of the monthly Milk Matters newsletter will be its final publication. DFNB will be adding a news bulletin to its website where producers will be able to access industry updates as they occur.

More details will be shared as they become available.

DFNB started a trial in June 2021 with Lactanet to provide a weekly IBC (Individual Bacteria Count) result to each NB producer. These IBC results are for information purposes only and will not result in any milk quality infractions or penalties. Samples must be delivered within 48 hours of milk pickup and be stored between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius to qualify for IBC testing.

Samples that meet the above criteria will first be tested for IBC and then proceed to be tested for components, SCC and MUN. Those that don’t will only be tested for components, SCC and MUN as long as they meet the component test criteria. IBC results will be published in the Test Result report available in the DFNB portal’s document section and on the monthly producer statement.

Lactanet's milk quality advisors suggest the following thresholds:
Results of 20,000 IBC/ml and less are excellent.
Results between 20,000 and 50,000 IBC/ml or less are adequate.
Results between 50,000 and 121,000 IBC/ml are acceptable. However a count of bacteria in this interval may indicate that a quality problem is developing. The producer is invited to take action and check his washing and cooling system as a first step. A result of this order of magnitude makes the producer vulnerable to having an unacceptable result in the future. 

Results greater than 121,000 IBC/ml are considered unacceptable and indicate that there is a problem that needs to be corrected. The intervention of a professional who will carry out an inspection of the washing and cooling systems is highly recommended. Milk containing a high bacterial concentration has a reduced shelf life and is more complex to process.

Statistics for July