Dairy producers will have a new resource to go to for all things dairy come the summer. CanWest DHI, Valacta, and the Canadian Dairy Network have come together to form a new organization that will be known as Lactanet Canada.
“Today is a milestone for our industry,” says Lactanet chair, Barbara Paquet. “Lactanet is an example of working together across the country, and in different areas of our industry, for the betterment of the Canadian dairy sector”.
According to a news release, the newly formed organization will leverage the strengths of the founding companies to more fully integrate herd management, genetics and extension into a distinct suite of services for Canadian dairy farmers.
Newly appointed CEO, Neil Petreny says, “By combining key elements of profitable dairy herd management services, Lactanet provides Canadian dairy farmers with tools to help them succeed, while ensuring our global leadership position for both efficient milk production and dairy cattle genetics.”
The organization says it has a producer-driven governance structure which consists of up to 11 board members. Six of these members are appointed by the organizations that provide dairy herd management services, while one director is appointed by each of Dairy Farmers of Canada, Holstein Canada, and Semex Alliance, all of which are also governed by Canadian dairy producers. The Board may also have up to two external members, recommended for their particular expertise.
Lactanet will operate from existing business locations in Guelph, Ont., and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que., and will continue to manage four lab operations across the country. The official launch of the new organization will take place June 3, 2019.
