SPRING 2026
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SPOONER NORDICA
DEFENDING CANADIAN DAIRY
The 2026 CUSMA Review
MEMBER PROFILE
Meet the Veldman family of Hensall, Ontario
BREAK YOUR FLAVOUR BLOCK
Your 2026 Delegates Board of Directors Welcoming OUR 67TH AGM
Celebrating success, looking to the future
Bothwell’s spicy Monterey Jack campaign as board chair Andrew Henderson +
gayleafoodsmembers.com
OVE HANSEN
Executive Director, Member Relations & Corporate Secretary
10 Carlson Court, Suite 100, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6L2 Office: (905) 283-5226 | Local: (519) 323-9613 Email: ohansen@gayleafoods.com
DEANNE REILLY
Business Coordinator & Assistant Corporate Secretary (519) 838-6268 dreilly@gayleafoods.com
STACEY BOWLES
Manager, Member Relations (519) 838-7171 sbowles@gayleafoods.com
EMILY FRANKEN
Member Services Representative
21 Clinton St N, Teeswater, ON N0G 2S0 (519) 838-6234 efranken@gayleafoods.com
AMÉLIE LEMIRE
Member Services Representative 2819 Cassburn Road Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0 (613) 800-3330 alemire@gayleafoods.com
ALYCIA WALKER
Member Services Representative 21 Speedvale Avenue West Guelph, ON N1H 1J5 (519) 838-6249 awalker@gayleafoods.com
JESSICA TAYLOR
Administrative Coordinator
21 Speedvale Avenue West Guelph, ON N1H 1J5 (519) 838-6267 jctaylor@gayleafoods.com
Have a question? Feel free to connect with any member of our team.
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Ivanhoe Cheese Madoc, ON (613) 473-4269 x 7230
Teeswater Store Teeswater, ON (519) 392-6864 x 2230
Salerno Retail Outlet Hamilton, ON (905) 544-6281 x 8244
Alberta Cheese Company Ltd. Calgary, AB (403) 279-4353 x 7821
Bothwell Factory Cheese Shop New Bothwell, MB (204) 388-4666
WENDY HASSON
Member Communications and Events Specialist whasson@gayleafoods.com
KRISTINA VASSILIEVA
Communications Specialist
kvassilieva@gayleafoods.com
*Currently on maternity leave
It is a genuine honour to address you for the first time as chair of the Gay Lea Foods board of directors. Gay Lea Foods has been part of my life for as long as I’ve been a farmer, and it has shaped me not only as a dairy producer, but as a leader.
This co-operative has supported my family, strengthened our farm, and connected us to a community of farmers who care deeply about one another and the future of our industry. To now serve as chair is both humbling and profoundly meaningful to me.
I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the board for their confidence and for entrusting me with this responsibility. My appointment is the result of a long-planned and thoughtful succession process – one that demonstrates the strength and stability of our governance, and the board’s commitment to ensuring steady, strategic leadership for Gay Lea Foods.
I would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Rob Goodwill, who has served our co-operative with remarkable dedication, integrity, and steadiness as chair for the past eight years. Rob’s leadership has helped guide Gay Lea Foods through a period of significant investment and transformation, and I am grateful he will continue to support the board in the role of past chair over the next year.
For those I have not had the chance to meet, I am a sixth-generation dairy farmer from Spencerville, Ontario, where my family and I milk 190 cows and farm roughly 1,300 acres. My wife, Tracey, and I have raised seven children on the farm, and I am deeply grateful for her unwavering support and all she does to keep things running while I’m away on Gay Lea Foods’ business. I am fortunate to farm alongside my father, Paul, and our eldest son, Sam, as well as a team of dedicated staff. Gay Lea Foods has been part of our family for more than 25 years. I’ve served as a delegate, completed Gay Lea’s foundational and advanced leadership programs, and spent the past seven years as a director – three of them as an executive member, and most recently as vice chair. Each experience has deepened my pride in this co-operative and in the people who make it strong.
We know the industry will continue to evolve. Market conditions, regulatory changes, global trade pressures, and shifting consumer expectations all present challenges – but they also create opportunities for a co-operative with our capabilities, our vision, and our strong sense of purpose. Guided by our Gay Lea Recipe strategy and with a dedicated and increasingly capable workforce, we are well positioned to strengthen our business, increase the value we deliver to members, employees, and communities, and invest meaningfully for the future, so we can enrich life with dairy for years to come.
It is a privilege to serve this co-operative and represent the members who built it. Thank you for your continued engagement, stewardship, and belief in the power of working together. I look forward to the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Andrew Henderson Chair
Each January, as we gather in Toronto for our annual general meeting (AGM) and the meetings and events that surround it, I am reminded of what makes Gay Lea Foods exceptional.
Connecting with delegates, engaging with past and current board members, and speaking with leaders who helped build the very foundations of our co-operative reaffirm that our strength has always come from people who roll up their sleeves, lead with conviction, and consider not just what is good for today, but for the generations that will follow.
This year, I had the privilege of hearing stories about the moments that shaped our co-operative – stories of bold decisions, shared determination, and leaders who cared deeply about the future they helped build.
One conversation, in particular, stayed with me: a discussion with former director Joe Gray, who served on the board when the decision was made to build the Delta milk drying facility in Guelph, Ontario. Listening to his reflections reminded me that every chapter in our history was written by people who believed in this co-operative long before any of us held our current roles. As Rob Goodwill so eloquently put it in his chair’s address, they planted the seeds for the trees we tend and nurture today. It is their legacy we carry forward.
We are fortunate to have a board that embodies this spirit. The thoughtful executive succession we witnessed in January is just one example of the strength and maturity of their governance.
I am, and will always remain, deeply grateful to Rob Goodwill for his remarkable leadership of our co-operative. It feels like just yesterday that I visited his farm for my interview - yet in that time, he has guided this co-operative through significant transformation with steadiness, humility, and heart. I look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience as he steps into the role of past chair over the year.
At the same time, I am excited to work even more closely with Andrew Henderson as he takes on the role of board chair. Andrew brings a deep understanding of our industry and a genuine passion for our members, and I have no doubt that this leadership transition puts us in an ideal position for the next phase of our Gay Lea Recipe journey.
As we move through fiscal 2026, we are building on real momentum. One quarter in, we are on track to deliver our financial plan. But just as importantly, we are laying the groundwork for long-term stability and growth. Canada’s food security and sovereignty have always relied on a strong domestic agriculture sector. This is why Gay Lea Foods stands so steadfastly behind our supply-managed dairy system. And it’s why we have been unrelenting in advocating for supply management at the most senior levels of government.
Our commitment to the future of Canadian dairy is also why, in fiscal 2026, Gay Lea Foods is making bold, deliberate investments across our country: investing in our facilities to prepare for future growth; in our people so they can thrive, lead, and innovate; and in the communities where our members and employees live and work. In a time when Canada needs strong, values-driven businesses, we are choosing to step up – because that is what cooperatives do. We lead with purpose.
Dairy is present in the homes of millions of Canadians. It nourishes families, brings friends together, and anchors communities from coast to coast. The opportunity ahead of us is real – and so is the responsibility we share. With strong values, a clear strategy, and a team united by a shared purpose, we will continue to enrich life with dairy for generations to come.
Let us continue to lean in, think boldly, and work together. When we collaborate with purpose and conviction, there is nothing this co-operative – or this sector – cannot achieve.
Sincerely,
Suzanna Dalrymple President & CEO
C’est un véritable honneur de m’adresser à vous pour la première fois en tant que président du conseil d’administration d’Aliments Gay Lea. Aliments Gay Lea fait partie de ma vie depuis aussi longtemps que je suis agriculteur et m’a influencé non seulement en tant que producteur laitier, mais aussi en tant que chef de file.
Cette coopérative a soutenu ma famille, renforcé notre ferme et nous a connectés à une communauté d’agriculteurs, qui se soucie profondément les uns des autres et de l’avenir de notre industrie. Assumer la présidence maintenant est à la fois une expérience d’humilité profondément significative pour moi.
Je tiens à commencer par exprimer ma sincère gratitude au conseil d’administration pour sa confiance et pour m’avoir confié cette responsabilité. Ma nomination est le résultat d’un long processus réfléchi de planification de la relève – un processus qui démontre la force et la stabilité de notre gouvernance ainsi que l’engagement du conseil d’administration à garantir un leadership stratégique et constant pour Aliments Gay Lea.
Je tiens également à exprimer ma sincère gratitude à Rob Goodwill, qui a servi notre coopérative à titre de président avec un dévouement, une intégrité et une constance remarquables au cours des huit dernières années. Le leadership de Rob a guidé Aliments Gay Lea à travers une période de transformation et d’investissements significatifs, et je lui suis reconnaissant de continuer à soutenir le conseil d’administration en tant que président sortant au cours de la prochaine année.
Pour les personnes que je n’ai pas eu la possibilité de rencontrer, je suis un agriculteur laitier de sixième génération de Spencerville, en Ontario, où ma famille et moi assumons la traite de 190 vaches et la culture d’environ 1 300 acres. Ma femme, Tracey, et moi avons élevé sept enfants à la ferme, et je suis profondément reconnaissant pour son soutien indéfectible et tout ce qu’elle fait pour que les choses fonctionnent pendant que je suis en voyage d’affaires pour Aliments Gay Lea. J’ai la chance de travailler sur la ferme avec mon père Paul, notre fils aîné Sam ainsi qu’avec une équipe dévouée d’employés. Aliments Gay Lea fait partie de notre famille depuis plus de 25 ans. J’ai été délégué, j’ai terminé les programmes de leadership fondamentaux et avancés de Gay Lea, et j’ai passé les sept dernières années au poste d’administrateur – dont trois en tant que membre de l’exécutif, et plus récemment en tant que vice-président. Chaque expérience a approfondi ma fierté envers cette coopérative et envers les personnes qui la rendent forte.
Nous savons que l’industrie continuera d’évoluer. Les conditions du marché, les changements de réglementation, les pressions du commerce mondial et l’évolution des attentes des consommateurs présentent tous des défis – mais ils créent également des opportunités pour une coopérative ayant nos capacités, notre vision et notre fort sentiment d’avoir un but. Guidés par notre stratégie Recettes Gay Lea et avec une main-d’œuvre dédiée et de plus en plus compétente, nous sommes en bonne position pour renforcer notre entreprise, augmenter la valeur que nous offrons à nos membres, à nos employés et à nos communautés, et investir de manière significative pour l’avenir, afin de pouvoir enrichir la vie avec les produits laitiers pour les années à venir.
C’est un privilège de servir cette coopérative et de représenter les membres qui l’ont construite. Je vous remercie de votre engagement continu, de votre gestion et de votre croyance en la puissance du travail collaboratif. J’attends avec impatience l’année à venir.
Sincèrement,
Andrew Henderson Président
Chaque mois de janvier, alors que nous nous réunissons à Toronto pour notre assemblée générale annuelle (AGA) et les réunions et événements qui l’entourent, je me rappelle ce qui rend Aliments Gay Lea exceptionnel.
La connexion avec les délégués, l’engagement des membres passés et actuels du conseil d’administration et le dialogue avec des chefs de file qui ont aidé à bâtir les fondations mêmes de notre coopérative réaffirment que notre force a toujours été tirée des personnes qui retroussent leurs manches, qui dirigent avec conviction et qui tiennent compte non seulement de ce qui est bon pour aujourd’hui, mais aussi pour les générations à venir.
Cette année, j’ai eu le privilège d’entendre des histoires sur les moments qui ont façonné notre coopérative – des histoires de décisions audacieuses, de détermination partagée et de chefs de file, qui se souciaient profondément de l’avenir qu’ils ont contribué à bâtir.
Une conversation, en particulier, est restée avec moi : une discussion avec Joe Gray, ancien administrateur, qui a siégé au conseil d’administration lorsque la décision a été prise de construire l’usine de séchage de lait Delta à Guelph, en Ontario. Écouter ses réflexions m’a rappelé que chaque chapitre de notre histoire a été écrit par des personnes qui croyaient en cette coopérative bien avant que l’un d’entre nous n’occupe nos rôles actuels. Comme Rob l’a indiqué avec éloquence dans son discours, ils ont planté les graines des arbres que nous entretenons et nourrissons aujourd’hui. C’est leur héritage que nous transmettons.
Nous avons la chance d’avoir un conseil qui incarne cet esprit. La relève réfléchie de la direction que nous avons observée en janvier n’est qu’un exemple de la force et de la maturité de leur gouvernance.
Je suis et resterai toujours profondément reconnaissante envers Rob Goodwill pour son leadership remarquable de notre coopérative. J’ai l’impression que c’était hier que j’ai visité sa ferme pour mon entrevue, et pourtant, pendant ce temps, il a dirigé cette coopérative à travers une importante transformation avec stabilité, humilité et cœur. J’ai hâte de continuer à bénéficier de son expérience alors qu’il assume le rôle de président sortant au cours de l’année.
En même temps, je suis ravie de travailler encore plus étroitement avec Andrew Henderson alors qu’il assume le rôle de président du conseil d’administration. Andrew apporte une compréhension approfondie de notre industrie et une véritable passion pour nos membres, et je n’ai aucun doute que cette transition à la direction
nous place dans une position idéale pour la prochaine phase de notre parcours Recettes Gay Lea.
Alors que nous progressons dans l’exercice 2026, nous bâtissons sur un véritable élan. Un trimestre écoulé, nous sommes sur la bonne voie pour réaliser notre plan financier. Mais, ce qui est tout aussi important, nous posons les bases d’une stabilité et d’une croissance à long terme. La sécurité alimentaire et la souveraineté du Canada ont toujours reposé sur un secteur agricole national solide. C’est pourquoi Aliments ay Lea soutient si fermement son système de gestion de l’offre des produits laitiers. C’est pourquoi nous avons été inflexibles dans notre défense de la gestion de l’offre aux plus hauts échelons du gouvernement.
Notre engagement envers l’avenir des produits laitiers canadiens est également la raison pour laquelle, au cours de l’exercice 2026, Aliments Gay Lea effectue des investissements audacieux et délibérés au pays : investir dans nos installations pour préparer la croissance future; dans nos employés afin qu’ils puissent s’épanouir, diriger et innover; et dans les communautés où vivent et travaillent nos membres et employés. À une époque où le Canada a besoin d’entreprises solides et guidées par des valeurs, nous choisissons de nous engager – car c’est ce que font les coopératives. Nous dirigeons avec détermination.
Les produits laitiers sont présents dans les foyers de millions de Canadiens. Ils nourrissent les familles, rassemblent les amis et ancrent les communautés d’un océan à l’autre. L’occasion qui s’offre à nous est réelle – tout comme la responsabilité que nous partageons. Avec des valeurs solides, une stratégie claire et une équipe unie par un objectif commun, nous continuerons à enrichir la vie avec les produits laitiers pour les générations à venir.
Continuons à nous affirmer, à penser audacieusement et à travailler ensemble. Lorsque nous collaborons avec un but et une conviction, il n’y a rien que cette coopérative ou ce secteur ne puisse accomplir.
Sincèrement,
Suzanna Dalrymple Présidente et chef de la direction
More than 130 delegates, directors, past directors, senior leaders, and industry guests gathered in Toronto on January 27 for Gay Lea Foods’ 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) - a purpose driven event that celebrated strong governance, honoured exceptional leadership, and showcased the momentum carrying our co-operative into fiscal 2026 and beyond.
Governance, Participation, and a Unified Delegate Voice
Before the doors opened to the larger AGM audience, delegates and directors gathered for the Members’ Only Session - a cornerstone of the co-operative’s democratic governance process that sees delegates consider and vote on proposed amendments to the cooperative’s bylaws, elect directors, and engage with board leadership.
This year, the at large director election concluded with the acclamation
of DeeDee Bekkers and Jennifer Woodhouse – both returning directors who earned the continued confidence of the delegate body. Delegates also ratified the appointments of independent directors Dean McCann and Marie-Claude Milot, reinforcing the board’s commitment to skill based, diverse director oversight.
“As I step aside, I do so with immense pride, deep gratitude, and absolute confidence in the future of this co-operative.
Our forest is strong. Our roots are deep. And the next generation of leaders is ready to plant the trees that will shape the decades ahead.”
Rob Goodwill
The broader Open Session began with a warm welcome from Paul Vickers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Vickers, a long time dairy farmer and former Gay Lea Foods Chair, spoke to the importance of domestic
agriculture and the role co-operatives play in strengthening communities. His presence signaled the deep, ongoing connection between our sector and government leadership – and set the tone for a day rooted in purpose and progress.
From there, attendees were treated to an unforgettable address by Rob Goodwill – his final as Gay Lea Foods chair. Drawing on an ancient Greek proverb – “A society grows great when its leaders plant trees whose shade they know they will never see” – Goodwill reflected on the decades long legacy of Gay Lea Foods’ leaders and visionaries. He spoke powerfully about the courage shown by past boards and celebrated the co-operative’s evolution, resilience through the global pandemic, and a decade defined by growth, modernization, and strategic clarity.
Goodwill’s reflections were heartfelt, often humorous, and deeply rooted in gratitude – solidifying his address as the emotional highlight of the day.
President & CEO Suzanna Dalrymple delivered an inspiring update on the state of the co-operative, highlighting the transformative progress achieved two years into the Gay Lea Recipe strategy. Her remarks underscored Gay Lea Foods’ strong financial position, record results, renewed processing capacity, and bold investment plan for fiscal 2026 – including historic levels of capital investment aimed at strengthening Canada’s food security, modernizing the Gay Lea Foods network, and supporting long-term growth for members.
Delegates and guests received a clear and confident financial update from chief financial officer Prin Sivalingam, who outlined the cooperative’s record performance in fiscal 2025 and the strength of its financial position heading into fiscal 2026. Sivalingam highlighted sales of $1.38 billion, improved gross contribution, and the strongest balance sheet in Gay Lea Foods’ history, calling fiscal 2025 a year of “strategic investment, disciplined execution, and strengthened fundamentals that has put Gay Lea Foods in a position to invest boldly in its future”.
Dalrymple emphasized the importance of collaboration across the entire dairy sector, advocating for a united voice during a period of political and economic transformation. Her message was clear: Gay Lea Foods is stepping up, leading with conviction, and investing in the future of Canadian dairy.
Guest speaker Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, brought an important and heartfelt perspective on food security to the AGM, commending Gay Lea Foods for its leadership in fighting hunger and reducing food waste across Canada. She reinforced the profound impact of the co-operative’s multi year partnership with Second Harvest – including funding commitments, surplus product donations, and employee volunteerism – all of which are helping deliver millions of meals to Canadians in need.
In all, Gay Lea Foods’ 67th AGM celebrated more than the end of a fiscal year – it celebrated a legacy of leadership, a commitment to cooperative governance, and a vision for the future grounded in stability, growth, and service to members.
As Gay Lea Foods moves into fiscal 2026, the message from members, directors, and leadership is clear: The trees planted long ago continue to bear fruit – and together, we are planting the next generation.
After a special meeting of the board following the cooperative’s 67th AGM, Gay Lea Foods announced that Eastern Ontario dairy farmer Andrew Henderson was acclaimed to succeed chair Rob Goodwill as part of a long-planned leadership succession process.
Henderson, who previously served as vice chair and as an executive member, brings extensive board experience and a deep understanding of the co-operative to the role.
“I am honoured to assume this leadership position at an important moment in our co-operative’s history,” said Henderson.
“Our business is strong, and growing, and entering an important period of capital re-investment to fuel the next generation of growth.”
Andrew Henderson
Goodwill, who has stepped into the role of past chair for the final year of his term, served as board chair since 2018, making him the longest serving chair in the co-operative’s 67 year history. He leaves a legacy of service to Gay Lea Foods and the Canadian dairy industry, including oversight of the co-operative’s Gay Lea Recipe strategy, the launch of its organizational purpose, enrich life with dairy, and its leading efforts to invest in Canadian communities.
“Gay Lea Foods has accomplished so much under Rob’s transformational leadership,” said Henderson. “As Gay Lea Foods members and dairy farmers, we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
“While I am exceptionally proud of our business performance, I am even more proud that Gay Lea Foods has always stayed true to its farmer-owned, co-operative roots,” said Goodwill. “Leading an organization so deeply committed to our communities, the Canadian dairy industry, and the wider cooperative movement, has been the honour of a lifetime.”
“Gay Lea Foods has always stayed true to its farmer-owned, co-operative roots,”
Rounding out the 2026 board executive committee, former executive committee member DeeDee Bekkers was acclaimed as vice chair, and director Jennifer Woodhouse was elected as executive member. Their appointments reflect both continuity and renewal – a balance that remains essential as Gay Lea Foods advances its capital reinvestment plans and builds the next generation of growth.
Gay Lea Foods is pleased to share the results of this year’s zone meeting elections, which saw new delegates elected across zones 1 through 4, alongside the acclamation of zone 4 director Chris Johnson.
Thank you to all candidates, nominators, and attendees, who attended the zone meetings and contributed to a smooth and successful election season. Your participation continues to strengthen our co operative and ensure that member voices guide our shared future.
2
Ruud Arts
Peter Angst
Marc Backx
Steven Dotzert
Kevin Forbes
Penny Hawthorne
David Johnson*
Doug Johnston
Erica Kiestra
Robb McIntosh
Glenn Nichol*
Jim Nyenhuis
Heather Robinson (Chair)
Pedro Slits
Steph Towers*
Joe Vink
Rick Attema
Alex Buist
Brent Cain
Heather Cox (Chair)
Jack Danen
John DenDekker*
Aaron Dykstra
Brent Hartman
Graham Johnston
Erik Rotteveel
Jeff Smith
Madeline Smith
Don Tilstra*
Jeremy Van Wyk*
MANITOBA (DISTRICT OF ZONE 2)
Carol Boonstoppel
Kathy Friesen
Andrew Bennett
Jennifer Bryson
Ron Diemert
Matt Hamel*
M. Marie Hammell
Tammy Hickling
Mark Ireland
Rob Kirkconnell
David Kuntz
Josh Landman
Robert Larmer (Chair)
Jamie Risebrough*
Aaron Ruetz
Gord Strutt
Stuart Wright
Charles Bennett
Julia Booijink
John Crowley*
Arlene Hunter*
Scott Jackson*
Kevin MacLean (Chair)
Rob McCutcheon
Todd Nixon
Henry Oosterhof
Noelle Pasquier
Selena Prinzen
Geert Rijke
Niels Van Beek
Anjela Verburg
Don Williams
By Marie Ly, Senior Director, Industry and Government Relations
As we begin a new year, Canada’s dairy sector is preparing for a pivotal moment: the first formal review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). While the agreement has provided a framework for trade stability, the upcoming review brings renewed pressure from the United States for further concessions, particularly in dairy.
Specifically, the U.S. appears to be focused on two primary issues: TRQ allocation policy and CUSMA export thresholds.
Protecting the Integrity of Supply Management
The first request from the U.S. is that Canada change how it allocates dairy import quotas, known as Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs). Currently, most TRQs are allocated to Canadian dairy processors – those most directly impacted by imports. The U.S. wants a portion of these quotas shifted to retailers, arguing this would increase U.S. product on Canadian shelves.
Such a move would undermine the balance of our supply-managed system, however, giving large retailers disproportionate power over the Canadian dairy sector. While Canada has already adjusted its TRQ policies following a 2021 dispute panel ruling, a second panel in 2023 upheld Canada’s revised approach. Still, the U.S. remains dissatisfied and is expected to press the issue during the review.
Gay Lea Foods’ position: If retailers gain direct access to TRQs and increase imports of U.S. dairy, they could displace Canadian-made products on store shelves. This would reduce demand for domestically processed dairy, affecting both processors and producers. Over time, the shift could negatively impact producers’ incomes and quota, eroding the stability supply management is designed to protect.
The second issue is a request from the U.S. for tighter restrictions on Canada’s exports of non-fat milk solids (NFMS), including skim milk powder and milk protein concentrates. Under CUSMA, Canada agreed to export caps on these products, with penalties for exceeding thresholds. Despite Canada’s compliance, the U.S. dairy industry continues to allege that Canada is distorting global markets and has launched a trade investigation into potential dumping.
For both processors and producers, these export caps limit the ability to manage surplus milk components, particularly skim milk generated through butterfat production. Without viable export channels, processors may be forced to reduce milk intake, ultimately impacting processor margins and producer revenues and quota. The result is a less resilient supply-managed system, and if the system is forced to balance with imports, the consequences could be severely detrimental to Canadian dairy.
Gay Lea Foods’ position: Gay Lea Foods, like most Canadian stakeholders, strongly opposes any further restrictions, emphasizing that our NFMS exports are modest and essential for balancing domestic milk production. Further limits would disrupt the supply chain, discourage investment in processing capacity, and threaten the sustainability of the entire system.
Gay Lea Foods secures a win for Canadian Dairy.
Gay Lea Foods regularly works closely with industry partners and government on issues facing the Canadian dairy industry. Recently, our co-operative secured a nice win: A critical exemption from Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on imported U.S. steel cans, an essential packaging for our whipped cream products. This exemption protected our supply chain, avoided millions in additional costs, and reinforced the value of proactive, coordinated advocacy.
Gay Lea Foods, alongside our industry partners, is actively engaged in defending the integrity of Canada’s dairy system. We are working closely with government and stakeholders to ensure no further concessions are made.
We will continue engaging policymakers to underscore that: (1) Canada’s TRQ allocation is a domestic policy choice that underpins a fair dairy economy. This is not something to be traded away for any reason, and (2) Canadian dairy exports remain modest and ruleabiding. U.S. efforts to tighten Canadian dairy exports are unjustified and harmful to Canadian dairy and the principle of free trade.
Gay Lea Foods has been exceptionally active in advocating to protect our supply-managed system, and these efforts will continue unabated. As always, we remain committed to protecting the long-term sustainability of the Canadian dairy system.
If there’s a government or industry issue, you’re interested in learning more about, send us an email at communications@ gayleafoods.com, and we’ll consider covering it in a future Udderly Informed.
BOLD FLAVOURS AT ITS CORE
The Spicy Monterey Jack line-up feature a range of distinctive flavour profiles:
SPICY DILL PICKLE
Bothwell’s Spicy Monterey Jack campaign
In late October, Bothwell Cheese launched the Break Your Flavour Block campaign, responding to a consumer insight among Canadians that everyday meals and snacks were starting to feel too predictable.
Break Your Flavour Block inspires people to shake up their routine and make everyday meals and snacks more exciting with bold, spicy, delicious flavoured cheese. The campaign spotlights Bothwell’s Spicy Monterey Jack line-up, including the
A unique blend of pickled red jalapeños and tangy dill that delivers a flavourful punch.
JALAPEÑO
Pickled red and green jalapeños blended to create a delicately sweet heat with a slightly nutty flavour.
RED HOT CHILI PEPPER
Pickled red hot chili peppers offering vibrant, fiery flavour.
HABANERO WITH CRACKED BLACK PEPPER
The hottest option in the line-up, combining bold habanero heat with cracked black pepper.
Looking for inspiration? Discover simple, flavour-forward recipes featuring Bothwell’s Spicy Monterey Jack line-up and see how bold flavour fits into everyday meals. For more recipe ideas, visit our website: www.bothwellcheese.com/flavour.
new Spicy Dill Pickle Monterey Jack, positioning bold flavour as an easy, approachable choice.
The campaign runs throughout this year across social media, digital video, grocery apps, in-store point of sale and, a first for the brand - national television. Together, these touchpoints are reinforcing Bothwell’s role as a cheese brand known for bold flavour innovation, proudly made with 100% Canadian milk.
A proud win for Gay Lea Chocolate Whipped Cream!
Gay Lea Chocolate Whipped Cream has been named a 2026 Best New Product Award™ winner, earning national recognition through one of Canada’s most trusted consumer-voted awards programs.
What makes this award especially meaningful is who it comes from: Canadian shoppers who purchased, tried and evaluated new products based on real-world experience. In a competitive marketplace, that kind of recognition reflects genuine trust and enjoyment.
Taste continues to be one of the most important factors influencing
food choices, and flavour-forward innovation remains a powerful way to earn loyalty. This award reflects strong consumer response to a product designed to bring affordable indulgence to new usage occasions.
The recognition also reflects Gay Lea Foods’ purpose to enrich lives with dairy by delivering products Canadians trust, enjoy and choose again and again. As a farmer-owned co-operative, Gay Lea Foods is proud to see that purpose affirmed by consumers across the country.
In October 2025, Nordica began a partnership with Natalie Spooner – Olympic gold medalist, professional hockey player and mom who went on to compete with Canada’s women’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Throughout her journey to the world stage, Natalie’s path reflected the values that define us as a farmerowned, Canadian dairy co-operative: grit, resilience and showing up every day to do the work. Her success was built through consistency, balance and resolve – on the ice and at home.
Her road to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo demanded relentless focus – not only as an elite athlete, but as a mom balancing the realities of everyday life. Supporting performance and recovery means prioritizing protein and making health-conscious choices that fit into a full schedule. Natalie reflects the active, protein-focused consumer at the heart of our brand – someone who depends on affordable, nutritious and high-quality dairy to fuel both training and life at home.
As Natalie prepared for the world’s biggest stage, Nordica Cottage Cheese became part of her everyday routine – fueling training, recovery and busy days with 13g of protein per serving Simple, versatile and easy to work into real life, it fits naturally into smoothies, meals and the moments in between.
Protein continues to be the primary reason Canadians are choosing cottage cheese more than ever. That’s why we’re updating all Nordica core SKUs with a more prominent highprotein callout, expected to begin appearing on shelf in early 2026 – making it even easier for consumers to recognize the protein-packed products made by our members.
Our collaboration with Natalie spans a full year. Throughout 2026, she is sharing real moments across Nordica’s and her own social channels – showing how she lives, fuels, trains and stays strong with Nordica, both on and off the ice.
This partnership reflects Nordica’s commitment as a brand to supporting women in Canadian sport and championing athletes who inspire the next generation.
By partnering with Natalie and working alongside Hockey Canada, Nordica is helping fuel performance through high-quality protein while bringing greater visibility to women athletes and their stories.
13 g protein per serving
Throughout the year, Natalie will give customers and consumers a glimpse into her life as an athlete and mom with social content that includes:
interview and “day in the life” look at elite training
Time-pressed, athlete-approved meal ideas
Some of these stories rolled out ahead of the Olympics and some during. More exciting short, format videos will continue throughout the year – keeping the focus on what fuels her – Nordica Cottage Cheese.
Nutrition insights and everyday essentials
Converting Category Momentum into Portfolio Leadership
Canadian dairy demand continues to strengthen, outperforming total store growth and reinforcing dairy’s role as a resilient, high-relevance category for retailers and consumers alike. This momentum creates a favourable backdrop, but lasting value is determined by how effectively portfolios are positioned within that growth.
When Natalie competed on the Olympic stage in February 2026, this partnership carried more than a logo. Canada’s women’s hockey team played with heart and determination all the way to an incredible final against Team USA, earning a silver medal.
It was a powerful reminder of the discipline and preparation behind every performance – and of the everyday choices that help fuel athletes at the highest level.
As this partnership continues throughout the year, we invite you to follow along and be a part of the story by connecting with our Nordica brand and Natalie Spooner on Instagram. Both social platforms will have behind-the-scenes stories that unveil her training, family life and recipes all brought together by Nordica Cottage Cheese.
Scan the QR code to follow our Nordica brand and Natalie Spooner on Instagram and see where this journey goes next.
The most compelling signal is not simply that dairy is growing – it’s that the categories where Gay Lea competes most directly are growing nearly 2X as fast as total dairy. Cultured products and whipped cream, in particular, are expanding at multiple times the rate of total dairy.
2 x Growth
Butter remains an essential, scale - driving business, but its recent growth has been predominantly price - led and therefore more exposed to volatility and competitive pressure. In contrast, cultured, cheese and whipped cream categories are benefiting from healthier consumer behaviours including rising household penetration and repeat usage.
Brands like Nordica and Bothwell demonstrate the power of consistent execution. Gains in distribution, purchase frequency, innovation, and breakthrough marketing are translating directly into market share leadership and sustainable momentum. Nordica is now the #1 cottage cheese brand in the market and Bothwell was the clear winner in North American cheese in the Holiday season.
The path forward is clear: protect and manage butter with discipline, while accelerating investment behind high-growth, consumer-led categories. This balanced approach positions Gay Lea to extend leadership and create long-term value for farmer members, employees and Canadian consumers.
SERVES: 6
▸ 5 large (12-inch) flour tortillas
▸ 150 g frozen corn
▸ 150 g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
▸ 300 g shredded rotisserie chicken
▸ 340 g Bothwell Habanero & Cracked Black Pepper Monterey Jack, shredded
▸ (reserve 75 g for topping)
▸ 2.5 g (½ tsp) paprika
▸ 2.5 g (½ tsp) garlic powder
▸ Seeded sliced Jalapeño
▸ Hot honey, for drizzling
▸ Gay Lea Sour Cream for dipping
▸ Salsa for side
▸ Cilantro for garnish
PREP. TIME: 15-20 MIN
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
COOK TIME: 20 MINS
2. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, corn, black beans, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Line a 13”x18” sheet pan with 4 tortillas, overlapping to cover the base and allowing edges to hang over.
4. Spread the filling evenly, then sprinkle with 265 g Bothwell Habanero & Cracked Black Pepper Monterey Jack.
5. Place the 5th tortilla in the centre and fold over the edges to cover the filling.
6. Top with sliced jalapeño and sprinkle on remaining 75 g of Bothwell Habanero & Cracked Black Pepper Monterey Jack cheese.
7. Bake for 12 minutes or until cheese is melted and top is golden.
8. Let rest for 3–5 minutes, then slice into squares.
9. Drizzle with hot honey and serve with salsa and sour cream.
10. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
This November and December, co-operative leaders and members came together at zone annual meetings in Kemptville (Zone 4), Stratford (Zone 1), Ancaster (Zone 2), Ayton (Zone 3), and Winnipeg (a division of Zone 2) to connect, review the performance of the business, celebrate our successes, and reflect on how Gay Lea Foods enriched life with dairy in fiscal 2025.
This year’s meetings followed a new format that included both management and board panels, supporting open dialogue and opportunities for meaningful exchanges with members. The feedback gathered at these meetings is valuable and will play an important role as we continue to look for ways to drive member value and engagement at Gay Lea Foods.
From December 3–5, 2025, members of the board, management, and member relations teams were in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to participate in the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (DFM) Annual General Meeting and Trade Show. The event brings producers from across the province together at the Victoria Inn to hear presentations from DFM leadership and other industry experts who provide insights and guidance to support effective farm management.
Gay Lea Foods hosts its annual member meeting in conjunction with the AGM and maintains a presence at the trade show through a dedicated booth. The setting offers an excellent opportunity to engage with our Manitoba members, strengthen relationships, and share information about the co-operative. It also allows us to introduce visitors to Gay Lea Foods, highlight our role in the province, and discuss the membership opportunities available.
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) welcomed dairy producers and industry partners from across the province to their Annual General Meeting and Trade Show, held January 13–15, 2026, in Toronto.
Members of the Gay Lea Foods board of directors and senior staff attended the event, where they joined others in recognizing the important work happening across Ontario’s dairy sector. Gay Lea Foods also participated in the accompanying dairy trade show and proudly provided dairy products for nutrition breaks, as well as the cheese and butter promotional evening.
The annual DFO event provides an excellent opportunity to stay informed about developments within the dairy sector, and network with current and prospective members, as well as industry and government partners.
Producers gathered for a full day of timely and relevant programming at the Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium in Woodstock, Ontario, on February 19. The agenda included presentations from industry experts on subjects such as the use of high oleic soybeans in dairy diets, navigating CUSMA revisions and evolving consumer expectations, maximizing value from farm advisors, food from our farms, and an overview of past and current dairy market trends and milk production.
The event attracts approximately 600 dairy farmers each year and includes a well-attended trade show. The Gay Lea Foods’ Member Relations team values this opportunity to engage with many producers in a single day and participate in meaningful conversations around the co-operative and membership.
Stop by our booth in the Gay Lea Foods Milk Parlour Lounge at CDX!
We’ll be at the Stratford Rotary Complex on April 1 & 2 at CDX, and we’d love to connect.
Stop in, say hello, and see what’s new — also enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich and Gay Lea chocolate milk or milkshake and support 4H Ontario!
Gay Lea Foods President & CEO Suzanna Dalrymple attended the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile last October, alongside board members Rob Goodwill, Andrew Henderson, and Gerald Schipper. Bringing dairy leaders from around the world together, the event focused on sharing ideas, building partnerships and exploring how the dairy sector can contribute to a more sustainable global food system.
Gay Lea Foods was proud to be part of the conversation and bring insights home to help guide the future of our cooperative in Canada.
A Celebration of Purpose, Progress & Pride
Leaders from across Gay Lea Foods came together this past October for the co-operative’s third annual Fall Recipe Summit in Toronto.
With a spotlight on our refreshed purpose and shared commitment to enrich life with dairy, participants learned about our fiscal 2026 priorities, gaining clarity on the goals, strategies, and opportunities that will shape the year ahead. Hands on discussions also helped bring the Gay Lea Recipe to life, strengthening understanding of how teams across the business contribute to our shared success, and fostering inspiration, alignment, and connection.
The celebration concluded with the annual Values in Action Awards, honouring team members who exemplify our values and inspire pride across Gay Lea Foods.
At the Brampton Distribution Centre (BDC), an electric hybrid refrigerated trailer project delivered an early first quarter impact for Gay Lea Foods.
In six weeks, 17 hybrid units saved more than $20,000 in fuel costs and eliminated 16,000 litres of diesel. The project also reduced 38 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the first month, supporting operational efficiency and emissions-reduction goals.
The initiative was supported through the Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP) and the Government of Canada’s Green Freight Program , helping Gay Lea Foods continue moving toward lower-emission transportation solutions and delivering on our commitment of strengthening community impact and environmental stewardship.
This past November and December, teams from across Gay Lea Foods gathered to celebrate the holidays, connect with colleagues, and reflect on the year at one or more of our annual employee or children’s holiday parties.
Team members enjoyed time together, shared food and conversation, and marked important service anniversaries that honour the dedication and contributions that continue to shape our co-operative.
The celebrations were a meaningful reminder of the strong culture we’re building together and our ongoing commitment to making Gay Lea Foods a great place to work.
At Ripplebrook Farm in Lennox and Addington County, Gay Lea Foods member and Zone 4 Chair Kevin MacLean took action to reduce on-farm waste.
Over two years, Kevin set aside and stored all the farm plastic generated on his operation – including bale wrap, feed bags, and other materials that often end up in landfill due to limited recycling options. In total, he diverted three tonnes of plastic, representing two years’ worth of waste from his farm.
Kevin also collected plastic from two neighbouring farms, extending the effort beyond his own operation. All the material was later processed at no cost to the farmers involved, resulting in approximately $1,500 in avoided disposal fees.
His initiative is a clear example of the Gay Lea Recipe in action – strengthening environmental stewardship and community impact through practical, innovative solutions.
Alberta Cheese reached a safety milestone this past October, recording four years without a lost-time accident.
To recognize the achievement, the site distributed hoodies to team members as a thank-you for their commitment to workplace safety.
Congratulations went to Sandeep Shrestha and the entire Alberta Cheese team for helping maintain a safe work environment every day.
With the industry moving toward Dairy Farmers of Canada’s net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 goal, Gay Lea Foods has developed an on-farm sustainability program designed to help producer members maximize their use of best management practices to reduce their overall on-farm emissions.
Delegate Kevin MacLean of Ripplebrook Farms in Napanee, Ontario, diverted three tons of plastic waste from landfill to recycling after collecting plastic on his farm over more than two years! Way to go Kevin!
Delegate Geert Rijke of Hamlane Farms in Hammond, Ontario, has been working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on a manure acidification project that has the potential to reduce manure emissions by up to 80%! Wow!
Producer member Chad Veldman of Veldview Acres Inc. in Embro, Ontario, implemented an innovative manure separation system to recycle solid components into a “green bedding” for his farm!
Gay Lea Foods was recently featured on CBC in a story exploring innovative uses for dairy byproducts and what that could mean for the future of Canadian dairy.
The segment visits our Teeswater facility, where permeate, a by-product of the milk drying process, is being looked at in a new way. Through Gay Lea’s investment and partnership with Dairy Distillery Biofuel, permeate could play a role in producing low-carbon aviation fuel, opening up new value streams beyond traditional uses.
Refined with guidance from a special advisory committee comprised of board members Jennifer Woodhouse and Steve Veldman, along with delegates Laura Good, Kevin MacLean, and Brent Cain, the program evaluates a producer’s on-farm practices according to the sustainability strategies outlined in Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Best Management Practices Guide to Mitigate Emissions on Dairy Farms.
Using the proAction Environment Scorecard and a supplementary questionnaire developed by the Gay Lea Foods’ sustainability team, participating producers will receive a personalized report confirming the best management practices they are currently using and providing recommendations on strategies to further improve their on-farm sustainability.
Results of the pilot program, which was run on 15 participating member farms, have been reported to the board. Please keep an eye on future communications for the next steps of this innovative program!
If you have any questions about the program or would like a digital copy of Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Best Management Practices Guide to Mitigate Emissions on Dairy Farms guide, please email Lisa Wormsbecher at lwormsbecher@gayleafoods.com.
The story features Gay Lea Foods producer member Norm Bédard and President & CEO Suzanna Dalrymple, who speak to why this work matters for sustainability, for our co-operative, and for dairy farmers across Ontario.
It’s a powerful example of thoughtful stewardship and innovation, and how Gay Lea Foods continues to find new ways to enrich life with dairy.
Find a link to the video on our Gay Lea Members’ Facebook Community or visit: https://youtu.be/ Sxvrxoa8R3k
* Note that video is in French; English subtitles are available under YouTube’s ‘auto translate’ settings.
Gay Lea Foods’ Goat Industry team continues to establish a focused business unit for the co-operatives’ goat milk brokering business with a goal to ensure secure, efficient sales and reliable market access for our dairy goat members and producers. As we advance our strategic priorities in goat milk marketing, producer support, and advocacy for industry standards, the team remains focused on strengthening the long-term sustainability of the dairy goat sector.
With continued strong domestic and export demand, the sector remains well positioned for growth. Our current annual supply is trending just above 24 million litres (representing 40% of Ontario’s production) and continues to trend upward through increased production and the introduction of several new entrants. Effective February 1, we were successful in implementing a price increase for dairy goat producers.
Our advocacy efforts in support of the formation of the Dairy Goat Farmers of Ontario (DGFO) also continue to progress. Producers will have the opportunity to participate in an Expression of Interest vote in early 2026 to determine support for creating a new local board under the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission. DGFO’s strategic pillars – industry advocacy, the pursuit of Business Risk Management programs, investment in dairy goat research and producer education, and increased consumer awareness – remain central to building a sustainable, profitable future for the dairy goat industry in Ontario.
This past July, on a particularly warm and humid summer day, Gay Lea Foods Member Communications Specialist, Wendy Hasson, visited Veldman Farms in Hensall, Ontario, to capture the essence of the farm – and the family behind it – for inclusion in our 2025 annual report.
By now, you’ve likely seen the publication – and perhaps found yourself wondering about the vibrant children and hardworking farm family featured throughout its pages. Their warmth and authenticity shine through every photo, so we felt it was only right to share a bit more about them and the story behind those images. Below are a few excerpts from our conversation with Melissa Veldman.
Can you introduce your family and your farm?
Our farm, Veldman Farms Inc., is a family-run dairy operated by my husband Will and myself alongside our children, Faith, Jack, Rose, and Revel. We milk 220 cows, primarily Holsteins with a small Jersey herd, under the prefixes New-Dawn Holsteins and Jaspar Jerseys, on the far west end of Perth County.
We farm 550 acres primarily for feed for our herd with a small amount of cash crop. At the end of 2024, we moved into a new five-robot, cross-ventilated barn, which has been an exciting step forward for our family and our operation. The new facility has a strong focus on efficiency, cow comfort, and long-term sustainability. We raise all of our own young stock and heifers, and while we complete some of our own field work, we rely on a trusted group of custom operators to help get the job done.
How did the farm get its start? Who began it, and how has it evolved?
Both Will and I grew up on dairy farms, so agriculture has always been a big part of our lives. Will’s family immigrated from Holland in 1996, and through years of hard work and dedication, they built the dairy farm we are proud to operate today. In 2018, with the support and guidance of Will’s mom,
Marianne, we took over the family farm. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities we have been given and recognize that they are the result of the commitment and sacrifices Will’s family made when they started here.
I also grew up on a dairy farm, on my family’s Jersey operation, Jaspar Jerseys. The foundation of that herd traces back to animals my grandparents, Mary and Alec, started with – I believe in the 60s. In 1988, my parents Jim and Tammy Sparling purchased my grandparent’s herd and farmed near Varna until 2018. We are proud that some of those Jersey genetics remain in our herd today. My family’s farm is also where our connection to Gay Lea began. My grandparents, Mary and Alec Ostrom, my parents Jim and Tammy Sparling, and now myself and Will are all members.
Together, our backgrounds and experiences have shaped how our farm has evolved—combining strong family traditions with a focus on growth, collaboration, and longterm sustainability.
What have been some of the biggest challenges your family has faced in dairy farming?
Like most dairy families, we face the ongoing challenges that come with farming – unpredictable weather, long days, and the physical and mental demands of the job. At the same time, we’re very mindful that we’ve been fortunate to build on the hard work of those who came before us, which has put us in a strong position to continue farming today.
One of our biggest recent challenges was completing a new barn build at the end of 2024. Any barn project comes with its share of stress, long timelines, and big decisions. We were incredibly fortunate to work with great partners who helped bring the project together.
The transition to a robotic milking system was not for the faint of heart. Learning new routines, managing cows through change, and keeping everything running smoothly tested us in new ways. That said, the support we received from neighbours, family friends, and a dedicated core group of staff made all the difference and reinforced the value of working together.
We were so grateful to fellow dairy farmers who welcomed us into their farms. Being able to see different robotic systems in action, walk through barn designs, and learn from others’ experiences was invaluable and truly reflected the willingness of farmers to share knowledge and support one another.
“Together, our backgrounds and experiences have shaped how our farm has evolved—combining strong family traditions with a focus on growth, collaboration, and longterm sustainability.”
One particular fellow dairy farmer – Frank Louwagie –stood out; in fact, we chose our barn style because of his barn design. Frank was a mentor to us before and during our start up. He and his crew helped us push cows through the wee hours of the night. He assured us that the transition would go smoothly, and there was nothing to worry about, and we are so grateful for his encouragement. Frank and a team of passionate dairy farmers have recently started a new project, Huron-Perth Dairy Cares, and we would like to encourage our fellow producers in Huron and Perth Counties to reach out to Frank and his team to support the initiative. Huron Perth Dairy Cares will be supporting three different organizations in our area this year: Mental Health in Huron and Perth County Hospitals, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada, and Huron County Food Distribution Centre.
How long has everyone been members of Gay Lea Foods?
My connection to Gay Lea began early. I became a member in Grade 8, when my grandparents, Mary and Alec, gifted me money for shares as a graduation present. That early introduction to the co-operative model left a lasting impression on me.
Will and I became Gay Lea members together in 2021, following the first Dairy Direct payment. At the time, it felt like a natural decision to reinvest in a business within our own industry – one that is growing, adapting, and working hard to meet the needs of today’s consumers.
My parents became Gay Lea members around 1998, drawn to the strong returns and stability the co-operative offered milk producers at that time. While I’m not certain of the exact year my grandparents joined, I’m fairly confident they became members when they were active producers, likely prior to 1987. Their reasons were much the same as ours: fair returns, long-term stability, and being part of something bigger than their own farm.
What does co-op membership mean to you and everyone involved?
To us, Gay Lea membership means being part of something bigger than our own farm. It gives us a closer connection to both our processors and our consumers, and a better understanding of how the dairy value chain works. Through shared ownership, fair returns, and long-term stability, the co-operative model supports dairy farmers in a meaningful and lasting way.
Gay Lea also creates opportunities for members to have a voice in shaping the future of the dairy industry. That commitment to engagement has been especially meaningful to me personally. As a young person, I was given valuable opportunities with Gay Lea’s support, including sponsorship to attend CYL. Those experiences helped shape my perspective, build leadership skills, and reinforced the importance of investing in the next generation of farmers.
“To us, Gay Lea membership means being part of something bigger than our own farm.”
For us, the value of membership shows up in a lot of ways. The financial side matters – the patronage and programs provide real returns and help us reinvest back into our farm – but it’s also about stability and peace of mind. Being part of a farmer-owned coop helps manage risk and gives us confidence that decisions are being made with producers in mind.
We also really value the connection that comes with membership. Having a voice, staying informed, and having opportunities to learn and get involved makes us feel supported and engaged. Overall, it feels like we’re part of a team that’s working toward a strong, sustainable future for dairy farmers.
As our farm continues to evolve and our children grow up, we’d like to become more involved with Gay Lea - giving back, contributing to conversations, and helping support the future of the dairy industry for the next generation.
At Gay Lea Foods, our members have always believed in supporting the communities where we live and work. Through the Gay Lea Foundation’s Community Impact Grants program, we invest in organizations that strengthen community well-being across Canada. One of those organizations is Start2Finish Canada, an innovative charity delivering after-school programming that combines physical activity, literacy, and social-emotional learning for children in underserved communities.
Start2Finish recently launched an ambitious strategic goal: to reach 70% of high-needs school boards across Canada over the next decade. According to Karen Warankie of Start2Finish Canada, the Gay Lea Foundation’s grant played an important role in advancing that mission.
“This grant helped us make a significant impact toward that goal,” she shared. “We were able to scale our Running & Reading Club+ program by 20% through this grant, adding five new program sites across Ontario.”
The Gay Lea Foundation was proud to provide a $25,000
Community Impact Grant to support Start2Finish’s Running & Reading Club+, an evidence-based program designed to help children build confidence, improve reading skills, and develop resilience through movement and mentorship.
With support from the Community Impact Grant, Start2Finish expanded into two new schools in London, as well as additional locations in Toronto, Kingston, and Ottawa, communities where children were already waiting for access to the program.
“We had kids on waiting lists in these communities,” Warankie explained. “This funding helped get those children into the program and receiving the supports they needed right away.”
20%
5 Program Growth New Sites
-week school-year program
Physical activity
Reading support
Social-emotional learning
Healthy snacks
Journaling
Weekly “shout-outs”
2,000
Children Supported
300
New Participants
The Running & Reading Club+ is a structured, 32-week program that runs throughout the school year. Each session includes physical activity, reading support, social-emotional learning, healthy snacks, journaling, and weekly “shout-outs” that celebrate children’s effort and growth.
“This isn’t a custodial program,” said Warankie. “It’s a learning program with a specific curriculum and measurable targets. The goal is transformation, helping children improve literacy, strengthen mental health, build social-emotional skills, and increase physical activity.”
“This isn’t a custodial program.”
Start2Finish works directly with schools and school boards to identify the best-fit locations, using a scorecard that considers not only poverty levels, but also community capacity, volunteer availability, and school leadership support.
The Gay Lea Foundation grant is supporting approximately 2,000 children, including 300 new participants, by removing barriers that often prevent families from accessing tutoring, wellness programming, and mental health supports.
“Many of these families face barriers like cost, transportation, and stigma,” Warankie said. “We always say: these kids don’t have
One of the most powerful examples of the program’s impact is the story of a young boy named Jack.
Week after week, Jack refused to participate in the running portion of the program. But one volunteer gently encouraged him to start by walking alongside her. Over time, that small act of connection became routine.
At the year-end running challenge, something remarkable happened.
“He saw the finish line ahead,” Warankie recalled. “All of a sudden, he ripped out of her hand and started racing toward it. His classmates were cheering him on, yelling his name. He crossed the finish line in tears, realizing he was part of a team.”
Moments like these reflect what Start2Finish is truly about: building confidence, belonging, and resilience in children who need it most.
to jump over hurdles, we knock the hurdles down for them.”
The program creates what Warankie describes as a safe, caring “greenhouse” environment, where children can flourish with supportive mentors and role models, many of whom reflect the communities they serve.
“He saw the finish line ahead”
Warankie shared a message of gratitude to Gay Lea Foods members for making this partnership possible.
“We always tell our partners: Start2Finish is your hands, your feet, and your heart in the community,” she said. “When we go into schools and provide these supports, we’re doing it on behalf of Gay Lea Foundation and the Gay Lea community.”
Thanks to the generosity and commitment of Gay Lea Foods and its members, the Gay Lea Foundation is helping children across Canada access the tools they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.
The funds raised through the Delegates’ Auction will directly support organizations like Start2Finish Canada through the Gay Lea Foundation’s Community Impact Grants program. This initiative provides funding to projects that align with the Foundation’s mission to create meaningful change and nourish communities across Canada.
Thank you again to everyone who participated and contributed. The impact of this generosity will be felt across communities in the months and years to come.
The annual Delegates’ Auction, held on January 27 at the Gay Lea Foods Annual General Meeting, was a tremendous success! Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our delegates, directors, employees, and member community, more than $20,000 was raised in support of the Gay Lea Foundation through the auction and Share Raffle draw.
This year’s event was once again expertly hosted by Zone 3 Chair and auctioneer extraordinaire, Robert Larmer, and featured an exciting lineup of donated items, from handcrafted goods and local delicacies made by our members to
weekend getaways and sought-after sporting event tickets. Adding to the fun, Past Chair Rob Goodwill even agreed to a surprise pie-in-the-face moment, all in the spirit of supporting the cause!
A huge thank you to all the zones for contributing outstanding packages, and to everyone who donated personal items, talents, or reached out to local businesses for support. A special thank you as well to Randy Warren and Richard Elliot from our Teeswater site, who generously contributed to this year’s auction. Your commitment and community spirit helped make this annual tradition a resounding triumph.
The Gay Lea Foundation will be announcing the recipients of our Spring 2026 Community Impact Grants in April. Stay tuned to the Gay Lea Foods Members’ Facebook Community for the announcement.
Applications for Fall 2026 grants will open in early June. If you know of an organization in your community who could be a great fit for a Community Impact Grant, please encourage them to apply! Details are available at www.gayleafoods.com/ foundation or contact Kelly McNamara (kmcnamara@ gayleafoods.com) for more information.
Putting our co-operative principles into practice – in particular “Concern for Community” and “Co-operation amongst Co-operatives”, Gay Lea Foods is proud to once again be hosting the Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) program this coming summer. CYL is a week-long youth leadership program organized by the Ontario Co-operative Association and hosted at the Co-operative Education Centre & Dairy Museum.
Members/Employees Camp Out & Open House
Mark your calendars for June 20 and 21, when staff at the Dairy Museum & Co-operative Education Centre will open the doors to host Gay Lea members, employees and their families for our annual Camp Out weekend. We have a number of fun activities planned, including a BBQ lunch on Saturday, ice cream, a movie night and campfire, s’mores, fireflies and possibly some shooting starsas well as our famous Bouncy Cow, of course! Cabins will be available for rent for a nominal fee and camping on site is free. You can come for the day and enjoy the festivities or stay overnight on the site. Come for a camp out and co-operative community weekend!
The Dairy Museum & Co-operative Education Centre has been hosting Community Living classes from East Elgin Secondary School on a monthly basis. Students and staff members are on site for a full day and participate in a number of activities, including cartooning, crafts, making salsa, pancakes, planting bulbs and trees, and spring clean-up. We thoroughly enjoy hosting this group each month and look forward to their continued involvement on our site.
Here is a quote from one of the staff members: “Thanks again for a great day! We so appreciate what you do for us each month!”
New Building Update
We have been continuing to work with Malahide Township on getting approvals finalized for the new building at the site. Hopefully by the time you are reading this, we have broken ground and will have started on construction of this new building!
As always, check our socials @dairymuseum on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more information.
There are programs for three age groups, ranging from 12 to 17 years of age.
Sunday, July 12 to Friday, July 17 for targeted ages 12-14 Gay Lea Sponsored Week
Saturday, July 18 to Friday, July 24 for targeted ages 13-16
Saturday, July 25 to Friday, July 31 for targeted ages 15-17
Gay Lea Foods will be sponsoring children/grandchildren of members and employees. Any interested participant should register first with Craig Steven at csteven@gayleafoods.com on or before April 10, 2025. Interested participants will need to complete an application form. There will be a limited number of spaces available for Gay Lea Foods sponsored participants this year, with selections to be made shortly after the deadline to let applicants know if they have been accepted.
If selected by Gay Lea Foods, the total cost to a participant is a $400 fee to the Ontario Co-operative Association. Gay Lea Foods will cover the remaining $1,100 of the total $1,500 cost for the camp.
For more information, check out the CYL website at www.cyl.coop or contact Craig Steven with questions.
Gay Lea Foods has been delivering its award winning Leadership in Governance (LiG) program since 2009, providing training and development for directors and delegates. This program has successfully established a strong foundational level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes among participants.
The second phase of the LiG program – the Advanced Program – builds upon this foundation by offering a more rigorous and comprehensive level of training. The Advanced Program is open to current and potential directors and reflects Gay Lea Foods’ commitment to placing director development and lifelong learning at the core of its membership policies and governance structures.
From October 20 to 22, 2025, a group of fifteen participants – comprised of two Gay Lea Foods directors, twelve delegates, and one member – completed the fourth cohort of the Leadership in Governance Advanced Program. The cohort marked this achievement through final presentations and a special graduation ceremony. This milestone reflects both the strength and the future of our co operative’s leadership, as well as our continued commitment to Co operative Principle 5: Education, Training, and Information.
Over the course of the 18 month program, participants enhanced their leadership capabilities and deepened their understanding of co operative governance. The Leadership in Governance Advanced Program continues to provide an invaluable environment for members to grow as leaders, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to the future success of Gay Lea Foods.
The next cohort for the Advanced Program is scheduled to begin accepting applications in December 2027.
To elevate the knowledge, skills, and governance performance of a cohort of up to 15 participants.
To support the development of the next generation of leaders within the co operative.
To reinforce Gay Lea Foods’ position as a leader in governance-related training and development.
“Our training and development programs for our directors, delegates, and members are often considered our ‘secret sauce,’” said Ove Hansen, Executive Director, Member Relations and Corporate Secretary. “We are proud to invest in building the capabilities that empower our members to grow as leaders, strengthen their confidence, and contribute meaningfully to the future of Gay Lea Foods.”
Members no longer need to show a member card when buying products at our retail locations. A government-issued photo ID will be checked against a monthly updated member list. Please mention you are a member before checkout to ensure you receive member pricing.
Tax slips for 2025 income have been mailed. This includes:
• T4a slips (patronage income) for $100 or more in 2025
• T5 slips (dividend or debenture interest income) for $50 or more in 2025
Tax slips and statements are always available on the members’ website.
For those who are eligible, the 2018 series of patronage shares (issued in February 2019 for the 2018 fiscal year) were declared paid out by the board of directors and will be issued in late March 2026. If you receive one of these payments (on green paper), it means the patronage shares you tucked away seven years ago have matured and the board has declared them to be paid out. Some of you may be surprised to receive this payment because you reinvest any payments back into shares. With the board declaring the 2018 series be repatriated, they also declared these patronage shares be paid as cash (not eligible for reinvestment). If you wish to purchase shares with your payment after deposit, you can send a personal cheque or e-transfer to purchase additional shares before Thursday, April 30, 2026. Please let a Member Services Representative know if you are, so they can watch for it and ensure it is received by the April 30 deadline.
If you’ve added a linked facility or installed a second tank, it is your responsibility to notify Gay Lea Foods. Your new licence must be applied for and on record with your membership by April 30. Please get in touch with a Member Services Representative before April 30 to complete the paperwork.
Please note: Gay Lea Foods does NOT receive automatic notification when a producer adds a second tank or transfers quota to a linked facility, even if all milk payments appear on a single milk cheque. To ensure everything is properly documented, contact a Member Services Representative as soon as possible to complete the necessary paperwork.
If you have made changes to the owners or shareholders of your membership, Gay Lea Foods requires an updated letter from your accountant or lawyer to confirm the changes. It is your responsibility as a member or shareholder to notify Gay Lea Foods of any changes.
Please contact Member Relations if any of the following information has changed:
• Email, address or phone number (including 911 details)
• Banking information for payment deposits
• Farm ownership or succession updates (we need to know the current ownership structure)
• Your milk licence status (new, replaced, inactive)
April 30 represents several important deadlines for Gay Lea Foods’ shareholders:
• The deadline to purchase preference shares for the 2026 fiscal year and have them eligible for a Board-declared dividend in January 2027
• The deadline to purchase producer shares up to your minimum requirement
• The deadline to make any necessary changes to your milk cheque deduction or employee payroll deductions
• The deadline for new membership applications, including the following:
• Adding an additional licence to your existing membership and farm
• Adding an additional licence for a linked facility
• Adding a family member for succession planning
ETRANSFER FOR SHARE PURCHASE NOW AVAILABLE!
We have implemented an e-transfer protocol with Accounts Payable for share purchases. If you are interested in purchasing shares through e-transfer, please contact a Member Services Representative (listed inside front cover) and they will walk you through the process and provide the email for transfer.
The members’ website offers annual tax slips and statements for every year-end and is accessible 24/7. Contact us (contact@gayleafoods.com) if you have any difficulties logging in. www.gayleafoodsmembers.com
