ST. CLAUDE, MB, June 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is proud to present the book Dairy Farmers, Deeply Rooted for a Strong Future, which features, representing Manitoba, the Philippot family of Philippot Farms, in St. Claude, Manitoba. Showcasing the contributions of Canadian dairy farmers in the building and growth of our country, the book was created in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Canada. The book traces the emergence of dairy farming in each of Canada's provinces through the personal stories of a family of dairy farmers who have been farming for many generations.
"For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a dairy farmer – farming is my passion," says Alain Philippot. "I learned from my father, and he from his father, how to take care of the land and to keep it healthy so it can be passed down from generation to generation."
Alain, along with his wife Michelle, is a third generation farmer who milks 68 cows at Philippot Farms. The dairy industry developed in St. Claude due to some misfortune in the 1930s, namely the Great Depression and a terrible drought. No crops would grow because of the drought but the grass that grew like weeds turned out to be great for feeding cows. Armed with a new barn purchased before the Depression hit the community hard, Alexis Philippot leveraged the barn and the new grass to invest in cows, and subsequently, dairy. His family has never looked back.
"By feeding the country in a sustainable way, Canadian dairy farmers have withstood the test of time, from even before Confederation, to produce Canadian quality milk," said Wally Smith, DFC's President. "I am honoured to introduce the Philippot family, whose story shows a great love for dairy farming, and a deep sense of community."
To read the Philippot family and Philippot Farms full story, please visit www.dairyfarmers.ca for a PDF version of the book.
About Dairy Farmers of Canada
Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization defending the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and striving to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working within supply management, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable, and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy, and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national initiatives. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.
SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC)
Media Contact: Ashlee Smith, 613-240-3881, [email protected]
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