FARM TO FOOD
Launched on September 18, 2025, the “Farm to Food” podcast is broadcast on a bi-weekly basis to increase coverage of the Chateauguay Valley’s largest economic sector - agriculture - and, of course, everyone eats everyday (at least we hope so!) so there is always a lot of interest in all things agri-food.
Whether you're a farmer, a foodie, or simply curious about where your meals come from, Farm to Food connects you to the full journey — from soil to supper. Each episode features down-to-earth conversations with local farmers, agri-food innovators, and global experts on everything from organic farming to processing, sustainability, and food security.
Recorded at the historic Ormstown Fairgrounds, the show offers real insights into Quebec’s rural communities and the people who keep us well fed. Plus, stay updated with timely agri-news and local food stories that matter.
For producers, processors, and curious eaters alike — Farm to Food is your guide to understanding how our food systems work, who makes them thrive, and why it all matters. From bumble bees and microdistilleries to the dairy industry, cash cropping, and extreme weather, we’ll explore it all.
Listen, learn, and support local – because farming isn't just for farmers — it's for everyone who eats!
FARM TO FOOD
6. The Dairy Industry
From barnyards to boardrooms, the dairy industry in Quebec is evolving fast. Hosted by Hugh Maynard, in this episode, we explore the dairy industry - from prices to trade deals to climate debates, dairy always seems to be in the headlines. But what’s actually true? What’s noise? And what should Canadians really know?
We also explore how modern pressures are transforming family farms across the province and spotlight the next generation of dairy farmers and their ambitions, including the role of youth programming and the iconic Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. It’s a timely look at tradition, transition, and the future of dairy in Canada.
• Hugh Maynard speaks with Maurice Doyon, professor at Université de Laval, about what Canadians should know about dairy production in Canada.
• Sarah Rennie speaks with Jason Erskine, a dairy farmer and representative with the UPA’s Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate and the Producteurs du lait du Quebec. He spoke with Sarah about supply management, stability, succession and work life balance in farming.
• Callan Forrester visits the Royal Winter Fair, Canada’s largest agricultural fair, and speaks with several young people from the South-West Quebec 4-H team about their experiences with showing livestock at the fair.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast.
We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: the Livestock Breeders’ Association for providing our studio facilities at the Expo Ormstown fairgrounds, and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support.
We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio.
This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going.
Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25.
Farm to Food Podcast Credits:
Hugh Maynard – Host
Jackie Rourke – Producer
Sarah Rennie – News Editor
Callan Forrester – Reporter
Stacey Pennington – Audio Production
Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing
…and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!