Description of Organization
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. DFO is accountable to the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission, which delegates authority to all marketing boards. DFO also administers a raw milk quality program under the authority of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-Business (OMAFA), which licenses all dairy farms under the Milk Act. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production of Canadian milk, and our vision is toward a dynamic, profitable, and continuously growing Canadian dairy industry. Therefore, DFO invests in developing our domestic market by supporting research, science and innovation that aligns with our research priorities of increasing farm efficiency, enhancing dairy sustainability, improving animal health and welfare and driving continued improvements in milk quality.
Problem area
Typically, every two days, dairy producers in Ontario will market their milk to Dairy Farmers of Ontario, which is pooled and provided to processors based on their orders. The process involves an independently trained individual attending the farm, measuring a volume which has been calibrated based on the tank on the farm within the last 10 years, grading the milk by sight and smell, and then taking a sample after a minimum amount of agitation. These steps require several minutes and have been suggested to promote a very small amount of potential error in both the sample composition and also their volume (especially if the calibration has not been recently conducted). Producers have suggested that other jurisdictions (including those within the Netherlands) can meter and sample milk for composition, but due to Canada's temperature variance and climate, there is currently no readily available commercial solution. Additionally, as the samples collected from the farm form the basis for how producers are paid, and also how quality legislation is applied, the sample would need to be aseptic.
However, the potential for a technology which is able to take small volumes over the course of transferring the milk after grading, which would then form a composite “representative” sample which could be demonstrated to be representative when compared to the currently acceptable sampling method (manual) across a number of different temperature ranges would be of great potential benefit to DFO. Volume determination is also of interest based on the different fluctuations present in viscosity of the natural milk which varies from farm to farm. Again, controlling for temperature makes this an issue and it is essential that Measurement Canada approve any testing method for it to be valid as it is used for the purpose of paying producers and may also be essential for ensuring processors are billed based on the result.
Main objectives
To develop a way to aseptically sample milk by taking smaller fractional samples throughout pumping to form a composite sample which can be used for payment and that the same process could also include a way to quanitify the volume of milk shipped across a range of temperatures (including 40 degrees Celsius to -40 degrees Celsius). The sampling method should also be sustainable, minimizing the amount of plastic and promoting a clean in place methodology.
Scope of work
- Conduct a literature and market review of technology currently available, including those currently found in the patent literature.
- Review process for sampling and current way things are done on farm.
- Develop a prototype using either a refined technology or one that might be applicable to a variety of different forages based on their held water capacity.
Deliverables
- New protocols/processes
Frequency
- Monthly
Skills and training required
The method is most important so an understanding of engineering practices including those related to flow and viscosity impact on flow.
Resources required
Potentially specialized tools and equipment.
NDA or a commercialization agreement for this project?
Yes