On March 21, 85 different milk producers in the Montérégie-Ouest gathered at the Saint-Rémi community centre to hear the results of the 2025 Lait’Xcellent competition. This event recognizes milk producers who had the best quality of milk delivered to milk plants over the past year. There are 327 milk producers in the Montérégie-Ouest region alone, spanning across the Haut-Saint-Laurent, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Beauharnois-Salaberry, Roussillon, Jardins-de-Napierville, and Haut-Richelieu MRCs.
In Dundee, Soesbergen Farms was recognized as the second-best farm across the region. The farm, which is run by John, Nickolas, Jenna, Christopher, and William Soesbergen, has 197 kilograms of quota. Their main priority is ensuring top milk quality. A press release sent out by Les Producteurs de Lait de la Montérégie says that “Regular milk analyses, carried out in partnership with Lactanet, enable production to be constantly monitored and adjusted. In addition, the farm uses a deep litter of straw, lime, and water, contributing to the hygiene and well-being of the animals.”
Soesbergen Farms is a third-generation farm that has been in operation since the family moved to the region from Holland in the mid-1900s. Currently being run by two siblings and three cousins, the farm has 115 cows in milk, along with crops of corn and soybeans.
The ranking is decided based on the farms’ numbers and milk quality. Jenna Soesbergen says, “Every milk truck that leaves our farm is tested for quality; this is what is used to rank the farms.” Chris adds that one of the big things they’re checked for is evidence of mastitis.
The Soesbergens have won this award many times and feel proud to be recognized consistently for their work. “We drink the same milk right out of the tank, so we want it high quality,” Chris says.
Having high-quality milk benefits both the consumer and the farmer. Jenna says, “There’s no bad reason to have quality milk; it’s all good.” To this, Chris adds that it’s a win-win situation because “The more toxins the cows ingest, the more they have an unhealthy immune system. Your vet bill is lower because you have healthier animals.” Plus, there are financial bonuses for milk of a certain level, since it’s so sought after.
In terms of their methods, Chris shares that every step in the process is designed with the highest quality in mind. The work and pride that is put into their milk clearly pays off with such consistent recognition for their quality.