Ferme Gagnonval in Sainte-Hénédine, Ferme Morine in Coaticook and Ferme de la Carrière in Upton finished in the top three positions in Quebec due to the exceptional quality of their milk. They received the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards respectively in the 2024 edition of the Lait’xcellent competition. The recipients received their awards at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Les Producteurs de lait du Québec.
Lait’xcellent Or 2023
Ferme Morine, Coaticook, Estrie
2024 Gold Lait’xcellent Award
Ferme Gagnonval Inc., Sainte-Hénédine, Chaudière-Appalaches-Sud
Marc and Daniel Gagnon of Ferme Gagnonval, located in Sainte-Hénédine in the Chaudière-Appalaches-Sud region, have around thirty lactating cows and 100 acres of farmland. The brothers focus on prevention and rigorous management of their herd to maintain the quality of their milk. Feed, genetics, animal care and equipment maintenance are priorities. They also keep themselves informed to improve their practices. After spending over 40 years building their enterprise and working together, Marc and Daniel have decided to retire from milk production this fall. They will continue to farm their land and intend to spend more time in their sugar bush.
Marc and Daniel have received “Very Great Distinction” certificates on numerous occasions in recent years, and this is the second time in the same number of years that they have been provincial winners in Quebec, something they are very proud of. This is a wonderful way for them to finish their adventure in dairy production.
Lait’xcellent Argent 2023
Ferme J.P. & M.L. Forcier, Saint-Louis, Montérégie-Est
2024 Silver Lait’xcellent Award
Ferme Morine, Coaticook, Estrie
Véronique Lévesque and Réjean Morin have been the owners of Ferme Morine, which is located in Coaticook in Estrie, since 2001. The couple spends a lot of time in the barn and concentrates on prevention to ensure the health and well-being of their animals. Their herd has 35 lactating cows. They are very attached to their cows. They really want to see their cows live for a long time and produce a lot of milk. Véronique and Réjean have passed on their passion for agriculture to their sons Jérémi and Frédéric. For instance, Frédéric has worked full time with his parents for almost two years now. He is the fourth generation to work in the business. Ferme Morine has stood out for many years because of the quality of its milk and has received good results in the Carbon-Neutral Milk Living Laboratory project.
In addition to making the podium of the Lait’xcellent competition for a fifth consecutive year, Ferme Morine has received two “Great Distinction” and five “Very Great Distinction” certificates in recent years.
Lait’xcellent Bronze 2023
Ferme Gagnonval, Sainte-Hénédine, Chaudière-Appalaches-Sud
2024 Bronze Lait’xcellent Award
Ferme de la Carrière Inc., Upton, Montérégie-Est
Émilie Courchesne and Martin Joubert of Ferme de la Carrière, located in Upton in the Montérégie-Est region, have 60 lactating cows, all Holsteins. They meticulously look after their farm and closely monitor the health of each cow. Émilie and Martin love what they do. They love working outdoors and overcoming the broad range of challenges involved in managing their enterprise. The couple has three children who are increasingly helping out with the farm work, which makes them very proud.
Émilie and Martin have received several “Very Great Distinction” certificates in recent years, and this is the second time that they have been provincial winners in Quebec. The first time they achieved this was in 2011. Since then, they have expanded the barn and their herd. To them, winning this second Lait’xcellent award validates their success and good management.
