The Maranda Family – Keeping the Dairy Tradition Alive in Quebec

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.

“Our ancestors settled here in 1666 and it is a testament of their perseverance and ingenuity that today we continue to farm and produce milk in a sustainable manner on this same piece of land,” said Éric Maranda. “Dairy farming has evolved over the last few centuries, but our commitment to protecting the environment and taking care of our animals has not wavered. We want to produce the best quality milk in the most efficient way so future generations can continue the dairy tradition established by the first Marandas of Île d’Orléans.”

Éric Maranda recently took over the farm from his father Roger. Along with his young son, three generations of Marandas today live in the ancestral home built in 1749. Éric credits a profound love of farming, an entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance for the farm’s success over such a long period of time. Today, the Marandas milk 35 to 40 head of cattle on 85 hectares of land.

“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 Maranda family, whose story shows a great love for dairy farming, and a deep sense of community.”

To read the Maranda family and Roémax farm’s full story, please visit dairyfarmers.ca for a PDF version of the book.