Lactanet Appoints New Board Officers and New Director for Dairy Industry

New board appointments strengthen leadership for Canadian dairy sector

Bonnie Johnson
June 08, 2026
Media Article

Lactanet appoints new Chair and Vice Chair while adding directors. These leadership changes aim to strengthen governance and support growth and innovation in the Canadian dairy sector.

Lactanet Canada has announced important leadership changes to strengthen its role in the dairy industry. Korb Whale has been elected as the new Chair, while Tom Pasco has been named Vice Chair. The organization has also welcomed Mariette Gagnon and Benoît Turmel as new members of its Board of Directors.

Whale succeeds Barbara Paquet, who retired after serving more than six years with the organization, including time as Chair since 2019. The board also recognized the contributions of Harold Sweetnam, who played an important role in supporting the dairy sector.

“On behalf of the Lactanet Board, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Barbara Paquet and Harold Sweetnam for their leadership and dedicated service to the dairy industry,” said Whale.

“Since joining the Lactanet Board, Barbara has been a respected and valuable board member representing dairy farmers across Canada. We are also pleased to welcome Mariette Gagnon and Benoît Turmel to the Board. We look forward to their continued leadership and contribution to the organization,” said Whale.

The new leadership team reflects Lactanet’s focus on strong governance and continued growth. Korb Whale shared that the dairy industry is changing quickly and requires forward planning to meet consumer expectations. He stressed the importance of working together to build a profitable and sustainable dairy sector that provides high-quality products.

Whale brings practical farming experience to his role. He operates Clovermead Farms in Ontario with his family, managing 160 dairy cows. His efforts in sustainable farming, including the use of an on-farm anaerobic digester, highlight his commitment to innovation.

Pasco, the new Vice Chair, also has strong industry experience. He runs Glenhaven Farm with his son in Ontario, where they manage a herd of purebred Holsteins. He is known for using advanced technologies to improve herd performance and long-term genetic progress. Pasco believes that data and technology will play a key role in helping farmers make better decisions.

Gagnon and Turmel bring valuable expertise to the board. Gagnon operates a family dairy farm in Quebec and has strong ties to producer organizations. Turmel co-owns a large farm operation and has worked to support genetic improvement and innovation within the dairy sector.

These leadership updates show Lactanet’s commitment to supporting farmers, encouraging innovation, and strengthening the future of Canada’s dairy industry.

Photo by: lactanet.ca