She first joined the Canadian Dairy Commission in the role of Commissioner in 2017 and was appointed as Chairperson for the Canadian Dairy Commission in December 2021. She is the first woman to hold the position.

Hayes is a third-generation beef and dairy farmer at PineCrest Farms in Shigawake, Quebec. She co-owns the farm with her father and uncle and holds an MBA from Concordia University. She is actively engaged in rural development initiatives within her region and gained governance experience through her work with L’Union des Producteurs Agricoles, which defends regional interests in dairy, beef and agricultural development.

When she was a Revitalization Agent at the MRC (regional municipality) of Bonaventure, she assisted rural municipalities in formalizing social and economic action plans. In partnership with her husband, she launched Project Rural, which advances the development of rural communities in Quebec.

Hayes is a lifelong community volunteer, and the Chair of the Hayes Bursary Fund for Continuing Education, which provides bursaries and encouragement to local youth to pursue post-secondary studies. Hayes has two young daughters and nieces and nephews who inspire her to defend the farming community and rural life for future generations.

In a press release, MacDonald said Hayes has proven expertise and commitment to both the agricultural sector, which will be vital as Canada works to keep the domestic dairy industry competitive, resilient and innovative in a changing landscape.

In 2024, Canada’s dairy sector comprised over 9,200 farms and supported about 45,000 jobs. The Canadian Dairy Commission Board of Directors includes the Chairperson, Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer.

Source: Farmtario / Alexis Kienlen