Challenging Times Require Swift Action and Commitment to Support Customers

As an essential service, we have continued to provide timely and safe delivery of products and services throughout the pandemic. It has required us to be flexible and responsive to the variety of needs of our customers. But from our perspective, that is what we’ve always done. As a key supplier to the agricultural sector, we also understand that there are many other risks for your farming operation. That is why we have always tried to view ourselves as your partner, not your supplier. We understand the importance of safe, timely and efficient delivery of fuels, propane, DEF and lubricants to any operation.

As a partner to agriculture, we are genuinely concerned with the health, well-being and productivity of Ontario’s farms. So, it is at times like now, that we are called upon to do our part. Dowler-Karn has been actively monitoring notices and updates from the Feather Board Command Centre regarding the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) situation in Ontario. We know the importance of vigilance in controlling an outbreak and limiting its potential to spread. Upon learning of an initial outbreak, we immediately took a leadership position in re-enforcing our longstanding biosecurity protocols. In addition, we mobilized to ensure that we are working with impacted customers by supporting and adhering to any biosecurity measures they might put in place to protect their interests and that of their industry.

Our biosecurity measures include ppe and sanitary/ disinfectant measures for vehicles and staff, prior to entering any bird farms. It is important that we do our part in limiting the spread of this influenza. All staff are to be following the biosecurity protocols when delivering product to ANY poultry barn. Sanitization of truck wheels, wheel wells, hoses, footwear, etc. is also required to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases between barns or farms.

Our continuous improvement manager is monitoring any changes announced by CFIA and noting any confirmed premises placed under quarantine or geographic controls implemented. If CFIA has specific movement control measures and permitting required, we are on it. Limitations to frequency of deliveries and minimum time between deliveries with vehicles has been put in place to reduce the risk of transmission of any bacteria, viruses or other agents of disease in the course of farm service and deliveries. Our guidelines apply to all Dowler-Karn delivery and service staff.

Dowler-Karn will request of its applicable customers that any farm specific protocols are
communicated to the appropriate branch contacts prior to deliveries commencing. Any expectations will be documented and shared with staff and placed into our system of record. Knowing the producer’s protocols is an important step in ensuring that we are meeting their expectations.

Where possible, Dowler-Karn encourages customers to consider options for placement of tanks and for providing clean routes for our delivery vehicles which will limit the risk. In addition, customers are encouraged to more closely monitor usage as they relate to orders to ensure that Dowler-Karn has the needed flexibility to organize deliveries in conjunction with these guidelines.

For more information on our bio-security efforts, please reach out to your local branch representative.