Sustainability’s role in building a robust, modern Canadian dairy industry for the future was a prevailing theme at Dairy Farmers of Canada’s 2024 Annual Policy Conference. Many speakers celebrated the progress of farmers while helping explain what the dairy sector can expect in the years to come.

With 10% to 35% of cows experiencing mastitis each lactation, grappling with its cost is a reality of milking cows. A Canadian study showed mastitis costs dairy farmers roughly $660 per cow per year, making it the costliest disease of dairy cattle.

Cases began to appear more frequently from 2021 onward, as Chilliwack, British Columbia-based veterinarian John Dick began witnessing more cattle infected with S. Dublin in his clients’ herds, noticing that clinical signs varied markedly from the clinical signs typically present in other salmonella serotypes.

"Remember, the future of the dairy industry lies in the hands of passionate and dedicated individuals – embrace your role and stay committed to your goals and visions for the future."—Geordie Woods

April will bring the excitement of the National Holstein Convention as well as the Ontario Spring Discovery Show. An active and dedicated group of volunteers have been hard at work as they strive to provide a week of farm tours, fine dining, social events and an elite show with several new competitions.

Over the past five years, the DRC3 commitment totalled $16 million, which included commitments from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), Lactanet and Novalait, and contributions from several other dairy sector partners.

Canadian dairy producers Ben Loewith and J.P. Brouwer share what they do to ensure their farms' sustainability goals are met, all while enhancing farm profitability. 

Three anaerobic digester operators discuss how their systems complement dairies operations and how they up the value of their farms.