Taking the next step often involves an investment – in time, energy and sometimes money. While many dairy producers interviewed for this year’s State of Dairy coverage are concerned about financial margins and their bottom line, they also have an eye on the future and are investing in their operations in ways that make it an attractive option for the next generation.

Processing was addressed by those surveyed for State of Dairy as both an exciting opportunity and a challenge in some regions – especially since there are still many unanswered questions about how it will ultimately affect milk flows, if new processing facilities will eventually lead to the closure of some other existing ones and how much new capacity is actually available. 

The beginning of a new year is often a time to refresh goals and evaluate the vision for one’s life. Similarly, multiple people interviewed for this year’s State of Dairy coverage said late 2025 and early 2026 will be remembered as a reset. 

In contrast to the start of last year, U.S. dairy markets are in a far more unsettled place to begin 2026. Dairy farmers are seeing noticeably lower pay prices than this time a year ago.

From the Maritimes to the Prairies and the mountains of the West Coast, dairy producers across the country face their own unique challenges from year to year. Progressive Dairy talked with producers and professionals in several provinces to learn about the challenges, triumphs and opportunities found within 2025 thus far.

What a year! Between political changes, policy uncertainties, the bird flu outbreak in 17 states, new dairy processing facilities starting to come online, milk prices rising and the USDA finalizing changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO), the last 12 months have been a bit of a rollercoaster. However, it’s exciting that the outlook for 2025 looks much brighter than one year ago.