Thank you
To all our sponsors for their continued support.
This year’s event will be held at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel in Vancouver.
The BC Dairy Industry Conference offers a venue for those involved in the industry to discuss important issues, engage in learning opportunities, and network to foster a greater understanding of our dynamic sector. This year’s conference program will continue the event’s tradition of presenting an interesting, informative, and relevant agenda, which focuses on the future of the dairy industry in British Columbia and Canada.
*Please note, there are no refunds after October 31, 2024
2024’s distinguished lineup of speakers will provide their expert insights on critical issues shaping the industry’s future.
We are pleased this year to introduce farm-focused producer workshops on Wednesday afternoon:
Decoding Dairy: Ever wonder what those acronyms mean? All industries have jargon, and dairy has a deeply rooted code that can be hard to decipher. Christy Pettit, CEO of Pollinate Networks and the creator of the Canadian Dairy Wiki will share insights on the system behind the acronyms such as, CMSMC, CDC, P10, P5, 10-90 and many more.
Agricultural Financial Indicators – Make the most of your money! Maximise your financial potential by using key financial indicators to analyze financial statements, helping producers identify business opportunities and challenges. We’ll discuss how routine business decisions and external factors impact these indicators and the business’s overall health.
Industry Meeting hosted by BC Dairy and BC Milk Marketing Board, including industry awards, an “ask the experts” panel, and much more. Stay tuned for more detailed info!
Whether you are considering attending for the first time, or you’ve participated in the past, we value your support of this annual event. Dairy farming is a unique and indispensable way of life that provides jobs, high-quality products, and leading industry standards across the province.
12:00 – 9:00 PM Registration desk open
1:00 – 2:30 PM Decoding dairy workshop
1:00 – 2:30 PM Agricultural financial indicators workshop
3:00 – 5:30 PM Industry meeting
12:00 – 8:00 PM Conference registration
8:00 – 10:00 PM Welcome reception
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration desk open
5:30 – 7:30 PM Registration desk open
7:30 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
Conference emcee: Kevin Lim
Event welcome
Presented by Casey Pruim, BC Dairy Chair
Provincial Address (TBC)
DFC Address
Presented by David Weins, DFC President
Western Dairy Council Address
Presented by Dan Wong, President Western Dairy Council
10:20 – 10:50 AM Nutrition break & exhibitor hall
Sponsored by Agrifoods
Protein Power: Dairy’s role in the future of affordable nutrition.
Presented by Chef Ned Bell
Trends in the retail and food service markets, looking at both opportunities and threats to the dairy sector in Canada.
Presented by Haig Poutchigian, President and COO of Saputo, Dairy Division, Canada.
12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch
Sponsored by Ritchie-Smith Feeds
Federal Minister of Agriculture Address
Future Farming Now: A panel of young farmers
2:10 – 2:35 PM Nutrition break & exhibitor hall
What to expect from the next BC government.
Presented by Stephen Smart and Jeff Ferrier
3:00 – 4:00 PM Producer only session.
Presented by Steve Verheul, former canadian chief trade negotiator.
4:00 – 4:45 PM Cocktail hour in the exhibitor hall
6:00 – 7:00 PM Gala reception
7:00 – 10:00 PM Gala dinner
10:00 PM – 1:00 AM Après gala lounge
*Although not a part of the BC Dairy Industry Conference, note that the BC Holstein Branch is hosting an AGM for their members on November 27 taking place at the JW Mariott Parq Hotel. If you are a member of BC Holstein Branch and have questions about this event, please visit their website for more information: bcholsteins.com
Early bird pricing in effect until October 15 — Hotel block rates open until October 31