Meet the skilled workforce behind BC’s dairy industry.
Beverly
Dairy Nutritionist, Ritchie Smith Feeds
For Beverly, dairy nutrition is about more than feed — it’s about supporting farm families, solving problems, and helping cows thrive.
Based in Abbotsford, Beverly works as a Dairy Nutritionist with Ritchie Smith Feeds, partnering closely with dairy farmers to develop feeding programs tailored to each farm’s unique goals, quota, and management style. Her work combines forage analysis, applied research, and practical on-farm problem solving to help support healthy, productive herds.
What Beverly enjoys most is the relationships built with producers and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that helps feed local communities. “Dairy farmers are hardworking and passionate people who take great pride in what they do,” she says.
Having grown up around agriculture and supported herself through school by milking cows, Beverly understands firsthand the dedication dairy farming requires. She says one of the most surprising parts of her role is how much happens behind the scenes — from ongoing research and collaboration to being available around the clock to help farms troubleshoot and adapt.
Joseph
Bulk Tank Milk Grader
Vedder Transport
For Joseph, delivering high-quality milk safely and efficiently is about more than transportation — it’s about protecting the trust BC families place in dairy every day.
Based in Maple Ridge, Joseph works as a Bulk Tank Milk Grader for Vedder Transport, serving as one of the first checkpoints in the dairy supply chain after milk leaves the farm. His role includes inspecting milk quality, collecting samples, and transporting milk from farms to processing plants across BC.
“The work we do is a team effort,” he says. “It’s about safety, quality, and keeping the dairy supply chain moving smoothly so BC households can count on fresh milk every day.”
Joseph says one thing that might surprise people is just how much responsibility comes with the role. Beyond driving, Bulk Tank Milk Graders manage inspections, troubleshoot equipment, coordinate with farms and dispatch teams, and make important decisions that help maintain milk quality from farm to table.
For Joseph, the dairy industry represents opportunity, innovation, and community — supporting thousands of jobs across BC while continuing to grow stronger for future generations.
Meghan
Animal Nutritionist
For Meghan, dairy nutrition is about far more than feed. It’s about helping farms build healthier herds, stronger operations, and long-term success.
As an Animal Nutritionist, Meghan works closely with dairy producers to help make feeding decisions that support herd health, milk production, and overall farm performance. Every farm is different, and part of her role is finding practical solutions that fit each producer’s goals, management style, and herd needs.
What she enjoys most about the work is that there is always something new to learn.
“I enjoy constantly learning,” she says. “I get to work with producers, researchers, and suppliers, and learn what works best in different situations and on different farms.”
That collaboration is one of the things Meghan values most about the dairy industry. Her role allows her to connect science, research, and real-world farming experience in a way that directly supports producers and their animals every day.
Dairy farming has also been a part of Meghan’s life from the very beginning. She grew up on a dairy farm and now operates one alongside her husband, Doug. Together, they started building their herd in 2023 and have been continuously learning and improving every aspect of their operation, with cow care at the centre of it all.
“Running a dairy farm while also working off the farm has been its own challenge,” they say. “But seeing our efforts reflected in our herd is incredibly rewarding.”
Whether she’s working with producers as a nutritionist or caring for animals on her own farm, Meghan is guided by the same principles: cow comfort, consistency, and care. She believes these foundations are essential not only for strong production, but also for building sustainable dairy farms that can thrive for generations to come.
Denis
Farm Management Manager, West Coast Robotics
For Denis, dairy is about helping farms unlock their full potential through innovation and technology.
Based in Agassiz, Denis works as a Farm Management Manager at West Coast Robotics, helping dairy farms use robotic automation, herd data, and on-farm insights to improve performance, profitability, and decision-making.
What Denis enjoys most is working alongside farmers to find smart solutions and help them achieve goals they may not have thought possible. “I enjoy being a partner in seeing those goals through,” he says.
Denis believes BC’s dairy industry has a strong future ahead, driven by progressive farmers, innovation, and growing appreciation for high-quality local dairy products.
Kristen
Animal Nutritionist
For Kristen, supporting dairy means helping both animals and the people who care for them thrive.
Based in Abbotsford, Kristen works as a Registered Veterinary Technician with Agwest Veterinary Group, supporting dairy farms through animal health care, lab work, treatments, physical exams, and on-farm research and consulting. Her work puts her directly alongside producers every day, helping care for cows and calves while supporting the overall success of dairy operations.
What Kristen enjoys most is seeing the direct impact strong animal care can have on both herd health and farm sustainability.
“I love seeing improvements in animal health turn into profitability for dairy producers and better welfare for the cows,” she says. “Increased milk production and healthier animals are incredibly rewarding to be part of.”
Kristen says many people are surprised by how hands-on and independent her role is, with much of her day spent working directly on farms across the Fraser Valley. No two days are exactly the same, and that variety is one of the things she enjoys most about the work.
For Kristen, the dairy industry is deeply personal. It is connected not only to her career, but also to her family, her community, and many of the relationships she has built throughout her life. She also believes strongly in the importance of Canadian food production and ensuring families continue to have access to high-quality dairy products produced close to home.
Dr. Peter Parke
Large Animal Veterinarian, Tsolum Mobile Veterinary Health
Dr. Peter Parke has spent years caring for dairy herds across Vancouver Island, building strong relationships with both cows and the farming families behind them. Based in Courtenay, BC, the large animal veterinarian plays an important role in helping local dairy farms thrive through herd health care, pregnancy checks, and ongoing wellness support.
For Dr. Parke, the work is about far more than veterinary medicine. It is about community.
“I enjoy working with the cows, but also the dairy community in general,” he says. “We have a wonderful dairy community on the island and it’s an honour to work alongside them.”
A typical day can take him from one dairy farm to the next, supporting farmers with the health and wellbeing of their animals. The work is demanding and often unpredictable, with long hours and calls that can come at any time of day or night.
“The work hours are around the clock,” he says. “But I’m happy to be available to our community.”
That dedication reflects the deep connection many people in the dairy industry share with their local farming communities. For Dr. Parke, the dairy sector is an essential part of Vancouver Island’s identity, supporting family-run farms and helping sustain local agriculture for future generations.
“It’s a large part of the island farming community, part of local family businesses, and I want to see it thrive.”
Christina
Livestock Industry Specialist
For Christina, who was raised on a dairy farm on Nicomen Island, this industry has always felt like part of who she is.
Based in Penticton, Christina works as a Livestock Industry Specialist with the BC Ministry of Agriculture, supporting producers and industry partners to help keep BC’s dairy sector strong, sustainable, and resilient.
Christina says her passion for dairy started early and has grown into a career she’s dreamed about since first working with the Ministry as a summer student in 2002.
“I love the people in the industry,” she says. “Agriculture employs the most hardworking, dedicated and passionate people.”
Caleb
Capital Sales, J&D Farmers Dairy Service
For Caleb, dairy is all about people, relationships, and helping farms plan for the future.
Based in Abbotsford, Caleb works in Capital Sales with J&D Farmers Dairy Service, supporting dairy farms as they make decisions about equipment, growth, and long-term planning. His role is built on understanding each farm’s unique goals and helping connect farmers with solutions that fit both today’s needs and tomorrow’s vision.
“The people are easily my favourite part,” Caleb says. “Building relationships and understanding what matters to farmers and their families is what makes the job meaningful.”
While many people think of sales as office work, Caleb says the dairy industry is different. From helping with equipment startups to regularly milking cows himself, he believes the best way to support farmers is to understand the work firsthand.
What stands out most to Caleb is the trust within the dairy community — whether that’s planning projects around a family kitchen table or helping farms prepare for the next generation. “It’s a close-knit industry built by hardworking people who care deeply about what they do,” he says.
Erin & Victoria
Provincial Dairy Inspectors
For Erin and Victoria, supporting BC dairy means supporting farmers in every corner of the province.
Based in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, the pair work as Provincial Dairy Inspectors, partnering with dairy farmers to help maintain high standards across BC’s dairy industry. Their work includes on-farm inspections, milk quality support, facility design consultations, and extension work that helps producers continue improving and adapting their operations.
The role takes them across British Columbia, giving them a firsthand look at the care, innovation, and dedication found on farms of every size. From family-run operations to larger farms, Erin and Victoria say one of the most rewarding parts of their job is building relationships with producers and learning from the different approaches farmers take across the province.
“We enjoy getting to travel throughout BC and experience the differences between farms while learning what works well in different operations,” they say.
Working closely with farmers every day has given them a deep appreciation for the people behind BC dairy and the commitment it takes to produce high-quality milk for communities across the province.
For Erin and Victoria, the dairy industry is important because it is built on hardworking people who care deeply about their animals, their land, and the future of farming in British Columbia.
Amir
Dairy Sales & Service
Behind every dairy farm is a network of people helping things run smoothly. For Amir, that means supporting farms through nutrition, problem-solving, and day-to-day feed management.
Based in Abbotsford, Amir works with dairy farmers to help ensure cows receive balanced nutrition from homegrown forages, grain, and supplements. With a background in dairy veterinary medicine, his role combines science, communication, and practical farm support. No two days look exactly the same for Amir.
Amir enjoys seeing the real-world impact of his work. Whether it’s improving cow performance, solving challenges early, or helping make daily operations easier for producers, he values being part of an industry built on hardworking people and strong relationships.
He says many people are surprised by just how much science goes into modern dairy farming, especially around cow comfort and nutrition. “A lot of the biggest impact happens behind the scenes,” Amir explains. “Catching issues early and paying attention to small details can prevent much bigger problems later on.”
Paul
Classifier, Holstein Canada
For Paul, working in the dairy industry is about supporting farmers and helping them achieve their goals.
Working closely with producers, Paul combines technical knowledge with relationship building to help support successful dairy operations. He enjoys connecting with farmers, understanding their unique challenges, and being part of an industry built on trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Having spent many years working with dairy cattle, Paul values helping producers build strong, productive herds and contribute to the long-term success of their farms.
For Paul, the best part of the job is working with passionate people and being part of an industry that continues to grow, innovate, and support communities across Canada.
Phil
Hoof Trimmer, Heritage Hooftrimming Ltd.
For more than 30 years, supporting dairy farmers and caring for cattle has been at the heart of Phil’s work.
As the owner and operator of Heritage Hooftrimming Ltd., Phil works closely with dairy producers to support herd health and help farms reach their goals. Through regular hoof health visits and on-farm support, his work helps keep cows healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing the continued improvement on farms over the years and the lifelong relationships formed along the way.”
For Phil, the dairy industry has provided not only a career, but the opportunity to spend decades working alongside cattle and helping farm families succeed.