Thank you
To all our sponsors for their continued support.
This year’s event will be held at the Fairmont Hotel 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, 2025
The hotel room block has closed and we have filled to capacity.
The hotel will continue to accommodate you as best they can.
If you are still wanting to register for the conference, please email contactus@bcdairy.ca.
The 2025 BC Dairy Industry Conference, taking place November 26–27 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, offers a comprehensive platform for industry engagement, knowledge sharing, and celebration. We have our first in-person AGM in four years and industry meetings hosted by BC Dairy and the BC Milk Marketing Board. These sessions offer producers a valuable opportunity to participate in discussions and hear updates from their boards. The first day concludes with a Welcome Reception, setting the stage for meaningful networking.
Day two features a full slate of sessions designed to inform and inspire. Highlights include keynote presentations from DFC President David Weins, Western Dairy Council President Dan Wong, and acclaimed science communicator Dr. Joe Schwarcz.. The afternoon sessions are designed to deliver insights into market trends, herd nutrition, and farm-level financial performance. With expert-led presentations, producers will gain practical tools and perspectives to enhance profitability and resilience. These sessions are anchored by facilitator Kevin Lim, who keeps the tone lively and engaging. The day wraps up with a Gala Dinner, industry awards, and a late-night après gathering—making this event a well-rounded experience of learning, connection, and celebration.
12:00 – 4:00 PM Conference registration
1:00 – 2:15 PM BC Dairy industry meeting
Includes a DFC update and “Straight from the Source”, a chat with BC Dairy subject matter experts.
2:30 – 3:30 PM BCMMB/DIDC/BC Dairy AGMs
3:45 – 5:00 PM BC Milk Marketing Board industry meeting
7:00-9:00 PM Conference registration
8:00 – 10:00 PM Welcome reception
Sponsored by Vitalus and BMO
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Conference registration
7:30 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
Sponsored by Scotiabank
Morning Plenary
Sponsored by Western Dairy Council
9:00 – 9:05 AM Event opening
Conference emcee: Kevin Lim
9:05 – 9:15 AM Event welcome
Presented by Milk Marketing Board
9:15 – 9:40 AM DFC address
Presented by David Wiens, DFC President
9:40 – 10:05 AM Western Dairy Council address
Presented by Dan Wong, President Western Dairy Council
10:05 – 10:10 AM Door Prizes
10:10 – 10:40 AM IDF Update on Global Sustainability
Presented by Gilles Froment International Dairy Federation
Sponsored by 4C Financial
10:40 – 11:10 AM Nutrition break & sponsor exhibition
Sponsored by Agrifoods
11:15 – 12:00 PM Future Outlook: Guiding Principles for the Dairy Value Chain
Presented by Gilles Froment forMark Taylor, President & CEO, Lactalis Canada
12:00 – 12:50 PM Lunch
Sponsored by Ritchie-Smith Feeds
12:50 – 1:00 PM Welcome back – Kevin Lim
1:05 – 1:45 PM The Age of Misinformation
Presented by Dr. Joe Schwarcz, McGill University
Join Professor Schwarcz, acclaimed science communicator and best-selling author, as he unpacks common misconceptions about dairy with clarity, humour, and evidence-based insight.
Sponsored by FCC
1:50 – 2:20 PM Dairy Markets & Opportunities
Presented by Jennifer Woron and Zahra Abdalla-Shamji
Join us for a dynamic session exploring current market insights, emerging consumer trends, and strategic opportunities within the dairy industry.
Sponsored by Saputo
2:20 – 2:50 PM Nutrition break & Sponsor exhibitions
Sponsored by Agrifoods
2:50 – 3:30 PM Feeding the New Age Holstein
Presented by Daniel Scothorn, Scothorn Nutrition
This session explores modern strategies for meeting the nutritional demands of today’s high-performing Holstein cow. With a focus on maximizing production, animal health, and economic return, Daniel will share insights grounded in on-farm data and real-world experience.
3:30 – 4:10 PM Healthy Herds, Healthy Margins: Balancing Animal Care + Profitability
Presented by Shari Van De Pol, CEO Cattleytics
This session dives into the intersection of animal health and financial performance. Drawing on data-driven insights and practical strategies, Shari will explore how prioritizing cow well-being can lead to improved herd outcomes and stronger bottom lines.
Sponsored by Jefo
4:10 – 4:15 PM Closing Remarks
Presented by Casey Pruim, BC Dairy Board Chair
4:15 – 5:15 PM Exhibitor Cocktail Hour
Sponsored by MNP
6:00 – 6:50 PM Gala reception
Sponsored by Vedder
7:00 – 10:00 PM Gala dinner
Sponsored by Vedder and TD Bank
9:45 PM – 1:00 AM Après gala lounge
Sponsored by CIBC
Discover the experts, innovators, and thought leaders joining us at this year’s conference.
To all our sponsors for their continued support.
Email: wkwok@bcdairy.ca