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See you there!

Registration is now closed.

If you have questions about your existing conference registration, please reach out to us by email.

The BC Dairy Association and BC Milk Marketing Board present

The 13th annual BC Dairy Industry Conference, November 22-23, 2023

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 twill 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.

This year’s distinguished lineup of speakers will provide their expert insights on critical issues shaping the industry’s future.We are pleased to present following speakers, in partnership with our sponsors. 

  • Western Milk Pool Chair Henry Holtmann and CEO Nolan Berg will engage in a discussion regarding the collective vision of the Western Milk Pool, reinforcing the theme of solidarity and collaboration in addressing common challenges.
  • The Western Milk Pool Economics and Strategy Team will provide an overview of the current BC dairy market landscape, consumer preferences, and opportunities for growth.
  • Christophe Lafougere, Managing Director and Dairy Director at Gira Food Service in France will share a global dairy industry outlook and discussion around emerging markets. Christophe will identify potential growth opportunities worldwide and discuss how the BC and Canadian dairy industry can be strategically positioned in the global marketplace.  Christophe has been with Gira for over 25 years. His experience in consultancy, due diligence and research reaches across all food and drink sectors, with particular expertise in the dairy industry.
  • J.P Gervais, VP & Chief Economist with Farm Credit Canada will provide an overview of factors influencing the cost of operating a dairy farm business. His insights help guide strategy, monitor risks and identify opportunities in the current economic environment. This discussion will touch financial planning, risk assessment, and risk management strategies for dairy farms.
  • Mohamad Yaghi, Agriculture and Climate Policy Lead at RBC will share the topline findings from the RBC Climate Action Institute’s report Farmers Wanted: The labour renewal Canada needs to build the Next Green Revolution. The report raises key questions regarding the future gaps, and workforce opportunities within Canadian agriculture.
  • J.P Gervais and Mohamad Yaghi will be joined by producer and BC Dairy board member Mark Van Klei, who operates M&L Dairy Ltd. and Van Klei Farms, which produces blueberries, for a moderated discussion on the current and near-term economic climate for dairy in BC and Canada.
  • The Future of Dairy session will be led by Marcela Cota, Director, Product Management & Technical Sales at Vitalus Nutrition. Her presentation will explore exciting product development and innovation, setting the stage for the dairy products of tomorrow.
  • Dairy Farmers of Canada Chair David Wiens and Chief Executive Officer Jacques Lefebvre will provide a DFC update.
  • To honour those who have made significant contributions to the industry, we will also celebrate with the BC Dairy Historical Society Award. And, recognizing excellence in dairy cattle, the BC Holstein Branch will present the prestigious BC Cow of the Year Award.

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. 

Schedule of events.

Wednesday, November 22 at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel

5:00 – 8:00 pm Conference Registration
8:00 – 10:00 pm Welcome Reception 
Sponsored by Vitalus and BMO Bank of Montreal

Thursday, November 23 at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel

7:30 – 9:30 AM BREAKFAST
SPONSORED BY SCOTIABANK
9:30 – 12:00 PM SPEAKER SESSIONS
SPONSORED BY THE WESTERN DAIRY COUNCIL, LACTANET, AND AGRIFOODS
12:00 – 1:00 PM LUNCH
SPONSORED BY RITCHIE-SMITH FEEDS
1:00 – 4:00 Pm SPEAKER SESSIONS
SPONSORED BY FCC, RBC, KPMG and
B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, a Simon Fraser University initiative
4:00 – 4:45 Pm EXHIBIT HALL COCKTAIL HOUR
SPONSORED BY MNP

Thursday, November 23 —Evening Events at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel

6:00 – 7:o0 Pm GALA RECEPTION
SPONSORED BY VEDDER TRANSPORT
8:00 – 10:o0 Pm GALA DINNER
SPONSORED BY VEDDER TRANSPORT and TD Bank
10:00 – 1:o0 Am APRES GALA LOUNGE
SPONSORED BY TROUW NUTRITION

*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 22nd at 1:00pm, taking place at the JW Mariott Parq Hotel, in Fairview Rooms 3 & 4. If you are a member of BC Holstein Branch and have questions about this event, please visit their website for more information: http://www.bcholsteins.com/

 

See you there!

Registration is now closed.

If you have questions about your existing conference registration, please reach out to us by email.

Thank you

To all our sponsors for their continued support.

Contributing Partners

Interested in sponsorship?