proAction | Dairy Farmers of Canada

You know the Blue Cow Logo, but do you know about the program that stands behind it? proAction® is Canadian dairy’s promise of quality and it’s mandatory on all 9,000+ dairy farms across the country. This quality assurance program means farmers must meet a set of high standards when producing milk and raising animals on Canadian farms.

proAction has some of the highest standards in the world. The program has been implemented on farms for over a decade now, demonstrating to Canadian consumers that our milk is produced with a consistent level of quality and care. This collective effort supports the iconic Blue Cow Logo and embodies how the Canadian dairy sector is striving for excellence and continuous improvement.

What are the six modules of proAction?

The high standards of proAction provide assurance across the program’s six modules: milk quality, food safety, animal care, traceability, biosecurity, and environment. Find out more!

Proud dairy farmer smiles beside feeding cows, highlighting the farmer-livestock bond

Pride and standards to produce quality milk

Canadian dairy farmers are passionate about producing high-quality, nutritious milk in accordance with some of the highest standards and regulations in the world.

42 requirements to reduce risk

Canadian dairy farmers establish specific processes and protocols to reduce risk and prevent food safety hazards on their farms. By following these procedures, farmers meet or exceed stringent safety standards as well as federal and provincial regulations.

Caring for every cow

Providing excellent animal care is one of the most important job requirements of a Canadian dairy farmer. Farmers invest in new technology and equipment, work with experts like veterinarians and cow nutrition advisors, and learn from the latest research to ensure the health and comfort of their herd.

Dairy farmers tag and track their cows

Protecting their herd and the safety of the food supply are top priorities for dairy farmers. A robust traceability system means animals are identified and their movements tracked, which reduces response time if an animal health emergency occurs.

The health of the herd

Beyond their dedication to the comfort of their cattle, dairy farmers know that healthy cows make better milk. That’s why farmers focus on managing risks and preventing disease introduction and spread within a herd.

Stewards of the land

Dairy farmers have a vested interest in the long-term sustainability of their farms, their animals and their land, as they often pass their farms down from generation to generation. This means doing more with less, improving productivity, and managing resources responsibly.

Over 10 Years of proAction on Farms

More than a decade ago, dairy farmers decided to proactively create a comprehensive verification program that demonstrates how the dairy sector was meeting the expectations and values of Canadian society. Learn more about proAction.

Recognition of proAction

proAction is recognized as a relevant and meaningful program by organizations and bodies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the National Farm Animal Care Council. For more information, view the 2023 proAction® & Sustainability Progress Report.

proAction®