Campaign thumbnail - In Our Nature

Canadian dairy farmers are naturally committed to caring for the environment, from the land and animals they tend to, to the water and air we all share. In Canada, dairy farms are typically passed down from generation to generation. Farmers are motivated to run their farms in the most efficient and sustainable way possible – to succeed as a business, and because it’s the right thing to do. 

Dairy Net Zero by 2050

Dairy Farmers of Canada has committed the dairy farm sector to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. 

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What does ‘net zero’ really mean? Net-zero emissions for dairy farms means reaching a balance between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farms and GHG removed from the atmosphere. To get there, farmers make efforts to reduce emissions as much as possible, and act to sequester carbon in their landscape to offset the remainder. Learn more

To help farmers along our path to net zero, DFC has released its Best Management Practices Guide to Mitigate Emissions on Dairy Farms. Developed in consultation with experts, the guide will help farmers identify and implement best management practices (BMPs) on their farm, including an overview of 30 BMP opportunities for reducing emissions, increasing carbon sequestration, and improving overall environmental sustainability.  

Net Zero by 2050 is an ambitious commitment, but generations of Canadian dairy farmers have already adopted new practices based on science and innovation, so we’re up to the challenge and we’re confident that we can reach this goal. 

Download Dairy Farming Forward to 2050: Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Net-Zero Strategy  

What are dairy farmers doing to work towards net zero?

Across Canada, dairy farmers are working towards a sustainable future. Many innovative farmers are leading the way when it comes to soil, animal care, renewable energy, and more.

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IMPROVING SOIL AND ITS ABILITY TO RETAIN WATER

Farmers can adopt and refine how they enhance soil health and conserve rainwater in multiple ways. Actions ranging from planting cover crops in the fields, to keeping wild areas in their landscape, all help to regenerate the land and environment. 

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SUPPORTING BIODIVERSITY

What farmers do to improve soil health also supports the local biodiversity!

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Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency

BRIGHT IDEAS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Many dairy farmers have found ways to reduce electricity use with energy efficient lighting, automated ventilation and milk cooling equipment that warms water at the same time.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

Several farmers are seizing the opportunity to produce and use renewable energy. Wind turbines, solar panels and bioenergy are some of the innovative green energy generators that can be found on Canadian dairy farms.

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RECYCLING PLASTICS

Working with dedicated partners helps farmers recycle agricultural plastics into the circular economy.

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NEW TECHNOLOGY

Digital farming? GPS-enabled smart tractors, computerized or robotic equipment, and data modelling make farming high-tech and more precise. That’s sustainable.

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MANAGING MANURE

Dairy farmers have an abundance of natural fertilizer – manure! There are various ways to treat, store or apply it to the land. Some methods, like composting, can reduce a farm’s carbon footprint. 

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INCREASING EFFICIENCY

Today's cows are healthier and more productive than ever. Fewer cows are needed to produce the demand in milk, and consequently, each litre has a smaller environmental footprint.

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IMPROVING COW NUTRITION

The modern dairy cow's diet is not only fine-tuned for nutrition, but improving cows’ digestion can also help inhibit methane emitted as part of the cow's natural rumination process.

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Have questions about these actions or anything else regarding Canadian milk? Ask our dairy experts and get answers, plain and simple.
ASK AN EXPERT

OUR PARTNERS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Ducks Unlimited Canada   Canadian Biogas Association   CleanFarms   Tree Canada

We work with partners in sustainability to help all Canadians - dairy farmers and non-farmers alike - make impactful, sustainable changes.  

Learn more about our partners

SUSTAINABILITY STORIES

Watch these inspiring examples of the innovative pilot projects dairy farmers have undertaken to further sustainability on their farms.

EVERYDAY SUSTAINABILITY

Collective actions are important, but individual actions every day can also help our community and society be more sustainable. It's about taking one step at a time. What will you do today?

Look for the Blue Cow logo when buying dairy products. This symbol means these local dairy products are made with 100% Canadian milk that meets some of the highest standards of quality, animal care and sustainability in the world. Learn more

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Chef Dev Recipe

BRINGING SUSTAINABILITY TO THE TABLE

Check out these zero-waste recipes developed by prominent chefs, and featuring delicious Canadian dairy. Sustainability has never tasted so good.

See the recipes
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4 TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU AND A HEALTHIER PLANET

There are some simple, concrete steps you can take to help reduce your own carbon footprint.

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FARM TO HOME: A SUSTAINABLE, NET-ZERO FUTURE

Did you know that doing your part to protect the environment in your everyday life looks a lot like how Canadian dairy farmers work to protect the environment?

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WHAT YOU EAT: GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR THE PLANET

Get tips, recipes and information to help you optimize your diet and find the ingredients for a healthier tomorrow, designed by dietitians.

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PLANT A TREE

Help support Tree Canada in their efforts to plant and nurture trees in rural and urban environments.

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