THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT AND SUSTAINABLE
Dairy farmers across Canada are working towards a more sustainable tomorrow.
WATCH SUSTAINABLE STORIES
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.
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
OUR PROGRESS
Between 2011 and 2016, Canadian dairy farmers reduced the amount of land needed to produce a litre of milk by 11%. Find out how.
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From 1990 to 2020, Canadian dairy farmers reduced the carbon footprint of a litre of milk by 25%, thanks to research as well as improving and finetuning their craft.
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Canadian dairy farmers reduced the amount of water needed to produce milk by 6% in five years by working with nature and recycling water.
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The carbon footprint of one litre of Canadian milk is less than 1/2 the global average.
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Today, dairy farms represent 1% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
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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.
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.
SUPPORTING BIODIVERSITY
What farmers do to improve soil health also supports the local biodiversity!
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.
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.
RECYCLING PLASTICS
Working with dedicated partners helps farmers recycle agricultural plastics into the circular economy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have questions about these actions or anything else regarding Canadian milk? Ask our dairy experts and get answers, plain and simple.
ASK AN EXPERTOUR PARTNERS IN SUSTAINABILITY
We work with partners in sustainability to help all Canadians - dairy farmers and non-farmers alike - make impactful, sustainable changes.
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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