In a dynamic and constantly evolving sector like dairy, the future depends not only on producing high-quality milk today but also on ensuring a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise for tomorrow. In line with this commitment, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is proud to announce the launch of the new DFC Student Program, a dedicated initiative for students and postdoctoral researchers involved in DFC-funded research projects.

The program aims to strengthen the connection between scientific research and the realities of the Canadian dairy sector. Through this initiative, students will deepen their knowledge of the sector, access networking and training opportunities, actively participate in knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) activities and be recognized for their valuable contributions to the future of the sector. By bridging the gap between research and real-world application, DFC is cultivating a dynamic community poised to drive innovation and progress across the dairy sector.

Connecting research to practice

Over the years, DFC has invested in a wide range of research projects in human nutrition, animal health and welfare, and sustainable dairy production. But research alone is not enough; its impact depends on how effectively it is shared and applied. Ensuring that complex findings reach those who can benefit most, from farmers and veterinarians to policymakers and professionals, is essential.

This is the purpose of the program. At its core is a commitment to KTT, encouraging students to see themselves not only as researchers but also as communicators and collaborators. Participation in the program is voluntary and designed to align with students' individual academic paths and professional goals. Participants will benefit from a variety of growth and engagement opportunities:

  • To gain deeper understanding of the Canadian dairy sector's priorities and challenges, students will be invited to participate in activities such as a virtual dairy farm tour, DFC-hosted webinars on research and sector topics, and invitations to annual research team meetings with DFC research staff.
  • For those interested in honing their communication skills, the program offers bilingual KTT training workshops, where students can learn how to distill their findings into clear, impactful messages tailored to diverse audiences. Through hands-on training, students will learn how to translate their work into useful, impactful tools and resources, whether through infographics, plain-language summaries, explainer videos, articles, podcasts or other creative formats.
  • In addition to learning and development opportunities, the program also fosters community building and professional networking. Through travel grant contests, students will have a chance to attend key events in the dairy and scientific calendar, where they can connect with farmers, industry professionals and other researchers. These connections can serve as a launching pad for future careers and collaborations.

Investing in the future

With the launch of this program, DFC reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation and collaboration, ensuring that today’s research paves the way for tomorrow’s success in the Canadian dairy sector.

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For graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, this is more than just a learning experience. It is an opportunity to see the broader impact of their work, contribute meaningfully to industry advancement and discover where they fit in the future of dairy.

To learn more about the DFC Student Program and how to get involved, visit the program's website.

This article was written by Agricultural;Communications and Epidemiological Research (ACER) Consulting; Émie Désilets and Annik L’Espérance, Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) invests in scientific research to foster innovation in the Canadian dairy sector. DFC supports research initiatives that benefit all Canadian dairy farmers and works in collaboration with its members and other sector partners to address priorities outlined in the National Dairy Research Strategy. The goals of this strategy are to increase farm efficiency and sustainability, enhance animal health, care and welfare practices, and strengthen the role of dairy in human nutrition and health, as well as in sustainable diets. Visit DFC Dairy Research for more information.