At the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) 2025 Annual Dairy Policy Conference (ADPC) in February, farmers, industry stakeholders and a wide range of engaged delegates gathered in Ottawa around the theme “Dairy in Times of Change.” 

Positive momentum will be key for the prosperity of the Canadian dairy industry, as it is approaching processing, innovation and policy challenges – compounded by the constant need to modernize facilities, systems and software – that will require integrated action from players across the industry.

Marked by growing imports, the major challenge of adding value to solids non-fat (SNF) (which is putting pressure on farm gate prices) and the highest interest rates in over 20 years, the dairy industry is facing a challenging economic situation. Here's a look at a lucid industry that has been challenged before.