Dairy industry

British Columbia ranks first in Canada for the highest provincial herd, milk quality and average milk production according to annual national summaries and milk quality statistics.

Most B.C. dairy herds are located in the Lower Mainland, southeastern Vancouver Island, and the north Okanagan-Shuswap area.

Production

British Columbia’s average herd size is approximately 140 cows. Approximately half of milk production is utilized for fluid milk sales, while the other half is allocated to non-fluid industrial dairy product sales.

Best practices and useful resources for the dairy industry have been compiled into this helpful guide: dairy farm practices (PDF, 290KB)

Learn how to start a new farm, prepare a business plan, or access funding for your agricultural business with farm business management.

Food safety

In 2013, it became mandatory that every licensed dairy be certified under the Canadian Quality Milk on-farm food safety program. 

Pathogens may contaminate milk and proliferate during storage on-farm. Learn how to apply good milking practices to farms that produce milk for human consumption.

Regulations and licensing

Provincial regulations and licensing

Dairy farms are inspected and licensed under the Milk Industry Act. Dairy farmers are required to provide:

• Facilities that ensure safe and clean milk production and handling
• Adequate housing and waste handling facilities

The Government of B.C. oversees farm inspection and licensing, raw milk handling and milk testing, and is responsible for dairy plant and final product evaluation.

Milk Industry Standards Regulation

Learn more about licensing

For more information about farm standards and licences, contact the Animal Health Centre:

Federal regulations

The Food and Drug Act of Canada states that all milk from all species must be pasteurized for sale for human consumption.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a mandate to ensure a safe food supply for everyone in Canada. Other local, provincial and federal legislation and regulations apply.

Food safety

Every licensed dairy must be certified under the Canadian Quality Milk on-farm food safety program. Pathogens may contaminate milk and proliferate during storage on-farm.

Learn how to apply good milking practices to farms that produce milk for human consumption.

Facilities and equipment

Milking equipment and storage

Milking equipment installation must be in compliance with the British Columbia standards for the design, fabrication and installation of milk handling equipment.

These requirements must be completed by a milking equipment dealer: 

• Milking equipment and bulk tank wash analysis
• Static and dynamic milking equipment testing

Get more information and guides about standards for milk handling and storage equipment

Submit completed diagnostic reports performed by your milking equipment dealer to the Animal Health Centre.