By David Wiens, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada

Before many people have poured their first cup of coffee, Canadian dairy farmers on over 9,000 operations across the country are already hard at work. Seven days a week, farmers pour their hearts into their work, following world-class standards to produce safe, high-quality milk for our communities and our country. 

June 1 is World Milk Day, where we celebrate this passion and hard work. Every year on this day, people all over the world come together to enjoy their favourite dairy foods and salute those who produce them. In Canada, we can do this knowing that the Canadian milk in our fridges is safe, delicious, and homegrown.  

World Milk Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate what makes the Canadian dairy sector unique. From coast to coast, farmers work together to ensure that we have a stable supply of domestic dairy. This system, called supply management, means Canadians can enjoy a high-quality dairy supply backed by some of the highest standards in the world.    

It’s also a day to reflect on what supply management upholds and defends. Canadian dairy farms play key roles in the vitality of rural communities, often over generations. This stability also means farmers can invest in their operations as the industry advances, encouraging them to innovate and find new ways to advance sustainable farming. And, of course, Canadians will find a steady supply of Canadian milk, regardless of global instability. 

It’s a great reminder of how Canadians love their country and their food. More than nine in 10 say it is important to ensure Canada has as much control as possible over its food supply (Nanos Research, 2026). Dairy farmers are proud to help deliver.

This year, World Milk Day is also a celebration of women farmers and the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer. Women have been essential to the past, present, and future of our industry. They are running dairy farms, leading farmer organizations, and championing innovation across the industry. You can follow Dairy Farmers of Canada to see more of their stories shared across social media on June 1 and throughout the year. 

Please join me in raising a glass of high-quality Canadian milk and celebrate dairy’s contributions to our economy, communities, and food sovereignty. 

Cheers! 

David Wiens is a third-generation dairy farmer. He is also President of Dairy Farmers of Canada, a farmer-funded and farmer-run organization that represents the interests of the hard-working people on more than 9,000 Canadian farms.