Alberta Milk has been funding research to increase productivity and profitability of the Alberta dairy industry since 1995. Our funding of production research and development is driven by the overarching purpose of supporting dairy farmers to produce safe, nutritious food in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way. Dairy farmers understand the importance of research and annually invest approximately $400,000 into research projects and initiatives.
In 2024, Alberta Milk, along with BC Dairy, SaskMilk and Dairy Farmers of Manitoba, formed the Western Dairy Research Collaboration (WDRC) to streamline research efforts and investment. Dairy farmers across the west now collaboratively fund production research and have adopted targeted outcomes and research priorities in:
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Dairy Farm Sustainability (Economic, Social and Environmental)
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Animal Health, Care and Welfare
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Milk Quality, Composition and Processing
More information on the WDRC’s research strategy, priorities and proposal intake process, can be found here.
Alberta Milk’s research assessment funds are invested to provide financial support to research and knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) projects in line with our priorities. As of March 2026, Alberta Milk will pay indirect costs (administrative and overhead) of projects up to a maximum of 10% of funded direct project costs. Projects with funding committed before March 2026 are subject to Alberta Milk’s previous policy of 0% overhead.
For any questions, please contact Kira Hames, the Dairy Research and KTT Specialist for the WDRC. khames@albertamilk.com; 780-577-3308.
National Research and KTT Resources
The Canadian Dairy Research Portal
The Canadian Dairy Research Portal contains a vast collection of dairy cattle research results and knowledge at your fingertips. You can access the latest available information on dairy research in formats ranging from scientific articles to news stories. The research results originate from more than 20 years of research funded by Canadian dairy producers in partnership with: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canadian Dairy Network and the Canadian Dairy Commission.
The one-stop-shop for Canadian dairy farmers and advisors, to support the adoption of best management practices. Access practical information based on the latest research, science-based tools and qualified expertise, allowing you to learn, act, and improve.