Read the 2024–25 Annual Report
As I wrap up my time as Chair, I’ve been thinking a lot about how far we’ve come and, mostly, how proud I am to have been part of this journey with all of you.
When I first stepped into this role, I couldn’t have imagined the changes and progress our industry would see. But through it all, one thing has stayed the same: the way dairy farmers in Alberta and across the country show up for each other and our industry. From building stronger ties regionally through the Western Milk Pool, to collaborating nationally with other industry organizations that make a real difference—these experiences have been some of the greatest privileges of my time as Chair.
Seeing Dairy Innovation West come to life has been a real highlight. What started as an idea years ago is now a state-of-the-art facility that will create new opportunities for producers right here at home and across Canada. It’s proof of what we can do when we put our heads together and keep our focus on the future.
But our collaboration can’t stop at the farm gate. While producers have shown what’s possible when we work together, we also need to keep building strong relationships with others across the value chain, especially our processors, who connect our hard work to the end consumer. Together, we can better understand and anticipate what Canadians want, ensure their continued trust in dairy, and grow the industry responsibly for the long term. I also want to acknowledge the progress in national conversations around governance and the future of our agricultural industry as a whole. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s important and I’m encouraged to see us leaning into those discussions with openness and a shared commitment to making things better for farmers everywhere.
To all of you: thank you. Thank you for trusting me as your Chair, for your support, and for everything you do day in and day out to keep this industry strong. It’s been an honour to represent you and to work alongside so many passionate, hardworking people both on the farm and in the board room.
I may be stepping down as Chair, but I’m not going far. I’ll be staying on as a delegate because I still love this work and this industry and I want to keep doing my part to help it grow.
Here’s to the next chapter and to the farmers, partners, and organizations who make it all possible.
Stuart Boeve
Chair