BC Dairy Industry Overview 

Most of the dairy herds are in the Lower Mainland, southeastern Vancouver Island, and north Okanagan-Shuswap area. 70% of BC's milk production is in the Fraser Valley. A few dairy herds, about 20%, are located in the North Okanagan, East Kootenay and Bulkley Valley/Cariboo/Peace regions and 10% on South-east Vancouver Island.

About 679 commercial shipper with 77,000 cows. The average herd size is 113 cows plus additional replacement calves and heifers. The average cow on test produces 29L of milk a day and is milked for 10 months a year, which equals 8839 litres of milk per year per cow. 

Under the Milk Industry Act, dairy farms are inspected and dairy farmers are required to provide facilities that ensure safe and clean milk production and handling. They must also provide adequate housing and waste handling facilities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands oversees farm inspection, raw milk handling and milk testing. The Ministry of Health is responsible for dairy plant and final product evaluation.

Number of Dairy Livestock (,000 head) 2000- 2002

Source: FAST STATS 2004  (2.45mb

Average Milk Price 2001- 2002

Source: FAST STATS 2004  (2.45mb

Related Areas: 

• BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands - Agri-food Statistical Information