The UBC Dairy Centre results from consolidation of UBC and Agriculture Agri-Food Canada ( Agassiz) (AAFC) dairy research resources. UBC transferred the dairy herd from its Point Grey campus to Agassiz in 1996, and took over full operation of the facilities in April of 1997. Subsequently dairy resources from the Faculty's Oyster River Farm were consolidated at this new Centre. In 1998, an innovative partnership between The University of British Columbia and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) formally established the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre in Agassiz, the heart of BC?s dairy community. The Dairy Centre is the largest dairy education and research facility in Canada and provides research facilities unique in North America. Its growing international reputation enables it to attract students and researchers from across the country and around the world generating a rich centre for academic and cultural exchange. Research efforts focus on animal reproductive physiology and technology, animal nutrition and metabolism, management of manure constituents, and animal behaviour and   welfare.

A major step in its development was completion of a new 300 animal research building containing a 24-cow milk parlour and administration offices in June 2000 which was officially opened in November 1, 2000 by AAFC's Associate Deputy Minister, Brian Morissey and the UBC's President Martha Piper. A new feed intake facility with equipment to measure feed and water intake by individual group-housed heifers and cows was completed in January 2005. Construction of replacement calf and heifer housing facilities will be completed by July 2006. Plans are being developed for construction and equipping much needed research laboratories and construction of expanded student housing.

A primary role of the Centre is to educate students and postdoctoral fellows who devote 2-5 years of full-time study and research to complete their programs. Scholarships play a key role in attracting and retaining outstanding scholars to the Centre. Individuals and organizations donate to the two existing endowments under development which support the James Shelford Scholarship or the Guy Fowler Bursary Fund.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), a national group run by producers and for producers, funds various research projects in the dairy industry. These projects concentrate in the areas of: Animal Welfare; Environment; Feeding; Genetics; Health; Herd Management; & Reproduction.

Dairy Farmers of Canada invests up to $1.7 million per year into health and nutrition research and dairy research in Canada. It administers and funds three research programs on a cost-sharing basis to encourage the industry to invest in research and development. Research is funded in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the National Science and Engineering Research Council.

Dairy Farmers of Canada is proud to support Canadian research in the fields of dairy production, in particular, research that advances our understanding and improve animal health, production and well-being, minimize our impact on the environment.
The research priorities for dairy production research in Canada are:
    •    Realize greater efficiency;
    •    Improve animal health and welfare;
    •    Enhance production methods that respect the environment;
    •    Improve dairy research facilities in Canada;
    •    Make funds available to genetic improvement and breeding programs.

For further information please go to www.dairyfarmers.ca

BC Dairy Association funds research and education projects through the Dairy Industry Research and Education Fund, administered at the committee level. All requests for support from the dairy industry are sent to the Dairy Industry Research and Education Committee (DIREC) for review and decision.

Statement of Purpose:

“To invest in education, research and development projects that have a direct benefit to dairy farmers in British Columbia, and to ensure the results are communicated to the farm level.”

Mandate:

1. To act as an education and research advisory and support working group for the dairy producers of BC.
2. To identify, encourage and assist in the planning, delivery and evaluation of educational and research opportunities beneficial to the BC dairy industry.
3. To facilitate and support educational events and demonstrations beneficial to the BC dairy industry.
4. To communicate results and facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the farm level.

Qualifying Criteria:

1. Clearly demonstrate that the project’s objective(s) and anticipated results will address an identified need in the BC dairy industry.
2. The applicant has completed all questions and followed the stated procedure for submitting an application to DIREC.
3. All other sources of funding and in-kind contributions must be clearly noted with supporting documentation with respect to funding source, amounts, and conditions attached to providing funding.
4. Provide a detailed work plan that establishes dates and times for stated deliverables, as well as a clear communication plan on how results will be shared with the BC dairy industry.
5. Eligible expenses include: contracted goods and services, materials and supplies, incremental labour and related costs such as travel, rent or lease of facilities and equipment. No more than 10% of funding can be allocated for administration. 
6. Ineligible expenses include:  normal costs to establish and operate a commercial or not-for-profit operation, capital costs (building and equipment) that provide a lasting benefit to an individual or group, and costs incurred before the project has been approved.
7. Approved projects must benefit dairy producers of BC.

*Note: DIREC reserves the right to limit, adjust or deny funding.

How to Apply:

Please download the application form from this page and follow the instructions as specified in the form. Applications will be reviewed semi-annually in the month following the deadline dates of March 31 and September 30.

This exciting and rewarding certified apprenticeship program offers learners two potential industry recognized Certificate of Qualification. The program is open to individuals seeking careers in the dairy industry or those already in the industry wishing to earn their trade credential. Completion of Grade 10 including English and Science are recommended. Grade 12 graduation with Science and Biology is preferred. Successful completion of the program results in a DPT1 (Dairy Production Technician 1) and DPT2 (Dairy Production Technician 2-Herdsperson). These credentials may be transferrable to other areas in Canada.

During the program, students attend class several days during the month and work the remainder of the days on the farm of their Employer. Apprentices receive salary as negotiated with the Employer. Fair market value for salary is expected.

The program combines in-class instruction with on-farm work experience over a two-year period. Classroom session for Dairy Production Technician 1, begins Nov. 1 2010, and will take place in the Fraser Valley. Classroom instructors are Veterinarians who are experienced in all areas of Dairy production, health and maintenance.

For further information on DairyPro BC go to www.dairyprobc.ca