Modern farming practices helps keep prices low, the ag minister said
Manitobans won’t see any price changes on 1L milk cartons in 2026.
The same prices shoppers paid in 2025—$2.10 for homogenized, $2.03 for 2%, $1.97 for 1%, and $1.93 for skim milk, will remain the same as part of the government’s plan to help address affordability concerns.
“An everyday essential like milk should not cost a lot, especially when we consider how important it is to kids’ healthy development. We’re freezing the retail price of milk for 2026, so it stays within reach for families looking to make healthy choices,” Premier Wab Kinew said in a Jan. 14 statement.
Some rural areas could see nominal increases related to transportation costs.
The Farm Products Marketing Council has the authority under the Milk Prices Review Act to freeze prices.
Section 3(5) of the law, for example, says lawmakers “may by order establish schedules of maximum prices or minimum prices or both at which fluid milk may be sold to consumers.”
The Council suggested a 4-cent increase at first, Kinew told CBC, adding that farmers will be compensated fairly for their milk.
The Manitoba government credited dairy farmers for their work and their efforts allowing lawmakers to freeze prices.
“Their commitment to innovation and responsible farming helps keep milk affordable for families while ensuring a stable, reliable supply across our province,” Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said in the Jan. 14 statement.
Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (DFM) appreciate the recognition.
“Manitoba dairy farmers are grateful for the trust Manitobans place in us to help feed their families,” Miriam Sweetnam, chair of DFM, told Farms.com in an emailed statement. “We appreciate Minister Kostyshyn and the Manitoba government’s continued acknowledgement of our work and commitment to producing and maintaining a reliable supply of high-quality milk across the province.”
A June 2024 report from Field Agent Canada shows how much Canadians pay on average per litre of milk.
Shoppers in Moncton, N.B. and Charlottetown, P.E.I. paid the most at $2.09 per litre.
People in Winnipeg, Man., spent about $1.57 per litre.
And prices in Sudbury, Ont. were the lowest in Canada at $1.51 per litre.