Risk pays off as Canadian Dairy Xpo celebrates 10 years in Stratford

Apr 05, 2024

The Canadian Dairy Xpo owner always admired the prestigious, multigenerational dairy operations around him while growing up on a beef and cash crop farm in Ayr. He knew what challenges producers faced, and it gave him a head start when he created the industry’s largest event in Stratford, which was in the heart of the country’s biggest dairy producers.

“Risk is necessary and that’s what got us here,” he said Wednesday as the show celebrated its 10th operating year. “The biggest risk was the concept of trying something new. You can either think outside of the box or think about a new box, and this was a new box for the industry. There was a lot of uncertainty when we made the announcement. As it came together and producers showed up, it just grew its own legs.”

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.