The countdown is on for the 11th annual Canadian Dairy Xpo (CDX). The event will be held in Stratford, Ont., April 2 and 3, 2025 and will feature more than 350 exhibiting companies from around the globe.
The event promises to bring together the latest in innovation, education, genetics and hospitality to Canadian dairy producers and their families. This year brings with it a new sense of patriotism and continues the past focus at the show on pride in the work of the dairy industry.
As a result, event planners have made an effort to focus on providing information and resources to help farmers continue to grow their businesses in 2025.
The event kicks off with the Canadian Dairy Business Summit on April 1 at the Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford. The Business Summit is an opportunity to hear from industry leaders and experts who will offer their take on the current state of the Canadian dairy industry, along with insight into how to utilize technology and business management strategies to maximize your farm’s growth potential. This event is a one-day, high-impact CEO training for dairy producers.
Youth education and integration into the dairy industry is a strong focus of this year’s event.
“We have various things happening, from resume blitzes to some agricultural youth games happening in the Cow Coliseum,” said Jordon Underhill, president of the Canadian Dairy XPO adding that the resume blitz, happening on April 3, is a great opportunity for youth to meet directly with hiring companies.
Other youth focused events include:
- Blondin Sires Youth Clipping Clinic featuring Jonathan Lehoux on the Calves for a Cause Sale Stage for the Blondin Sires Youth Clipping Clinic.
- John Deere Kids Zone featuring Canada’s Largest Corn Box in the WeCover Cow Coliseum.
- Line Dancing and Ag Games located in the Cow Coliseum
Underhill noted that this year’s event brings with it a new wave of inspiration and patriotism.
“There is a lot of patriotism here in Canada, especially in the agriculture industry and because of that, we’re expecting some major crowds over the two days of CDX,” he said, adding the event is an opportunity to celebrate the Canadian dairy industry and dairy farmers of Canada.
So how can you ensure you get the most out of CDX this year? Here are our some picks for what to do at Canadian Dairy XPO 2025.
- The German Pavilion: Located in the International Innovation Hall, this exhibit allows you to explore new technology and innovations being showcased in Canada for the first time. Presented by the German representatives DLG & IFWexpo.
- Robotics In Motion: Discover the latest in innovation of robotics specific to milking, feeding and nutrient management. Robotics in motion allows guests to see robots in action and compare models with all companies showcasing products side by side in the Cow Coliseum.
- Genetics In Motion: The success of a dairy operation is influenced by successful genetics. See daughters in person from top industry AI sires in a natural free stall set up.
- CheeseFest: One of the most popular CDX events, CheeseFest allows visitors to network with industry professionals and producers in the Cow Coliseum. This event also features live music, and a bar and cheese buffet featuring the best in Canadian cheese.
- Calves For A Cause: Calves For A Cause is an annual charity sale hosted at the Canadian Dairy XPO April 2 at 7pm in the WeCover Cow Coliseum, raising funds for the Children’s Health Foundation. The sale features the best of Canadian dairy calves, including top genomics and high-end show calves, across several breeds. To date, more than $150,000 has been raised through this event.
- GayLea/ 4-H Milk Parlour: New this year, this space is the perfect place to grab a grilled cheese and listen to some local entertainment.
For complete event details and registration, visit CDX here.
Follow Farmtario’s CDX page for all of our coverage of the event.
Source: Farmtario / Sarah McGoldrick
