Ontario’s dairy sector is set to benefit from a major investment in research and innovation. The Ontario government will invest over $41 million in the next four years to modernize agri-food research facilities across the province. That includes new funding for upgrades to the Dairy Education Centre in Ridgetown.
The investment, delivered through Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), will update aging research sites. The goal is to give farmers, students, and agri-food professionals access to modern facilities that reflect today’s farming practices.
Upgrades at Ridgetown: Supporting the Next Generation
At the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus, the Dairy Education Centre offers practical, hands-on learning for students and producers. Planned repairs and upgrades will modernize classrooms and research areas. These changes will help Ontario maintain its leadership in dairy education and training.
The timing is important. Automation, sustainability, and precision management are reshaping the dairy industry. Updated facilities ensure students learn with the same tools and technologies producers now rely on — from feeding software to robotic milking systems.
Cross-Sector Innovation That Benefits Dairy
Ridgetown’s upgrades are one part of a larger funding package that also supports cross-species research.
The Ontario Feed Innovation Centre in Elora will receive $15.5 million to expand studies on feed efficiency and animal nutrition. The findings will benefit many sectors, including dairy. Research on ration balancing, by-product use, and feed additives could lead to better herd performance and reduced feed costs.
The Ontario Poultry Research Centre, also in Elora, will gain another $10.5 million, bringing total provincial funding to $24 million. Its focus on welfare, genetics, and disease management aligns with dairy priorities in animal care and biosecurity.
Together, these projects will strengthen Ontario’s entire livestock research network. New findings from one sector can often be applied to another, speeding up progress across the board.
A Long-Term Commitment to Agri-Food Resilience
ARIO manages 14 research sites across Ontario. These cover 5,600 acres and include more than 200 buildings. Many facilities are several decades old. The new funding will ensure they remain safe, functional, and ready for cutting-edge work on animal health and sustainability.
The projects will run through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a partnership among ARIO, the University of Guelph, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. The Alliance supports more than 1,500 jobs and contributes $1.4 billion each year to Ontario’s economy.
Bringing the Research Home to the Barn
For dairy producers, investments in research infrastructure mean more than new buildings. They support the training, innovation, and collaboration that drive on-farm improvement.
As Ridgetown’s Dairy Education Centre begins its renewal, the province’s investment sends a clear message: Ontario is committed to advancing agri-food innovation and keeping its dairy sector resilient, progressive, and globally competitive.
