1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:09,440 Welcome to the Bull Vine Podcast, your go-to source for inside stories, cutting-edge research, 2 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:12,440 and the latest updates in the world of dairy farming. 3 00:00:12,440 --> 00:00:19,360 Our 140th first episode explores why Donald Trump hates Canada's dairy supply system. 4 00:00:19,360 --> 00:00:24,200 So please grab a glass of milk, sit back, and let's get started with this episode. 5 00:00:24,200 --> 00:00:26,360 Welcome to the Bull Vine Podcast. 6 00:00:26,360 --> 00:00:29,400 I'm Bella and joining me today is Douglas. 7 00:00:29,400 --> 00:00:33,920 We're diving into a topic that's been causing quite a stir in the dairy world. 8 00:00:33,920 --> 00:00:35,600 That's right, Bella. 9 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:40,120 Since returning to the White House in 2025, President Trump has reignited his battle against 10 00:00:40,120 --> 00:00:44,760 Canada's dairy system, calling it unfair to U.S. farmers. 11 00:00:44,760 --> 00:00:50,680 With tariffs as high as 298% and trade tensions boiling over, milk has become a weapon in 12 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:52,680 international politics. 13 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:57,320 It's hard to believe that something as simple as milk could cause such controversy. 14 00:00:57,320 --> 00:01:01,880 Douglas, can you break down how Canada's dairy system actually works? 15 00:01:01,880 --> 00:01:03,440 Certainly, Bella. 16 00:01:03,440 --> 00:01:06,480 Canada's dairy system operates on three main rules. 17 00:01:06,480 --> 00:01:08,920 First, there's production control. 18 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:13,720 The Canadian Dairy Commission, or CDC, determines how much milk Canada needs and tells farmers 19 00:01:13,720 --> 00:01:15,580 how much to produce. 20 00:01:15,580 --> 00:01:17,520 This helps keep prices steady. 21 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:21,560 Second, the CDC sets minimum prices for milk. 22 00:01:21,560 --> 00:01:25,480 This ensures farmers earn a stable income regardless of market changes. 23 00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:30,600 For example, if it costs a farmer $1 to produce a liter of milk, the CDC might set the price 24 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:31,600 at $1.20. 25 00:01:31,600 --> 00:01:34,760 Finally, there are import limits. 26 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:41,000 Canada places high tariffs on imported dairy products, up to 298% for butter. 27 00:01:41,000 --> 00:01:45,680 This makes it very difficult for foreign dairy companies to compete in the Canadian market. 28 00:01:45,680 --> 00:01:46,960 That's quite a system. 29 00:01:46,960 --> 00:01:51,500 It seems designed to protect Canadian dairy farmers, but I can see why it might upset 30 00:01:51,500 --> 00:01:54,520 other countries, especially the U.S. 31 00:01:54,520 --> 00:01:58,400 Speaking of which, how has Trump renewed his attack on Canadian dairy? 32 00:01:58,400 --> 00:02:03,120 Well, Trump has been vocal about his displeasure with Canada's dairy policies. 33 00:02:03,120 --> 00:02:09,080 In fact, he once said, in Canada, what they've done to our dairy farm workers is a disgrace. 34 00:02:09,080 --> 00:02:10,840 It's a disgrace. 35 00:02:10,840 --> 00:02:15,160 He argues that Canada's high import taxes unfairly prevent American dairy products from 36 00:02:15,160 --> 00:02:17,440 being sold in Canada. 37 00:02:17,440 --> 00:02:21,400 Trump is also concerned about oversupply issues in the U.S. 38 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:26,280 With limited access to the Canadian market, U.S. dairy farmers face challenges with excess 39 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:28,120 milk and low prices. 40 00:02:28,120 --> 00:02:34,040 In some states like Wisconsin, farmers often have to discard milk due to insufficient demand. 41 00:02:34,040 --> 00:02:37,080 That does sound frustrating for U.S. farmers. 42 00:02:37,080 --> 00:02:40,640 Has Trump taken any concrete actions since returning to office? 43 00:02:40,640 --> 00:02:42,480 Yes, he has. 44 00:02:42,480 --> 00:02:46,620 Trump has issued several executive orders affecting trade policies, indicating a stricter 45 00:02:46,620 --> 00:02:48,760 stance on trade. 46 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:54,320 He's also seeking to renegotiate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, 47 00:02:54,320 --> 00:02:57,240 which could threaten Canada's dairy protections. 48 00:02:57,240 --> 00:03:02,080 His administration has intensified efforts to dismantle Canada's supply management system, 49 00:03:02,080 --> 00:03:04,840 making it a critical issue in bilateral discussions. 50 00:03:04,840 --> 00:03:09,560 It sounds like this is causing quite a bit of concern in Canada's dairy sector. 51 00:03:09,560 --> 00:03:12,400 How are Canadian farmers reacting? 52 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:15,560 Canadian dairy farmers are understandably worried. 53 00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:20,640 Many fear they won't be able to compete if the market opens up to U.S. products. 54 00:03:20,640 --> 00:03:24,520 There's a lot of uncertainty about potential changes to the system that could threaten 55 00:03:24,520 --> 00:03:26,620 their livelihoods. 56 00:03:26,620 --> 00:03:33,160 Canada recently passed Bill C-282 aimed at protecting supply management from trade deal 57 00:03:33,160 --> 00:03:34,920 concessions. 58 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:39,280 But with increased pressure from the U.S., it's unclear how long they can maintain these 59 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:40,320 protections. 60 00:03:40,320 --> 00:03:42,680 This isn't just about farmers, though, is it? 61 00:03:42,680 --> 00:03:46,040 How does this system affect consumers in Canada? 62 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:47,320 You're right, Bella. 63 00:03:47,320 --> 00:03:51,820 The system has both positive and negative effects on Canadian consumers. 64 00:03:51,820 --> 00:03:56,240 On the plus side, it ensures a steady supply of milk, even when prices change in other 65 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:58,480 countries. 66 00:03:58,480 --> 00:04:00,920 Canadians don't have to worry about milk shortages. 67 00:04:00,920 --> 00:04:06,040 However, Canadians generally pay more for milk and cheese than Americans do. 68 00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:10,760 A family in Canada might spend $100 more per year on dairy products than a similar family 69 00:04:10,760 --> 00:04:11,760 in the U.S. 70 00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:17,760 Also, due to high taxes on foreign dairy, Canadians may have limited access to foreign 71 00:04:17,760 --> 00:04:21,360 cheeses and other dairy products in local stores. 72 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:25,700 It's interesting to see how different countries handle their dairy industries. 73 00:04:25,700 --> 00:04:29,180 Can you give us a global perspective on this? 74 00:04:29,180 --> 00:04:30,520 Of course. 75 00:04:30,520 --> 00:04:35,720 The U.S. has a more competitive market, which results in lower prices for consumers, but 76 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:40,160 can create challenges for farmers when there's an excess of milk. 77 00:04:40,160 --> 00:04:46,200 New Zealand removed its protections for dairy farmers in the 1980s and now primarily exports 78 00:04:46,200 --> 00:04:48,080 its milk. 79 00:04:48,080 --> 00:04:52,300 This has been good for their economy, but it also means they rely heavily on other countries 80 00:04:52,300 --> 00:04:54,040 buying their milk. 81 00:04:54,040 --> 00:04:59,040 Australia removed its protections in 2000, which led to many small farms going out of 82 00:04:59,040 --> 00:05:00,040 business. 83 00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:03,840 Now, Australia actually needs to import some dairy products. 84 00:05:03,840 --> 00:05:07,920 So, what does the future look like for Canada's dairy system? 85 00:05:07,920 --> 00:05:11,160 Are there any potential changes on the horizon? 86 00:05:11,160 --> 00:05:14,040 There are several possibilities, Bella. 87 00:05:14,040 --> 00:05:19,280 Canada could gradually open its market to more foreign dairy products over many years, 88 00:05:19,280 --> 00:05:22,140 giving Canadian farmers time to adapt. 89 00:05:22,140 --> 00:05:26,400 They could also focus on exporting more dairy products, which would require competing in 90 00:05:26,400 --> 00:05:29,040 the international market. 91 00:05:29,040 --> 00:05:32,440 There's also potential for technological advancements. 92 00:05:32,440 --> 00:05:37,120 Canadian farms could invest in new technologies like robotic milking systems to become more 93 00:05:37,120 --> 00:05:39,720 efficient and competitive. 94 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:45,400 Future changes might also focus on environmental sustainability or adapting to changing consumer 95 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:50,200 preferences for things like organic milk or plant-based alternatives. 96 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:53,400 It's clear that this issue is about more than just milk. 97 00:05:53,400 --> 00:05:56,920 It's about trade, livelihoods, and the future of farming. 98 00:05:56,920 --> 00:05:59,120 Any final thoughts, Douglas? 99 00:05:59,120 --> 00:06:00,720 You're absolutely right, Bella. 100 00:06:00,720 --> 00:06:04,200 This is a complex issue with no easy solutions. 101 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:09,720 Canada's push to dismantle Canada's protections offers hope for new markets for US farmers, 102 00:06:09,720 --> 00:06:13,640 but it also raises questions about whether they can thrive in an increasingly competitive 103 00:06:13,640 --> 00:06:15,760 global industry. 104 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:21,280 For Canadian farmers, the system that has provided stability for decades is under siege. 105 00:06:21,280 --> 00:06:26,360 They're left wondering if gradual reforms or rapid changes will define their future. 106 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:31,480 Despite the tension, US Corps and Canadian farmers share common ground, a passion for 107 00:06:31,480 --> 00:06:35,940 their work, and a commitment to feeding millions. 108 00:06:35,940 --> 00:06:41,560 As this trade war rages on, perhaps the real opportunity lies in collaboration. 109 00:06:41,560 --> 00:06:45,160 Could farmers on both sides of the border work together to address shared challenges 110 00:06:45,160 --> 00:06:50,640 like climate change, shifting consumer demands, and the rise of dairy alternatives? 111 00:06:50,640 --> 00:06:53,980 That's a thought-provoking question, Douglas. 112 00:06:53,980 --> 00:06:59,000 The future of North American dairy is certainly uncertain, but one thing is clear. 113 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:03,720 The decisions made now will shape the industry for generations to come. 114 00:07:03,720 --> 00:07:08,720 Whether you're milking cows in Wisconsin or Quebec, it's time to think beyond borders 115 00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:15,660 and find a path that supports farmers, consumers, and the sustainability of dairy farming itself. 116 00:07:15,660 --> 00:07:19,520 Thank you for this insightful discussion, Douglas, and thank you to our listeners for 117 00:07:19,520 --> 00:07:20,520 tuning in. 118 00:07:20,520 --> 00:07:24,900 Until next time, this is Bella and Douglas for the Bullvine Podcast. 119 00:07:24,900 --> 00:07:27,660 Thank you for tuning in to the Bullvine Podcast. 120 00:07:27,660 --> 00:07:30,780 We hope you enjoyed today's insightful discussion. 121 00:07:30,780 --> 00:07:34,040 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. 122 00:07:34,040 --> 00:07:39,120 Catch you next time on the Bullvine Podcast, where bovine expertise and community come 123 00:07:39,120 --> 00:07:59,520 together.