Advancing Dairy Extension: A Digital Living Laboratory Approach to Knowledge Mobilization in the Canadian Dairy Sector

Introduction | Effective extension strategies are critical for translating research innovations into real-world improvements on Canadian dairy farms. The WELL-E initiative—a Digital Living Laboratory—aims to align artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and animal welfare science with the needs of both animals and end-users. Purpose and objectives | WELL-E addresses the gap between research and practice by building evidence-based strategies for knowledge dissemination and adoption. This presentation highlights WELL-E’s strategy, early achievements, and ongoing efforts.Methods | A steering committee of leading research organizations and farmer groups ensures that extension efforts remain practical and relevant. Early integration of farmer input into research and extension planning ensures that innovations are meaningful and applicable.WELL-E employs a dual push-pull extension model. Push strategies deliver knowledge through online training, multimedia content, field demonstrations, and structured programs, making findings accessible and actionable. Pull strategies engage farmers and their networks to help shape research priorities and delivery methods, fostering ownership, real-world applicability, and lasting change.To support sector-wide impact, WELL-E also adopts a systems-based approach—mapping and digitalizing Canada’s dairy knowledge exchange ecosystem to enhance collaboration and amplify reach.Findings and conclusions | A cornerstone of the initiative is an interactive digital map that visualizes Canada’s dairy extension network, highlighting key actors, their relationships, and expertise. This publicly accessible tool, available via Kumu Digital Map, strengthens collaboration and knowledge flow across the sector.