There are many single measurements that you can use to monitor your transition cow program, like gestation length, dry period length, calving ease, abortions, etc. However, combining all these into a single easy-to-understand measure will save time and will be easier to track over time. The new Fresh Cow Index (FCI) was developed to determine if your herd transition cow management program is successful.

Check out the poll results from the January 2026 Progressive Cattle newsletters.

As dairy producers seek to maximize both genetic progress and economic return, the strategic use of beef semen has become a common herd management strategy across North America. 

In dairy-related news the second week of July 2025: Southern border ports closed to livestock just days after reopening, disaster assistance available for farmers, base change is approaching for calving traits, and World Dairy Expo Dairy Cattle Show entries now open.

It was early in the afternoon at the tail end of calving season when my dad mercifully showed up at school to pull me out of my grade 11 history class. I remember thinking what a gorgeous day it was. An unseasonably warm stretch had melted most of the snow, the grass was starting to green up and, though I wasn’t sure, I thought I may have caught a snatch of meadowlark song.