Observing dairy calf behavior is a critical skill in the early detection of disease. Dr. Sheila McGuirk from the University of Wisconsin published an excellent health scoring publication guide (Calf Health Scoring Guide) used by many calf raisers, veterinarians and researchers to aid in disease detection.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.—Philippians 4:4 Lately, I have been puzzled at the commandment the Lord gives us to rejoice. What does it really mean? How is it different from gratitude?

Where did I put that thing? The old saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place,” is important to me. It grows more important each day. The reason it grows in importance is: As I get older, it gets harder and harder for me to recall exactly where I left whatever it is I currently need. Nowhere is this more evident than in the farm shop.

As I write this, the L.A. Dodgers have just beaten the Chicago Cubs in the National League Conference Series. The Cubs didn’t put up much of a show, really. Their bid to be repeat champions ended quietly in a 4-1 series loss. For them, it meant the off season and, for me, back to normal life.

“We are going to get some projects done.” That was my mom’s declaration each time company was coming. It didn’t matter whether it was a graduation, holiday or anniversary. It was a deadline to get a big goal accomplished. “How silly,” I thought. “No one is going to notice.”

The involvement of women in agriculture isn’t new. It has probably occurred since the beginning of food cultivation. “What is new, though, is how we recognize and appreciate women’s contributions,” Krysta Harden said at the Advancing Women Conference West in Calgary, Alberta, in March.

If you were in 4-H or FFA, you probably still remember the first animal you took to the fair. I really wanted to show my pet pig at the fair, but my parents were right. The whole idea of a fat kid leading a pig around on a leash … nobody needs to see that.

When Mike and Emily Branagan’s farming partner and mentor, Ted Seaver, passed away, they were told they had big shoes to fill. But one friend gave a little encouragement that has had a long-lasting impression. “They might have big shoes to fill, but Mike’s already got the boots on. He just needs to tie them up.”

Over the years, I’ve heard just about every reason why a client “needs” to buy the 40 acres next door. Let’s run through a few of them.

CanWest DHI, Canadian Dairy Network and Valacta are pleased to announce an agreement in principle for a progressive new partnership in the dairy industry.