You have until March 6 to submit your nomination, or that of a fellow farmer, for DFC’s 2015 Sustainability Award. Sponsored by DeLaval Canada, the award recognizes dairy farmers across Canada who produce milk in a highly sustainable way. The award is presented to Canadian dairy farmers who have adopted environmentally sustainable practices that are also financially viable. The practices adopted by the farmers must also bring social benefits to Canadians and future generations.

Winter is a good time for farmers to sit and reflect. Now, you may argue with me that dairy farmers never get to sit for long at any time of the year, but I would like you to use some time this winter to consider how you take care of your mental health. I ponder the words in my journal as I sit in silence in my morning ritual of the “quiet chair” tucked in the windowed corner of my kitchen.

On Jan. 19, Caroline Emond began her position as executive director of Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC). Emond is a lawyer and lobbyist with more than 20 years of experience, including a previous position at DFC from 1998 to 2006. Before Emond had a chance to sit down in her new office, Progressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee interviewed her to learn more about her experiences and what she will bring to the leadership of Canada’s largest dairy organization.

After nearly a decade of being widely available to dairy producers, sexed semen is now commonly used across the country. What is interesting about sexed semen, however, is the various ways and reasons it is being used, and it isn’t just about making more heifers. When deployed as part of a greater genetic strategy, sexed semen will open up new opportunities and change the way you manage your herd.

The dry period is an important stage in a dairy cow’s life as she transitions between lactations. Proper feeding and management of dry cows increases milk production during the next lactation and reduces the risk of metabolic disorders.

The Milk Processor Education Program checkoff and other national dairy organizations staged a social media takeover on Jan. 27 to “take back the conversation about milk.” The campaign was designed to help combat the wave of confusing and misleading information regarding the value and safety of dairy products that has permeated the social media world, which organizers say has contributed to declining milk sales.

Recent studies indicate that native grasses can be a useful “tool” for forage producers, providing a good complement to tall fescue or orchardgrass and a low-input alternative to bermudagrass. There are five species typically considered for forage production: