Milk harvest is the interaction between cows, people and milking machines, and we control two-thirds of it. In this interaction, we must ensure that cows are fully participating, but what does that even mean? What does full participation entail?

In early spring, cooler temperatures and low to moderate humidity often allow cows to remain comfortable and productive with minimal environmental stress. As spring turns into summer, however, conditions change.

How a dairy achieves their next increase in peak milk production is unique to their operation. We have many keys in our proverbial keychains that might unlock the door to greater peak milk, but it’s not always easy to know which key to use.

The Gagnonval Farm in Sainte-Hénédine, Quebec, has been equally owned by brothers Marc and Daniel Gagnon since 1994. If its name rings a bell for you, it’s most likely due to the exceptional quality of milk produced there.

Dairy farming, like any other industry, operates with clear goals and strategic plans. In automated dairy systems, a vast array of data is collected from a variety of performance indicators.

Profitable livestock production requires many quality management skills that all impact the technical results.

Producers express concerns that restraining cows during hoof trimming might induce both short- and long-term effects on production and behavior.

Extra revenue is great, but remember to weigh changes in expenses between alternative plans.