Progressive Dairy

Rethinking risk management in Canadian dairy: Why timing and design matter more than ever

A recent webinar discussed the intricacies of risk management in Canadian agriculture, highlighting the business risk management programs and addressing potential problems with current structure.

June 18, 2026

Lisa Spies

Though risk has always been a part of farming, for Canadian dairy producers the nature of that risk is changing. Reviewing existing risk management strategies, understanding program intent and reassessing participation decisions are practical steps producers can take today.

From 80 cows to modern efficiency powerhouse: Halarda Farms

Centralized cleaning, defined roles and quota planning drive disciplined decision-making at 1,400-cow operation in Manitoba.

June 17, 2026

Jeffrey Kennett

When Anton Borst talks about the future of his dairy, it’s clear the plan stretches well beyond the next milk cheque.

Navigating a bovine tuberculosis investigation: One vet’s experience

Kerri-Rae Millar shared her and her colleague’s experience with a positive bovine tuberculosis test in a Manitoba dairy herd, noting the importance of a good support system, accurate record-keeping and hard work to quickly resolve an unsettling situation.

June 11, 2026

Matti McBride

Kerri-Rae Millar was going about her Tuesday morning on June 10, 2025, when she received a call from a dairy client. He was asking for her opinion as his herd veterinarian on a pressing situation: A neighbour he shares a cattle trailer with had a positive test for bovine tuberculosis (bTB). His pressing concern: “What do I do?”

Preweaned calf rumen development: How it shapes heifer growth and future milk production

Understanding rumen development at the cellular level can aid in management decisions that influence milk production.

June 9, 2026

Donna Benschop and Amelie Mainville

Let’s explore how the rumen develops in the preweaning phase, and it will become clear why a proper grower diet is necessary for optimal growth and long-term productivity in dairy calves.

How rising temperatures are affecting dairy cow fertility in Canada

Research shows fertility begins to decline when temperature-humidity index (THI) reaches 66.

June 4, 2026

Gabriella Dodd

Researchers across the University of Guelph, Lactanet and Semex are investigating how heat stress impacts fertility in Canadian dairy cattle, helping producers better manage reproduction as climate conditions continue to shift. Fertility losses can increase days open, reduce lifetime milk production and raise herd replacement costs.

Lessons from the farm brought success in hockey

A former NHL player talks of the resilience he learned during his career and how his upbringing on a farm influenced his life.

June 2, 2026

Ralph Pearce

The link between farming and professional sports isn’t always thought to be a linear relationship. The exception may be in Canada, where many hockey players grew up on the family farm and used some of that upbringing to define their careers.

June 1, 2026 Progressive Dairy-Canada digital magazine

June 1, 2026

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Hey Meta

June 1, 2026

Matti McBride

I might be a little old school or perhaps ignorant, but I’ve been pretty skeptical of AI. However, I must admit – this technology is incredible and it’s here to stay.

Cow care, technology and teaching moments: A conversation with Alberta dairy farmer Karen

June 1, 2026

Karen didn’t always think she would end up in agriculture, even as she was surrounded by it growing up. Life experiences and encouragement from her father gave her the push to go into a successful career in nursing. Now, farming full-time, she draws upon the nursing skills she gained.

Why methionine is so crucial for dairy cows

Maintaining adequate methionine levels in your ration is crucial for production.

May 28, 2026

Essi Evans

Methionine is an essential amino acid for dairy cows, but it is often undersupplied in typical rations. It is considered essential because cows cannot synthesize enough methionine to meet their needs, so it must be supplied by what they digest.