Progressive Dairy

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

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

The latest issue of Progressive Dairy-Canada magazine is available. To view, make sure you're logged into your agproud.com account. If you do not have access, click "Subscribe" in the top-right corner of agproud.com to add permission to view.

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.

How to handle critical and non-critical injuries on the farm

Initial response steps for critical and non-critical injuries include first aid, reporting and determining accommodations, and a timeline for returning to work. Regular training and taking precautions can reduce workplace safety hazards.

May 21, 2026

Cheryl DeCooman

Regardless of whether the injured individual is an employee, family member, visitor, contractor or a member of the general public, if they sustain a critical injury at your workplace, it is essential to report the injury to the Ministry of Labour.

Prioritizing family and business: Two dairy producer perspectives on farm succession

The keys to a successful farm succession plan are to start early, stay focused and above all, communicate.

May 20, 2026

Ralph Pearce

The 2026 Canadian Dairy Business Summit included two dairy producers who have successfully navigated the farm succession process. Paul MacLeod of Darcroft Farms near Embro, Ontario, and Clarence Markus of Markvale Holsteins near Beachville, Ontario, detailed their respective roads to completing their plans.

Compete or co-exist? What consumers think about dairy milk and plant-based beverages

A recent study found dairy milk is a ‘need’ for consumers, while plant-based beverages expand consumer choices and are accepted for their own unique attributes.

May 19, 2026

Do consumers view plant-based beverages as dairy milk substitutes or as unique products? Are these products truly competing or coexisting within the broader beverage market?

2025 Canadian harvest analysis: Mycotoxins and risk to ruminants

A nationwide crop analysis provides insights into mycotoxin contamination and a link to the potential effects on performance and health of animals.

May 14, 2026

Alexandra Weaver

As we move further away from harvest and into storage and feedout, mycotoxin risk does not disappear. In fact, warming temperatures and variable storage conditions can favour the growth of storage moulds such as penicillium.