In Listowel, Ontario, brothers Dave and Doug Johnston manage 160 milking head of Holsteins in robot and tiestall barns. Fifth-generation dairy farmers, the Johnstons are proud producers of Canadian milk and have made it a point to invite, educate and encourage consumers to learn more about the dairy industry.

Over the last few years, Canadian dairy producers have faced a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Feed costs now as much as ever are one of the critical determinants of profitability.

Raising healthy, high-performing calves starts with the right housing system. As calf care practices have evolved, many dairy and veal producers are now exploring how indoor housing systems can better support their operational goals.

There are discussions in dairy industries in many countries about whether it should be an explicit aim to increase longevity. Some assert that retaining cows for longer lactations or more years contributes to sustainability because fewer replacement animals would be needed, reducing the environmental costs of these non-productive animals.

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