With international trade issues at the forefront this summer, Progressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee interviewed Yves Leduc, director of policy and trade, Dairy Farmers of Canada, to find out what it means for Canada’s dairy industry.

When referring to a dairy farmer’s support team, it is common to hear a nutritionist, veterinarian or banker called out for the regular assistance they offer. Seldom mentioned is the farm’s equipment dealer, who also provides steady support by supplying and maintaining the equipment it takes to get the job done.

Heifers are a fundamental part of the dairy operation. They are the future of the herd, and an important aspect of their development is to get them pregnant on time, calve in good condition and make a positive return.

On Saturday morning, June 24, a hot and healthy breakfast was ready at Boom Holsteins, east of Olds, Alberta.

As summer ended last year, the central air conditioning unit on our house decided it would stop working. Cooler days were ahead, so there was no need to rush to fix it. There would be plenty of time in the “off-season” to take care of it.

Group housing of dairy calves is becoming more popular, and so are automatic milk feeders. Some of the reasons producers choose to use this new technology include addressing calf health and welfare concerns, and reducing labour while still providing calves with enough milk to reach their growth potential.

Farmers often stop me in the hall of conferences to ask deeper questions keeping them awake at night. The most common question is: “Elaine, how do we even get people to the table? My parents are refusing to talk, and my grandparents are even more stubborn.”