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If you’re ever driving just outside of Surrey, British Columbia, and you spy a field of Holstein cows grazing next to the road, you just might be at Nicomekl Farms Ltd., which is known to the locals as the “farm that has the cows outside all of the time,” says farm owner David Janssens.
The effects of heat stress on dry cows are profound. There are significant carryover effects into lactation with substantial economic implications. The deleterious effects of heat stress in the dry period cannot be corrected by improving the environment (cooling) for cows once they start milking. By any measure, the production and physiological effects on cows and the effects on the calf from heat stress on dry cows are significant contributors to lower overall milk potential, productivity and profitability.
Recently, Jersey Canada, Holstein Canada, Semex and Dairy Farmers of Canada joined forces to produce a series of eight short videos addressing correct hoof trimming techniques, as well as the impact a quality hoof trim has on locomotion and injury prevention.
Being proactive on issues, or waiting for regulations, is always a big debate within an industry. How much can be done voluntarily versus how much might eventually be imposed by government – and at what cost – are always the big questions underlying the discussion.
Producers should prepare for a possible easing of farmland values, although the latest Farm Credit Canada (FCC) farmland values report indicates average values continued to increase in Canada in 2015.
There’s a lot of information that can be found in a set of reports. I knew from the moment we started farming a few years ago how important record-keeping can be to a successful farm operation. After all, I’ve read a lot of articles that say just that.
On May 19, a unique collaboration was announced at one of Canada’s dairy universities. The new cross-campus research group called “Dairy at Guelph” will unite researchers from across the University of Guelph system.
I’ve just read David Specht’s book, The Farm Whisperer: Secrets to Preserving Families and Perpetuating Farms. It is a great, quick read of inspiring questions for farm families wanting to transition management and ownership to create a successful legacy.
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