Progressive Dairy

‘Dairy Health is Dairy Wealth’ is the focal point for the 2013 Western Canadian Dairy Seminar

January 31, 2013

The 31st Western Canadian Dairy Seminar is a place to gather the latest information in dairy production and technology advances.

The seminar is designed for people who want to improve their knowledge and decision-making abilities in dairy production and management.

Holstein Canada announces 2012 Master Breeders

January 29, 2013

At the beginning of each year, Holstein Canada announces the new crop of Master Breeders who are recognized as distinguished breeders amongst their peers. This year, 21 Master Breeders will be honoured at the upcoming 2013 National Holstein Convention in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Winners of Holstein Canada’s 2012 Education Awards announced

January 10, 2013

Holstein Canada’s Young Adult Advisory Committee chose six winners from 31 applicants for the 2012 Education Awards. Each award winner will receive a $750 cheque. “Getting 31 applications from such highly deserving students is wonderful. We get to learn about keen young adults who are involved in the industry but it is difficult to narrow it down to select the six winners for the whole country,” comments Janet Walker, Young Adult Program coordinator.

Holstein Canada sets new record for registrations

January 9, 2013

Holstein Canada has achieved an all-time new record for animal registrations: 280,620 registrations were completed in 2012, representing a 3.3 per cent growth over 2011. Electronic registrations continue to grow and now represent 86 per cent of the total.

New for the New Year

December 31, 2012

Karen Lee

Back in 2009 when the U.S. was struggling with low milk prices, a camera crew from a local news station stopped by my family’s farm to talk to a dairy producer to see if times were really as tough as everyone said it was.

When the interview was over my dad walked the camera crew around the farm. He showed them the freestall barn and milking parlour. They went to see the baby calves and the heifer barn, and finally he took them past the dry cow barn.

Dairy Research for a Healthy World

December 31, 2012

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canada’s farmers. DFC works to support sustainable dairy production; facilitate solutions to provincial/national challenges; provide credible research of dairy products on a national basis; and create innovative ways to grow the market. Click here to download a pdf of the latest research. PD

Subclinical ketosis, BHB levels and B vitamins

December 31, 2012

Helene Leclerc

0113ca leclerc 1 The transition period is a challenging time for the dairy cow. Her metabolism needs to adapt rapidly from a non-lactating to a lactating stage, in preparation for the forthcoming calving.

In addition, the reproductive system is preparing ovulation for the next breeding period.

This sudden change increases the glucose demand from the mammary gland and the fetus, which cannot be met solely by the liver.

Considerations for high corn silage diets

December 31, 2012

Robert Larmer

The 2012 growing season has reached the finish line, and for many it was a year we hope to never experience again. With producers working hard this summer and fall to get enough feed for the year, many questions came across my desk regarding summer forage crops, late cuttings of alfalfa and a wide variety of other topics related to the recent drought and subsequent feed shortage.

What the next generation needs for succession success

December 31, 2012

Elaine Froese

Founders typically want to know where their income streams will be after they let go of power and control of management and/or ownership. They also have marital conflict about home residence issues and how to be fair to non-business heirs.

Steps taken to identify, address hoof health

December 31, 2012

Vic Daniel

The Ontario Dairy Hoof Health Project is a successful applicant for one of several projects mandated by the Agricultural Biosecurity Program (ABP). The project was funded by participating members of the Ontario Hoof Trimmers Guild, The Agricultural Adaptation Council, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, EastGen and Grandview Concrete Grooving.

The Ontario Dairy Hoof Health Project was created to investigate cases of dairy cattle lameness due to claw lesions from structural damage to and/or infections of hoof (claw) tissues.

The project’s short-term goals were to: