On Sept. 11-13, the 19th edition of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) will be held at Canada’s Outdoor Park in Woodstock, Ontario.

The COFS team and its exhibitors have worked tirelessly planning demonstrations and events for the 40,000+ attendees – including two major field demonstrations.

Like most of the world, I spent most of last month with my eyes on the Olympic games in London. I made a point to watch the sports I love and even spent some time watching those I rarely see or perhaps hadn’t seen before.

What struck me the most were the sports like gymnastic vaulting, diving or short distance track and field events where the athlete has about 30 seconds or less to give it their all.

For a long time now, I’ve been telling audiences that farmers don’t retire, they just re-invent themselves. Each generation wants a comfortable lifestyle.

The founders’ roles change when they work to let go of the management and ownership reins. Sometimes they are still holding on far too long and just won’t get off their high horse of “needing to be in control.”

Once cows were free animals that lived in groups and could decide when to stand up, when to walk and when to rest.

When resting, they of course chose quiet, ventilated spots that were soft and clean. Now dairy cows have a strict daily routine, mainly based on the rhythm of milking.

Cow comfort plays a critical role in your herd’s reproductive management. Comfortable cows are less stressed, making them healthier, which drives up pregnancy rates.

That’s why when you focus on cow comfort, your returns are more than just happier cows … Comfortable cows are profitable cows.