Calf management has become increasingly important for many dairy producers, as scientific evidence suggests that the early stages of a heifer’s development can have long-lasting effects on her future production. As such, more attention has been given to adequate colostrum feeding soon after birth.

On many farms, it is not uncommon to supply calves with large quantities of milk or milk replacer, in some cases consuming 10 to 12 litres per day, which has shown to have positive effects on a heifer’s future milk production.

Lameness is a common on-farm reason for culling cows. About 20 to 30 percent of cows in a herd are expected to become lame in any given lactation.

A cow that is lame may not immediately show symptoms but eventually lies down longer, eats less and consequently produces less milk.

 Many producers report problems rearing calves without disease. First off, it is important to understand that they are living beings and, as such, some will get sick. Second, these are babies, so they are more susceptible to disease than adults. 

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the world is green again. Springtime is the perfect time to throw those barn doors open – but not just to make milking more pleasant. While attending a presentation analyzing society’s changing perception of agriculture, I heard a producer ask, “What are ways to engage the public?”

One of the pre-conference events in relation to the Western Canadian Dairy Seminars is a producer tour of local dairy farms.

This year, three farms south of Red Deer, Alberta, opened their doors and stories to two busloads of visitors – Van Den Broek Dairy, Ten Brummelhuis Dairy Ltd. and Yff Dairy Ltd.

The increasing use of technology brings speed and efficiency to many processes, and business owners are right to leverage it. However, technology also provides opportunities for fraud.

And when times are challenging, fraud increases. In fact, a recent study by the Certified General Accountants Association showed that more than half the businesses operating in Canada today have experienced some form of fraud in the past five years.

If you aren’t yet familiar with balancing dairy rations for amino acids, you will soon be learning quite a bit about this newer nutrition strategy.

That’s because amino acid balancing has the potential to improve milk component and milk production, improve protein utilization and lessen dairy’s environmental impact.

While enjoying the mild Canadian winter, the last thing on a producer’s mind is the threat of mycotoxins on their farms.

But an early and unseasonal increase in temperature gives mould growth and its subsequent mycotoxin formations an ideal environment in storage facilities.

There have been big changes at Holmdale Farms in the last several years, as fifth-generation farmer Todd Holm has gradually assumed day-to-day management, then ownership of the Bruce County, Ontario, dairy operation.

At first, Todd worked with his dad, George, then in 2000 he took over management, and purchased the operation in 2007.