Progressive Dairy

More milk with longevity: Selecting for lactation persistency

Selecting for cows that perform consistently through each lactation can increase productivity.

February 23, 2023

If you talk to any dairy farmer around the world about their goals, most of them (if not all) will mention improving production.

Are more fans the answer?

Air speed, air exchange and overall ventilation benchmarks depend on many factors, including number of cows and type and size of dairy facilities.

February 21, 2023

Dan Veeneman

The increasing size and scale of these dairy farms is pushing the industry to heights that were never though possible just a few decades ago.

2022 proAction Progress Report highlights continuous improvement in sustainability, animal care and more

February 20, 2023

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) issued its Progress Report on proAction, the robust national quality assurance program followed on Canadian dairy farms.

How to get your non-farm siblings onboard with your farm vision

Financial transparency and open discussion can help keep families and farms together.

February 15, 2023

Elaine Froese

“Help, my siblings want farmland!” is one of my most viewed blogs. Our current reality of higher interest rates and rising land values needs to be addressed early on in your transition conversations.

Murphy carries on a family tradition in the barn, in the ring

Steph Murphy is a humble, confident leader in the dairy industry.

February 14, 2023

Katie Coyne

"Reach out to mentors, ask for help and accept constructive comments in the spirit of growth." - Steph Murphy on achieving goals in the barn, in leadership and as a judge.

Demand for equipment will remain high in 2023

Smaller equipment inventories will continue in 2023; be ready with a solid plan.

February 14, 2023

Jean-Philippe Gervais

For 2023, look for increased costs of both new and used equipment due to reduced inventory and depreciation of the Canadian dollar.

Operational benefits and design considerations for HVLS fans

Cow comfort benefits and placement recommendations for HVLS fans in dairy barns.

February 9, 2023

Rick McBay

The purpose of HVLS fans is twofold depending on if it is operating in forward or reverse.

Workplace violence, harassment and bullying prevention

Every employer needs to understand his or her responsibilities and the immediate action necessary to prevent and respond to violence, harassment and bullying in the workplace.

February 8, 2023

Cheryl DeCooman

Every workplace in Ontario is required to develop and implement a workplace violence and harassment prevention program that contains the various elements set out in Part III.0.1 of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) “Violence and Harassment”.

The sweet secret to surviving the new SNF-BF quota ratios

Increasing butterfat in the herd through sugar supplementation can increase fibre intake while decreasing feed sorting.

February 7, 2023

Sydney Moore

As a new solids-nonfat-to-butterfat ratio is introduced, look to molasses and other sugar supplements to attain the desired ration efficiently.

Be proactive to maximize animal comfort

Be prepared with new or remodel barn ideas when the new Code of Practice is released in 2023.

February 2, 2023

Amelie Mainville

The draft of the Code of Practice contains new ideas for cow comfort and sustainability for the future of dairy in Canada. Be prepared as you think about remodels and new barn builds.