This is the first of a regular column to bring you information regarding some of the research being done around the world and published in the Journal of Dairy Science (JDS). The objective is to bring to light areas of research that may have an immediate practical application on a dairy farm as well as research that, even though it may not have a practical impact now, could be interesting for its future potential application.

I was sitting in a sea of financial planners, beside the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax Harbour, while Anthony Williams delivered his thoughts regarding the huge amount of wealth transferring in our great country. Williams graciously gave me his notes to translate what this huge transfer may mean to farm families.

The Pacific Agriculture Show on Jan. 24-26 at the Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia, is also home to the B.C. Dairy Expo seminar and farm tours.

Health and safety – what do they mean to you? Boring training? One meeting a year that is never talked about again? A “legal” obligation? Or perhaps it’s someone telling you how to do your job?

The detection and control of clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy goats is critical for the production of healthy milk for human consumption. Dairy goat producers want to produce the highest-quality product – specifically, milk – for their consumers.

In Canada and around the world, dairy production researchers are a prolific source of new knowledge, necessary for the progress and profitability of the sector. Government and industry invests millions of dollars in research and expects to be able to measure an impact at the farm level.

One outcome of being profitable is paying tax – especially in a farming context where cash-basis accounting is the norm. There are many different tax plans to choose from, and the key to a successful one is ensuring it fits your business and family needs first, then determining the most tax-efficient plan.

The transition period is the most critical period for a successful lactation. Many factors play a crucial role in the success of this period, such as comfort and ventilation, the overall health of the animals, the quality of the feed served, as well as the feeding strategy used.

Over the last decade, dairy production, on average, in Canada has been increasing and shows no signs of slowing down. This increase in production, however, brings its share of challenges and often places dairy animals under a lot of stress.