Transition cow performance and management is crucial to every herd’s success and profitability. Cows that are neglected during the transition period or that fail to have their needs met are being set up for failure. Herd productivity and profitability are distinctly linked to the success or failure of the transition period.

Most online readers did not plan to attend the Canadian Dairy XPO. A recent Progressive Dairyman poll asked, “Are you planning to attend the Canadian Dairy XPO?”

As I sit here in the waiting room of our local dance studio, trying to ignore the chatter of the other parents in an effort to squeeze in a few more working minutes of the day, I can’t help but notice the pictures on the wall. Hanging there is a decade’s worth of posters showing the full dance company from each year. Dressed in their recital attire, the children, ages 3 to 18, are all smiles as the moment they had worked for all year has finally arrived.

You have until March 6 to submit your nomination, or that of a fellow farmer, for DFC’s 2015 Sustainability Award. Sponsored by DeLaval Canada, the award recognizes dairy farmers across Canada who produce milk in a highly sustainable way. The award is presented to Canadian dairy farmers who have adopted environmentally sustainable practices that are also financially viable. The practices adopted by the farmers must also bring social benefits to Canadians and future generations.

Winter is a good time for farmers to sit and reflect. Now, you may argue with me that dairy farmers never get to sit for long at any time of the year, but I would like you to use some time this winter to consider how you take care of your mental health. I ponder the words in my journal as I sit in silence in my morning ritual of the “quiet chair” tucked in the windowed corner of my kitchen.

On Jan. 19, Caroline Emond began her position as executive director of Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC). Emond is a lawyer and lobbyist with more than 20 years of experience, including a previous position at DFC from 1998 to 2006. Before Emond had a chance to sit down in her new office, Progressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee interviewed her to learn more about her experiences and what she will bring to the leadership of Canada’s largest dairy organization.