Selection indexes are great tools because they combine all significant traits into one. They get us away from setting minimum criteria for particular traits, which allows us to make progress for many different traits all at once.

Five years ago, it felt like there was a ceiling on reproductive performance in the lactating herd. Once top-performing herds got to the 24 to 26 percent annual pregnancy rate level, there was no room to grow. Higher annual pregnancy rates were not sustainable or economical for long periods of time.

Did you know traits like milk yield, conformation, rump and calving ability aren’t included in the LPI? Do you feel these traits are important in your sire selection and herd improvement program and should be included in the LPI formula?

Dairy producers faced with dwindling supplies of forage and delayed planting and harvest situations may decide to increase the level of corn silage forage fed to lactating dairy cows.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) has announced the appointment of Ms. Caroline Emond as executive director effective Jan. 19, 2015. Emond is a lawyer and well-established lobbyist with over 20 years of experience in Canadian, American and European political and legislative systems as well as international trade rules.

Foundation Genetics Service Inc., Canada, will join alliances with Accelerated Genetics, USA, and Cogent Breeding Ltd, United Kingdom, to expand their portfolio of dairy genetics, animal health products and value-added services to producers in Canada on Dec. 1.

Ready or not, here he comes. Old Man Winter is moving in for the next few months. We, of course, know this time is coming. As we peel the months off the calendar, it is inevitable that the cold and snow are growing near once again.

Are you a dairywoman who wants to get a better handle on your money issues? Deborah Owens, author of A Purse of Your Own says, “A man is not a financial plan.” It’s a sobering thought to realize that 90 percent of women will one day be in charge of their family’s finances.