Feeling good about yourself can help the family farm succeed by making you better at making decisions, dealing with problems, negotiating and leading.

If we consider how plants can help our heifers and cows conquer that daunting transition period, there may be more than simply forages, in terms of plants, to consider. Let us dig into the world of phytochemicals.

It is essential to reduce variation when dealing with what represents – on average – 45% of the cost of operating and is a major source of stress for both the animals and employees.

Computer vision and similar non-invasive and adaptable technologies are advancing our ability to monitor animal health and welfare in modern dairy farming. 

With children home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and now with summer approaching, there have been many opportunities to show your children more about working on the farm.

Explore three trends in manure management and their potential to impact operational efficiency.

Producers are encouraged to work with their management team to identify risk factors that may lead to this mid-lactation down cow syndrome.

Cows, with their lineage tracing back to the Ice Age, thrive in cooler temperatures ranging from 40-60° Fahrenheit (°F)/4.4 – 15.6 ° Celsius (°C). As summer temperatures soar, highly productive cows face heat stress challenges and that becomes more challenging when fed unstable, heated and spoiled feed. This feed is a breeding ground for harmful microbes, compromising intake, performance and profitability. Understanding the risks of unstable feed and taking appropriate steps to minimize issues is crucial to safeguard cattle health and bolster the bottom line.

A few weeks ago, I texted my mum my return flight details, as she would be picking me up from the airport the following day; she replied: “OK. Want to go look at a Jack Russell puppy after I pick you up?”