Progressive Dairy

How to ask for better compensation and farm perks

Communicate openly about fair compensation, using tools and data. Align goals, discuss sacrifices, plan succession and match compensation to roles for harmony and growth of the farm team.

September 27, 2023

Elaine Froese

Young farm families have many expectations to manage as they work on farms as employees, raise small children and juggle time for off-farm revenue. One of the best ways to have less stress about compensation from the farm is to figure out what you need for personal family living expenses.

Benchmarking: A way to optimize the profitability of your dairy farm

Benchmarking is a financial tool that aids in decision-making by helping farmers see their profits, trends and where to focus their attention to improve profitability.

September 26, 2023

Rick Hamilton

While you can’t predict the future, financial benchmarking is a way dairy farmers can review concrete information about their operations – and how they compare to others in the industry – year after year.

Motorized equipment safety: On and off the farm

Farm equipment and vehicles are risky; both drivers and pedestrians must be cautious. Safety training, visibility, maintenance and precautions are crucial to keeping everyone safe.

September 21, 2023

Cheryl DeCooman

Farm equipment, and motorized vehicles in general, are dangerous. It is important that not only the driver is diligent in operating the equipment safely, but that all pedestrians near the vehicle are also aware of the dangers and act accordingly.

3 Open Minutes with Jenn Charlton

September 19, 2023

Katie Coyne

Less than 10 years after competing on the coloured shavings of World Dairy Expo in showmanship, Charlton will be back to place the Junior competition.

Podcast connects parenting and farming together

Eighty episodes and many conversations later, the Barnyard Language Podcast continues to foster a supportive community and provide valuable resources.

September 18, 2023

Michelle Stangler

Growing up on a farm and then raising kids on one can be challenging, yet ultimately rewarding. This was the inspiration behind the creation of a podcast by dairy farmer Arlene Hunter and beef and sheep farmer Caite Palmer.

Whole-team communication is key at Salisdairy Farm

The Leenstra family has built a farm on strong relationships with their family and team.

September 14, 2023

Véronique Hébert-Lussier

When the second generation took over at Salisdairy Farm, they vowed to always have honest, open communication with the farm team and it has brought them success with profitability.

Automated calf feeders may raise bar for top-notch calf raisers

September 13, 2023

This article will briefly synthesize the benefits of automated feeding over manual feeding, as well as using data for calf management, and how data collected in early life might be related to cow performance.

Enhancing milkfat yield in dairy cows: Proven techniques and best practices

A dairy's bottom line depends on milkfat. Look at nutrition and beyond to improve your yield.

September 12, 2023

Marc-Antoine Guesthier

By optimizing nutrition, maintaining optimal rumen health, utilizing genetics and breeding strategies, and focusing on good cow comfort and management practices, producers can significantly improve milkfat production.

Dairy Farmers of Canada: An overview of new requirements for proAction

September 8, 2023

Most recently, DFC implemented new requirements for the proAction program on Sept. 1, 2023. The revisions are minor but include the following notable changes.

Unlocking farm success: Analyzing profits to maximize value

Success relies on a cross-functional team that is informed and engaged to work toward a common goal.

September 8, 2023

Candace Schiestel

Many variables influence where profits are today, and there are many circumstances that impact the ability of the business to move the pendulum.