Progressive Dairy

The sweet secret to surviving the new SNF-BF quota ratios

Increasing butterfat in the herd through sugar supplementation can increase fibre intake while decreasing feed sorting.

February 7, 2023

As a new solids-nonfat-to-butterfat ratio is introduced, look to molasses and other sugar supplements to attain the desired ration efficiently.

Be proactive to maximize animal comfort

Be prepared with new or remodel barn ideas when the new Code of Practice is released in 2023.

February 2, 2023

Amelie Mainville

The draft of the Code of Practice contains new ideas for cow comfort and sustainability for the future of dairy in Canada. Be prepared as you think about remodels and new barn builds.

Let's build together

February 1, 2023

Katie Coyne

I’ve been fortunate to grow up in the cow business. From the time I was young, I traveled with a professional cattle photographer to all parts of the country, showed cattle across North America and attended hundreds of sales, as my father was a sale manager.

DFC’s proAction Animal Care framework consistent with national standards, says NFACC

February 1, 2023

An independent review by a credible third-party organization has reaffirmed that the proAction Animal Care module developed by Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and implemented on Canadian dairy farms is consistent with national animal care standards.

Research Review: Barriers and psychological impacts of euthanasia on Canadian dairy farmers

February 1, 2023

This article reports the barriers to talking about euthanasia, the emotions expressed by dairy farmers about the euthanasia process of their animals, the psychological impacts of euthanasia on farmers and offers possible solutions to help them.

3 Open Minutes with Albert Cousineau

January 31, 2023

Jenn Coyne

Albert Cousineau recently set down the hoof knives and grinders after an impressive 42 years in business. As of Jan. 1, and nearly 200,000 cows later, Cousineau retired as one of Ontario’s staple hoof trimmers and sold the business to his son, Joël.

Research on environmental, genetic components of lameness shows promise

Lameness continues to be the cause of substantial loss on dairies. Researchers are honing in on environmental and genetic factors that contribute to lameness in order to improve animal health and well-being.

January 26, 2023

Zoey Tucker Macon

For some time now, producers have known that lameness causes major loss in the dairy industry, including both economic injury and a decline in animal health and well-being.

Dare to Dream: Brown is creating a name for herself and giving youth unique opportunities

Sixth-generation dairy farmer developed a sale to encourage inexperienced dairy enthusiasts to increase their knowledge of the industry

January 16, 2023

Katie Coyne

Brown states that a person needs to earn the right to seek a mentor's knowledge – you can't just go to the head of the class – you earn your way there.

Haanstras define success with brave decisions

Placement of the transition barn and a feed kitchen are just two unique aspects of the Haanstra dairy.

January 16, 2023

Katie Coyne

Arjan and Helen Haanstra believe the "eyes on first" approach to the transition cow pen is key to success throughout the dairy.

Identify high-risk hazards to put control measures in place

Farms are full of high-risk hazards. Listing these scenarios and how to address them is the next step in setting up a farm’s safety plan.

January 16, 2023

Cheryl DeCooman

Now that you have discussed your dairy’s commitment to health and safety with your farm team and set up your health and safety board, the next step in the process toward developing a solid health and safety program on your dairy is to identify the tasks that pose the highest risk hazards to your team and then develop a safe operating procedure that you can use to train your team on how to conduct the task safely.