Construction and insurance costs are rising for Canadian dairy producers, as provinces implement the new National Building Code (NBC) 2020 Part 2 for large farm buildings. The primary changes for agricultural facilities focus on fire protection, structural integrity and occupant safety. 

As warmer weather approaches, preparing fans and ventilation systems should be a top priority for dairy producers. Heat stress can begin at relatively mild temperatures, especially when humidity is high, and its impact on intake, reproduction and health can linger long after temperatures cool.

Reproductive efficiency is critical for the profitability of dairy herds. It is as simple as cows need to calve to produce milk. However, having consistent and high pregnancy rates continues to be a challenge.

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For Canadian farmers, regulatory compliance will limit the use of tiestall barns beginning in April 2027. If labour efficiency is motivating you, automated milking might be part of your plan. One of the first questions to answer is whether to retrofit milking robots into your existing tiestall barn or start over with a new facility.

In the Quebec agricultural landscape, some stories stand out for their boldness, resilience and vision. That of Yvonne Becker and Mathieu Fréchette, co-owners of the Halte De La Montagne farm, is one of them.