As the crop year winds down and uncertainty looms for 2026, one thing remains clear: Informed farmers make better decisions.

Variability isn’t ideal for any situation on a dairy farm, but one way to get through variation is to know when it’s coming. If you tested forages when they came off the field, you should have a pretty good idea of their quality – but there may be hidden challenges you need to prepare for.

If we use the age-old math that herd bulls should be worth five to six times a feeder calf, then get ready for $10,000 to $14,000 bulls this winter/spring! With cow numbers at all-time lows, do you gamble that bulls will be plentiful and cost less? Is it time to consider leasing a bull?

Many of us in the dairy industry endure the late nights, early mornings, less-than-ideal weather circumstances, faulty equipment and other inconveniences for one reason – the love of cows. The same certainly could be said for Tim Shearer and Irene Vietinghoff of Lynmark Farms, who earned the third-ever Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society (CMSS) Master Breeder award in 2025.

When done correctly, early-life vaccination helps calves handle the stressors of branding, weaning, transport and feedlot entry with resilience.

As the colder months approach, it is crucial to prepare dairy barns for winter conditions. A major component of this preparation is winterizing the ventilation system. This includes completing maintenance tasks and covering unused equipment.

For optimum health, cattle diets need adequate amounts of protein, energy, vitamins and certain minerals.