Phytogenics means “derived from plants.” Specifically, secondary metabolites from plants have been proven, to some extent, to improve animal health or growth. How, exactly?

In a field outside Truro, Nova Scotia, a Holstein flicks her tail in the sunlight. The barn is quiet. The air smells of hay, damp earth and purpose. Above her, far above, three satellites glide invisibly across the sky. Together, they are measuring something that cannot be seen or smelled but is at the heart of the future of Canadian agriculture: methane.

The final piece of their 10-year goal was to sell milk from their farm in a value-added format. Cheese, ice cream, fluid milk – each was researched and on the table. A 2021 trip to Ireland introduced Dave and Kat Mageean to the European design of milk vending machine that they are now using, where customers fill and cap glass bottles themselves using the same concept as a convenience store fountain drink dispenser.

If you’ve ever felt your heart race in a show ring or measured your summer in ribbons, you already know: The county fair isn’t just an event, it’s a way of life.

Recently, I attended the 20th International Silage Conference in Gainesville, Florida – an event that brought together more than 330 leaders in silage research, innovation and sustainable agriculture from 37 countries.

Back in January, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and the provinces coordinated on a pilot project testing a greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator called the Cool Farm Tool. This innovative tool was tested on more than 40 dairy farms across Canada, providing participating farmers with custom insights on how their farm can be more efficient – and how they stack up compared to their peers.

Katie Hammock has been passionate about the medical field for a long time and wanted to bridge that passion with her deep-rooted background in dairy farming. Hammock made this possible when she created emergency farm kits to sell to farmers. Her mission grew to educate, equip and empower farm families.

C’est à Hébertville-Station, au Québec, que se trouve la ferme Lalan7, propriété de Luc Lalancette et de sa fille Michèle. L’entreprise, fondée en 1963 par Jean-Yves Lalancette avec trois ou quatre vaches, en est aujourd’hui à sa troisième génération.