Persistency is usually considered a genetic trait. However, a new study shows that nutrition may play a larger role than originally thought.

Technology and automation are helping the modern farmer deal with the daily demands of herd and parlor management. There is also technology to help with the identification of mastitis cases within the herd, known as automated mastitis detection (AMD).

Clearly we have not “solved” the problem of mastitis and the risk it poses to milk quality. While it is tempting to look to the latest sensors, supplements, on-farm tests or other technologies to hit the market to resolve this problem, let’s take a step back and review what we have learned and know to be true about mastitis control.

Five dairy farms across Ontario decided to try something new in 2022 and came out the other side with new strategies for success on their dairies. From new feed mills to new reproductive strategies, each new practice held the key to more milk production.

The milking parlor is where you harvest your crop. All your effort in breeding, feeding and herd management shows up in the parlor. I often encourage employees by reminding them that they work in the "most important place on the dairy."