Genetics provide a strong foundation for positioning herds to benefit from evolving milk pricing structures. While fat and protein have both shown gains of the past 30 years, the growing gap between them highlights the need for greater emphasis on protein in selection and breeding decisions.

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.

With the ever-changing value of both replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy crosses at the front of many producers’ minds, optimizing inventory of both streams of calves has become a crucial element of producer strategy. Effectively managing the interplay of the two begins in the dry cow pens.

Brian Van Doormaal has served the dairy industry for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement in December 2025, Progressive Dairy asked Van Doormaal a few questions about his career and future plans.

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.

Do you extend the same level of discipline and innovation applied to cows to your heifer program? Has your trend in heifer fertility improved over time?