As a principal in the Agri-Food Management Excellence program and owner of his own consulting business, Larry Martin has worked with a lot of farmers across Canada to analyze and improve their businesses.

The holidays are a time for family and togetherness, which brings warmth to the hearts of many. However, for those who have a lost a loved one, the holidays can magnify their grief.

The two most recent generations to operate Ideal Dairy LLC in Hudson Falls, New York, have something in common. They have each entered the business during a turning point in the farm and propelled it forward to be successful.

In the last few years, a number of teat-scrubbing technologies have been released in the marketplace. Progressive Dairyman reached out to several manufacturers or marketers of this equipment to learn what is attracting the initial purchasers as well as what might be holding some interested parties back.

Under current review: SomaDetect Two dairies that will test-drive a new in-line milk sensor say they are looking to replace their current methods of milk testing and pregnancy checks with more timely information.

Under Current Review: SomaDetect

Later this year, Top of the Morning Farm Ltd., in Holmesville, New Brunswick, will be one of the first farms to test-drive a new in-line milk testing device.

After making several tweaks to their transition cow program over the past few years, Dirk and Erica Kiestra have found their sweet spot in getting cows from dry-off to freshening.