The Signers manage a milking herd of about 60 cows, maxing out the space available to them in the farm’s previous tiestall facility. Thus, they set out to create a new facility that would not only incorporate newer technology into their routine, like a robotic milking system, but more importantly, would provide a greater level of comfort to the cows.

« Les exploitations laitières, en particulier, sont parmi les plus technologiquement avancées de l’industrie agroalimentaire. Elles connaissent un taux élevé d’adoption de nombreuses technologies, allant de la télédétection, des commandes à distance aux robots de traite en passant par les logiciels pour la gestion des opérations quotidiennes au sein des programmes de gestion du troupeau laitier.

“Most of these farmers do not have a technology or means to understand they have been attacked until the impact has become obvious. There are many cases that, when we are called to go for an investigation, we find that attackers have compromised the business years back, and producers are not aware of their existence in the network.”

Explore three trends in manure management and their potential to impact operational efficiency.

A few weeks ago, I texted my mum my return flight details, as she would be picking me up from the airport the following day; she replied: “OK. Want to go look at a Jack Russell puppy after I pick you up?”

Speaking to a different kind of leadership, the event’s second presenter, Mohit Rajhans – a media and digital marketing consultant – offered his thoughts on the potential for those working in agriculture to become experts in artificial intelligence (AI) in the agri-food context. His session spurred numerous questions from the audience, notably: “How can AI improve communication with foreign workers?”

Positive momentum will be key for the prosperity of the Canadian dairy industry, as it is approaching processing, innovation and policy challenges – compounded by the constant need to modernize facilities, systems and software – that will require integrated action from players across the industry.

Transition planning is never easy or simple, but some cases are much harder than others. If you are at an impasse, it may be time to evaluate the consequences of continuing with a transition plan so you can make the hard decision sooner rather than later.