Progressive Dairy Canada

June 1, 2026 Progressive Dairy-Canada digital magazine

June 1, 2026

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Lactanet recognizes 2025 top Canadian dairy herds by category

Labour management, optimization and milking three times per day aids three dairies in achieving recognition across Canada.

May 12, 2026

Matti McBride and Karine Vézina

“Through the success of Canada's Best Managed Dairy Herds program and Lactanet's Herd Performance Index, we wanted to expand, recognize and celebrate herds not only across the country, but in their diversity in their type of operation and by milking system on event day,” says Shawna Berry, content and creative manager at Lactanet.

Compete or co-exist? What consumers think about dairy milk and plant-based beverages

A recent study found dairy milk is a ‘need’ for consumers, while plant-based beverages expand consumer choices and are accepted for their own unique attributes.

May 19, 2026

Do consumers view plant-based beverages as dairy milk substitutes or as unique products? Are these products truly competing or coexisting within the broader beverage market?

Cow care, technology and teaching moments: A conversation with Alberta dairy farmer Karen

June 1, 2026

Karen didn’t always think she would end up in agriculture, even as she was surrounded by it growing up. Life experiences and encouragement from her father gave her the push to go into a successful career in nursing. Now, farming full-time, she draws upon the nursing skills she gained.

Prioritizing family and business: Two dairy producer perspectives on farm succession

The keys to a successful farm succession plan are to start early, stay focused and above all, communicate.

May 20, 2026

Ralph Pearce

The 2026 Canadian Dairy Business Summit included two dairy producers who have successfully navigated the farm succession process. Paul MacLeod of Darcroft Farms near Embro, Ontario, and Clarence Markus of Markvale Holsteins near Beachville, Ontario, detailed their respective roads to completing their plans.

How to handle critical and non-critical injuries on the farm

Initial response steps for critical and non-critical injuries include first aid, reporting and determining accommodations, and a timeline for returning to work. Regular training and taking precautions can reduce workplace safety hazards.

May 21, 2026

Cheryl DeCooman

Regardless of whether the injured individual is an employee, family member, visitor, contractor or a member of the general public, if they sustain a critical injury at your workplace, it is essential to report the injury to the Ministry of Labour.

The remarkable difference hyperimmunized colostrum makes

Hyperimmunization can be a powerful tool in calf disease prevention. Research shows that using this tool can build a strong immune response leading to healthier calves.

May 27, 2026

Bobbi Jo Brockmann and Mark Wustenberg

You may not be familiar with the term “hyperimmunized,” let alone use it in everyday conversation. Yet it is the most powerful tool to enrich colostrum and influence calf health and development.

Evaporative cooling concepts for dairy cattle

Climate, water quality, fans, maintenance, facility size and airflow requirements are important considerations when investing in evaporative cooling.

May 5, 2026

Rick McBay

Small increases in temperature and humidity can cause animals to expend more energy to stay cool, directly impacting growth rates and milk yields. By maintaining lower temperatures in the barn, evaporative cooling systems help animals stay comfortable, healthy and productive.

The next-generation barn: Why flexible freestalls and feed rail systems are becoming standard

Flexible freestalls and more forgiving feed rail designs can improve how cows rest and eat when paired with strong basics like correct sizing, bedding, ventilation and consistent feed access.

May 11, 2026

Erik Niemeier

Two equipment concepts have steadily moved from novel to normal: flexible freestalls and flexible feed rails. Instead of rigid steel that forces every cow to conform, these systems allow controlled flexibility, thoughtful adjustability and simpler maintenance.

Spec smarter, don’t work harder

How the right machine features help dairies maximize labor efficiency.

March 13, 2026

Sam Ullyott

Here are the key features producers should look for when evaluating machines to support leaner teams.

Prepartum DCAD: How low is too low?

Studies show fully acidogenic prepartum diets improve calcium metabolism, as indicated by blood and urine measures, leading to better health and productivity in peripartum dairy cows.

March 17, 2026

Ken Zanzalari

The decision to feed an acidogenic ration to late-pregnant dairy cows is a very easy one, as there is no better strategy to initiate the mechanisms of calcium metabolism to meet the sudden high demand for this critical mineral surrounding the time of calving.

Redefining fertility traits: Are we using the best tools available?

Christine Baes of the University of Guelph presented a geneticist’s view on current fertility traits and ways the industry stands to improve at the 2026 Western Canadian Dairy Seminar.

May 7, 2026

Matti McBride

“When it comes to genetic selection for fertility, it’s not easy. It is quite slow compared to more straightforward traits like milk production or fat or protein content. This is a complex thing,” said Christine Baes at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar.

No off-season: Managing stress in dairy’s metabolic athletes

Modern dairies treat their cows like elite athletes – pushing them to challenge what’s physically possible. In doing so, producers need to ensure they are limiting stress inhibitors and utilizing supporting tools.

May 8, 2026

Dan Shock

The modern dairy cow is a metabolic athlete. On a per-kilogram bodyweight basis, her daily energy turnover rivals that of a National Hockey League (NHL) athlete on game day. The difference is that she does this day-in, day-out, without recovery until dry-off.

High-oleic soybeans: Do they make cents?

Farms feeding high-oleic soybeans can capitalize on the crop’s unique fatty acid profile to reduce purchase feed costs and increase energy-corrected milk production, making cents for the bottom line.

March 27, 2026

Zach Sawall

Growing and feeding high-oleic soybeans is a rapidly evolving opportunity for today’s dairy farms. As high-oleic soybeans gain more attention and adoption in the industry, consider how they may find a place on your farm.

2025 Canadian harvest analysis: Mycotoxins and risk to ruminants

A nationwide crop analysis provides insights into mycotoxin contamination and a link to the potential effects on performance and health of animals.

May 14, 2026

Alexandra Weaver

As we move further away from harvest and into storage and feedout, mycotoxin risk does not disappear. In fact, warming temperatures and variable storage conditions can favour the growth of storage moulds such as penicillium.

Why methionine is so crucial for dairy cows

Maintaining adequate methionine levels in your ration is crucial for production.

May 28, 2026

Essi Evans

Methionine is an essential amino acid for dairy cows, but it is often undersupplied in typical rations. It is considered essential because cows cannot synthesize enough methionine to meet their needs, so it must be supplied by what they digest.

The Milk House: The fight for the real twang

February 25, 2026

Ryan Dennis

So far, most of the reaction to AI-generation in artistic pursuits has been one of repulsion, and that’s not surprising. My age group and upward grew up before cell phones, so it goes to reason that, for most of us, AI performers are a bridge too far. However, I suspect that what matters most will be what younger generations think.

Just Dropping By: Finding the lamp to your feet

February 25, 2026

Yevet Crandell Tenney

When I was in college, I studied classic English literature: Milton, Shakespeare and Donne. Their writings were beautiful and referred to the Bible without apology.

Hey Meta

June 1, 2026

Matti McBride

I might be a little old school or perhaps ignorant, but I’ve been pretty skeptical of AI. However, I must admit – this technology is incredible and it’s here to stay.

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