agproud.com is the digital home of Progressive Dairy, Progressive Cattle, Progressive Forage and Ag Proud Idaho magazines. We offer content for dairy farmers, cattle ranchers and hay and forage growers in the U.S. and Canada. Subscribe to podcasts, newsletters or magazines offered on dairy, beef, and forage at agproud.com https://www.agproud.com/rss/articles 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. 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.

]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/63377-hey-meta http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/63377 Death will come and taxes cannot be avoided (unless you’ve got money) and neither can the fact that your baby will spit up on you as you walk out the door. Death will come and taxes cannot be avoided (unless you’ve got money) and neither can the fact that your baby will spit up on you as you walk out the door.

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/63011-death-and-taxes http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/63011 My mom made me this quilt the year we sold our cows. Faces of cows cover it, adorned with pink eartags and the control numbers of cows that had a big influence in my life. My mom made me this quilt the year we sold our cows. Faces of cows cover it, adorned with pink eartags and the control numbers of cows that had a big influence in my life.

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/62822-stop-scrolling-start-creating http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/62822 Last March, I went skiing for the first time in 10 years. We usually spend our winters snowmobiling, and I’ll be honest – I have the coordination of a 2-year-old, so skiing isn’t high on my list of hobbies. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/62697-a-20-lift-ticket http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/62697 Age changes a lot of your preferences. I willingly order Brussels sprouts as a side at restaurants, and I think 5-year-old me would pass out at the mere thought of consuming a vegetable. I won’t leave my house without Chapstick or a water bottle of sorts, and as a teenager I couldn’t be bothered to go out with anything but a wad of cash and my cellphone. Age changes a lot of your preferences. I willingly order Brussels sprouts as a side at restaurants, and I think 5-year-old me would pass out at the mere thought of consuming a vegetable. I won’t leave my house without Chapstick or a water bottle of sorts, and as a teenager I couldn’t be bothered to go out with anything but a wad of cash and my cellphone.

]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/62391-a-grown-up-christmas-list http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/62391 In the many days I spent breaking show heifers to lead, I learned a lot about cows: what makes them tick, what will spook them, preferences of scratching posts or eating locations, what makes them go and what makes them sit on their haunches. I’ve bonded with my fair share of animals over the years, but none have come close to one cow in particular: Sunday. In the many days I spent breaking show heifers to lead, I learned a lot about cows: what makes them tick, what will spook them, preferences of scratching posts or eating locations, what makes them go and what makes them sit on their haunches. I’ve bonded with my fair share of animals over the years, but none have come close to one cow in particular: Sunday.]]> Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61658-707 http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61658 About a year ago, I bullied my way into living in an old farmhouse. It’s owned by the guy my husband farms for part time, and when word that the previous tenants were leaving hit my ears, I jumped at the opportunity. About a year ago, I bullied my way into living in an old farmhouse. It’s owned by the guy my husband farms for part time, and when word that the previous tenants were leaving hit my ears, I jumped at the opportunity.

]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61656-a-magical-farmhouse http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61656 In watching this process unfold this summer, I believe there is more to it than simply mastering a skill. We are learning what it takes to achieve a big, lofty goal. In watching this process unfold this summer, I believe there is more to it than simply mastering a skill. We are learning what it takes to achieve a big, lofty goal.

]]> Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61991-10-000-shots http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61991 My younger brother was married this June. There was a bit of a debate about where to hold the reception and after much deliberation, the decision was made to make some upgrades to our heifer farm and host the party there. My younger brother was married this June. There was a bit of a debate about where to hold the reception and after much deliberation, the decision was made to make some upgrades to our heifer farm and host the party there.

]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61657-a-walk-down-memory-lane http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61657 We recognize that technology is a powerful tool in our toolbox, yet we also acknowledge the tool has not fully replaced the operator. A skilled herdsman or herdswoman is needed to verify and treat sick animals. A skilled milking technician is an integral part of keeping milking robots functioning and fetching cows. We recognize that technology is a powerful tool in our toolbox, yet we also acknowledge the tool has not fully replaced the operator. A skilled herdsman or herdswoman is needed to verify and treat sick animals. A skilled milking technician is an integral part of keeping milking robots functioning and fetching cows.

]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61663-our-stance-on-artificial-intelligence http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61663 We all face challenges from time to time. Some we can see coming and can plan for ahead of time, and others are unexpected. Life is unpredictable and we can’t always know the next obstacle we will encounter. This month, let’s recognize the importance of mental health and ease stress by offering and/or accepting a little help. We all face challenges from time to time. Some we can see coming and can plan for ahead of time, and others are unexpected. Life is unpredictable and we can’t always know the next obstacle we will encounter. This month, let’s recognize the importance of mental health and ease stress by offering and/or accepting a little help.

]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61366-life-happens-ask-for-help http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61366 Since taking this position, I’ve had the opportunity to travel quite often. I wouldn’t say that I’m a “frequent flyer,” but I definitely know my way around an airport. One thing I’ve always found fascinating about airports are the layouts. Though each airport is built for one purpose – shuffling travelers across the country – each region has their own idea of how to efficiently do so. Since taking this position, I’ve had the opportunity to travel quite often. I wouldn’t say that I’m a “frequent flyer,” but I definitely know my way around an airport. One thing I’ve always found fascinating about airports are the layouts. Though each airport is built for one purpose – shuffling travelers across the country – each region has their own idea of how to efficiently do so.

]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61189-barn-design-and-airports http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61189 As I write this, I’m flying home from Florida. I’ve spent the past two days in a room full of fellow dairy enthusiasts at the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). I signed up for this leadership opportunity seeking to connect with members of the dairy community my age and am leaving the program with exactly that and a new skill set I’m excited to utilize. As I write this, I’m flying home from Florida. I’ve spent the past two days in a room full of fellow dairy enthusiasts at the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). I signed up for this leadership opportunity seeking to connect with members of the dairy community my age and am leaving the program with exactly that and a new skill set I’m excited to utilize.

]]> Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/61026-be-where-your-feet-are http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/61026 This annual tradition reminds me of New Year’s resolutions. It’s easy to start making plans, defining your dreams and setting goals, but we don’t always account for the variables that often hinder or halt actions to fulfill our best-laid plans. This annual tradition reminds me of New Year’s resolutions. It’s easy to start making plans, defining your dreams and setting goals, but we don’t always account for the variables that often hinder or halt actions to fulfill our best-laid plans.

]]> Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/60741-how-do-you-want-to-grow http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/60741 It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: The twinkle lights, shiny wrapping paper, elaborate gifts and noise of the holiday season don't matter. We celebrate because our Saviour came to Earth. It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: The twinkle lights, shiny wrapping paper, elaborate gifts and noise of the holiday season don't matter. We celebrate because our Saviour came to Earth.

]]> Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/60579-stars-hay-and-cattle http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/60579 Life goes on and I'll make new memories in my truck, but I think everyone's first car holds a special place in their heart. Life goes on and I'll make new memories in my truck, but I think everyone's first car holds a special place in their heart. 

]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/60439-a-tribute-to-pam http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/60439 There’s not much that equates to your own mother’s cooking, right? My mom is a great cook, but her specialty is biscuits. Warm, flaky, perfectly moist biscuits. It’s a household favourite when paired with her homemade raspberry jam. I took it upon myself to attempt baking said biscuits this week. There’s not much that equates to your own mother’s cooking, right? My mom is a great cook, but her specialty is biscuits. Warm, flaky, perfectly moist biscuits. It’s a household favourite when paired with her homemade raspberry jam. I took it upon myself to attempt baking said biscuits this week.

]]> Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/60266-baking-soda-biscuits http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/60266 To stay connected, the two share photos from the week via text message each Sunday evening. I immediately sent this to my friend and asked if we could try it. To stay connected, the two share photos from the week via text message each Sunday evening. I immediately sent this to my friend and asked if we could try it.

]]> Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/60121-the-power-of-a-photo http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/60121 A friend of mine recently discovered Taylor Swift. I have a hard time wrapping my head around that. When she admitted this, it was tough to know if she was serious. How does a person discover Taylor Swift in 2024? I’m not sure, but for this friend, that was the truth. A friend of mine recently discovered Taylor Swift. I have a hard time wrapping my head around that. When she admitted this, it was tough to know if she was serious. How does a person discover Taylor Swift in 2024? I’m not sure, but for this friend, that was the truth.

]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/59816-swift-discoveries-tech-ubiquities http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/59816 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?” 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?”

]]> Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/59644-jumping-for-joy http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/59644 As some of you may know, I took some time off to complete my master’s degree and recently rejoined the editorial team at Progressive Dairy. Although I’ve only been back a few months, it is different from my first turn at this role in 2020 to 2022. As some of you may know, I took some time off to complete my master’s degree and recently rejoined the editorial team at Progressive Dairy. Although I’ve only been back a few months, it is different from my first turn at this role in 2020 to 2022.

]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/59482-from-coast-to-coast http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/59482 Can you feel the excitement of the dairy industry as we enter spring 2024? I can! I remember as a child when we got to the month of April, we could hardly contain our excitement, as it meant that it was time to get back to our friends in the cow business through sales, shows and social events. Can you feel the excitement of the dairy industry as we enter spring 2024? I can! I remember as a child when we got to the month of April, we could hardly contain our excitement, as it meant that it was time to get back to our friends in the cow business through sales, shows and social events.

]]> Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/59262-the-excitement-is-palpable http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/59262 Recognizing that not every message floating around the internet is for everyone, and that it is our responsibility to discern this, does not mean it is easy to move past the noise that tells you that you are not doing enough. Recognizing that not every message floating around the internet is for everyone, and that it is our responsibility to discern this, does not mean it is easy to move past the noise that tells you that you are not doing enough.

]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/59098-going-at-your-own-pace http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/59098 Personally, I like to take the slow days and long hours of darkness in January to review the past 365 days and make a plan for the next 12 months. As you look back, you may be surprised at what a difference a year makes. Personally, I like to take the slow days and long hours of darkness in January to review the past 365 days and make a plan for the next 12 months. As you look back, you may be surprised at what a difference a year makes.

]]> Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/58942-what-a-difference-a-year-makes http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/58942 Use the start of a new year to select a goal, a win, that you want to accomplish in 2024. Use the start of a new year to select a goal, a win, that you want to accomplish in 2024.

]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/58776-whats-your-2024-win-going-to-be http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/58776 Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to listen to motivational speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby as he encouraged a room of dairy producers to grow their influence in the industry in a way that makes an impact, not just an impression. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to listen to motivational speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby as he encouraged a room of dairy producers to grow their influence in the industry in a way that makes an impact, not just an impression.

]]> Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/58462-be-the-person-your-grandmother-would-hire http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/58462 I remember when we bred cows based on what traits we needed to improve on. No computer programs or apps on our phone, just a bull book with proven bulls in it and a cow standing in front of us that needed help improving her udder and milk production. I remember when we bred cows based on what traits we needed to improve on. No computer programs or apps on our phone, just a bull book with proven bulls in it and a cow standing in front of us that needed help improving her udder and milk production.

]]> Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/58072-everything-in-moderation http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/58072 I recently attended a major gathering of dairy farmers, and boy, the conversation wasn’t all that great. I recently attended a major gathering of dairy farmers, and boy, the conversation wasn’t all that great.

]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/57917-arent-we-lucky http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/57917 When I was young, the social event of the summer season was the annual Black and White Show. We had many top-name judges – Heffering, Trevena, Stewart and a young man named Lowell. When I was young, the social event of the summer season was the annual Black and White Show. We had many top-name judges – Heffering, Trevena, Stewart and a young man named Lowell.

]]> Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/57706-canadas-greatest-dairy-influencers http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/57706 As World Milk Day is recognized on June 1, may you take stock of where your dairy story began, how far you’ve come and what it truly means to celebrate this life we call dairy farming. As World Milk Day is recognized on June 1, may you take stock of where your dairy story began, how far you’ve come and what it truly means to celebrate this life we call dairy farming.

]]> Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/57551-fortitude-and-farming-a-salute-to-world-milk-day http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/57551