Progressive Dairy — Canada

Using feed software and genetics to create feed-efficient cows

wwilliams@lactanet.ca — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dairy producers have multiple tools available to make improvements in feed efficiency, including optimizing forage quality, using a feed management software to improve accuracy and consistency, and incorporating genetics for breeding more feed efficient cows.

July 1, 2026 Progressive Dairy-Canada digital magazine

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The latest issue of Progressive Dairy-Canada magazine is available. To view, make sure you're logged into your agproud.com account. If you do not have access, click "Subscribe" in the top-right corner of agproud.com to add permission to view.

What motivates and deters dairy farmers from adopting a selective clinical mastitis protocol?

jai5210@psu.edu — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Researchers have sought to understand what motivates and prevents farmers from adopting selective clinical mastitis protocols. By helping dairy farmers and veterinarians navigate the identified barriers and by providing support, we can better position the dairy industry to achieve long-term improvement of antimicrobial stewardship practices on dairy farms.

How to keep your water troughs clean

rcavanagh@acepsis.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Water can be an issue, because it is such a good carrier of debris and organisms. Water is ideal for spreading positive elements like nutrients but can also spread harmful organisms like pathogens.

From the Journal of Dairy Science: Preference for grooming brush type and how early growth rates affect performance

pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This column brings you information regarding some of the research being done around the world and published in the Journal of Dairy Science.

Keep your farm team safe when working in the heat

cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While Canada is known for its harsh winters, we also experience intense heat and humidity during the summer. It is essential to protect yourself from the sun and watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses before they become a serious concern.

Rethinking risk management in Canadian dairy: Why timing and design matter more than ever

lisa.spies@mnp.ca — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Though risk has always been a part of farming, for Canadian dairy producers the nature of that risk is changing. Reviewing existing risk management strategies, understanding program intent and reassessing participation decisions are practical steps producers can take today.

From 80 cows to modern efficiency powerhouse: Halarda Farms

jeffrey@agproud.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When Anton Borst talks about the future of his dairy, it’s clear the plan stretches well beyond the next milk cheque.

Navigating a bovine tuberculosis investigation: One vet’s experience

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Kerri-Rae Millar was going about her Tuesday morning on June 10, 2025, when she received a call from a dairy client. He was asking for her opinion as his herd veterinarian on a pressing situation: A neighbour he shares a cattle trailer with had a positive test for bovine tuberculosis (bTB). His pressing concern: “What do I do?”

Preweaned calf rumen development: How it shapes heifer growth and future milk production

amelie_mainville@cargill.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s explore how the rumen develops in the preweaning phase, and it will become clear why a proper grower diet is necessary for optimal growth and long-term productivity in dairy calves.

How rising temperatures are affecting dairy cow fertility in Canada

gdodd@uoguelph.ca — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Researchers across the University of Guelph, Lactanet and Semex are investigating how heat stress impacts fertility in Canadian dairy cattle, helping producers better manage reproduction as climate conditions continue to shift. Fertility losses can increase days open, reduce lifetime milk production and raise herd replacement costs.

Lessons from the farm brought success in hockey

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The link between farming and professional sports isn’t always thought to be a linear relationship. The exception may be in Canada, where many hockey players grew up on the family farm and used some of that upbringing to define their careers.

June 1, 2026 Progressive Dairy-Canada digital magazine

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hey Meta

matti@agproud.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Why methionine is so crucial for dairy cows

essievans@sympatico.ca — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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?

2025 Canadian harvest analysis: Mycotoxins and risk to ruminants

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Lactanet recognizes 2025 top Canadian dairy herds by category

karine@agproud.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“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.

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

dshock@novavet.com — Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“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.

Evaporative cooling concepts for dairy cattle

rmcbay@canarm.ca — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

May 1, 2026 Progressive Dairy-Canada digital magazine

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dairy Farmers of Canada: Leading on-farm and working toward a more sustainable future

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In 2026, the United Nations recognizes the International Year of the Woman Farmer. In Canada, women make up approximately 27.4% of farm operators in dairy and milk production, according to Statistics Canada.

Loading cows onto a trailer safely

cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Loading cows onto a trailer can be a challenging and stressful task, often requiring careful attention to the conditions, location and equipment being used. Every farm setup is different, and loading areas may vary.

3 Open Minutes: Dairy entrepreneur appears on Dragon’s Den

matti@agproud.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Shari Van de Pol, founder of Cattleytics, appeared on season 20, episode 16 of CBC’s Dragon’s Den. Progressive Dairy Editor Matti McBride interviewed Van de Pol to learn more about the experience of appearing on national television.

The hard truths about farm succession planning: Why tough conversations are worth it

andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Avoiding succession planning doesn’t prevent conflict – it creates it. Planning early and communicating openly may feel difficult, but it is also the only way to remain in control of what happens next.

Maintaining calf performance via a strategic electrolyte protocol

jmatschke@grober.com — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Calf hydration management is one of the most critical and often overlooked components of successful calf raising. In the first weeks of life, calves are highly susceptible to fluid imbalance caused by environmental stress, management transitions and gastrointestinal illness.