Facilities

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

eniemeier@agromatic.net — Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Birchbrook Farms: Saving labour, raising kids in new barn

matti@agproud.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Building a new barn is not a quick venture. Years of research, life experience and dreams play into the move to build. For Nathan and Amy Yantzi of Tavistock, Ontario, they hoped to construct a barn that allowed their young family to participate in the dairy farming lifestyle and allowed for some time away from the cows.

Changes to National Building Code of Canada increase dairy construction costs, insurance

kimmi@agproud.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Construction and insurance costs are rising for Canadian dairy producers, as provinces implement the new National Building Code (NBC) 2020 Part 2 for large farm buildings. The primary changes for agricultural facilities focus on fire protection, structural integrity and occupant safety.

Spring checklist: Preparing your dairy’s ventilation system for warmer weather

marmstrong@canarm.ca — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

As warmer weather approaches, preparing fans and ventilation systems should be a top priority for dairy producers. Heat stress can begin at relatively mild temperatures, especially when humidity is high, and its impact on intake, reproduction and health can linger long after temperatures cool.

Automated milking after tiestalls: New construction or retrofit?

john@cow-corner.co — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For Canadian farmers, regulatory compliance will limit the use of tiestall barns beginning in April 2027. If labour efficiency is motivating you, automated milking might be part of your plan. One of the first questions to answer is whether to retrofit milking robots into your existing tiestall barn or start over with a new facility.

Maternity barn: Setting the stage for healthy beginnings

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Many dairy operations are reexamining their maternity barns and calf holding areas. In this article, we will explore five benefits of modernizing these facilities and the positive outcome improvements can bring for both your calves and your entire dairy operation.

Are your cows sports cars or farm trucks?

clemence.nash@novusint.com — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500

Dream of a high-performance sports car and a Corvette or Camaro may come to mind. In many ways, dairy cows are high-performance machines too. However, some dairy producers may still treat their top-performing “cowmaros” like their old, trusty farm trucks, which may not allow the cows to reach their full genetic potential. Just like a sports car, cows require maintenance and upkeep. By treating your cows like top performers instead of old farm trucks, you can increase cow productivity and maximize profitability.

Comparing ventilation for your dairy

rmcbay@canarm.ca — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Both natural ventilation and power ventilation systems are being put to use in the dairy industry. Here we compare the pros and cons of each when planning your new dairy barn.

Fine sawdust as dairy bedding: Benefits and key considerations

rebecca@ecostrat.com — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When it comes to bedding for dairy farms, choosing the right material can have a significant impact on both the health of the cows and the overall efficiency of the farm.

Reclaimed sand is a proven bedding resource

rschrift@mclanahan.com — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Cow comfort and herd health are essential factors to achieve higher milk quality and production. Bedding plays a critical role in both, which is why many dairy farms have long relied on sand as their go-to bedding. However, questions sometimes arise as to which bedding is better – fresh or recycled sand?

Go with your goals: How to choose the right cow flow system for your automated milking barn

stephanie.dillon@delaval.com — Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A great feature of automated milking systems is the flexibility they can offer in terms of cow flow. For every producer interested in automated milking, the philosophy of, “If you can imagine it, it can become reality,” holds true, as there are a variety of cow traffic setups that can be used to help producers meet their goals.

Progressive Events: Innovation and sustainability on the farm: A partnership for the future

lora@agproud.com — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400

Sustainable farming has never been more important. Not only can prioritizing sustainability be beneficial to the environment and public perception, but also to your long-term success and the bottom line. Read how three Ontario dairy producers are implementing sustainable measures on their farms.

Spring prep for your power ventilation system

rmcbay@canarm.ca — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

As spring approaches, and before your power ventilation system is required to operate at full capacity, it is a best practice to thoroughly inspect all equipment to ensure it is functioning at peak efficiency. This proactive approach can prevent expensive repairs, extend the life of your system and ensure your livestock remain comfortable during the warmer months.

Don-Mair Farms creates 'pasture inside' with compost-bedded pack barn

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

It took five years from concept to construction for Don-Mair Farms Ltd. of Mount Hope, Ontario, to start utilizing a compost-bedded pack barn, but owner Aaron Smith has been pleased with the outcome. This unique barn style has changed a few management aspects of the 80-cow herd but has proven to be a profitable change for the business.

How to prevent winter freeze with ventilation

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

To an extent, cows can handle cold environments if they are kept dry and if air speeds are not too strong. However, if barns begin to freeze, it can have a serious impact on the herd’s health and productivity. While freeze-related issues can be difficult to manage, ventilation can help alleviate them.

6 considerations to maximize cow comfort this winter

dveeneman@inbarn.com — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Cold weather can have a significant impact on dairy herds, and failing to address these challenges can lead to decreased milk production, increased health issues and lower overall farm profitability. This article explores practical, research-backed strategies for improving cow comfort during the winter months.

Advice for applying manure during winter

dsa@iastate.edu — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As winter approaches, the challenges associated with cattle manure application become more pronounced. Adopting best practices that maximize nutrient utilization and safeguard water resources is crucial. What follows are critical considerations for cattle manure application in the winter.

How to avoid ventilation pitfalls in the spring and fall

dveeneman@inbarn.com — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

While the necessity of maintaining adequate ventilation during the extremes of summer and winter is well recognized, the transitional seasons of spring and fall present unique challenges that often are overlooked. This article explores the pitfalls associated with off-season ventilation and offers actionable strategies for dairy producers to address these issues.

Alberta's Hofstra family turns heartbreak into a bright future

katie@agproud.com — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

While a barn fire is not something any dairy farm wants to go through, the Hofstra family has used their positive attitude and determination to build a barn for future generations.

Why dairy farming’s future lies in solar power

learnmore@smart-energy.ca — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Across Canadian dairy farms, the adoption of solar energy is growing as a financially viable and strategically positive move. Farmers have been harnessing sunlight to grow food and raise livestock for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise solar panels are the next step in agriculture's evolution.

Boost sort gate benefits on your dairy

matthew.heisner@nedap.com — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Sort gates provide one more opportunity to move from a group management philosophy to an individual management perspective. Instead of managing by exception, you are now managing the individual cow or individual challenge.

Inside Brilman Dairy: How a first-gen dairy producer’s fieldwork expertise drives revenue diversification

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Brilman Dairy welcomed Progressive Dairy into his facility to share some of its inner workings and the keys to his farm’s productivity.

5 things we can’t do without with Glenn and Ashley Beckett of Beckridge Holsteins

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn.

Barn planning: Decisions, decisions

brodenburg@inbarn.com — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There are many things to consider before we even start to design a facility layout. First, we need to focus on priorities, long-term goals and education. Secondly, we need to make general systems decisions, and finally, we can begin focusing on layout and planning.

Embracing tradition and innovation at Sigview Farms

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Which bedding type is best for your cows?

amber.adamsprogar@gmail.com — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

How do you choose the best bedding for your cows? Obvious considerations include bedding cost and availability, but there are a few less obvious considerations that will help you make the best decision for your farm. Take a look at them and discover which bedding fits your farm’s cow comfort goals.

Trends in manure handling, application and treatment

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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

5 things to know about ventilation

dveeneman@inbarn.com — Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Proper ventilation not only ensures the health and well-being of your cows but also contributes to the overall efficiency and productivity of your dairy operation. In this article, we will delve into five essential aspects of dairy barn ventilation that every dairy producer should be well versed in.

Optimize integrated pest management to ensure healthy herds and quality milk

Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Implementing effective integrated pest management strategies is extremely important for dairy operations, not only for pest control but also for ensuring overall welfare and productivity.

Controlling bedding pathogens can reduce environmental mastitis

benjamin.saylor@churchdwight.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Controlling pathogen outgrowth in recycled manure bedding is possible. When a bacillus-based bedding additive was tested on-farm, a significant reduction in bulk tank SCC and mastitis cases was noticed.