https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us eniemeier@agromatic.net 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63333 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63333-the-next-generation-barn-why-flexible-freestalls-and-feed-rail-systems-are-becoming-standard 63333-niemeier-8104.jpg matti@agproud.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63031 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63031-birchbrook-farms-saving-labour-raising-kids-in-new-barn 63031-mcbride-img_1744.jpg kimmi@agproud.com 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62869 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62869-changes-to-national-building-code-of-canada-increase-dairy-construction-costs-insurance 62869-devaney-getty.jpg john@cow-corner.co 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62707 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62707-automated-milking-after-tiestalls-new-construction-or-retrofit 62707-gerbitz-5927.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62557 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62557-maternity-barn-setting-the-stage-for-healthy-beginnings 62557-Immucell-TURLOCK-CALF.jpg kristin.brommer@ves-artex.com As the colder months approach, it is crucial to prepare dairy barns for winter conditions. A major component of this preparation is winterizing the ventilation system. This includes completing maintenance tasks and covering unused equipment. As the colder months approach, it is crucial to prepare dairy barns for winter conditions. A major component of this preparation is winterizing the ventilation system. This includes completing maintenance tasks and covering unused equipment.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62199 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62199-winterizing-ventilation-fans-in-dairy-barns 62199-brommer-1.jpg shaun@futurecow.com In our operations, holding area management and the proper use of a crowd gate play a crucial role in promoting a cow’s comfort and ensuring an optimal milk harvest experience during her daily parlor visits. While these tasks may seem straightforward, they require much more than just moving cows and running them through a parlor. In our operations, holding area management and the proper use of a crowd gate play a crucial role in promoting a cow’s comfort and ensuring an optimal milk harvest experience during her daily parlor visits. While these tasks may seem straightforward, they require much more than just moving cows and running them through a parlor.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61757 Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61757-essential-tips-to-optimize-cow-comfort-in-the-holding-area 61757-hardtke-holding-caldwell.jpg keith.ortiz@delaval.com The dairy industry has spent the last few decades designing barns for automated milking – resulting in hundreds of different configurations – all of which have been a variation of two robots layouts: perpendicular and tollbooth. The dairy industry has spent the last few decades designing barns for automated milking – resulting in hundreds of different configurations – all of which have been a variation of two robots layouts: perpendicular and tollbooth.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61494 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61494-the-toll-of-an-automated-milking-barn-design kristin.brommer@ves-artex.com Proper airflow in milking parlors and holding areas is essential for the well-being of the herd and the efficiency of dairy operations. By effectively removing heat, moisture, odors and contaminants produced by the cows, proper ventilation ensures the cows' comfort, prevents heat stress, maintains good air quality and supports animal health overall. Proper airflow in milking parlors and holding areas is essential for the well-being of the herd and the efficiency of dairy operations. By effectively removing heat, moisture, odors and contaminants produced by the cows, proper ventilation ensures the cows' comfort, prevents heat stress, maintains good air quality and supports animal health overall.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61510 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61510-3-critical-components-of-ventilation-for-milking-parlors-and-holding-areas 61510-brommer-1.jpg dillg@standardnutrition.com Being prepared for the heat will result in the least amount of stress on the cows and the people dealing with these animals. The environment where the cows reside is the critical area of the barn to evaluate. Keep the ventilation system, including doors and fans, set to where the system was designed. These actions will allow cooler heads (and cows) to prevail. Being prepared for the heat will result in the least amount of stress on the cows and the people dealing with these animals. The environment where the cows reside is the critical area of the barn to evaluate. Keep the ventilation system, including doors and fans, set to where the system was designed. These actions will allow cooler heads (and cows) to prevail.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61449 Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61449-11-steps-to-prepare-for-the-summer-heat 61449-illg-dixon.jpg rschrift@mclanahan.com 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? 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?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61374 Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61374-reclaimed-sand-is-a-proven-bedding-resource 61374.SCHRIFT-1.jpg stephanie.dillon@delaval.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61373 Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61373-go-with-your-goals-how-to-choose-the-right-cow-flow-system-for-your-automated-milking-barn kristin.brommer@ves-artex.com Ventilation, cooling, bedding, lighting, feed and water access are the main foundations of cow comfort. Focusing on these aspects when designing and building your dairy barn will greatly enhance cow comfort, leading to better milk production, reduced health issues and overall improved welfare. Ventilation, cooling, bedding, lighting, feed and water access are the main foundations of cow comfort. Focusing on these aspects when designing and building your dairy barn will greatly enhance cow comfort, leading to better milk production, reduced health issues and overall improved welfare.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61263 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61263-are-you-focusing-on-these-cow-comfort-essentials 61263-brommer-1.jpg john@cow-corner.co There is a trend toward increased stocking density in automated milking barns. Quite a few farmers have made it work and made it look easy. It has worked for them because they have the fundamentals right. There is a trend toward increased stocking density in automated milking barns. Quite a few farmers have made it work and made it look easy. It has worked for them because they have the fundamentals right.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61002 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:39:03 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61002-getting-the-fundamentals-right-in-automated-milking-and-golf 61002-gerbitz-golf.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60526 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60526-how-to-prevent-winter-freeze-with-ventilation 60526-healy-1.jpg dveeneman@inbarn.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60519 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60519-6-considerations-to-maximize-cow-comfort-this-winter 60519-veeneman.coreylewis.jpg evf5337@psu.edu Locomotion and hock scores, along with resting time, are indicators of the quality of the lying surface and bedding choice. With many bedding options available, this article provides recommendations for how to optimize each of them to improve cow comfort. Locomotion and hock scores, along with resting time, are indicators of the quality of the lying surface and bedding choice. With many bedding options available, this article provides recommendations for how to optimize each of them to improve cow comfort.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60537 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60537-what-is-the-best-bedding-choice-for-cow-comfort-in-stall-barns 60537-fread-1.jpg rmcbay@canarm.ca By proactively managing your livestock ventilation system as the seasons change, you can ensure a stable, healthy environment for your animals year-round. Regular maintenance, thoughtful adjustments to your system and considering upgrades when possible will all contribute to optimal conditions in your dairy. By proactively managing your livestock ventilation system as the seasons change, you can ensure a stable, healthy environment for your animals year-round. Regular maintenance, thoughtful adjustments to your system and considering upgrades when possible will all contribute to optimal conditions in your dairy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60293 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60293-seasonal-transitions-in-dairy-ventilation-essential-maintenance-and-upgrades-for-optimal-herd-health 60293.McBAY.coreylewis.jpg katie@agproud.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60117 Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60117-albertas-hofstra-family-turns-heartbreak-into-a-bright-future 60117-kcoyne-feed.jpg matthew.heisner@nedap.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59838 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59838-boost-sort-gate-benefits-on-your-dairy 59838-dehli-1.jpg Brilman Dairy welcomed Progressive Dairy into his facility to share some of its inner workings and the keys to his farm’s productivity. Brilman Dairy welcomed Progressive Dairy into his facility to share some of its inner workings and the keys to his farm’s productivity.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59752 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59752-inside-brilman-dairy-how-a-first-gen-dairy-producers-fieldwork-expertise-drives-revenue-diversification brodenburg@inbarn.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59655 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59655-barn-planning-decisions-decisions 59655-rodenburg-image.jpg 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59753 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59753-embracing-tradition-and-innovation-at-sigview-farms 59753-ohirko-1.jpg amber.adamsprogar@gmail.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59656 Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59656-which-bedding-type-is-best-for-your-cows 59656-adams-progar-bedding-dixon.jpg dveeneman@inbarn.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59519 Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59519-5-things-to-know-about-ventilation 59519-veeneman-cows-in-free-stalls.jpg.jpg rschrift@mclanahan.com The benefits of sand bedding for dairy cows are many. However, sand is not always the easiest material to incorporate into manure management systems. The benefits of sand bedding for dairy cows are many. However, sand is not always the easiest material to incorporate into manure management systems.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59679 Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59679-keep-sand-where-you-need-it-not-where-you-dont 59679-schrift-photo.jpg The repercussions on the well-being and productivity of your animals can be caused by a multitude of elements. The repercussions on the well-being and productivity of your animals can be caused by a multitude of elements.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59624 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:21:33 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59624-voltage-vigilance-your-stray-voltage-awareness-checklist 59624-ohirko--prevtech-agrivolt-feature.jpg benjamin.saylor@churchdwight.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59296 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59296-controlling-bedding-pathogens-can-reduce-environmental-mastitis 59296-saylor-bedding.jpg aoughton@boumatic.com To continue meeting consumer demand, successful producers must invest in their operations, including their milking systems. Deciding to invest in a rotary parlor will set the course for your business for the next two decades (or more). http://www.agproud.com/articles/59449 Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59449-navigating-between-internal-and-external-milking-systems-understanding-your-dairys-needs 59449-oughton-rotary-dixon.jpg amber.adamsprogar@gmail.com The recent mysterious disease affecting cattle in the U.S. is avian influezna, and the source is wild birds. My research team has been studying pest bird management on dairies for over eight years, and we have learned a few tricks that we would like to share with you. The recent mysterious disease affecting cattle in the U.S. is avian influezna, and the source is wild birds. My research team has been studying pest bird management on dairies for over eight years, and we have learned a few tricks that we would like to share with you.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59493 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59493-top-10-tips-for-managing-pest-birds-on-dairy-farms 59493-adams-progar-birds-staff.jpg