https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us rmcbay@canarm.ca 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63267 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63267-evaporative-cooling-concepts-for-dairy-cattle 63267-mcbay-Pad-Cool_Val-Co.jpg dveeneman@inbarn.com Sensor-based soaking delivers cooling when and where cows need it and uses cow activity to drive system response. When nozzles open because a cow is present and close when she leaves, cooling becomes both more effective and more efficient. Sensor-based soaking delivers cooling when and where cows need it and uses cow activity to drive system response. When nozzles open because a cow is present and close when she leaves, cooling becomes both more effective and more efficient.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63171 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63171-sensor-based-soaking-helps-to-mitigate-heat-stress-while-conserving-resources 63171-veeneman-1.jpg rrobertshaw@canarm.ca As heat events become more frequent and more intense, dairy producers are reevaluating when – and how – they cool their cows. As heat events become more frequent and more intense, dairy producers are reevaluating when – and how – they cool their cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63037 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63037-smarter-cooling-starts-at-the-bunk-how-precision-sprinklers-are-reshaping-heat-stress-management-in-dairy-barns 63037-shaw-1.jpg marmstrong@canarm.ca 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62843 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62843-spring-checklist-preparing-your-dairys-ventilation-system-for-warmer-weather 62843-armstrong-dixon.jpg clemence.nash@novusint.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61141 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61141-are-your-cows-sports-cars-or-farm-trucks 61141-nash-sports-car.jpg rmcbay@canarm.ca 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62093 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62093-comparing-ventilation-for-your-dairy 62093-mcBay-TunnelVentilationFans.jpg.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 rebecca@ecostrat.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61618 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61618-fine-sawdust-as-dairy-bedding-benefits-and-key-considerations 61618-gomez-cows.jpg 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 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 lora@agproud.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61205 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61205-progressive-events-innovation-and-sustainability-on-the-farm-a-partnership-for-the-future 61205-bender.jpg rmcbay@canarm.ca 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60985 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60985-spring-prep-for-your-power-ventilation-system 60985-mcbay-1.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 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 dveeneman@inbarn.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60176 Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60176-how-to-avoid-ventilation-pitfalls-in-the-spring-and-fall 60176-veeneman-barn-dixon.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 bmion@lactanet.ca The discussion around heat stress and its consequences is not new, and many strategies can minimize these effects. However, our farm dynamics change around the summer and fall months because of the incentive days normally given in the fall. The discussion around heat stress and its consequences is not new, and many strategies can minimize these effects. However, our farm dynamics change around the summer and fall months because of the incentive days normally given in the fall.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60092 Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60092-the-double-challenge-for-dairy-cows-overcoming-a-hot-transition 60092-mion-holstein.1297.jpg 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59740 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59740-5-things-we-cant-do-without-with-glenn-and-ashley-beckett-of-beckridge-holsteins 59740-ohirko-1.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 lpauls@canarm.ca It’s uncertain what will happen in the next quarter or two, but we all want to see farms succeed. Dairy farms help feed the world, and by taking a closer look at your operations, expenses and the comfort of your cows, you can identify areas for improvement that will keep your business profitable. It’s uncertain what will happen in the next quarter or two, but we all want to see farms succeed. Dairy farms help feed the world, and by taking a closer look at your operations, expenses and the comfort of your cows, you can identify areas for improvement that will keep your business profitable.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59191 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59191-who-is-in-your-corner-when-times-get-tough 59191-pauls-freestalls.jpg katlyn.langmeier@ves-artex.com The early spring season is the ideal time to give your fans the attention they need so that they can run at 100% performance. This should become part of the farm’s routine maintenance plan. The early spring season is the ideal time to give your fans the attention they need so that they can run at 100% performance. This should become part of the farm’s routine maintenance plan.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59237 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59237-maintain-your-ventilation-system-to-maintain-production 59237-langmeier-fan-cleaning.jpg courtney.halbach@wisc.edu Failure to permit cows to rest when they want to, for as long as they need to, has a negative impact on their ability to produce milk, become pregnant, stay healthy and remain in the herd. Failure to permit cows to rest when they want to, for as long as they need to, has a negative impact on their ability to produce milk, become pregnant, stay healthy and remain in the herd.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58868 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58868-protect-lying-time-by-reducing-how-long-cows-wait-to-be-milked 58868-cook-halbach-lying.jpg dveeneman@inbarn.com Cow comfort and sustainability are probably two of the biggest buzz words right now in the dairy industry. Cow comfort and sustainability are probably two of the biggest buzz words right now in the dairy industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57956 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57956-cow-comfort-and-sustainability-striving-for-harmony-in-dairy-farming 57956-veeneman-comfort-dixon.jpg dveeneman@inbarn.com Just buying fans and hanging them haphazardly around your barn is not going to be very helpful in your fight against the rising summer temperatures. There are a few key concepts that you need to consider to get it right. Just buying fans and hanging them haphazardly around your barn is not going to be very helpful in your fight against the rising summer temperatures. There are a few key concepts that you need to consider to get it right.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57723 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57723-going-from-good-to-great-with-fans 57723-veeneman-fan.jpg nathanupah@techmixglobal.com Biological systems are amazing. One can’t even begin to comprehend the number of signaling pathways and exchanges required for life to exist, and what is more profound is so many of those systems are involuntary. Biological systems are amazing. One can’t even begin to comprehend the number of signaling pathways and exchanges required for life to exist, and what is more profound is so many of those systems are involuntary.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57645 Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57645-cool-your-cows-from-the-inside-out 57645-upah-2.jpg candace.schiestel@adm.com Scientific advances in animal nutrition have uncovered an array of ingredients that have been shown to help cattle cope with high heat. Scientific advances in animal nutrition have uncovered an array of ingredients that have been shown to help cattle cope with high heat.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57510 Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57510-strategies-to-overcome-heat-stress tbrazda@lely.com With over 20% of farms in Canada utilizing automated milking, there are examples of both good and poor designs put into practice. Additionally, there are many options on the market to automate feeding and manure removal, which also impact barn design. With over 20% of farms in Canada utilizing automated milking, there are examples of both good and poor designs put into practice. Additionally, there are many options on the market to automate feeding and manure removal, which also impact barn design.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57531 Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57531-designing-freestall-barns-for-automation dveeneman@inbarn.com How do we make sense of all these options available to dairy producers, when fan manufacturers and sales reps are all sure that they are the only ones with the best possible fan to offer and everything else is inferior to their product? How do we make sense of all these options available to dairy producers, when fan manufacturers and sales reps are all sure that they are the only ones with the best possible fan to offer and everything else is inferior to their product?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57358 Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57358-choosing-the-right-fan-for-your-barn 57358-exhaust-and-panel-fans-1.jpg