https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us lbrown@lely.com Consistent daily and weekly owner maintenance is necessary to get the most from automated milking, feeding or cleaning systems. Regular cleaning, inspecting and checking components prevents costly downtime, protects milk quality and reduces stress on cows and farmers. Consistent daily and weekly owner maintenance is necessary to get the most from automated milking, feeding or cleaning systems. Regular cleaning, inspecting and checking components prevents costly downtime, protects milk quality and reduces stress on cows and farmers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63113 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63113-automated-systems-consistent-owner-maintenance-equals-long-term-performance 63113-brown-illustration.coreylewis.jpg Here are the key features producers should look for when evaluating machines to support leaner teams. Here are the key features producers should look for when evaluating machines to support leaner teams.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62884 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62884-spec-smarter-dont-work-harder 62884-ullyott-dairy-feed.jpg sureshraja@dal.ca A digital twin is a continuously updated virtual version of a real system. In dairy, that system might be an individual cow, a milking robot or the entire barn. The twin mirrors the real-time state of the animal or equipment it represents. When a cow walks to the feedbunk, her virtual counterpart records it. A digital twin is a continuously updated virtual version of a real system. In dairy, that system might be an individual cow, a milking robot or the entire barn. The twin mirrors the real-time state of the animal or equipment it represents. When a cow walks to the feedbunk, her virtual counterpart records it. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62906 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62906-your-cow-has-a-digital-twin-what-can-she-tell-you 62906-neethirajan-Digital-Twin.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 sureshraja@dal.ca If your cows could speak, would you listen? It’s the kind of question that makes people smile at first – a whimsical thought you might share over coffee. But for me, it became a serious challenge. If animals are constantly communicating, and we fail to hear them, what opportunities are we missing – not just for better welfare but for better farming? If your cows could speak, would you listen? It’s the kind of question that makes people smile at first – a whimsical thought you might share over coffee. But for me, it became a serious challenge. If animals are constantly communicating, and we fail to hear them, what opportunities are we missing – not just for better welfare but for better farming?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62300 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62300-project-moologue-giving-voice-to-the-voiceless-and-creating-smarter-more-profitable-farms 62300-neethirajan-moologue.jpg lucas.weber@agbusiness.ca Application drones are now a part of normal agricultural practices, but with new modern farming tools like these available, there are often many misconceptions. This technology requires practical thinking and a solid grasp on how it functions. Application drones are now a part of normal agricultural practices, but with new modern farming tools like these available, there are often many misconceptions. This technology requires practical thinking and a solid grasp on how it functions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62138 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62138-myths-surrounding-spray-drones 62138-weber-getty.jpg lucas.weber@agbusiness.ca Application drones are a very exciting advancement to the drone industry. Like any equipment, we want to see how this type of investment pencils out – starting with an understanding of the fixed/variable overhead costs to see if it fits on your operation and what the return on investment (ROI) is on a piece of equipment such as a spray drone. Application drones are a very exciting advancement to the drone industry. Like any equipment, we want to see how this type of investment pencils out – starting with an understanding of the fixed/variable overhead costs to see if it fits on your operation and what the return on investment (ROI) is on a piece of equipment such as a spray drone.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61617 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:52:18 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61617-economics-of-spray-drones 61617-weber-0025.jpg shari.vandepol@cattleytics.com Using the best tools available to get the most out of your breeding program is key – and we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us make smarter, more data-driven decisions that ultimately improve the health, fertility and productivity of our herds. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things to come, and things that groups like ours are working on now. Using the best tools available to get the most out of your breeding program is key – and we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us make smarter, more data-driven decisions that ultimately improve the health, fertility and productivity of our herds. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things to come, and things that groups like ours are working on now.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61372 Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61372-ai-for-ai-6-ai-based-benefits-for-breeding-programs john@cow-corner.co I asked ChatGPT whether farmers should upgrade their automated milking systems. The artificial intelligence (AI) answer was, “If the current system is outdated and requires frequent repairs; if newer technology offers clear efficiency, milk yield or labor savings; if financing options make the investment viable.” Those are good answers. I talked to several real farmers and got better answers. I asked ChatGPT whether farmers should upgrade their automated milking systems. The artificial intelligence (AI) answer was, “If the current system is outdated and requires frequent repairs; if newer technology offers clear efficiency, milk yield or labor savings; if financing options make the investment viable.” Those are good answers. I talked to several real farmers and got better answers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61367 Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61367-is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-milking-robots 61367-gerbitz-robot-dixon.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 tyler@maverickherdmanagement.com When the words “precision feeding” come up, dairy producers usually have one of two very distinct reactions: excitement or hesitation. There are three easy precision feeding technologies outlined in this article that could help dairy farms maximize their current operations. When the words “precision feeding” come up, dairy producers usually have one of two very distinct reactions: excitement or hesitation. There are three easy precision feeding technologies outlined in this article that could help dairy farms maximize their current operations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61073 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61073-how-can-dairy-producers-implement-precision-feeding-without-increasing-costs 61073-bentley-1.jpg lucas.weber@agbusiness.ca In modern agriculture, technology and automation have become more accessible, and small equipment can now pack a big punch. Application drones have given farmers the ability to do their own aerial applications. In modern agriculture, technology and automation have become more accessible, and small equipment can now pack a big punch. Application drones have given farmers the ability to do their own aerial applications.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61145 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 09:19:39 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61145-10-factors-to-consider-before-buying-a-spray-drone 61145-weber-illustration.coreylewis.jpg There has been much variation in the dairy industry in how nutritional management occurs on automated milking system farms. In a recent large benchmarking study of automated milking system farms from across Canada, we aimed to quantify that variation, describing the diets fed on those farms and also detecting associations of nutritional practices with productive metrics from those farms. There has been much variation in the dairy industry in how nutritional management occurs on automated milking system farms. In a recent large benchmarking study of automated milking system farms from across Canada, we aimed to quantify that variation, describing the diets fed on those farms and also detecting associations of nutritional practices with productive metrics from those farms.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60935 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60935-benchmarking-the-nutritional-strategies-used-on-canadian-automated-milking-farms 60935-devries-1-dixon.jpg cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com Keeping your farm equipment in good condition is a vital part of maintaining a safe operation. Performing regular inspections and routine maintenance ensures your equipment is in safe working condition and can prevent incidents. Employees should not operate any equipment that is not in safe condition. Keeping your farm equipment in good condition is a vital part of maintaining a safe operation. Performing regular inspections and routine maintenance ensures your equipment is in safe working condition and can prevent incidents. Employees should not operate any equipment that is not in safe condition. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60846 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60846-maintenance-tips-to-keep-equipment-running-properly jonesgreg@bfusa.com Winter is here and with it comes colder temperatures, wet or icy ground and snow in some areas. Despite the changing weather conditions, you still need to get work done, and farm tire maintenance is crucial to staying productive, no matter the weather. Winter is here and with it comes colder temperatures, wet or icy ground and snow in some areas. Despite the changing weather conditions, you still need to get work done, and farm tire maintenance is crucial to staying productive, no matter the weather.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60704 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60704-winter-proof-your-farm-tires-essential-tips-for-the-cold-season 60704-jones-FSAG_InTheField.jpg jason.french@delaval.com Milking technologies have changed over many decades, so have feeding strategies incorporated on the dairy farm. For those using automation to milk cows, providing feed at the robot was thought to be paramount to the system’s success. Recently, some automated milking producers have started to rethink this approach. Milking technologies have changed over many decades, so have feeding strategies incorporated on the dairy farm. For those using automation to milk cows, providing feed at the robot was thought to be paramount to the system’s success. Recently, some automated milking producers have started to rethink this approach.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60766 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60766-a-new-no-feed-strategy-for-robotic-dairies 60766-french-double-creek.jpg john@cow-corner.co Routines to maintain udder health change with the transition to automated milking. In a parlor, most of the monitoring of the cow, the equipment, and to some extent the environment, is part of the milking routine. It is completed by the workers in the parlor as they prep, strip and attach milkers. In automated milking, it is important to develop daily routines to monitor those milk quality control points in other ways. Routines to maintain udder health change with the transition to automated milking. In a parlor, most of the monitoring of the cow, the equipment, and to some extent the environment, is part of the milking routine. It is completed by the workers in the parlor as they prep, strip and attach milkers. In automated milking, it is important to develop daily routines to monitor those milk quality control points in other ways. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60698 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60698-an-apple-a-day-keeps-mastitis-away-monitoring-mastitis-in-automated-milking-systems 60698-gerbitz-getty.jpg lucas.weber@agbusiness.ca Applying inputs onto crops is a part of any production operation – directly or indirectly. So, how can we be applying these inputs so that they are more efficient and cost conscious? Many have turned to spray drones for the answer – quickly making drone-based aerial application a sustainable option for the future. Applying inputs onto crops is a part of any production operation – directly or indirectly. So, how can we be applying these inputs so that they are more efficient and cost conscious? Many have turned to spray drones for the answer – quickly making drone-based aerial application a sustainable option for the future.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60413 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60413-what-is-a-spray-drone-and-how-is-it-changing-modern-farming 60413-weber-2.jpg matti@agproud.com Austin Ruud didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur when he had the idea for a compostable net wrap. Though he comes from a family of entrepreneurs, he had spent the past seven years working full time on the family cow-calf operation in northern Alberta. Austin Ruud didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur when he had the idea for a compostable net wrap. Though he comes from a family of entrepreneurs, he had spent the past seven years working full time on the family cow-calf operation in northern Alberta.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60299 Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60299-alberta-rancher-develops-compostable-net-wrap-for-round-bales 60299-mcbride-0739.jpg john.molenhuis@ontario.ca When looking to buy new equipment or build new buildings, one of the key considerations is the cost of ownership or their fixed costs. The largest of the fixed costs is depreciation. When looking to buy new equipment or build new buildings, one of the key considerations is the cost of ownership or their fixed costs. The largest of the fixed costs is depreciation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59996 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59996-have-an-appreciation-for-depreciation 59996-molenhuis.jpg The use of precision technology has been a pivotal evolution for agricultural practices, aiding farmers in crop management, resource optimization and operational efficiency. The use of precision technology has been a pivotal evolution for agricultural practices, aiding farmers in crop management, resource optimization and operational efficiency.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60011 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60011-precision-starter-guide-for-hay-and-forage-equipment 60011-ehman-1.jpg e.bell@uniform-agri.com Why exactly is using software so advantageous for you and your herd? Ultimately, it comes down to your goals, wants and needs. Why exactly is using software so advantageous for you and your herd? Ultimately, it comes down to your goals, wants and needs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59820 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59820-advantages-of-herd-management-software diego.nobrega@ucalgary.ca We are now seeing another revolution, fuelled by the rapid development and increasing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI). AI tools are becoming more popular among farmers because they behave like high-tech helpers who assist with daily activities on farms. We are now seeing another revolution, fuelled by the rapid development and increasing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI). AI tools are becoming more popular among farmers because they behave like high-tech helpers who assist with daily activities on farms. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59823 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59823-dairy-farming-20-milking-the-potential-of-artificial-intelligence 59823-nobrega-picture1.jpg 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/59816 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 amelie_mainville@cargill.com Consider productivity, longevity and sustainability when considering a retrofit for automated milking. Consider productivity, longevity and sustainability when considering a retrofit for automated milking.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59127 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59127-automated-milking-system-retrofit-barns-a-viable-consideration-for-a-barn-upgrade ca-fr-social-22.jpg jane.burton@waikatomilking.com The platform is the starting point for constructing a robust, efficient and scalable rotary milking system that can solve your farm’s unique challenges and withstand the rigors of daily farm life. The platform is the starting point for constructing a robust, efficient and scalable rotary milking system that can solve your farm’s unique challenges and withstand the rigors of daily farm life.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58823 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:52:29 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58823-building-the-right-foundation-for-your-rotary-milking-system 57543-prince-photo1.jpg bnelson1946@live.com The standard answer to reducing repairs in agriculture or anything else is simply to stop breaking things. The first step, IMHO, (in my humble opinion), is to figure out why something broke in the first place. The standard answer to reducing repairs in agriculture or anything else is simply to stop breaking things. The first step, IMHO, (in my humble opinion), is to figure out why something broke in the first place.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58798 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58798-equipment-hub-anatomy-of-a-simple-repair 58798-nelson-photo2.jpg cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com Every farmer from time to time gets their tractor or farm equipment stuck in the mud. Although it may seem inevitable, there are ways to avoid getting stuck; however, once stuck in the mud it is important to get unstuck in the safest possible way to minimize the risk of an injury or damaging the equipment. Every farmer from time to time gets their tractor or farm equipment stuck in the mud. Although it may seem inevitable, there are ways to avoid getting stuck; however, once stuck in the mud it is important to get unstuck in the safest possible way to minimize the risk of an injury or damaging the equipment.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58559 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58559-extracting-stuck-tractors-and-farm-equipment-safely Silage_piling_-_Jaynes.jpeg cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com The most common injury caused by pressure washers are lacerations, followed by bruises, punctures and eye injuries. The most common injury caused by pressure washers are lacerations, followed by bruises, punctures and eye injuries.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58447 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58447-prioritize-safety-when-using-pressure-washers Understand top wheel loader features to be better protected on the farm. Understand top wheel loader features to be better protected on the farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58403 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58403-equipment-hub-prioritizing-wheel-loader-safety-on-dairy-operations