https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us henryverhoog@grandvalley.com Over my 38-plus years servicing dairy farms in southwest Ontario, I have always been intrigued by what strategies make some dairy farms more profitable than others. For the fiscal year 2025, I came to the conclusion that five main factors really stood out. Over my 38-plus years servicing dairy farms in southwest Ontario, I have always been intrigued by what strategies make some dairy farms more profitable than others. For the fiscal year 2025, I came to the conclusion that five main factors really stood out.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63013 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63013-5-strategies-that-make-a-dairy-profitable-today 63013-verhoog-dixon.jpg marvin.slingerland@mnp.ca Year-end accounting doesn’t have to be a scramble. With clear records, early communication, accurate inventories and the right technology, dairy producers can turn year-end into a powerful management tool rather than a stressful deadline. Year-end accounting doesn’t have to be a scramble. With clear records, early communication, accurate inventories and the right technology, dairy producers can turn year-end into a powerful management tool rather than a stressful deadline.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62817 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62817-taking-the-stress-out-of-tax-season-what-dairy-producers-need-to-know chris@centraldairysolutions.ca Each farm adviser uses a set of metrics from their area of expertise, but how do they all connect to your profitability? Are we even measuring the right things? Each farm adviser uses a set of metrics from their area of expertise, but how do they all connect to your profitability? Are we even measuring the right things?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62528 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62528-the-business-of-agriculture-does-your-team-have-a-common-language karen@agproud.com Uncertainty has loomed over Canada’s economy for the better part of the year. Graeme Crosbie, a senior economist at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), discussed the dairy industry’s trade environment and provide an update on the current economy. Uncertainty has loomed over Canada’s economy for the better part of the year. Graeme Crosbie, a senior economist at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), discussed the dairy industry’s trade environment and provide an update on the current economy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62310 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62310-an-outlook-on-trade-and-the-domestic-economy-for-dairy-farm-profitability matt_groen@cargill.com Over the last few years, Canadian dairy producers have faced a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Feed costs now as much as ever are one of the critical determinants of profitability. Over the last few years, Canadian dairy producers have faced a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Feed costs now as much as ever are one of the critical determinants of profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61856 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61856-does-your-lactating-ration-strategy-drive-farm-profit 61856-groen-dixon.jpg andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca Retirement looks different for each of us. For some, it means ceasing to work completely. For others, it’s a shift in responsibility from owner to operator. And for some, it’s as simple as not being “on call” for those unforeseen events, like a 2 a.m. breech calving or a frozen milkline. Retirement looks different for each of us. For some, it means ceasing to work completely. For others, it’s a shift in responsibility from owner to operator. And for some, it’s as simple as not being “on call” for those unforeseen events, like a 2 a.m. breech calving or a frozen milkline.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61760 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61760-retirement-planning-for-canadian-dairy-farmers-its-not-about-what-you-make-its-about-what-you-keep 61760-leach-hat-.jpg rsmith@virtusnutrition.com During my 20-plus years of analyzing dairy reproductive records, my mantra has always been "Benchmark against yourself, not your neighbor." Of course, there’s value in both, but my belief has always been that you’ll make the greatest gains by keeping your focus on your own results and figuring out how to improve them versus focusing on comparisons. During my 20-plus years of analyzing dairy reproductive records, my mantra has always been "Benchmark against yourself, not your neighbor." Of course, there’s value in both, but my belief has always been that you’ll make the greatest gains by keeping your focus on your own results and figuring out how to improve them versus focusing on comparisons.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61582 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61582-benchmarking-for-fertility-3-reproductive-kpis-every-dairy-should-watch emolgat@lactanet.ca Dairy enterprises invest considerable resources to raise replacements. To capture the opportunities that raising programs offer to farm profitability, dairy operations should not only make efforts to control raising expenses but also to ensure the return of their investment by evaluating the resulting quality of their replacements. Dairy enterprises invest considerable resources to raise replacements. To capture the opportunities that raising programs offer to farm profitability, dairy operations should not only make efforts to control raising expenses but also to ensure the return of their investment by evaluating the resulting quality of their replacements.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61458 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61458-getting-the-dollar-for-your-buck-managing-first-lactation-heifers-from-the-first-test 61458-molano-1.jpg audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61542 Wed, 14 May 2025 11:14:13 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61542-may-wasde-projects-increased-milk-per-cow-growth-in-cow-inventories andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca The farming industry is an ever-changing landscape. With each year that passes, new complexities and challenges arise that place pressures on Canadian farmers to continuously adapt their business practices to remain competitive. The farming industry is an ever-changing landscape. With each year that passes, new complexities and challenges arise that place pressures on Canadian farmers to continuously adapt their business practices to remain competitive.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61277 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61277-the-importance-of-keeping-a-clean-divide-between-personal-and-farm-business-expenses 61277-leach-budget.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 audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61238 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:14:18 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61238-march-wasde-report-forecasts-reduced-milk-output-per-cow-higher-cow-inventories elaine@elainefroese.com Making sure the farm is financially organized could be a key to running a successful and sustainable operation. Unlike many other industries, farmers are faced with unique challenges such as fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather and potentially volatile cash flows. Ensuring you are aware of the current financial position of the farm by creating accurate and timely reports can allow you to make quick decisions when necessary. Making sure the farm is financially organized could be a key to running a successful and sustainable operation. Unlike many other industries, farmers are faced with unique challenges such as fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather and potentially volatile cash flows. Ensuring you are aware of the current financial position of the farm by creating accurate and timely reports can allow you to make quick decisions when necessary.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60987 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60987-practical-strategies-to-stay-financially-organized-on-your-farm Finance_-_Getty.jpeg Man using calculator Accounting Calculating Cost Economic bills with money stack step growing growth saving money in home , finance concept essievans@sympatico.ca While IOFC seems like a very simple calculation, it may not be an accurate one. There are many moving parts on farm, and these can influence the outcome independently of the feed or management change that has been made. Some modifications may be needed to get a true picture of events. While IOFC seems like a very simple calculation, it may not be an accurate one. There are many moving parts on farm, and these can influence the outcome independently of the feed or management change that has been made. Some modifications may be needed to get a true picture of events.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60948 Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60948-a-better-way-to-look-at-income-over-feed-costs andrew@farmlifefinancial.ca The challenges facing today’s dairy farmers are vastly different from those of previous generations. Rising costs, environmental regulations and technological advancements have created a complex and competitive environment. For the next generation poised to take over family dairy farms, financial literacy is not just an asset; it is a necessity. The challenges facing today’s dairy farmers are vastly different from those of previous generations. Rising costs, environmental regulations and technological advancements have created a complex and competitive environment. For the next generation poised to take over family dairy farms, financial literacy is not just an asset; it is a necessity.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60803 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60803-the-importance-of-financial-literacy-for-the-next-generation-of-dairy-farmers 60803.leach.coreylewis.jpg audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60926 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:38:08 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60926-december-wasde-report-forecasts-lower-milk-production audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60768 Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:23:40 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60768-usda-projections-highlight-increased-milk-production audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60628 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:26:51 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60628-usda-forecasts-offer-varied-outlook-for-dairys-financials audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60485 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:33:33 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60485-usda-projections-provide-mixed-news-for-dairys-bottom-line chris@centraldairysolutions.ca If we consider your farm a hockey team, you are Conner McDavid. You are responsible for doing the heavy work of production. Relying on your advisers as a team will make your position as the CEO more successful. Scoring goals is great, but our ultimate aim is to win the Stanley Cup of long-term financial success. If we consider your farm a hockey team, you are Conner McDavid. You are responsible for doing the heavy work of production. Relying on your advisers as a team will make your position as the CEO more successful. Scoring goals is great, but our ultimate aim is to win the Stanley Cup of long-term financial success.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60163 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60163-the-business-of-agriculture-who-is-on-your-team audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60349 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:23:48 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60349-september-wasde-report-projects-third-highest-production-for-corn-on-record rgraham@svlaw.ca Many farming arrangements rest on handshake deals, wherein two people essentially trust in one another’s word. When stakes are fairly low and flexibility is paramount, unwritten handshake deals can be a helpful tool. However, when farmers are investing money, time and other resources of considerable value in a farm operation, reliance on a handshake can sometimes prove to be a costly error. Many farming arrangements rest on handshake deals, wherein two people essentially trust in one another’s word. When stakes are fairly low and flexibility is paramount, unwritten handshake deals can be a helpful tool. However, when farmers are investing money, time and other resources of considerable value in a farm operation, reliance on a handshake can sometimes prove to be a costly error.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60148 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60148-go-beyond-the-handshake-get-farming-contracts-in-writing Finance_-_Getty.jpeg Man using calculator Accounting Calculating Cost Economic bills with money stack step growing growth saving money in home , finance concept 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 AgriStability is one of the mainstays of BRM programs. Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) ­– a five-year agreement and multibillion-dollar pledge among the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agri‐food sector – some changes have been introduced to enhance the program. AgriStability is one of the mainstays of BRM programs. Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) ­– a five-year agreement and multibillion-dollar pledge among the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agri‐food sector – some changes have been introduced to enhance the program.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59797 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59797-changes-to-business-risk-management-programs-under-sustainable-cap 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 mverwey@bdo.ca We spend a lot of time talking about properly saving and investing money to ensure a happy retirement, but if you are not investing in your own health, what good is monetary wealth? We spend a lot of time talking about properly saving and investing money to ensure a happy retirement, but if you are not investing in your own health, what good is monetary wealth?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59855 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59855-three-ratios-to-improve-your-dairys-financial-fitness 59855-verway-exercise.jpg audrey@agproud.com The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs. The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60033 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:31:18 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60033-lower-milk-output-per-cow-offsets-higher-cow-inventories chris@centraldairysolutions.ca The average farm size in Canada is now 100 cows. Many companies of this size would have a team of executives to run the company – someone for finance, another for human resources and operations, and a chief executive officer (CEO) who oversees the whole operation. The average farm size in Canada is now 100 cows. Many companies of this size would have a team of executives to run the company – someone for finance, another for human resources and operations, and a chief executive officer (CEO) who oversees the whole operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59853 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59853-the-business-of-agriculture-are-you-the-ceo elaine@elainefroese.com If the story you tell yourself suggests it’s nobody’s business how you spend your money, ask yourself how you got there and why it has to be like that. I hope you would agree with me that the emotional factors around money affect the farm transition process. If the story you tell yourself suggests it’s nobody’s business how you spend your money, ask yourself how you got there and why it has to be like that. I hope you would agree with me that the emotional factors around money affect the farm transition process.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59724 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59724-improve-financial-transparency-with-your-farm-family-team Finance_-_Getty.jpeg Man using calculator Accounting Calculating Cost Economic bills with money stack step growing growth saving money in home , finance concept chris@centraldairysolutions.ca Extra revenue is great, but remember to weigh changes in expenses between alternative plans. Extra revenue is great, but remember to weigh changes in expenses between alternative plans.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59672 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59672-should-you-chase-incentive-days Finance_-_Getty.jpeg Man using calculator Accounting Calculating Cost Economic bills with money stack step growing growth saving money in home , finance concept