People

Dairy Farmers of Canada: Leading on-farm and working toward a more sustainable future

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In 2026, the United Nations recognizes the International Year of the Woman Farmer. In Canada, women make up approximately 27.4% of farm operators in dairy and milk production, according to Statistics Canada.

3 Open Minutes with recently retired Lactanet Chief Services Officer Brian Van Doormaal

matti@agproud.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Brian Van Doormaal has served the dairy industry for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement in December 2025, Progressive Dairy asked Van Doormaal a few questions about his career and future plans.

Progressive Publishing seeks remote summer intern for Canadian publications

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Agricultural students with training in journalism or communications are invited to apply for Progressive Publishing's 2026 editorial internship program. The deadline for application consideration is Jan. 30, 2026.

3 Open Minutes with NHL rookie Brady Martin

matti@agproud.com — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In the first round of the 2025 National Hockey League draft, the Nashville Predators used the fifth overall pick to select Ontario’s Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds. Martin proudly shares his upbringing on a dairy, hog, chicken, beef and crop operation.

New Hires: Devan Fielding

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Meet Devan Fielding, Dairy Specialist, Grand Valley Fortifiers

New hires: Maggie Faulkner

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Meet Maggie Faulkner, director of business development, Agri-Plastics Group of Companies.

Lessons in grit, grace and change from Katie Coyne

mpayn@causematters.com — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Stress often accompanies change because humans aren’t naturally adept at it. Since change is constant in our business (and lives), it is wise to identify how you can control your reaction to it. Katie Coyne knows this all too well. She is a well-known showmanship judge, owner of Mill Wheel Show Clinics and former Progressive Dairy editor.

Larmer named World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year

jenn@agproud.com — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Sitting in his home office sipping a cup of coffee, Paul Larmer is seemingly common. Unbeknownst to the average person, his influence on the dairy cattle genetics sector of the industry is undeniable. It is for both his remarkable leadership and self-effacing attitude that Larmer is named this year’s World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year.

Progressive Events: Third annual Dairywomen’s Summit encouraged attendees to persevere

dveeneman@inbarn.com — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The third annual Dairywomen’s Summit was held in March by West Coast Robotics, a Lely dealership in Agassiz, British Columbia. Around 125 women participated in the event this year, which is the largest turnout thus far.

Young Leaders of Tomorrow: George Woods

lora@agproud.com — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

"Remember, the future of the dairy industry lies in the hands of passionate and dedicated individuals – embrace your role and stay committed to your goals and visions for the future."—Geordie Woods

Experience and discover: Volunteers drive spring events in Hamilton

katie@agproud.com — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

April will bring the excitement of the National Holstein Convention as well as the Ontario Spring Discovery Show. An active and dedicated group of volunteers have been hard at work as they strive to provide a week of farm tours, fine dining, social events and an elite show with several new competitions.

3 Open Minutes with Jodi Wallace

lora@agproud.com — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Jodi Wallace becomes the first Quebec woman to win the Bovine Practitioner of the Year award for her work with milk quality and calf care.

3 Open Minutes with Doug Blair: Holstein shows from 1906-2023

katie@agproud.com — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Doug Blair shares his knowledge of pedigrees in his book containing information about 117 years of North American Grand Champions.

Progressive Publishing welcomes back Ohirko to Canadian dairy editorial team

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Emma Ohirko rejoins the Progressive Publishing team as full-time editor, following the completion of her master’s degree in publishing studies.

'Overwhelming support': Community rallies around families affected by tragic semi accident

matti@agproud.com — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:33:25 -0400

More than $125,000 has been raised in support of two semi drivers, Tanner Liefting and Brandon Johnson, who lost their lives on Aug. 28 while transporting show cattle from the Western Canadian Classic (WCC) Junior Dairy Show in Brandon, Manitoba, back home to British Columbia.

Jenn Coyne and Katie Coyne join Progressive Publishing’s editorial team

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:53:00 -0400

Progressive Publishing welcomed two new editors to its Progressive Dairy team in August.

Dairy’s next generation: A retired expert offers advice and hope for the future

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:02:08 -0400

After a 40-plus-year career, one expert offers ten reflections on how to succeed in the dairy sector, what challenges lie ahead and areas for growth.

3 Open Minutes with Roger Massicotte

lora@agproud.com — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 20:15:26 -0400

Roger Massicotte is the president of Agropur (since February 2019) and has been a member of Agropur’s board of directors for 16 years, representing the Mauricie-Portneuf region.