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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.