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Taking dairy wastewater to the irrigation pivot, via wetlands

Many Alberta dairy farms rely on irrigation water to grow feed crops to sustain their cattle herds, but drought and…

By Mark Halsall ● 7 min read ● Published: August 11, 2025

Why digital dermatitis never really leaves the dairy herd

Digital dermatitis can be a painful disease for dairy cow hooves and once it is in a dairy herd, it…

By Amir Nejati ● 3 min read ● Published: August 11, 2025

Dairy calf health genetic tool launches Aug. 12

Canadian dairy armers can select for calves which better resist respiratory problems and diarrhea with a new tool from Lactanet…

By Hannah Sweett and Colin Lynch ● 5 min read ● Published: August 11, 2025

Improving forage quality

Increasing forage feed efficacy and harvesting efficiency through better management and quality assessment improves nutrition and minimizes waste.

By Diana Martin ● 5 min read ● Published: January 10, 2025

Uhr, Goodwill Ontario representatives at European Young Breeders School

Nadia Uhr and Robert Goodwill, two young Ontario dairy farmers, made the recent trip to Belgium for European Young Breeders…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: August 11, 2025

Dairy researchers identifying risk factors for post-partum inflammation

Cornell University team working to perfect on-farm test for cows at high-risk of post-calving abnormal inflammation.

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: July 28, 2025

U.S. complaints about protectionist Canadian dairy policy hypocritical, report argues

Despite criticisms of Canadian dairy policy, the American dairy industry has many of the same protectionist tendencies Canada does, writes…

By Jonah Grignon ● 2 min read ● Published: July 28, 2025

AgSenze automated body condition scoring can catch disease earlier

AgSenze has developed an automated body condition scoring camera for dairy cows which shows when a cow could be losing…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: July 29, 2025

What numbers define dairy cow lameness?

Lesion patterns, monthly locomotion scoring and incidence rates are measurable and recordable data for dairy farmers to record around lameness…

By Amir Nejati ● 3 min read ● Published: January 27, 2025

Dry hay can help with dairy transition

Hay fed to dairy cows for a couple of days after calving can help those that have health issues. Cows…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: May 6, 2024

VIDEO: British company Antler Bio brings epigenetics to dairy farms

British company Antler Bio is bringing epigenetics to dairy farms using blood tests help tie how management is meeting the…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: July 17, 2025

Canada and New Zealand resolve dairy trade dispute, Canada says

Canada and New Zealand have reached a “mutually satisfactory” resolution to a long-running dispute over access for dairy products, the…

By Ismail Shakil, Lucy Craymer, Reuters ● 1 min read ● Published: July 18, 2025

Big May jump in butter consumption drove increase in butterfat demand

A big May jump in butter consumption in Canada drove increase in butterfat demand.

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: July 13, 2025

Hoenhorst Farms combines Breakfast on the Farm with centenary celebration

Hoenhorst Farms was the host for the June 14, 2025 Breakfast on the Farm event from Farm and Food Care…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: July 3, 2025

Basket rakes make top-quality windrows

Boxy, clean windrows help make better hay bales and a basket rake excels in those areas, says Bart Elder of…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: July 7, 2025

Gay Lea Foods sells Grober Nutrition business

Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited announced June 24 it has entered into an agreement to sell Cambridge, Ont.-based animal nutrition…

By Farmtario Staff ● 1 min read ● Published: June 26, 2025

Research from University of Guelph recognized at global dairy science conference

Dairy at Guelph researchers and students won numerous awards during the recent American Dairy Science Association’s annual meeting.

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: July 7, 2025

Saputo dairy welfare program hits 10 years

The Saputo dairy welfare program at the Ontario Veterinary College hits 10 years old. It is continuing to fund the…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: June 30, 2025

Olortine Avenger Design becomes newest $1 million cow

Olortine Avenger Design was sold for $1 million as the the top selling cow in the 2025 International Intrigue sale.

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: July 3, 2025

Canadian students’ off-grid invention poised to transform milk safety in East Africa

An innovative off-grid pasteurization tool for farmers in East Africa developed by University of Waterloo students is gaining international attention.

By Lilian Schaer ● 4 min read ● Published: June 26, 2025

Dairy cow heat stress affects almost 40 per cent of days

Quebec research shows the index for heat and humidity hits threshold more days than expected for dairy cows resulting in…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: June 23, 2025

Bovine tuberculosis found in Manitoba

A dairy farm in south-central Manitoba has been declared infected with bovine tuberculosis after samples from a cow tested positive…

By Alexis Stockford ● 2 min read ● Published: June 16, 2025

Canadian milk requirements down in April 2025 compared to March

Canadian demand for milk from processors continues to run more than four per cent higher than 2024, but requirements were…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: June 16, 2025

The five-minute tricks to identify good dry matter intake in dairy cows

Checking the animals’ condition, and a quick look at the ration, can tell the story of the dry matter intake…

By Peter Vitti ● 4 min read ● Published: June 10, 2025

Why isn’t your footbath stopping digital dermatitis?

Design and herd management are important to avoid failures of dairy farm footbaths.

By Amir Nejati ● 4 min read ● Published: June 10, 2025

Calf health index creates option to select for diarrhea and respiratory disease resistance

A new Canadian calf health index will help farmers reduce diarrhea and respiratory disease in calves through breeding.

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: January 1, 1970

Replacing cows sooner best for welfare and profit, says Dairy Comp 305 co-founder

Steve Eicker, founder of DairyComp 305, long-used dairy management software, says the data shows that earlier culling of older cows…

By Piper Whelan ● 4 min read ● Published: June 2, 2025

Managing through a dairy barn retrofit

Dave Fortier and Sophie Bédard found that human factors were the most challenging part of a major dairy barn renovation…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 4 min read ● Published: May 12, 2025

Butter stocks increase in March Canadian dairy markets report

Butter stocks continue to rise in Canada, reports the Canadian Dairy Commission in its March 2025 report. Dairy consumption is…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: May 26, 2025

Bolus-based sensor companies aim to make dairy cow monitoring smarter

Companies that monitor cattle with boluses in their stomachs are expanding the illnesses they can diagnose as algorithms learn.

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: April 14, 2025

Dairy defends against provincial trade barrier criticism

There’s disagreement on whether Canada’s supply management system for dairy is or is not a barrier for interprovincial trade.

By Jeff Melchior ● 5 min read ● Published: April 30, 2025

Avian influenza not going away, says professor

Canadian dairy farmers need to be prepared for an outbreak of avian influenza at some point as more than 1,000…

By Piper Whelan ● 4 min read ● Published: May 12, 2025

Knowledge gaps limit dairy-beef production profitability

How to feed early-weaned dairy-beef calves is one area being addressed by University of Guelph researcher Michael Steele.

By Piper Whelan ● 3 min read ● Published: April 29, 2025

Broeders Farm Equipment brings Sitrex TMR mixer to Canada

Broeders Farm Equipment brings Sitrex TMR mixer to Canada. The Italian company has 50 years of experience in total mixed…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: April 29, 2025

Ontario dairy farmers look to Europe for smarter feeding

A trip by the Canadian Progressive Dairy Operators to EuroTier sees that precision technologies are scaling to larger farms.

By Melanie Epp ● 5 min read ● Published: April 29, 2025

Consumer engagement crucial in changing dairy marketplace

Consumers have difficulty answering basic questions about farm production, which is an opportunty for engagement, said University of Guelph professor…

By Piper Whelan ● 4 min read ● Published: March 31, 2025

Lucas G brings new robotic feeder to Canada

Lucas G is bringing its automated feeding system to Canadian dairy farms. Its system uses a feed kitchen, stationary mixer…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: April 17, 2025

VIDEO: Highline brings its self-propelled TMR mixer to Ontario

Highline Manufacturing from Saskatchewan is bringing its self-propelled TMR mixer to Ontario.

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: April 17, 2025

Canadian Dairy Xpo 2025 captures innovation in the dairy industry

More than 17,000 attended the annual Canadian Dairy Xpo trade show event in Stratford, Ontario in 2025.

By Sarah McGoldrick ● 2 min read ● Published: April 14, 2025

Canadian Dairy XPO: Stress-free hoof trimming environment good for cows and people

Hoof trimming chutes were a new demonstration at the Canadian Dairy Xpo in 2025.

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: April 4, 2025

At Canadian Dairy XPO Calves for a Cause farmers open wallets for great cattle and to help kids

Calves for a Cause 2025 raises funds for the Children’s Health Foundation in London. The event is hosted by the…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: April 2, 2025

VIDEO: Culture keeps farmers coming back to the Canadian Dairy Xpo

The Canadian Dairy Xpo emphasizes youth and industry connections at its show, which founder Jordon Underhill says is one of…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: April 4, 2025

VIDEO: Weidemann unveils new telescopic wheel loader at Canadian Dairy XPO

German agriculture equipment dealer Weidemann used the Canadian Dairy XPO as an opportunity to unveil the company’s newest wheel loader,…

By Sarah McGoldrick ● 1 min read ● Published: April 3, 2025

Canadian Dairy XPO: What to know before you go

The Canadian Dairy Xpo runs April 2 and 3, 2025 at the Rotary Complex in Stratford, Ontario. Here’s how to…

By Sarah McGoldrick ● 3 min read ● Published: March 14, 2025

CATTLEytics creates artificial intelligence system to write dairy protocols

The CATTLEytics ariticial intelligence system writes dairy farm protocols - but make sure to check them, says Shari van de…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: March 17, 2025

Calves For A Cause returns to Canadian Dairy XPO 2025

Calves for a Cause at the Canadian Dairy Xpo is a popular heifer, embryo and semen auction raises funds for…

By Sarah McGoldrick ● 2 min read ● Published: March 24, 2025

Canadian Dairy XPO to bring industry together in spirit of patriotism and focus on growth

The Canadian Dairy Xpo bring together the latest in the dairy sector in Canada, featuring innovation and youth programming April…

By Sarah McGoldrick ● 3 min read ● Published: March 14, 2025

Herds eliminating feed pellets in milking robots

Updated March 12, 2025 Feeding cows to entice them to visit milking robots has been a best practice since cows…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: February 11, 2025

Dairy LPI gets last minute updates

The dairy Lifetime Performance Index will be updated April 1 and includes some changes in trait weighting, including milk production…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: March 3, 2025

Bird flu finds fertile ground in dairy mammary cells: study

A U.S. study reveals that the avian flu clade that has infected dairy herds throughout the country affects dairy cows…

By Jeff Melchior ● 5 min read ● Published: February 24, 2025

Essential nutrients build strong, healthy hooves

The health and integrity of a cow's hoof are critical for its overall well-being, productivity, and profitability. Inside every cow’s…

By Amir Nejati ● 4 min read ● Published: February 11, 2025

Dairy producers, researcher weigh in on how to increase longevity

Building longevity in dairy herds doesn’t have a sure-fire formula, however, production, fertility and replacement rate using a cow-specific metric…

By Diana Martin ● 6 min read ● Published: February 24, 2025

Watch dairy heifers grow on well-balanced diets

I have balanced many dairy heifer replacement diets in the last few months. It’s a pretty easy exercise, once I…

By Peter Vitti ● 4 min read ● Published: February 17, 2025

USDA detects a second bird flu strain in dairy cattle, agency email says

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has detected a bird flu strain in dairy cattle that previously had not been seen…

By Leah Douglas, Reuters ● 1 min read ● Published: February 5, 2025

Top tips for successful dairy calf weaning

Dairy calves weaned gradually are more likely to have greater gain, more feed consumption and fewer health issues than those…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: January 24, 2025

Dear Dairy Diary - SARA in lactating dairy cows

Dear Dairy Diary - June 24, 2024.I received a call from dairy producer that milks about 200 dairy cows. Several…

By Peter Vitti ● 4 min read ● Published: January 14, 2025

Dairy farmers preparing for Trump challenges on trade

Mark Hamel was re-elected as chair of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Other topics at the DFO annual meeting included…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: January 22, 2025

Farm building costs could rise on code changes

Costs to erect modern-scaled farm buildings in Ontario could increase in 2025 due to planned updates of national codes regulating…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: November 7, 2024

Butterfat levels rise on dairy farms across Canada

Canadian dairy farmers continue to increase the butterfat levels in the milk they produce, which has helped decrease the surplus…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: January 20, 2025

Dairy Farmers of Ontario marks 60 years

Dairy Farmers of Ontario kicked off its 60th anniversary year at the organization's annual general meeting, held January 14 to 16 in Toronto. DFO…

By Kristy Nudds ● 2 min read ● Published: January 16, 2025

Eye Breed technology helps with inseminator shortage

Glacier FarmMedia - In the summer of 2024, a visit to the Grégoire Fortin Farm in Charlevoix, QC was an…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 2 min read ● Published: January 6, 2025

Claynook open house showcases new cross-ventilated barn

Claynook farm produces elite dairy cattle in a new barn that features cross-ventilation and robot milking.

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: December 16, 2024

Tim May talks about mental health priorities on the farm

Ontario dairy farmer Tim May says the relationship between farmers and their livestock is sometimes misunderstood.

By Jonah Grignon ● 4 min read ● Published: December 16, 2024

Dairy calf colostrum critical for immunity and energy

Calves moving into the dairy-beef stream need milk or milk replacer during transportation stops

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: December 2, 2024

Ontario dairies among award-winners for reproductive excellence

Being consistent with feed and milking every day helps keep cows healthy and reproducing efficiently, winners of the Dairy Cattle…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: December 16, 2024

OPINION: Supply management: a system that works

Former Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal writes that supply management is a proven system that…

By Jeff Leal ● 3 min read ● Published: December 19, 2024

EuroTier 2024 tech addresses major livestock challenges

Technology at EuroTier 2024 in Hanover, Germany focused on major trends, including animal health and welfare, emissions reduction, and improved…

By Melanie Epp ● 5 min read ● Published: December 5, 2024

COMMENT: Bovaer is added to cow feed to reduce methane emissions. Does it get into milk and meat? Is it harmful for humans?

There has been an enormous amount of misinformation about the safety of 3-NOP, with some labelling milk from herds fed…

By Ian Musgrave, The Conversation via Reuters Connect ● 5 min read ● Published: December 9, 2024

Build bigger value for cull dairy cows

Dairy cows being sent for meat could be of higher value and healthier if they are fed for up to…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: November 18, 2024

Calf monitoring is next dairy tech frontier

Calf monitoring ear tags are creating more data to help manage health on dairy farms, enabled by artificial intelligence, as…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: November 7, 2024

Seven steps to a successful hoof trimming program

Hoof trimming is a critical, yet often underestimated aspect of dairy cow management. Lameness, primarily caused by claw lesions, remains…

By Amir Nejati ● 4 min read ● Published: October 14, 2024

McDonald’s to pay U.S. farmers for feed efficient Enogen corn use

McDonald’s is paying 0.4 cents per animal per day, to farms that use Syngenta’s feed efficient Enogen trait, to help…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: November 14, 2024

Shakira’s crown slips, but her genetics don’t lie

Shakira captured the black and white Holstein Longtime Production 70,000 + kg class at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair but…

By Diana Martin ● 3 min read ● Published: November 13, 2024

Managing older cows

Demand for beef from dairy cows and expensive replacement heifers mean there’s economic incentive to understand how dairy cows age.

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: November 4, 2024

Jeffrey-Way Hard Rock Twigs wins Royal Supreme Champion

Jeffrey-Way Hard Rock Twigs won her second of North America’s major dairy show championships when she took the Royal Agricultural…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: November 11, 2024

Dairy farm milk price drops for 2025

The Canadian Dairy Commission set the farm-gate price for milk in 2025 at 0.0237 per cent lower than in 2024.

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: November 1, 2024

Calf care, vaccination automation winners at Eurotier 2024

Calf care data and vaccination automation are technologies which won awards at Eurotier 2024 from November 12 to 15.

By John Greig ● 6 min read ● Published: October 28, 2024

US to begin bulk milk testing for bird flu after push from industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon begin testing bulk raw milk across the country for bird flu, a significant…

By Leah Douglas, Reuters ● 4 min read ● Published: October 31, 2024

New tool helps prevent spoilage in silage

It's always fun to see new products at the Canada's Outdoor Farm Show site, especially when their inventor is on-hand…

By Greg Berg ● 1 min read ● Published: October 11, 2024

What it’s like dealing with avian influenza on a dairy farm

Avian influenza infections on dairy farms in the United States are difficult, as heard from dairy farmers at the World…

By John Greig ● 5 min read ● Published: October 21, 2024

Canada Royal Milk ready to appeal to mainstream moms

Canada Royal Milk is ramping up production at its new processing facility on the outskirts of Kingston with an aim…

By Stew Slater ● 9 min read ● Published: October 18, 2024

Supply management bill moves slowly through Senate

Clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-282 in the Senate is not expected until November, after the Bloc Quebecois deadline for triggering…

By Karen Briere ● 4 min read ● Published: October 18, 2024

Dairy beef changes dairy management, beef market

The rapid rise in beef cattle prices has driven inflation and fundamental change in the dairy sector. Similar to the…

By John Greig ● 6 min read ● Published: October 11, 2024

World Dairy Expo 2024: Final wrap up

It’s the final day of the World Dairy Expo 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin and John Greig, Glacier FarmMedia’s senior livestock…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: October 6, 2024

Opportunity in global milk market in next decade

At World Dairy Expo 2024 Rabobank dairy experts spoke about the decline in milk production in Europe and New Zealand,…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: October 4, 2024

World Dairy Expo 2024: Paul Larmer international person of the year

Paul Larmer retired as CEO of Semex, the Canadian dairy genetics company in early 2024. He was recently named the…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: October 3, 2024

Research quantifies genetic component of ‘crampy’ disorder

It's hoped that continued research can lead to a genetic selection tool for the "crampy" condition in dairy cattle.

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: September 9, 2024

VIDEO: Tool to manage ketosis wins Ontario company farm show innovation award

Giving cows a propylene drench to treat ketosis can be challenging and physically demanding for humans and risky for the…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: September 23, 2024

U.S. farmers’ testing refusal skews bird flu count

The U.S. avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle is much larger than official figures suggest, due to farmers' reluctance to…

By Kristy Nudds ● 3 min read ● Published: September 25, 2024

Dairy Farmers of Ontario appoints three new board members

Three members were appointed to the Dairy Farmers of Ontario board of directors by acclamation at the organization's regular board…

By Farmtario Staff ● 1 min read ● Published: September 27, 2024

World Dairy Expo 2024: Wednesday Oct. 2 wrap up

The avian influenza outbreak in U.S. dairy cows is influencing the largest dairy trade show in the world. At the…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: October 3, 2024

World Dairy Expo 2024: Thursday Oct. 3 wrap up

Glacier FarmMedia's Senior Livestock Editor John Greig is at World Dairy Expo 2024. In this video update, he talks about:…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: October 4, 2024

Moo to Do streamlines on-farm tasks for staff

The Moo to Do system is a staff scheduling module for dairy operations created by CATTLElytics.

By Jonah Grignon ● 1 min read ● Published: September 23, 2024

Labour savings only the beginning with automated calf feeders

Labour savings are the main reason dairy and veal producers express interest in automated calf feeding systems. But once installed,…

By Stew Slater ● 2 min read ● Published: September 13, 2024

CFIA cautions against taking cattle to U.S. shows as bird flu outbreak continues

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends that farmers do not take dairy or beef cattle to shows or agricultural exhibitions…

By Geralyn Wichers ● 2 min read ● Published: September 16, 2024

Amazing biology, but there’s also risk in bovine hooves

The intricate structure of cow hooves is a marvel of biological engineering but also a potential point of failure under…

By Amir Nejati ● 4 min read ● Published: August 6, 2024

World Dairy Expo 2024 opens soon

The World Dairy Expo starts this weekend, with the International Junior Holstein Show, fitting contests and intercollegiate and international judging…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: September 27, 2024

Bird flu spreads to California dairy cows

Cows at three dairy farms in California tested positive for H5N1 bird flu at the end of August, marking an…

By Phil Franz-Warkentin - MarketsFarm ● 1 min read ● Published: September 5, 2024

How dairy nutrition can lead the sustainability charge

Dairy emissions of greenhouse gases could be reduced by 60 per cent in the coming years just from nutrition strategy…

By Farmtario Staff ● 3 min read ● Published: September 2, 2024

Bowers receives Dairy Industry Distinction Award

Jersey cow breeder Gary Bowers is the 2024 recipient of the Lactanet Canada Dairy Cattle Improvement Industry Distinction Award.

By Kristy Nudds ● 2 min read ● Published: September 9, 2024

Western milk concentration plant closer to completion

Glacier FarmMedia - A first in Canada new milk concentration plant will reduce transportation costs for dairy farmers in western…

By Jeff Melchior ● 4 min read ● Published: September 2, 2024

CFIA adds requirements for cattle returning from U.S. due to bird flu

Cattle returning from the U.S. after a stay of less than 60 days will require additional certification as bird flu…

By Geralyn Wichers ● 1 min read ● Published: August 26, 2024

Thirst for ‘climate- friendly’ Ecomilk tested

A small dairy in the Australian state of Tasmania is stocking supermarket shelves with what it says is the world's…

By Reuters ● 2 min read ● Published: August 23, 2024

Owner-sampled dairy cattle herds will see earlier genetic evaluations

More dairy cows in Canada may have the potential to achieve top-rated status in publicly released genetic rankings, thanks to…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: July 8, 2024

Why group calf housing continues to grow

More dairy farms are turning to group housing. In this second article on housing young calves, how group housing is…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 3 min read ● Published: August 19, 2024

Preventing the introduction of BVD

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) infection is typically introduced to a herd with the arrival of a persistently infected (PI) animal—a…

By Andrea Bajus ● 4 min read ● Published: July 30, 2024

Dairy cows need to be optimized for resting time

The message often conveyed in terms of animal welfare is that dairy cows need to be given more resting time.…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 2 min read ● Published: August 12, 2024

Managing cross ventilation with the right baffles

After a summer in their new barn with cross ventilation, Mathieu Larose and Nancy Clouâtre of Ferme Laroselait in Verchères…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 2 min read ● Published: August 12, 2024

Genetic analysis confirms stable flies as mastitis vector

New genetic sequencing research shows that stable flies carry pathogenic bacteria associated with mastitis. Petri dish research is now supplemented…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: July 22, 2024

Lameness stagnation: Why hoof health issues persist in dairy cattle

Lameness is a complex condition influenced by a diverse array of intertwined factors, from cow-level elements to environmental conditions and…

By Amir Nejati ● 4 min read ● Published: June 24, 2024

Strategic use of chelated trace minerals in dairy rations makes sense

In the last couple of years I have noticed that most dairy lactation diets contain a fortified level of chelated…

By Peter Vitti ● 4 min read ● Published: August 6, 2024

Strategically feed the robot

Feeding cows that are milked with a robot is more complicated than you think. It is not enough to add…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 6 min read ● Published: June 24, 2024

Cattle Scan’s bolus system wins pitch competition

It took five minutes for ag-tech startup founder Denis Tokarev to secure a $10,000 prize at a recent “pitch competition”…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: July 1, 2024

Producers can achieve maximum use from their vaccines

Cattle producers spend a lot of time deciding which vaccine to use, getting the timing right and applying it the…

By Roy Lewis, DVM ● 3 min read ● Published: July 12, 2024

Canadian genomic option coming for non-herdbook dairy breeders

Canadian dairy breeders may be able to acquire genomic evaluations within Canada later this year for domestically bred cows not…

By Stew Slater ● 1 min read ● Published: July 8, 2024

Starbucks sweetens pot for FCC sustainability program

Starbucks has joined Farm Credit Canada in its Dairy Sustainability Incentive Program, which offers Canadian dairy farmers interest rate rebates…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: June 4, 2024

How dairy testing for avian influenza works in the U.S.

States in the U.S. are playing a key role in the nation’s response to a growing outbreak of avian flu…

By Leah Douglas and P.J. Huffstutter ● 3 min read ● Published: July 15, 2024

Europe’s manure mathematics frustrate farmers

Trucking manure is part of the strange nitrogen mathematics used in Europe as it attempts to balance nutrient use and…

By John Greig ● 5 min read ● Published: June 28, 2024

Top genetics shouldn’t change much under modernized LPI

The emphasis given to production and health characteristics will change in a proposed new Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) for Canadian…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: June 17, 2024

Dutch farmer separates nitrogen from manure to fertilize crops

Ton Groot Roessink milks about 200 cows near Baak, using robots, automated feeding and automated manure cleaning. Manure from the…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: June 28, 2024

Moisture management is key in compost-pack barns

Compost bedding packs that get too wet can be bad news and result in problems with slower composting, milk quality…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: May 27, 2024

Good early-lactation nutrition cuts risk of cystic ovaries

Glacier FarmMedia - Most producers usually wait until estrus appears in a dairy cow at 60-70 days postpartum, then place…

By Peter Vitti ● 4 min read ● Published: June 17, 2024

Trouw targets dry matter accuracy of dairy feeding with new app

Accurately tracking dry matter intake is critical for dairy farmers, and a new app from Trouw Nutrition aims to make…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: May 29, 2024

New thinking on health of transition cows

New research on transition cows shows that dairy farmers should adjust traditional ways to manage post-calving calcium levels and ketosis.…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: April 17, 2024

Purple coneflower can aid calf immunity

A University of Guelph study shows that feeding purple coneflower to dairy bull calves has positive effect on immunity and…

By Dairy at Guelph ● 2 min read ● Published: June 10, 2024

Make your dairy processes lean and clean

Dairy farmers work through similar processes every day, but taking another look at ordinary tasks can yield significant time and…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: May 13, 2024

Preventing lameness in dairy cattle

Cow comfort is king in the battle against lameness. That’s the opinion of Mark Gerber, Zinpro dairy technical sales and…

By Diana Martin ● 6 min read ● Published: January 29, 2024

Gordon dairy expands operation, and family participation

Four family members were interested in continuing the dairy farm, so the Gordon family had a decision to make. Some…

By John Greig ● 5 min read ● Published: March 8, 2024

AI for AI

The use of artificial intelligence tools in farming is expected to grow quickly in the next five years, automating and…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: March 22, 2024

Shorter dry periods make sense, with caveats

Dairy farmers have given their cows 50 to 60 days off each lactation, but research suggests that a shorter period…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: May 20, 2024

Dairy management changes may offer answers to butterfat equation

Enhancing ventilation may be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase butterfat content in a herd’s milk over the…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: March 27, 2024

Why dairy and not beef?

Recent detection in the United States of a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in dairy cattle is the first instance…

By Stew Slater ● 2 min read ● Published: April 18, 2024

Dairy producers watch for signs of HPAI in cows

Dairy farmers in Canada remain on guard for signs the virus may have turned up in their herds as mandatory…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: May 3, 2024

Diversifying dairy means more than milking

Farmers who diversify their dairy operations can make it work with luck, great planning and a willingness to take risks.…

By John Greig ● 6 min read ● Published: May 13, 2024

Lactanet partners with Angus group for beef-on-dairy genetics

Lactanet is working with a U.S.-based Angus association to share genotyping of Angus bulls from Canada, the U.S. and Australia,…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: March 20, 2024

Carrier status for two dairy defects available soon

Lactanet says dairy producers will soon have access to genetic information on tested bulls and females that carry the defect…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: March 27, 2024

Canada expands bird flu surveillance in dairy cattle

The Government of Canada and stakeholders are taking new precautions to help prevent the emergence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza…

By Jeff Melchior ● 1 min read ● Published: May 9, 2024

Three dairies, three approaches: Land and people are the priorities, say dairy farmers

Dairy farmers who want to expand must first get land and people in place. That was a common theme from…

By John Greig ● 5 min read ● Published: March 15, 2024

Domestic birds host for bovine influenza A virus

Domestic birds that live in and around barns have been confirmed as the avian hosts of an outbreak on dairy…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: April 18, 2024

Calves for a Cause draws crowds, top genetics

The fourth annual Calves for a Cause sale brought together more than 100 lots to raise funds for the London…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: April 9, 2024

Avian influenza detected in U.S. dairy cattle

Chicago | Reuters— Samples of milk collected from sick cattle in Kansas and Texas tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, but…

By Tom Polansek ● 3 min read ● Published: March 25, 2024

No simple solutions for SNF surplus

Effective solutions for dealing with the surplus of solids-not-fat (SNF) in the Canadian dairy processing sector will not be simple…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: March 7, 2024

Effects of wet corn growing season harm feed quantity, quality

As dairy farmers in Ontario and Quebec work through winter stocks of corn silage, a number of weather-related factors from…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: March 11, 2024

Dairy wages lag other farms

Dairy farmers continue to increase wages paid to employees, but the rate isn’t keeping up with other agriculture sectors. A…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: March 1, 2024

Batch milking combines parlour facility with automation of robots

A new concept in dairy equipment management brings the automation and data of robotic milking to a milking parlour orientation.…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: February 27, 2024

Lochdale Holsteins third in Lactanet dairy performance awards

An Ontario farm had the third highest dairy herd performance index in Lactanet’s annual national awards. Lochdale Holsteins, of Alexandria,…

By John Greig ● 2 min read ● Published: February 21, 2024

Extended colostrum feeding can improve calf health

This was first published by Dairy at Guelph. Feeding enough high-quality colostrum soon after birth is critical for calf health…

By ● 3 min read ● Published: February 5, 2024

First-of-its-kind cattle methane limiter approved for Canada

Glacier FarmMedia – A feed ingredient designed to reduce methane emissions in beef and dairy cattle can now be used…

By Jeff Melchior ● 3 min read ● Published: February 21, 2024

Milk data project brings field and barn numbers together

Two large industry players have come together to create a way for dairy farmers to consolidate data across their entire…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: December 21, 2023

Paul Larmer – the retirement interview

Paul Larmer retired as chief executive officer of the Semex Alliance on Dec. 31, after growing a farmer-owned Canadian company…

By John Greig ● 8 min read ● Published: January 9, 2024

Cull cow protocol usage could be improved

This was first published by Dairy at Guelph. Ontario dairy farmers must regularly remove animals from their herd by culling.…

By Joanne Marshall ● 2 min read ● Published: December 4, 2023

Many factors affect milk frothing problem

A frothy problem identified by Starbucks baristas in British Columbia does not have a simple solution. Elevated levels of free…

By John Greig ● 3 min read ● Published: November 29, 2023

Ontario dairy start-ups win big in New York State

Two Ontario-based dairy start-ups were recently named among the winners of a prestigious $3 million business competition in New York…

By Lilian Schaer ● 3 min read ● Published: December 29, 2023

Lactanet to publish sexed semen fertility ratings

Canadian dairy farmers will soon have access to fertility ratings for sexed bull semen. Lactanet recently announced it plans to…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: November 30, 2023

Methane breeding tool’s developers look to long-term adoption

Uptake by Canadian dairy producers of a new breeding tool aimed at decreasing their herd’s methane emissions hasn’t been overwhelming,…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: November 1, 2023

Lactanet embarks on LPI modernization process

A long-standing tool for predicting the milk production performance of dairy cattle daughters will be “modernized” to make it more…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: November 21, 2023

Taking the human out of dairy cow classification

A Canadian start-up company says results from its artificial intelligence-based classification of dairy cows come within two per cent of…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: November 22, 2023

Cows managed precisely in new robot milking barn

A change in generations mean the building of a new barn, robotic milking and new way of working at Ferme…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 3 min read ● Published: November 6, 2023

A Canadian option for managing dairy data

CATTLEytics is creating a dairy data software program designed to streamline barn management regardless of operation size. Data is generated…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: October 24, 2023

System delivers suite of dairy data every 2.2 seconds

A new technology from dairy equipment company DeLaval helps monitor in-barn cow behaviour, with updates every 2.2 seconds. The company…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: October 6, 2023

New players find way into dairy genetics markets

New service providers and technology allow some large dairy farmers to sell genetics from their own bulls. Stanton Farms, one…

By John Greig ● 4 min read ● Published: September 11, 2023

Dairy farmers challenged to make tough genomics choices

At Rose Vega Farm near Cambridge, Luke and Kelly Donkers agree that emotion sometimes creeps its way into dairy breeding…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: October 5, 2023

New dairy innovations featured at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

Dairy business leaders’ perception of what consumers expect of Canadian farmers is driving information technology innovation in the sector. The…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: September 13, 2023

Dairy farmer eager to see results of low-methane breeding decisions

Reuters -- When dairy farmer Ben Loewith's calves are born next spring, they will be among the first in the…

By Rod Nickel ● 4 min read ● Published: September 27, 2023

New Lactanet breeding index tackles methane emissions

Aworld-leading approach to creating a methane-specific breeding index has been developed by Lactanet and will launch next month. Not content…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: March 29, 2023

Monitoring dairy cows' water use has benefits

Small changes can pay big dividends in water use on dairy farms, both financially and in preserving water quality and…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: July 19, 2023

Maintain vigilance to prevent silo gas exposure

The mid-range weather forecast shows continued occasional rains through September in Ontario, so the risk of elevated nitrates in harvested…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: August 24, 2023

New additive touted for feed efficiency, solids-not-fat control

Calgary-based feed additive innovator CBS Bio Platforms is trumpeting the feed efficiency benefits of its newly released Optimax E enzyme-based…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: August 25, 2023

Reducing dairy methane starts with feed

Feeding strategies can play an important role in helping dairy farmers in Canada achieve the goal of becoming carbon neutral…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 3 min read ● Published: July 18, 2023

U.S. researchers uncover emerging Holstein genetic defect

The North American dairy breeding sector is providing early-stage advice to protect herds against a newly discovered and potentially fatal…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: June 6, 2023

Bottle-fed bulls can grow up to be mean

Glacier FarmMedia – Livestock producers inadvertently put themselves and others in harm’s way by failing to realize the dangers of…

By William DeKay ● 5 min read ● Published: June 20, 2023

New research will look at dairy welfare and technology

A new research collaboration at McGill University and the University of Quebec in Montreal will explore the role of artificial…

By Stew Slater ● 2 min read ● Published: June 5, 2023

Ronbeth Holsteins mark 17 generations VG or EX

Breeding acumen through collection of four Master Breeder shields from Holstein Canada is evident in a Hastings-area dairy farm, which…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: April 26, 2023

Researcher calls for stronger focus on shipping healthy calves

Examining all calves before transport and following the same nutrition and care protocols for male and female newborns could improve…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: January 30, 2023

Livestock producers must watch for zoonotic diseases

Cryptosporidia and giardia are two intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea in people and calves. These parasites are single-celled organisms…

By John Campbell ● 4 min read ● Published: March 14, 2023

Salmonella Dublin poses serious risks in cattle and humans

For cattle farmers who see a spike in calf mortality but not the typical diarrhea that accompanies common bacterial infections,…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: February 2, 2023

Ontario farm Canada’s third-best-managed dairy herd

[UPDATED: Feb. 24, 2023] Stewardson Dairy Inc. of Thedford, Ont., has been named Canada’s third best-managed dairy herd by Lactanet.…

By Farmtario Staff ● 2 min read ● Published: February 23, 2023

Dairy industry makes strides in sustainability and GHG mitigation

North American dairy production is reducing its impact on the climate while maximizing production through genetics, technology and data-driven decisions. …

By Diana Martin ● 4 min read ● Published: November 4, 2022

Semex to offer methane index for Elevate users this April

Semex is introducing a genetic solution that it says can reduce methane emissions 20 to 30 per cent by 2050.…

By Farmtario Staff ● 1 min read ● Published: January 18, 2023

Turning dairy into beef: Shaking up supply chains

The revolutionary ramifications of breeding beef genetics to dairy cows are remaking supply chains. That brings new opportunities and challenges.…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: October 17, 2022

Improving immunity in dairy cows

Nitric oxide levels in cows have a significant impact on their immunity. Researchers have shown that two per cent of…

By John Greig ● 1 min read ● Published: October 11, 2022

A virtual tour of Comestar Farm

Of all the dairy farms in Quebec, Comestar Holstein in Victoriaville is the most recognized throughout the world. Today, with…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 2 min read ● Published: March 26, 2023

Woolwich dairy farm bids “adieu” to memory of devastating fire

Stacy Frey received some sage advice while surveying the smoky remains of the Adieu Farm dairy barn fire on July…

By Diana Martin ● 6 min read ● Published: April 1, 2022

Cow mattress has cooling potential

Holstein heifers at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) had the comfort of new waterbeds which, according to manufacturer Bioret, allow…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: October 14, 2022

Every detail counts at Nieuwenhof farm

At Nieuwenhof farm, the attention is on the details. This is particularly the case for dry cows which are housed…

By Marie-Josée Parent ● 5 min read ● Published: March 30, 2023

Ambitious plan aims to add 300 biodigesters

A co-operative-style company founded by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) vice-chair Nick Thurler has taken its first step toward a…

By Stew Slater ● 5 min read ● Published: September 23, 2022

Charting the return of silage hybrids

When assessing value in a corn crop, producers’ needs vary according to end uses. For cash croppers, it is measured…

By Ralph Pearce ● 4 min read ● Published: July 6, 2023

Use of robotic milkers continues to grow, but it’s not for everyone

If growth continues in Canadian dairy farmers’ use of robotic milkers, robots will milk half of the national dairy herd…

By Diana Martin ● 5 min read ● Published: March 16, 2023

Traceability, efficiencies and advanced animal welfare top tech development

The third annual World Dairy Expo Tech Spotlight showcased tools to improve on-farm efficiencies, traceability and monitoring. “We know the…

By Diana Martin ● 8 min read ● Published: November 9, 2022

Livestock monitoring start-up targets Ontario market

A western Canadian company specializing in livestock monitoring has increased its offering to farmers as the affordability and effectiveness of…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: October 20, 2022

Get the Vet: Solutions sought to ease farm animal veterinarian shortage

Telemedicine technology could improve access to veterinary care in Ontario’s remote and underserviced areas. The shortage of veterinarians, particularly large…

By Diana Martin ● 5 min read ● Published: December 12, 2022

Bulk tank testing confirms leukosis prevalence on Ontario dairy farms

A project aims to provide producers with an accurate assessment of leukosis risk on their farm and provide assurance that…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: December 1, 2022

Experts challenge understanding of transition dairy cow health

For dairy cows, the transition period — the time between a cow giving birth and beginning to produce milk —…

By Elsevier ● 3 min read ● Published: August 18, 2021

Silage growers urged to protect feed supply from Bt-resistant corn rootworm

Some livestock producers in the U.S. corn belt have had to make a difficult and costly decision. They’ve harvested their…

By Stew Slater ● 7 min read ● Published: January 6, 2023

Transgenic corn touted for dairy feed efficiency

A transgenic corn variety originally developed for the United States ethanol industry is being officially launched by Syngenta in Canada…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: November 24, 2022

Probiotic developed for dairy cattle

Glacier FarmMedia – A breakthrough probiotic has been shown to boost milk production and the reproductive health of dairy cows.…

By Doug Ferguson ● 3 min read ● Published: May 16, 2023

Forage tests reveal harvest, storage information

A recent webinar by Lactanet’s expert in forage production and nutrition offered tips on how to interpret analyses of ensiled…

By Stew Slater ● 8 min read ● Published: May 25, 2023

Researchers work to develop Johne’s vaccine

Glacier FarmMedia – Researchers at the University of Calgary are one step closer to introducing a vaccine that will help…

By Alex McCuaig ● 2 min read ● Published: May 19, 2023

Tackling feed requirements through breeding

Lactanet is introducing its Body Maintenance Requirements (BMR) evaluations for bulls this month as part of its ongoing work to…

By Stew Slater ● 3 min read ● Published: April 11, 2023

Canadian dairy carbon-neutral guidebook released

There are no financial incentives and the adoption of practices isn’t mandatory to continue shipping milk, but Dairy Farmers of…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: April 6, 2023

Lactanet releases new herd reports for A2 milk

There have been more than 100,000 dairy cattle genotyped for the A2 beta casein in milk and that’s allowed geneticists…

By Stew Slater ● 4 min read ● Published: March 7, 2022