Effective solutions for dealing with the surplus of solids-not-fat (SNF) in the Canadian dairy processing sector will not be simple no matter how big or small the processors are, Université Laval assistant professor Dr. Julien Chamberland told attendees of the recent Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium. Chamberland, the university’s teaching leadership chair in cheese technology, explained […] Read more
Dairy — page 15
No simple solutions for SNF surplus
Dairy wages lag other farms
Survey shows that average labour time per cow continues to drop
Dairy farmers continue to increase wages paid to employees, but the rate isn’t keeping up with other agriculture sectors. A survey is conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Progressive Dairy Operators (PDO) every three years on labour trends in the dairy sector. Why it matters: Labour costs have […] Read more
Batch milking combines parlour facility with automation of robots
The system can save labour and milk large numbers of cows
A new concept in dairy equipment management brings the automation and data of robotic milking to a milking parlour orientation. DeLaval has several installations around the world where cows are herded into a holding area from which they access a group of automated milkers. Why it matters: The company says VMS batch milking is designed […] Read more
Lochdale Holsteins third in Lactanet dairy performance awards
The Alexandria-area farm was the top Ontario herd, with five of the top 10 from the province
An Ontario farm had the third highest dairy herd performance index in Lactanet’s annual national awards. Lochdale Holsteins, of Alexandria, Ont., had a score of 969. The farm is owned by David, Anne Marie and Andrew MacMillan. They milk 78 cows in a pipeline system. Lactanet is the national herd recording and dairy farm data […] Read more
Extended colostrum feeding can improve calf health
Calves fed colostrum for up to 14 days after birth had better weight gain and reduced disease
This was first published by Dairy at Guelph. Feeding enough high-quality colostrum soon after birth is critical for calf health and has long-term effects on their performance. But could there be benefits of feeding colostrum after passive transfer of antibodies is expected to occur? That’s what a recent study by Prof. Michael Steele and MSc. […] Read more
First-of-its-kind cattle methane limiter approved for Canada
Enteric methane emissions from cattle contributes 3.3 per cent of Canada’s total GHG emissions
A feed ingredient designed to reduce methane emissions in beef and dairy cattle has received market authorization in Canada.
Udder health influences kid mortality, milk quality
A veterinarian reviews its importance and how producers can ensure udders stay healthy
Udder challenges such as mastitis are ongoing concerns for dairy and meat goat producers. According to Dr. Rosie Busch from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, healthy udders ensure proper milk production but can also affect meat goat kid performance. Why it matters: Attention to udder health and milking conditions are critical in assessing […] Read more
Preventing lameness in dairy cattle
Experts weigh in on useful strategies
Cow comfort is king in the battle against lameness. That’s the opinion of Mark Gerber, Zinpro dairy technical sales and master trimmer. He was a panelist at the Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Dairy Day held earlier this month, and spoke on the importance of dairy cow hoof health. “If that cow doesn’t have a comfortable […] Read more
Hamel new leader of Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Murray Sherk retires as chair after 12 years on the board of directors
Mark Hamel has been elected the new chair of the board for Dairy Farmers of Ontario. The Bruce County dairy farmer and representative of Region 11 moved up from first vice-president when Murray Sherk stepped down at the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) annual general meeting this week. Sherk, who farms near Plattsville, had been […] Read more
Paul Larmer – the retirement interview
The CEO of the Semex Alliance led the organization during 17 years of growth into a global entity still owned by Canadian dairy farmers
Paul Larmer retired as chief executive officer of the Semex Alliance on Dec. 31, after growing a farmer-owned Canadian company into a leading global player. Over 17 years as CEO, Larmer led the organization to become one of the top five dairy genetics companies in the world, and saw it through dramatic change driven by […] Read more
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