A new report from Dalhousie University and the University of Guelph paints a way forward for the dairy sector within supply management. The report, called Supply Management 2.0, calls for four areas of reform of the system that sets production level for farmers in return for guaranteed pricing for milk. Why it matters: Milk is […] Read more
Tag Archives Dairy Cattle — page 18
Report pushes changes within supply management
System needs to better respond to consumer demand and create a long-term plan, report says
Startups focus on dairy data and automation
Several Canadian companies among featured dairy startups
The World Dairy Expo is often the site for the release of numerous dairy technologies. The show was cancelled this year, but that didn’t stop the Expo from supporting a virtual dairy technology showcase, called the Global Dairy Tech Start-Up Spotlight which recently highlighted dairy technology in a virtual forum. Advanced Animal Diagnostics, Cainthus, EIO […] Read more
Comment: Are livestock industries prepared for life after COVID?
Labour, consumer trends, accountability and cross-sector co-operation have to be managed
Are we there yet? Every parent has heard that phrase coming from the backseat. Now, as adults, we are asking that question relative to the pandemic. The end date is unknown, but what can we expect the Ontario livestock sector to look like post-COVID? I heard once that “life can only be understood backward; but […] Read more
Can Canadian dairy outgrow trade deal effects?
At current rates of growth, yes, but it could take six years
Dairy farmers will continue to watch the effects of three trade deals roll out over the next six or more years and the future growth of the sector will depend on whether or not the sector continues its past growth pattern. The most recent is the Canada-U.S. Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) that replaced the NAFTA deal. […] Read more
Dairy weathers unexpected price drop, trade deal implications
There are signs that the dairy market is recovering and butter stocks are low which could support prices
Dairy farms in Canada are likely to return to profitability in 2021, after absorbing a hit to profits from the impact of COVID-19. Sebastien Pouliot, principal agricultural economist at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), says that COVID-19 hit what could have been a decent year for dairy farmers. Why it matters: Dairy farms are a large […] Read more
Canadian start-ups featured at Ag Innovation Showcase
The American event showcased Canadian companies with dairy, lighting, grain sampling and soil sensing products
A number of Canadian agriculture technology start-up companies were in the spotlight at the recent Ag Innovation Showcase. The Canadian government and Protein Industries Canada, one of the country’s five superclusters, were key sponsors of the event again this year. Why it matters: Technology is a key driver of innovation in the agri-food sector, but […] Read more
Heat stress during dry period affects milk production
Effects of heat on mammary system renewal show why cooling matters when cows are dry
Heat stress during dairy cows’ dry period impairs overall mammary gland turnover during that period and that results in lower milk production and productivity in the next lactation. Researchers from the University of Florida recently published the results of their study on the subject in the Journal of Dairy Science. It’s no secret that heat […] Read more
Dairy-specific tags central to DairyTrace implementation
Developers try to minimize impacts for farmers and processors
Canada’s dairy sector will begin reporting all cattle movements to the national database DairyTrace starting Oct. 5, but administrators say the impact on day-to-day management should be minimal. What is DairyTrace? The database-to-be is described as a single, common framework for dairy farmers to track animal identity and movements. It’s a copy of a pre-existing […] Read more
Software program helps understand breeding return on investment
The Compass software brings together many sources of data to help farmers make decisions
Verifying metrics and making sure data is correct can help dairy farmers get the most out of Compass. The dairy genetics management software, provided by Holstein Canada and Lactanet is focused on breeding and genetic improvement for dairy producers. Why it matters: Breeding is a big component of dairy farm management. Recording accurate data is […] Read more
Province-wide bulk tank samples to track disease prevalence
Research project could help with individual farm and provincial disease management
Ontario bulk tank samples will be screened for diseases in a broad look aimed at determining disease prevalence in Ontario herds. The provincial government recently announced financial support for the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DF)-led effort to establish annual testing of bulk tank samples for a roster of infectious diseases. Why it matters: Some diseases […] Read more
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