The lengthier and heavier the mycotoxin exposure, the more toxic the feed.

The DON year and dairy feed

Dairy farmers have had to manage higher mycotoxin levels in feed after last harvest. Here’s how they did it

Dairy farmers faced challenges dealing with mould in corn in 2018, as crop farmers dealt with the widespread DON outbreak. Dairy animals can manage mould levels in small doses but […] Read more

Holstein cows in a modern freestall dairy barn in Brazil.

Domestic demand drives Brazilian dairy expansion

Brazil, an exporting power in other agriculture commodities, consumes 98 per cent of dairy production inside the country

Optimism is the name of the game in the Brazilian dairy industry as the sector continues to boost production in South America’s largest country. According to a recent survey of […] Read more

Farmers will have to examine how practical it is on their farms to provide several feedings of cow transition milk to their youngest calves.

Calves benefit from mother’s post-colostrum milk

University of Guelph study identifies ‘bio-actives’ in days two to four of lactation

Taking newborn calves completely off colostrum after one or two feedings may contribute to future health challenges, according to as-yet-unpublished research by the University of Guelph’s Department of Animal Physiology. […] Read more


Researchers found that there was no relation between level of antimicrobial use and milk production.

Kicking antibiotics out of the dairy barn

Contrary to popular belief, reducing antibiotic use has not resulted in lower returns to producers

It has been 68 months — and counting — since a cow in the milking herd at Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC near Watertown, WI, was treated with antibiotics. The owners are […] Read more


Raising heifers is expensive and one area where farmers can cut costs.

Ways to live with narrower dairy profit margins

The gradual implementation of trade deals is expected to squeeze growth on dairy farmers as expenses increase

Dairy producers haven’t yet felt the implications of recent trade deals, but they will soon. “These deals have really not affected [the dairy producers] at all,” says Jack Rodenburg, with […] Read more





Neil McCutcheon of BDO LLP talks about how milk production is the most important factor for farm profitability.

Optimizing dairy farm returns

The dairy farmer’s mantra: How do I get more milk out of my cows?

Milk production, more than any other factor, drives profitability on a dairy farm, according to Neil McCutcheon. He spoke during Dairy Day at the recent Grey-Bruce Farmers’ Week. Milk production […] Read more