These changes are specific to cattle assessments and include:

• Fixed peer report zones established through benchmark data rather than zones based on percentiles
  
  
• The temporary implementation of a new peer report zone (the Dark Red zone) for herds scoring less than 60% in any category
  
  
• The development of a template for corrective action plans
  
  
• Increased assessment frequency with a larger sample size if targets are not met
  
  
• Farms must demonstrate improvement out of the Dark Red zone within three assessments to continue to meet proAction requirements.

In an effort to ensure proAction reflects the latest best practices, the program is reviewed at regular intervals and updates are applied to the modules as necessary. While herd scores are improving across Canada, there is still an opportunity for further progress as part of the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement.

For some changes, a transition period has been put in place to provide time for farmers, dairy professionals and provincial staff to adjust to the new requirements as needed.

Farmers will start to see these changes reflected in their cattle assessment reports as Holstein Canada rolls out the changes this spring.

A detailed list of changes can be found in the Notice of Change for the Animal Care module (September 2020) at Dairy Farmers - proAction resources. The changes will also be incorporated into the next proAction Workbook and Reference Manual, targeted for publication by the end of August 2021.

For more information and resources on evaluating your cattle, as well as preventive and corrective action ideas, visit online (Dairy Farmers - proAction).

proAction Environment module coming into effect in September

Training is underway for the Environment module of proAction, which will come into effect on Sept. 1. The Environment module’s five requirements are designed to mitigate risks and promote positive action on dairy farms.

The module’s foundational requirement is the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). This requirement enables farmers to develop and implement individual action plans.

The second requirement, the Environmental Questionnaire, allows farmers to assess the use of on-farm practices related to soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, silage seepage and plastic waste. Through this exercise, farmers can note positive actions they already take while learning about new ideas to consider embracing. The aggregated information will help the industry describe practices undertaken to advance environmental stewardship.

The remaining requirements aim to reduce the risk of contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water from wastewater and manure, and to make the best use of manure and other nutrients on the farm.

The Environment Reference Manual is available at Dairy Farmers - proAction, along with a variety of fact sheets and other resources.

Farmers will receive further information from their provincial dairy association and are encouraged to contact their provincial proAction coordinator with any questions.

Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization which defends the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working in accordance with supply management principles, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national activities. Visit Dairy Farmers of Canada for more information.