Five dairy farms across Ontario decided to try something new in 2022 and came out the other side with new strategies for success on their dairies. From new feed mills to new reproductive strategies, each new practice held the key to more milk production.

Consistent dry matter intake, optimal nutrition through the pre- and post-calving interval, and utilizing the latest research in feed additives can result in added profitability for your herd. A body condition score between 3.0 and 3.5 will assist transition cows through the stress of calving and get them off to a successful start.

Body condition scoring dairy cattle is an important management tool for dairy farmers to use to promote reproductive goals and to avoid metabolic diseases such as ketosis and fatty liver.

Researchers look into climate change pertaining to dairy in the U.S. and how heat stress and photoperiod length can impact mammary immunity and health.

The transition period from the dry period to lactation is a vulnerable time for the dairy cow because she experiences several physiological, metabolic, and behavioural challenges. 

When you can respond to conflict by trying to put yourself in the other person’s position and understand the other person’s point of view, you will have many insights.

When evaluating feed costs on any dairy operation, there are three main areas of focus: the lactating herd, the heifer program and the dry cow period. While many producers have moved to some variation of a low-energy, high-fibre diet with straw or coarse hay and corn silage, within that there are many different nutritional strategies employed to target specific transition challenges on-farm.