Now that you have discussed your dairy’s commitment to health and safety with your farm team and set up your health and safety board, the next step in the process toward developing a solid health and safety program on your dairy is to identify the tasks that pose the highest risk hazards to your team and then develop a safe operating procedure that you can use to train your team on how to conduct the task safely.

Farm founders need to let go of being the ultimate decision-maker as they mentor the next generation to be the main farm manager. This is not an easy dance. You need to learn to let go of being in control of every part, however small the enterprise or activity – that is the definition of micromanaging.

As I look around my neighbourhood, in a right-to-farm community, there is one word that comes to mind as we begin a new year – build.

This review, from German researchers, addresses the criticism often heard regarding large farms and how they supposedly have a negative effect on animal welfare. 

I have seen many farm women live out giving and serving the needs of their families over seasons of hard times and good times. The issue I want to address is: What if? What if you have a difficult mother who is stalling decision making for transferring assets to the next generation?

Having a well-thought-out dairy farm safety program is an undervalued asset to any operation. Not having one in place can result in injuries or illness. It can also have a negative impact on mental wellness and the financial bottom line when something goes terribly wrong on the dairy.