PTO shafts are a great way to transfer mechanical power between tractors and other farm equipment. However, PTO shafts are also the leading cause of entanglement fatalities, which accounts for 30% of agricultural fatalities in Canada. There were 14 deaths caused directly by PTO shafts from 1998-2008 in Canada.

The discussion around heat stress and its consequences is not new, and many strategies can minimize these effects. However, our farm dynamics change around the summer and fall months because of the incentive days normally given in the fall.

Dr. Lisa McCrea, dairy veterinarian and partner at AgWest Veterinary Group, spoke at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar (WCDS) in March and reflected upon the flooding that occurred in British Columbia because of an atmospheric river in November 2021 and how it affected the dairy industry there.

I occasionally get calls from customers and other producers about product features or lab samples where the results come back without a clear solution to the challenge. Some wonder why they even saw a scours outbreak and sick calves because they were doing a great job managing the calf environment and being diligent with their prevention program. It’s understandably frustrating for them, and they want answers.

This article from researchers from Cornell University and Germany describes the individual, seasonal and herd-level variability of colostrum production and summarizes the association between animal individual factors – such as parity, sex of the calf, calf birthweight, as well as indicators of the cow’s metabolic status – and the yield and composition of colostrum.

When looking to buy new equipment or build new buildings, one of the key considerations is the cost of ownership or their fixed costs. The largest of the fixed costs is depreciation.

Across Canadian dairy farms, the adoption of solar energy is growing as a financially viable and strategically positive move. Farmers have been harnessing sunlight to grow food and raise livestock for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise solar panels are the next step in agriculture's evolution.

As dairy producers improve their management practices and the milk yield of their herds, mastitis will always be a threat to cows. Before jumping to antibiotic therapy, it is beneficial to provide an anti-inflammatory and pain relief.

Protocols on a dairy farm are essential for a smooth, organized workflow, ensuring safety and efficiency for cows and farm staff. They maintain high health and well-being standards by supporting proper animal care and management.