Don’t lose this issue!

Here are just a few of the topics I think you might find interesting:

Events, before and after – Go to pages 9 and 10 to see what is happening at the upcoming Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and World Dairy Expo. Then take a look at the events that transpired during the Russian Motor Rally in Ontario and Quebec on page 11.
Have the “S” talk – Before harvest gets underway, consider having a safety talk with your farm team. Do responsibilities need to shift for aging farm members to keep them safe? What should new operators know before they start? Are there safety kits in every tractor and truck in case something happens? Find out more with Elaine Froese’s article on page 16.
Long-day lighting – The days are growing shorter, and daylight will soon be in limited supply. Learn how new technologies and design features are helping farms gain milk production with long-day lighting without overspending on the electric bill in the article on page 21.
A2 milk and other components to consider – Milk on grocery store shelves isn’t just divided by fat content anymore. Learn more about the rising interest in A2 milk in the U.S. and other components to consider when developing a breeding strategy in the articles on pages 34-39.
Genomics and sexed semen effects on breeding strategies – There are a few different articles on how genomics and sexed semen have changed the industry, from farm management to inside A.I. studs. See how breeding strategies can vary based on the genetic gains you want to achieve in the articles on pages 42-48.
Is it time to eradicate BLV? – Some of the results of the National Dairy Study are shown on page 80. It showed more than 80 percent of herds in Canada are positive for bovine leukemia virus (BLV), also known as leukosis. This disease has been eradicated in 21 countries. The article on page 83 takes a deeper look on the impact of BLV and what can be done about it.
Charcoal as an antibiotic alternative – See what researchers and dairy producers are learning about biochar’s natural ability to bind toxins and how it might be a preventative measure to consider. The article on page 88 also shares how it can reduce methane emissions and enhance soil quality.
The people behind 1 million milkings, milk production and genetic advancements – There are some great people featured in this issue. Read how two different farms each maintained their automated milking systems for about 17 years to reach 1 million milkings per unit on page 78. Learn more about the Kloepfer family in Ontario and how they work together to excel at milk production on page 31. Take a look back at Pierre Laliberté’s 40-year career in genetics on page 40.

Beyond that, there is still more to read – and if you can’t get through it all, do make sure you take time to page through it and look over the advertisements, as I know some are related to the events coming up in the next month or so.

Then, tuck this issue in a safe place and revisit it once harvest is complete.

Wishing you a safe and bountiful harvest season.