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Progressive Dairy Canada

December 1, 2024

Edition: 12

Digital edition

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News & business

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Research Review: Advancements in dairy cattle welfare: Locomotion and housing

November 7, 2024

Research on dairy cattle welfare has increasingly focused on two critical areas: locomotion and housing. Drs. Dan Weary and Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk have been investigating these issues. In a recent episode of the DFC’s research podcast series, they discussed the challenges of lameness detection, prevention and control and the importance of outdoor access for improving animal welfare.


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Management

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Beat holiday stress with boundaries

Tips for setting healthy boundaries and examples of what these boundaries may look like in various situations.
November 13, 2023
Emily Krekelberg

It always seems like our stress gets amped up during the holidays – traveling, planning, spending money, seeing family and friends – it’s a lot to manage. We’re told this is a time to slow down, reflect and celebrate.


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Succession planning on family-owned dairy farms: The importance of the off-farm perspective

Understanding what each party involved in a farming operation desires is key to reaching an agreement.
October 17, 2024
Andy Leach

Working together, the family was able to have discussions about how the farm could utilize its cash flow to find a combination of saving, borrowing, insuring and gifting assets to nonfarming children at the optimal times to have maximum impact on their lives while also having a minimal impact on farm operations.


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Noise on the farm

A review of precautions and best practices to minimize hearing loss during farming operations.
November 26, 2024
Cheryl DeCooman

This article will look at noise levels on the farm, proper precautions and some best practices related to hearing protection. We will also examine employer responsibilities related to employees and noise on the farm. Employers have a duty to take all measures reasonably necessary in the circumstances to protect workers from exposure to hazardous sound levels. 


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Breaking down the year-end review: 3 areas to focus on

As you reflect on the past year, consider focusing on your calf and heifer and transition cow programs, as well as areas of improvement in your lactating herd.
November 14, 2024
Donna Benschop

As the year draws to a close, it is the ideal time to take a step back and look at each part of your operation and make a note of areas where progress has been made (and celebrate it!) and identify areas of opportunity.


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10 tips for navigating farm transition

Between the increasing cost of farmland and aging landowners, younger producers face many challenges when trying to acquire land. However, Steven Bohr provides solutions, including partnering with current landowners, leasing agreements, financial preparation and more.
November 27, 2024
Elaine Froese

The average age of landowners is the oldest in history, land values are at an all-time high, and the cash flow needed to acquire land is outside of long-term profitability. I see an opportunity here for young farmers to be developing relationships with non-related parties. Somewhere, the perfect storm is begging a new money script from parents as to what is a reasonable expectation for the transfer of farm wealth if the family really wants to keep the farm business intact.


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Topic articles

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What is a spray drone and how is it changing modern farming?

An in-depth look at application drones – what they are, what they do and what you need to know before operating one on your farm.
November 5, 2024
Lucas Weber

Applying inputs onto crops is a part of any production operation – directly or indirectly. So, how can we be applying these inputs so that they are more efficient and cost conscious? Many have turned to spray drones for the answer – quickly making drone-based aerial application a sustainable option for the future.



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Sick calves: Where did I trip up?

While calves are born healthy, human management can greatly affect their health for better or worse. Creating SOPs that are readable, in the correct language and readily available is key to minimizing the number of errors that occur daily.
July 3, 2024
Courtney Carter

I graduated college thinking I had learned everything I would need to know to be successful in a career in animal science. My first job as a calf-raising manager on a large calf ranch showed me that was far from the truth. I’m not saying college didn’t prepare me. It’s that I never would have expected to fail as much as I did.


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3 things you need to know about enrolling heifers in an IVF program

Heifer selection, breeding timeline and ovum pickup success influence the profitability of an in vitro fertilization program.
March 27, 2024
Kara Schmidt

Enrolling heifers in an IVF program is extremely advantageous for genetic advancement in any operation. Even small numbers of viable pregnancies from a prepubertal heifer can give a producer the competitive genetic edge that every dairy farmer is aiming to achieve. 


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6 considerations to maximize cow comfort this winter

Maintaining dry, draft-free housing with ample bedding, proper ventilation, access to fresh water and a high-quality ration will set cows up for success as temperatures drop.
November 19, 2024
Dan Veeneman

Cold weather can have a significant impact on dairy herds, and failing to address these challenges can lead to decreased milk production, increased health issues and lower overall farm profitability. This article explores practical, research-backed strategies for improving cow comfort during the winter months.


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Using automation and data to catch mastitis early

Mastitis is a common condition which, when undetected or addressed too late, can have a significant impact on herd health and a dairy’s bottom line. Increasingly, automated milking systems offer producers an advantage in detecting even subclinical cases of mastitis before they become clinical and spread to the herd.
October 3, 2024
Sara McBurney

While it is impossible to eliminate cases of mastitis in a dairy herd, automation can help producers save time, money and resources, ensuring their cows get the best and most timely care possible.


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Top 15 most-read articles in 2024

November 28, 2024
Matti McBride

Resiliency, innovation and hard work were several themes found in the wide variety of topics Progressive Dairy covered over the past twelve months. To close out the year, we have compiled a list of the most-read articles on our website from October 2023 to October 2024 and included a few new insights.


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Christmas gift ideas for your hardworking farm employees

Logo apparel, gift cards, winter gear, homemade goodies and accessories can all make thoughtful and practical gift ideas for farm employees.
November 27, 2023
Audrey Schmitz

Choosing the right Christmas gift for farm employees is not only an opportunity to express your gratitude, but also a way to show that you understand and appreciate the challenges of their work.


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Hot chocolate and Holsteins: Ontario family farm hosts annual open house

Dairy producers in Wentworth County created an opportunity to connect with consumers through an annual dairy open house. Attendees can enjoy free hot chocolate and poutine while touring an innovative dairy operation.
November 20, 2024
Matti McBride

Free hot chocolate and an opportunity to view dairy cattle brings people across southern Ontario to Summit Station Dairy of Lynden. Braving the unpredictable late December weather, attendees can enjoy a free tour of the 500-cow dairy during the annual Dairy Farm Open House.


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Departments

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The Milk House: Do as the Romans do

December 12, 2023
Ryan Dennis

Everyone celebrates Christmas a little differently. However, most people in North America will have a ham, a drunk uncle and a time for exchanging gifts. The luckiest might get an office party with some good gossip.


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Stars, hay and cattle

December 1, 2024
Matti McBride

It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: The twinkle lights, shiny wrapping paper, elaborate gifts and noise of the holiday season don't matter. We celebrate because our Saviour came to Earth.


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