The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that took place Nov. 1-10 did not disappoint. Showcasing some of the best of the best dairy cattle in North America, three dairy breed associations took to the main stage for dairy enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) brought producers, academia and industry experts together for discussions, presentations and panels Nov. 12-14 at the 2024 annual meeting in Arlington, Texas. 

“Today we have a third of the number of cows we had in 1960, and we’re producing more milk,” said Christine Baes of the University of Guelph during her keynote presentation at the 2024 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council Annual Meeting. “That’s a pretty good sustainability story, but when you Google ‘sustainability and dairy cows,’ you see headlines about cow flatulence. Why is that?”

This article from researchers from the University of Guelph is a literature review discussing insights and knowledge gaps linking health disorders with different processes related to reproductive function.

Working with farm family dynamics is a bit of an adventure when you are seeking to uncover what each person on the farm team really wants for their personal life, the farm business and their life beyond the farm gate. Let’s play with some points of common interest which would be helpful to better behaviour and culture on your farm.

Due to the physical nature of farming, it is important to be aware of situations that may cause strains and/or sprains. Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments or tendons may not seem serious when symptoms first appear. They can start with minor discomfort and may go away after a day or two. But as you continue to complete the same activity, the symptoms may return.

As a dairy farmer, you are always looking for ways to improve the health and productivity of your herd. One often overlooked but highly beneficial feed supplement is liquid molasses.

As the market for dairy robots has increased, so has the availability of used equipment. For producers interested in making a switch to automation, considerations around buying used or new do not differ greatly from traditional equipment.

The platform is the starting point for constructing a robust, efficient and scalable rotary milking system that can solve your farm’s unique challenges and withstand the rigors of daily farm life.

Described as a “cunning chameleon,” Mycoplasma bovis has vague symptoms with an insidious onset. It is difficult to diagnose, and treat, and producers may not even realize it is on their operation.

Going forward, a dairy’s value will not only be determined by the quality of their milk, but by the scale of their climate impact.

Imagine stepping into your barn and understanding exactly what your cows are feeling – not by watching for obvious signs but by actually "hearing" their emotions. Every moo, bellow and low carries a hidden message, revealing whether a cow is content, stressed or reacting to its environment

Klebsiella is a gram-negative bacteria that can cause severe clinical mastitis in dairy cows. If they survive the illness, cows are often culled due to low milk production. This article describes some common ways Klebsiella is transmitted from the environment to teats and strategies on how to prevent Klebsiella mastitis cases on your farm.

When you make a teat dip change, plan for at least three to four weeks to start seeing a difference – and that’s if all other variables remain the same. Remember, you are using a teat dip to help prevent mastitis, not cure it.

If we consider how plants can help our heifers and cows conquer that daunting transition period, there may be more than simply forages, in terms of plants, to consider. Let us dig into the world of phytochemicals.

To an extent, cows can handle cold environments if they are kept dry and if air speeds are not too strong. However, if barns begin to freeze, it can have a serious impact on the herd’s health and productivity. While freeze-related issues can be difficult to manage, ventilation can help alleviate them.

It took five years from concept to construction for Don-Mair Farms Ltd. of Mount Hope, Ontario, to start utilizing a compost-bedded pack barn, but owner Aaron Smith has been pleased with the outcome. This unique barn style has changed a few management aspects of the 80-cow herd but has proven to be a profitable change for the business.

This time of year offers a unique opportunity for reflection – both looking back at the successes and challenges of the past year and setting your sights on the future. It's a moment to evaluate your business from all angles and ensure it’s aligned with your long-term goals.

New Year is always a good time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming one. Most of my New Year's resolutions end up aging like fine milk in the back of a car in Phoenix, Arizona, through 100-degree heat.

I greatly appreciate all the readers I have from across the nation and other countries of the world. I count it a privilege to be able to write. I’m so glad the Lord can use somebody like me to bless other people in this way. In doing so, I am greatly blessed.

The time thief has struck again. What happened to 2023? The ragged old man with a cane of the old year snuck out the backdoor and the chubby hopeful baby of the new year leaped onto the calendar with a shout, “Here I am, ready or not!”

Brown Heaven Farm is a fifth-generation Brown Swiss dairy farm located in Verchères, Quebec. Alyson Rousseau at age 12 is following in her family’s footsteps with her passion for dairy.