“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?”

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.

As with any legacy, it started with one cow. After the purchase of Fernhame PBL Penelope, Don and Wendy Chalack would soon acquire a dairy and buy 25 more cows, developing a business that would produce more than a dozen All-Canadian and All-American nominees, acquire three Master Breeder shields and become a household name in the North American registered dairy cattle industry.

Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn. 

Explore how fluctuations in daily milk yield can indicate disease resilience in Holstein cattle, potentially transforming breeding practices for better health and productivity. 

What do speedskating and dairy farming have in common besides ice (insert Alberta winters) and hard work? One Holstein breeder: Rolf Van Benthem.

Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation.