On The Cover:
Embracing change on the farm
When Theo and Maria Nyentap established their eastern Ontario family dairy farm in the late 1970s, they likely didn’t realize the foundation of their forward-thinking and strategic farm management approach would inspire their son, Mark, some 50 years later.
More from this issue
Laying the right foundation for optimal lactation
Tips on how to maximize dairy cow performance through the challenging transition period
Integrating sound management practices
Milk has been called one of nature's most nearly perfect foods, supplying humans with essential nutrients, such as energy, as well as being an excellent source of protein with all the essential amino acids. Milk production is a key part of the agriculture industry, providing fundamental nutrients to the global population and supporting the livelihood of many people throughout the supply chain.
The Stack Effect - Likelihood of poor air exchange in the calf housing area is common because of ineffective air flow
The trend of keeping calves indoors is increasing among dairy farmers because of challenges faced in feeding, watering and cleaning during harsh winter conditions, as well as the growing popularity of automatic calf feeders and group housing.
How Soniusfield Farms improved animal care
Mike Bardoel is a second-generation dairy farmer, who owns and operates Soniusfield Farms, a 150-cow dairy farm in Ingersoll, Ont.
Alfalfa is greener on the neighbour's farm
Rumen micro-organisms need energy to use the protein contained in a cow’s ration and synthesize microbial proteins, which then can be used by the animal to produce milk
Keep your calves cool and thriving
Calves are highly susceptible to the effects of heat stress when temperatures reach 26 Celsius. Heat stress causes the calf to use energy to dissipate excess heat from its body, resulting in lower weight gain, compromised health and difficulty achieving growth targets for age at first calving or age to market.
