Milk Producer January 2024

JANUARY 2024

THE NEXT GENERATION

New tools, tech and training – everything you need to manage your farm’s future

THE VOICE OF ONTARIO DAIRY PRODUCERS

MARK HAMEL DFO's new board chair on future of dairy industry

40063866 .Publications Mail Sales Agreement No

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lactanet.ca

January 2024 | Vol. 100 No. 1

PUBLISHED BY DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO 6780 Campobello Road Mississauga, ON L5N 2L8 EDITOR Theresa Rogers theresa.rogers@milk.org

CONTENTS

ADVERTISING Pat Logan pat.logan@milk.org 519-788-1559

FE AT URE S T OR Y

GRAPHIC DESIGN Katrina Teimo

14

MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS Sharon Laidlaw sharon.laidlaw@milk.org

A look at trends shaping the industry and their implications, including consumer behaviour, product development, new technology, labour, the economy and trade, and more.

CONTRIBUTORS Gabriel Dallago, Abdoulaye Banire Diallo Ryan Dick, Katie Duncan, Essi Evans Melinda Kovacs, Chris McCullough, Jeanine Moyer Lilian Schaer, Sarah Stadnyk, Elsa Vasseur Veal Farmers of Ontario, Brittany Wood Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No.40063866.

Return postage guaranteed. Circulation: 8,000.

ISSN 0030-3038. Printed in Canada.

SUBSCRIPTIONS For subscription changes or to unsubscribe, contact: MILK PRODUCER 6780 Campobello Road Mississauga, ON L5N 2L8 Phone: (905) 821-8970 Fax: (905) 821-3160 Email: milkproducer@milk.org Opinions expressed herein are those of the author and/or editor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policies of Dairy Farmers of Ontario.

Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement or approval by Milk Producer or Dairy Farmers of Ontario of products or services advertised.

Milk Producer welcomes letters to the editor about magazine content. *All marks owned by Dairy Farmers of Ontario.

WEBSITES & SOCIAL MEDIA www.milkproducer.ca www.milk.org Facebook: /OntarioDairy X: @OntarioDairy Instagram: @OntarioDairy LinkedIn: dairy-farmers-of-ontario

T HE F U T URE OF DA IR Y

RE SE A R CH

6

39 Locomotion Assessments 40 Calf Care: An Invisible Nemesis

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s 2024 AGM Highlights

20 Farm Management: Virtual Training

21 Research: Charting a Path Forward

24 Research: Beef on Dairy 25 Research: The Next Generation of Researchers

27 World Dairy: New Machinery 30 Sustainability: Is Biogas a Fit? 32 Sustainability: New Research Chair Launches

36 Sustainability: Canada Leads in GHG Reductions

42 Human Resources: Workforce Vacancies

36 DE PA R T ME N T S 4 Board Editorial 9 Dairynomics 43 Ask an FSR 44 Ad Index 46 Back40 W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 3

B OA R D E DI T O R I A L

NEW CHAPTER OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

By Mark Hamel, CHAIR, DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO AND BOARD MEMBER REGION 11 – BRUCE AND GREY COUNTIES I am honoured and privileged to be the newly elected Board Chair of Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO). I will continue to work with our dedicated board and valued DFO team in support of a dynamic, profitable future for the dairy industry—one that is sustainable for generations.

It has been a very rewarding experience serving on the Board for the past five years, and I am thrilled to take on this new chapter of industry leadership.

I was proud to see DFO’s accomplishments on full display during our annual general meeting (AGM). It was a wonderful opportunity to bring the industry together and discuss important dairy matters. We heard from many guests this was the greatest AGM they have attended, and I am excited to see how we top it next year as we celebrate our 60th anniversary.

Dairy is the largest sector of Ontario agriculture, and it contributes over $8 billion to our provincial gross domestic product (GDP). As the regulator and sole delegated

authority for the marketing of milk in Ontario, we are very well positioned to fuel continued growth in our sector. We must focus on strategic priorities that are most impactful and drive us to be better.

I believe collaboration across the entire dairy industry is our best path forward.

When we work together, everyone benefits—from farmers and processors to retailers and food service outlets, and, most importantly, our consumers who ultimately determine our markets.

Mark Hamel

The Board and DFO team have been an integral part of discussions on how best to match supply to demand and support longer-term processing initiatives. We must continue to work in collaboration with other provincial boards, as well as processors and governments.

that allows them to be efficient, profitable, and sustainable because when we have successful farms, it benefits every fabric of our society and brings economic stability to our rural communities.

We know our Canadian dairy system is unique, and protecting the health and vitality of our sector is important today and for the next generation. To do this, farms need to operate in an environment

I know it takes a team effort to nourish our remarkable dairy system. I am committed to advancing our industry—addressing challenges and realizing opportunities to ensure dairy thrives for future generations.

Increase profits, not headaches From ever-evolving regulations to dietary trends and global producers penetrating Canada’s dairy market, you face a myriad of challenges. Let MNP help you capitalize on new opportunities, streamline operations, and improve your bottom line.

Richard Wright | richard.wright@mnp.ca MNP.ca

4 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

DairyRotor T8900 Pushing performance at every turn.

Janlaur Farm Ltd., Gowanstown, ON Jan & Lauren Wilting are the 2nd generation farmers.

They currently milk 350 cows with GEA DairyRotor T8900 - 40 Stalls.

‘‘ Milking in our new barn with the Rotary Parlour has been everything we hoped for.

Speed, efficiency, and cow comfort come to mind every day we milk. It took our cows 4 days to get used to the rotary and now we very rarely use the crowd gate to encourage our cows to get on. Our milking time has been cut in half, down to two hours. We can milk 170 cows per hour. Another bonus, our Bactoscan and Somatic cell count dropped with the new barn and parlour. ’’ BRITISH COLUMBIA Mountain View Electric Ltd. Enderby — 250 838-6455 Pacific Dairy Centre Ltd. Chilliwack — 604 852-9020 ALBERTA Dairy Lane Systems Leduc — 780 986-5600 Nobleford – 587-335-9742 Lethbridge Dairy Mart Ltd. Lethbridge — 888 329-6202

Visit us online at: GEA.com/canada

SASKATCHEWAN Dairy Lane Systems Warman — 306 242-5850 Emerald Park — 306 721-6844

ONTARIO Conestogo Agri Systems Inc. Drayton — 519 638.3022 1 800 461-3022

MANITOBA Tytech Grande Pointe — 204 770-4898

Dairy Lane Systems Komoka — 519 666-1404 Lawrence’s Dairy Supply Inc. Moose Creek — 613 538-2559 McCann Farm Automation Ltd. Seeley’s Bay — 613 382-7411 Brockville — 613 926-2220

McLaren Systems Cobden — 613 646-2062 Performance Dairy Centre Inc. Embro — 519 423-9119 Wood’s Dairy Source Keene — 705 295-3247 ATLANTIC PROVINCES Atlantic Dairy Tech.

Charlottetown, PE — 902 368-1719 Sheehy Enterprises Ltd. Shubenacadie, NS — 902 758-2002 Lower Queensbury, NB — 506-478-4878

DF O AG M

2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND RECOGNITION DINNER Focus on value generation in Ontario’s dairy sector ON JAN. 17, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) hosted its 59th annual general meeting at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, in Toronto, Ont., where hundreds of producers, industry partners, sponsors and government officials attended.

components—in a trade-restricted environment—has been a challenge to solve and is on the minds of leadership of both producers and processors,” Sherk says, adding in order for our farms to grow and thrive, our industry needs continued investment in the processing sector.

Cheryl Smith, DFO's chief executive officer, provided a business update and outlook for 2024. “DFO achieved remarkable results in 2023. Guided by our mission, vision, target and foundational priorities in support of supply management, as well as who and how we serve, we finished 2023 in a strong position,” Smith says. “We delivered well on our mandate as regulator and sole delegated authority for milk marketing. We also made significant progress in support of our vision for a dynamic, profitable growing Canadian dairy industry.

Most important, we are taking steps forward on our target of value generation through sustained production growth and processing investments.”

DFO chair Murray Sherk, who opened the meeting, spoke about short-term challenges of matching supply to demand but also longerterm forecasting and strategizing efforts on what is needed from the Canadian dairy industry for the future.

“There has been significant growth in demand for cream, butter and cheese in recent years, but processing and finding markets for all

2024 BOARD EXECUTIVE ELECTED At a special board meeting held on Jan. 18, 2024, following Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), DFO’s board elected its 2024 board executive.

Mark Hamel, board member for Region 11, was elected as chair; Roger Boersen, board member for Region 10 was elected as vice-chair; and Don Gordon, board member for Region 5, was elected as second vice-chair.

Mark Hamel, chair

6 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

Roger Boersen, vice-chair

Don Gordon, 2nd vice-chair

QUALITY AWARD WINNERS HONOURED

Amy Cronin, chair, Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (left), as well as Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ontario minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs (middle), and Francis Drouin, MP Glengarry, Prescott, Russell and parliamentary secretary to the federal minister of agriculture (right), all provided greetings on Wednesday.

DFO PRESENTS 2ND ANNUAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO DON JOHNSTON

During a celebration on Wednesday evening, DFO’s board recognized producer commitment to the production of highquality milk and industry leadership at the DFO Recognition Dinner.

Five Ontario dairy producers – including two repeat winners – with the best quality scores were recognized for their outstanding commitment to quality.

The DFO Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Donald Johnston of Cherry Crest Holsteins, Martintown, Ont., in celebration of his lifelong commitment to the betterment of Ontario’s dairy industry and outstanding contributions to the dairy community.

QUA L I T Y AWA R D W I N N E R S , G OL D QUA L I T Y C E RT I F IC AT E S

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Don Johnston, runs Cherry Crest Holsteins in Martintown, Ont. Don is an active volunteer in his community and has served three terms on DFO’s Glengarry Dairy Producer Committee. He is recognized for this year's Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to the betterment of Ontario’s dairy industry and has made outstanding contributions to the dairy community. Don is pictured above with wife Nancy Beerwort (right) and daughter Mernia Johnston.

During the reception dinner, DFO recognized Murray Sherk for his contributions to the dairy industry during his 12year tenure on the board.

-----------------------------------------

Murray Sherk ended his final term as chair of the board and retired as board member for Region 8. Pete Overdevest began his term as Board member for Region 8.

• Campbell Farms: Don and Laurie Campbell • Oasis Acres Ltd.: Suzanna and Albert Westerhof • * Slits Dairy Farms Ltd.: Pedro Slits and Jolanda Slits • Sunnyfield Holsteins: Brent, Susanne and Cal Snoddon • * Zethill Farms Ltd.: Russell and Joyce Zettler * these farms were also recipients of last year’s inaugural quality awards.

Read more about all the winners in upcoming issues of Milk Producer!

DFO also released its 2022-23 annual report, which is available for download at https://new.milk.org/ Industry/Publications/ Dairy-Farmers-of-Ontario22-23-Annual-Report.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 7

Trust through traceability For the team at Stewardson Dairy, traceability is important to build public trust and ensure that our industry can thrive by providing protection, prosperity, and peace of mind. What does traceability mean to you?

“

”

Anything we can do to reassure the people who buy our product that food is handled safely, and the animals are looked after is something worth doing — for our industry and public perception in general.

Dylan Stewardson, Stewardson Dairy Inc. Milking 270 cows in Thedford, Ontario

Check out the new DairyTrace website!

Meet dairy producers across Canada in our video series as they share why and how they implement traceability on their farm.

DairyTrace.ca • 1-866-55-TRACE (1-866-558-7223) • info@DairyTrace.ca

JANUARY 2024

BUTTER STOCKS TRENDING DOWN “NORMALLY” FOR THE FALL 2023 PERIOD

By Constantin Urtilescu • MANAGER, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS P5 butterfat production was just over three per cent above last year’s production for the 12-month rolling basis ending in October 2023. This result was observed even though production was lower than expected in September and October 2023. On the demand side, August and September demand at the national level was significantly higher than expected, while October was lower than the Canadian Dairy Commission’s (CDC) most conservative demand forecast.

Even with the observed month-to-month volatility in the P5 markets for the recent period, the overall butter stock level is

still trending down ‘normally’ for the fall period, with a reduction in stocks of just over 2,000 tonnes per month on average between August and November 2023. If this trend continues, butter stock levels will most likely be around 25,000 tonnes in December 2023, which is a good level of stocks for the end of the calendar year. The minimum target level for butter stocks for the end of the dairy year 2023-24 was established at 32,500 tonnes. With these recent results, a change to the production signal is not expected until the CDC provides a revised forecast sometime in February 2024 for the remainder of the 2023-24 dairy year.

In November 2023, butter stocks reached 24,749 tonnes, down from October by 2,068 tonnes. November butter stock levels are still higher than where they were in November 2022 by 6,182 tonnes.

Cheese stock levels for November 2023 were at 97,090 tonnes, down 2,101 tonnes from October and lower than where they were in November 2022 (97,946 tonnes).

For the 52-weeks ending Dec. 2, 2023, sales for fluid milk, fluid cream, yogurt, ice cream, cheese and butter increased/ decreased by -1.4, -2.2, 3.1, 1.6, 0.7 and -3.6 per cent, respectively, compared with Dec. 3, 2022.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • M O N T H LY R E T A I L M A R K E T S A N D P R O D U C T I O N R E P O R T • A

DA I RY N O M I C S – M A R K E T U P DAT E

A monthly recap of markets and production trends in Canada and Ontario C A NA DI A N R EQU I R E M E N T S A N D PRODUC T ION Canadian butterfat requirements in kilograms and actual butterfat production across the P10.

1,350,000

Butterfat (Daily kgs)

1,300,000

12-month production (in millions of kilograms)

407.3

12-month requirements (in millions of kilograms)

421.9

1,250,000 1,200,000 1,150,000 1,100,000 1,050,000 1,000,000 950,000 Nov 2022

Dec 2022

Jan 2023

Feb 2023

March 2023

April 2023

May 2023

Requirements

June 2023

July 2023

Aug 2023

Sept 2023

Oct 2023

Nov 2023

Canadian production has increased by 2.9 per cent over the previous 12 months, and requirements have increased by 1.2 per cent over the previous 12 months.

Production

S OL I D S NON-FAT T O BU T T E R FAT (S N F-B F ) R AT IO 2.35

This graph shows Ontario’s SNF-BF ratio for the last 12 months.

SNF:BF Ratio

2.30 2.25

November 2023: 2.1255

2.20 2.15 2.10 Dec 2022

Jan 2023

Feb 2023

March 2023

April 2023

May 2023

June 2023

July 2023

Aug 2023

Sept 2023

Oct 2023

Nov 2023

Ontario SNF:BF ratio

NAT IONA L R E TA I L S A L E S Average increase in retail sales for dairy products sold in Ontario and the dairy product’s share of the total market sales, including at hotels, restaurants and institutions.

12 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 2, 2023

RETAIL SHARE OF TOTAL MARKET

Fluid milk

-1.40%

81.50%

Cream

-2.20%

40.90%

Cheese

0.90%

54.40%

Butter

-3.50%

57.60%

Ice cream

1.60%

70.70%

Yogurt As of March 26 , 202 23.10%

94.40%

* Source: AC Nielsen & StatsCan NOTE: There is a two-month lag in the national retail sales data.

B • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • M O N T H LY R E T A I L M A R K E T S A N D P R O D U C T I O N R E P O R T

DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS • P5 butterfat production was just over three per cent above last year’s production for the 12-month rolling basis ending in October 2023.

This result was observed even though production was lower than expected in September and October 2023.

• Even with the observed month-to-month volatility in the P5 markets for the recent period, the overall butter stock level is still trending down ‘normally’ for the fall period, with a reduction in stocks of just over 2,000 tonnes per month on average between August and November 2023 • The minimum target level for butter stocks for the end of the dairy year 2023-24 was established at 32,500 tonnes. With these recent results, a change to the production signal is not expected until the CDC provides a revised forecast sometime in February 2024 for the remainder of the 2023-24 dairy year.

DAIRYNOMICS – UTILIZATION UPDATE

202311

ON TA R IO U T I L I Z AT ION

Percentage of the total milk produced in Ontario that was used to Milk produce dairy products.

Fluid & Cream Yogurt and Ice Cream Butter & Powders

OCTOBER 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

12-MONTH AVERAGE

Fluid milk & cream

30.7%

32.0%

29.4%

Yogurt & ice cream

7.5%

7.5%

7.2%

Cheese

30.1%

30.1%

28.8%

Butter & powders

30.3%

29.9%

31.2%

Skimming

1.4%

0.4%

3.4%

Cheese

Skim Milk Disposal November 2023 Fluid milk & cream

0% 30%

32%

Yogurt & ice cream Cheese

8% 30%

Butter & powders Skimming

P 10 U T I L I Z AT ION BY C L A S S For November 2023 (kg of butterfat/kg of solids non-fat) *There is a two-month lag reporting these figures

% Butterfat

-5%

% Solids non-fat

% Revenue

Class 1a1 (includes Classes 1a2, 1a3, 1c and 1d for confidentiality reasons) Fluid milk and beverages

1a1

27.41%

1b

8.78%

2a

4.86%

2b4

2.46%

2b5

0.85%

3a1

1.17%

3a2

5.81%

3b2

Class 3b2 (includes Class 3b1 for confidentiality reasons) Cheddar cheese and aged cheddar

12.61%

Class 3c1 Feta

3c1

0.96%

Class 3c2 Asiago, Gouda, Havarti, Parmesan and Swiss

3c2

2.52%

3c4

8.08%

3c6

0.53%

Class 3c4 (includes Classes 3c3 and 3c5 for confidentiality reasons) Brick, Colby, farmer’s, jack, Monterey jack, muenster, pizza cheese, pizza mozzarella and mozzarella other than what falls within 3d

3d

3.77%

4a

12.71%

Class 3d Mozzarella used strictly on fresh pizzas by establishments registered with the Canadian Dairy Commission

4d

1.66%

Class 4a Butter and powders

5a

1.78%

5b

3.49%

Class 4d (includes Classes 4b1, 4b2, 4c and 4m for confidentiality reasons) Concentrated milk for retail, losses and animal feed

5c

0.54%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Class 1b Fluid creams Class 2a Yogurt, yogurt beverages, kefir and lassi Class 2b4 (includes Classes 2b1, 2b2 and 2b3 for confidentiality reasons) Fresh dairy desserts, sour cream, milkshakes and sports nutrition drinks Class 2b5 Ice cream and frozen yogurt Class 3a1 Specialty cheese Class 3a2 Cheese curds and fresh cheeses

Class 3c6 Paneer

Class 5a Cheese for further processing Class 5b Non-cheese products for further processing 35% Class 5c Confectionery products

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • M O N T H LY R E T A I L M A R K E T S A N D P R O D U C T I O N R E P O R T • C

DA I RY N O M I C S – P R I C E S U P DAT E

ONTARIO MONTHLY PRODUCER AVERAGE GROSS BLEND PRICE

ONTARIO DEDUCTIONS, PER HL

A total 3,210 producers sold milk to DFO in November compared with 3,268 a year earlier.

For November 2023

$105 $100 $95

November 2023: $100.5

$90 $85 $80 $75 Jan 2023

Feb 2023

March 2023

April 2023

May 2023

June 2023

July 2023

Aug 2023

Sept 2023

Oct 2023

DFO administration DFO research CanWest DHI Transportation Market expansion Total deductions Average total net

Overquota

$0.675

$0.675

$0.050

$0.050

$0.060

$0.060

$4.100

$4.100

$1.400

$1.400

$6.285

$6.285

$86.286

-$6.285

* These figures are based on Ontario’s average composition for November 2023 of 4.3694 kg butterfat, 3.3516 kg protein and 5.9356 kg other solids, rounded to the nearest cent.

$70 Dec 2022

Within quota

Nov 2023

P5 A N D W E S T E R N M I L K P O OL B L E N D PR IC E S *

U. S . C L A S S PR IC E S

The graph below shows the 12-month blend price for the P5 provinces and Western Milk Pool (WMP).

The December 2023 Class III Price, US$16.04 per hundredweight, is equivalent to C$48.57 per hectolitre.

This equivalent is based on the exchange rate US$1 = C$ 1.33402 the exchange rate when the USDA announced the Class III Price.

*There is a two-month lag reporting these figures

Blend price in $/hL

$92 $90 $88 $86

WMP: $89.90

$84

P5: $89.92

$82 $80 $78 $76 Dec 2022

Jan 2023

Feb 2023

March 2023

April 2023

May 2023

WMP blend price

June 2023

July 2023

Aug 2023

Sept 2023

Oct 2023

Nov 2023

P5 blend price

The Class III Price is in $ US per hundredweight at 3.5 per cent butterfat.

One hundredweight equals 0.44 hectolitres. Canadian Class 5a and Class 5b prices track U.S. prices set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Source: USDA

MON T H LY QUO TA PR IC E S ($/ KG) PRICE/KG

AMOUNT WANTED/KG

AMOUNT FOR SALE/KG

AMOUNT PURCHASED/

Alberta

$ 52,987

550.30

114.40

104.00

Saskatchewan

$ 39,000

66.00

110.10

11.00

Manitoba

$ 40,851

255.64

373.72

125.21

British Columbia

$ 35,750

91.00

126.66

91.00

Ontario

$ 24,000

22,958.02

349.39

349.41

Quebec

$ 24,000

16,484.11

737.24

737.76

New Brunswick

$ 24,000

341.00

24.50

24.50

DECEMBER PRICES

PROVINCE

PEI Nova Scotia

No Clearing Price Established $ 24,000

NA

0

0

* Newfoundland does not operate a monthly quota exchange. Quota is traded between producers. ** Quota cap price of $24,000 in effect in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec.

D • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • M O N T H LY R E T A I L M A R K E T S A N D P R O D U C T I O N R E P O R T

Co-ordinated by Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s communications and economics divisions.

Questions? Please email questions@milk.org.

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Manure Management

There is no secret that we don’t already know.

Learn more about GEA ProManure

BRITISH COLUMBIA

MANITOBA / NW ONTARIO

Mountain View Electric Ltd. Enderby — 250 838-6455

Penner Farm Services Ltd. Blumenort — 204 326-3781 Thunder Bay ON – 800 461-9333 Tytech Grande Pointe — 204 770-4898

Pacific Dairy Centre Ltd. Chilliwack — 604 852-9020 ALBERTA Dairy Lane Systems Leduc — 780 986-5600 Nobleford – 587-335-9742

ONTARIO

Lethbridge Dairy Mart Ltd. Lethbridge — 888 329-6202

Conestogo Agri Systems Inc. Drayton — 519 638-3022 1 800 461-3022

SASKATCHEWAN Dairy Lane Systems Warman — 306 242-5850 Emerald Park — 306 721-6844

Claire Snoddon Farm Machinery Sunderland — 705 357-3579

County Automation Ameliasburg — 613 962-7474 Dairy Lane Systems Komoka — 519 666-1404

We know exactly of what manure is made of. That’s why our equipment is designed to handle it in the most efficient way.

Our expertise is unmatched. Let our specialists and dealers advise you on a manure management plan made for your farm. Manure does not have any secrets from us.

Keith Siemon Farm Systems Ltd. Walton — 519 345-2734 Lamers Silos Ltd. Ingersoll — 519 485-4578 Lawrence’s Dairy Supply Inc. Moose Creek — 613 538-2559 McCann Farm Automation Ltd. Seeley’s Bay — 613 382-7411 Brockville — 613 926-2220

ATLANTIC PROVINCES Atlantic Dairy Tech.

Charlottetown, PE — 902 368-1719 Mactaquac Farm Equip. Ltd. Mactaquac, NB — 506 363-2340 Sheehy Enterprises Ltd. Shubenacadie, NS — 902 758-2002 Sussex Farm Supplies Sussex, NB — 506 433-1699

McLaren Systems Cobden — 613 646-2062 Melbourne Farm Automation Melbourne — 519 289-5256 Aylmer — 519 773-2740 Watford — 519-876-2420 Silver-Tech Systems Inc. Dunnville — 905 981-2350 GEA Farming - Québec GEA Farming - Canada

geafarming_ca

GEA Farming Canada

H U M A N R E S OU RC E S

FUTURE DAIRY THE

OF

6

TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2024

1 4 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

By Jeanine Moyer

THE FUTURE OF THE DAIRY INDUSTRY IS BRIGHT, especially in Canada where farmers are some of the most trusted, progressive and innovative milk producers worldwide.

From consumer preferences to economy and trade, many factors affect Canadian dairy farmers. And, as new opportunities, pressures and policies evolve, it’s important to keep a close eye on how they are shaping the industry. Following are six key insights to watch this year.

CONSUMER CONSUMPTION AND SPENDING Affordability is a main factor driving consumer spending and consumption. This comes as no surprise to dairy farmers who are facing their own economic challenges with rising interest rates, inflation and higher production costs.

According to the consumer trend report, Dairy & Non-Dairy Milk – Canada – 2023 published by Mintel, a global market intelligence TURN TO

To read how labour market trends are affecting dairy, turn to page 42.

“World milk prices are cyclical and are expected to be more volatile in the future. We need to closely monitor how the rising cost of production could put pressure on the world supply of milk and the resulting pricing.”

— Patrice Dubé, chief economics and policy development officer, DFO

agency, Canadian consumers are concerned about the price of milk.

The report states 41 per cent of milk consumers report that rising milk prices are causing them to cut back on the amount they drink during this period of high inflation. While consumers continue to drink milk and consume milk products, some have started looking for more economical versions of their favourite products as a way to stretch their grocery dollars.

Canada’s Food Guide was last updated in 2019 and, unlike previous food guides’ emphasis on food groups and recommended servings, the 2019 revision from Health Canada recommends eating “plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods and protein foods” and eliminated the dairy category altogether. Eckert would like to see dairy regain its own food group and nutritional recommendations added for drinking milk.

Canadians trust and relate to dairy famers.

Milk’s link to farmers remains a powerful influence.

The adoption of non-dairy beverages continues to rise with Canadian consumers. Mintel predicts non-dairy milk options can expect to continue to experience positive momentum as the broader category continues to become more established as today’s younger consumers age.

Canada’s dairy industry is in tune with rising prices that are being faced by everyone in the dairy value chain, including consumers. As a result, the Canadian Dairy Commission recommended a modest adjustment in farm milk prices in 2024 at 1.77 per cent that will be implemented on May 1, 2024. This reflects current food pricing challenges and a departure from previous years that saw higher changes in milk pricing.

The “made in Canada” idea and Blue Cow label matters to Canadians when purchasing dairy. Mintel says part of dairy milk’s appeal to consumers resides in how it supports Canada’s economy and its workers. In other words, dairy’s appeal in Canada extends beyond the product itself.

The report says that as attitudes toward milk consumption change, most Canadians (72 per cent) view dairy milk as being most suitable for kids. The challenge remains to reinforce that milk is suitable for all ages. Mintel’s report cited Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) “Everybody Milk” campaign as an excellent example of addressing this consumer misconception by promoting the emotional connection consumers have to milk with fun and inclusive positioning.

Mintel also reports nearly all Canadians drink dairy milk, but its consumption is softening. The growth of non-dairy options along with many consumers turning to other forms of dairy, like cheese and yogurt, are likely contributing factors.

As a dairy farmer, Evan Eckert of McKillop Heights Ltd. in Seaforth, Ont. is concerned about the trend in consumer consumption of milk.

He points to Canada’s Food Guide as a pain point, believing that the recent update of the guide demoted dairy as a food group. In fact,

Looking ahead, immigration is anticipated to continue to impact the demand of dairy in Canada. Eckert agrees, adding, “we need to encourage new immigrants to consume dairy and provide them with products they are familiar with to help encourage the consumption of Canadian milk.”

It’s expected immigration from South Asia will have an impact on what’s expected from dairy milk in terms of demand for milk with creamier and thicker textures. Mintel says this offers an opportunity for the industry to capitalize on Canada’s evolving demographic landscape.

WORLD PRICING While Canada’s supply management system creates somewhat of a buffer from the shifts in world milk pricing, dairy farmers can still be affected by pricing changes. The good news is, improved global dairy prices are expected in 2024. Incremental increases are forecasted, likely a result of a shift in production and supply that is bringing the market closer to pre-pandemic pricing. Factors that could affect this strengthening market trend include consumer demand, inflation, broader cost-of-living issues that are impacting consumers worldwide, and consumer confidence.

“World milk prices are cyclical and are expected to be more volatile in the future,” notes Patrice Dubé, chief economics and policy development officer, DFO. “We need to closely monitor how the rising cost of production could put pressure on the world supply of milk and the resulting pricing.”

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Evan Eckert is hopeful his son, John, might one day be interested in dairy farming. He expects the next generation of Canadian dairy farmers will be even more invested in the sustainability of farms and able to take advantage of new technology and innovations to make work more balanced.

Dubé says global supply and demand may also be influenced by new policies being developed and implemented, for example in the European Union and New Zealand, which could pose production constraints. A reduction in the global milk supply by these areas will leave a gap in demand, which leads Dubé to ask, “Who will be in the best position to fill the gap in the world market?”

DOMESTIC PROCESSING The demand for fluid milk in Canada remains relatively steady, along with the strengthening demand for high-fat dairy that is expected to continue throughout the coming year. Canadian dairy processor capacity has been challenged in recent years with rising demand for higher fat products that leaves an increasing quantity of solids non-fat (SNF) to be utilized. It appears the trend will continue.

Growth and development in milk protein markets and products would help ease the pressure on the Canadian dairy industry but there’s no easy answer. “Canada is limited on its export opportunities for SNF, so it also means finding domestic markets,” explains Kristin Benke, chief business officer at DFO, noting that without the ability to utilize SNF, domestic growth could be limited. “We need greater alignment of our processing capacity with both butterfat and solids non-fat demand.”

Limited domestic processing capacity and tight margins also compounds the challenges of utilizing SNF; however, a new federal funding program, the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund, was announced in 2023, committing up to $333 million over the next decade to help dairy processors across Canada increase processing capacity for a growing surplus of SNF.

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Establishing new markets and creating new milk protein products would help expand the domestic consumption of SNF. Watch for developments on this issue in the coming year.

SUSTAINABILITY “Understanding what Canadians want is complicated by concerns around sustainability, an evolving demographic landscape and shifting health demands. Milk may be entrenched in Canadians’ diets, but growth in the category is far from guaranteed,” says Gregoire whose report says an overwhelming share of Canadians — 98 per cent — agree it’s important to buy Canadian milk to support Canada’s economy and workers. This echoes findings from Mintel’s Sustainability in Food — Canada, 2022 report that asked Canadians who they believed were the most trusted sources in terms of understanding food and drink’s environmental impact and found farmers ranked second (after climate experts).

The information provided in the 2022 and 2023 reports suggest Canadians trust and relate to dairy famers. These findings make it clear milk’s link to farmers remains a powerful influence.

"We need greater alignment of our processing capacity with both butterfat and solids non-fat demand.”

— Kristin Benke, chief business officer, Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Canadians also hold a positive view of the dairy industry’s environmental stewardship, with 83 per cent of Canadian consumers trusting producers are taking the steps needed to protect the environment. The Mintel report also noted Canadians are receptive to the messages about dairy farmers’ commitment to carbon neutrality and conservation.

Mintel predicts consumer concerns related to sustainability are likely to intensify, but the dairy industry is in a good space on this issue in the eyes of Canadians. The market intelligence agency suggests initiatives around waste reduction and carbon output need to continue given climate change’s continual impact.

“The amount of solid plastic waste like bunker plastic, bale wrap and strings generated by dairy farms is substantial,” notes Eckert. His commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing plastic use and feed spoilage on the farm influenced his decision to choose tower silos over bunkers in his recent barn build.

When it comes to creating a sustainable future for the dairy industry, and more specifically his farm, Eckert is optimistic.

He’s experienced first-hand how new technology and automation can reduce the labour requirements of Ontario dairy farms. “The dairy farm I grew up on was significantly more labour-intense compared to the one I’ve built for my family. Adding robotics has helped me focus on herd management decisions and create a healthier work-life balance.”

Eckert is hopeful his young son might one day be interested in dairy farming. He expects the next generation of Canadian dairy farmers will be even more invested in the sustainability of farms and able to take advantage of new technology and innovations to make work more balanced and enjoyable on the farm.

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“The economics significantly favoured robots and the labour savings from our milking and feeding system automation continue to pay off.”

— Evan Eckert, McKillop Heights Ltd., Seaforth, Ont.

market growth has been taken by imports. The industry can expect to see this continue until approximately 2026, when the vast majority of the market access to Canada’s dairy market provided under international trade agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), would have entered the country. A CUSMA review of the dairy provisions in 2025 (and every two years thereafter), along with all the provisions of the agreement that will occur in 2026 should also be monitored closely.

After 2026, the market share taken by imports will hopefully start to decline as domestic dairy product consumption continues to grow. This means the Canadian dairy industry will have the chance to fill the domestic market and forecasted future growth with domestic milk. This presents a significant opportunity for Canadian dairy farmers and is something to watch for as trade policies and negotiations evolve.

INNOVATION

On the farm, Eckert is focused on ensuring his dairy farm will be relevant in the future. That includes everything from the design of buildings to feed storage, and robotic milking and feeding systems to animal welfare improvements. When Eckert built a new barn in 2019, the choice to install robotic milkers versus a parlour system was easy.

“The economics significantly favoured robots and the labour savings from our milking and feeding system automation continue to pay off,” says Eckert who predicts robotic milking systems will dominate the market in the future.

Advancements in genetics have enabled Eckert to breed for his desired high fat, lower protein and moderate milk volume targets. This approach supports demand for higher fat products and genetically lowers the SNF ratio closer to current market requirements. Genetic innovation has also helped Eckert selectively breed cows for functionality and performance in his new robotic set-up. The addition of the udder floor trait to the mammary system conformation has helped him select genetics that provide level udders that work better with his Lely robots. Eckert is also focused on reducing the need to dehorn his calves by implementing a breeding protocol of at least one mate that is heterozygous polled to ensure calves born on the farm

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will have a 50 per cent chance of being polled. “As the quality and quantity of polled bulls improve, I’m aiming to only use polled bulls so our entire herd can be polled,” explains Eckert, noting polled animals are a herd management and economic choice, and an important decision for animal welfare.

Improving the care of his herd is paramount for Eckert, who is an

advocate for calf welfare and nutrition. The installation of automated calf feeders to facilitate group housing has moved the needle on calf welfare and nutrition on his farm. He’s also proud to have worked with dairy faculty members at the University of Guelph to advance research by publishing a paper in the Journal of Dairy Science on the optimum age to wean calves. Looking ahead, Eckert would like to see ongoing colostrum research improve calf welfare.

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FA R M M A NAG E M E N T

HARNESS TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE YOUR WORKFORCE SAFER 6 reasons to choose virtual training

By Ryan Dick

TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED WORK ON THE FARM in ways we could never imagine. Tasks that were once grueling and labourintensive can now be done by computers and machines, and animal welfare can be predicted using artificial intelligence (AI). But outside of physical tasks, can technology help solve one of the greatest challenges on the farm: recruitment of skilled labour and training provision to get new workers up to speed quickly and safely?

4. It enables you to continuously upskill. Free online events and webinars like WSPS’s Safety Connections cover topics ranging from safe material handling to conducting hazard assessments in agriculture.

5. It enables multitasking. We no longer need to choose between working or learning about the industry. With virtual opportunities, new workers can get the knowledge they need to do the task safely and get hands-on experience on the farm.

6. It can be fun. Online training can utilize gamification to teach workers. For example, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is launching a new animal handling training platform called Mooving Cows. This approach allows new workers to learn best cattle handling practices in a mobile game format where they take on the role of a herdsperson operating in various scenarios throughout a dairy farm. Players will form an understanding of how best to interact with cattle to maintain milk yield, reduce the cows’ stress and improve the player’s decision-making abilities on the farm.

While the flashy world of autonomous tractors, robotic milkers and AI-controlled monitoring systems are helpful, focusing on building training and closing experience gaps in a farm operation may be a more profitable solution than many think.

The answer is yes. With virtual training, employees can train from anywhere with the click of a mouse. Online training makes education easily accessible to almost everyone and it couldn’t come at a more critical time.

Ryan Dick is health and safety consultant, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS).

TAC K L I N G L A B OU R S HORTAG E S

Reference

It’s no secret we are experiencing a shortfall of skilled labour and it is anticipated this issue will worsen. The Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council is forecasting the Canadian dairy industry will be running a shortfall of 3,000 domestic workers by the year 2029.

Approximately 34 per cent of the current workforce will be retiring and it is expected more than 1,000 jobs than workers will be available.1

Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council. How Labour Challenges Will Shape the Future of the Dairy Industry: Agriculture Forecast to 2029. https://cahrcccrha.ca/sites/default/files/2021-11/Dairy_Reduced%20size_E.pdf

1

Currently, more farm employers are being left with no choice but to hire unskilled, inexperienced or temporary foreign workers. In an already dangerous profession, needing to rely on workers who lack experience or may have language barriers only increases the risks to their safety and your operation.

Virtual training can help bridge the gap for new workers, providing the right training to keep people safe and the farm running smoothly.

The benefits of virtual training: 1. It can save money. A better-skilled and educated workforce can lead to higher overall safety, increased productivity, reduced downtime and new opportunities for the farm to grow.

2. It increases accessibility. This is especially true for operations with multiple or remote locations. Whether you are in the barn, house or office, the training can come to you.

3. It minimizes participants’ time away. There is no longer a need to travel to conventional training locations. Learners can be on the job minutes before and immediately after the training.

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Virtual training can help bridge the gap for new workers, providing the right training to keep people safe and the farm running smoothly.

R E S E A RC H

CHARTING A PATH FORWARD WITH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

By Lilian Schaer A NEW REPORT puts research, innovation and a comprehensive policy approach as core pillars underpinning the successful future of Canada’s livestock industry. The Forces Impacting Animal Agriculture in Canada: A Synthesis report by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) notes the complexity and interconnectedness of animal agriculture means its value and impact can’t be measured with simple metrics and that many challenges and opportunities are shared across members of the sector.

This means the industry needs common solutions, including growthoriented policies; investment in research and innovation; transportation and other infrastructure; and an enhanced data framework. Risks facing animal agriculture are growing, like disease, loss of land or markets, and extreme weather, and require greater focus and innovative policy solutions to provide meaningful impacts.

At the same time, Canadian animal agriculture has among the lowest emissions intensities in the world. Policies that integrate sustainability, food security and growth can help meet climate targets and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build Canada’s comparative advantage on the world stage.

Different provincial government initiatives play an important role in supporting and driving the sector’s future. For example, in the summer of

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2023, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks released a climate change impact assessment it had commissioned from the Climate Risk Institute. It is very difficult to capture agriculture’s complexity in a provincial-scale climate change impact assessment, but the report highlighted the gravity of the issue and the need for responsible action by everyone involved.

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This past fall, OMAFRA announced proposed legislative changes that would modernize the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) Act. The ARIO advises the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on research matters and owns much of Ontario’s agricultural research infrastructure.

Proposed changes include updating ARIO’s name to Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario, updating its mandate to support innovation, commercialization, new research solutions and new relationships, and updating provisions that support the effective operation of the organization.

The findings of the CAPI report support LRIC’s A2B approach to research and innovation — where are we, where do we want to go and what are the steps we need to get there, which can include innovation, research, regulation, policy and advocacy, for example.

To help bring everything together, LRIC has been encouraging the sector and its stakeholders to view innovation as a circular system that includes funding, research priorities, project management, getting research into practice (GRIP) and commercialization.

And LRIC has taken proactive approaches that will help give the livestock sector the tools it needs for success. The LRIC Emerging Trends and Opportunities Committee provides direction to our board

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Key Issues Research success factors involve considering what matters to industry, to consumers and to government, and looking for commonalities.

Industry • antimicrobial resistance • climate change impact and adjustment • emergency preparedness • labour • animal welfare • water and soil health • alternative protein consumption

Consumers • human health • health of the planet • animal welfare Government • economy • environment • food security

LOOKING FOR LOOKING FOR DAIRY FARMERS! DAIRY How are areyou youFARMERS! feeling?

How feeling?

Dairy Research Agenda Dairy Farmers of Ontario was a founding member of the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) in 2012.

From its founding, the goal of LRIC has been to drive innovation in Ontario’s livestock sector by offering members services through innovation, networking and mentorship, while actively promoting continuous improvement as a trusted intermediary between industry, government and academia. Recent LRIC initiatives related to the dairy industry include a mentorship program for early career faculty at the University of Guelph and taking leadership on the issue of deadstock.

on creating and increasing awareness across the sector regarding emerging trends and their research and innovation requirements.

Our International Research Advisory Committee provides input from beyond Canada’s borders, including helping ensure we are aware of global developments and how the Ontario livestock sector can adopt or adapt international research approaches toward improved progress.

We’ve also developed a mentorship program for early career faculty to help them make better connections with industry and bolster the relevance of their research to addressing real problems farmers face.

And our Early Career Research Award is designed to foster more collaborative and cross-sector research.

All of this is aligned with LRIC’s new five-year strategic plan, which has a three-fold approach: • Provide members services and a centralized hub for livestock research, innovation, networking and mentorship.

• Seek and stimulate continuous improvement of the innovation system by all stakeholders.

• Be the trusted intermediary between industry, government and academia.

How are feeling?

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OUR GOALS OUR GOALS

OUR GOALS

Connect farm management, • Connect farm management, farmer well-being and animal health farmer farm well-being and Connect management, animalwell-being health and • farmer Identify ways to help alleviate Identify ways to help animal health farmer stress

alleviate farmer stress Identify ways to help alleviate farmer stress WHOIS ISELIGIBLE ELIGIBLE WHO

• Must be 18+ WHO IS ELIGIBLE Must be 18+ • Must Be involved in the farmfarm decision Be involved in the be 18+ making decision Be involvedmaking in the farm • decision Operation must be located in BC,in AB, Operation must be located making SK, or ON BC,MB AB, SK, MBbe orlocated ON Operation must in

BC,TO AB,PARTICIPATE SK, MB or ON HOW HOW PARTICIPATE Take our survey for HOWTO TO20min PARTICIPATE • our Take our Hortons 20min survey for a $15 Tim card Take 20min survey for

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We will accomplish this by delivering on five areas of focus, including member services, research services, strategic intelligence, engagement and collaboration, and getting research into practice (GRIP).

Livestock Research Innovation Corporation is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. This article is provided

by LRIC as part of its ongoing efforts to report on research, innovation, and issues affecting the Canadian livestock industry.

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R E S E A RC H

BEEF ON DAIRY Navigating tomorrow’s dairy industry

By Melinda Kovacs THERE HAS BEEN A NOTABLE SHIFT in reproductive management in the Canadian dairy industry in recent years.

An increasing trend among producers to utilize beef semen to inseminate a portion of their herd has meant the number of Holsteins bred to beef has increased 15 per cent in the last five years. This shift resulted in a rise in the number of crossbred calves born on dairy operations, referred to as “beef on dairy” calves.

Beef on dairy calves present a valuable opportunity for both the dairy and beef industries since these calves exhibit enhanced growth efficiency compared with purebred Holstein calves and yield a more marketable product. For this reason, dairy producers are able to sell beef on dairy calves for a higher value.

While there are many benefits to implementing the beef on dairy model in Canadian dairy operations, little is known about early life management strategies to maximize productivity and increase economic returns. Beef on dairy calves undergo an earlier weaning process than beef calves and are transported from the farm of origin at a relatively young age. Such stressors may negatively impact their resiliency throughout the growing system, ultimately depressing their growth and carcass characteristics for beef production. This means identifying early life strategies for beef on dairy calves is essential to ensure their success in the beef industry.

The urgent need to fill this knowledge gap prompted two University of Guelph professors, Drs. Michael Steele and Dave Renaud, to collaborate on a five-year research initiative. The team has partnered with stakeholders from nutrition (Trouw Nutrition) and genetics (Semex) companies, as well as organizations representing dairy (Dairy Farmers of Ontario, BC Dairy Association, Alberta Milk), veal (Veal Farmers of Ontario) and beef (Beef Farmers of Ontario) producers, with a goal to deliver knowledge related to nutrition, genetics and management decisions to industry members.

Beef on dairy calves present a valuable opportunity for both the dairy and beef industries since these calves exhibit enhanced growth efficiency compared with purebred Holstein calves and yield a more marketable product.

4. Investigating nutritional management strategies from postweaning until slaughter, which promote growth and feed efficiency.

5. E xploring the economic impact of raising beef on dairy calves throughout the supply chain while employing strategies to maximize growth and health.

As the research advances, the team aims to expand its outreach and engage with numerous organizations to overcome the existing obstacles that impede the success of beef on dairy.

Melinda Kovacs is a Masters of Science student, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph.

The research encompasses five specific objectives, which aim to improve productivity, sustainability and economic return for Canadian producers: 1. Identifying genetic attributes of beef sires that could be used to maximize the quality of beef on dairy calves.

2. Establishing nutritional management strategies at the farm of origin to maximize economic returns for dairy producers.

3. Developing actionable preconditioning guidelines to reduce antimicrobial use and improve welfare of calves upon arrival at rearing facilities.

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The number of Holsteins bred to beef increased 15 per cent in the last five years.

R E S E A RC H

Mikayla Ringelberg

THE NEXT GENERATION OF DAIRY RESEARCHERS Colin Lynch

A look into what inspires students from veterinary medicine, food sciences and genetics

By Katie Duncan

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DRAWN TO DAIRY SCIENCES from many backgrounds. Meet three students at the University of Guelph whose research and practice are helping build the future of the dairy industry.

MIKAYLA RINGELBERG

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, OVC

Tara Wilson

Like many veterinarians before her, Mikayla Ringelberg has been pursuing a career in veterinary medicine since she was a child. Growing up on a dairy farm in Ontario and watching a vet perform surgery at the age of seven solidified her drive to work in food animal medicine, giving back to the dairy producers and community she grew up with.

Ringelberg was accepted into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at OVC in the summer of 2021 while helping on the farm with herd hoof trimming.

“It was a surreal moment and I am thankful that I got to share it with family,” she recalls. “Lots of smiles and hugs went around that day; it even felt as though the cows were moving better through the chute after learning the news.”

“The dairy industry will continue to develop and implement more advanced technology on farm to help meet these demands.”

— Mikayla Ringelberg W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 2 5

She has worked in dairy health management research at OVC as a vet student. Now in the third year of her program, Ringelberg has her eye toward life after graduation. She hopes to join a progressive food animal practice that has a strong focus on individual and herd production medicine for cattle.

Asked about the future of the dairy industry and her career path in it, Ringelberg acknowledges the massive, constant evolution in the industry, having to be dynamic, efficient and agile to be successful in business and meet consumer demands.

“The dairy industry will continue to develop and implement more advanced technology on farm to help meet these demands,” she says.

“Veterinarians have a unique opportunity to work alongside farmers to use and interpret data to identify bottlenecks, make management decisions that promote animal health and welfare, improve production, implement preventative measures, and find solutions for challenges.”

TARA WILSON

PhD in Food Sciences, OAC

Tara Wilson’s fascination with food sciences didn’t start until she took a course in biological food safety during her undergraduate degree in Applied Life Sciences at Lakehead University. Despite growing up in a small farming community in Ontario, she never imagined her passion for microbiology would lead her into dairy production.

Her decision to choose a graduate opportunity began when she met Dr. Gisele LaPointe, who inspired her with the strength of researchers in Dairy at Guelph and the level of impact dairy research at University of Guelph has on the industry.

“I remember [the day I got in] going to work like normal and getting the email with my offer,” Tara recalls. “It was a non-stop-smiling kind of day, just knowing you’re on the edge of being involved in something that has such a legacy behind it. That kind of thing makes anyone excited for the future.”

“To keep producers, cows and consumers happy and healthy, people like me have to keep studying ways of keeping contamination and spoilage at its lowest.”

industry, Wilson acknowledges the place food science and microbiology have in dairy.

“To keep producers, cows and consumers happy and healthy, people like me have to keep studying ways of keeping contamination and spoilage at its lowest,” she says. “There are days where you are exhausted from long days in the lab, but you’ll smile seeing people eating cheese or drinking milk knowing you’re a part of something bigger.”

COLIN LYNCH

Animal Biosciences, OAC

Across the Atlantic Ocean in Dublin, Ireland, Colin Lynch was studying Agricultural Science. He admits he struggled the first two years to find a subject he was passionate about. It wasn’t until his third year during his first animal breeding course that he found it: genetics.

“Growing up, my dad never cared what I wanted to do, but he always told me, ‘You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what do.’ That class was the first time in my life that I found something I could see myself pursuing long term,” Lynch says.

He took his love for animal breeding and genetics and, along with a recommendation from University College Dublin (UCD) faculty to pursue graduate studies in North America, started emailing programs.

One of the responses he received was from Dr. Fillippo Miglior, an adjunct professor at the University of Guelph who connected him with Dr. Christine Baes, professor of genetics in University of Guelph’s department of Animal Biosciences. Despite being nervous, Lynch interviewed and decided then he wanted to study in Guelph.

“It’s important to remember that graduate school will have periods of struggle. It’s a marathon, not a sprint; there will be many ups and downs, and it’s important to realize that’s a part of the process.”

— Colin Lynch

Lynch arrived in 2018 to complete a MSc which looked at the effect of synchronized breeding on genetic evaluations of fertility traits in dairy cattle. He started his PhD research in 2020, aiming to provide the foundation to help incorporate calf health traits for diarrhea and respiratory problems into national genetic evaluations for Canada.

— Tara Wilson

He has sound advice for future researchers.

Since that day, Wilson’s research, which started with her master’s degree and is now into her doctorate, has focussed on improving the quality and flavour of cheese in on-farm processing facilities. Wilson works in a facility where the milk is collected and made into cheese within a day, allowing her to understand the impacts specific to this environment. Swabs of the walls, floors and planks where the cheese sits help researchers understand the cheese-making ecosystem and how cheese development can be influenced by the processing environment.

“It’s important to remember that graduate school will have periods of struggle. It’s a marathon, not a sprint; there will be many ups and downs, and it’s important to realize that’s a part of the process,” Lynch says. “Finally, say yes to everything; volunteering to do data collection, reviewing a manuscript, giving a talk or teaching a class. Say yes, even if you’re not confident. These experiences will help develop you into a well-rounded researcher, and through helping others, will open new avenues in the future.”

Understanding the real-life business ramifications of her role in the

Katie Duncan is communications officer, Dairy at Guelph.

2 6 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

WO R L D DA I RY

NEW MACHINERY TO HELP DAIRY FARMERS LAUNCHED ON WORLD STAGE

By Chris McCullough

HELD EVERY TWO YEARS IN NOVEMBER, Agritechnica, the world’s largest farm machinery show, acts as a launch pad for the latest technology and equipment to help farmers become more efficient.

Faresin PF1.14 Electric Mixer Wagon

A record 470,000 visitors from all over the world visited the 2023 show in Hanover, Germany, the first staging of the event since COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of the 2021 show. In total, 24 halls housed 2,812 exhibitors from 52 countries.

Whether feeding cows, making silage or managing slurry, a variety of new machines were on display for dairy farming.

FA R E S I N PF 1 . 14 E L E C T R IC M I X E R WAG ON

Faresin revealed its first all-electric Leader PF 1.14 self-propelled mixer wagon with 14 cubic metres of capacity at Agritechnica. The machine is powered by a 91 kW, 210Ah lithium iron-phosphate battery integrated with Farmatics telematics for remote control, which is installed in the rear engine compartment. Traction power is provided by a 51-kW electric motor positioned in the rear axle, which also transmits motion to the front axle via a cardan shaft. The system has two gears that allow travel up to a maximum speed of 20 km/h. The Leader PF Full Electric has four drive and steering wheels that allow three types of steering. It is also equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension that can be adjusted in height via a control in the cab, allowing comfortable and safe driving. A 45 kW electric motor supplies power for all types of mixes thanks to the eight mixing speeds. In addition, a special cleaning function allows the auger to completely discharge the mixture inside the mixing tub.

P O T T I N G E R NOVAC AT F 3 10 0 OP T IC U RV E

A front mower with automatic curved side shift was introduced by Pottinger. The Novacat F3100 Opticurve mower guarantees a perfect overlap with the rear mower and ensures the tractor drives along a clear track free of forage when cornering and working on steep ground. Even if the tractor drifts sideways when cornering or on steep terrain, the rear tire does not run over grass that has not been cut yet because the mower shifts toward the inner radius of the curve.

W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 2 7

Pottinger Novacat F3100 Opticurve

or, the optional, six-tine bar pick up, which has increased width. A 540-rpm gearbox is equipped on the V6760/V8960 as standard, plus to optimize machine performance, a 1000 rpm gearbox is available as an optional extra. These fully automatic machines are Isobus compatible with the option of using McHale’s Iso-Play 7 or Iso-Play 12 terminals.

McHale V6 760 Baler

JO S K I N 1 2 M S LU R RY B O OM

Joskin showed its new high-performance 12-metre slurry boom in its Start range. One of the main changes concerns the distribution of the slurry in the boom. Whereas the previous model had a single macerator to distribute the slurry into 44 hoses, the new version is now equipped with two macerators and four additional hoses. In total, there are now 48 hoses, with a 25 cm row spacing, compared with 28 cm previously. While the presence of two macerators ensures a better slurry distribution, it also increases the working speed since there is a higher flow of slurry at the tank outlet. This model is also equipped with gauge wheels on both sides of the boom. These improvements can be found on both the Pendislide Start version with skids and the Penditwist Start version with line hoses.

Joskin 12m Slurry Boom

S I LOK I N G E T RUC K 2 01 2

SiloKing exhibited one of its new electric Truckline eTruck 2012 feed mixers that range from 12 to 20 cubic metres in capacity. On display was the 18 cubic metres version with a new individual drive concept for mixing augers and wheels, as well as high-quality lithium-ion batteries. Except for the smallest model, the eTruck 2012-12 with a capacity of 12 cubic metres and only one mixing auger, the new models each have two mixing augers, each driven by its own motor.

The total system power of the mixing drive is 80 kW, which helps ensure a homogeneous feed mixture even with round bales. Battery life is sufficient for two to four container fills and allows for 3,000 to 5,000 full charge cycles. In the cab, the control panel includes functions for mixing at 17 rpm, cutting at 40 rpm, and residual emptying at 55 rpm. The driving speed ranges from 0 to 15 km/h.

SiloKing eTruck 2012

MC H A L E V6 76 0 B A L E R

McHale launched its new V6 760 and V8 960 fully automatic variable chamber balers, which are the highest spec machines in the V6/V8 range. McHale has created its highest output pick-up for the V6760/ V8960 to increase crop intake through more efficient crop flow. The new tapered feed channel encourages the crop to flow from the pick-up, toward the rotor and into the bale chamber, maximizing throughput. To reduce maintenance, all Profi-Flo pick-ups are fitted with a heavier driveline, which reduces chain load and increases chain life. Customers can choose between a five-tine bar cam track pick-up

2 8 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

RO C RT 1 15 0 W I N DROW E R

One of the latest grass windrowers on display from Roc, currently merging into the Kverneland Group, was the RT1150 model with overall

working width of more than 11 metres. These machines differ from traditional rakes as the Roc RT1150 lifts the crop up before transporting it on a conveyor belt, whereas traditional rakes drag the crop on the ground up into the windrow. By using the Roc system, the crop is lifted and put gently on the belt in order to be transported and deposited centrally without any damage. Roc claims its machines save power and fuel consumption as only one 100 hp tractor is needed to form a swath every 10 metres. The machine folds up to a compact three metres wide and three metres tall for road transport.

of hauling 24 tonnes at 40 km/hour and has a body capacity of up to 40 cubic metres, using extension sides. The inclined front wall increases the loading volume while maintaining manoeuvrability and overall length. A large inspection window provides an easy view into the body. The angle of the front wall facilitates load sliding, ensuring faster and safer unloading.

Krampe ProBody 760 Trailer

Roc RT1150 Windrower

M E R L O T F E 4 3 .7

A new full-size electric TFe 43.7 telehandler was on the Merlo stand, still in prototype stage but already creating huge interest. It has a modular pack design, which means the electric pack can be moved from one machine to others in the Merlo line. The Italian manufacturer has switched to lithium-ion batteries for this larger machine, giving it more output and productivity. It has a lift capacity of 4.3 tonnes up to seven metres high.

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W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 2 9

S U S TA I NA B I L I T Y

NEW SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL HELPS FARMERS FIND OUT IF BIOGAS IS A FIT

By Sarah Stadnyk

BIOGAS CAN BE A FIT FOR MANY FARMS, but it can be hard to navigate all the project considerations. To help farmers evaluate the feasibility of an on-farm biogas project, the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) has developed a new online self-assessment tool.

Biogas is created when organic materials, such as manure and agricultural residues, are broken down in an anaerobic digester that provides an oxygen-free environment. Biogas is 55 to 60 per cent methane and can be combusted in its raw form; however, cleaning and upgrading the biogas to increase the methane content can produce pipeline-quality natural gas, known as renewable natural gas (RNG). Biogas and RNG are opportunities for dairy farmers to generate and sell renewable energy, reduce manure methane emissions and return nutrients to the soil in the form of digestate.

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Both biogas and RNG projects require considerable research and planning. Project considerations include access to energy grids, feedstock availability and financial capability to support the capital investment. With proper research and due diligence, farms can capitalize on favourable site characteristics and address project challenges to pursue biogas and RNG development.

The new self-assessment tool is tailored for farmers with little knowledge of biogas and RNG projects to walk through feasibility considerations for project development to determine if biogas is a fit for their farm.

“A key question farmers ask but can’t easily find the answer to is, ‘is my farm suitable for a viable biogas facility,’” says Jennifer Green,

“A key question farmers ask but can’t easily find the answer to is, ‘is my farm suitable for a viable biogas facility.’ This new self-assessment tool can help farmers learn what factors matter and what questions to ask if they are interested in building an anaerobic digester.”

— Jennifer Green, executive director, Canadian Biogas Association

executive director of the Canadian Biogas Association. “This new self-assessment tool can help farmers learn what factors matter and what questions to ask if they are interested in building an anaerobic digester.”

The tool is a first step for farmers exploring biogas production for their farm. It’s easy to navigate and helps farmers evaluate three key areas: market and infrastructure, feedstock considerations and location.

In most cases, the economic feasibility for investing in biogas and RNG requires the ability to sell into the market. Considerations for market and infrastructure include questions about likelihood of selling the biogas, proximity and access to energy grid (electricity or natural gas), and willingness to work with utilities to connect.

Access to consistent feedstock is also crucial for a successful project. Feedstock assessment questions in the tool dig into farm size, manure availability, willingness to use non-agricultural feedstock, such as food waste, and feedstock quality.

The location assessment segment prompts farmers to consider the physical site aspects that would impact project viability including land size, proximity to feedstock, truck accessibility, ability to develop the site and set-back from other buildings.

Visit www.farmingbiogas.ca for more information.

Sarah Stadnyk is manager of business development and communications, Canadian Biogas Association.

Biogas is 55 to 60 per cent methane and can be combusted in its raw form; however, cleaning and upgrading the biogas to increase the methane content can produce pipeline-quality natural gas, known as renewable natural gas (RNG).

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W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 3 1

S U S TA I NA B I L I T Y

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CHAIR IN ANIMAL WELFARE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LAUNCHES

By Elsa Vasseur and Abdoulaye Baniré Diallo

THE CANADIAN DAIRY INDUSTRY is facing growing consumer demand for sustainable production prioritizing both animal welfare and evolving markets. For this reason, the industry has placed increasing emphasis on cow longevity as a possible solution to improve the social, economic and environmental sustainability of dairy farms. Recent scientific evidence suggests longevity and welfare do indeed go hand in hand, and that improving both would benefit dairy operations while helping to meet consumer and market demands.

In this context, McGill University and the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) have launched a five-year Research and Innovation Chair in Animal Welfare and Artificial Intelligence (WELL-E), supported by industry partners Novalait, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Les Producteurs de lait du Québec and Lactanet.

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(519) 577-6893 (800) 435-9560 AGRIKING.COM/CANADA

3 2 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

The project will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with existing animal science methods to automate and broaden research, and work with a network of partner farms as a true digital living laboratory. Scientists will conduct cutting-edge research that integrates new technologies and computer science methods to improve dairy cattle welfare and longevity, while focusing on the actual needs of the industry.

WELL-E will focus on four main research themes: Animal welfare and herd management; animal welfare and longevity; efficient and energyefficient collection of predictive and monitoring data; and big data, data analysis and artificial intelligence.

1

ANIMAL WELFARE AND HERD MANAGEMENT

This research theme will focus on elements in a cow’s environment and their impact on quality of life. Previous research has focused on the impact of stall configuration and comfort on cow welfare as well as on opportunities for movement needed by animals. WELL-E research will continue to explore elements related to the environment, such as housing, and to the daily routines of cows with the goal of improving cow experience using emotional, biomechanical and biomarker measurements. The main research areas under this theme

are: examining possible improvements to different housing systems through environmental and social enrichment; evaluating the impact of handling and access to exercise; and providing solutions for transitioning from tiestall systems to alternative systems. Using a network of partner farms, teams will study the impact of transitioning from one system to another on animal management and responses, and look for ways to help cows and farmers adapt more easily to a new system.

2

ANIMAL WELFARE AND LONGEVITY

Research under this theme will focus on measures of long-term profitability (for herds) and survivability (for cows) in the dairy industry. Previous research has focused on dairy cow lifetime profitability measures as well as early indicators of performance, welfare and longevity. Results clearly showed AI and, in particular, machine learning, can be used to identify early indicators of status changes, which could be used in the development of tools designed

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to detect the risk of lameness and injury. It is also possible to use a machine learning approach to remotely detect herds at risk of welfare deterioration using data routinely collected via milk recording or health records. Throughout the WELL-E project, we will build on these results with the specific objective of developing predictors of herd longevity, profitability and welfare. To make these predictors operational in real-time (i.e., usable for on-farm decision-making), we will develop and deploy an infrastructure capable of capturing, analyzing and predicting data in real-time.

3

EFFICIENT AND ENERGYEFFICIENT COLLECTION OF DATA

This research theme will focus on how data is collected, ensuring faster, more efficient and more reliable data collection on a network of partner farms. This theme will lead to the creation of a true digital living laboratory and supports the first two themes, providing the necessary infrastructure to enable scaling up. To

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office@oxfordcattlecompany.com W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 3 3

Jeni Mobile Wash Since 1986

We specialize in BARN WASHING www.jenimobile.com MIKE RYAN

Fergus, Ontario Monkton, Ontario

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Managing Partner Beckelm Farms (2018) Ltd. is a 400-cow dairy facility on 1200 acres located in Salisbury NB. The cows are housed in a modern 6 Robot barn built in 2019. Production is currently 15000 kg ME (300 BCA) with a quota base over 500 kgs.

Beckelm Farms was built by a partnership of dairy farmers. Currently, we are looking for a candidate for the role as Managing Partner. The Managing Partner would be expected to take a significant ownership interest in the business. In addition to strategic planning, they would be responsible for all day-to-day activities at the farm. This would include, but not be limited to, staff, cows, crops, financial and compliance items at the farm.

The partners at Beckelm Farms are committed to the farm. We value future growth and strategic progression of the business.

Interested parties should submit an Expression of Interest to john@schenkelsfarms.ca.

Please include all relevant management experience and ownership expectations.

3 4 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

achieve this, research will focus on exploring effective ways of providing the infrastructure and software needed to enable the digitization of dairy farms, and providing proof of concept on how farm ecosystem data processing can support data analysis and machine learning steps. Solutions to the challenges posed by the collection and harmonization of data from industrial partner databases will be proposed. Research in this area will focus on refining the infrastructure to support animal welfare research themes.

4

BIG DATA, DATA ANALYSIS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

This research axis will concentrate on big data processing, data analysis and artificial intelligence. It will look at how to tackle the challenges of automating data processing from sensors and accelerometers. Several questions will be addressed. First, the question of heterogeneous data integration will be addressed through modelling of ontologies and knowledge graphs to represent data captured from the main collection sources. Algorithms will be designed to establish predictive and prescriptive indicators to support decision-making. The implementation strategy and deployment of a digital living laboratory will be at the heart of this theme. Mechanisms for on-farm decision-making based on predictive indicators will be studied and solutions will be proposed and evaluated. Privacy and cybersecurity issues will also be examined to develop appropriate practices and tools for Canadian farms. This theme will also support both animal welfare themes by enabling the automation of some measurements and the development of proxy measures, which will simplify on-farm decision-making.

The work conducted under WELL-E will initially focus on two pilot farms: one in Quebec and one in Ontario. The two farms will be used to test individual research questions and serve as proof of concept studies for future work.

Expansion The work conducted under WELL-E will initially focus on two pilot farms: one in Quebec and one in Ontario. The two farms will be used to test individual research questions and serve as proof of concept studies for future work. As projects evolve and the AI and sensor infrastructure grows, research will expand to a network of partner farms across Canada leading to the creation of a digital living laboratory focused on the needs of animals and dairy producers.

Researchers will use remote sensing via portable sensors and cameras to monitor cows 24 hours a day, while minimizing intrusion from humans. Data will be collected remotely by installing computational infrastructures directly on partner farms, which will

At a Glance Field of application Animal welfare and artificial intelligence Research and innovation Development of practices to improve dairy cow welfare and longevity and artificial intelligence-based tools to help with on-farm decision-making.

Benefits New rearing practices for different housing systems; automated measures and early indicators to detect status changes; and decision-making tools to help improve cow welfare and longevity, and the profitability of the dairy industry.

Research funded by NSERC Alliance, PROMPT, Novalait, DFC, DFO, PLQ, Lactanet

be interconnected in a network. These computers will acquire, store and process data before sending it to a computing cloud.

In this cloud, specially designed AI algorithms will pre-analyze data to facilitate subsequent analysis by a human. Based on these analyses, customized metrics (herd and individual) can be calculated for each farm.

Results/deliverables The ultimate goal of WELL-E is to provide a cohort of applicable practices to multiple housing and management systems to enable farmers to achieve positive animal welfare and keep healthy animals in their herds longer. The project will propose solutions for the implementation of decision-making tools based on animal welfare, longevity and profitability indicators, allowing farmers to intervene earlier and identify the cows best suited to remain in the herd longer. These major outcomes will be important steps toward data-driven practices to provide producers with the resources they need to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving dairy industry.

On a larger scale, thanks to a collaboration with numerous stakeholders, research conducted under WELL-E will build capacity for the future. The chair also aims to serve as a talent incubator for entrepreneurs and students across Canada, while paving the way for the emergence of new expertise and knowledge in the combined fields of animal welfare science and AI. Elsa Vasseur is associate professor, Department of Animal Science, McGill University; Abdoulaye Baniré Diallo is professor, Department of Computer Science, University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM).

W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 3 5

S U S TA I NA B I L I T Y

Feed additives, such as canola meal, may help cows produce less methane.

CANADA LEADS IN REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

rumen fermentation (Table 1). This means even small changes in this category can be impactful: a 10 per cent reduction here will reduce the total by almost five per cent. However, a 10 per cent reduction in the “Transportation energy use and infrastructure” category would change the total less than one per cent. Thus, there has been considerable effort to reduce methane emissions.

By Essi Evans and Brittany Wood

CANADA’S DAIRY INDUSTRY has one of the world’s lowest environmental footprints and Canada is continuing to invest in groundbreaking research that will ensure we, as well as the rest of the world, are presented with numerous options to reduce greenhouse gas output even further.

A nagging concern for many is what are the costs of implementation? What will milk producers need to bear? While some technologies being developed will require capital investments, there are others that can be implemented with little or no cost, and even provide paybacks. Approximately half the greenhouse gas produced by Canadian dairies is in the form of methane from enteric

Table 1. Sources of Greenhouse Gas

Recently, researchers at the University of Guelph led by Dr. Christine Baes2, in co-operation with Lactanet, developed the world’s first genetic evaluation of cows’ potential to produce greenhouse gas using mid-infrared analysis of milk. Despite the complicated name, this is a relatively simple analytical method that can be applied to individual cow or bulk tank milk samples. Through this technology, cows that naturally produce less methane can be selected. The advantage: the

Table 2. Vegetable Oils to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas4 Source of added fat in diets Palm fat

Sunflower seed

Flaxseed

Canola seed

Milk yield, kg

26.6

26.7

26.8

27.0

293

264

241

265

1

Source

Contribution, %

Livestock management (rumen methane production)

48

Methane, g/cow/ day

Feed production

28

61.3

49.2

55.2

61.6

Manure management

18

Feed digestibility, %

Transportation, energy use and infrastructure

6

Methane, g/kg digestible feed

26.6

29.7

24.2

22.3

3 6 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

energy otherwise lost as methane can be directed to milk production.

In other words, these cows will use feed more efficiently.

Many feed additives have been investigated as ways to reduce methane output but have yet to be approved for use in feed. Dr. Karen Beauchemin Emeritus, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in Lethbridge, Alta., is one of the world’s leading researchers in methane reduction technology. She and her colleagues3 say effective options are available that can be applied now. Increasing productivity improves milk/feed, which will result in less methane produced per kilogram of milk. Ionophores, such as monensin, likewise can reduce methane and are safe and available.

Table 3. High Digestible Forage to Reduce Greenhouse Gas5

Dr. Beauchemin is also an advocate of using oils from oilseed crops, as a low-cost method of reducing methane output. In one study4, methane was reduced 13 per cent when low-producing cows were given 3.7 per cent added fat from sunflower seed, flaxseed or canola seed when compared with palm fat (Table 2).

Saturated fats, such as palm or tallow, are less effective than oilseeds and digestibility can be reduced when polyunsaturated vegetable oils are used at high levels. The study found this was the case when sunflower and flaxseed were used. Canola seed contains lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Table 4. Vegetable Protein to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas6

Corn silage Conventional

Canola meal inclusion level, % of DM Brown midrib

0

8

16

24

25.8

26.9

27.3

27.7

Dry matter intake, kg/cow/ day

25.8

27.4

Dry matter intake kg/ cow/day

Energy corrected milk, kg/ cow/day

37.5

40.4

Energy corrected milk, kg/cow/day

44.0

45.0

45.6

46.2

Methane, g/cow/day

483

470

Methane, g/cow/day

489

475

463

461

11.8

Methane, g/kg energy corrected milk

12.5

12.0

11.6

11.3

Methane, g/kg energy corrected milk

13.1

“... works tremendously on fresh 2-year-olds.”

— Jeff King

KINGS-RANSOM FARM AND KING BROTHERS DAIRY The King Family, Schuylerville, NEW YORK 1000 Registered Holsteins, 14,000kgM, SCC 90,000, 120 EX Recent Select Sires Canada tour stop for Quebec breeders (Above) Jonathan, Jeff and Jan King with Kings-Ransom Casp Daze-ET EX94 95MS. She is the dam of the popular bull Dropbox and new release Dreamy. (Right) Jonathan, Pandora, Jan, Becky and Jeff King at the store on the farm, Daze udder at 21 DIM.

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For external application to the udder only, after milking, as an essential component of udder management. Always wash and dry teats thoroughly before milking.

“We use Udder Comfort™ on fresh cows, works tremendously on fresh 2-yr-olds, softening udders quickly to increase comfort and performance.

We have used Udder Comfort 10 years, spray in the parlor, lotion at shows. There is a real benefit there,” says Jeff King, Kings-Ransom Farm, Schuylerville, NY, milking 1000 registered Holsteins, making 14,000kgM at 90,000 SCC. Award-winning products start with quality udders making quality milk. They credit staff, milking routines, fitness genetics, sand bedding, cow comfort, including Udder Comfort for fresh 2-yr-olds.

With over 120 EX, they produce A.I. sires like Dynasty, Cadillac, Dropbox from homebred cow families like Cleavage, Cleo, Dextra.

“It’s easy to love the great ones but when cows walk in the freestall with good feet and legs and udders full of milk, cows the kids enjoy showing, that’s what it’s about,” adds Jan King.

W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 3 7

Diets with greater portions of barley or corn silage result in less methane than those based on legume/grass forages5.

Part of this effect is due to greater milk production and improved feed efficiency with the grain silages.

Dr. Chaouki Benchaar is another expert in the field of greenhouse gas mitigation. Dr. Benchaar has extensively researched how alterations in AGRI-TRAC Milled our dairy barn floors in August AGRI-TRAC gives the cows the Traction they need • Increase milk production of 2000.

22 Years later we just had AGRI-TRAC feed ingredients impact methane output in dairy cows.

One important Milled our dairy barn floors in August without being too aggressive on their feet. We also AGRI-TRAC gives the cows the Traction they need • Increase heat detection to do them again.

It lasted 22 Years! We chose s later we just had AGRI-TRAC back factor is on thetheir selection forages. with greater portions of barley like howDiets the floor is easy to scrape and clean. without being too aggressive feet. Weofalso Providing AGRI-TRAC both times instead of grooving m again. It lasted 22 Years! We chose or corn silage result in less methane than those based on legume/ • Reduce hoof and leg injuries like how the floor is easy to scrape and clean.

Permanent Traction James Walker Walkerbrae Farms Providing because it works and lasts. We have experience, oth times instead of grooving 5 grass forages . Part of this effect is due to greater milk production • Reduce cull rates for farmers Guelph, ON Permanent James Walker Walkerbrae Farms NOT work! Traction Thank you AGRI-TRAC. s and lasts. We have experience, grooving does and improved feed efficiency with the grain silages. Digestibility of that lasts decades! for farmers Guelph, ON NOT work! Thank you AGRI-TRAC. Mario Vriens Friendly Farms the forage is also key. For example, in one of his experiments, brown that lasts decades!

Over 25 Years Providing Permanent Traction 877-966-3546 Arthur, ON Mario Vriens Friendly Farms www.agritraction.com midrib corn silage reduced methane per kilogram of milk 11 per cent forON farmerswww.agritraction.com that877-966-3546 lasts decades!

Arthur, and increased energy corrected milk yield eight per cent (Table 3).

Over 25 Years

AGRI-TRAC gives the cows the traction they need without being too aggressive on their feet. We also like how the floor is easy to scrape and clean.

James Walker, Walkerbrae Farms Guelph, ON

Over 25 Years

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In addition to forages, Dr. Benchaar and his team have investigated protein sources in the diet. In the most recent trial (Table 4), replacing soybean meal with canola meal resulted in a reduced methane that was proportionate to the level of inclusion6. All diets provided 16 per cent crude protein.

These results show simple changes can be made that do not hurt, and may help, producers’ bottom line. Are these factors cumulative?

Dr. Jennifer Ellis7 and associates at the University of Guelph are developing models to better predict how we might integrate some of these factors and get the best results. The future is promising.

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References

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1. https://lactanet.ca/en/environmental-footprint-dairy-industry/ 2. Shadpour, S., Chud, T.C., Hailemariam, D., Plastow, G., Oliveira, H.R., Stothard, P., Lassen, J., Miglior, F., Baes, C.F., Tulpan, D. and Schenkel, F.S., 2022. Predicting methane emission in Canadian Holstein dairy cattle using milk mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy and other commonly available predictors via artificial neural networks. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(10), pp.8272-8285 3. Beauchemin, K.A., Ungerfeld, E.M., Abdalla, A.L., Alvarez, C., Arndt, C., Becquet, P., Benchaar, C., Berndt, A., Mauricio, R.M., McAllister, T.A. and Oyhantçabal, W., 2022. Invited review: Current enteric methane mitigation options. Journal of Dairy Science.

4. Beauchemin, K.A., McGinn, S.M., Benchaar, C. and Holtshausen, L., 2009. Crushed sunflower, flax, or canola seeds in lactating dairy cow diets: Effects on methane production, rumen fermentation, and milk production. Journal of dairy science, 92(5), pp.2118-2127.

5. Benchaar, C. Nutritional strategies to Mitigate enteric methane from dairy cows: state of knowledge and new perspectives. 2022. Proceedings Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada. Pp.184-200.

6. Benchaar, C., Hassanat, F., Beauchemin, K.A., Gislon, G. and Ouellet, D.R., 2021.

Diet supplementation with canola meal improves milk production, reduces enteric methane emissions, and shifts nitrogen excretion from urine to feces in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 104(9), pp.9645-9663.

7. Kebreab, E., Tedeschi, L., Dijkstra, J., Ellis, J.L., Bannink, A. and France, J., 2016.

Modeling greenhouse gas emissions from enteric fermentation. Synthesis and modeling of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage in agricultural and forest systems to guide mitigation and adaptation, 6, pp.173-195.

R E S E A RC H

USING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE LOCOMOTION ASSESSMENTS IN DAIRY COWS

By ACER Consulting, Gabriel M. Dallago and Elsa Vasseur LAMENESS IS A COMMON HEALTH ISSUE IN DAIRY COWS and can be characterized by a change in a cow’s walk or gait. This condition has a substantial impact on health and welfare and leads to a wide array of economic consequences, such as reduced milk production and reproductive performance, and an increased risk of premature culling. Early identification and treatment of the underlying conditions responsible for causing lameness are critical for providing effective, inexpensive treatments and for preventing future issues.

Visual observation is a commonly used method to detect lameness since it is non-invasive, inexpensive and does not it is non-invasive, inexpensive, and does not require specific equipment. However, this approach is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and consistent lameness scoring requires repeated training with consistent scales.

As a result, researchers are testing alternative, automated methods for assessment of lameness to identify and treat cows before more severe lameness develops. Research conducted at McGill University, led by Dr. Elsa Vasseur, is investigating the ability of technology to detect lameness using kinematics, the study of motion.

In a first project, a total of 21 Holstein cows were video recorded as they moved through a walkway with reflective markers placed on different joints of their front and hind limbs (Figure 1). Using a 3-D analysis program and artificial intelligence, this method of detecting lameness showed high performance, with 91 per cent accuracy reported for classifying lame and non-lame cows. This model could one day provide dairy farmers with an automated method of detecting lameness by setting up cameras along passages that cows normally walk through, such as parlour exits.

Early identification and treatment of the underlying conditions responsible for causing lameness are critical for providing effective, inexpensive treatments and for preventing future issues. indicators of lameness only through kinematics but earlier indicators are being evaluated to identify cows before they are showing clinical signs of lameness. Hoof thermography and pressure platforms are new technologies that are being explored at McGill (Figure 2). Hoof thermography could predict changes in blood flow that are occurring as a result of inflammation or injury associated with foot lesions, and pressure platforms can be placed on alleys that cows walk over to detect changes in weight distribution between limbs, which may be an early sign of lameness. Automated lameness detection is a key new field of interest and technology is quickly and continuously evolving. While some technologies are further advanced than others, it is important that various technologies be simultaneously developed and refined in order to produce accurate, reliable and affordable options for all.

ACER Consulting is based in Guelph, Ont.; Gabriel M. Dallago is postdoctoral fellow, Computer Science Department, Université du Québec à Montréal; and Dr. Elsa Vasseur is associate professor, Department of Animal Science, McGill University.

A second project was conducted by Dr. Vasseur’s team jointly with Dr. Baniré Diallo’s Bioinformatics lab at University of Quebec at Montreal where, similar to the first study, a kinematic system was set up with six cameras mounted around a walkway where cows’ gait was recorded.

A trained observer gait-scored the cows using the videos captured by the cameras. While the first study investigated lameness detection, this study used artificial intelligence models to predict the gait scores of cows using 3-D co-ordinates extracted from the videos. It was found the models had a low accuracy in classifying gait scores, suggesting it may be difficult to use kinematics alone to predict gait score. More work is needed to fine-tune an automated approach to classifying the level of lameness of a particular cow.

Figure 1. Experimental set-up showing the reflective markers on the cow and the positioning of the cameras around the walkway

Currently, the best way to detect lameness is through visual assessment; however, researchers are pursuing ways to make detection easier and occur earlier. There are some limitations to detecting early

Figure 2. Hoof thermography (A) and illustration of pressure distribution (B) technologies under study to improve locomotion assessment in dairy cows.

W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 3 9

CALF CARE

AN INVISIBLE NEMESIS How to identify biofilm build-up and why it matters

By Veal Farmers of Ontario

AFTER EACH FEEDING, calf raisers rally to the same dreaded task of washing nipples, bottles and buckets.

Even with an automatic feeder, the lines and hoses must be cleaned regularly.

After a job well done, calf feeding equipment may appear clean, but depending on cleaning protocol, there may be a hidden danger in plain sight — an invisible, sticky layer known as biofilm.

Milk residues that aren’t completely removed from surfaces are the beginning of biofilm. This is why experts recommend specific cleaning temperatures between 21 C and 74 C (not too hot or too cold) and techniques (like brushing all surfaces) to avoid getting these fats, proteins and carbohydrates stuck on in the first place.

Once these particles stick to feeding equipment, bacteria find and adhere to them, secreting a protective substance that prevents them from being removed by cleaning products or vigorous scrubbing. These protective substances stick together and form what is called a matrix.

Once established, these matrices can become a feeding and breeding ground for even more bacteria. The late Dr. Sam Leadley and Penn State liken the structure of biofilm to an apartment development or fort where bacteria can continue to attach and build, and where even more milk residues stick.

After a job well done, calf feeding equipment may appear clean, but depending on cleaning protocol, there may be a hidden danger in plain sight – an invisible, sticky layer known as biofilm.

4 0 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

Raw milk is full of nutrients and contains bacteria, making it a prime location for buildup. This is particularly concerning for colostrum collection.

Biofilm can accumulate on many types of surfaces and the longer it goes undetected, the harder it is to remove. In the early stages, it’s difficult to detect by sight or feel, but a sticky film may develop and eventually it will have some texture or a yellowish hue.

Each time the feeding equipment is used, both parts of the matrix and bacteria can escape the biofilm and contaminate what the calves are drinking, whether it’s colostrum, milk, milk replacer or water.

Along with feeding equipment, the bucket milker can also accumulate biofilm. Raw milk is full of nutrients and contains bacteria, making it a prime location for buildup. This is particularly concerning for colostrum collection. According to Dr. Leadley, high colostrum bacteria counts may be the cause of persistent scours in calves under three weeks of age.

Preweaned calves repeatedly exposed to low levels of this sloughed bacteria from biofilms in their milk or milk replacer can also have ongoing issues with scours.

And as Dr. Dave Renaud commented at the recent Dairy at Guelph Research Day, diarrhea is a gateway disease. It’s not uncommon to see preweaned calves with scours needing treatment for respiratory illnesses, too.

Your vet is a great resource who can help assess calf treatment records, troubleshoot the cleaning process and monitor for bacteria counts.

Calf Care, brought to you by Veal Farmers of Ontario, delivers the latest information to help you improve the way calves are raised on your farm. Follow @CalfCareCorner on Facebook and X, and sign up for monthly e-newsletters on calfcare.ca.

W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 4 1

H U M A N R E S OU RC E S

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS THE COST OF WORKFORCE VACANCIES IN AGRICULTURE R E S E A RC H H IG H L IG H T S

42%

of dairy producers were not able to find all the workers they needed in 2018, compared to 47% for all agriculture.

35%

of dairy producers expect employment at their farm to rise over the next five years, while 19% expect a decline.

By

2029,

Ontario will need 660 more workers than are available.

More than one-third of the current workforce (34%) is expected to

retire by 2029.

Insufficient compensation relative to other sectors is one of the industry’s biggest retention challenges, with

64% of producers

citing it as a barrier to retention. Long working hours is another important issue for 52% of producers.

Additional dairy-specific data is expected in February along with key recommendations and insights.

4 2 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

NEW LABOUR MARKET DATA FROM THE CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCE COUNCIL (CAHRC) reveals on-farm agriculture businesses lost an estimated $3.5 billion in sales in 2022 because they didn’t have the workers they needed.

This finding was revealed in November at CAHRC’s Labour Market Information Summit as part of a comprehensive analysis of the Canadian agriculture sector’s labour market trends and challenges.

The research and analysis, conducted by the Conference Board of Canada on behalf of CAHRC, also found the sector has an above-average vacancy rate of 7.4 per cent, with two in five employers saying they couldn’t find the workers they needed. Agriculture in Canada, including farm businesses, support services, and agricultural wholesalers, had a workforce of 420,000 in 2022, of which 17 per cent was foreign workers (including workers from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program). That’s an increase of more than 30 per cent since 2017.

“We cannot solve the issues facing our sector if we do not know exactly what they are and where they exist. That is why this new data is so important,” says Jennifer Wright, CAHRC’s executive director. “The information tells us there is an urgent need to boost labour supply and empower domestic and foreign workers to secure the industry’s future viability. CAHRC, as it works in partnership with industry, is committed to tackling these challenges head-on through the ongoing development of its resources and projects.”

The labour force forecasting model utilizes a system powered by an extensive database for occupational groups, industries, predictors for 35 skills requirements and information from all provinces and territories. Data was also collected through surveys, interviews and focus groups with employers, workers, industry stakeholders, government agencies and academic institutions.

Read more at https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/sites/default/files/2021-11/Dairy_Reduced%20 size_E.pdf.

ASK AN FSR

& QA

DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO’S (DFO) FIELD SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES (FSRS) are not only milk inspectors, they are also your source of support for everything from milk quality troubleshooting to quota questions and paperwork, questions about policies and regulation, and anything else related to DFO and how it applies to your farm. Our team of 13 field staff have seen and heard a lot. This column was created to use our collective expertise by sharing answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive. We are here to help you.

QU E S T ION

Example

Why does my demerit per cent increase at the beginning of the month, even though I have been producing good quality milk out of penalty range values?

Jan

Feb

Mar

290

398

411

268

401

266

A NS W E R

372

376

288

383

685

319

421

398

485

596

405

578

414

471

433

435

516

404

309

487

379

351

405

251

419

470

190

640

356

236

277

409

222

267

313

165

The demerit system calculates penalties by applying a demerit each time a test result exceeds the regulatory standard. >400,000 somatic cells per ml; >121,000 individual bacteria cells per ml.

This system considers a penalty when a demerit is applied to at least one test result in the current month and at least 40 per cent of all test results in the current plus two previous months.

Step 1: Determine if at least one test result in the current month is above 400,000 SCC. Step 2: Calculate the percentage demerit using all test results above 400,000 SCC in the current rolling three-month period. If 40 per cent or more test results in these three months are above 400,000 SCC, a penalty is applied.

235

This example shows how the per cent demerit will increase at the beginning of a new month.

Reminder: Be aware of your percentage at the beginning of the month; however, the percentage at the end of the month is most important.

Coming Soon! Enhanced Laboratory Services As of Mar. 1, 2024, increased bacteria testing of all milk pickups will begin.

189

Total demerits

6

9

5

20

Total tests

15

14

15

44

At the beginning of the month, with only one test result for March.

Note: The same steps are used to calculate demerits for BSN and to apply penalties.

Penalties are administered in a rolling three-month period. The per cent demerit is calculated for each rolling three-month period (not for each individual month in the rolling three-month period). When the month changes over, there are fewer test results to use for the calculation in the current month.

The percentage may increase in that month since there are fewer tests.

Total % demerit at end of this rolling three-month period, would be: Total Demerits/Total Tests = 16/30 = 53%

Total % demerit at end of this rolling three-month period would be: Total Demerits/Total Tests = 20/44 = 45%

Jan

Feb

Mar

290

398

411

268

401

372

376

383

685

421

398

596

405

414

471

435

516

309

487

351

405

419

470

640

356

277

409

267

313

What is changing • Increased bacteria testing: all pickups will be tested for bacteria versus the current four times per month.

• Lab will move from testing samples five days a week to seven days a week. This will provide more consistent reporting of all lab results (composition + SCC + BSN + MUN + FFA) and decrease lag time on reporting of results to producers. The target is to publish sample results within two days or less, consistently throughout the year, aside from statutory holidays.

Why this matters • Producers will be able to identify issues sooner.

• More data will allow better management on-farm.

• Results from each tank are required for traceback and problem solving.

• More data points will help improve monitoring at the provincial level and at the load level.

• Improved milk quality.

235 Total demerits

6

9

1

16

Total tests

15

14

1

30

No specific action is required by producers.

Contact your field services representative if you have any questions.

W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • 4 3

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4 4 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

next issue The Dairy Supply Chain

DFC

IN ACTION Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is proud to be the national, united voice of Canadian dairy farmers. We strive to defend and promote the hard work that goes into creating some of the best milk in the world.

DFC director Korb Whale (left) addresses the COP28 climate summit in Dubai

Webinar sheds more information on landmark FAO report In early December 2023, Dr. Lynnette Neufeld of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) presented findings from the recent FAO report on terrestrial animal source food (TASF), nutrition, and health, in conjunction with DFC and the Canadian Nutrition Society. TASFs are foods derived from livestock production systems, including Canada’s dairy farms.

The 2023 report from the FAO highlights their critical nutrient contribution and their role in supporting health throughout the lifecycle, stating that they are “among a range of food groups […] that can contribute to diverse and balanced dietary patterns.”

Over 400 attendees, including a range of nutrition professionals such as dietitians, researchers, and members of government, joined the webinar to learn more about this robust, evidencebased report, which includes an analysis of more than 500 studies and some 250 current policy documents and dietary guidelines.

Participants heard results of this systematic review of the evidence on consumption of various types of TASF on diverse health outcomes across life stages.

The webinar is available at https://cns-scn.ca/education-portal/

Sharing dairy’s sustainability successes at COP28 A DFC delegation was in attendance at December’s COP28 climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. DFC director Korb Whale took part in a panel hosted by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture entitled Industry-Led Commitments to Agricultural Sustainability.

Drawing on the Canadian agricultural sector’s comparisons and linkages to international initiatives and programs, the panel showed how our nation’s agriculture industries are a key part of a sustainable future. In his individual remarks, Korb Whale shared how the dairy industry’s net-zero commitment works within our country’s unique environmental context.

Ensuring Canadian dairy voices are heard at the global level is critical as international climate change policy will influence domestic targets and strategies. COP28 also gave DFC a chance to join other agricultural organizations to tell real stories about what dairy farmers are doing now, soon, and long-term to demonstrate how their commitments align with consumer concerns. The team was able to show a global audience the changes many farmers are making through innovation and research, as well as those being explored through partnerships with national and international organizations.

9 in 10 Canadians say it’s important that the dairy they buy comes from Canada Canadians place a great deal of importance on maintaining a strong, stable domestic supply of dairy products. In an online nationwide survey of Canadians’ views on the food system and supply management conducted by Abacus Data, 9 in 10 Canadians say it’s important to them the dairy they buy, as well as eggs, chicken and turkey, come from Canada.

89% of Canadians say it’s important to them to purchase these products from Canada, including 38% who say it is extremely important. 92% of Canadians agree they feel confident in the food safety and animal welfare standards used in dairy, chicken, turkey, and egg farming in Canada because of supply management.

94% of Canadians also prefer these foods be produced locally and in Canada under supply management. The poll, conducted in November 2023, shows that supply management instills Canadian consumers’ trust in our farmers.

These values are held across demographics throughout the country and supported by a strong majority of voters from all major political parties.

Listen to DFC’s new Paths to On-Farm Excellence podcast The proAction Environmental module is a valuable guide for farmers looking to enhance sustainability on their farms. To break down some of the topics within this module, DFC has released Paths to On-Farm Excellence, a bilingual podcast series on the various approaches farmers are taking towards sustainability and animal welfare. Epidemiologist Steven Roche hosts conversations with industry leaders and real dairy farmers as they share their perspectives on environmental stewardship, Environmental Farm Plans, and the importance of managing soil health, biodiversity, and water on dairy farms. Search for “Paths to On-Farm Excellence” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

B AC K4 0 : A L O O K B AC K I N M I L K P RO DUC E R M AG A Z I N E H I S T ORY

In 1978, the metric system represented the future of dairy. While metrication began in 1970 in Canada and had taken hold by the mid-70s, there were pockets of resistance.

With the April 1978 issue of Milk Producer magazine, producers were supplied with a measurement conversion chart and educated on new measurements for raw milk and quota, and analyses for butterfat, protein and lactose.

Both producer and processor payments also required conversion under the new system.

The same year, in an address to the Ontario Dairy Council’s annual convention, J. A. 4 6 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • W W W. M I L K P R O D U C E R . C A

Meiser, dairy commodity leader for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, looked ahead at the dairy industry’s next five years. He cited the need for improved farm efficiency, raw milk quality, transportation, processing and packaging techniques, and marketing, as well as increased processing capacity.

Meiser knew patience and the art of continuous improvement — a hallmark of an ever-evolving dairy supply system — was and is the path to a bright future.

For the life of your dairy ™

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The Next Generation Rotary features improved cow comfort with a lower profile bail and better unit alignment. Redesigning of the cabinet and changes to the serviceability of the rotary will bring the operator’s comfort of ownership to a new level.

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