Milk Producer November 2024 by MilkProducer

YOUNG PRODUCERS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS STORIES

THE VOICE OF ONTARIO DAIRY PRODUCERS

Thinking outside

the BOX

Taking calculated risks nets return for young farmer

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DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO

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ACER Consulting, Essa Evans, Steve Roche, Jeanine Moyer, Robert Price, Alex Hamilton, Cynthia Miltenburg, Meagan King, Émie Désilets, Annik L’Espérance, Bruna Mion, Dr. Trevor DeVries Veal Farmers of Ontario, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

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Supporting young producers getting started in dairy farming helps them get off on right foot

By Bart Rijke, Board Member, Region

1, Ottawa-Carleton (twp. of Cumberland), Glengarry, Prescott and Russell. Bart serves as Chair of the Governance Committee and is on the Markets and Allocation and Quota Committees.

As a young immigrant who began farming after moving to Canada from the Netherlands, I know firsthand what it feels like to start a dairy farm from scratch. When I came to Canada, I didn’t have a dairy farming background so had to learn along the way by talking to other farmers and getting hands-on experience on several farms.

I always knew I wanted to get into dairy farming, but there were limited opportunities in Europe. When I immigrated to Canada in 1982, it took me four years to start on my own. I purchased a dairy farm with no quota on a small 70-acre lot in 1986. Today, I and my wife, Antje, milk 150 cows and crop 600 acres on Hamlane Farms with our oldest son, Geert, and his wife, Danielle.

Supporting new entrants in the industry is important for our sector’s continuation and success. I am thankful we have programs like

Farm and Family

the P5 New Entrant Quota Assistance Program (NEQAP) and DFO’s New Producer Program (NPP) to help young farmers get started in the industry. Both these programs are designed to assist those with an interest in dairy farming who may not otherwise have the financial means or opportunity to get started. Though I’ve made a successful living as a dairy farmer, it would have been immensely helpful to have such support when I began. The value of these programs goes beyond just getting loaned quota, they provide young producers with the confidence, ability and understanding they need to ensure they get started on the right foot.

As I read through this month’s cover story on three young producers who benefitted from either NEQAP or NPP, such as Rick Roelofsen who is now operating his own dairy farm in Alymer, Ont., milking 26 Holstein cows, Mark Hutchison, an Ingersoll, Ont., dairy farmer who

attributes his passion for farming as one of the driving reasons he applied for NEQAP in 2021, or Wade and Anne-Miet Deaken, proud owners of Appinbrook Farms Ltd. in Elmwood, Ont., I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to have young people inspired to become dairy farmers and leave their mark in the industry.

As the Deakens explained: there’s no doubt, the first year was a challenge for them. They built a barn in six months, adjusted to a new farm routine and learned how to operate as a team. But it is this teamwork that will bode well for our young farmers. We all know farming is not a one-person job; it takes a committed team and dedication to run a successful dairy operation.

To all our aspiring young dairy farmers, I encourage you to read this issue for inspiration and encouragement. There’s never been a better time to get started in the industry.

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youngPRODUCERS

DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO (DFO) has two programs to assist new entrants, one of which is through the P5 (Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia) New Entrant Quota Assistance Program (NEQAP), which is designed to assist those with an interest in dairy farming who may not otherwise have the financial means or opportunity to get started in the industry. The P5 makes available 160 kilograms of quota per year for the program in Ontario. Subject to DFO issuing a license to produce and market milk and approving an order to issue quota, DFO will match 20 kg of loaned quota to each successful applicant , who initially purchases 20 to 30 kg of quota from the quota exchange and DFO will then take back 1.2 kg per year of the loaned quota starting in year 11. The program began in 2010 and there have been 124 producers entering the industry through NEQAP. It continues to be well received, with approximately 92 per cent remaining in the industry.

DFO also runs its own New Producer Program (NPP), which began in 2009. The program provides up to a maximum of 35 kg of quota to four eligible applicants each year who are placed in a queue. For each of the months from January to April, one applicant is given access to the exchange and can purchase up to 35 kg of quota, if available. New producers under either program must start marketing milk within six months of receiving the quota.

Milk Producer spoke to three young producers who credit these programs with helping them get started in the industry. Read on to learn of their successes, learnings and future outlook.

Support for new producer yields success

By Jeanine Moyer

ONE OF ONTARIO’S NEWEST DAIRY FARMERS, Rick Roelofsen started milking cows in March 2024. Thanks to the New Producer Program (NPP), Roelofsen is now operating his own dairy farm in Alymer, Ont., milking 26 Holstein cows.

It’s been a busy year for Roelofsen since he got his herd established, and he attributes much of his success to the support from those around him.

His greatest concern when he applied for the NPP was finding a barn suitable for his desired operation. In fact, he took the risk of paying the program deposit a year ahead of starting up without having any idea of where he would be milking. “We were very lucky to have found a farm owner with the ideal setup who has also been supporting us throughout the process of starting up our own dairy operation,” he explains.

Currently, Roelofsen is milking in a freestall rental barn that hadn’t been used to milk cows for 20 years. The barn required some work to get it back into operating order, including the installation of a used A3 Lely robot. He put in a lot of hours retrofitting gates and penning for his new herd, along with the help of the barn owner who was keen to support a new farmer entering the dairy industry.

If it wasn’t for the NPP, Roelofsen admits he wouldn’t be dairy farming. He says he always wanted to become a dairy farmer and enjoys working with cows. He is grateful for the New Producer Program that has given him the opportunity to start farming.

Roelofsen says this first year has been quite the learning curve and having the help of the dairy farmer he is renting his barn from has been a huge asset. “He’s been there to answer questions and lend a hand when I need it,” he says gratefully. Roelofsen recommends the same approach to fellow young farmers interested in getting into the industry, suggesting farmers shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help from other producers.

Farming on his own has taught Roelofsen a lot. He says, “I’ve gained a lot of management skills I was never taught working for other farmers.” Starting his own farm also meant Roelofsen has had to learn to balance his full-time career with his new herd. He notes his second source of income is necessary, especially since he is just starting out on the farm.

If it wasn’t for the NPP, Roelofsen admits he wouldn’t be dairy farming. He says he always wanted to become a dairy farmer and enjoys working with cows. He is grateful for the program that has given him the opportunity to start farming.

Both Roelofsen and his wife, Shelby, enjoy working with livestock and had set their sites on starting their own herd years ago. In fact, Shelby used to accompany Roelofsen to work, helping him milk cows when they were dating. Now that they have been successful in starting their own farm, they are hopeful their young children, Weston and Lucas, will one day enjoy dairy farming as much as they do.

“Working as a family allows me to share my passion with the next generation while spending time together and teaching them new skills,” says Roelofsen. “Dairy farming is a great life.”

NEQAP helps realize dream of dairy farming

By Jeanine Moyer

“THE NEW ENTRANT QUOTA ASSISTANCE PROGRAM has given us an opportunity to start something of our own in the dairy industry,” says Mark Hutchison, an Ingersoll, Ont., dairy farmer who attributes his passion for farming as one of the driving reasons he applied for the program in 2021.

Hutchison, along with his wife, Jaime, own Hutchview Dairy Inc. They were accepted into NEQAP in October 2022 and starting milking in November 2022. Reflecting on the past few years, Hutchison says the ability to milk their own cows has been fulfilling and rewarding, but the first year in operation was an eyeopening experience.

“Starting out is an expensive endeavour,” says Hutchison, noting the overhead costs, including cows, feed, veterinary supplies and tags that are all required to get started. “We’re fortunate to have a robot that’s made it easier since we both work off the farm and are active in our community.” He explains Jaime works as a parks supervisor for a local municipality, while Hutchison is a full-time herd manager on his family’s nearby dairy farm. Hutchison also volunteers at the local hall board and is a volunteer firefighter for the Township of South-West Oxford-Beachville.

A new dairy barn was built to accommodate their herd. They currently milk 35 cows with a Lely A5 robot. The sand-bedded, three-row barn holds their milking cows with 60 freestalls, along with their dry cows. Still in his first few years of dairy farming, Hutchison buys cows as he needs them and purchases feed from his family’s dairy farm.

The couple worked closely with their field services representative and accountant to complete the NEQAP application financial plan, combining their own knowledge of the industry with advice from trusted advisers. They also relied on a neighbour who had a similar size farm that provided them with their operating costs and financials to help build a realistic plan. Hutchison is grateful for the support and guidance that helped them through the application process and says, “this program has been such a great opportunity and

“Becoming a dairy producer is a longterm investment, I’m grateful for the NEQAP program and I’m optimistic about the growth and future of the Canadian dairy industry.”

success for us.” He also recommends the NEQAP program to any future producers interested in getting into the industry.

Purchasing a herd from a robot trained farm was beneficial for Hutchison, who notes having a reliable farm to source cows from during a start-up period is helpful and enabled him to stagger his livestock purchases. This also helped him manage lactation stages and farm finances.

One of Hutchison’s greatest achievements since starting his milking herd was winning an award for milk quality excellence in 2023. Currently, he averages 40 litres of production, 4.1 butterfat and the cows average 3.5 visits to the robot each day.

“Becoming a dairy producer is a long-term investment, I’m grateful for the NEQAP program and I’m optimistic about the growth and future of the Canadian dairy industry,” says Hutchison.

Mark Hutchison

Persistence pays off for Elmwood dairy farmers

By Jeanine Moyer

WADE AND ANNE-MIET DEAKEN were one of eight successful applicants to the New Entrant Quota Assistance Program (NEQAP) in 2021.

Proud owners of Appinbrook Farms Ltd. In Elmwood, Ont., the couple succeeded in securing a loan of 20 kilograms of quota through the program to help them establish their dairy herd.

Both Wade and Anne-Miet grew up on dairy farms and had plenty of farm and sector experience by the time they started milking their own cows in June 2022. They started farming together 10 years ago in Prince Edward Island and moved to their current farm location in 2018 where they have been growing field crops. Today, the Deakens are milking 45 cows and crop 250 acres.

“We love the lifestyle that farming, and especially dairy farming, provides and we wanted to share that with our children,” explains Wade. “We wouldn’t be milking cows today without NEQAP, and we’re grateful for the program.”

Wade says they had applied for NEQAP twice before they were successful, so they had plenty of experience preparing the required business and financial plans as part of the application process. He credits their years of collective experience working in banking, equipment and the feed industry for the knowledge base that helped them create the business plan. “We put a lot of thought and experience into the planning process,” he says, explaining they also approached the application as an opportunity to define their own priorities, asking themselves what success looks like to them. “The application was also a chance for us to connect with other dairy farmers to learn about their operations and what makes them successful.”

There’s no doubt, the first year was a challenge for the Deakens. They built a barn in six months, adjusted to a new farm routine and learned how to operate as a team. Anne-Miet left her full-time career in farm finance to manage the milking, breeding, herd health and bookkeeping. The couple also welcomed their second son, Huxley, to the family just two weeks after starting milking. Wade still works fulltime off the farm and is responsible for feeding and the field work and their two boys, Buxton and Huxley, keep them very busy.

The couple hired a part-time employee to help them for the first eight months, until they had adjusted. Wade says they are grateful for the extra help and support from family that reduced the pressure of the transition and the hiccups that come with establishing a new herd and working in a new barn.

For anyone considering applying for NEQAP, Wade recommends creating a farm management team to help complete the financial and business planning component. “There are plenty of people you can turn to for answers and who will support you, even if you aren’t milking cows yet,” he says.

The Deakens are proud to be part of Canada’s dairy industry, working as a team to produce quality milk for their family and neighbours.

Wade and Anne-Miet

Deaken

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Thinking outside the BOX

Taking calculated risks nets return for young farmer

By Jeanine Moyer

RON GROEN IS BEST DESCRIBED AS PROGRESSIVE AND FORWARD THINKING – two key characteristics that will continue to serve him as a young dairy farmer.

He’s also a self-proclaimed risk taker and believes his ability to take calculated chances has enabled him to get established in the dairy industry while growing his family farm.

“I learned early that getting creative is one of the best ways to overcome challenges,” says Groen.

A Teeswater-area dairy farmer, Groen owns Eastlink and Dalvis Farm Ltd. with his parents, Gerald and Rita. Together, they milk 560 Holstein cows across four farms. Two barns are equipped with GEA R9500 robotic milkers (12 in total), and the two other barns are tiestall where up to 30 cows can be milked in each. The family currently raises their own replacement heifers on the main dairy farm and breed their top cows and heifers with sexed semen. They also crop 1,500 acres and employ five full-time and five part-time staff.

Working together, Groen and his parents have been diligently growing their herd since Gerald and Rita first started milking 60 cows when they came to Canada in 1997.

“We’ve always been opportunistic, looking for ways to increase our efficiencies and expand,” explains Groen.

Starting out

Raised on a Bruce County family dairy farm, Groen knew he wanted to pursue a postsecondary education that would support his future dairy career. He attended Michigan State University and graduated in 2015 with a diploma in dairy management and a degree in agribusiness management.

The blend of dairy-related technical and theoretical programs at Michigan State University appealed to Groen, but it was the program’s internship component that interested him the most. During the summer of his first year at university, he worked on three dairy

farms and two calf operations across the southwestern United States.

“My education and on-farm experiences helped me see what’s really possible and exposed me to new ways of doing things,” says Groen, who didn’t waste time implementing what he learned after graduation.

Upon returning home from university, Groen’s parents recommended he find an off-farm job for five years before returning to the farm. They weren’t ready to step back from the farm yet and encouraged Groen to gain his own work experience.

While exploring industry-related jobs, an opportunity came up that Groen couldn’t resist. He purchased an existing dairy operation in Stirling, Ont. The agreement was to buy and manage the farm, including

My education and on-farm experiences helped me see what’s really possible and exposed me to new ways of doing things.

– Ron Groen

the cows and 93 kilograms of quota, for five years. So, in 2020, after his five-year period managing the farm, Groen moved the cows and quota back near his home farm in Teeswater and sold the farm back to the original owner. “It was quite a risk,” he admits. “But looking back, it paid off in so many ways.”

The proposed off-farm experience suggested by Groen’s parents soon turned into learning first-hand how to manage his own dairy farm. He says his greatest takeaways were how to work effectively with employees and that taking creative risks can indeed pay off.

The success of Groen’s farming endeavour in Stirling allowed him to increase his quota holding and transfer it home to Bruce County, enabling the family to expand their operation. An employee from the Stirling farm even moved with him to work on the Teeswater farm, demonstrating just how effective his employee management skills had become.

While the purchase of the farm in Stirling wasn’t a planned aspect of the family’s farm succession, Groen explains it was a good fit that allowed the family to transition the cows and quota to expand the home farm. While the family is still in the succession planning process today, it’s clear their vision for the future of the farm is strongly aligned.

Investing in the future

Today, Groen farms with his parents, who are stepping back from their on-farm responsibilities as part of their ongoing farm transition. He says he’s assumed the management of the Teeswater farm and is responsible for the farm finances, capital improvement projects and human resources, among many other things.

Groen and his wife, Heather, are proudly raising their growing family on the farm, where they are happy to provide their children with the lifestyle he enjoyed while growing up. He is a member of the Bruce County dairy producer committee and enjoys participating in a variety of off-farm sports and activities that help him maintain a work-life balance.

“Changes to the quota system have meant growing Ontario dairy farms look a lot different today when compared to our parents’ generation,” says Groen, explaining the inability to buy quota on an open exchange has made it difficult for significant expansion, requiring him to grow incrementally. That’s one of the reasons Groen is always on the lookout for expansion opportunities. He points to the family’s recent purchase of two tiestall barns over the past three years, explaining that, while he wasn’t looking to purchase additional barns, they have provided him the opportunity to fill them with cows on an incremental basis, rather than building a large barn in order to expand.

The Groen family continues to focus on expanding their herd, improving efficiencies

Ron Groen

“Changes to the quota system have meant growing Ontario dairy farms look a lot different today when compared to our parents’ generation.”

and increasing milk production. With growth comes challenges, and Groen admits every day offers a new variety of trials, but he’s up to the task.

Looking back, Groen says people thought they were crazy for purchasing the farm in Stirling, but he would do it all over again. “Sometimes you have to get creative if you want to grow,” he says. “I’ve learned to always be on the lookout for opportunities and learn along the way.”

Never knowing what the next question is going to be, Ron challenges me to provide the current DFO policy and quota information.

– Betty-Anne Elliott

DFO Selects 2024 Entrance Scholarship Recipients

The six winners share what the award means to them

I hope to gain hands-on learning through the student-managed farm that I can bring home and implement on my family dairy farm. This scholarship will help me take full advantage of all learning opportunities while attending Lakeland College.

Cailyn Charlton, Brant Lakeland College

Animal Science Technology: Dairy Major

Through my education, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the agricultural field. This scholarship will help ease financial pressures, allowing me to focus more on my studies and practical experiences. It means an opportunity to further my passion and contribute to advancements in the industry.

Noah Vander Wielen, Stormont

University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus

Associate Diploma in Agriculture

I hope to build a foundation that will guide me to a successful career in agriculture. The information and experience I gain at the University of Guelph will become increasingly valuable, especially as I choose electives that focus on animal nutrition, welfare and health. This scholarship means a lot to me as it helps ensure I can continue to study and spend extra time getting involved in this subject I am so passionate about.

Jaycee Mazenauer, Dufferin

University of Guelph

Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is proud to continue its tradition of supporting youth committed to the dairy industry through the annual DFO Entrance Scholarship program. The high quality of applications received again this year demonstrates a bright outlook for Ontario dairy. Each scholarship winner will receive $3,000 to support their educational pursuits in a first-year diploma or degree program in agriculture. DFO wishes all the applicants continued success in their first year of post-secondary studies and looks forward to seeing what the future holds for these young minds.

“We are privileged to have received many quality applications for the DFO Entrance Scholarship program this year and are proud of the outstanding achievements of all applicants. This year's recipients' dedication to community service, academic pursuits and leadership qualities means the future of dairy is bright.”

George Van Kampen Board Member for Region 6, Chair, Research and Development Committee

Through my time at Guelph University, I hope to broaden my knowledge in the vast agriculture sector. This scholarship means a great deal to me due to my passion for the dairy industry and everything agriculture has allowed me to do. I am grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship and to further my education in the field of agriculture.

Rachel Tamlin, Kawartha Lakes University of Guelph

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

During my studies at Ridgetown college, I hope to gain a well-rounded education on the latest technologies, improve my practical skills and acquire sufficient business knowledge to run a successful farm. This will enable me to manage a dairy farm more efficiently and economically in the future. The DFO scholarship will greatly aid in supporting my schooling, bringing me closer to my goal of managing a sustainable dairy farm.

Simon Gubelmann, Huron

University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus

Associate Diploma in Agriculture

Through my education, I hope to learn as much as I can about agriculture. I have enjoyed growing up on a dairy farm and hope to continue to be involved in the industry. This scholarship provides opportunities to make new connections and get more involved in university life.

Maria Prinzen, Prince Edward County University of Guelph Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

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Inspired by dairy

By Robert Price

DR. RITA COUTO SERRENHO DIDN’T GROW UP ON A FARM, but she always had an interest in cats and dogs. Dairy—that was another universe.

“I had no clue about the dairy industry,” she says. “I was a consumer.”

Today, Serrenho works as an assistant professor of epidemiology at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.

In a field where so many people grow up on farms in the company of cattle, Serrenho says her initial unfamiliarity with the dairy industry gives her a valuable perspective on dairy sciences. Consumers don’t always know where their food comes from. And when it comes to dairy, most people never think about the massive amount of work that happens behind the scenes to get cream into their morning coffees.

Dr.

“To me, it is important to see the other side to bring that perspective into my day-to-day,” she says.

Serrenho was inspired to pursue dairy as a research interest. The switch from household pets to dairy wasn’t easy. She had to learn the industry from scratch. The industry, she says, welcomed her with “arms wide open.” Her colleagues at the university support her immensely in her position.

“I felt welcome in this world,” she says.

Portugal-born, Serrenho joined the department of population medicine at Guelph in 2023. From this platform, she researches transition management, milk quality and health. One of her current projects focuses on animal health before and after calving to better understand how to help cows “succeed in the next lactation.” Whatever she does in the lab, she says she wants to “develop tools producers can apply to their work.” That means she wants to speak to producers about the challenges facing them in the here and now.

In a field where so many people grow up on farms in the company of cattle, Serrenho says her initial unfamiliarity with the dairy industry gives her a valuable perspective on dairy sciences.

“I want to change [the research] program to align with needs on the industry now,” she says.

As an academic, her day-to-day “depends on the day.” She splits her time between the university lecture hall, the research library and the farm.

“Teaching is what brings me energy for when I come to the office to see what we can do to help our producers,” she says.

Dr. Serrenho is young researcher, but she’s already helping the next generation of young dairy farmers and researchers.

“They are the professionals of the future,” she says.

Rita Couto Serrenho

PASSION IN DAIRY

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Comfort and Passion” “

Dr. Jesse Vandenberg sees a bright future for dairy vets

By Robert Price

DR. JESSE VANDENBERG’S CONNECTION TO DAIRY FARMING RUNS DEEP. He grew up on a dairy farm in Flamborough, where his father instilled in him a “comfort and passion” for dairy life.

“I knew the lingo and had passion for it and the farmers,” he says. “Dairy was home for me.”

After earning his degrees from the Ontario Agricultural College and the Ontario Veterinary College, Vandenberg joined Heartland Veterinary Services, a clinic he describes as “large, progressive and trying to move the dairy industry forward.” As an associate veterinarian, his daily routine varies as he travels to farms in his truck to respond to the needs of dairy herds. Each day brings new challenges, from twisted stomachs to difficult calvings and sick cows.

“Whatever the farmer finds is (what happens in) my day,” he explains, adding he often performs surgeries right on the farm, freezing a cow locally to look inside to see what is causing it grief.

“It makes my job a little bit exciting,” he says.

Vanderberg deals with a full day of mending and treating cows before turning to the data. The data he collects—whether it is drawn from the farmer’s monitors and technology or recorded by hand in a farmer’s ledger—helps him know what is happening with the herd and what the

As a dairy vet, my goal is to connect farmers with essential resources in nutrition and other key areas that support their operations.

Photo credit: Avery Summers

farmer can expect in the future.

“More information is better than no information,” he says.

Looking to the future, Vandenberg envisions a shift in the veterinary field. He believes dairy vets will move beyond “preg checking or surgery” to become holistic health advisers who help farmers make sense of the data pouring in from their herds and integrating it with the latest research emerging from universities. Customized medicine for cattle, he says, is coming.

"As a dairy vet, my goal is to connect farmers with essential resources in nutrition and other key areas that support their operations. I aim to be a trusted partner, helping them access the information and services they need to ensure the health and productivity of their herds."

Whatever happens, Vandenberg says he wants to be an active participant on farm. For now, he says he will keep up with his exciting work and and keep learning.

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Safety of milking process

Why are my Bactoscan numbers low when you found a build-up in my system?

Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s (DFO) Field Services Representatives (FSRs) are not only milk inspectors, they are also your 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 13 FSRs have seen and heard a lot. This column was created to use their collective expertise to share answers to some of the most common questions received.

IF BUILD-UP IS PRESENT IN A MILKING SYSTEM, performing a sanitize cycle before milking will effectively sanitize the surface of that build-up. While the surface may be treated, it’s important to note the underlying buildup may still harbour bacteria. Therefore, while the sanitize cycle can improve surface hygiene, addressing the root cause of the build-up is essential for maintaining overall cleanliness and ensuring the safety of the milking process.

During the washing or milking process, layers of buildup can detach or “slough off,” which may lead to increased bacteria counts in test results. This detachment can occur when residues from milk, cleaning agents or other substances are not fully removed, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. As these layers wash away, they can introduce bacteria into the system, resulting in noticeable spikes in counts. Visually monitoring and maintaining proper cleaning protocols is essential to minimize this risk and ensure the quality of the milk produced.

This limitation underscores the need for comprehensive monitoring and cleaning practices to ensure the overall health and safety of the milking system, even when bacterial counts appear satisfactory.

It is essential to visually check all equipment on a routine basis to ensure all washing equipment is working properly, and that proper amounts of soaps

and chemicals are being used and the system is draining properly.

Technology and automation are invaluable tools, but like computers and cell phones, their effectiveness hinges on proper functioning.

Bastoscan machine

Milk Quality & Composition

Understanding how DFO fulfils its mandate to ensure an effective milk testing process

By Alex Hamilton, Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO)

IN THIS ISSUE, we’ll cover the appeals process and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness’s (OMAFA) oversight of DFO’s investigation process and decisions.

Authority and responsibilities

DFO wears a number of hats in fulfilling its mandate: as a regulator, as a policy-making body and as the voice of Ontario’s licensed dairy farmers.

DFO has been given broad regulatory authority over Ontario’s licensed producers through delegation from the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission to govern milk quota, pricing and marketing. In addition, since 1998, DFO has been designated, by agreement, with the authority to administer the Milk and Milk Products Regulation (“Regulation 761”) concerning the raw milk quality (RMQ) program, dairy farm inspections, milk transportation and bulk tank milk grader (BTMG) licensing.

Supported by provincial regulations, DFO sets out requirements for Grade A farms and ensures all licensed producers, transporters and BTMGs comply with provincial regulations and/or DFO policies for milk safety and quality, farmyards and lanes, and other related matters.

As part of the RMQ program, all milk must be tested for bacteria and other inhibitors. This is done by taking a representative sample of milk from each bulk tank prior to milk being picked up by the milk transporter. If a sample cannot be

taken using a pipette or a long-handled dipper, the sample will be taken from the tank’s outlet valve. Samples taken from the outlet valve are used as an official sample for inhibitor testing only.

Samples are tested for inhibitors, freezing point estimate, abnormal freezing point, somatic cell count and bacteria. With the exception of inhibitor testing, a bulk tank milk sample shall only be used for testing by the laboratory if it is maintained within an acceptable temperature range from the time of pickup until being prepared for testing.

Producer challenge of test results or penalties

If a producer feels a sample and associated test result are not representative of the milk collected on their farm, the producer may request the test result or penalty be deleted or varied by the Director of Regulatory Compliance (DRC).

It's important to note, the DRC does not have authority to override a sample as not being representative, unless an error occurred at

Samples are tested for inhibitors, freezing point estimate, abnormal freezing point, somatic cell count and bacteria.

the time of collection, such as the BTMG did not agitate before taking the sample. Should an appeal be brought to the Tribunal, it has the authority to effectively step into the shoes of the DRC and determine if the DRC decision should stand.

When an issue arises with milk collection and sampling, DFO staff will conduct a thorough investigation that includes interviews with BTMGs, downloading and reviewing TTR data and verifiying from the lab that proper procedures were followed.

P5 MESSAGE – QUOTA INCREASE DECEMBER

TO ENSURE A CONTINUED production level needed to meet the current and anticipated demand in 2025, the P5 Boards have agreed to increase the saleable quota allocated to P5 producers by 1%, on December 1, 2024.

The P5 provincial boards’ primary objective is to continuously monitor the milk market situation and meet demand in the most optimal way and will continue to adapt production signals to address market changes, as required.

CDC projections remain pretty much the same for 2025 with an increase of about 2.6 per cent of quota allocated to P5 under the optimistic scenario, a level close to what P5 had been tracking with over the last 12 month ending in August (2.4 per cent).

“Review will continue in the coming months to see how things are evolving

for the rest of the dairy year and whether further adjustments are required” says Patrice Dubé, Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s chief economics and policy development officer.

“We’ll have to carefully assess the capacity to process milk across the P5 during the weekdays but certainly, and mostly, during the weekends.”

As a note, a couple of existing medium size processors agreed to declare butter stocks to the CDC starting August 2024. However, these additional stocks have not been properly allocated between these medium size processors and the processors that are currently part of the report. As a consequence, the CDC national requirement and quota calculations have been revised. The concrete impact of that revision brought the total requirements for the last 12

months ending in August 2024 from 3.1 per cent to 2.8 per cent (and P5 Quota for the same period from 2.6 per cent to 2.4 per cent).

In September 2024, butter stocks reached 33,532 tonnes, down from August by 2,338 tonnes. September butter stock levels are higher than they have been for the same month in at least three years.

The cheese stock level for the month of September 2024 was at 101,167 tonnes, which is lower compared to August by 911 tonnes, and higher than they have been for the same month in at least three years.

For the 52-weeks ending October 12, 2024, sales for fluid milk, fluid cream, yogurt, ice cream, cheese and butter increased/decreased by 0.04, 0.79, 3.5, 0.80, 1.77 and 1.97 per cent, respectively, compared with October 14, 2023.

A monthly recap of markets and production trends in Canada and Ontario

CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND PRODUCTION

Canadian butterfat requirements in kilograms and actual butterfat production across the P10.

12-month production (in millions of kilograms)

12-month requirements (in millions of kilograms)

Canadian production has increased by 1.6 per cent over the previous 12 months, and requirements have increased by 1.5 per cent over the previous 12 months.

Ratio

NATIONAL RETAIL SALES

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.

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

As of March 26, 2022

* Source: AC Nielsen & StatsCan

NOTE: There is a two-month lag in the national retail sales data.

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

• P5 Boards have agreed to increase the saleable quota allocated to P5 producers by 1%, on December 1, 2024;

• In September 2024, butter stocks reached 33,532 tonnes, down from August by 2,338 tonnes. September butter stock levels are higher than they have been for the same month in at least three years;

• The cheese stock level for the month of September 2024 was at 101,167 tonnes, which is lower compared to August by 911 tonnes, and higher than they have been for the same month in at least three years..

202409

ONTARIO UTILIZATION

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

P10 UTILIZATION BY CLASS

For September 2024 (kg of butterfat/kg of solids non-fat)

*There is a two-month lag reporting these figures

Fluid Milk & Cream

Butter & Powders

Yogurt and Ice Cream Cheese

Skim Milk Non Marketed

September 2024

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

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

Class 3c1 Feta

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

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

Class 3c6 Paneer

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

Class 4a Butter and powders

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

Class 5a Cheese for further processing

Class 5b Non-cheese products for further processing

Class 5c Confectionery products

ONTARIO MONTHLY PRODUCER AVERAGE GROSS BLEND PRICE

A total 3,171 producers sold milk to DFO in September compared with 3,213 a year earlier.

DEDUCTIONS, PER

For September 2024

* These figures are based on Ontario’s average composition for September 2024 of 4.2326 kg butterfat, 3.2345 kg protein and 5.9227 kg other solids, rounded to the nearest cent.

P5 AND WESTERN MILK POOL BLEND PRICES *

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

*There is a two-month lag reporting these figures

WMP: $92.57

P5: $93.17

U.S. CLASS PRICES

The October 2024 Class III Price, US$22.85 per hundredweight, is equivalent to C$72.10 per hectolitre. This equivalent is based on the exchange rate US $1 = C$ 1.39001 the exchange rate when the USDA announced the Class III 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

Co-ordinated by Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s communications and economics divisions. Questions? Please email questions@milk.org.

STAY UP TO DATE!

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MilkUP

Leveraging the successful MilkUP brand allows us to tap into younger audiences

MilkUP is a highly successful brand among Gen Z audiences. Its role is to expand our community and get a dairy-averse Ontario Gen Z audience to recognize the versatile role milk can play in their daily lives. DFO’s social media strategy continues to develop MilkUP as a lifestyle brand that resonates with Gen Z audiences through a consumption-forward approach while focusing on relevant cultural moments.

Research shows 38 per cent of Ontario Gen Z recall MilkUP’s always on digital content, demonstrating the effectiveness of our messages. To ensure Gen Z audiences reembrace milk and dairy, we stimulated renewed confidence in milk by providing clear and explicit integrated experiential moments: Dairy Chill in January and Cownty Fair in August and November.

Younger consumers are an influential demographic

Younger consumer demographics are a significant part of the population. They have influence over purchase decisions in the household or are the principal grocery shopper making those critical purchasing decisions.

Gen Z Millennials

In Ontario, Gen Z represents 18.5% of the population, while Millennials represent 21.7%

(Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021)

81% of Gen Z’s influence their families spending

(Source: Think Gen Z network, 2022 https:// www.thinkgenz.com/post/gen-z-spendingin-canada-revealed)

Gen Z shoppers make more frequent shopping trips, averaging 2.5 in-person shopping trips per week, compared with 1.9 for Millennials and 1.5 for Gen X

(US https://pro.morningconsult.com/ analysis/gen-z-grocery-shopping)

94% of Ontario’s Gen Z consumes milk monthly, and on average more than four times per week.

(Source: RMG. Usage and Attitudes Study. Ontario n= 1,525. May-June 2022)

Sports Partnership

DFO leveraged its partner network and community connections to strengthen milk’s perceptions and relevance for Gen Zs and the general population with the iconic milk patch at the Toronto Maple Leafs and The Milk Zone at the Ottawa Senators. The iconic Milk patch on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ jerseys garnered unprecedented exposure with a two-year total impression of 25.7B, and this season alone resulted in 1.5B social impressions.

At the Ottawa Senators, we included extensive digital and static messaging in-venue and a brand new branded soft-serve ice cream and chocolate milk concession stand “Sparty’s Faves.” The beloved Milk Zone sold 56,745 tickets throughout the season – one of the most exciting and affordable areas in the Canadian Tire Centre - which helped make hockey more accessible.

Lifestyle Partnership

DFO continued to meet Gen Zs where they are with Live Nation. MilkUP showed up with a new activation – a digital photobooth – connecting Gen Zs to our online community at 25 shows and two festivals.

DFO continued to nurture and grow the youth sport partnerships, reaching more than 1M youth across the province.

Farmfluencer program

Through our “Farmfluencer program”, DFO partners with social-media savvy producers to create content for our owned social media channels. The content created by these producers showcases farm-life and the hardworking farmers who produce high-quality milk for Ontarian consumers to enjoy. This content allows consumers to forge a connection with Ontario dairy farmers and gives them a behind-the-scenes look into their lives.

Consumers are spending and average of 1hr and 42 minutes on social media every day. Top reasons for using social:

58% to connect with friends

52% to connect with family

39% to watch fun/entertaining content

34% News

22% sharing interests

23% Inspiration

A targeted approach

Adopting selective dry cow therapy: is it the right time for your herd?

By Cynthia Miltenburg, Lead Veterinarian Animal Health and Welfare, OMAFA

ANTIMICROBIALS HAVE ALLOWED FOR ADVANCES in animal health and welfare. However, after many years of use, there is growing concern about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the danger of antimicrobials becoming less effective at fighting infections. AMR is driven by how we use antimicrobials, including for treatment, control and disease prevention.

Selective treatment, where antimicrobials are targeted to only where most necessary, is one strategy toward reducing our reliance on antimicrobials. A recent study on the effects of Quebec regulations that limit use of antimicrobials of high importance found they prompted more dairy producers to implement selective dry cow therapy (SDCT). From a sample of producers surveyed, those opting for SDCT increased from 22.9 to 42.9 per cent. As more producers consider if SDCT is the right fit for their farm, it’s a great time to explore what SDCT is, udder health risks and how to get started.

Prevention and control of mastitis are important to dairy producers. For many years, blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT) has been a pillar of mastitis control programs. Dry cow therapy is an effective way to treat infected quarters at the end of a lactation and prevent new infections. The goal of SDCT is to only select cows with existing intramammary infections for treatment with intramammary antimicrobials at the time of dry off. Other complementing strategies can prevent new infections during this period.

In 2021, Canadian researchers investigated SDCT using combined results from 12 prior trials that evaluated SDCT. Looking at the studies collectively, they found SDCT reduced the use of antibiotics on farm and there was no difference in the elimination of existing infections between SDCT and BDCT. If an internal teat sealant was administered to cows that were untreated, there was no difference in risk for new infections during the dry period and early lactation clinical mastitis risk. Early lactation milk yield and somatic cell counts (SCCs) also did not differ between SDCT and BDCT.

Research shows herds with an average bulk tank SCC of <250 000 cells

per millilitre over a one-year period and little contagious mastitis are good candidates for SDCT. Individual cows must be identified for treatment or not for treatment. Most commonly, producers rely on an algorithm that uses routine SCCs and mastitis records to determine which cows are left untreated. Some protocols may include culture testing, especially if herds do not have access to SCC records. The protocol needs to be easy to follow, economical, safe and may need to be customized to the specific herd.

While some producers see a financial advantage to using fewer antimicrobials, there may be associated labour costs, such as time spent identifying cows, taking milk samples for culture or SCC and interpreting those results. However, recent work simulating Quebec farmers’ income and working time under different dry cow protocols found no effect on income and no difference in labour except when culture testing was included.

Herds with high persistency of milk production may be concerned about using SDCT. Reducing milk production prior to dry off is recommended to prevent painful udder engorgement and leaking, which can interfere with teat canal closure and allow bacteria to enter. A recent review of almost 1,500 cow records comparing SDCT and BDCT found successful SDCT can be achieved using either an algorithm or culture protocol for cows of all production levels. Therefore, high production alone shouldn’t rule out a herd from considering SDCT.

How to get started

1. Lower other risks: Prior to beginning SDCT, assess other risks that will impact success of SDCT. This includes housing, environment and hygiene, animal density, animal introductions, calving schedules, herd milk production, milking procedures and current mastitis challenges. Herd advisers can help identify and address gaps to protect against new infections during the dry period.

2. Have a strategy: With your herd veterinarian, identify the system that will identify cows to dry off without antibiotic treatment. The strategy can be tailored to the herd’s resources, such as SCC records, treatment records and additional desired monitoring like targeted testing prior to dry off. Allocating cows without a strategy will reduce chances of success and limit the ability to monitor udder health outcomes.

3. Use a teat sealant: Use of an internal teat sealant for untreated healthy cows at dry off is well supported by current research. Proper intramammary infusion technique is essential. Failure to administer internal teat sealant in an aseptic manner can introduce harmful pathogens.

4. Everyone is trained: Make sure employees are trained in the protocol and understand its application, as well as complementary strategies, such as dry cow pen hygiene, fresh cow monitoring and mastitis protocols. Involvement of the herd veterinarian is strongly encouraged to support the protocol and training.

5. Monitor results: To ensure success, udder health and clinical mastitis records should be reviewed periodically. If a more conservative algorithm is used to allocate cows, this can be expanded as the strategy is tested. Be careful to look at the herd as a whole and not only a few cows.

Targeting antimicrobials to where needed is key

The ability to use antimicrobials where necessary is a big concern for livestock industries since they are an important tool to ensure high animal

health and welfare. The lessons from early SDCT adopters and a decade of research gives us more tools than ever to customize a plan for each farm with confidence that a high standard of udder health can be maintained. Targeting antimicrobials to where needed most will help preserve their use and efficacy for the future.

References

1. Millar et al. Redefining on-farm practices: The perceived effect of a responsible antimicrobial use regulation on dairy farmers. J Dairy Sci. 2024 Sep;107(9):6913-6929.

2. Kabera et al. Comparing Blanket vs. Selective Dry Cow Treatment Approaches for Elimination and Prevention of Intramammary Infections During the Dry Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Vet Sci. 2021 Jun 15;8:688450.

3. Le Page et al. Dairy farmer income, working time, and antimicrobial use under different dry cow therapy protocols. J Dairy Sci. 2024 Oct;107(10):8115-8129.

4. Rowe et al. Selective dry-cow therapy can be implemented successfully in cows of all milk production levels. J Dairy Sci. 2023 Mar;106(3):1953-1967.

In 2020, Ontario’s Antimicrobial Stewardship & Selective Dry Cow Therapy Project produced a suite of resources, including a decision tree, a dry cow management risk assessment, articles, podcasts, videos and other tools on SDCT. The project resources are available at scc200.ca.

Free Mental Health Training for the Agricultural Community

In the Know is a training tailored to the agricultural community that increases understanding of mental health and wellness, normalizes conversations about mental health, and reduces stigma.

Understanding the factors related to farmer health and well-being

Dairy well-being and cow health: the results are in! Survey says …

By Meagan King, Halima Tambadou, Breanna Zwick, and Arielle Le Heiget

RESEARCHERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA surveyed

115 dairy producers across Ontario and Western Canada to understand how their well-being is related to farm management and cow health. The researchers asked questions about mental health, physical health, social support, work-life balance and having time for rest, recreation, etc.

Overall, nine per cent of producers experienced severe stress and 67 per cent experienced moderate stress. For anxiety and depression, 16 per cent of producers scored as moderate-severe risk.

From the limited sample, there were no differences in mental health outcomes based on the type of milking system or housing system used.

What the researchers did find were many other factors at play:

1. The value of sleep

Only 41 per cent of producers met the recommended target of seven hours per night and 56 per cent reported not getting enough sleep, which was associated with greater stress, anxiety and depression.

2. Work-life balance … what’s that?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, 77 per cent of producers worked seven days a week and the rest worked five or six days a week. Most (84 per cent) said they were (at least sometimes) able to achieve a healthy work-life balance, which was related to less stress and greater resilience (the ability to withstand hardships).

Someone to talk to

Feeling supported at work and at home was related to better mental health outcomes.

Concerns about … everything farm-related

Producers’ top concerns were farm finances, workload/time constraints, feed costs and weather. Those producers with worse mental health scores were those who were more worried about various stressors.

Feeling valued by consumers

Compared with producers who did not feel valued (10 per cent) or

9% of producers revealed they experienced severe stress

67% 16% experienced moderate stress of producers scored as moderate-severe risk for anxiety and depression

slightly valued by consumers (22 per cent), those who felt very valued (19 per cent) had better mental health scores.

6. Cow health

To capture cow health information, researchers visited a subsample of 63 farms and scored the cows’ body condition, lameness and lesions. Producers self-reported the number of cows they treated for mastitis in a 12-month period.

When comparing one cow health outcome to one farmer well-being outcome at a time, the surveys found farmers with a greater incidence of mastitis had greater stress scores. However, the researchers found farmers with more lame cows (moderate and severe lameness) were less stressed,

less anxious and more resilient. Perhaps mastitis is linked to greater stress due to the immediate and direct impacts of the stress and cost of treating cows, as well as cost of having to divert milk. With lameness, however, even though it may be harder to detect, it is important to remember even moderate cases can substantially reduce production.

The researchers also found farmers with more over-conditioned cows had lower anxiety scores. Perhaps producers who have enough feed are less concerned about nutrient optimization, resulting in more over-conditioned cows.

The researchers are grateful to the participating producers. They hope the findings help remind farmers how important it is to take care of themselves. The researchers also hope to help consumers understand the challenges farmers face, and are currently working on clustering farmers into groups to better understand their stressors and which supports would benefit them.

Research Collaborators: Kees Plaizier, Kim Ominski, Jolene Kinley, Gabriel Dallago (University of Manitoba), Heather Watson (Farm Management Canada), Briana Hagen (Canadian Centre for Agricultural Well-being), Charlotte Winder (University of Guelph), and Ed Pajor (University of Calgary).

Thank you to our funders: Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba, Sask Milk, Alberta Milk, BC Dairy and Mitacs.

How Richford Farms Improved Animal Care

Lessons learned from Ontario dairy farmers

LOCATION: SAINT MARYS, ONTARIO

RICHFORD FARMS IS LOCATED IN SAINT MARYS, ONT., just on the edge of Zorra Township. The tiestall farm is managed by Don and Karen Richardson, who work hard to ensure their 45 Shorthorn cows live comfortably. In addition to his role as partner of Richford Farms, Don also participates as an executive member of the Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society. Like many Ontario dairy farmers, Don and Karen prioritize animal care in their herd and are continuously working to make sure they do the best job they can to keep their cows healthy and happy.

As an Ontario dairy farmer, Don Richardson participates in the proAction program and receives regular on-farm assessments like all other farmers across Canada. Richford Farms was identified as a farm that showed

substantial improvement in reducing lameness and hock injuries in their herd over two proAction assessments. Here are some of Don’s perspectives on animal care as an Ontario dairy farmer and the on-farm changes he made to improve his herd’s health.

A cow comfort philosophy and a commitment to improvement

The animal care philosophy at Richford Farms is that cow comfort is, and always should be, a top priority. Don and Karen like to know their cows are as comfortable as they can be, which Don says translates to higher milk production and fewer health problems for his herd. Just like many dairy farmers, Don is highly involved in his farming operation and works closely with his cows every day. Adopting a cow comfort philosophy means keeping the well-being of his cows top of mind, and taking action when opportunities for improvement are identified.

Honing in on opportunities for improvement

When Don first heard he would be participating in a proAction animal care assessment, he was a bit hesitant about the idea of someone coming to assess his cows. Prior to his first proAction assessment, he knew the mats in his tiestall barn needed to be replaced, and he was already trialing a new solution, so he wasn’t very surprised when the results of his cattle assessment showed his cows had some issues with lameness and hock injuries.

So what did he do?

At the time of his assessment, Don was in the process of testing two cow mats to determine which brand he would go with to replace the old pasture mats he had been using.

Don knew the mats were the cause of his herd health challenges because the cows with the worst mats had the worst hock scores, and when he tried new mats in a few of his stalls, those cows showed improvements. After some trial and error, he found new mats that worked well and began the process of changing his stalls over to the new mats and adding more straw bedding on top.

Cost and return on investment

The process of switching his 45-cow tiestall barn over to new mats was an investment. The cost to rent a disposal bin for the old mats was about $500 and the transition cost was about $130 per stall. It took about two months to make the transition, but Don did all the labour himself, saving about $25 per hour in cost. The return on investment was worth the price for Don because he noticed right away having new stall mats for his cows made a world of difference.

With new mats in their stalls, Don said his cows showed immediate improvements. For cows that had been housed on the old mats, they appeared more comfortable and were laying down for longer periods of time on their new bedding system. After about three to six months, Don noticed other improvements too, such as the hair growing back of his cows’ hocks, which told him the new mats were doing their job. Fresh heifers that started out on the new mats didn’t have any issues with hock injuries or lameness, showing Don the new stall mats were making a difference and improving cow comfort right from the start.

Lessons learned

The changes Don experienced in his herd weren’t a surprise since he made a strategic and well-researched choice to update his stalls and

Decisions supported by science

One of the most critical practices associated with lower prevalence of hock injuries is to ensure stalls have sufficient bedding.

Improving hoof cushioning and traction by adding rubber flooring and deepbedded stalls is a key preventative approach for lameness.

was fairly confident the new mats would work well for his cows. While expected, Don still felt the positive results in cow health, welfare and comfort seen across his herd were very rewarding. After making changes to his herd, and seeing those changes pay off, Don is happy with the progress that has been made and looks at his operation a little differently now. He says this experience has taught him to be more critical of his own operation and that having another set of eyes to assess practices on the farm is worthwhile to help pinpoint issues that might not have been prioritized before. Don shares this advice for his fellow farmers, “As hard as it is to do, be very critical of your own operation ... sometimes you need to get outside eyes to take a look at your situation to really pinpoint what the root of the problem is. Vets are always good ones to consult.”

Don and Karen take a lot of pride in their herd and do their best every day to keep their cows healthy and happy. Dairy farming certainly doesn’t come without its challenges, but with a focus on cow comfort and an eye toward continuous improvement, Richford Farms is a great example of how addressing on-farm challenges can be the key to finding opportunities for improvement.

References

Reference: “Decisions supported by science” statements are supported by the Lameness and Injuries section of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle: Review of Scientific Research on Priority Issues. 2020.

This project was developed by ACER Consulting and funded and supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and the University of Guelph.

Vitamins and minerals give calves a boost

capacity Bale Processor

By Veal Farmers of Ontario

Proper nutrition is important for calves of all ages and stages so they can grow, stay healthy and fight off disease. That includes making sure calves are fed a balanced ration and are given appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals. Minerals include both macro minerals – those required in relatively large amounts – and micro or trace minerals animals need in much smaller quantities.

Research has shown calves with nutritional deficiencies are less able to ward off stressors, such as weaning or co-mingling, for example. Here are some important vitamins and minerals that play key roles in calf health and development:

Vitamins

Vitamins support many important metabolic processes in calves – what types of vitamins they need and in what amounts depends on their age and stage of production. Calves will get most vitamins from their feed sources but may need some supplements to ensure they’re receiving what they need.

Vitamin A is often low in newly born calves. Signs of deficiency include rough coat, dull eyes, diarrhea and pneumonia, which can lead to lower feed efficiency and greater disease susceptibility. Calves may need extra vitamin A during stressful periods like weaning or transport.

Vitamin D is important for healthy teeth and bone development. Calves with decreased growth, weakness, a stiff gait or laboured breathing may be lacking vitamin D.

Vitamin E fosters muscle development and is often fed together with the trace mineral selenium. And vitamin K is required for blood clotting. In the early stages of their lives, calves receive vitamin B through milk but once their rumens are developed, this vitamin, along with vitamin C, is synthesized by microorganisms in the gut.

Zinc

Zinc is an important trace mineral that supports a healthy calf metabolism, making sure the animal digests and uses the feed it consumes properly. Zinc also boosts immune system development, a critical stage in early calf life, resulting in less sickness and healthier calves.

Research has shown zinc can strengthen cattle hooves, which means less opportunity for pathogenic microbes to enter and begin causing foot disease. Calves that might be zincdeficient will show signs of excessive salivation, listlessness and scaly lesions.

Selenium

Another trace mineral, selenium, helps boost normal growth and fertility, and helps prevent disease challenges like calf scours by contributing to healthy immune systems. In calves, selenium deficiency can result in a condition called nutritional muscular dystrophy or white muscle disease.

Selenium is passed from the cow to the calf through placenta, so making sure cows are consuming enough of the mineral is also important. The cow’s ration should be supplemented with selenium, and it might also be necessary to give calves a selenium injection after birth.

The key is balanced nutrition

EFFECTIVE 200 IgG BOVINE DRIED COLOSTRUM

PACKED WITH A HIGHER CONCENTRATION OF IGG, IMMUNOLIFE | 200 IS THE ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR YOUR CALVES' HEALTH AND VITALITY

To ensure vitamins and minerals are as beneficial as possible to calves, they have to be administered at an appropriate level and in a form the animals can easily digest. This will vary from farm to farm and there is no one-size-fitsall vitamin and mineral program.

For younger calves, check the tags on your milk replacer to ensure you’re providing balanced nutrition. For older, weaned calves, it’s recommended to have feed stuffs tested and consult with a ruminant nutritionist who can help formulate the most ideal ration for your herd.

For more information, visit www.calfcare.ca.

Calf Care Corner, 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 sign-up for monthly e-newsletters on calfcare.ca.

FIND

Yielding valuable insights

Advancements in dairy cattle welfare: focus on locomotion and housing

By Agricultural Communications and Epidemiological Research (ACER) Consulting; Émie Désilets and Annik L’Espérance, Dairy Farmers of Canada

RESEARCH ON DAIRY CATTLE WELFARE

has increasingly focused on two critical areas: locomotion and housing. Drs. Dan Weary and Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk have been investigating these issues through their Industry research chair (IRC) in dairy cattle welfare at the University of British Columbia. In a recent episode of Dairy Farmers of Canada’s research podcast series, Paths to On-Farm Excellence, Dan and Nina discussed those two distinct, but interconnected, topics. The researchers looked at past, present and future challenges with lameness detection, prevention and control strategies, as well as outdoor access and its impacts on animal welfare and consumer perception.

Key takeaways:

Lameness detection has traditionally relied on human observation, which can be inconsistent and subjective. The importance of developing systematic, objective methods for assessing cow mobility cannot be overstated.

• Traditional methods of detecting lameness in dairy cows are often inconsistent; integrating technology can provide more reliable assessments;

• Concrete surfaces in dairy facilities contribute to lameness; providing softer surfaces and outdoor access can improve cow comfort and welfare;

• The dairy industry is moving toward combining improved assessment techniques with enhanced housing systems to better address lameness and cow welfare.

The challenge of lameness detection

Lameness detection has traditionally relied on human observation, which can be inconsistent and subjective. The importance of developing systematic, objective methods for assessing cow mobility cannot be overstated. While basic scoring methods exist, they often fail to capture

the nuances of individual cow behaviour. Cows can exhibit varying degrees of lameness based on numerous factors, including their environment and daily activities. As such, a onesize-fits-all approach to lameness assessment is inadequate.

To address this, researchers advocate for the integration of technology in monitoring cow health. Automated systems, similar to those used for heat detection, could provide continuous data on cow mobility, allowing for timely interventions. “One of the areas we're most interested in right now … is the use of automation to enable farmers to realistically capture some of those lameness [cases], to be able to get good data on lameness in their cows on a regular basis so they have access to that longitudinal [data],” Dan emphasized. By establishing a baseline for each cow, farmers can detect deviations that may indicate lameness, ultimately improving animal welfare and productivity.

Improving cow comfort through environment

The conversation around lameness is closely linked to the physical environment in which cows are housed. Concrete surfaces commonly found in dairy facilities can exacerbate lameness issues. Researchers suggest providing softer surfaces, such as rubber mats or outdoor access, can significantly reduce lameness. “The common denominator is someplace soft and dry to stand,” Nina asserted.

Outdoor access not only offers cows a more comfortable environment but also aligns with public expectations regarding animal welfare. Surveys indicate a significant majority of consumers believe cows should have access to pasture. However, many farmers express concerns about productivity and feasibility of outdoor access. This disconnect highlights the necessity of bridging the gap between consumer expectations and practical farming realities.

The value of outdoor access

Innovative research has demonstrated cows value outdoor access, often showing a willingness to push through gates for it. Nina and Dan’s research has shown cows will exert as much effort to access pasture as they do for

Dan and Nina are optimistic advancements in technology will lead to more effective lameness detection and prevention strategies. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus will remain on creating environments that prioritize cow comfort and welfare.

the choice. This finding suggests integrating outdoor access into existing dairy systems can enhance cow welfare without compromising productivity.

The future of dairy farming

The future of dairy farming will likely involve a combination of improved assessment techniques and enhanced housing systems. Dan and Nina are optimistic advancements in technology will lead to more effective lameness detection and prevention strategies. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus will remain on creating environments that prioritize cow comfort and welfare.

Listen to the full podcast at https://soundcloud.com/dfc-plc/animalwelfare-mini-series-lameness-housing-andpublic-perception or by scanning the QR code below.

their preferred feed. This insight underscores the importance of considering cow preferences in housing and management practices.

Moreover, results indicate outdoor access does not negatively impact milk production. Cows can maintain their intake of mixed rations while supplementing their diet with grass when given

Addressing lameness and outdoor access is essential for improving animal welfare and meeting consumer expectations. By leveraging technology and fostering open communication between farmers and the public, the dairy industry can work toward sustainable practices that benefit both cows and farmers. For Nina and Dan, their IRC has served as a valuable avenue to investigate these critical topics, better understand best practices for improving

dairy cattle welfare and help move the industry forward. As Nina stated, “It's been super fun, but it's also allowed us, I think, to push ourselves and the science further by being able to work on more than one issue at a time.” The ongoing research in these areas promises to yield valuable insights that could play a role in how dairy farming and animal welfare are performed.

TO RE INFORCE CALF IMMUNITY EARLY, BE PROACTIVE &

INFORCE 3 was shown to be effective against BRSV and IBR in the face of maternal antibodies. 1,2

Protivity: 1st and only modified live bacterial vaccine against respiratory disease caused by M. bovis

Contact your veterinarian or Zoetis territory manager to learn more about complete calf protection, or visit https://zoetis.ca/protivity M. bovis is a major contributor to chronic BRD and can have an

bovine respiratory disease; BRSV: bovine respiratory syncytial virus; IBR: infectious bovine rhinotracheitis; M. bovis: Mycoplasma bovis ; PI3: parainfluenza virus.

1. Mahan SM, Sobecki B, Johnson J, et al. Efficacy of intranasal vaccination with a multivalent vaccine containing temperature-sensitive modified-live bovine herpesvirus type 1 for protection of seronegative and seropositive calves against respiratory disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016;248(11):1280–1286.

2. Ellis JA, Gow SP, Mahan SM, Leyh R. Duration of immunity to experimental infection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus following intranasal vaccination of young passively immune calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013;243(11):1602–1608.

3. Maunsell FP, Woolums AR, Francoz D, et al. Mycoplasma bovis infections in cattle. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25:772–783.

IBR virus PI3 virus

M. bovis

More than a number

Milk urea nitrogen value is a handy tool to evaluate the protein and energy status of your herd

By Essi Evans, Ph.D. E+E Technical Advisory Services

YOUR MILK UREA NITROGEN (MUN) value is more than a number: it is a handy tool to evaluate not just the protein but also the energy status of your herd. High MUN levels are costly in terms of how the cow uses energy from the ration.

When protein is metabolized, ammonia is produced, which must be converted to less toxic urea by the liver. This urea enters the bloodstream where it equilibrates with the fluid in milk. Research shows the calorie cost of producing urea results in significantly less energy available for milk production. There is a high correlation between increased MUN and reduced milk yield.

In general terms, high MUN is usually an indication of too much: too much rapidly degraded protein in the rumen and too much total protein in the

In general terms, high MUN is usually an indication of too much: too much rapidly degraded protein in the rumen and too much total protein in the diet.

diet. When there is more nitrogen in the rumen than the microbes can assimilate, ammonia is absorbed through the rumen, extracted from blood by the liver and converted to urea. Similarly, when there is more protein in the diet than the cow needs, it is likewise broken down and ammonia is produced. But there is another source to consider. MUN can also arise from inefficient use of protein by the cow. And, that inefficiency is costly in terms of energy available for milk production.

IS YOUR BARN WINTER READY?

The goal of diet formulation is to mimic the amino acid composition of milk protein without under or oversupplying amino acids. When the amino acid supply deviates, the excess amino acids are broken down resulting in ammonia being generated and sent to the liver to produce urea. The limiting amino acid determines how much milk protein can be produced.

As would be expected, not all proteins are alike when it comes to meeting a cow’s needs for milk production. The value of some common proteins has been simplified by giving them a score. A score of 100 would be a perfect match for milk production (see Figure 1). As the chart shows, rumen microbial protein is the closest to ideal. Feeding systems strive to maximize the delivery of rumen microbial protein to the cow. Canola meal is an excellent match for milk protein, while corn gluten meal and feather meal are much less so.

References

Reed, K.F., Bonfá, H.C., Dijkstra, J., Casper, D.P. and Kebreab, E., 2017. Estimating the energetic cost of feeding excess dietary nitrogen to dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(9), pp.7116-7126.

Letelier, P., Zanton, G.I. and Wattiaux, M.A., 2022. Production performance of Holstein cows at 4 stages of lactation fed 4 dietary crude protein concentrations. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(12), pp.9581-9596.

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

Schingoethe, D.J., 1996. Balancing the amino acid needs of the dairy cow. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 60(3-4), pp.153-160.

DairyTrace, alongside Dairy Farmers of Canada, is working with governments, provincial veterinary offices, and industry organizations to use the traceback system in the event of an animal health emergency.

All reported events submitted to DairyTrace since October 2020 have built the foundation of a traceability system that will benefit farmers when it’s needed. The work you have done by submitting your traceability events to DairyTrace has helped to lay this foundation.

Brian Van Doormaal, Chief Services Officer, DairyTrace–Lactanet

Foundation for transition success

Optimize dairy cow management during transition period in robotic milking systems

By Bruna Mion, PhD, Dairy Production Expert in Nutrition and Management, Lactanet, Dr. Trevor DeVries, Professor and Canada Research Chair, University of Guelph

THE TRANSITION PERIOD IS THE MOST CRITICAL

TIME

FOR DAIRY COWS, characterized by significant metabolic and physiological changes. During this phase, cows face increased energy demands to support milk production, decreased feed intake and heightened disease risk. Effective management strategies are essential to help cows thrive during this time.

In automated milking systems, the formula for successful transition cow management encompasses several key factors: effective training, optimizing milking frequency, ensuring sufficient intake and maintaining overall herd health and comfort. While the approach may seem straightforward, implementation can be challenging.

Training and milking frequency

A cornerstone of transition cow management in milking systems is encouraging frequent and consistent voluntary visits to the robot. The number of visits directly influences milk yield since higher milking frequency is associated with increased production1. Moreover, frequent and consistent visits allow cows to consume the concentrate offered at the robot, contributing to filling their energy needs.

Training fresh cows

Training fresh cows is essential to increasing the number of visits, particularly during early lactation. Fresh cows should be included on the fetch list to ensure they are regularly encouraged to visit the robot, especially first-calf heifers, even if they give little milk or eat just a little bit during the subsequent visit. The goal of fetching fresh cows is to teach them to make a habit of frequent visits, which will benefit them throughout their lactation.

First-lactation challenges

Special attention should be given to first-lactation cows, who may have lower milking frequencies earlier in lactation compared with older cows. Researchers have demonstrated first-lactation cows catch up with multiparous cows in terms of milking frequency, but only later in lactation2, which could lead to suboptimal milk production. This underperformance can be mitigated by implementing a training protocol before calving. Research would indicate training heifers, particularly in the weeks leading up to calving, can improve voluntary milking visits and therefore their milk production3,4

Avoiding overcrowding

Overcrowding can discourage cows from visiting the robot. It’s like when you’re at a gas station and all pumps are occupied; you might decide to wait, but often, you will drive to a different station or delay filling up. Cows behave similarly: if they see too many cows waiting at the robot, they may avoid waiting to go in unless they’re particularly dominant or pushy. While dedicating a robot exclusively to fresh cows may not be feasible for many herds, keeping fresh cows in a less crowded pen can increase their willingness to visit the robot more often.

The challenge of negative energy balance

One of the most pressing challenges during the transition period is managing the amount of negative energy balance. Cows need substantial energy to support milk production, but their feed intake may not be sufficient to meet these demands (especially early in lactation). Ensuring high feed intake during early lactation is critical to minimizing metabolic challenges.

Concentrate at the robot

In robotic milking systems, the quality and formulation of pellet offered at the

APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 FCC SUSTAINABILITY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS ARE CLOSING SOON!

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)’s Sustainability Incentive Programs reward farmers who are successfully adopting environmental best management practices and encourage continued sustainable farming by granting annual incentives of up to $2,000 to FCC customers who meet select criteria. Dairy farmers who meet a combination of herd sustainability metrics and proAction™ environmental module results may qualify.

Furthermore, successful applicants could be eligible for an additional incentive of $1,000 sponsored by Starbucks Canada in the categories of Top Achieving and Most Improved. Applicants are eligible to receive incentives in both categories and could receive up to an additional $2,000. This makes a total of up to $4,000 in support of on-farm sustainability activities.

Last year, $825,000 was paid out through FCC’s Sustainability Incentive Programs.

LACTANET AND DFC LAUNCH NEW CANADIAN DAIRY HUB

Lactanet and DFC are proud to unveil the Canadian Dairy Hub, a new destination for dairy farmers and their teams to help them learn, act, and improve their operations as the industry changes.

Users can access free science-based, practical resources on animal welfare, adaptations to the Code of Practice, animal health, sustainability, and reproduction management. Each topic features a suite of resource formats, including webinars, workshops, discussion groups, infographics, online modules, and printable materials.

See what’s available and register for upcoming webinars by going to lactanet.ca/en/learning/ canadian-dairy-hub/

Applications close on December 31, 2024, so apply today!

To ease the application process, improved descriptions of the criteria and a streamlined payment process have been set up to make it even easier for you. For more information, please visit fcc.ca/sustainabilityprograms.

REGISTER NOW FOR 2025 ANNUAL DAIRY POLICY CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 3 – 6

Join DFC and fellow farmers from around the country next February in Ottawa for four days of discussing the consumer, economic, and public policy trends shaping the dairy industry. The theme this year is Dairy in times of change.

Dairy farmers are living through constant innovation and change, both in their sector and beyond. In response, our industry has continuously adapted t o global instability, changing political policies both at home a nd abroad, evolving consumer tastes and preferences, and the evergrowing need for i ncreased sustainability efforts to mitigate cl imate change. Amidst this l andscape, Canadians have c o me to understand, in very concrete ways, what it means to be vulnerable to supply issues and the importance of food sovereignty as we endeavor to protect our national food security and self-sufficiency.

Please join us in discussing the key issues affecting our sector today and the tools needed to succeed and thrive in times of change. Register now by going to dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/2025-annual-policy-conference.

Training fresh

cows is essential to increasing the number of visits, particularly during early lactation.

robot is essential. The use of the concentrate is an opportunity to give extra energy beyond what is provided in the partial mixed ration (PMR). Consider using energy sources other than starch, such as sources of sugar, to meet the cow’s needs.

Take advantage of the extra information robotic milking systems provide. Monitor the data to ensure cows are consuming their supplement as expected, the setup of the feed tables is essential and should be tailored to both the production level and stage of lactation of each cow. As well, brand is different, therefore, work with your nutritionist and your dealer to optimize performance and explore all your options.

Health monitoring

Fresh, mature cows milked in robots have been observed to have higher prevalence of subclinical ketosis than fresh cows milked in other systems 5 . However, management strategies can help reduce the prevalence of this metabolic disorder and ensure cows remain productive.

In the week before the diagnosis, cows diagnosed with subclinical ketosis have fewer milkings per day6; it’s therefore possible low milking frequency may increase the risk and persistence of subclinical ketosis. These cows also produce more milk relative to the amount of feed provided at the robot, indicating inadequate supplementation could add to this metabolic challenge. This highlights the importance of proper training to encourage frequent robot visits and ensuring sufficient PMR intake and concentrate intake at the robot to reduce the risk of ketosis.

A key to transition success

Animal comfort plays a significant role in the success of the transition period, particularly in robotic systems. Comfortable cows are more likely to visit the robot more frequently, maximizing milk production.

Managing lameness

Lameness is a common issue for dairy cows, and its occurrence can severely impact cow behaviour by reducing the number of milking visits as cows spend more time laying down, requiring more fetching and impairing milk production7. Identifying and addressing lameness early is essential to prevent this issue from exacerbating transition challenges.

Maintaining equipment

Milled our dair y barn floors in August of 2000.22 Years later we just had AGRI-TRAC backto do them again. It lasted 22 Years! We chose AGRI-TRAC bothtimesinstead of grooving because it works and lasts. We have experience, grooving does NOT work! Thank you AGRI-TRAC.

Mario Vriens Friendly Farms Arthur, ON

Proper maintenance of robotic milking equipment is crucial for cow comfort. Overmilking, improper vacuum at the teat or stray voltage can all negatively impact cow behaviour and reduce cows’ willingness to visit the robot. Equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained to avoid these problems.

A holistic approach to transition management

Effective management of transition cows in robotic milking systems requires a holistic approach. By focusing on training, optimizing feed intake, monitoring health and ensuring comfort, dairy producers can minimize the metabolic challenges cows face during this critical period. Though these strategies may seem simple, their successful implementation is the key to maximizing performance and ensuring a smooth transition into lactation.

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

• For a Calf Pick Up Request text (519) 788-1399 by 1:00 pm Mondays OxfOrd Cattle COmpany wants yOur

James Walker Walkerbrae Farms Guelph, ON

• Oxford Cattle Company is working with genetic companies to select sires for use in our guaranteed calf buy back program.

• We are now pleased to announce that we are interested in buying your holstein bull calves and can include them in your regular pick up. We will take calves that are over 92 lbs and 10 days old. The price will be negotiated on a weekly basis.

• Presently serving southwestern Ontario region and Ottawa region.

GEA Super Pump on trailer or on 3-point hitch

That’s what needs to be hitched to

your tractor.

• Reinforced pump head

• Gate valves all around

• Twin short agitation nozzle with position indicator

• Stainless steel nozzle ball joint

• Thicker sprocket and motor mount

• Inline cooling pump (no more belt)

• New oil cooling reservoir bolted on the housing

• Remote control

Trailer model features:

• Can reach up to 4’ in pit depth difference

• PTO stays connected on the trailer

• Transport mode locking mechanism on trailer

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

Blackfalds: 587 797-4521

Lethbridge: 587 787-4145

Lethbridge Dairy Mart Ltd.

Lethbridge — 888 329-6202

Red Deer — 403 406-7344

SASKATCHEWAN

Dairy Lane Systems

Warman — 306 242-5850

Emerald Park — 306 721-6844

Swift Current — 306 203-3066

MANITOBA / NW ONTARIO

Penner Farm Services Ltd.

Blumenort — 204 326-3781

Thunder Bay ON – 800 461-9333

Tytech

Grande Pointe — 204 770-4898

ONTARIO

Claire Snoddon Farm Machinery

Sunderland — 705 357-3579

Conestogo Agri Systems Inc.

Drayton — 519 638-3022 1 800 461-3022

County Automation

Ameliasburg — 613 962-7474

Dairy Lane Systems

Komoka — 519 666-1404

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

McLaren Works

Cobden — 613 646-2062

Melbourne Farm Automation

Melbourne — 519 289-5256

Watford — 519-876-2420

Silver-Tech Systems Inc.

Aylmer — 519 773-2740

Dunnville — 905 981-2350

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

New producers are the future of safe and productive dairy farms

By Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

With more than 3,000 dairy farms operating across Ontario, new farmers are joining the industry each year as veteran farmers move closer to retirement. “It’s an exciting time when new farmers enter the industry and, in some cases, take over operations. But let’s not forget that some are still considered new workers, which means they are at a higher risk of injury,” says Ryan Dick, Health and Safety Consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS).

According to the Institute for Work and Health, workers who are new in some way (e.g., first job, job change or promotion, or new to Canada) are at a higher risk of experiencing an injury during their first few months on the job. “Even though someone may have worked on a dairy farm, when they take over an operation or start up a new farm, they are new to the role of employer,” explains Ryan.

As an employer, there will be many new aspects of the job and new responsibilities, including health and safety. “When new producers enter

the industry, they need to be aware that they will have more responsibilities and more liabilities than they had in the past. They need to understand the administrative and legislative role of the employer when it comes to health and safety,” says Ryan.

5 things new producers can do to become health and safety leaders

From new technology to labour shortages, farming is evolving, and new producers will need to evolve with it. Ryan offers these tips to help new producers become health and safety leaders.

1) Understand your role as the employer

Whether you are running a factory or a farm, employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of their employees.

“And on the farm, that often includes our spouses, children, and other family members if they are paid workers,” says Ryan. New producers need to understand their legislative requirements regarding training, documentation, and due diligence “They also need to be aware of the potential repercussions, fines, and charges,” says Ryan.

2) Address hazards related to robotics and new technology

Automation, such as automatic milking machines, is becoming increasingly common in farming. While it brings new levels of efficiency and precision, it also brings new hazards. “New producers need to be aware of the hazards related to robotics and how to mitigate these hazards with controls such as lock out/tagout and machine guarding,” says Ryan.

“We’re also starting to see automated, self-driving tractors on farms. These

“Our go-to for quality, comfort, peace of mind.”

David (Shauna) and daughters Laura (Ryan) and Amanda (Brandon) Milking 64 Registered Holsteins, 11,700 kg M, F 410 kg, P 355 kg, 11 EX, 26 VG

We have been using Udder Comfort™ for over 20 years. At Brookturn Farms, we believe in being proactive not reactive. We use Udder Comfort on our fresh cows to ensure our cows are off to a great start to set the stage for a successful lactation. By using Udder Comfort, we are able to prevent problems and keep the milk owing into our bulk tank!

We believe our cows are like professional athletes – Brookturn Dempsey Pleasant EX-94 4E* Lifetime Production (6 lactations): 82508 KG3.9%F 3.4%P the perfect example! The kind of cow that will get any Dairyman excited! By putting cow comfort rst and using Udder Comfort it has been a contributing factor to sustaining great udder health. We breed for the kind of cow the lasts and improves our bottom line with ease and she does just that!

Scan QR or go to link to read more about Brookturn https://wp.me/pb1wH7-k8

THAT TAKES YOUR FARM FURTHER

TRY ENOGEN HIGH-EFFICIENCY SILAGE CORN

It’s a rare thing when a product that’s capable of delivering a real edge to dairy operations comes along. Enter Enogen. Designed for maximum yield potential, enhanced silage quality, and optimal starch digestibility1, Enogen silage corn has the right traits and genetics for your dairy farm.

To learn more, visit: syngenta.ca/enogen

To speak with someone, contact your

Sustainability in ag isn’t new

can provide an immense advantage, but they introduce new hazards that need to be controlled,” says Ryan, explaining that emergency procedures need to be in place to protect people if malfunctions occur.

3) Establish an emergency plan for times when regular communications fail.

We control so much through apps on our phones that when systems go down, it can wreak havoc. We have all experienced periods of having no internet connection or cell service, so we should plan ahead for when it happens. “Establish a procedure for when you and your workers are unable to communicate via cell phones (e.g., establish a time and place to meet),” suggests Ryan.

4) Seek guidance before hiring temporary foreign workers.

With persistent labour shortages, many operators are turning to temporary foreign workers to meet their needs. “There is a lot to consider when you are training temporary foreign workers and you are dealing with a language barrier,” says Ryan. Reach out to Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS.CA) when developing your training and orientation program to ensure you are meeting all your legal obligations and providing effective training.

5) Cultivate a sustainable work-life balance.

When you live at work, it can be very difficult to end your workday. “There are always alerts or something to monitor, but it’s important to set some boundaries,” says Ryan. If they are not managed, psychological hazards such as stress and anxiety can lead to depression and burnout. Be proactive in creating a psychologically safe workplace for you, your family, and your employees. Free resources, such as the Farmer’s Wellness Initiative (agriculturewellnessontario.ca), are available to help develop a roadmap to positive mental health for your farm operation.

Resources to help you build a safe, healthy, and productive operation

• First Job, Safe Job (wsps.ca/firstjob) is a blog aimed at providing parents and young workers advice on staying safe at work.

• Stay informed on what’s happening in agriculture with the Farm Safety Roundup podcast (realagriculture.com/farm-safety-roundup/).

• The Health and Safety Handbook Generator (wsps.news/3M8nMYk) is an effective and efficient tool to help you build customized documentation for your health and safety orientation training.

• Canadian Agriculture Safety Association(casa-acsa.ca)

details to come! Questions? Please contact

THERE’S ONLY ONE HEALTH INDEX THAT MATTERS .

The RESULTS are in! EastGen evaluated ~2,000 cows in 6 Ontario milk-recorded herds (320 cow/avg).

High Immunity cows were very productive, bred back more quickly, & had less health events across the board. By 3RD lactation, we saw over 25% less health events! With IMMUNITY+, you’ll see less mastitis, less lameness, less disease, and far less health events. LESS is MORE with IMMUNITY+®!

IMMUNITY+ gives you what you’ve been looking for - A genetic solution to herd health!

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