Glacier FarmMedia – A long-standing tool for predicting the milk production performance of dairy cattle daughters will be “modernized” to make it more user-friendly and reflective of contemporary knowledge about feed efficiency. During Lactanet’s open industry session earlier this fall, chief services officer Brian Van Doormaal gave a presentation entitled “Modernizing LPI (Lifetime Performance Index)”
![“When we started LPI, this formula [was] very simple to use and simple to interpret.” – Brian Van Doormal, Lactanet.](https://static.manitobacooperator.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/29161835/Jersey_Cow_on_a_sunny_afternoon_GettyImages-95742205_cmyk-660x420.jpg)
Lactanet embarks on LPI modernization process
Predictive production index has become cumbersome, complicated
New additive touted for feed efficiency, SNF control
Strong results seen in Mexico trial for biocatalyst
Glacier FarmMedia – Calgary-based feed additive maker CBS Bio Platforms is trumpeting the feed efficiency benefits of its new Optimax E enzyme-based biocatalyst, at the same time as the dairy industry is looking for tools to reach its stated goals on carbon neutrality. The product has also garnered interest for its potential impact on solids-not-fat
20th anniversary reflections on BSE
The cattle sector looks back on the crisis that rocked the industry, and the profound changes that followed
The dates are seared in Dennis Laycraft’s brain. May 20, 2003, when the first positive test of a cow with BSE was confirmed; Aug. 10, 2003, when the U.S. and Mexico restored import access for Canadian boneless beef from animals under 30 months of age; July 14, 2005, when the U.S. reopened full access for
Poultry sector resumes vigilance over avian influenza
Highly pathogenic strain resurfaces for Wave 3 of outbreak
Glacier FarmMedia – The spring run of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has started in some parts of the country. But a year of experience managing the disease has Canadian farmers ready with new knowledge and tools. From the start of March to April 5, officials had confirmed three cases in domestic poultry operations in
Cow mattress has cooling potential
Single-chamber waterbed uses conductive energy to keep cows cooler
Glacier FarmMedia – Holstein heifers at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) had the comfort of new waterbeds which, according to manufacturer Bioret, allow the animals’ body heat to dissipate more effectively than other bedding or surfaces in the industry. During hot summers, heat stress in dairy cattle has the potential to impact milk yield and
Research team looks at sandblasting-style weed control
‘Projectile’ method needs work to tackle between-row growth
Glacier FarmMedia – A plot of white beans at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada’s (AAFC) Harrow, Ont. research farm is part of a new four-site study taking a sandblasting-style approach to weed control in Canadian crops. “No, it’s not a joke,” begins a news release from the federal agriculture ministry about the research into what’s being
Farm-gate milk price increase predictable, says economist
Mid-year hike has been controversial but soaring costs have to be recognized, says J.P. Gervais
Anyone expressing surprise or dismay at the recently announced plan to increase the farm-gate milk price this fall is ignoring financial realities, says the chief economist at Farm Credit Canada. “I definitely saw it coming,” J.P. Gervais said about the Canadian Dairy Commission’s approval of a 2.5 per cent price increase to take effect Sept.
Nuffield Scholar explores high stocking rate rotational grazing
Manitoba farmer touts benefits in soil building and land preservation
Glacier FarmMedia – A transition toward high stocking rates on pastures followed by longer recovery periods has spurred profitability on a Manitoba beef farm, attendees at the recent Profitable Pastures online conference learned. Day three of the conference, hosted by the Ontario Forage Council, featured 2019 Nuffield Scholarship participant and Brandon-area farmer Ryan Boyd. Through
Debating carbon decrease priorities
There’s discussion among agriculture organizations on how to measure the sector’s contributions
Glacier FarmMedia – Should agriculture’s decreases in carbon emissions be based on intensity of use per unit of food, or measured in the total volume of reductions? That’s the crux of a philosophical discussion happening in agriculture and showcased by competing reports on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Why it matters: How
The lessons of ‘Buttergate’
A Canadian had a front-row seat for both Buttergate and New Zealand controversies Social media conversations about food can go from benign to trending in a matter of hours or days. That became painfully obvious to Canadian dairy farmers during the so-called “Buttergate” controversy earlier this year. The same thing happened five years ago to
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
