Lowering somatic cell counts

Like the Hollywood blobs of movies past, somatic cells roll across the screen and envelope bacteria before killing them. For dairy producers, like those in the audience at the recent Manitoba Dairy Conference, somatic cells are often seen as the villains – after all, a high somatic cell count is the primary indicator of mastitis.

China imports dairy cows

China is importing more dairy cows to try and beef up its transition to larger-scale farms, as the industry attempts to boost production and quality following a deadly scandal. China plans to nearly double milk production to 64 million tonnes by 2020, as part of a long-term plan by the Ministry of Agriculture to improve



New Award For Dairy Farmers

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) has opened nominations for its new Dairy Farm Sustainability Award. This new award aims to recognize actions taken by dairy farmers across Canada who produce milk in a sustainable way. The award for Canadian Dairy Farm Sustainability will recognize Canadian dairy farmers who have adopted practices that are environmentally sustainable,


“Free Your Milk” Campaign Launched

Over half of Canadians think dairy products are too expensive, according to a recent survey by a restaurant and food services association. The current system is making Canadian milk and cheese less attractive and less affordable for everyone, said Garth Whyte, president and CEO of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA). The survey conducted

Maintaining A Supply Management System

co-operator staff/ portage la prairie Protecting the future of supply management wasn t on the agenda at the October 11 district meeting of the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba, but it did generate discussion. I always have concern about supply management, we try to maintain the position we are in, said Norbert Rey, who farms with


Farmers And Public Co-Operating On Animal Welfare Concerns

Canadian farmers have avoided conflicts with animal rights activists seen in other countries by co-operating with humane societies and scientists in adopting proper treatment for their livestock and poultry, says a representative of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. Geoff Urton, animal welfare manager for the B.C. SPCA, says the agriculture community has fully supported




Study Finds Supply Management Superior To Free Market

Despite frequent criticism from free market advocates, Canada has been well served by supply management of milk, according to a new study. In recent years, dairy prices outside Canada have soared and then plummeted – leaving many producers unable to pay their bills and creating headaches for governments, according to a study prepared by Prof.