(Dave Bedard photo)

Scotsburn ice cream business sale to Agropur cleared

Canada’s biggest dairy co-operative has been given the all-clear to close its deal for an Atlantic dairy co-op’s ice cream business. Agropur Co-operative on Thursday announced it has bought the assets of Truro, N.S.-based Scotsburn Co-operative Services, which include the company’s plants in Truro and in Lachute, Que. as well as the Scotsburn brand name.

Could Trump save the Canadian dairy industry from itself?

Could Trump save the Canadian dairy industry from itself?

Trump may be the catalyst necessary for a much-needed revamp of the Canadian dairy industry

The great Canadian dairy crisis is about to experience a new and interesting twist. As Donald trump assumes the role of the 45th president of the United States, some wonder whether he could bring about the end of Canada’s infatuation with dairy marketing boards. Both during his campaign and after the election, Trump took aim



Researchers have found that light impacts hormone levels in cows and can have a positive impact on milk yield.  photo: supplied


Creating a natural rhythm

Lighting experts suggest the correct light intensity and duration can have 
positive effects on the health, fertility, welfare and productivity of dairy cattle

The lighting in your barn may be having more of an effect than you realize. “The livestock’s biological clock is regulated by light striking the pituitary gland in the middle of the brain. A lack of light depresses metabolism and causes increased melatonin output. We see this effect in the shorter days of winter,” said


Blaine McLeod speaks to producers in Winnipeg during the annual Manitoba Dairy Conference.

New quality milk logo given prominence

Dairy Farmers of Canada have simplified their marketing to 
generate a greater impact on consumers

What’s blue and white, but will soon be read all over? The new Dairy Farmers of Canada logo. First revealed in Ottawa last month, Manitoba milk producers got an in-depth look at what’s behind the updated logo — and streamlined marketing program it ushers in — at the annual Manitoba Dairy Conference in Winnipeg earlier

dairy calf

Calves can safely consume more milk than thought

Feeding young calves more milk can cut down on antibiotic use and have other benefits

Feeding dairy calves more milk early in life might not be a cheap proposition in the short term, but with a longer view the benefits are clear. It’s also a safe practice, according to one dairy researcher who spoke at the recent annual general meeting of the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba. “Based on the research


Dairying appears to have existed from the dawn of human agriculture.

Humans raised dairy animals for longer than thought

Our link to milk-producing animals dates back to the onset of agriculture

A team of scientists and archeologists has discovered widespread evidence of prehistoric milk production in southern Europe. The study, a collaboration between the U.K.’s University of York, the University of Bristol, and France’s Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, uncovered evidence that humans have been utilizing milk and dairy products across the northern Mediterranean region

Herd of Holstein Friesian cows

Dairy sector gets $350 million from feds

The investment is intended to offset losses expected in the sector when CETA is implemented

Dairy farmers and processors are welcoming a $350-million investment in their sector ahead of the Canada-Europe Trade Agreement coming into force. The $250 million over five years, available through the Dairy Farm Investment Program, will assist farmers to update their equipment to improve productivity, said an announcement from Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay. The money would


Young man reading shopping list in produce aisle, side view, close-up

‘You’re wrong’ is the wrong message

Trying to dictate what products consumers should get or what 
food companies should supply them is surely a losing tactic


When most of us hear the words, “Have I got a great deal for you!” we grab our wallets because experience suggests any forthcoming deal won’t be great. Similarly, when someone says, “Here’s the straight talk,” our baloney meters redline because we know the coming talk will be about as straight as a hound’s hind

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the EU-Canada Leaders’ Summit and CETA signing ceremony in Brussels, Belgium on Oct. 30, 2016.

Ratifying CETA was the easy part

Now comes the hard work of dealing with domestic effects, like opening markets to dairy imports

Looks like we are going ahead with CETA after all. After a few meltdowns and temper tantrums, both sides are now willing to ratify the deal. In the aftermath of several anti-trade occurrences in recent months, having a deal with the EU is nothing short of a miracle. CETA was initially about growth and prosperity,