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

Portion of Cheddar (detailed close-up shot) on vintage wooden background

Cheese maker chases non-GMO specialty market

It’s a case of giving consumers what they want, rather than creating 
a differentiation as a marketing ploy, says Bothwell

A Manitoba cheese maker will become the first in Canada to produce a verified non-GMO product. Bothwell Cheese has been awarded the voluntary label by the Non-GMO Project, a U.S.-based non-profit, for a new cheddar product line due out in 2017. Mike Raftis, Bothwell’s vice-president of marketing, sales and communications, says the move comes in


The type of protein milk contains may help make a healthy drink even healthier.

Certain milk proteins may promote human health

It seems cow’s milk may not all be created equal, some may be better for you

Milk that contains a certain protein may increase a key human antioxidant and strengthen the body’s disease-fighting properties. That’s according to a recent study published in Nutrition Journal that examined the results of a clinical trial at Nova Southeast University in Florida looking at the health effects of milk containing the A2 protein. In the

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

A new dairy plant promises more milk-drying capacity for Manitoba, and the opportunity to fulfil the total quota allocation.

New milk-processing plant on deck

Manitoba milk producers will have the option of joining the Gay Lea Co-operative 
as the processor expands into Manitoba

A newly announced milk-processing plant is expected to allow Manitoba dairy farmers to increase production and make use of their entire quota allotment. Last week, Vitalus Nutrition and Gay Lea Foods announced they would partner in the refurbishment of an egg-processing facility in Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Industrial Park. The plant is already equipped with an


Fewer farms and processors but more dairy products

Fewer farms and processors but more dairy products

The economic contribution of Canada’s dairy industry continues to grow, a report says

Canadian dairy industry output has grown even as the number of dairy farms and processors has declined. That’s according to a recent study, commissioned by the Dairy Farmers of Canada. The study, by Montreal-based EcoRessources, looks at changes between 2013 and 2015 and is the latest biannual examination of the sector dating back to 2009.

Dairy Farmers of Manitoba chair David Wiens described the Canadian dairy sector’s proAction initiative at the inaugural One Welfare conference.

Providing the proof consumers want on animal care

DFC’s proAction animal welfare assessment program helps farmers demonstrate that high standards are being met

In 2008 two brothers who farm near Ste. Anne built a new barn to replace the one their father erected in the 1960s. His was “a Cadillac barn” and the best of the best for its time, but by the mid-2000s times had changed. It wasn’t just a robotic milking system for their 220 cows


Dairy producers say they can talk until there’s nothing left to say, but it’s the government that must act to solve border issues.

Much talk, no action on supply management border issues

A Commons trade committee meeting heard lots of words but little new information at a recent hearing

Many words were spoken, but little new was said. At a recent two-hour session of the Commons trade committee, representatives of the dairy and poultry sector and Lawrence MacAulay, the federal agriculture minister, all spoke at length about border issues — but largely reiterated previous statements. Following a Parliament Hill protest by dairy farmers this

Sixteen-year-old Dana Andres has been a part of her local Steinbach dairy club for the past seven years.

Dairy isn’t dead

The next generation of dairy farmers from across Western 
Canada recently came together to learn, network and compete

Sometimes growing up on a dairy farm can feel like a very lonely experience. Surrounded by beef operations and grain growers and faced with the reality of ever-shrinking numbers of dairies, the next generation of dairy farmers can start to feel like they have no peers. That’s why youth dairy events like the Western Canadian