The Canadian Podcow

Cover crops are often discussed in terms of soil health — preventing erosion, capturing nutrients and building soil quality. But on a dairy farm, there’s another question worth asking: Can that cover crop also help feed the cows?

Growing a crop in a window when a field might otherwise sit empty can provide an opportunity to produce additional forage while also protecting the soil.

But making that work takes some planning. The crop you choose, when you plant it, when you harvest it, and how you manage it afterward can all affect its value as feed.

In this episode, we explore how cover crops can fit into a dairy cropping system, not just as a soil-management tool, but potentially as another source of useful forage.

In this episode, we examine the latest developments in the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and Canada and what they could mean for Canada's dairy sector.

In July, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major escalation in trade measures by proposing a 50% tariff increase on targeted Canadian imports under Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930. According to the White House, the move is intended to address what the administration describes as longstanding trade imbalances and to increase pressure on Canada during ongoing trade negotiations.

If implemented after the 30-day consultation period, the proposed tariffs would bypass key exemptions under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and target several major Canadian export sectors, including automotive products, alcoholic beverages, and dairy. Such measures would mark a significant shift in the Canada–U.S. trading relationship, with potentially far-reaching consequences for Canadian industries, cross-border supply chains, and the dairy sector.

Joining us to discuss the implications of these proposed tariffs is David Wiens, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada. He shares his perspective on the announcement, its potential impact on dairy producers, and the practical steps people can take as the trade situation continues to evolve.

DFC has finalized new requirements for the housing of calves, dry cattle, and lactating cattle in the proAction Animal Care module.

The new requirements align with recent updates to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle, and will be part of on-farm validations starting in April 2027.

Learn more about the new requirements on the Canadian Podcow.

Protein is having a moment—and the food industry is racing to keep up. From fortified pizza crusts to high-protein snacks and cereals, this once-simple nutrient has become a powerful marketing force shaping what ends up on our plates. For the dairy sector, long known for naturally high-quality protein, this shift presents both opportunity and challenge.

In this second episode, we go deeper with industry experts from Lactanet and uncover how dairy producers can strategically respond to rising demand, adapt to new milk pricing structures, and position themselves in an increasingly protein-focused marketplace.

Protein is having a moment—and the food industry is racing to keep up. From fortified pizza crusts to high-protein snacks and cereals, this once-simple nutrient has become a powerful marketing force shaping what ends up on our plates.

For the dairy sector, long known for naturally high-quality protein, this shift presents both opportunity and challenge. In this first episode, we explore how the protein boom is transforming consumer habits and how dairy producers can respond,

In this episode of the Canadian Podcow, Sarah Sache and Andrew Campbell break down the forces shaping today’s dairy market. From global demand shifts to rising input costs and production pressures, they explore why the outlook feels so different depending on whether you’re a farmer, processor, or policymaker.

With special guest Maxime Collette, Lead, Policy analysis at Dairy Farmers of Canada, they dig into price trends, supply drivers, and international trade dynamics—and what all of this means for producers facing tight margins and ongoing uncertainty. The goal: cut through the noise and highlight the key signals to watch in the months ahead.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, and with the United Nations declaring 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, global attention is turning to the essential role women play across agrifood systems—from production to trade. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. In this episode, we do our part by featuring Annie AcMoody, a leading figure helping shape the future of Canadian dairy.

In this episode, we unpack some of the biggest trade questions shaping 2026. With our guest Steve Verheul, one of Canada's top trade negotiator, we explore the evolving dynamics of Canada’s relationship with the United States, including the upcoming review of the Canada‑U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and what this moment means for all three countries.

Tariffs, security concerns, domestic politics, supply‑chain pressures, and questions of sovereignty all intersect. Do early signals actually determine how things end?

Join us as we map the landscape ahead: what has changed since the last round of negotiations, what familiar patterns are re‑emerging, and where the real pressures and opportunities may lie for Canada in the year ahead.

CowSignals is a practical, preventative approach that helps dairy farmers observe and interpret cows’ behavior and physical cues to better understand their health and comfort. By paying attention to everyday signals related to feeding, lying, rumination, posture, and stress, farmers can identify management or environmental issues early, before they turn into disease or lost productivity.

The goal is to improve animal welfare, support healthier, longer-living cows, and enhance overall farm efficiency and profitability. Healthy cows have better feed efficiency and longer lives, which is good for the cow and the farmer.

In this episode, we discuss the method with a certified CowSignals Master trainer Amélie Mainville,

The new Carney government is expecting to table its budget on November 4th, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is back in the House of Commons after losing his seat in the Ottawa-area, the NDP has launched its leadership race.

Meanwhile, the trade war with the United States continues. People are worried about the economy and the trade war is having an impact. What should we expect from this government and from this parliament and what it does it mean for the dairy sector, as the CUSMA renegotiations are looming.