The Canadian Podcow

Cybersecurity may seem like an issue reserved for high-tech industries, but today’s dairy farms rely on digital tools more than ever before. Cyberattacks on farms can impact everything from data security to equipment functionality, with hackers increasingly targeting vulnerable agricultural technologies. Protecting these systems is crucial to maintaining seamless operations and preventing potential threats. Find out more with the Canadian Podcow!

What role do government policies and regulations play in shaping the dairy industry and supporting the dairy supply chain? What are the key objectives and priorities in different areas? What changes could happen to better support dairy farmers?

In this episode, we look at what is happening with the dairy industry in Wisconsin, California and in New South Wales, Australia.

While the Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in dairy cattle or other cattle in Canada, we have learned many things since the outbreak in the United States. HPAI is not a food safety concern and the risk of transmission to humans remains low. Our host Andrew Campbell led a conversation with Dr. Robert Tremblay during DFC's 2024 Annual General Meeting.

As the dairy industry is facing the growing challenge of climate change, carbon markets offer a unique opportunity for farmers to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also create new revenue streams.

In this episode, we explore how these markets work, the benefits they bring to farmers, and the practical steps for getting involved.

Dairy and pizza are closely linked, with dairy products, especially cheese, being a fundamental component of pizza. The dairy industry supports pizza production by supplying large quantities of cheese. Pizza Pizza and Dairy Farmers of Canada are building on the success of pizza as a globally popular food to reinforce the ties to Canadian dairy farming.

Starbucks is committed to support dairy sustainability and the continued efforts of Canadian dairy farmers on their path to net zero. Dairy is an integral part of the Starbucks menu, and supporting the long-term health of the Canadian dairy sector is one of the latest efforts in the company’s global commitment to a resource-positive future. In this episode, we discuss Starbucks' approach with Juliana De Van Der Schueren and Ross Anderson.

In this episode a discussion between Steven Roche from Acer Consulting and Doctor Katie Proudfoot, an animal health and welfare researcher that works at the University of Prince Edward Island. Katie has a great background in dairy cattle welfare, having conducted research in British Columbia, the United States, and now on the Atlantic side of Canada. Get ready to hear her perspectives on why producers should be motivated to continue to strive for improved animal health and welfare.

In this episode, a conversation between Steven Roche, an animal health researcher from Acer Consulting and Holger Schwichtenberg, a second-generation dairy farmer in the eastern Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Holger is actively involved in environmental stewardship and has implemented various practices to improve soil health, biodiversity, and water management on his farm. Holger will share his thoughts on the importance of environmental stewardship, his efforts to manage soil health, and his experience with the Environmental Farm Plan.

This episode examines the importance of biosecurity, the commitment to maintaining good animal health, and the potential impact of infectious diseases on farms and the dairy industry. We present to you Dr. Herman Barkema, a veterinarian and researcher at the University of Calgary, in conversation with animal health researcher Steven Roche about the significance of biosecurity, strategies for farmers to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission within their herds, and future directions for the dairy industry, conducted as part of DFC’s Paths to On-Farm Excellence Podcast Series.

The Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in dairy cattle or other livestock in Canada, but it has been in the US.

It is a rapidly evolving situation. Are we prepared? Should we be worried? We are taking a closer look to proactive measures to be taken on the farm regarding HPAI.