The Canadian Podcow

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 si...

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 negoti...

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 di...

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.

In this episode, we dig into grazing and pasture management with an expert who’s seen it all—and knows exactly how to turn grass into profits.

From practical tips and common pitfalls to smart strategies that boost both productivity and profitability, you’ll hear how letting the cows do what they do best can transform your farm.

Whether you’re a seasoned grazer or just curious about getting started, this conversation will leave you inspired to make every blade count.

Many Canadian dairy farmers want to measure their carbon footprints to learn how they can take practical, individual action towards making their farms more sustainable businesses. To this end, DFC and the provincial dairy associations are guiding the implementation of a pilot project to test an on-farm GHG emissions calculator, called the Cool Farm Tool. It is designed to help measure a farm’s carbon footprint, provide farmers with data, and help them customize environmental plans and increase efficiencies. The goal is to provide accurate measurements within the Canadian dairy landscape and to paint an accurate picture of the da...

The highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been detected in dairy cattle or other cattle in Canada and is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act.. It has been present in the United States for over a year.

Dairy cows in the US have tested positive for the first time to the new D1.1 strain of the H5N1 avian flu. Canadian authorities are following the evolution of the situation very closely.

Our guest is a veterinarian and the National Manager of Ruminant and Swine Programs at the Animal Health Branch of the...

In this episode, we explore the European perspective on the dairy industry with Alexander Anton, Secretary General of the European Dairy Association. Europe is a key player in dairy production and exports and plays a crucial role in feeding the world while driving sustainability, innovation, and fair trade.

From supporting local communities to shaping international markets, we dive into the policies, trends, and issues shaping the future of European dairy.

In 2025, the Canadian dairy market faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. This episode explores current trends, from fluctuating milk prices to evolving consumer expectations.

With Julia Trottier, Analyst, Policy & Trade at Dairy Farmers of Canada, and Maxime Collette, Senior Analyst, Market Intelligence at DFC, we review the issues shaping the future of the dairy sector. Through in-depth and accessible analysis, we address the various aspects, trends and challenges ahead.

Tune in to stay informed on the state of the Canadian dairy market in 2025 and beyond.

Donald Trump’s tariff threats are causing many Canadians to react and choose Canadian products. By buying Canadian, consumers are supporting the livelihoods of farmers, factory workers, small business owners and countless jobs in every region.

With our guest, Pamela Nalewajek, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Dairy Farmers of Canada, we discuss the importance of buying Canadian dairy products. It can easily be be done by looking for the Blue Cow Quality Milk logo or other designations like “Product of Canada.”

The arrival of Donald Trump at the White House and the announced departure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are shaking things up. Public opinion is changing as we navigate in an atmosphere of uncertainty and anticipation. Compounded with the the threats of tariffs, there has been a noticeable change in how people feel about the current environment.

The shifting mood is likely to influence upcoming elections and could have a lasting impact on the country's political trajectory. Our guest Nik Nanos leads Nanos Research, pollster for CTV News, the Globe & Mail and Bloomberg News in Canada and...

Uncertainty has been the name of the game since the American election, and the months ahead could be challenging.

In this episode, we break down the unpredictable political landscape, the trade turmoil, and the economic perspectives in the coming months.

With our guest, Vincent Cloutier, Senior Director, Agriculture Strategy at the National Bank, we look ahead at what could affect the competitiveness of Canadian dairy and the agricultural sector in 2025.

Whether you’re running a large operation or a small family farm, electrical safety and prevention is key. This week, we’re tackling one of the most important topics in farming: keeping your electrical systems and equipment safe, well-maintained, and hazard-free.

Join us as we explore how to properly inspect and maintain electrical equipment. We will have tips to prevent common electrical issues on the farm and spotting the signs wear before it’s too late with Pierre-André Meunier of PrevTech Innovations.

The Canadian Dairy Hub is a new tool to support Canadian dairy farmers through industry changes. Users of the hub will have access to free science-based, practical expertise to accelerate awareness and adoption of best practices and innovations.

With our guest Vicki Brisson, National Knowledge Mobilization Manager at Lactanet, we explore what will be available on the Canadian Dairy Hub.

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.

People across the globe come together to mark International Women's Day, a significant occasion dedicated to honoring the achievements of women, challenging biases, and advocating for equality.

This annual event serves as a vital platform for reflection and discussion on the status of women in various fields, including the dairy industry.

As the Canadian Podcow marks International Women's Day, Karen Pierik from Pleasant Hill Farms will share insights, experiences, and perspectives on the role of women in the dairy sector, contributing to a broader dialogue on gender inclusivity and empowerment within agricultural communities.

How can we, aggregate quality data from the farm level for the improvement of food animal welfare and dairy production while enabling farm data ownership and governance?

The intersection of food sector innovation and technology can bring progress to the farm. Data can help to advance our understanding of animal welfare and sustainability within livestock production systems. WIth the advent of Artificial Intelligence, there are many possibilities, but also many chalenges ahead.

Our guest is Daniel Foy, Co-Founder and CEO of AgriGates,

Rory Christie of Dourie Farming in Scotland will tell us his approach to remain competitive, to continue growing a profitable business for the future generations.

He will tell us more about his keen interest in the supply chain, innovation, equality and bringing businesses together to help overcome the rural and urban divide and meet the Net Zero objective.

In this episode , we are on location at DFC's Annual Policy Conference. We get a Global and National perspective on the Dairy Market for the upcoming year.

He is known as the Squeaky Cheese Guy, the Cheese Poet, and of course, the Canadian Cheese Ambassador.

David Beaudoin was born and raised in Quebec City. As a child, he loved to talk aabout food. His passion evolved after he moved to the Okanagan in 2005, where he launched his Squeaky Cheese distribution, education, and pairing experience business.

Just in time for the Holidays, find out more about the pleasures of eating amazing Canadian cheeses and supporting the dairy industry.

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing brings together leaders in the agricultural mental health field to conduct cutting-edge research to develop evidence-based community-informed programming and education to address wellbeing-related challenges amongst Canadian farmers.

Is it possible to enable mental health professionals to view farmers in their specific cultural context, Can we deliver counselling and crisis services to Canadian farmers and their families? Let's find out how.

After years of collaboration and ground-breaking research by Lactanet and Semex, Canada became the first country to introduce official Methane Efficiency evaluations in the Holstein breed, with the aim of reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle. The Canadian Podcow’s Sarah Sache and Andrew Campbell are interviewing Brian Van Doormaal about this new development.

In this episode, we interview the new President of Dairy Farmers of Canada, David Wiens. We ask him about his experience and what lays ahead for the industry.

The updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle was released in March 2023. It provides critical guidance for the care and handling of farm animals, including sound management and welfare practices for housing, care, transportation, and other animal husbandry practices. In this episode, we explore the changes that will impact dairy producers.

Dairy Farmers of Canada recently released their Best Management Practices Guide to Mitigate Emissions on Dairy Farms. We will explore what can be done to reduce emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and improve overall environmental sustainability.

Torsten Hemme, CEO of the International Farm Comparison Network shares his perspective on the Global Dairy Market Outlook.

In this episode, we have a discussion about the impact of heifer rearing related to the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming operations.