The Canadian Podcow | Podcast on RSS.com

The Canadian Podcow

The Canadian Podcow

by Sarah Sache & Andrew Campbell

Education News Commentary Documentary

Season 5

New requirements for housing in proAction

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.

Capitalizing on the protein market - Part II

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.

Capitalizing on the protein market - Part I

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,

The 2026 Dairy Market Outlook

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.

Women leadership in dairy

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.

The State of Trade

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.

The CowSignals Method

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,

Canada's Political Crossroads in Times of Trade Turbulence

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.

Season 4

Managing Pasture

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.

The Cool Farm Tool

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 dairy sector’s sustainability, and assess its ease of use.

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