Precision Dairy Farming – New and Old Technologies

Jan 30, 2020

Brittany Todd and Kelsey Berger Keynote Day 2 at #PAG20

After a great first day of presentations at the Farms.com Eastern Precision Ag Conference & Ag Tech Showcase at RBC Place in London, Ontario, day two is getting started with keynote speakers from WinField United and Grober Nutrition. Farmers from around the province have been taking part in the two-day conference to hear from experts about improving efficiencies, lowering costs and increasing profits through the use of precision agriculture technology.

This morning’s keynote speakers include Kelsey Berger, digital technology manager at Winfield United, and Brittany Todd, young animal specialist from Grober Nutrition.

Farms.com had the chance to sit down with Brittany Todd before her presentation to learn more about the “5 C’s of Calf Care” (Colostrum, Calories, Cleanliness, Comfort, and Consistency).

“We all know the 5 C’s of calf care; Colostrum, Calories, Cleanliness, Comfort and Consistency, and if one of those elements is missed a calf can have significant health events and lower average daily gain (ADG). Have you ever wondered how those health events relate to the lactating herd? Many studies have looked into growth of calves during the milk feeding phase and the lactating herd. The results are hard numbers that show the importance of focusing on all aspects of calf raising to ensure best health and therefor the best ADG of your calves. As precision dairy farmers we can use both new and old innovative technologies to help manage calves to their fullest potential.”

Day two will also feature breakout sessions in the morning, with speakers and panelists from University of Guelph, OMAFRA, Zoetis Canada, IN10T (IN'TENT), and Haggerty Creek Ltd. The afternoon will have keynote presentations from Dr. Karen Hand, Director, Research Data Strategy, Office of Vice President Food from Thought at University of Guelph on the “Digitization of the Food Chain” followed by a presentation from Marvin Talsma, product manager at Climate FieldView, who will discuss the “Value and Transparency Created by Today’s Digital Tools”.

Follow the Conference on Twitter with #PAG20

Video: U.S.-China Trade “Truce” + U.S. Fed Cuts Rates Again

The market was hoping for a US-China trade deal, but we got a trade “truce” for now from the keenly awaited Trump-Xi meeting at the APEC Summit.
China commits to minimum purchase commitments of 12 MMT of U.S. soybeans during the “current season” and a minimum of 25 MMT annually through 2028.
U.S. Treasury Sec Bessent said other Asian countries have agreed to buy additional 19 MMT of US soybean.
Soybean futures trading above $11 now- they normally tend to rally to $12.
As expected, US Fed cuts interest rates by -0.25% again in October to 3.75%–4.00%. No further cuts promised for this year but trade looking out to the Dec FOMC.
The Bank of Canada cut interest rates to 2.25% but raised concern over trade war damage.
Soy meal futures, remarkably, have had 14 consecutive higher close sessions. A bull market in soybeans is a bull market in soy meal!
Cattle futures lower as funds unwind out of cattle for now due to Trump headlines and objective to lower beef prices.
All major stock indices climb to new record highs. It was Mag 7 reporting week, which had mixed results. But we now have the first $5 trillion company in Nvidia!