Maximize profit and returns – Enrol in the Dairy Cost Study program

Jan 07, 2025

The next round of the Dairy Cost Study program opened January 1, 2025. The Dairy Cost Study offers a comprehensive analysis for individual dairy operations in Alberta for the 2024 production cycle. The study provides producers a detailed economic report on their dairy enterprise, at no cost.

A primary goal for any business is to be profitable, minimize costs and seek efficiencies. "Having a deeper understanding of your farm’s production costs can enhance confidence when making active management decisions,” says Pauline Van Biert, research analyst with the Alberta government. Understanding the connection between cost and returns is essential for setting targets and improving your farm’s operation.

While you may already have performance reports for your farm, the Dairy Cost Study can offer a fresh perspective and give you the chance to compare your business against provincial averages. “By reviewing your own numbers, you can assess management options, identify high-cost areas and pinpoint potential opportunities for efficiency improvements. Once you have a clear understanding of your costs and returns, you can make more informed decisions and seize opportunities,” says Van Biert.

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Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.