Page 69 - BCHNews-122023-Web

CHRISTMAS 2023  WC DAIRY NEWS 69
Getting Proactive about proAction
Morgan Sangster,
BC Dairy Producer Support Manager 306-290-5695 Msangster@bcdairy.ca
It’s no secret that proAction is not a fan favorite among the dairy community, in fact I’d be willing to bet it would fall closer to the bottom of the priority list for most. Time and time again I hear frustration from producers regarding the program, the rules, and the paperwork. However, proAction is our Canadian quality assurance program, it isn’t new, and it’s a necessary link in the chain of trust with consumers, the public and regulators. It’s not enough to say we produce a quality product while taking care of our animals and the environment.
We must be able to show that we are in compliance with the highest standards.
proAction isn’t going anywhere – so let’s learn to work with it.
A common factor noticed on-farm with proAction is that most leave it until the last minute. This increases the stress around understanding new requirements, getting system checks completed, water test results back, paperwork signed by your vet – all adding to the increased dislike of the program. The positives of the program are often overlooked until they ’ve helped to identify an issue, i.e. residue build up. Or on a much larger scale – knowing who/where your animals have been, in the event of a disease outbreak, is vitally important! Thankfully, we haven’t had to cross that bridge yet!
I know this article isn’t going to instantly change anyone’s mind, however if I could offer a few tips and tricks to make it less tedious – I’d like to try.
1. Understand the Program: It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what is
expected in terms of animal care, food safety, biosecurity, traceability, milk quality and environmental sustainability. ASK your provincial proAction Coordinator questions anytime!
2. Regular Training and Education: Attend the workshops, webinars, and training sessions that are created to help you. Bring your senior staff.
3. Create a Schedule: Develop a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule that allocates time for proAction-related activities. Be realistic about the time required for each task. Set reminders on your phone to help! (The more often you do it, the less time it takes!)
4. Use Technology: Utilize farm management software, apps, and digital tools to streamline record-keeping and data management. These tools can save time and improve accuracy. If you’re not sure how with your current system, ask your service provider!
5. Delegate Tasks: If you have a team, delegate specific proAction tasks to responsible individuals. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
6. Record Keeping: Proper record- keeping is crucial with proAction, but also helps to identify patterns you may not otherwise notice.
7. Continuous Improvement: Be open to implementing changes and improvements based on the results of your assessments and records. This may involve upgrading facilities,
adopting new technologies, or adjusting management practices.
8. Collaborate: Seek advice and collaborate with veterinarians, nutritionists, environmental consultants and peers. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions that align with your farm’s goals.
9. Regular Audits: Set reminders! Write on calendars, set phone reminders, anything to help you prepare in advance for proAction audits. (Both Full Validations and Self-Declarations)
10. Environmental Sustainability: Look for practical options that reduce your farm’s environmental impact, such as waste management, energy efficiency, and land conservation.
11. Plan Ahead: Anticipate seasonal demands and plan accordingly. The due date is the same every year - just because your deadline is in June doesn’t mean you need to wait until June to complete your checklist! If your info is up to date, accurate, and isn’t expired, you’re ahead of the game – get it done when it works for you! When the validation comes around – you’re ready to go with much less stress/hassle!
Effective time management is crucial for producers, and balancing the demands of daily farm operations with program requirements can be challenging, but not impossible. Creating new habits is hard but is often worth it in the long run. Some food for thought. But if you’re ready to get proactive about proAction – we’re here to help you!
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Ben Korporal, Valedoorn Farms, Agassiz, BC, Canada
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