Page 70 - BCHNews-122023-Web

70 WC DAIRY NEWS  CHRISTMAS 2023 Industry Updates
Introducing
BC’s New
Dairy
Inspector –
Wali Sahar
This summer, Wali Sahar
began his new job as Dairy
Inspector for BC Agri. Born
in Afghanistan, Wali attained
his bachelor ’s degree in
animal science from Kabul
University. He moved to the
US where he attended Purdue University in Indiana and received a Master’s in Dairy Nutrition. In 2017, Wali immigrated to Canada and started as a research assistant with the Animal Welfare Program (AWP) at UBC, helping PhD students with their projects conducted throughout the Fraser Valley. Inspired by this experience, he enrolled in the AWP PhD program himself. During his doctorate program, he conducted research on transition period disease and lameness in dairy cattle. Specifically, by analyzing certain behaviors of cows, he developed predictive models to help identify cattle that were at high risk of becoming sick or lame. (You can see an article on Wali’s Ph.D. work on lameness on page 49.)
“I am excited to have started a new role of Dairy Inspector,” Wali shares with us. During his free time, he enjoys hiking and enjoying our west coast outdoors in addition to playing soccer with his children and nephews.
Stantons Alligator Passes
Semex announced in early November that Stantons Alligator passed away. Alligator stood at the top of Conformation rankings since his debut in 2019 at +15 with 3347 GLPI. Currently, he is 3548 GLPI with +14 Conformation (99% reliability) with an impressive 85% GP+ on over 4000 daughters. Alligator continues to be respected for transmitting fancy type that is show-ring competitive, as seen with his daughter, KINGSWAY CAUGHT A VIBE, being named 2023 WDE Junior Champion.
New Generation Lely Orbiter
Lely announced this summer that they have launched a second-generation ‘Orbiter,’ an innovative, self- contained, modular, on-farm ‘mini-dairy-factory.’ They have improved the design, making it a bit smaller and added more windows for visibility. Other improvements include automation of bottling and labeling. The technology is designed for remote support to manage technical problems more efficiently. The goal of this system is to provide greater independence and flexibility for producers to market their own product directly to consumers – connecting the farm and the product with their consumers.
Dairy Code of Practice and Tie Stalls
With fewer than 50 tie-stall operations in western Canada, the new Dairy Code won’t affect many producers in that respect, but many more may be tethering calves. Tie-stall barns remain very prevalent in Ontario (over 1000) and in Quebec (over 2000). Cows will need to be given freedom of movement at least for some part of the day. For calves, physical contact
with other calves will become required (unless separated for health/safety) – pairs or groups of calves by the age of four weeks. Tethered hutch housed calves must be able to move in and out and have physical contact with others. The changes come into effect in staggered timelines – consult with your proAction advisors.
Coming Up ONLINE
Don’t forget to check out our website at www.wcdairynews.com for all the latest in industry events. Check here regularly for dairy happenings across the province. We can also post industry updates (or reminders) if event information has changed after the newspaper publication. Email chris@holsteinnews.com with all your event details and get your dairy event included! Remember to include all the details: what, where, when, how and who!
Industry Updates for the next
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issue of WC Dairy News
WC Dairy News is pleased to consider introducing your new business or staff to BC’s dairy community. Announcements will be considered on a space available basis. Please e-mail your business announcement to tars@holsteinnews.com by January 12 for inclusion in the Winter 2024 issue of WC Dairy News that will go into the mail on February 13.