Podcasts

Uplevel Dairy Podcast

What does it take to be a successful, profitable and competitive dairy farm business? This is the podcast for dairy owners, managers and advisors who are after their next level of success. Join Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen each week as she sits down with the industry’s leading dairy producers and thought leaders for real conversations about business, management and leadership.

Latest Episode

384 | People First: The Leadership Philosophy Behind a Growing Dairy

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen is onsite with Josh Webb, at multi-generational Heglar Creek Dairy near Declo, Idaho, a fifth-generation family operation that relocated from Utah in the mid-1970s and has since grown and diversified. Webb describes the family’s structured pathway into the business, requiring education, outside work, interviews, and defined roles, as well as a clear exit strategy including retirement expectations. He explains how the operation expanded into multiple enterprises, and how two nearby dairies differ in breeds and milking systems, including a 2018 Jersey robot barn with 18 Lely units. Webb discusses being early adopters of technology, adopting Milc group's cloud-based OneFeed and OneAnimal for real-time accuracy and integration, prioritizing “first who, then what” in hiring, using EOS-style meetings, and partnering with Danone, including transitioning to non-GMO feed and related regenerative changes. The episode emphasizes legacy as building people and work ethic so the next generation can keep evolving. This episode is brought to you by Milc Group. Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed. 02:33 Five Generations To Idaho 04:52 Earning Your Way Back 10:01 Diversifying Beyond Dairy 11:40 Rules For Entry And Exit 13:38 Two Dairies Two Systems 16:40 Why Build A Robot Barn 22:51 First Who Then What 25:02 Recruiting And Retaining Talent 26:56 Meetings Support And Tech Tools 29:57 Tech That Empowers Teams 30:59 OneFeed Simple Accuracy 34:56 Defining Dairy Success 36:14 Future Manager Skills 38:14 Partnering With Danone 42:13 Legacy Beyond The Farm 51:20 Work Ethic Sweat Pledge

October 1 • 55m 42.8s

Episodes

384 | People First: The Leadership Philosophy Behind a Growing Dairy

October 1 • 55m 42.8s

383 | Help Them Believe in Themselves | Peter Coyne on Coaching and Mentoring Dairy's Next Generation

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy interviews longtime dairy industry leader Peter Coyne about the relationships that shaped his life and his responsibility to “pay it back to the next in line.” Coyne describes his path from growing up in western New York around Holsteins and influential cow people, to working with Pinehurst, attending UW–River Falls, managing and expanding dairy herds, enduring a difficult partnership exit, gaining key leadership experience at John Dee Farm, and later joining VitaPlus, where he contributes cow and people management skills. Ahead of World Dairy Expo, he shares his family’s involvement and his 41 years coaching dairy judging, emphasizing connection, culture, perseverance, learning through mistakes, and helping young people believe in themselves, often through simple acts like remembering names, giving time, and encouragement to keep moving. This Episode is brought to you by Adisseo This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/ 07:20 From New York to Dairy Career 13:21 Hard Lessons and Big Leaps 16:06 Joining VitaPlus 19:40 Culture and Perseverance 25:44 Risk Taking Mindset 31:13 Giving Back Through Coaching 39:00 What Makes a Great Coach 47:55 Showing Cows Builds Grit 49:51 Learning Beside Great People 51:07 Mistakes Create Experience 54:54 Coach Versus Mentor 56:32 Mentoring Across Generations 01:01:05 Life Advice for Students 01:10:48 Parting Words and Payback 01:15:25 Expo Stories and Wins

September 29 • 48m 45.5s

382 | Transforming Dairy Risk Management with Jim Matthews and Duane Banderob

Today, on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen talks with Duane Banderob and Jim Matthews about Ever.Ag separating into two standalone organizations. EA Risk, formerly Ever.Ag Risk Management, is now an independent company focused solely on managing commodity markets across the agricultural supply chain. They share that it’s the same people, producer relationships, and farmer-first focus that the market has come to know over the past two decades. They explain that services remain unchanged, including protecting revenue and input risk through livestock and crop insurance, futures and options, energy and feed procurement strategies, advisory/consulting, and market publications, supported by their proprietary Vault platform and EA Risk Insights research. The team sees the split as a chance to sharpen focus, improve technology and customer experience, and evolve offerings as dairy operations face increasing complexity, including beef-on-dairy exposure, digesters, new financing realities, and higher capital costs, while maintaining on-farm relationship standards and continuity for clients. EA Risk, formerly Ever.Ag Risk Management, partners with dairy producers to build customized risk management plans that help protect margins in any market environment. With dedicated advisors, industry-leading technology, and proven tools like Dairy Revenue Protection, we help farms reduce uncertainty and secure long‑term financial strength. Learn more at https://ea-risk.carrd.co/. 00:00 Dairy Risk Shifts 02:02 Ever.Ag Shift Explained 03:47 Services That Stay 07:33 What Changes Next 09:19 Vault Platform Insights 10:10 Industry Risks Ahead 13:06 Core Philosophy: Relationships 16:09 Legacy Of Dairy Markets 18:24 Buggy Lesson 22:04 One Year Outlook 28:07 World Dairy Expo Plans

September 24 • 30m 57s

381 | Beyond the Protocol: Why People Are the Key to Better Animal Care

Today, Peggy Coffeen is onsite as she welcomes Dr. Tera Barnhardt to the Uplevel Dairy Podcast to discuss leadership, communication, and navigating hard seasons in production agriculture. Dr. Barnhardt, a Kansas-based veterinarian, mom, business owner, and agriculture advocate, describes serving dairies, calf ranches, and feed yards across southwest Kansas and the High Plains while managing heavy animal movement logistics and regulatory paperwork. She explains that effective problem solving depends less on perfect protocols and more on understanding each farm’s systems and people, especially as many employees lack agricultural backgrounds. Barnhardt emphasizes culturally aware training and tailoring communication to owners, managers, and frontline workers using different formats and technologies. She reflects on formative animal welfare leadership experiences in a large feeding operation, lessons from the H5N1 outbreak and consumer trust, and advice to view hard days as growth opportunities while integrating, not balancing, work and family. Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices. Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com 01:04 Meet Dr. Tera Barnhardt 02:22 Many Hats and Advocacy 04:30 Why Rural Kansas 06:24 A Day on the Road 09:09 Problem Solving Systems 11:40 Training for Welfare 14:34 Leadership Lessons Feedyard 20:32 Adapting to Change 22:27 Communication Across Cultures 27:26 Social Media and Audiences 29:53 H5N1 Frontline Story 38:26 Advice for Young Vets 41:51 Integrating Work and Family

September 22 • 50m 13.3s

380 | From Vegetarian to Dairy Advocate: How Jill Houin Found Her Place in Dairy

Peggy Coffeen interviews Jill Houin at Homestead Dairy in Plymouth, Indiana, where the family milks 5,000 cows across three sites, including a 2,200-cow robotic dairy with 36 robots and a semi-automatic feed system. Jill, a former New Jersey teacher and vegetarian who married into the dairy, describes learning farm life, becoming the farm’s tour guide and key messenger, and using truthful, practical explanations to convert skeptics. She shares how community tours brought 1,000 visitors in three hours, and highlights sustainability stories like generating electricity from manure and Notre Dame food waste to power about 1,000 homes an hour. Jill also discusses taking on farm bookkeeping, mediating family perspectives, working with Spanish-speaking staff and interns from Mexico, and launching The Break Room Meat Market restaurant featuring the farm’s beef and other local products. This episode is brought to you by Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is dedicated to helping producers achieve healthy animals, healthy dairies and healthy food through their world-class portfolio. For more information, visit ⁠DairyWellness.com.⁠ 00:00 Meet Jill Houin 01:47 Robotic Dairy Updates 02:35 From Jersey to Dairy 05:40 Vegetarian to Advocate 07:21 Tours and Key Messages 11:59 Handling Tough Questions 15:41 Books and Office Role 19:31 Delegation and Hiring 21:50 Culture and Worker Respect 23:09 Restaurant Origin Story 23:45 Local Meat Market Vision 24:29 Farm Story Branding 25:00 COVID Hug To Deal 26:46 Buying And Expanding 27:24 Naming The Break Room 27:46 Crystal Mess Challenge 28:33 Menu And Accommodations 29:29 Ownership And Creativity 30:19 Dreams And Travel 31:34 Meaning And Mission

September 17 • 38m 31.1s

379 | Join us for Showbox Stories Live at World Dairy Expo 2026!

Peggy Coffeen is joined today by Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires and Jared Krull of CowManager on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast to announce that the popular Showbox Stories series will be recorded live at World Dairy Expo on Thursday, October 1, from about 8:00–10:30 a.m. on the Tanbark stage, with CowManager as premier sponsor. They recap the project’s purpose of preserving dairy history and authentic voices while highlighting lessons from mentors and industry icons. Tim and Jared discuss learning through conversations on show boxes and around the bulk tank, and preview guests including Dave Thorbahn, Dr. Sheila McGuirk, and many more. Listeners are invited to attend, subscribe to hear episodes later, and submit show box photos and stories for possible on-stage sharing. Submit your Showbox story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1l6qGl0D1JMEWtG48Y1QHvEAdwHzSpHEHIPaDPAEbUszEdA/viewform This series is brought to you by CowManager. CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com. Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/ Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManager Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=all YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager 00:00 Showbox Stories Return 01:12 Why We Started Recording 02:35 Icons and Lessons Learned 04:47 Live Tanbark Announcement 05:28 Meet Jared Krull 06:53 Why CowManager Cares 08:53 Guest Lineup Sneak Peek 11:40 Submit Your Showbox Photo 12:49 Jared and Tim Share Stories 16:46 Peggy Trophy Trade Tale 21:36 Join Us at Expo

September 15 • 21m 48.2s

378 | Gear up for World Dairy Expo 2026 with Showbox Stories Ft. Jeff Butler, Butlerview Farm

As we gear up for World Dairy Expo 2026, we’re bringing back a favorite from the Showbox Stories series recorded at World Dairy Expo. In this episode, Peggy Coffeen and Tim Abbott sit down with Jeff Butler of Butler View Farms to hear about his journey in the dairy industry—from his early days in 4-H to his success with show cattle and his continued commitment to the future of dairy. Jeff shares memorable experiences, the mentors who helped shape his career, and how technology like CowManager is influencing modern dairy practices. It’s a conversation about heritage, vision, innovation, and the importance of investing in the next generation of dairy farmers. If you’re heading to World Dairy Expo 2026, this is a great episode to revisit as we get ready for another week of celebrating the people, cattle, and stories that make the dairy industry so special.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:39 The Humble Beginnings of Showbox Stories02:19 Showbox Stories Series and Cow Manager Partnership03:37 Guest Introduction: Jeff Butler from Butlerview Farms05:15 Jeff Butler's Early Days and Mentors09:49 First Experiences at World Dairy Expo13:11 Building a Successful Show String19:44 The Role of Technology in Modern Dairy Farming22:51 International Intrigue Sale and Industry Impact28:13 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsThis series is brought to you by CowManager.CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManagerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/#LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=allYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager

September 11 • 33m 29.8s

377 | The Future of Holstein Genetics and Efficient Dairy Management with Seagull Bay Dairy and WinStar Genetics

What does the dairy cow of the future need to do better and what tools will help get her there? Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits Seagull Bay Dairy in Idaho with brothers Greg and John Andersen to discuss how decades of genetics work shaped their multi-site operations and global influence through Seagull Bay and WinStar Genetics. The Andersens share the story behind Seagull Bay Dairy, the foundation cows and influential genetics that shaped their program. They also discuss how genomics has accelerated genetic progress and helped improve traits such as production, fertility, longevity, and calving ability. Looking ahead, Greg and John discuss the future of dairy genetics, including their focus on polled genetics through Winstar Genetics and the traits they believe will become increasingly important: hoof health, calf health, mastitis resistance, longevity, and feed efficiency. The conversation also dives into using cloud-based technology and real-time data to manage multiple dairy locations, improve feeding and reproduction decisions, and give their teams the information they need to operate with greater precision. For them, building a successful dairy isn't just about producing more, it's about continually improving, developing great people, and creating a family business built to last. Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed. 02:09 Seagull Bay Day Origins 03:25 Growing Multi-Site Dairies 05:40 Holstein Versus Crossbreeding 13:27 Genomics Lessons Learned 15:49 Winstar Genetics Launch 17:22 Polled Breakthrough Mendel 22:53 Next Traits To Select 27:42 Cloud Feeding With ONEfeed 32:03 ONEanimal and Lely Integration 34:18 Robot Data Integration 35:56 Repro Reporting Upgrades 37:10 Tracking Repro Performance 37:49 New Repro KPI Goals 39:08 Breeding Strategy Mix 40:45 Staying Sustainable 43:38 People Over Technology 45:13 Culture And Expectations 46:44 Defining Success Metrics 50:18 Vision Mission Legacy 54:08 Passing On Values

September 8 • 1h 6m 14.7s

376 | Stewardship in Action: Building a Dairy for the Next Generation

What does it really take to build a dairy that can thrive for generations? In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Mitch Perkins of Perkins Twin Creek Farm in Indiana, a third-generation family dairy milking 450 cows and farming 2,700 acres. Mitch shares what it means to step into a family legacy and make decisions that honor what previous generations built while preparing the farm for what comes next. From investing in robotic milking technology to embracing high-oleic soybeans and creating new opportunities within their cropping operation, Mitch talks about approaching innovation through the lens of stewardship, profitability, and long-term sustainability. He also shares why knowing when to walk away from an opportunity can be just as important as knowing when to say yes. At the heart of the conversation is a simple philosophy: do the little things right, and those things become the big things. This episode is a thoughtful look at making intentional decisions, staying personally involved, and building a dairy that gives the next generation an opportunity to carry the legacy forward. This Episode is brought to you by Adisseo This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/ 00:00 Legacy and Responsibility 02:03 Meet Perkins Twin Creek 03:24 Robots Plus Parlor 04:35 Lessons From Grandpa 07:05 Sustainability Equals Profit 09:19 High Oleic Breakthrough 11:52 Selling Beans to Dairies 14:08 Robots Decision Process 15:41 Saying No to Premium 17:55 Dairy Marketing and Health 23:16 Attracting Next Generation 25:09 Traditions and Diligence

September 3 • 29m 27.8s

375 | When the Farm Is Your 401(k): Can the Next Generation Afford Your Retirement?

On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Pauly Paul of Complete Management Consulting discusses why many dairy transition plans fail financially even after legal ownership is transferred. As retiring owners depend on the farm as their “401(k)” through monthly, annual, or lump-sum buyouts, the same dairy must also support the next generation’s management, added labor layers, and new debt, often amid tight cash flow from low milk prices and weak cropping margins. Pauly describes cases where payroll spikes from added middle management, outside partners gain cattle equity and can destabilize herd size, and families refinance and roll growing lines of credit into the farm, eroding equity and jeopardizing retiree payments. Key recommendations include knowing the financials, keeping retirees engaged through regular reviews, using objective third-party oversight, and holding quarterly multi-generation meetings to determine whether the business is building or consuming equity. This Episode is brought to you by Complete Management Consulting Learn more about Complete Management Consulting at: www.CompleteManagementConsulting.com⁠⁠ completemanagementconsulting@gmail.com⁠ 920-418-3135 00:00 Can the Farm Afford It 01:00 When Transitions Fail 02:23 Farm as Retirement Plan 03:33 Payroll and Debt Spiral 06:40 Why Calls Are Rising 09:22 Outside Equity Risks 12:51 Third Party Oversight 17:17 Know Your Numbers Now 19:25 Plan Ahead at 55

September 1 • 24m 18.3s

374 | 2026 Industry Person of the Year: Corey Geiger

In this special collaboration episode of World Dairy Expo’s The Dairy Show podcast and Uplevel Dairy, Peggy Coffeen interviews Cory Geiger, who was named World Dairy Expo’s 2026 Industry Person of the Year, about the experiences and mentors that shaped his career as a Hoard’s Dairyman editor, CoBank dairy economist, author, and youth mentor. Geiger recalls receiving the award call, his pivotal 1990 World Dairy Expo judging-team trip that solidified his passion, and early influences including his father’s lessons on money and genetics. He describes his CoBank role spanning research, speaking, and client work, including efforts to quantify genetics’ economic value, shift milk metrics toward components, and model herd replacement amid beef-on-dairy. Geiger also recounts co-editing the 50th anniversary book We Need a Show, writing recognition scripts, and publishing award-winning books chronicling farm history, emphasizing mentorship, sparking youth interest, and being remembered for making people think and feel valued. This episode has been brought to you in collaboration with World Dairy Expo and the Dairy Show Podcast. Save the dates for the 2026 World Dairy Expo taking place September 29 - October 2, 2026. Learn more at⁠ https://worlddairyexpo.com/⁠. 01:13 Servant Leadership Roots 03:19 The Award Phone Call 04:44 World Dairy Expo Spark 07:54 From Farm Kid to Economist 10:37 Mentors and Giving Back 13:50 CoBank Role and Research 18:46 We Need a Show Book 26:17 Writing Recognition Scripts 27:25 Becoming a Published Author 30:41 Legacy and Mentorship

August 27 • 35m 20s

373 | 2026 International Person of the Year: Robert Chicoine

Today, Peggy Coffeen interviews Robert Chicoine, World Dairy Expo’s 2026 International Person of the Year, in a collaboration with The Dairy Show. Chicoine recounts how a childhood fascination sparked by Holstein Canada’s journal led him from a dairy farm background to university, a summer at Quebec’s AI center, and a career developing a young sire proving program starting in 1966. He describes advancing data-driven sire selection through herd-mate comparisons, selecting influential Holstein bulls including Hanoverhill Starbuck and Craiglen Sevens Senator, and helping form the Semex Alliance in 1997 to strengthen Canada’s global genetics reach. Chicoine reflects on major industry innovations—frozen semen, sexed semen, genomics, IVF, and embryo freezing—notes rapid genomic-era progress and concerns about inbreeding, and shares leadership lessons on foresight and building strong teams. This episode has been brought to you in collaboration with World Dairy Expo and the Dairy Show Podcast. Save the dates for the 2026 World Dairy Expo taking place September 29 - October 2, 2026. Learn more at https://worlddairyexpo.com/. 01:10 Robert Reacts to Honor 02:02 Holstein Journal Origins 03:59 AI Center Breakthrough 06:36 Building Young Sire Program 08:49 Semex Alliance Vision 12:08 Finding Legendary Bulls 18:38 Tech That Changed Breeding 23:12 Leadership and Teamwork 26:35 Retirement and Future Concerns

August 25 • 36m 34.4s

372 | From Days to Hours: The Future of Dairy Diagnostics

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Dr. Kyle Becker, a Heritage Vet Partners veterinarian and former Indiana dairy farm kid who learned to AI cows at 12 and began practicing immediately after graduation. Becker describes his atypical, influencer-style DiSC profile and how it supports team-building, client collaboration, and bridging ownership–employee gaps on modern dairies. He shares using Krishi’s SHERPA Vision technology to rapidly analyze nasal swabs for antibiotic resistance, enabling treatment plans within hours and earlier intervention on the ascending side of a disease “bell curve,” with examples including a stressed calf raiser and a Salmonella Dublin outbreak with no deaths. Becker discusses adapting to changing disease, production, and technology, balancing farmer and veterinarian perspectives, raising five children involved in chores, and prioritizing community service, learning, and farm culture. Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices. Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com 04:34 Growing Up Dairy 05:41 AI School at 12 10:47 Choosing Vet Medicine 12:56 Thrown Into Practice 14:20 Going Solo Consulting 15:54 Connector Problem Solver 18:28 Rapid Resistance Testing 22:32 Managing the Bell Curve 26:43 Salmonella Rapid Response 28:06 Speed Beats Analysis 28:54 Finding The PI Calf 30:55 Four Days Saved 32:05 Future Of Animal Health 35:19 Vet And Farmer Perspective 38:24 Family And Farm Chores 40:46 Community First Values

August 20 • 50m 27.6s

371 | Breeding for the Bottom Line: Genetics That Work in the Real World

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Luke Getty of Ideal Dairy and Cookiecutter Holsteins in Eastern New York to discuss the role of genetics, technology, and long-term decision-making in building a successful dairy operation. Getty shares the evolution of the family-owned business, which has grown through strategic expansion while also developing a global genetics program. He reflects on the transition to Ideal Dairy, his early skepticism around genomics, and how seeing genomic outliers become top-performing animals changed his perspective. He also discusses how IVF, genomic testing, and intentional breeding decisions have helped accelerate genetic progress and support the dairy's growth. Getty shares how the operation approaches breeding for cows that are moderate in size, productive, healthy, fertile, and built for longevity, with a focus on traits such as strong feet and udders, high components, and mastitis resistance. He also highlights measurable improvements in herd health, including somatic cell count, and explains how genetics can support both current performance and long-term sustainability. United Sires is a partnership of well-known Holstein breeders from the United States bringing genetic solutions to dairy producers worldwide. Our mission, “Breed the Best, Better,” reflects the work we have been doing on our farms for generations. As multi-generational dairy farmers, we adhere to a simple yet powerful principle: We Milk What We Make. We understand the importance of breeding cattle that are profitable throughout their lifetimes, functional across all dairy enterprises, and aesthetically pleasing. Learn more at UnitedSires.com and follow on Facebook.com @UnitedSires and @unitedsiresofficial on Instagram. 00:00 Genetics Build Businesses 00:54 Luke’s Genomics Turning Point 03:06 Scaling Ideal Dairy Fast 05:19 Breeding the 10 Year Cow 06:33 United Sires Explained 08:18 Genetics for Every Market 10:36 EU Demand and No Holes Bulls 14:31 Health Traits and Happy Teams 16:10 Mastitis Gains You Can Measure 18:11 Risk Taking and Corrective Mating 19:10 Legacy and Next Generation 21:20 10 Year Vision and Advice

August 18 • 25m 46.2s

370 | What the Top 20% of Farm Businesses Do Differently with Dr. David Kohl & Lynn Paulson

What will separate the most successful farm businesses from the rest over the next decade? Dr. David Kohl and Lynn Paulson of Bell Bank join Peggy Coffeen to discuss the economic and global trends producers should be watching—from consumer demand for protein and AI-driven agriculture to global competition, regenerative agriculture, the coming land transition, and relationship-based lending. They also break down what separates the top 20% of farm businesses: knowing the numbers, having a plan, managing risk, building strong relationships, and consistently doing the small things right. 00:00 – Economic & Global Trends 01:05 – Protein & Precision Agriculture 02:15 – Following the Consumer 03:01 – Global Competition 04:37 – The Changing Global Landscape 07:18 – Regenerative Agriculture 08:58 – Agriculture’s Story to Consumers 10:59 – The 2032 Land Opportunity 12:42 – Land Ownership vs. Control 14:04 – Advice for Young Producers 17:09 – Planning & Financial Management 20:23 – Family Business Accountability 22:01 – Relationship Lending 26:33 – What Makes a Good Lender? 29:01 – What the Top 20% Do Differently 30:32 – Excellence at the Margin

August 13 • 32m 35.3s

369 | Beyond the Technology: The People Who Make Dairy Innovation Work

Technology may be changing the way dairies operate, but it still takes people to make it work. Today, we visit with Bailey Beck of Automated Dairy in Jerome, Idaho, to find out how she stepped into the dairy industry at just 22 years old, tasked with helping producers get more from the software, data and technology they were investing in. In this episode, Bailey shares how she overcame imposter syndrome, earned the trust of dairy producers and built her expertise by staying curious, coachable and willing to learn everything from cow management to electrical systems. She also opens up about balancing a demanding career with raising three young boys, the mentors who helped shape her along the way, and why, even as AI and automation advance, the human side of dairy innovation may be more important than ever. Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed. 00:00 Meet Bailey Beck 02:27 Her Role at Automated Dairy 03:21 Starting Young in Dairy Tech 04:13 From 4H to Software Support 05:44 Making Tech Actually Work 07:15 Early Win and Confidence 09:05 Be Coachable and Keep Learning 12:57 Mentors Who Made the Difference 14:15 Career and Motherhood Balance 17:38 Self Care and Staying Organized 18:15 Milc Group Tools in the Barn 20:41 Advice to Her Younger Self 21:50 Future of Dairy Technology 25:11 Most Rewarding Moments 26:08 Rapid Fire on Ag Advocacy 28:34 Networking for Young Pros

August 11 • 32m 13.7s

368 | Sitting Down With The Next Generation of Golden E Dairy

Part two of The Uplevel Dairy Podcast features Chris and Tracey Elbe’s children—Ryan, Kim, Matt, and Kyle—discussing their roles at Golden E Dairy and how their dad intentionally “molded” each of them toward different strengths. Ryan oversees broad operations and improvements, coordinating with contractors and advisers; Kim focuses on calves, heifers, and some fieldwork while embracing change and learning ideas from social media; Matt handles shop work, spraying, and equipment problem-solving with a direct, impatient style; Kyle feeds heifers, does hay and fieldwork, and serves as the people-focused communicator with employees and others. Together, they describe choosing to stay on the farm as the dairy expanded and reflect on the challenges of farm transition planning, especially “what if” scenarios and finances, emphasizing the value of starting the conversation early and appreciating their parents addressing transition at a younger age. This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial.Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.Visit https://www.compeer.com/specialists/dairy 00:00 Meet the Elbe Kids 01:54 Roles on the Farm 03:38 Dad’s Quiet Molding 06:19 Why They Came Back 10:31 Each Sibling’s Strength 16:39 Succession Talk Realities 19:11 Advice to Start Now 19:54 Transition Timeline

August 6 • 48m 47.6s

367 | Golden E Dairy: Building Dreams From the Ground Up

On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits with the family behind Golden E Dairy in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, where first-generation farmers Chris and Tracey Elbe describe building their dairy from a 64-stall stanchion barn and 250 acres into a self-sufficient enterprise milking 2,900 cows, raising calves, heifers, and steers on site, and operating grain handling and soybean roasting. Chris recounts starting at age nine with calves as pay, learning through hardship, and taking calculated risks to expand from tie-stalls to a parlor and freestalls, then a modern facility with a double-32. Tracey, a former X-ray tech, shares adapting from city life, raising four children who all stayed in the business, and the challenge of letting go during transition. They emphasize hard work, listening to experienced people, strong employees, communication through weekly meetings, and concerns about land costs driven by non-farm uses. This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial.Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs. Visit https://www.compeer.com/specialists/dairy 00:00 From Nothing to Golden E 01:42 Chris Starts With Calves 03:07 Hard Lessons and Bankruptcy 03:54 Buying the First Farm 06:11 Tie Stall Grind to Parlor 07:23 Scaling to 2900 Cows 09:06 Tracey Finds Her Place 10:04 Raising Kids on the Farm 12:39 Family Roles and Mentors 16:54 Taking Smart Risks 20:39 Tech And Growth Strategy 22:20 Kids Roles On Farm 23:45 Weekly Meetings Transition 26:20 Big Dream Legacy 27:15 People Behind Success 29:56 Letting Go Of Control 33:57 Emotional Handoff Stories 37:05 Threats And Opportunities 39:06 Advice For New Farmers

August 4 • 41m 42s

366 | Service Before Self: A Dairy Veterinarian's Calling

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen talks with Dr. Jared Risser of Dairy Veterinary and Management Services in Goshen, Indiana, about dairy veterinary work as a service-driven career built on trust and relationships. Raised on a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania dairy farm, Risser moved to Indiana in 2017, now serves a 50-mile radius with dairies ranging from 10 cows to 4,000, and describes being a “jack of all trades” for many smaller farms. He shares the variety of his days—herd checks, calvings, surgeries, advisory meetings—and a memorable rabies-suspect euthanasia case requiring lab testing after human exposure. Risser discusses how farm technology, especially activity monitoring systems and AI-assisted data analysis, is improving health detection and management decisions, and reflects on gains in components and productivity, humility in practice, and modeling service for his four-year-old son who sometimes joins farm calls. 01:44 Jared’s Dairy Roots 03:41 Indiana Practice Bubble 05:21 Trust on Farm 06:15 Crazy Days on Call 10:02 Service Meets Tech 11:16 Data and AI Wins 13:09 Health Monitoring Shift 15:44 Future Production Limits 19:14 AI for Vets 20:52 Bringing Kids Along 25:04 Legacy of Service 26:45 Rapid Fire Wisdom 30:03 Relationships Beyond Cows

July 30 • 32m 14.9s

365 | When Cash Gets Tight—Leading Through a Cash Flow Crunch

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy interviews Pauly Paul of Complete Management Consulting about dairy farms facing tight cash flow, growing accounts payable, and overwhelm. Pauly says recent pressure often comes from loan restructures leading to higher interest rates and larger payments, missed income opportunities such as capturing value from black calves, and the lack of a clear cash-flow plan. He describes farms that can make bank payments via milk-check autopay but fall behind with vendors, sometimes handing over the checkbook so he can prioritize payments and negotiate plans. Pauly emphasizes open communication, sharing complete financial information, and being willing to change rather than “buying” a solution with more equipment debt. His first steps are to increase income, cut expenses, and use on-hand inventory; tactics include improving breeding/conception, increasing milk output, streamlining labor, and negotiating vendor costs. He shares a turnaround story where a farm moved from possible liquidation to repairs and potential expansion. This Episode is Brought to you by Complete Management Consulting About Complete Management Consulting www.CompleteManagementConsulting.com⁠⁠ completemanagementconsulting@gmail.com⁠ 920-418-3135 01:21 Why Farms Are Struggling 02:46 Real World Cash Flow Calls 05:27 Working With Vendors 07:12 Temporary Or Long Term 08:28 Common Money Mistakes 09:43 Three Step Stabilization Plan 11:44 Income Opportunities Fast 13:40 Communication And Pride 15:08 Turnaround Success Story 16:52 What Separates Winners

July 28 • 17m 13.2s

364 | What Every Dairy Producer Needs to Know About New World Screwworm

This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast features entomologist Dr. Mike Catangui, Ph.D., with MWI Animal Health, who discusses the return of the New World screwworm and why dairy producers far from the southern border must be on alert. He explains how the pest was originally eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s but has now been detected in Texas and New Mexico. Dr. Catangui also notes that adult flies are harmless, but larvae hatch quickly after eggs are laid on wounds (especially calf navels) and feed on live flesh, potentially killing calves within days; bites from ticks and stable or horn flies can also attract egg-laying to any species, of any age. Dr. Catangui reviews prior eradication using the USDA’s sterile insect technique, emphasizes vigilance, wound inspection, and fly control, and outlines available preventatives/curatives plus insecticide sprays/foggers and pet treatments from MWI. Suspected cases should be photographed and reported to a veterinarian due to mandatory reporting and existing infestation zones. This episode is sponsored by MWI Animal HealthAt MWI Animal Health, we are your partner in animal health. Our people drive us to think forward every day. We are committed to working with you to identify cutting-edge solutions to your common challenges. We unite with innovators and manufacturers to provide access to products and solutions designed to help you find success in each aspect of your animal health business. Visit www.MWIAH.com 00:59 What Screwworm Is 01:44 How Calves Get Hit 03:09 Eradication History 03:47 Dairy Risk Factors 05:38 Spread Via Movement 07:32 Climate And Vigilance 10:09 Fly Control Tools 11:35 Products For All Animals 12:26 USDA Response Plan 14:51 Suspected Case Steps 16:53 Key Takeaways 18:31 Fairs And Shows Advice

July 23 • 22m 32.8s

363 | Go All In: Lessons from an Idaho Dairy Nutrition Consultant

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Josh Peters of Standard Dairy Consultants about earning dairy producers’ trust without a dairy-farm background and why showing up and commitment matter. Peters shares his path from raising beef cattle, serving in the military, and working at Simplot to entering dairy nutrition, completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while feeding cows full time, and building long-term client relationships. He discusses early success achieving seven pounds of components, emphasizing that results come from aligning genetics, feeds, infrastructure, and management rather than simple fixes. Since moving to Idaho’s Magic Valley, he’s seen rapid facility upgrades like cross-vent barns that reduce environmental variability but expose management and labor challenges, making consistency the key competitive advantage. Peters explains using Milc Group feeding software to improve speed, accuracy, and data-driven problem identification, focusing his consulting on bottlenecks and overall profitability, and argues AI won’t replace on-farm people willing to walk cows and do the daily work. This Episode is Brought to you by the Milc Group Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed. 01:18 Show Up And Commit 02:29 Beef Roots To Dairy 03:56 Military Mindset 04:48 All In On Education 06:53 First Herd Breakthrough 10:22 Magic Valley Shift 15:38 Consistency Over Rations 17:49 Tech And Data Tools 19:28 Milk Group In Action 22:41 Profitability Metrics 25:52 Labor And Hidden Leaks 33:08 Peeling The Onion 36:28 AI Cant Replace People 38:34 Future Of Dairy

July 21 • 42m 14.9s

362 | Tax and Legal Strategies for Farm Transition with Menn Law

On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen concludes a three-part Farm Forward listener Q&A series with Will McKinley of Menn Law and Pat Sturz, a retired CPA and longtime agriculture tax advisor, discussing why legal and tax planning must be integrated in farm succession. They explain how farm growth and asset write-offs can create future tax problems, why “sell the farm on a land contract” can trigger unexpected upfront taxes due to different asset classes, and how early planning, entity choice, and large early gifting can improve outcomes. They highlight tools like profits interests to share future growth or reward key employees without immediate income tax, strategies like “shadow” partnership entities to move assets out of C corps over time, and the role of stepped-up basis at death. They close with key mistakes, priorities, and the need for readiness and clarity about who will be involved and retirement cash needs. Contact Will McKinley or Pat Sturz at Menn Law William-McKinley@mennlaw.com (920) 731-6631 pat_sturz@mennlaw.com 715-586-0050 Learn more at https://mennlaw.com/ Do you have a question on succession and farm transition you would like to hear Will answer on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast? Send your questions to peggy@upleveldairy.com 01:13 Meet Will and Pat 04:30 Long Term Tax Mindset 06:13 Gifting and Entity Choices 09:43 Avoid Land Contract Traps 12:00 Profits Interest Explained 15:20 Shadow Farm Strategy 18:32 Biggest Misunderstandings 23:19 One Year Retirement Priorities 24:42 Common Mistakes and Wrap Up

July 16 • 29m 0.9s

361 | The Biggest Mistake Families Make with Land with Will McKinley

Today's conversation tackles one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics in farm succession planning: how do you provide for non-farming children without putting the future of the farm at risk? Will McKinley explains why "fair" doesn't always mean "equal" and shares practical strategies that allow farm families to care for every child while protecting the operation they've spent a lifetime building. From trusts and LLCs to long-term leases, purchase options, and structured buyout agreements, you'll learn how thoughtful planning today can prevent conflict tomorrow. Will also shares real-life success stories and heartbreaking cautionary tales that demonstrate exactly what happens when estate plans leave room for ambiguity. Whether you're actively planning your estate or simply beginning family conversations, this episode offers valuable insight into preserving both your farm and your family relationships. Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law William-McKinley@mennlaw.com (920) 731-6631 Learn more at https://mennlaw.com/ 00:00 Why "Fair Isn't Always Equal" in Farm Succession 01:28 Understanding the Real Value—and Responsibility—of Inheriting a Farm 03:05 Using Trusts and LLCs to Protect Farm Assets 05:02 The Biggest Mistake Families Make with Farmland 06:15 Purchase Options, Long-Term Leases & Buyout Strategies 08:10 Why You Should Never Leave Rent Negotiations to Future Generations 09:48 Real Success Story: A Farm Family That Planned Ahead 12:58 When Poor Planning Forced a Farm to Shut Down 15:05 Good Intentions, Bad Estate Planning 17:16 Eliminating Ambiguity Before It Leads to Litigation 18:00 Three Questions Every Farm Parent Should Answer Before They're Gone

July 15 • 22m 45.7s

360 | Why Farm Transitions Fail with Will McKinley

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews attorney Will McKinley of Menn Law in a three-part follow-up to the Farm Forward conference, focusing on why farm transitions fail and how to prevent it. McKinley cites two primary failure causes: economic infeasibility and psychology/communication breakdowns, including control issues and lack of confidence in successors; he shares examples where debt forced likely land sales and where strict post-death “guardrails” led a son to leave and the dairy to shut down. He emphasizes earlier planning, strong financial advisors, and tools like trusts with independent trustees. Discussing non-family key employees, he warns ownership success is about 50/50, urges transparency, cautions against rushed promises and mingling assets like cattle or equipment, and suggests alternatives such as higher compensation or limited real-estate partnerships. Make sure to tune in tomorrow and Thursday for parts two and three. Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law: William-McKinley@mennlaw.com (920) 731-6631 https://mennlaw.com/ Do you have a question on succession and farm transition you would like to hear Will answer on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast? Send your questions to peggy@upleveldairy.com 00:00 Why Transitions Fail 02:16 Two Failure Causes 02:40 Debt And Taxes Trap 03:52 Psychology And Control 08:08 Preventing Financial Failure 13:14 Trusts And Guardrails 16:18 Non-Family Partners 25:50 Avoiding Messy Entanglements

July 14 • 32m 46.1s

359 | Ask the Expert: Next-Level Dairy Cow Immune Support

Today, Peggy sits down for an exclusive, 'Ask the Expert' feature with veterinarian Dr. Jan van Dijk of AHV discusses how common stressors in dairy cows, such as calving, transition, heat stress, pen moves, and high production, can disrupt immune function and lead to issues like metritis, mastitis, temperature spikes, reduced rumination, and lost milk that can affect an entire lactation. Dr. Van Dijk explains the damage caused by both overreacting and underreacting immune responses and introduces AHV’s Aspi, a plant-extracted immunomodulatory complementary feed given orally as a tablet/liquid or bolus, used proactively or reactively, with no milk withhold. In a farm comparison to an injectable nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory in monitored cows, Aspi lowered temperature more gradually but for longer, maintained activity, improved rumination, and greatly reduced repeat temperature spikes over 20 days. This episode is brought to you by AHV Your herd’s health is our priority. You get the best of both worlds: cutting-edge science and practical, hands-on support. With veterinary expertise and applied research behind every solution, you’ll have access to insights that matter. Delivered through our dedicated data service and backed by personal guidance from our on-farm consultants. Whether you’re making decisions in the barn or reviewing data, we’re here to support your goals—every step of the way. Learn more at https://ahvint.com/us/dairy-cows-calves. 00:00 Why Cow Stress Matters 00:48 Meet The Expert 01:22 Signs Of Poor Immunity 02:09 Over Vs Under Reaction 02:28 Introducing Aspi 03:06 How Aspi Is Used 04:06 On Farm Trial Results 05:17 Reoffending And Recovery 06:27 Future Of Immune Modulation 07:57 What Aspi Delivers

July 9 • 10m 37.6s

358 | Making a $4 Million Impact: Dairy Cares of Wisconsin

Today, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Jim Ostrom, president and CEO of Milk Source and co-founder of Dairy Cares of Wisconsin, to discuss how a backyard gathering in Wisconsin grew over 17 years into an event drawing 450–550 people and raising more than $4 million for Children’s Wisconsin, a world-class hospital network with 18 branches. Ostrom explains Dairy Cares’ purpose and highlights gratitude, welcoming new participants, and inspiring a next generation through youth donations and fundraising efforts. He credits the impact to teamwork, hard work, and shared passion, and shares leadership approaches like envisioning “what could be” and relying on strong partners and teams. Ostrom reflects on tough commodity cycles in dairy, opportunities in beef and efficiency-driven export competitiveness, his personal advice to “compare yourself to yourself yesterday,” his interest in AI, and ways to get involved with a goal to raise $500,000 this year. To get involved in Dairy Cares of Wisconsin's continual impact, Make a donation at dairycaresofwisconsin.org Join us for the annual Dairy Cares Garden Party, July 25, De Pere, Wis. Support through the virtual auction: https://pro.gofundme.com/live/register/2026-dairy-cares-of-wisconsin-garden-party/4c24640e-e3ed-4dc9-aa29-d175b99cfe27 00:00 Backyard Idea Begins 01:41 Garden Party Origins 02:27 Mission And Beneficiary 04:19 From Dinner To Millions 06:20 Next Gen Giving 08:20 Welcoming New Leaders 09:55 Leadership Behind Impact 11:41 Business Vision Teamwork 13:51 Industry Opportunities Cycles 16:46 Rapid Fire Advice 19:10 How To Get Involved

July 7 • 22m 10.1s

357 | Inside the Minds of Dairy's Next Generation | Junior Advisory Committee Roundtable

What’s inside the minds of the next generation of dairy leaders? We found out last week at the National Holstein Convention, where we sat down with 3 young leaders in the National Junior Holstein Association who are helping shape the future of the organization while representing thousands of junior members nationwide. Through leadership, service, and a whole lot of dedication, they're proving that the next generation is already making an impact. Mykel Mull from California, Cayden Bursiek from Ohio, and Ainsley Sellers from Pennsylvania talk about what inspired each of them to get involved with the National Holstein Junior Advisory Committee, what they've learned through serving in national leadership, how the Junior Advisory Committee gives young people a voice within the Association, and why programs like these matter so much for developing tomorrow's dairy leaders. Whether you're raising the next generation on your farm, involved in youth programs yourself, or simply want a glimpse of where our industry is headed, this conversation will leave you optimistic and inspired too. 01:36 Meet the JAC Team 02:09 Ainsley’s Dairy Story 02:51 Cayden’s Show Ring Roots 03:25 Mykel’s Unique Path 04:57 What the JAC Does 07:11 Programs and Skills Built 08:34 Lessons From Nationwide Networking 11:22 Leaders Who Inspired Them 16:01 Most Impactful Junior Programs 19:45 Future Plans in Dairy and Beyond

June 30 • 29m 55.9s

356 | Rebuilding After Tragedy: Four Cubs Farm's Story of Resilience

When a devastating barn fire destroyed the heart of Four Cubs Farms in November 2017, the Peterson family faced a decision that would shape the future of their business for generations to come. In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen continues her conversation with Gary and Cris Peterson, Ben Peterson, and Dairy Manager Nathan Brandt as they reflect on one of the most difficult days in the farm's history—and how it became the catalyst for transformation.From the overwhelming support of neighbors and fellow dairy producers to rebuilding with robotic milking technology, the team shares how resilience, innovation, and a willingness to embrace change helped them emerge stronger than before. The conversation explores how data-driven decision making, animal welfare, technology adoption, and strategic growth are helping Four Cubs Farms remain competitive while preparing for its 150th anniversary and the next generation of leadership.This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial.Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.02:00 – The day the barn fire changed everything04:00 – Moving cows and saving the herd during the crisis06:00 – Community support and the dairy industry's response07:00 – Rebuilding after the fire and making a major decision08:00 – Choosing robotic milking technology10:00 – Bringing cows home and transitioning to robots12:00 – How the robotic dairy is organized today14:00 – Collecting and using data to improve performance16:00 – Measuring return on investment through data18:00 – Data, profitability, and continuous improvement20:00 – Solving challenges through real-time insights22:00 – Staying competitive in a changing dairy industry23:00 – Cow behavior, stocking density, and robot efficiency25:00 – Labor, technology, and future dairy strategies27:00 – Growth plans and expansion opportunities28:00 – Building the next generation of the herd30:00 – Celebrating 150 years of family farming32:00 – Looking ahead to the future of Four Cubs Farms33:00 – Lessons in resilience, leadership, and perseverance

June 25 • 35m 33.4s

355 | Leadership Across Generations: Creating a Dairy Business Built to Last

For nearly 150 years, Four Cubs Farms in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, has been built on a simple principle: people matter. In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Gary and Cris Peterson, their son Ben Peterson, and Dairy Manager Nathan Brandt to explore the leadership, culture, communication, and innovation that transformed a small family dairy into a thriving 1,000-cow operation. From succession planning and employee engagement to genomic testing, feed efficiency, and building trust across generations, this conversation offers valuable lessons for dairy producers looking to create resilient businesses that can thrive well into the future. Whether you're navigating farm transition, building a team, or looking for ways to strengthen your operation's culture, this episode delivers practical insights from a farm that has successfully blended family values with modern dairy management. This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial. Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs. 02:00 – Growing from 60 cows to 1,000 cows 03:00 – Roles and responsibilities within the farm team 05:00 – Cris Peterson's journey from city girl to dairy advocate 09:00 – Leadership transition and bringing in outside talent 10:00 – Nathan Brandt's path into dairy and Four Cubs Farms 13:00 – Building a team with complementary strengths 14:00 – Innovation through feed systems and grain storage 16:00 – Genetics, genomic testing, and future herd growth 20:00 – Nutrition strategies for today's high-performing dairy cows 24:00 – The role of culture in farm success 27:00 – Trust, communication, and employee retention 30:00 – Creating clarity, consistency, and rhythm across the operation 32:00 – Succession planning, growth, and preparing for the future

June 23 • 35m 1.6s

354 | Lessons from a Father-Daughter Vet Duo: The Next Generation of Dairy Care

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits with father-daughter veterinarians Dr. Paul Meagher and Dr. Amanda Onan of United Veterinary Services in Northeast Wisconsin about how dairy practice evolved from reactive emergency work to proactive, team-based consulting. Dr. Paul shares his path from a North Dakota dairy farm to nearly 40 years in mixed and large-animal practice, mentors who emphasized prevention, and lessons learned from top producers: the right mindset and decision-making with a consultant team, high-quality forages, and consistency. Dr. Amanda reflects on riding on after-hours calls as a child, emphasizes aligning larger dairy crews around shared goals, and predicts AI-driven tools such as calving-detection cameras and expanded monitoring. They discuss communication, humility, and “living in the light” through positivity and learning from negatives. This episode is brought to you by Heritage Vet Partners. Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices. Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com 02:10 Paul's Path to Practice 03:16 Mentors and Preventive Shift 04:59 Amanda's First Farm Call 06:45 Supporting Her Vet Dream 08:55 Learning From Top Producers 10:44 Three Keys to Success 16:54 From Firefighting to Consulting 19:20 Data and Record Analysis 24:15 Future Tech and AI 27:32 Family Support and Grandpa Life 30:04 Lessons Living in the Light

June 18 • 38m 5.6s

353 | The Young Dairy Manager Changing Herd Health One Insight at a Time

Shelby Jacquier Washburn, is a fourth-generation dairy farmer and managing partner at Laurel Brook Farm in East Canaan, Connecticut, describes returning from an equine business program during COVID to help manage a 1,500-cow herd and 1,800 acres each of corn and hay/haylage while raising all young stock. In today's conversation, she explains how accepting a 200-tag Nedap trial led to whole-herd collars (Nedap Now) that detect health issues 12–24 hours earlier via rumination, eating time, and milk deviations, informing earlier treatment and culling decisions, identifying lameness, and paying back about half the system cost in a year through reduced hospital time. Data prompted diet changes for fresh cows, improved heats and overall cow brightness, new transition protocols (moving pre-fresh cows two days before due date) that boosted colostrum supply, and heat-stress monitoring that revealed the parlor as a hotspot, leading to added evaporative cooling, fans, and water. This episode is part of the High-Performance Mindset Series powered by Nedap. Nedap is future-proofing dairy farming with smart technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering, sort gates, and AI-powered camera systems. Nedap is improving life on the farm by putting the right cow in the right place at the right time, every time. 00:47 Meet Shelby Jacquier Washburn 01:14 From Horses to Dairy 03:41 Collars Across the Herd 05:03 The 200 Tag Leap 07:11 Fresh Cow Insights 09:08 Diet Tweaks Big Wins 11:18 Transition Monitoring Shift 12:20 Colostrum Turnaround 14:32 Heat Stress Hotspots 16:48 What's Next in Tech 21:16 Future in Connecticut

June 16 • 24m 9s

352 | Redefining What Leadership Looks Like on the Dairy with Annie Vannurden

How do you lead multiple dairy operations, oversee teams across several states, and still make it home for supper with three young children waiting for you? In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Annie Vannurden, Managing Partner and COO of Silver Streak Dairies, part of the Pace Ag Group. Annie shares what it takes to create consistency across multiple dairy sites while building a culture centered around accountability, communication, employee development, and cow care. From managing site leaders and implementing systems that support growth to navigating the realities of motherhood while pursuing ambitious business goals, Annie offers practical insights for dairy producers, managers, and anyone leading teams in agriculture. Whether you're growing a dairy business, building leadership skills, or trying to balance family and career, this conversation is packed with actionable lessons and honest reflections from someone living it every day. This episode is brought to you by Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is dedicated to helping producers achieve healthy animals, healthy dairies and healthy food through their world-class portfolio. For more information, visit ⁠DairyWellness.com.⁠ 01:42 Meet Annie Van Irden 01:59 Inside Pace Ag Merge 03:43 COO Day To Day 06:52 Consistency Across Sites 10:18 Clarity And Communication 12:55 Maturity And Priorities 13:52 People Wins And Expansion 17:49 Work Hat Home Hat 22:06 Boundaries And Presence 26:32 Mentors And Influence 31:44 Support System At Home 35:13 Planning Routines Calendar

June 11 • 37m 9.1s

351 | Robots, Faith and Resilience: Transforming Tradition at Silver Spirit Farm

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Sam Fessenden, a Cornell dairy science graduate with a PhD focused on the CNCPS model who worked with nutritionists globally before partnering with his wife Brenda and her parents, Craig and Cathy, to rebuild dairying at their Southeast Minnesota site. In this conversation, Sam shares early mentorship near Cornell, how consulting and barn tours informed their tech-forward design, and how they converted a former 70-stall stanchion operation into a 120-cow, sand-bedded, two-robot, largely automated free-flow barn launched in 2020 while welcoming their first child. He discusses feeding non-pelleted homegrown corn through robots, lessons from managing cows daily (manure observation and feed inventory realities), choosing open-minded advisors, patience in growth decisions, guidance for generational transition, resilience through cost control, extra acres, and value-added black calf raising, and how faith and family motivate raising three kids on the farm. This Episode is brought to you by Adisseo This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at ⁠https://www.adisseo.com/en/⁠ 01:44 Sam’s Dairy Roots 05:31 Cornell Mentors and Models 08:42 From Consulting to Minnesota 09:24 Rebuilding the Dairy Site 11:49 Designing a Robot Barn 13:45 Automation and Feeding Hacks 16:32 Consulting Lessons Applied 19:02 Choosing the Right Advisors 21:25 Patience and Farm Values 23:17 Succession and Growth Plans 26:14 Resilience and Black Calves 30:46 Family First and Faith

June 9 • 34m 9.8s

350 | Ice Cream, Show Cows and Family Values: The Vandoske Dairy Farms Story

Today, Peggy Coffeen visits Bob and Tara Vandoske at Vandoske Dairy Farms in Cleveland, Wisconsin, to discuss how their 700-cow family dairy farm has grown into diverse business segments, including County Line Creamery, an on-farm ice cream store with viewing windows and open barn access, and a cattle boarding/show-cow facility. They share the farm’s multi-generational history, their three children’s roles (including show involvement and work responsibilities), and how these ventures create next-generation opportunities and consumer connection. Bob explains the creamery grew from COVID-era interest in local food, progressed through careful planning, and started by bringing in products rather than processing milk. They describe the boarding business’ unexpected growth, recent dairy facility upgrades including a new double-12 parallel parlor, and the importance of faith, teamwork, and relationships. NutriQuest nutritionist Jeff Rortvedt, highlights the farm’s multiple enterprises and Bob’s investments in cow care and the future. This episode is brought to you be NutriQuest. The NutriQuest Dairy Nutrition Team is a group of experienced nutritionists committed to serving dairy producers by partnering with them to develop an un-biased, customized nutrition program that delivers maximum profitability, achieved through a holistic approach, engaging in all aspects that influence nutrition program success. The NutriQuest Dairy Team is committed to serving the dairy industry and delivering their customers’ consistent results with a high return. Learn more at nutriquest.com/dairy-nutrition-solutions 01:49 Vandoske Farm Story 03:06 Kids and Farm Roles 04:51 Why Not 10000 Cows 05:33 County Line Creamery Idea 08:33 Planning the Build Out 11:05 Why Ice Cream Wins 12:27 Cattle Boarding Begins 15:37 Designing the Show Barn 18:11 Busy Saturdays and Events 21:02 Three Years of Rapid Growth 21:30 Heavy Decisions and Faith 21:51 Hardest Choices and New Roles 24:17 Dairy Upgrades and New Parlor 27:43 Raising the Next Generation 29:44 Future Plans and Tractor Time 35:25 A Nutritionist's Perspective

June 4 • 38m 24s

349 | Earning Trust, One Tough Calving at a Time

Today on The Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen talks with Dr. Kady Bennett of United Vet Services (part of Heritage Vet Partners) about her unexpected path from an Illinois corn-and-soybean upbringing and an early photography major to large animal dairy practice in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Dr. Bennett explains how starting as a kennel tech, then experiencing large animal work (including castrating bull calves) led her to switch to animal science and pursue vet school, with dairy research helping solidify her focus. She describes her passion for solving problems ... from casting a calf's broken jaw to uncovering protocol issues with lung ultrasound. Dr. Bennett is on a mission to be the best vet she can be, with the help of great mentors, fellow vets and supportive dairy farm clients. Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices. Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com 01:34 From Photography To Cows 04:31 Earning Trust On Farms 08:45 Mentors And Backup 10:15 Problem Solver Mindset 11:22 Broken Jaw Calf Win 13:21 Calf Lung Ultrasound Data 17:16 Motivation And Relationships 18:46 Stepping Up Consulting 21:23 Advice For Future Vets 23:30 Creativity And Baking

June 2 • 28m 19.5s

348 | The Future of Dairy Management: AI, Automation and Data-Driven Action

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Manny Salcedo, founder of the Dairy Performance Network (DPN), discusses how modern dairy management has shifted from simply managing cows and people to managing overwhelming volumes of data from multiple on-farm systems. Drawing on his background working on dairies and later founding DPN, he explains their consulting work and its tools, including Ida, an AI-driven application that lets farmers ask questions about KPIs, health events, reproduction, and predictive culling. And find out what Manny believes it will take for today's dairy managers to turn information into action through the power of AI and automation.This episode is brought to you by the Dairy Performance Network (DPN).DPN - Connecting people, cows, and technology. Learn more at Dpnconnect.com & dairystash.com00:00 Data Driven Dairy01:48 What DPN Builds03:20 Too Much Data04:52 Ida AI Assistant06:02 From Dashboards to Actions07:18 Why Manny Built This11:38 Pilot Farms, Real Questions13:20 Voice Commands Automation17:42 Future Integration Wave20:19 Next Gen Manager Skills

May 26 • 28m 0.2s

347 | Courage, Honor, and Dairy with Veterans Kelsey DeBoer and Matthew Taber

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy talks with veterans, Matt Taber, a retired Marine and co-owner of Donley Farms in Shoshone, Idaho, and Kelsey DeBoer, a former U.S. Army Reserve construction engineer and now senior marketing manager at Zoetis, about how military service shapes leadership and perspective. Kelsey explains Zoetis’ Patriots Pledge partnership with Folds of Honor, donating a percentage of sales from select products from Memorial Day through Veterans Day to fund scholarships for families of fallen or disabled service members, and also law enforcement and first responders. They both discuss teamwork, accountability and sacrifice as lessons applied to their respective dairy work today, as they also reflect with gratitude on their time in service and the powerful perspective that lives on through the way they lead. Zoetis’ Patriots’ Pledge program supports Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization that provides education scholarships for spouses and children of America’s fallen or injured service members and first responders. The Patriots’ Pledge program from Zoetis designates a portion of sales from select products between Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year. Learn more here: https://www.zoetisus.com/services-and-programs/patriots-pledge/ This episode is brought to you by Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is dedicated to helping producers achieve healthy animals, healthy dairies and healthy food through their world-class portfolio. For more information, visit ⁠DairyWellness.com.⁠ 03:02 Meet Matt & Kelsey 04:13 Matt Journey in the Marines 05:48 Deployments and Iwo Jima 07:26 Kelsey's Path in the Army Reserve 10:23 Dairy After Service 15:20 Military Lessons in Dairy 18:40 Accountability at Zoetis 21:05 Deployment Perspective Shift 23:30 First World vs Third World 25:39 Advice to Younger Self 28:26 What Service Really Means 30:02 Brotherhood and Sacrifice 36:37 Lessons to Live By

May 21 • 40m 1.5s

346 | From the Battlefield to the Barn: Leadership, Teams and Tough Decisions with Greg Shoemaker, Cargill

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Greg Shoemaker, Cargill’s Commercial Director for North America Dairy Nutrition, about leading teams that support dairy producers through nutrition strategy, technology, and on-farm partnership across the US and Canada. Shoemaker shares how his path from rural Pennsylvania roots to a career as a US Army Ranger shaped his leadership approach today ensuring dairy farmers' success. Greg details the power of building trust, clarity and acting as a multiplier by removing barriers. He discusses learning from mistakes, investing in culture during normal times to withstand hard times, maintaining composure under stress, and adopting an “infinite game” mindset focused on long-term success in dairy. This episode is brought to you by Cargill Dairy Nutrition. No two dairies are alike, Cargill Dairy doesn’t expect them to be. When your dairy faces challenges, you need a partner with an original approach. Cargill has their own world-class research labs, developed their own proprietary nutrition software, and fostered an original team approach… all to deliver profitability on YOUR terms. Partner with a nutrition company as original as you are: cargillanimalnutrition.com/original 02:31 Greg's Role at Cargill 03:40 What Army Rangers Do 05:08 From Military to Cargill 07:16 Life in Dairy Consulting 08:59 Mission and Values Leadership 12:38 Building Culture and Trust 15:49 Leading Under Pressure 19:18 No Decision Is a Decision 21:35 Infinite Game Mindset 25:10 Better Questions Better Leadership 26:20 Execute Iterate Lesson 27:51 Vision for the Team 29:11 Rallying Through Tough Times 33:49 Morning Routine and Journals 35:43 Nonnegotiables and Balance 37:11 Hardest Leadership Lesson 39:16 Purpose in Dairy Industry 40:50 Rapid Fire Leadership Round 47:18 Problem Solving and OODA Loop

May 19 • 51m 40.4s

345 | From Farm Kid to Risk Advisor | Brandon Weigel on What Dairy Producers Are Missing

At Central Plains Dairy Expo, Peggy Coffeen caught up with Ever.Ag risk advisor, Brandon Weigel, a Wisconsin farm-raised entrepreneur who started raising show pigs at 12 and later entered risk management through a 4-H club connection. Weigel explains his role managing grain sell-side risk, dairy feed buying risk, and beef-on-dairy price risk, contrasting grain cashflow-driven sales with year-round dairy feed purchasing. He discusses major industry shifts he has observed in his career thus far, including rapid growth in beef-on-dairy breeding and increased market volatility. Ever.Ag partners with dairy producers to build customized risk management plans that help protect margins in any market environment. With dedicated advisors, industry leading technology, and proven tools like Dairy Revenue Protection, we help farms reduce uncertainty and secure long‑term financial strength. Learn more at https://ever.ag/. 01:40 Farm Roots and Show Pigs 03:44 Entrepreneurship at 12 04:08 4-H Connection to Ever.Ag 04:53 Job Shadow to Career 07:10 Day to Day Risk Advisor 08:39 Lessons and Mentors 10:51 Grain vs. Feed Strategy 11:41 Market Shifts and Volatility 14:07 Emotion vs. Fundamentals 15:50 2026 Outlook Beef and Feed 18:20 Rapid Fire and Wrap Up

May 14 • 21m 29.4s

344 | The Profit Gap: What Top Dairy Farms Do Differently

On this episode of the UpLevel Dairy Podcast, Pauly Paul with Complete Management Consulting is back today to explain what separates thriving dairies from those in crisis. He says the biggest gap comes down to management, especially leaders who delegate but also work alongside employees rather than staying behind a desk. Pauly identifies three core differentiators: understanding financials and avoiding over-borrowing by reviewing budgets and financials monthly or quarterly; leading by example with consistent schedules, walkthroughs, and daily employee interaction; and getting “in the trenches” to understand tasks and improve efficiency, which can quickly turn farms from red to black when his team takes over management. He adds that profitable farms face hard truths and capitalize on opportunities like improving reproduction, semen handling, shot compliance, and breeding for higher-value “black calves,” which he estimates can add significant annual income. This Episode is Brought to you by Complete Management Consulting About Complete Management Consulting www.CompleteManagementConsulting.com⁠⁠ completemanagementconsulting@gmail.com⁠ 920-418-3135 00:00 Why Some Dairies Win 00:49 Two Types of Calls 02:29 Management Makes the Gap 03:01 Hands On Leadership 04:26 Three Profit Drivers 06:06 Know Your Financials 09:05 Lead by Example Daily 10:45 Work in the Barn 12:18 Turning Farms Around Fast 14:15 Black Calf Profit Lever 17:46 Staying Ahead Long Term

May 12 • 23m 23s

343 | The First 10 Years Back on the Family Farm: Growth, Grit and Gratitude with Zoey Brooks Nelson

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen is on-site at Brooks Farms with Zoey Brooks, nearly 10 years after Zoey returned to the family dairy, to discuss growing from 200 to about 700 cows and from four employees to a 15-person team. Zoey shares hard-won lessons about stepping into management, overcoming challenges, building a strong team culture and leading from within, while balancing roles as a young mother raising her children on the farm. She shares how her guiding motto - “Do it scared" - drives her to dig deep and dive in to make her dreams reality. She also highlights a business segment and creative outlet with Black & White Aged Cheddar, the premium aged cheese brand she and her sister Syndney launched during COVID by partnering with Union Star Creamery, made exclusively from Brooks Farms' milk. This Episode is brought to you by Adisseo This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/ 01:38 Back Home at Brooks Farms 03:30 Scaling Up Fast 04:09 Failure Is Normal 05:06 Milk Drop Mystery 07:24 Hunting Stray Voltage 09:36 Managing Through Chaos 11:53 Building Team Culture 13:47 From Cow Work to People 15:21 Three Hats on Farm 16:08 Dairy Mom Office Life 17:36 Raising Kids on Farm 18:56 Leading by Example 19:27 Balancing Farm and Family 19:52 Tech That Makes It Work 22:04 Remote Sorting in Winter 22:47 Launching a Farm Cheese Brand 27:52 Black and White Story 28:34 Cheddar Focus and First Taste 30:05 Advice for New Brands 32:37 Growing Distribution Beyond Wisconsin 34:45 Next Decade on the Farm 36:18 Do It Scared

May 7 • 38m 25.8s

342 | Announcing the 2026 National Dairy Shrine Award Recipients with Mike Opperman

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined by Mike Opperman from the National Dairy Shrine headquarters in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to announce the official 2026 National Dairy Shrine award announcements and explain the committee-based nomination process. Make sure to tune in to hear who the winners in each category are! The winners will be recognized at the National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet at World Dairy Expo, with tickets starting July 1, and honored in the Hall of Fame; Opperman also notes upcoming scholarship announcements, a May 13 webinar on internships, and the Sept. 28 banquet date. Learn more and register for events at https://dairyshrine.org/. 00:49 Dairy Shrine Origins 02:14 How Awards Are Chosen 04:16 Emerging Leader Award 10:47 Pioneer Award Honorees 15:52 Distinguished Breeder Winner 18:31 Guest of Honor Spotlight 21:37 Banquet and Hall of Fame 24:43 Scholarships and Webinar News

May 5 • 29m 30.4s

341 | Katie Burgess: The Dairy Risk Advisor Who Simplifies the Chaos

Today's conversation on the Uplevel Dairy podcast was captured at the Central Plains Dairy Expo in Sioux Falls, where Peggy Coffeen interviews dairy risk management advisor and economist, Katie Burgess of Ever.Ag, about making dairy risk management simpler and more accessible. Burgess shares her Wisconsin dairy farm upbringing, ag business education, and path from UW Extension into Ever.Ag, emphasizing that effective risk management doesn’t require predicting markets or mastering jargon. She explains the main dairy insurance tools, Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and LGM Dairy, highlighting DRP’s daily availability, quarterly coverage, and fit for Class III and IV and high-component milk, versus LGM’s Thursday-only availability, Class III focus, and single- or two-month coverage, with a coming USDA change expected to allow using both in the same quarter. They discuss today’s volatility, export dependence, strong global supply, opportunities in milk and cattle values, and the farm lesson “make hay when the sun shines.” This episode is brought to you by Ever.Ag Ever.Ag partners with dairy producers to build customized risk management plans that help protect margins in any market environment. With dedicated advisors, industry leading technology, and proven tools like Dairy Revenue Protection, we help farms reduce uncertainty and secure long‑term financial strength. Learn more at https://ever.ag/. 00:00 Risk Made Simple 02:09 Farm Roots in Wisconsin 03:10 Learning Risk Tools 04:21 Path to Ever Ag 06:36 Keep It Simple Strategy 07:42 DRP vs LGM Explained 10:25 Market Outlook and Action 11:27 Make Hay While the Sun Shines 12:35 Seeing the Whole Chain 14:41 Future of Dairy

April 30 • 19m 43.1s

340 | “Take Care of the Cow”: The Simple Philosophy for Driving Dairy Success

On this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Dr. Cole Anderson of United Vet Services (Heritage Vet Partners) in Northeast Wisconsin to talk about his unconventional path into dairy veterinary medicine and the mentors who shaped it along the way. From early hands-on experiences to building long-term client relationships, Dr. Anderson shares his philosophy that great service and strong relationships matter more than being the lowest-cost provider. He also opens up about balancing family life with a demanding career, learning through challenges, and his next goal: helping dairy clients improve performance through deeper use of DairyComp and data-driven insights. Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices. Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com 01:50 An Unlikely Vet Path 03:16 Mentors Open Doors 04:39 Ron Herb Relationship 08:43 Learning in the Truck 13:09 Service First Mindset 16:42 Teaching Students to Grow 18:55 Hard Lessons and Balance 22:10 More Mentors and Core Values 23:07 Driven Dairy Clients 24:52 Future Vet Service 25:27 Fundamentals Over Fixes 27:44 Cow First Principle 31:04 Family And Mentors 35:43 Practice Lessons Learned 38:06 Next Generation Growth

April 28 • 46m 8.6s

339 | From the Barn to the Board Room: Nathan Moroney on Technology, Trials and Dairy Farming in Texas

On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits Del Rio Dairy in Friona, Texas, and interviews owner Nathan Moroney about how technology and expansion are reshaping modern dairying. Moroney describes a major expansion from a 3,500-cow double-45 parallel parlor to a 90-stall rotary with automated prep and post robots, sort gates, and collars, delivering significant labor savings and higher milking throughput. He recounts being one of the first herds to experience what became known as "bird flu" before the issue was identified through coordinated efforts with extension. He explains the Saudi-style barn system, manure handling that evolved into a digester started in 2021, water constraints driving efficiency and potential forage shifts, and the potential opportunities for integrating more AI in milking and feed management. Moroney also discusses regional processing growth, his new DFA corporate board role, and the need for workable labor policy reform. This Episode is Brought to you by the Milc Group Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed. 02:13 Rotary Expansion Automation 04:52 Bird Flu Ground Zero 11:34 Saudi Barn Workflow 14:09 Digester Renewables Economics 15:23 Next Efficiency AI Upgrades 19:58 One Feed Program Spotlight 20:28 Mobile App Workflow 21:04 Water Risk Planning 22:01 Reusing Water Efficiently 23:01 Alternative Forages Ahead 23:41 Texas Dairy Processing Boom 24:37 Milk Hauling Distance 24:46 Joining the DFA Board 26:15 National Dairy Outlook 28:55 Marketing and Data Shifts 29:57 From City to Dairyman 32:19 Traits Built by Dairy 35:52 Labor Reform Needs

April 23 • 38m 35.9s

338 | Dairy Farm Finances in 2026: What Smart Producers Are Planning for Q2

How are your finances looking for Q2? In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Steve Schweoer of Compeer Financial on what financially strong dairy farms are doing in 2026 amid tight first-half cash flow, lower milk prices, and higher costs of capital. Steve notes many producers prepaid 2026 expenses in 2025, easing near-term pressure, and expects improved markets in the second half while emphasizing preparing during good times by building working capital and paying down lines of credit. He advises maintaining a three-to-five-year capital replacement plan using “needs vs. wants,” evaluating land purchases case by case, and not letting taxes drive decisions. Key profitability levers include beef-on-dairy and managing net herd replacement cost, feed efficiency and ration cost, strong components and herd health, disciplined capital spending, and low employee turnover. He urges producers to know their cost of production, keep a consistent operating model, and bring lenders and advisors a long-term plan including risk management and family goals. This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial. Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs. Visit https://www.compeer.com/specialists/dairy 01:17 Cash Flow Cycles Ahead 03:02 Needs vs Wants Capital 05:11 Land Buying Decisions 06:36 Cost of Capital Squeeze 08:17 Beef on Dairy Boost 11:07 Feed Efficiency Levers 12:48 What Profitable Looks Like 15:04 Tech Investments Timing 17:36 Lender Talks and Planning 19:34 Disciplines for Stability 21:50 Know Your Cost Production 23:16 Stick to Your Model

April 21 • 24m 57.2s

337 | Leading the Legacy from 100 Miles Away: A Modern Dairy Story

On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits Cooper Legacy Dairy near Clovis, New Mexico, a 2,000-cow operation run by fifth-generation dairyman Jered Cooper that also raises replacements and farms about 2,500 acres. Cooper shares how his family’s dairy roots span Michigan, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, and why he now lives about 80–100 miles away in the Lubbock, Texas area while still managing the dairy through internet-connected tools and support from his son on site.He explains adopting Nedap smart tags and sort gates, which proved pivotal during a bird flu outbreak by enabling early health alerts, treatment monitoring, and improved herd outcomes, and now streamline daily workflows for health and reproduction via reports, mobile entry, and cloud syncing. Cooper also discusses passing the business to the sixth generation and writing a book inspired by his father about family, football, faith, and farming.This episode is part of the High-Performance Mindset Series powered by Nedap.Nedap is future-proofing dairy farming with smart technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering, sort gates, and AI-powered camera systems. Nedap is improving life on the farm by putting the right cow in the right place at the right time, every time.01:24 Meet Jered and the Dairy02:06 Five Generation Roots02:42 How Clovis Happened05:29 Living 100 Miles Away08:03 Tech That Makes It Work08:40 Smart Tags and Bird Flu12:32 New Workflow and Sort Gates15:27 Health Score and Cow Insights16:54 Next Gen and AI Future18:25 Redefining the Modern Dairyman20:24 Why It's Called Legacy21:20 Milkman Love Note22:35 Michigan Dairy Traditions23:19 Depression Era Detour23:59 One Cow to 200024:30 Family Farms and Pride26:20 Next Gen Takes Over30:42 Raising Kids on Dairy32:19 Writing the Dairy Book39:43 Legacy and Advice

April 16 • 43m 43.9s

336 | April Proofs, Real Cows: Why ‘Milk What You Make’ Is Redefining Genetic Progress

Jeff King & Tom Mercuro on genetics, longevity, and why ‘milk what you make’ is the future On this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are joined by Jeff King of Kings Ransom Farm in New York and Tom Mercuro from Mercuro Farms in Maryland—two dairymen who are redefining what real genetic progress looks like. We find out what they are doing to create the kind of cows they want in their barns and why they believe other dairy producers want them too. This isn’t about chasing the top of a list… it’s about milking what they make - breeding cows that last, perform, and put milk in the tank. Plus, Jeff and Tom provide their hot takes on the April Holstein Sire Summary and recent changes to the TPI formula. United Sires is a partnership of well-known Holstein breeders from the United States bringing genetic solutions to dairy producers worldwide. Our mission, “Breed the Best, Better,” reflects the work we have been doing on our farms for generations. As multi-generational dairy farmers, we adhere to a simple yet powerful principle: We Milk What We Make. We understand the importance of breeding cattle that are profitable throughout their lifetimes, functional across all dairy enterprises, and aesthetically pleasing. Learn more at Unitedsires.com and follow on Facebook at United Sires and Instagram @unitedsiresofficial.

April 14 • 52m 44.3s

335 | What It Really Takes to Transition a Family Farm | Full Expert Panel

This Uplevel Dairy Podcast episode shares the full Farm Forward Conference panel with attorney Will McKinley, dairyman Tommy Oesch, consultant Kristy Pagel, advisor Steve Bodart, and family farm coach Elaine Froese on building multi-generational farm transitions as an ongoing legal, financial, and relational process. They discuss testing next-generation commitment through projects, off-farm work, mentors, peer networks, and family bylaws; clarifying roles for siblings/cousins using tools like StrengthsFinder and DISC; and keeping farms aligned through regular meetings, celebrations, and quarterly financial check-ins. The panel contrasts successful transitions (everything on the table, commitment, compromise) with failures (stubbornness, toxicity, staying stuck), addresses estate tools like TOD deeds, revocable and irrevocable trusts, LLCs/corporations, and managing conflicts, cash flow targets, and the option to exit via sale. Final action steps emphasize alignment between spouses, writing letters, gratitude, grace, listening, and accepting continuous change. 02:35 Testing Next Gen Commitment 07:13 Best vs Worst Transitions 10:21 Preventing Estate Disputes 14:06 Future of Midwest Farms 17:22 Siblings and Cousins Leadership 22:25 Making Transition Ongoing 26:23 Meeting Rhythms That Work 28:29 The $2.50 Cash Flow Rule 29:39 Cash Flow Under Pressure 31:27 Trusts Explained Simply 33:08 Irrevocable Trust Tradeoffs 34:58 Estate Planning Resources 36:13 Getting Honest Family Input 40:25 Helping Seniors Let Go 44:45 When No Successor Exists 46:59 Why Ag Transitions Differ 52:00 Family Stories About Land

April 11 • 1h 1m 9.2s

334 | Protect the Farm—and the Family: The Legal Reality of Farm Transition with Will McKinley, Menn Law

Transition Talks from the Farm Forward Conference This Farm Forward Recap episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast features attorney Will McKinley, President of Menn Law, discussing the legal side of family farm transition planning. McKinley emphasizes that communication is critical and that lawyers can’t prescribe one-size-fits-all solutions; families need to clarify and align their goals before legal documents are drafted. He explains what he hopes clients bring to the table—financial records plus a shared “wish list” vision—and shares a success story involving bringing a non-family herdsman into ownership while keeping spouses, bankers, and accountants aligned. He outlines tools often used (wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, entity structures) and notes tax challenges with lifetime sales, sometimes using an income-stream approach until a later trigger. He warns that the biggest obstacle is delaying the process and failing to commit time for a multi-meeting plan. Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law: William-McKinley@mennlaw.com (920) 731-6631 https://mennlaw.com/ 00:55 Meet Will McKinley 01:37 Communication Comes First 04:57 What to Bring Your Lawyer 07:49 Succession Success Story 10:39 Legal Tools and Tax Strategy 13:38 Where Plans Get Stuck

April 10 • 19m 18.3s

333 | Can Your Farm Afford Transition? What the Numbers Need to Say | Steve Bodart, AgriGrowth Solutions

Transition Talks from the Farm Forward Conference At the Farm Forward Conference, Uplevel Dairy Podcast host Peggy Coffeen interviews Steve Bodart of AgriGrowth Solutions about the financial side of family farm transition. Bodart explains his accrual-based financial consulting approach that connects production decisions to financial outcomes, benchmarks performance, and evaluates what both outgoing and incoming generations need and can afford. He emphasizes financial transparency so everyone hears the same message at the same time, and says succession is a journey requiring room for growth, disciplined debt payments, and honest discussions about cost of production, capital spending, and competitiveness. Steve notes failures often stem from resisting change and poor communication without a facilitator. He advocates involving owners and capable mid-managers and giving younger generations responsibility for financial projects, such as analyzing how a transition barn can improve profitability. AgriGrowth Solutions is a team of financial consultants with strong dairy backgrounds which represent and work for the best interests of dairy producers. The AGS team guides clients through their business’ financial position and assists in planning for their continued and future success. Contact Steve Bodart, AgriGrowth Solutions: SteveBodart@agrigrowthsolutions.com Visit: https://agrigrowthsolutions.com/ 01:10 Meet Steve Bodart 01:50 What Steve Does 03:21 Financial Transparency 05:56 Planning for Growth 07:00 Building a Win Win Plan 09:42 Who Belongs in Meetings 11:20 Why Transitions Fail 14:44 Bringing Next Gen In 17:23 Real World Project Example

April 9 • 20m 5.9s

332 | The Conversations That Make—or Break—Farm Transition | Kristy Pagel

Transition Talks from the Farm Forward Conference In this Farm Forward Recap, Peggy Coffeen hosts a transition talk featuring Kristy Pagel of Leading Edge Consulting, who focuses on facilitating difficult family farm transition conversations, aligning expectations across generations, and helping farms get “unstuck,” often during conflict or crisis. Pagel emphasizes the need to clarify the senior generation’s purpose beyond day-to-day farm duties and to support curiosity about what comes next. She also explains an adapted Employee Analyzer tool from Gino Wickman’s “Traction” to objectively assess whether owners, family members, and employees have the head, heart, and capacity for their roles, adding a “reinvest” column with plans, communication, timelines, and accountability. Pagel describes using the tool as a two-way self-assessment to open honest dialogue about burnout, fit, and workload. Connect with Kristy: Owner, coach, consultant with Leading Edge Consulting LLC kristy@leadingedgeccd.com LinkedIn: Kristy Pagel Listen to Kristy's Other Episode on Uplevel Dairy here: https://youtu.be/wJU12xNYyl4?si=h7ypvZKEgUgY3GdL 00:55 Meet Kristy Pagel 02:21 Why Facilitation Matters 03:29 Getting Unstuck Together 05:49 Purpose After the Farm 08:44 Employee Analyzer Tool 11:57 Objective Feedback Not Emotion 14:14 Story Using the Tool

April 8 • 18m 5s

331 | Building a Legacy That Lasts: Tommy Oesch on Transitioning Swisslane Farms Forward

At the Farm Forward Conference, Uplevel Dairy Podcast host Peggy Coffeen interviews Tommy Oesch of Swisslane Farms in Michigan about his multi-generational family farm transition from junior partner to senior leader and preparing for the next generation. Tommy describes the farm’s origins with his Swiss immigrant great-grandfather, early succession planning begun in 2004–2005, requirements for the next generation to work off-farm, and his and his brother’s years in outside careers before returning in 2011 to build a 500-cow robotic dairy. He explains growth through leasing opportunities instead of building, reaching about 5,600 cows across multiple sites, buying out the senior generation, and shifting their income from salary to equity payments to support leadership transition. He highlights hard conversations, including selling real estate to cover debt during Michigan’s 2015–2019 processing challenges, the need for intra-generation alignment through weekly meetings, and wishing they had brought in professional help earlier. Make sure to tune in all week as we drop recap episodes from the conference right here on the podcast! 02:02 Meet Tommy Oesch 02:49 Swisslane Origin Story 05:06 Off Farm Lessons 06:36 Back to Dairy Growth 07:40 Leadership Buyout Shift 12:13 Hard Times Real Estate 15:05 Generational Negotiations 18:21 Aligning Weekly Meetings 18:54 What We'd Change

April 7 • 22m 34.5s

330 | Why Beef-on-Dairy Calves Fail to Thrive in the Feedyard with Stephanie Hansen

On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Dr. Stephanie Hansen of Iowa State University at Adisseo’s VIP seminar about why beef-on-dairy calves often fail to thrive in the feedlot. Hansen, a feedlot “mineral nerd,” explains how high liver copper—seen in necropsy results at 800–900 ppm—can originate from late-gestation cow diets and be compounded in dairy systems by copper-fortified milk replacer and starter feed while calves are still functionally monogastric, leading to greater absorption. Research funded by the Iowa Beef Checkoff found high liver copper did not affect vaccine response but did worsen outcomes in a respiratory disease challenge, increasing fever, clinical signs, and lung consolidation, alongside systemic inflammation and potentially compromised liver health. Action steps include moderating copper in late-gestation and calf starter diets, avoiding feedlot copper over-fortification, reassessing frequent vaccination protocols, and considering zinc’s anti-inflammatory benefits. Hansen also notes she writes national-park crime thrillers under the pen name SL Hansen, with a new book due April 2026. This Episode is brought to you by Adisseo This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/ 00:00 Why Calves Struggle 00:45 Sponsor Message 01:30 Meet Mineral Nerd 03:21 Feedlot Mystery Copper 04:46 Beef Copper Fortification 07:25 Dairy System One Two Punch 09:26 Toxicity Signs Inflammation 12:34 Respiratory Challenge Study 15:25 Other Thrive Factors 17:29 Producer Action Steps 21:15 Zinc Balancing Idea 22:04 Author Side Quest 23:56 Wrap Up Takeaways

April 2 • 25m 6.5s

329 | Dairy's Rising Leaders: Conversations We Need to Have

This week on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we’re bringing you our breakout session from the Central Plains Dairy Expo for a real, unfiltered conversation with dairy’s rising leaders. From coming back to the farm… to carving your own path… to earning respect and finding your voice—this is a must-listen not only for the next generation, but for senior leaders looking to better understand, develop, and lead them. We are proud to partner with Central Plains Dairy Expo to feature these four panelists:Jacob Wag, Wag's Blue and White Dairy; Emma Brockshus, Brockshus Dairy; Emmett Meissner, Norm-E-Lane Farm, and Chelsea Abbott, Trans Ova Genetics. Hear it straight from these rising leaders.

March 31 • 1h 5m 22.3s

328 | Dairy Farm Leadership Starts Here: Valuing Every Role in the Barn with Dr. Amanda Onan

On location at Brooks Farms in Waupaca, Wisconsin, Peggy Coffeen interviews Dr. Amanda Onan of United Vet Services (Heritage Vet Partners) about how teamwork shapes her approach to dairy veterinary medicine nearly 10 years into practice. A second-generation veterinarian, Dr. Onan describes learning through ride-alongs with her father and hands-on work at Sugar Creek Farms, including projects to improve somatic cell count and mastitis understanding. She shares a formative lesson from a 70-year-old farm owner scraping stalls, reinforcing that no one is above any task and that every employee’s observations matter. Dr. Onan emphasizes building trust by engaging employees, recognizing positives, and using empathy to improve farm efficiency, while also discussing compassion fatigue in veterinary medicine and the support systems that help. She notes that Heritage’s national network enables collaboration, and she sees AI changing record analysis and on-farm implementation. This episode is brought to you by Heritage Vet Partners Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices. Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com. 00:43 Podcast Welcome and Sponsor 01:43 Why Amanda Became a Vet 04:09 Producer Perspective Lessons 05:51 Somatic Cell Count Project 08:06 Nobody Above Scraping Stalls 11:31 Building Trust With Employees 15:44 Positive Leadership Habits 16:39 Compassion Fatigue Explained 18:25 Support Systems and Grace 21:53 Business Side and Heritage Network 27:11 Future of Vet Med and AI 28:25 Final Thanks and Outro

March 26 • 29m 34s

327 | Exploring Dairy and Feed Dynamics with Matt Wolf and Jake Kingsley

Recorded in Amarillo at the High Plains Dairy Conference, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Matt Wolf and Jake Kingsley as they share their farm backgrounds—Matt from a Texas dairy family and Jake from Kansas, where his grandparents once had a small family dairy—plus unique experiences like dairy cattle and collegiate wool judging. Matt explains building a beef-on-dairy risk management program spanning day-old calves through finishing cattle and cull cows, including new LRP opportunities, and how producers can protect value at record-high calf and cow prices. Jake outlines Ever.Ag’s feed risk management approach as it combines futures, basis, and cash-feed analysis with regular producer check-ins. They discuss High Plains consolidation, processing capacity growth, water constraints, ongoing volatility, export needs, and the rise of high-protein products, then close with quick personal Q&A and country music picks. Ever.Ag partners with dairy producers to build customized risk management plans that help protect margins in any market environment. With dedicated advisors, industry leading technology, and proven tools like Dairy Revenue Protection, we help farms reduce uncertainty and secure long‑term financial strength. Learn more at https://ever.ag/ 00:00 High Plains Kickoff 01:53 Why Amarillo Matters 02:27 Matt Wolf's Story 04:45 Jake Kingsley's Story 06:29 Wool and Cattle Judging 08:15 Beef on Dairy Growth 13:10 Feed Risk Playbook 15:53 High Plains Game Changers 21:29 Future Outlook and Trends 29:08 Rapid Fire Fun 33:34 Wrap Up and Thanks

March 24 • 34m 57.5s

326 | Farm Forward: Lessons in Leadership from Tommy Oesch of Swisslane Farms

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we wrap up our preview of the Farm Forward Conference with part two of a conversation with Michigan dairyman, Tommy Oesch about farm transition mistakes and building an advisory team. Tommy describes a costly error of trying to manage dairy nutrition himself, learning to hire and listen to the right consultants, and updating who “sits at the table” as the business evolves. He outlines Swiss Lane’s aggressive growth plan from 5,000 cows to 10,000 by 2032, explains adopting EOS quarterly strategy meetings, and shares leadership lessons on accountability, communication, employee reviews, and putting the right people in the right roles. He advises older generations to allow mistakes and the next generation to push succession planning forward, noting it requires time, money, and persistence. Join us for the Farm Forward ConferenceFriday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165 00:00 Farm Forward Invite 01:27 Costly Nutrition Lesson 05:19 Building Advisor Team 08:52 Aggressive Growth Vision 10:47 Who Sits at Table 12:58 EOS Outside Expertise 15:05 Evolving Vet Role 16:13 Leadership Growing Pains 19:42 Accountability Processes 23:33 Advice Both Generations 25:29 Patience With Equity 27:05 No One Size Fits All 29:07 Conference Details Wrap

March 22 • 30m 53s

325 | Farm Forward: Insights from Tommy Oesch on Succession Success

On this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are featuring a throwback interview with Michigan dairyman, Tommy Oesch of Swisslane Farms about generational transition challenges, including older owners holding control, the growing financial scale of dairies, and the need for next-generation members to work elsewhere and succeed before returning. Tommy shares his path from MSU to leaving the farm for a feed sales career, then returning in 2011 for lower pay to help manage growth, including building a 500-cow robot dairy. He describes using consultants, advisors, core values, and buy-sell planning to structure ownership, reduce senior wages to enable management transition, and navigate leadership mistakes. Join us for the Farm Forward Conference Friday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center 7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165 00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement 01:04 Generational Transition Challenges 03:06 Preparing the Next Generation 05:44 Tommy's Early Career Journey 07:03 Learning the Feed Business 08:17 The Hard Decision to Return 10:48 Realizing Career Opportunities 11:51 Senior Generation's Perspective 14:57 Creating the Succession Plan 16:27 Building the Robot Dairy Together 19:45 Developing Core Values 23:27 Structuring the Buyout 25:01 Difficult Ownership Decisions 25:43 Lessons from Leadership Transition 26:39 Farm Forward Conference Details

March 21 • 28m 23.7s

324 | Farm Forward: How to Have Hard Conversations with Kristy Pagel

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are gearing up for the Farm Forward Conference on March 27 with Kristy Pagel of Leading Edge Consulting speaking on navigating difficult conversations. This conversation previews Kristy's guidance for managers who avoid confrontation, emphasizing that hard conversations can strengthen bonds and improve retention. She outlines starting with root-cause identification, fact gathering, and objective measures, and shares an employee analyzer matrix (head/skills, heart/passion, capacity/time) plus an added column on willingness to reinvest with a timeframe, sometimes having employees self-assess. Kristy coaches three mindset skills—confidence, active listening, and forward-looking outcomes—and notes common sticking points are initial courage and follow-up. Join us for the Farm Forward Conference Friday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center 7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165 00:00 Farm Forward Invite 01:11 Why Hard Talks Matter 02:21 Find the Root Cause 03:19 Employee Analyzer Tool 04:46 Reinvest or Reassign 08:05 Manager Mindset Trio 10:38 Forward Looking Plans 11:58 Where People Get Stuck 13:36 Uplevel Five Q and A 19:09 Wrap Up and Contact

March 20 • 21m 14.1s

323 | Farm Forward: Navigating Family Farm Transition Planning with Will McKinley

This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast re-shares a conversation with Will McKinley, president of Menn Law, about legal realities of family farm transition and succession planning and common mistakes when families wait too long. The discussion focuses on why transition planning stalls, macro delays tied to reluctance to “retire” and the cyclical nature of farming, and micro stalls during multi-meeting planning, plus the value of scheduling, on-farm meetings, and mediation to address misunderstandings, confrontation avoidance, and ownership qualifications. The episode also promotes the Farm Forward Conference on March 27, 2026 at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Newton, Wisconsin, featuring expert training and a transition panel including Will McKinley. Join us for the Farm Forward Conference Friday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center 7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165 00:00 Why Plans Fail 00:25 Farm Forward Conference 01:06 Meet Will McKinley 02:36 Menn Law and Tuig Merger 05:48 Will’s Farm Roots 08:00 Outside Industry Lessons 10:08 Learning from George Tuig 12:35 Why Transitions Stall 18:30 Keeping Momentum 21:35 Case Study Two Brothers 22:33 Breaking the Stalemate 23:34 One on One Mediation 25:39 Assumptions and Avoidance 27:32 Setting Fair Qualifications 29:06 Key Takeaways Recap 31:40 When to Get Help 33:24 Menn Law One Stop Shop 35:55 Listener Questions Invite 36:47 Uplevel Five Questions 40:32 Wrap Up and Contact Info 41:58 Farm Forward Conference

March 19 • 43m 42.4s

322 | A Forward-Thinking Approach: Dairy Industry Insights with Rick Naerebout

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, at the High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo, discussing dairy’s current momentum and major risks. Rick highlights positive “tailwinds” including new trade opportunities such as Indonesia, policy wins like the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids bill, and improved perceptions of dairy fat in dietary guidelines. He describes Idaho-led sustainability research lowering lagoon pH with sulfuric acid to reduce methane emissions by over 50%, aiming to create carbon-credit revenue accessible to most dairies. He also explains how relationships with Idaho’s federal delegation helped shape “big beautiful bill” tax provisions on inheritance and accelerated depreciation to support generational transfer and retirement. Immigration reform and workforce dependence are emphasized as critical for food security and national security, along with monitoring global competitors that could disrupt export markets. This episode is brought to you in partnership with High Plains Dairy Conference. 00:00 Dairy Big Picture 00:39 Welcome and Setup 01:11 Conference Panel Takeaways 03:18 Rick’s Dairy Roots 04:36 Sustainability That Pays 08:29 Tax Policy and Legacy 11:03 Building Political Relationships 17:25 Immigration and Food Security 23:06 Future Risks and Advice 26:33 Closing and Subscribe

March 17 • 27m 43.6s

321 | From Mexico to Managing a Wisconsin Dairy | Rosario Ibarra on Leadership, Motherhood and Mentorship

She dreamed of being a CEO in heels ... now she does it in coveralls. In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Rosario Ibarra of Grotegut Dairy in Newton, Wisconsin, a third-generation farm milking 3,600 cows. Rosario remarks on her journey from Mexico, once dreaming of being a corporate CEO, to studying agronomy, joining an international internship that brought her to Wisconsin, and pivotal mentors along the way. She describes returning to Mexico, moving to the U.S. on a visa, marrying her husband, and helping lead his family’s farm through major losses and transition while balancing motherhood and management. The conversation highlights self-belief, mentorship, delegation, supporting the workforce and leading teams with gratitude, compassion, and a low-stress culture focused on animal care and food production. This episode is brought to you by Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is dedicated to helping producers achieve healthy animals, healthy dairies and healthy food through their world-class portfolio. For more information, visit ⁠DairyWellness.com.⁠ 00:39 Podcast Welcome 01:11 Zoetis Women Farmers 01:33 Inside Grotegut Dairy 04:04 From Mexico to Cows 05:12 Choosing Agronomy 07:04 Wisconsin Internship 08:33 Mentor Deb Reinhart 10:24 Back to Wisconsin 12:19 Manager and New Mom 13:45 Learning to Delegate 15:28 Believing in Yourself 17:26 Advice and Networks 19:53 Inspired by the Team 21:05 Leading With Care 22:01 Building A Stress-Free Team 24:10 Cornerstone Confidence Shift 26:37 Next Steps And Giving Back 28:55 Helping Team Members Feel at Home 32:14 Belonging Between Two Homes 34:25 Boards And Representation 36:52 Advice To Young Women 38:36 Gratitude And Closing

March 12 • 40m 55.7s

320 | Ask the Expert: Natural Solutions for Fly Control with Dr. Mike Catangui

On this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen is back with Dr. Mike Catangui, of MWI Animal Health, to chat about natural insecticides for dairy farm fly control. Dr. Mike describes growing dairy interest due to milk safety concerns about residues, environmental and sustainability expectations from consumers, and reduced risk of insect resistance. He outlines practical use of natural pyrethrins (derived from plants) that can be sprayed directly on calves, heifers and cows, and in sensitive areas where synthetic products may be restricted, supported by improved application tools like battery-powered foggers. He cites research showing stable flies can reduce milk production 10–20% during fly season and estimates a strong ROI, including a prior calculation of $27 gained per $1 spent. This Episode is Brought to you by MWI Animal HealthAt MWI Animal Health, we are your partner in animal health. Our people drive us to think forward every day. We are committed to working with you to identify cutting-edge solutions to your common challenges. We unite with innovators and manufacturers to provide access to products and solutions designed to help you find success in each aspect of your animal health business. Visit www.MWIAH.com for more information. 00:00 Meet Dr. Mike Catangui 01:32 What Natural Insecticides Are 03:13 Why Dairies Want Natural Options 04:57 How Pyrethrins Are Used 06:07 Calves & Heifers: Direct Spray Benefits 09:34 Milk Loss From Flies 10:14 Fly Control ROI Math 12:58 Wrap Up And Resources

March 10 • 14m 16.8s

319 | Farm Forward Conversations: Unpacking Family Dynamics and Succession with Elaine Froese

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy highlights the upcoming Farm Forward Conference on Friday, March 27, at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Newton, Wisconsin. Presented in partnership with Zoetis, Menn Law, AgriGrowth Solutions, and Leading Edge Consulting, the event is designed to help farmers and advisors navigate farm transition—especially the hard conversations that often stall progress. The day includes a hands-on workshop led by farm family transition coach Elaine Froese, along with an afternoon panel featuring legal, financial, and farmer perspectives. Attendees will walk away with practical next steps, communication tools, and greater clarity around transition planning. In the podcast interview, Elaine shares her background as a farm-raised home economist and certified conflict-resolution coach. She explains her coaching process and the tools she uses to help families move through procrastination, avoid unnecessary conflict, and separate family dynamics from business decisions. She emphasizes the importance of financial transparency, regular family meetings, clearly defined expectations and timelines, and understanding that fairness does not always mean equality. The conversation also addresses retirement planning, long-term care considerations, and how to reduce anxiety around money and scarcity. Join us for the Farm Forward ConferenceFriday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165 For more from Elaine Froese: www.ElaineFroese.com elaine@elainefroese.com Conflict Dynamics Profile: https://elainefroese.com/coaching/conflict-dynamics-profile/ Farm Family Harmony Podcast: www.farmfamilyharmonypodcast.com 00:00 – Farm Transition Anxiety 00:27 – Farm Forward Conference Overview 01:53 – Meet Elaine Froese 04:39 – How Her Coaching Process Works 07:44 – Addressing the “Bull in the Room” 10:11 – Common Transition Misconceptions 14:49 – Why Clarity and Timelines Matter 20:20 – Fair vs. Equal in Farm Transitions 25:48 – Retirement and Financial Realities 29:51 – Effective Advisor and Family Meetings 34:37 – When Change Stalls 37:56 – Vulnerability and Shared Goals 41:01 – Conference Details and Next Steps 42:54 – Coach on Call in the Hall 44:51 – Final Takeaways

March 5 • 46m 39.6s

318 | The Hidden Costs of Heat Stress with Jimena Laporta

Filmed at the Adisseo VIP Seminar, Peggy Coffeen interviews Dr. Jimena Laporta, associate professor and lactation physiologist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, about how heat stress during late gestation programs calves for lifelong—and even multi-generational—effects.Dr. Laporta explains that fetuses exposed to maternal heat stress are more likely to be born smaller and weaker, absorb fewer immunoglobulins, experience higher sickness and early herd exit rates, and produce less milk across multiple lactations. Florida data shows 12–18% higher culling rates and significant long-term milk losses in animals exposed to in utero heat stress, with an estimated $800 million annual impact across the U.S. dairy industry. This Episode is brought to you by Adisseo This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/ 00:00 Heat Stress Before Birth 01:32 Meet Dr. Laporta 04:21 Fetal Programming Explained 07:42 Economic Impact 12:04 Multi-Generation Effects 14:06 Dry Cow Mitigation 17:22 Pre-Weaned Calf Cooling Research 21:14 Measuring Mammary Development 23:23 Key Takeaways

March 3 • 27m 46.6s

317 | Mentorship, Motherhood, and Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Liz Strahl

Peggy Coffeen sits down with Dr. Liz Strahl of St. Anna’s Veterinary Clinic, part of Heritage Vet Partners, to talk about building a career—and a life—in dairy practice. A Wisconsin farm kid turned large animal veterinarian, Liz shares how 4-H, early mentorship, and vet school shaped her commitment to strong, trust-based producer relationships. She unpacks what she calls “unbreakable” bonds between veterinarians and dairy teams—rooted in responsiveness, communication, and delivering value beyond the chute. The conversation also explores mentorship as a two-way street, navigating confrontation early in her career, and how motherhood reshaped her perspective on work-life balance. Liz discusses why many women leave bovine practice, the importance of supportive clinic culture, and how active learning helps prevent burnout. She highlights functional fitness and wellness as essential for the physical demands of large animal work, along with her goal of becoming board-certified in dairy practice. Her key takeaway: stay curious, ask more questions than you think you should, and be unapologetically yourself. This Epiosde is Brought to You by Heritage Vet Partners Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices. Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com. 01:11 Sponsor Heritage Vet Partners 01:35 Choosing Vet Medicine 02:44 School and Early Career 05:05 Unbreakable Producer Bonds 08:07 Mentorship in the Truck 13:54 Hard Lessons Confrontation 15:34 Motherhood and Identity Shift 18:15 Why Women Leave Bovine Practice 20:17 Burnout and Active Learning 23:46 Wellness and Functional Fitness 25:16 CrossFit Origin Story 29:17 Trust Flexibility Challenge 32:14 Connecting with the Team 36:16 Active Learning and Authenticity 39:15 Big Goals and Getting Boarded 41:01 Wrap Up and Podcast Outro

February 26 • 42m 17.2s

316 | Global Insights and Practices for Raising Strong Dairy and Beef Calves

This Uplevel Dairy Podcast episode features Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) board members Jim Van Patter and Rodolfo Nava, as they discuss key practices for raising high-performing dairy replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy calves. Both emphasize that success starts with excellent colostrum management in the first 24 hours, followed by a high plane of nutrition, sanitation, ventilation, and calf comfort. Jim and Rodolfo compare calf-raising strategies that focus on nutrition, consistency, and labor efficiency. Both emphasize the value of strong colostrum and transition programs, with three-times-a-day feeding improving daily gain, reducing scours, and supporting better lung health—even with a modest added cost per calf. They discuss how automation, data tracking, and cleaner, well-ventilated hutch systems have lowered mortality and labor demands, while environmental regulations and day-to-day crew consistency remain ongoing challenges. The conversation also highlights team retention, clear communication with suppliers, and building pride in calf care. Looking ahead to 2026, Jim plans to continue refining nutrition and monitoring, while Rodolfo aims to shorten the time in hutches without sacrificing performance. Make sure to save the date for the annual DCHA Conference, April 7–9 in Tucson, Arizona. The episode is brought to you in partnership with the DCHA and is sponsored by First Defense. 00:00 Raising Elite Calves: What This Episode Covers + DCHA Conference Preview 01:39 Meet Jim Van Patter: Wisconsin Calf Program & Global Consulting Experience 03:43 Meet Rodolfo Nava: Beef-on-Dairy Calf Ranch in New Mexico + Why DCHA Matters 05:21 The Universal Non-Negotiables: Colostrum, Nutrition, Comfort & Ventilation 07:48 Sanitation, Automation & Scaling Calf Care Without Losing Quality 09:54 Transition Milk Deep Dive: Products, Ratios, and What Changes in the Calves 12:54 Jim’s On-Farm Results: Implementing Transition Milk + Gains, Scours, Lung Scores 16:48 What’s Changed Over Decades: Consistency, Hutch Housing, and Survival Rates 20:01 Today’s Biggest Challenges: Regulations, Labor, Weather, and Data Feedback Loops 23:56 Building a Winning Calf Team: Motivation, Retention, Pride, and First Impressions 27:55 2026 Goals + Where to Focus First: Colostrum, 3x Feeding, Data, and Team Development 32:32 Why DCHA Helps Producers Win: Speakers, Gold Standards, Learning Library & Networking 37:21 Final Takeaways + Invitation to Tucson (Tours, Spanish Sessions) + Wrap-Up

February 24 • 41m 14.9s

315 | Join us for the High Plains Dairy Conference with Dr. Robert Hagevoort

This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast features Dr. Robert Hagevoort of New Mexico State University, previewing the 2026 High Plains Dairy Conference, March 3–4 in Amarillo, Texas, plus a middle manager workshop on March 5. He outlines the producer-driven program focused on practical topics like workforce development, markets, beef-on-dairy, water, feeding strategies, and biosecurity.He also shares updates on the Dairy Consortium’s six-week hands-on training program in Clovis, New Mexico, which has prepared hundreds of students for careers in dairy and allied industries.The episode wraps with his work in Indonesia, where dairy nutrition initiatives and targeted producer training are helping improve management and milk production.Register for the High Plains Dairy Conference: http://highplainsdairy.org/Register for the Middle Managers Training Workshop: http://highplainsdairy.org/middle-managers-training-workshop/Learn more about the U.S. Dairy Consortium: https://usdetc.tamu.edu/ 00:00 2026 High Plains Dairy Conference: Why This Event Matters 01:54 What Is the High Plains Dairy Conference? 20 Years of Producer-Driven Growth 03:14 How the Agenda Gets Built: ‘What’s on Your Mind?’ + Pre-Conference Tracks 05:34 Must-See Sessions: Labor & Workforce Development Panel (What Actually Works) 07:22 Big Picture Forecasts: Dairy Outlook Series + DC & Trade Perspectives 08:49 Beef-on-Dairy & Heifer Inventory: Where the Markets Go Next 10:51 Registering + More Hot Topics: Water, Sorghum Silage, Byproducts & Biosecurity 14:00 March 5 Middle Manager Workshop: Communication & Conflict Resolution (EN/ES) 17:50 Beyond the Conference: The Dairy Consortium & Pipelines Conference 18:51 6-Week Dairy Immersion for Students: Hands-On Training, Careers & Enrollment 27:59 Taking Training Global: Building Dairy Skills in Indonesia with USDEC 34:23 Wrap-Up: See You in Amarillo + Final Thanks

February 20 • 36m 20.2s

314 | Benchmarking for Dairy Profitability: Fine-Tuning Your Farm’s Financial Edge

On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen talks with Curtis Gerrits and Jim Moriarty of Compeer Financial about why benchmarking is essential for dairy farms, especially as year-end financials become available, milk prices soften, and recent beef-on-dairy income may have masked underlying costs. They explain benchmarking as first comparing a farm to itself over time, then comparing to a larger peer dataset of similar farms to identify strengths and small opportunities across income and expenses that can add up. Key areas discussed include feed cost and productivity (including homegrown forages like corn silage and increased use of alfalfa), feed efficiency factors such as refusals and mixing time, and the importance of working with nutritionists and local crop partners. They highlight core benchmarks such as capital cost per hundredweight and labor cost per hundredweight, how capital and labor relate when making investments, and improvements in net herd replacement costs driven by lower herd turnover, fewer heifers raised, and more beef calf sales. They conclude with takeaways to embrace financial management and benchmarking, keep moving forward during down cycles, and note that top-performing dairies succeed through attention to detail, execution, regular decision-making, and involving family, key employees, and advisors by sharing financial results. This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial. Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs. Visit https://www.compeer.com/specialists/dairy 00:00 Why Benchmarking Matters Right Now (Year-End Numbers + Softer Milk Prices) 04:05 Benchmarking Basics: Compare to Yourself, Then to Peer Groups 07:22 Big Levers: Feed Costs, Efficiency, and Milk Components 08:59 Homegrown Forages & Feed Management: What to Optimize 11:38 Core Benchmarks to Watch: Capital Cost, Labor, and Replacement Rates 16:18 Turning Data Into Action: Consistency, Clean Categories, and Advisory Teams 20:45 Key Takeaways for Dairy Strong: Embrace the Process & Keep Moving Forward 22:56 What Top-Performing Dairies Do Differently (Attention to Detail + Team Buy-In) 27:31 Wrap-Up & Resources

February 19 • 28m 44.2s

313 | Partnering for Success: Positioning and Transitioning for the Next Generation at Sheadview Dairy

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen is on-site at Sheadview Dairy in Berlin, Wisconsin, to talk farm transition and the partnership with a non-family member that will carry this dairy farm forward. Kevin Krentz, his son Marcus and partner Cory Biely, share insights on what it takes to redefine ownership and create a partnership that will allow this dairy to continue on successfully. The conversation covers key aspects of transitioning the farm, including challenges, communication strategies, long-term goal setting, and the importance of legal structuring. This episode also highlights the significance of shared vision, respect, and continuous improvement in achieving a thriving 700-cow dairy farm. We also hear from Sheadview's dairy nutritionist and consultant, Eric Staudinger, with NutriQuest. This episode is brought to you by NutriQuest The NutriQuest Dairy Nutrition Team is a group of experienced nutritionists committed to serving dairy producers by partnering with them to develop an un-biased, customized nutrition program that delivers maximum profitability, achieved through a holistic approach, engaging in all aspects that influence nutrition program success. The NutriQuest Dairy Team is committed to serving the dairy industry and delivering their customers’ consistent results with a high return. Learn more at nutriquest.com/dairy-nutrition-solutions 00:47 Welcome to the Uplevel Dairy Podcast 01:54 Shead View Dairy: A Family Legacy 03:45 Kevin's Vision for the Farm 07:42 Partnerships and Expansions 16:56 Communication and Decision Making 32:08 Legal Steps to Forming a Partnership 33:25 Transitioning to an LLC 34:23 Share Structure and Ownership 36:19 Personal Growth and Financial Literacy 38:27 Operational Goals and Team Dynamics 40:26 Challenges and Successes in Dairy Farming 42:25 Forage Quality and Nutrient Management 54:44 Future Goals and Expansion Plans 01:01:48 Eric Staudinger: Advisor's Perspective on Dairy Success

February 17 • 1h 5m 8.9s

312 | Cultivating Global Genetics with Dr. Scott Armbrust

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Dr. Scott Armbrust, president and owner of Paradocs Embryo Transfer, to delve into his impactful career in dairy cattle genetics and veterinary medicine. Dr. Armbrust shares his journey from growing up on a Nebraska farm to becoming a pioneer in bovine embryo transfer. He discusses his early inspirations, significant contributions through embryo transfer, and his global influence in training veterinarians and advancing dairy genetics. The episode also highlights Dr. Armbrust's ethos on mentoring the next generation of veterinarians and his ongoing contributions to the dairy industry. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the National Dairy Shrine Award applications: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/awards/⁠ Scholarship applications: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholar⁠ Donate to Dairy Shrine: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/donate/⁠ YouTube channel: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dairyshrine⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Scott Armbrust 00:56 Early Life and Inspiration 02:02 Journey into Veterinary Medicine 04:09 Pioneering Embryo Transfer 05:48 International Impact and Mentorship 11:06 Legacy and Future Plans 15:09 Conclusion and Reflections

February 14 • 17m 23.2s

311 | Bridging Generations in Dairy and Education with Bonnie Ayars

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Bonnie Ayars, an energetic and deeply passionate cattle breeder, teacher, coach and advocate for agriculture. Bonnie shares her path from developing a Guernsey herd and teaching for over 50 years to her impactful role at Ohio State as a dairy program specialist. Bonnie also delves into her family's community outreach through their own ice cream and cheese business. She reflects on her career, the importance of seizing opportunities, and her deep passion for mentoring students. With anecdotes about hosting a Luke Bryan concert and winning national baking contests, Bonnie Ayars' story is a testament to dedication, resilience and the power of giving back. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the National Dairy Shrine Award applications: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/awards/⁠ Scholarship applications: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholar⁠ Donate to Dairy Shrine: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/donate/⁠ YouTube channel: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dairyshrine⁠ Chapters 00:23 Bonnie Ayars' Background and Achievements 01:15 Community Engagement and Unique Experiences 03:15 Early Life and Career Beginnings 09:02 Transition to Teaching and Mentorship 11:48 Impact of Teaching and Personal Reflections 16:56 Guiding Students and Emphasizing Opportunities 19:50 Balancing Life and Personal Endeavors 21:43 Winning the Pie Contest 22:40 Competing at the Grand Bake Opry 25:02 From Pies to Ice Cream 26:33 Building a Family Business 30:03 Teaching and Mentoring Youth 33:54 Reflecting on Achievements 35:51 Future Aspirations 38:29 Honored with the Pioneer Award 41:20 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

February 13 • 42m 20.3s

310 | Dr. Joe Lineweaver: A Lifetime of Innovation in Dairy Reproduction

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Dr. Joe Lineweaver, a distinguished figure in the field of reproductive physiology and embryo transfer. Dr. Lineweaver shares his remarkable journey from his roots in Virginia to his academic and professional accomplishments, including his work at Virginia Tech and the founding of Blue Ridge Embryos. He discusses the early challenges and triumphs in embryo transfer technology, his contributions to the development of industry standards, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation. Joe's passion for improving dairy cattle genetics, particularly in Jersey cows, shines through, culminating in his recognition as the 2025 Dairy Shrine Pioneer of the Year. In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Dr. Scott Armbrust, president and owner of Paradocs Embryo Transfer, to delve into his impactful career in dairy cattle genetics and veterinary medicine. Dr. Armbrust shares his journey from growing up on a Nebraska farm to becoming a pioneer in bovine embryo transfer. He discusses his early inspirations, significant contributions through embryo transfer, and his global influence in training veterinarians and advancing dairy genetics. The episode also highlights Dr. Armbrust's ethos on mentoring the next generation of veterinarians and his ongoing contributions to the dairy industry. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the National Dairy Shrine Award applications: https://dairyshrine.org/awards/ Scholarship applications: https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholar Donate to Dairy Shrine: https://dairyshrine.org/donate/ YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dairyshrine Chapters 01:11 Joe's Early Life and Education 02:57 Journey into Embryo Transfer 03:45 Challenges and Innovations in Embryo Transfer 04:48 Career at Virginia Tech 07:28 Founding Blue Ridge Embryos 10:37 Leadership and Mentorship 13:41 Scholarship Programs and Giving Back 15:39 Reflections and Achievements 20:04 Recognition and Final Thoughts

February 12 • 22m 29s

309 | A Dairy Genomics Pioneer: Dr. George Wiggans

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Dr. George Wiggans to discuss his extensive career in dairy cattle genetics and genomics. Dr. Wiggans shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to working closely with Dr. Paul Van Radden, leading to significant contributions in genetic evaluations that propel the dairy industry. He highlights the transformative role of genomics in doubling genetic progress and improving dairy cattle productivity. Dr. Wiggans also touches upon his international experiences, including his time with the Peace Corps and the USDA, and reflects on the recognition he received as a Pioneer Award winner from the National Dairy Shrine. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis is on the importance of innovation, data accuracy, and continuous improvement in dairy genetics.This episode is brought to you in partnership with the National Dairy ShrineAward applications: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/awards/⁠Scholarship applications: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholar⁠Donate to Dairy Shrine: ⁠https://dairyshrine.org/donate/⁠YouTube channel: ⁠https://youtube.com/@DairyShrine00:50 Early Life and Influences01:43 Academic Journey and Mentorship05:01 International Experience and Career Decisions08:59 Return to Academia and USDA Career10:27 Advancements in Dairy Genetics12:39 Impact of Genomics24:43 Future of Dairy Genetics27:46 Recognition and Reflections

February 11 • 30m 9.6s

308 | Lesson from a Legend: Elite Cows, High-Flyers and Business Savvy with Peter Vail

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Peter Vail, a prominent figure in the dairy cattle show world and the fertilizer business. Vail recounts his career journey from starting CaroVail Fertilizer Company in 1964 to his significant investments in various dairy cattle breeds. He shares personal anecdotes about his childhood on a commercial dairy farm, his ventures in fertilizer, and his return to dairy cattle in the 1990s. Vail highlights key milestones, including the success of his family business now in its third generation, and his achievements in dairy cattle showing. At 86 years old, Vail reflects on his career, the importance of knowledge, and his enduring passion for the dairy industry. 01:09 Peter Vail's Early Life and Introduction to Dairy 03:10 First Experiences in Dairy Showing 07:29 Transition to Fertilizer Business 08:39 Challenges and Successes in the Fertilizer Industry 11:18 Career Growth and Relocation 15:26 Starting a New Venture 18:16 The Start of CaroVail 18:26 Building a Family Business 19:43 Returning to Cattle 19:55 High-Flying Investor Days 20:45 Adventures in Cow Trading 23:38 Success with Jerseys 26:39 Memorable Cows and Achievements 29:49 Reflections and Future Goals 30:42 Conclusion and Gratitude Link to award applications: https://dairyshrine.org/awards/Link to scholarship applications: https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholarLink to donate to Dairy Shrine: https://dairyshrine.org/donate/Link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dairyshrine?si=dS_EVxaA1XhUXBhzInformation about webinar Topic: “Avoiding Burnout in a 24/7 Industry” Date: February 11, 2026 Time: Noon Central Click here to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eTGV4PLeTe2gI4np7Lrlzg

February 10 • 32m 48.9s

307 | From Dairy Legends to Next-Gen Leaders: How the National Dairy Shrine is Honoring Pioneers and Recognizing Emerging Leaders with Mike Opperman

This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast features a partnership with the National Dairy Shrine to present interviews with the winners of the Pioneer Award. Executive Director Mike Opperman introduces the series, sharing insights about the organization's history, mission, and contributions to the dairy industry. Mike details his own journey within the dairy sector and discusses the various awards and initiatives hosted by the National Dairy Shrine, including scholarships, youth outreach, and the newly introduced Emerging Leader Award. The episode previews interviews with notable figures like Bonnie Ayars, George Wiggins, Scott Armbrust, and others who have significantly impacted genetics, genomics, and dairy advancement. 00:00 Introduction to a Special Series 00:40 Meet Mike Opperman: A Dairy Industry Veteran 02:51 The National Dairy Shrine: History and Mission 05:58 Supporting Young Dairy Professionals 08:00 Introducing the Emerging Leader Award 12:20 Honoring Dairy Industry Pioneers 20:30 Conclusion and How to Get Involved Link to award applications: https://dairyshrine.org/awards/Link to scholarship applications: https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholarLink to donate to Dairy Shrine: https://dairyshrine.org/donate/Link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dairyshrine?si=dS_EVxaA1XhUXBhzInformation about webinar Topic: “Avoiding Burnout in a 24/7 Industry” Date: February 11, 2026 Time: Noon Central Click here to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eTGV4PLeTe2gI4np7Lrlzg

February 9 • 21m 4.8s

306 | Earning the Reins: Education, Experience and the Next Chapter with Nathan Abel, Abel Dairy Farms

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Nathan Abel, the next-generation dairyman at Abel Dairy Farms. Nathan shares insights on how his hands-on experience, education, and incorporation of technology are helping him prepare for future leadership and ownership roles. He discusses his educational journey, the importance of learning both the technical and business aspects of dairy farming, and the challenges and strategies for implementing new technologies. Nathan also highlights the value of community involvement and ongoing learning as essential components for the farm's sustainable growth. This episode emphasizes the pivotal role of modern software solutions in revolutionizing dairy operations. This Episode is Brought to you by Milc Group Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed. 00:00 Introduction to the Next Generation of Dairy Farming 00:38 Sponsorship Message from Milc Group 01:11 Nathan Abel's Journey Back to the Family Farm 01:56 Educational Path and Early Decisions 05:59 Hands-On Experience and Internships 08:03 Integrating Technology into Dairy Farming 14:25 Leadership and Team Dynamics 19:18 Community Involvement and Future Vision 22:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

February 5 • 23m 28.8s

305 | Digital Disruption in Dairy: Aidan Connolly on AI, Precision, and Real-Time Decision Making

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Aidan Connolly, president of AgriTech Capital, to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on dairy farming. Connolly highlights the importance of adopting technology to overcome challenges such as labor shortages, water conservation, and precision nutrition. He delves into the potential of real-time data and wearable technologies for cows to optimize production and health management. Connolly also explores the future roles of AI, virtual reality, and robotics in dairy management, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving industry. The episode underscores the significant changes AI will bring to dairy farming operations, making them more efficient and data-driven. This Episode is brought to you by Adisseo This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/ 00:00 Introduction to AI in Dairy Farming 02:04 Challenges in Dairy Farming 05:13 Technological Solutions and Wearable Technologies 09:02 Real-Time Data and Decision Making 13:39 Healthcare Innovations and Farm Applications 16:12 Virtual and Augmented Reality in Dairy 18:16 The Future of AI in Dairy Farming 29:38 Practical Steps for Embracing AI 36:42 Final Thoughts and Continuous Learning

February 3 • 41m 7s