Progressive Dairy Podcast

In this episode, host Kimmi Devaney visits with Charlie Gardner and Emily Barge from the Center for Dairy Excellence in Pennsylvania about their new resources for new and beginning farmers. These resources can also be helpful for the next generation returning to the farm and producers that have been in the dairy business for several decades. The guide can be accessed online at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/getting-started or by calling the Center for Dairy Excellence at (717) 346-0849. Here's a breakdown of the episode: What type of information is included in the guide? [~3:45]Is this also relevant to the next generation coming back to the farm or is it mostly targeted at people with no dairy farming background? [~4:53]How could this guide be useful to producers who have been dairy farming for years already? [~6:05]Who should be part of the advisory team? [~8:05]What feedback have you heard so far? [~13:10]Since the center is in Pennsylvania, will many of the resources be applicable to dairy producers in other states? [~14:40]How can new dairy producers in other states find similar resources if the ones provided don’t apply to their region? [~16:20]What are some tips for new producers to build relationships with current producers and others in the allied industry that can help them? [~17:40]How do you recommend future and new producers work through this material? Is there a particular order that works best? [~21:40]What are the most important things you’d like new producers to take away from reading this guide? [~22:45]What else would you like producers to know about this guide that we haven’t already covered? [~25:25]Rapid-fire questions [~27:50]

In this episode, the experts from Central Life Sciences discuss ClariFly® Larvicide and the importance of fly control on dairy operations including biosecurity and employee retention (1:03), the threats of flies and the diseases they spread (3:33), fly audits on a dairy operation (7:11) and the importance of implementing an integrated pest management program (8:46). This episode is sponsored by Central Life Sciences. ClariFly® Larvicide protects from disease-carrying flies that feed on dairy cattle, including house flies, stable flies, face flies and horn flies. Adding this feed-through as part of an IPM program can have a major impact on dairy cattle productivity. As a feed additive, ClariFly® Larvicide is incorporated into an animal’s feed to stop flies in their larval stage. Adding this ingredient to their feed ration is all the work an employee needs to do to reduce disease-carrying fly populations on an operation.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Jenn Coyne visits with Alice Crothers of Long Green Farms in Maryland. Crothers is a member of the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute Class 12 where she spent the last two years welcoming opportunities that allowed for personal and professional growth. That progress pushed Crothers to be a greater leader in her community and be a true advocate for her family’s farm and the larger dairy indusry. Along with her YDLI involvement, Crothers and her husband, Caleb, were recognized as Maryland’s Leopold Conservation Award recipients for their dedication to sustainability of farming in their community. Here is a breakdown of the episode: What first intrigued you about the Holstein Foundation’s YDLI program? [~1:20]What did you hope to achieve at the end of this two-year program? [~1:50]How have you seen yourself grown personally and professionally with this program? [~2:17]Tell us about your farm, and how you became involved in the industry. [~3:09]What do you hope to achieve as stewards of the land and being committed to serving your community? [~6:24] In what ways are you and your family dairy farming with sustainability in mind? [~8:39]How does being recognized as Maryland’s Leopold Conservation Award recipient reflect your efforts for your farm and greater community? [~10:38]In what ways are you and your family able to share your story of conservation? [~11:16]What’s next for the Crothers family? [~13:35]Rapid fire questions. [~14:57] Contact Alice Crothers: https://www.longgreenfarms.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100022668793550

As temperatures begin to rise, dairy producers know their cows are susceptible to heat stress. Even in relatively cool regions, heat stress can negatively affect cow comfort, health and performance. Stu Rymph, technical support dairy nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition, says understanding the visual signs of heat stress is the first step to developing strategies to help your cows cope with the heat. Q: What is heat stress and what are the visual signs? Q: What are the effects of unmanaged heat stress? Q: What abatement strategies do you recommend for heat stress management? Q: What nutritional strategies do you recommend to aid in heat stress abatement? Q: Why is heat stress abatement important? To learn more about managing heat stress, talk with your Purina representative or visit purinamills.com. Stuart Rymph, Ph.D., CCA, PAS Technical Support Dairy Nutritionist Purina Animal Nutrition [email protected] This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers throughout the United States. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry-leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney visits with Sara Talcott and Felice Thorpe about how to build a standout brand, when to stay local versus grow regionally or nationally, how to differentiate your brand story and much more as it relates to branding, sales and marketing. Here’s a breakdown of the episode: How does a brand become valuable to consumers? [~3:30]What are some examples of farms and agricultural brands that have done a great job marketing to consumers? [~4:50]What does it take to launch a standout brand? [~7:45]What role does conveying a compelling story have on brand loyalty and overall marketing? [~11:25]For farms considering diversification, what are some key skillsets that you’d recommend they either identify within their current team members or add to their team? [~17:35]How does social media and having an online presence impact marketing efforts? [~20:44]When is it advantageous to stay local and when should a brand consider branching out to reach a broader customer base? [~22:55]For existing brands, why is it important for them to nurture their current loyal customers base instead of only trying to attract new fans? [~25:30]Where do you see the most potential for growth within agricultural niche markets? [~27:30]Is there anything that you’d recommend avoiding or lessons learned that you’ve observed from some of the farms you’ve worked with? [~33:00]What else can dairy farmers do to differentiate themselves and build a loyal customer base? [~37:40]What are the first steps a producer who is interested in diversifying should take to set themselves up for success? [~42:30]Rapid-fire questions [~43:30]

In this episode, the experts from Central Life Sciences discuss ClariFly® Larvicide and the importance of fly control on dairy operations including biosecurity and employee retention (1:03), the threats of flies and the diseases they spread (3:33), fly audits on a dairy operation (7:11) and the importance of implementing an integrated pest management program (8:46). This episode is sponsored by Central Life Sciences. ClariFly® Larvicide protects from disease-carrying flies that feed on dairy cattle, including house flies, stable flies, face flies and horn flies. Adding this feed-through as part of an IPM program can have a major impact on dairy cattle productivity. As a feed additive, ClariFly® Larvicide is incorporated into an animal’s feed to stop flies in their larval stage. Adding this ingredient to their feed ration is all the work an employee needs to do to reduce disease-carrying fly populations on an operation.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Jenn Coyne visits with Brent and Nancy Wilson of Wilson Centennial Farms in Michigan. The couple and their sons, Tyler and Ben, work in partnership on the dairy and crop farm operation. Over the years, the Wilsons have been recognized for their dedication to milk quality and production, as well as regularly participating in cutting-edge industry research trials. Most recently, the family was honored as the 2023 Dairy Farm of the Year by Michigan State University’s Department of Animal Science. This episode explores the Wilsons’ legacy in the industry and their tactics as progressive dairy producers. Here is the breakdown of the episode: How do you think the recognition as Michigan State University’s 2023 Dairy Farm of the Year epitomizes your dairy career and your family’s purpose as dairy farmers? [~1:13]How are the Wilsons all involved on the dairy? [~1:54]Wilson Centennial Farm is known for its superior milk quality and production. What credit can you give to your family and their expertise that helps you meet these benchmarks. [~8:04]What management tactic or approach has helped achieve the farm goals? [~9:56]Walk us through your dairy farming philosophy and how you guys have pivoted over the years to keep up with industry trends. [~13:33]Why such a strong relationship with MSU and your cooperative to participate in research trials and host student interns? What are the most recent projects you’re a part of? [~16:25]As a seventh-generation farm, how do you think your ancestors would react to progress you’ve made and the recognition you’ve received as a leading dairy farming business? [~20:55]What’s next for the Wilsons? [~22:07]How does the Wilson family make decisions for the future of the dairy? [~24:32]Rapid-fire questions [~26:12] Contact Brent and Nancy Wilson, Wilson Centennial Farms at [email protected]

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney talks with California dairy farmer Richie Mayo, who is the chief financial officer (CFO) for DeJager Farms in California, about how technology has contributed to their overall sustainability efforts on the farm. Here is a breakdown of the episode: Mayo’s agricultural background and his role on DeJager Farms [~0:27]Examples of technologies that Mayo and his team have implemented to improve overall sustainability [~2:55]Why they chose subsurface drip irrigation [~5:15]Benefits of subsurface drip irrigation [~10:00]How system management has evolved since installation [~13:00]Available resources and assistance for dairy producers interested in installing similar systems [~18:05]How data collected from the technology is used in their management decisions [~21:20]Why sustainability matters to Mayo as a CFO [~22:55]What Mayo wishes more dairy producers knew about sustainability [~26:00]Rapid-fire questions [~28:05]

Should you make that next level investment in technology? Listen to learn firsthand, how McCormick Dairy LLC went from “knowing we needed a change” to “the decision of the year” with GENEX HerdMonitor® cow monitoring system. Dan Utter, Reproductive Program Senior Technician from GENEX and Jen McCormick from McCormick Dairy LLC share their herd check success as the farm has gone from 50% palpated pregnancy rate to 90 to 95%. GENEX HerdMonitor® brings real-time solutions and next level technology to fruition with 24/7 cow monitoring, identification, rumination, heat detection, and cow positioning options. This episode is sponsored by Genex. GENEX is the global cooperative leader dedicated to providing innovative genetic and reproductive solutions to our progressive dairy and beef members and customers. With our Herd Genetic Line, Herd Care Line and Herd Tech Lines, we offer a comprehensive approach to providing the products, services and systems you need for your next generation.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Jenn Coyne visits with Mike Haddad, the former chair of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, as well as dairy producer Suzanne Vold of Minnesota. Last year, Haddad spoke at the Dairy Sustainability Alliance fall meeting where he reminded the audience of the industry’s unity and alignment on sustainability goals for the future of the industry. This episode dives further into those efforts and leans on Vold. She and her family’s experiences in implementing sustainable practices on their farm showcase how efforts are being accomplished and the impact they have for the dairy community. Here is the episode breakdown: What are the industry’s goals for sustainability in the future? [~2:19]Why is this so important for farmer's social right to farm? [~6:08]Why is it important for the Volds to keep sustainability top of mind? [~8:26]What key ways has the industry been supported to reach these goals? [~11:37]How is the industry as a whole supporting farmers reaching these goals on their individual farms or regions across the U.S.? [~19:06]Vold: How has your family’s farm kept sustainability at the forefront of your operation? [~24:21]Which partnerships created through the USDA Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities stand out? [~29:14]Haddad: In your career, how did you see the industry progress in sustainability? [~35:32]What excites you about the industry’s current position and its path for the future? [~38:23]Rapid-fire questions [~39:56] Contact: Scott Wallin, Dairy Management Inc. [email protected]

In this episode, we will introduce you to, and celebrate, the 2023 Nexus Innovation Award winners. They were recently recognized at Professional Dairy Producers' (PDPW) business conference. One of the award winners requires zero wires to work, another can separate corn stover from corn silage after its been in the pile, yet another inhibits pathogen growth in recycled manure solids, one can tell you how much water and how often your cows drink, and the final one uses a smell-masking technology to bring a product back into service that was last offered in the 1980s and that increases energy-corrected milk production. If you were present at the conference, you would have seen Editor Walt Cooley holding up a pineapple during his awards introduction of these companies. Cooley believes a pineapple is a good analogy for these winners. “What they offer is different than what you’ve seen before. It’s non-traditional. It’s not an apple or an orange. At first glance, it may not look that appealing. That's just because you may not have tried it. It feels different,” Cooley said during the conference. “Because what these companies offer is different, it will take just a bit more effort than other fruits to crack into. But I promise you, there is something exotic, unique and sweet inside each of these companies, just like a pineapple.” Congratulations to the 2023 Nexus Innovation Award winners! Nedap for its SmartFlow Milk MeterGlori Enterprises for The FoddArm & Hammer Animal Nutrition for its Certillus product for dairy beddingSmaXtec for its TruDrinking featureZinpro for IsoFerm

Do you wonder about the impact of your dairy checkoff investment? Join farmer hosts in conversations about how local and national checkoff works together to build dairy sales and trust in today’s changing marketplace. Episode 9 - Dairy Innovation: Who is doing it and how does it work? Hear from California dairy farmer Tyler Riberio and New York dairy farmer Emma Andrew-Swarthout chat with Michelle McBride, founder and CEO of GoodSport Nutrition, and Bill Graves, SVP of Product Research at Dairy Management, Inc. about dairy product innovation. Listen to the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast here.

In this episode, editors Kimmi Devaney and Dave Natzke discuss the trends and insights they learned from talking with more than 100 dairy producers and industry leaders across the U.S. while compiling the 2023 State of Dairy coverage, which appeared in the March 12, 2023, issue of Progressive Dairy. Here's a breakdown of the episode: What we mean when we say “State of Dairy coverage”? [~2:20]How this annual coverage originated [~3:10]This year’s trends compared to the last few years [~3:45]Areas of optimism for the dairy industry in 2023 [~5:00]Overview of some of the words dairy producers and industry leaders used to describe 2023 [~6:30]Summary of some of the concerns and challenges facing the dairy industry in 2023 according to those Dave and Kimmi talked with across the industry [~7:40]Processing capacity strengths and weaknesses across the nation [~9:15]How dairy producers are addressing current challenges [~9:50]Noteworthy insights regarding the Federal Milk Marketing Order reform or other policies and regulations [~10:55]Dave and Kimmi discuss what they think brings the most optimism for the dairy industry in 2023 [~13:25]Rapid-fire questions: Get to know Dave Natzke [~15:25]

Calves are the future of our herd. Health and performance play a significant role in calf growth and development. And, ultimately, how well they start paying us back when they enter the milking herd. But raising calves isn’t always easy and they require special care and attention to detail. In this episode, Taylor Wolfe, territory sales representative with DBC Ag Products, shares how we can navigate the challenges of calf raising to grow healthy, productive calves. She’ll share her perspective on what she sees and hears as she visits calf raisers across the Northeast. Here is the episode breakdown: 1:27 – Taylor introduction 2:20 – Role helping calf raisers3:19 – Favorite part of working with dairy farmers4:28 – One thing about calf health that gets overlooked5:10 – Biggest on-farm challenges6:58 – Focusing on management practices7:35 – Uncovering hidden costs9:10 – Calf health and future milk production10:20 – Veterinarian prescriptions10:55 – Advice for calf raisers11:20 – Where to learn more This episode is sponsored by DBC Ag Products. DBC Ag Products offers innovative, all-natural eubiotics based products that set your calves up for success. First Arrival® with Encrypt® and Last Stand® with ImmWave® help calves maintain normal digestive health and support a healthy, functioning immune system. You can find them at an animal health distributor, dealer or veterinarian near you. Learn more at dbcagproducts.com.

This episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast includes a recap of the recent ground-breaking work that Editor Walt Cooley has done. He has collaborated with the IFCN Dairy Network to create the first-ever dairy farm tech poster. That poster is a collection of worldwide companies who are developing or deploying technology on dairy farms throughout the globe. Download a PDF of the poster here. Walt’s guest is Torsten Hemme, founder and CEO of the IFCN Dairy Network. They talk about how the poster came to be, the amount of dairy farm technology investment flowing into the dairy industry and the innovations that dairy farmers will need to become more efficient, sustainable and ultimately profitable into the future. Here is a breakdown of the episode: What is the IFCN Dairy Network? [~1:45] What is most impressive to you about milk economics around the ward? [~3:45] What is the dairy farm tech poster? [~5:00] Are people really interested in dairy farm tech? [~8:30] Where are dairy farm tech companies located? [~10:30] How much money is being invested in dairy farm tech? [~12:45] The dairy industry is bigger than Apple and Google combined? [~14:00] How are dairy farm tech companies categorized? [~15:15] What will be the core topic for the coming decade in dairy tech? [~20:00] How are current events impacting dairy technology advancement? [~23:00] Where are milk prices going globally? [~24:15] Rapid-fire questions [~28:00] Follow IFCN online. Join the dairy tech LinkedIn group.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Jenn Coyne visits with Justin Malone of Minnesota. Malone is an organic dairy producer who helped spearhead the acquisition of Hastings Creamery as a way to create a market for organic dairy products while sustaining family businesses for future generations. Not only has Malone played an integral role in developing this market, he and a small of group of dairy farmers also ventured into America’s Dairyland with the purchase of Comstock Creamery. The episode delves into these business decisions and what Malone has learned in creating a market for his organic milk. Here is a breakdown of the episode: Tell me about your family’s farm and your history with organic dairy production. [~1:22]How was Smoky Hills Farmers Cooperative formed? [~4:21]When was the Hastings Creamery proposition pursued and why? [~5:22]Walk me through that purchase of the creamery and preparing the location with a new storefront and organic processing. [~10:56]What does the creamery look like today? [~13:43]What has been the feedback from the community? [~15:56]Since 2021 when the creamery was purchased, how has the business expanded? [~18:24]How do you do it all as a dairy farmer and general manager of the creamery? [~20:29]What has this business venture taught you or showed you as an organic dairy producer in today’s industry? [~22:27]What’s next for Justin Malone? [~28:05]Rapid-fire questions [~31:14]

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney is joined by Jenna Muller and Mary Campbell from the California Ag Mediation Program to discuss a resource that can help you resolve some of the tense situations and difficult conversations that inevitably come up while managing a business, especially one with your family. Mediation can assist with transitioning the farm from one generation to another, diffuse tense situations with neighbors and assist with multiple other situations. Visit calamp.org to learn more about mediation in California. Visit agriculturemediation.org for mediation in other states. Here’s a breakdown of the episode: How does mediation help farm families? [~1:00]The primary reasons a farmer would call a mediator [~2:40]Jenna and Mary walk us through the process when a farmer calls them for assistance [~3:40]How mediation can assist with transitioning the farm from one generation to another [~4:30]Facilitating debt issues [~8:55]Dealing with neighbor disputes [~10:20]Misconceptions they hear about facilitation and mediation [~13:30]Trainings offered and what they cover [~14:20]Additional tips for anyone looking to have more productive conversations and discussions [~15:55]How can farmers across the country who need some extra help navigating difficult conversations with family members, neighbors, or others find facilitators or mediators to help them? [~23:50]Rapid-fire questions [~27:40]

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Jenn Coyne visits with Evan Barton of South Fork Dairy Farm in Newark, Ohio. Barton is a first-generation dairy farmer who signed a deal with Clean Energy Fuel to use the manure that his cows produce to create renewable natural gas. The amount of clean fuel produced allows about 52 Amazon trucks to fill up at the fuel station each day as an added benefit to Barton reducing his farm’s carbon footprint. The episode also discusses Barton’s perspective as a first-generation farmer in today’s industry. Here is the breakdown of the episode: Tell us about your career in the dairy industry. [~1:01]What led to this partnership with Clean Energy Fuel? [~3:43]What is the project timeline? [~5:00]How will you have to prepare your farm for the partnership? [~6:09]How will manure be processed at your farm? [~8:03]How has this business decision bettered your farm? [~8:57]From an environmental and sustainability standpoint, how are you anticipating this manure digester to benefit your farm? [~10:04]How did you get into the dairy industry? [~12:31]What have been those key moments that defined your career and helped you build it to what it is today? [~17:16]How do you evaluate a proposition and whether it’s right or not for your dairy? [~19:14]What was the best advice you’ve ever received regarding dairy farming? [~21:06]What advice would you give to a new producer entering today’s industry? [~22:01]What’s next for Evan Barton and South Fork Dairy Farm? [~22:57]Rapid-fire questions [~23:51] Contact Evan Barton: [email protected]

In this episode, host Kimmi Devaney talks with Derrick Josi, who is an Oregon dairy farmer and author that has built an online presence of 800,000 followers on Facebook and recently moved cows into new facilities on the farm. Kimmi and Derrick discuss what he did differently with the new facilities, how and why he started advocating online, why he wrote a book and much more. Read more about his book here: agproud.com/blogs/2-progressive-dairy-guest-blogs/post/54786-dairy-farmer-addresses-industry-misconceptions-in-new-book. Here’s a breakdown of the episode: Derrick’s inspiration for building new facilities [~0:40]What they did differently in the new facilities vs. the old ones [~1:45]Cow comfort and ventilation in the new barns [~4:45]The most challenging part of the construction process [~5:35]How he’s grouping cows differently in the new facilities [~8:00]How doubling the herd size has changed their management [~8:55]What he would do differently if starting over today [~12:25]Future plans for a visitor center on the farm [~13:25]Tours [~15:15]Why Derrick started sharing his dairy story online [~16:40]His motivation for online advocacy [~18:45]Derrick’s strategy for dealing with negative people, trolls, activists on social media [~19:30]Content that resonates with his online audience [~21:35]How much time he spends engaging with followers in an average week [~24:15]Advice for other dairy farmers and industry representatives trying to start sharing their stories online [~27:00]Avoiding online advocacy burnout [~28:15]His inspiration for writing a book in 2021 [~30:10]Target audience for his book and what he hopes they gain from reading it [~31:15]Goals when writing An Industry Worth Fighting For [~31:40]Misconceptions addressed in the book [~32:10]Reader feedback [~33:05]Plans for future books [~33:35]Derrick’s key takeaways as a first-time author [~34:50]Rapid-fire questions [~36:05] To contact Derrick, email him at [email protected]

Do you wonder about the impact of your dairy checkoff investment? Join farmer hosts in conversations about how local and national checkoff works together to build dairy sales and trust in today’s changing marketplace. Episode 19 - What Happened With Dairy Promotion In 2022? Hear from Pennsylvania dairy farmer and Dairy Management Inc. Chair Marilyn Hershey and Missouri dairy farmer and National Dairy Board Chair Alex Peterson discuss the 2022 checkoff’s dairy promotion... Here is a breakdown of this episode: 0:40 - DMI's Scott Wallin introduces Dairy Management Inc. Chair Marilyn Hershey and National Dairy Board Chair Alex Peterson.3:09 - How checkoff is reaching Gen Z through gaming and online marketing5:16 - How checkoff tells dairy's sustainability story to consumers7:28 - How large restaurant and retail partnerships are driving dairy sales and innovation8:12 - Checkoff's new collaboration with the Mayo Clinic and dairy's role in health and wellness9:34 - How U.S. Dairy Export Council is driving sales in dairy exports13:03 - How checkoff is piloting new milk programs in schools with smoothies and bulk milk15:17 - Dairy consumption in the U.S. is on the rise17:29 - The future of dairy promotion19:34 - How farmers can get involved in dairy promotion Listen to the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast here.

In this episode, Progressive Dairy Podcast co-hosts Kimmi Devaney, Walt Cooley and Jenn Coyne discuss some of their favorite articles and podcast guests from 2022, along with what they are most looking forward to in 2023 at Progressive Dairy. Additionally, get to know your co-hosts better during a special co-host version of the rapid-fire questions. Reach out to any of our co-hosts with comments and episode ideas ([email protected]), and we will see you back here in 2023! Kimmi Devaney Walt Cooley Jenn Coyne

The future of dairy farming is already here. In this episode, Rudy Ebbekink, marketing and communications manager for Nedap, discusses what technology is on the horizon to improve the life of cows, farmers and farm families for many years to come. This episode is sponsored by Nedap. Nedap is the global leader in farming automation using individual animal identification. For more than 40 years, Nedap strengthens dairy farmers through the most reliable and innovative cow identification, monitoring and automation solutions. They empower managers and personnel with dependable information to make operational and strategic decisions and help dairies become more efficient, productive and successful. For Nedap, trust and reliability in both partnership and technology are key. Leading international dairy farming companies, including genetics and milking equipment suppliers, partner with Nedap to include its technology in their systems. A publicly listed company, Nedap employs more than 800 people globally, across 10 locations and seven business units.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Robert Hagevoort from New Mexico State University and Dr. Mike Tomaszewski from Texas A&M about the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium, which is a program for college dairy students that pairs practical, on-farm experience with in-the-classroom learning from some of the nation’s best dairy professors. Learn more about the program and find an application for the 2023 summer class at https://usdetc.tamu.edu Here is a breakdown of the episode: An overview of the program [~ 1:36]How the consortium started [~4:20]More about the evolution of the program over the past 15 years [~8:50]How the program prepares students for a variety of careers in the dairy industry [~10:27]Networking opportunities available through the consortium [~13:49]Other skills students learn [~16:08]How the program combines classroom learning and on-farm practical experience [~20:00]Success stories from alumni [~21:35]Feedback received from alumni that completed the survey they sent out last summer [~27:28]Requirements for students to apply [~32:30]How students can learn more about the program and apply for the upcoming class [~36:15]

Dr. Alfonso Lago, President and Chief Science Officer at the contract research organization, DairyExperts (Tulare, CA), summarizes the results of a trial he conducted on behalf of Native Microbials. The 40-week week study tested the effect of two microbial products consisting of microorganisms sourced from the rumen on the production of Holstein dairy cows. The study found that microbial feed supplementation improved economically important outcomes such as milk yield, solids, and feed efficiency. The study has been published by the Journal of Animal Science. This episode is sponsored by Native Microbials.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Jenn Coyne visits with Jake Peissig of JTP Farms. Peissig and his lean workforce strive for superior milk quality and cow care with a strategic approach to mastitis treatment and dry cow therapy. This Wisconsin dairy producer was recently recognized as the inaugural Dairy First award recipient by Boehringer Ingelheim, celebrating Peissig’s commitment to milk quality practices and the well-being of his herd. Here is a breakdown of this episode: Tell me about JTP Farms. [~1:40]What is your farming philosophy on growing and sustaining the herd in today’s dairy industry? [~2:42]What are management things you do on the farm that let you achieve your goals regarding milk quality and cow comfort? [~4:55]How do you address milk quality in your herd with selective dry cow therapy, mastitis culturing and other treatment protocols? [~6:12]What have been the positive outcomes in terms of milk quality, herd health and overall herd performance? [~10:45]What challenges have you and your team had to overcome in order to meet your farm goals? [~12:56]How has technology played a role in achieving your farm goals? [~15:35]Could you imagine farming and managing a milking herd any other way without technology? [~19:02]What’s next for Jake Peissig and the team at JTP Farms? [~20:07]What advice would you give other dairy producers who are looking to improve their herd management, specifically targeting improved milk quality and the overall well-being of the animals on their farm? [~21:49]How does Boehringer Ingelheim’s inaugural Dairy First award reflect what you and your team accomplish each day at JTP Farms? [~24:56]Rapid fire questions [~25:46] Contact: Jake Peissig [email protected]

On this episode of The Dairy Dive we’re joined by someone smarter than us, much smarter. Sara Kvidera, of Elanco, joins the show as we dive deep into the world of animal health. Sara does a fantastic job of explaining some complicated topics in a way that even Scott and Andrew can understand! This episode is sponsored by Masters Choice. Welcome to The Dairy Dive, a newly reformatted podcast (formerly known as the MC Podcast) that is dedicated to diving deep into topics that are important to today’s dairy farms. Every other Wednesday hosts, Scott Harris and Andrew Crabtree, are joined by leading industry professionals to fully engage their expertise in unique aspects of dairy, exploring everything from robotic milkers to dairy nutrition. It’s a fun, and sometimes quirky, auditory experience that is unlike anything else in the ag podcast space. Find The Dairy Dive, sponsored by Masters Choice, wherever you get your podcasts.

Editor Walt Cooley visits with Progressive Dairy contributor Andy “Caygeon” Junkin during World Dairy Expo about working with family and succession planning. This three-part episode discusses how to goal set for success, how the next generation should work with their elders on the farm, and how to set a farm on the right path for succession. Junkins’s niche is helping stubborn farmers work better together. Here’s a breakdown of the episode: Business planning for farm families [~2:45]Junkin’s business plan in his wallet and how he manages day-to-day goals [~9:30]One-page business plan [~12:45]Creating short mission and vision statements and how it can change your operation [~18:15]Importance of shared goals [~21:40]What it takes to put a succession plan in place [~24:00]How to transfer management and wisdom before transferring assets [~34:10]First draft of succession strategy [~41:45]Tips for navigating family members not being on the same page [~46:30]Why many farm families struggle with communicating with each other [~50:45]Tackling four to five areas the farm struggles with [~56:20]Importance of common values and beliefs [~57:45]Navigating changing family dynamics during the first few years of coming back to the farm [~59:45] To learn more about Junkin’s work in this area, visit www.stubborn.farm

Dairy farmers rely on data to make timely management decisions to optimize individual cow, herd, employee and farm success. In this episode, Matt Heisner, dairy product specialist for Nedap, introduces the Nedap SmartFlow Milk Meter and describes how it can accurately measure milk yield and flow rate in your milking system. This episode is sponsored by Nedap. Nedap develops technology for life. Technology that helps people be more successful and happier in their professional lives. For Nedap Livestock Management this means helping professional dairy and pig producers run a profitable, sustainable and enjoyable business. The solutions Nedap creates enable them to automate everyday tasks and make informed decisions based on individual animal identification and data. This way Nedap empowers livestock producers to respond to the growing global demand for animal protein in a way that is both profitable and aligned with rising standards for animal welfare, sustainability, transparency and the safety and quality of food. Learn more at https://www.nedap-livestockmanagement.com/dairy-farming/ Here’s the episode breakdown: 0:40 – Welcome, Matt Heisner and host, Tera Baker1:34 – Who is Nedap?2:04 – Introduction to the SmartFlow Milk Meter and what makes it different?3:20 – What are the advantages to being wireless?4:38 – Can you tell us more about the technology behind the SmartFlow?5:18 – How does this make a farmer’s life easier?5:59 – Describe how a farmer can take action from the data.7:01 – Can you share how this affects the cow or cow comfort?8:19 – Does this interfere with the milking process?8:56 – Where can farmer’s find the data?9:51 – How do you manage the meter day-to-day?10:58 – How does this fit into a farmer’s current milking system?11:36 – Where and how can Nedap technology be accessed?12:39 – Is it cost effective and how does it affect milk quality?14:20 – Can you share when the Nedap SmartFlow milk meter will be available to farmers?

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney visits with author and well-known speaker Michele Payn about stress – what it is, how it manifests, how it impacts our farms, and most importantly, what we can do about it. Michele is passionate about agriculture and has connected with a multitude of audiences about utilizing science to connect people across the food plate, in addition to advocacy, mental health and much more. Here is a breakdown of the episode: About Michele, her dairy background and how she helps farmers [~1:30]What inspired your passion for helping farmers with mental health and stress management? [~2:50]What are you hearing from farmers these days about stress, stress levels and stress management? [~4:40]How has that conversation changed in the last five to 10 years? [~6:40]What does work-life balance look like on a dairy farm and what are some first steps farmers can take if they are looking for more balance in their lives? [~8:45]How do stress and cortisol manifest in the body? [~12:20]What are the consequences of maintaining stress levels that are too high for too long? [~14:25]On the flip side, are there any benefits to stress? [~17:15]How can our listeners recognize if their stress is out of control? [~17:40]What are some of the ways to create a buffer against stress? [~19:25]You recorded an episode with Eliz Greene on your podcast about how overwhelm and uncertainty are two main stressors for many people. Tell us more about this and why these two in particular are so impactful. [~23:00]Why do you say stress management is an essential business practice and how can someone be strategic about either dealing with or preventing stress? [~26:35]You recently developed a growth journal. Tell us about that and how someone can utilize it. [~30:20]What are some resources farmers can access as they incorporate stress management into their lives and businesses? [~33:10]What are some red flags people should be looking for in their friends and family when it comes to mental health and stress management? [~34:55]What else should farmers know about mental health and stress management that we haven’t covered yet? [~37:25]What role does gratitude play in all of this? [~39:05]Rapid-fire questions [~42:00] Contact Michele Payn Website: causematters.com Email: [email protected] Social media: @mpaynspeaker

In this episode, you’ll hear from Wisconsin dairy farmer Mack Drees of Drees Dairy Farm. Mack is the “cow guy” on his family dairy. When he came home from college, the dairy needed to expand but didn’t want to have to manage more people. They decided to milk with robots in their new expansion. Mack talks about whether he thinks it’s better to bite off a whole bunch of technology at once when going with robots or if staged adoption of technology is preferable. He also gives his answer as to whether the activity monitoring has paid for itself more in repro improvements or if cow health improvements for his registered Holstein herd are returning more of an investment. This podcast was recorded during the 2022 National Holstein Convention in South Dakota this past summer. Mack was a participant on the Data and Innovation Summit producer panel. Listen to that panel here. Here is a breakdown of the episode: Tell us about your farm. [~1:45]Give us your experience transitioning your farm to milking robots. [~3:00]If you had to do it over again, would you stairstep into technology or make a big leap into it all at one time? Why? [~5:00]How long did it take for cows to get used to the robots? [~6:45]At what age do you put your activity monitors on? [~9:00]Explain your experience of using activity monitoring to dial in optimum breeding time. [~10:00]In what ways is technology already providing a payback on your farm? [~11:15]Do you think you get more of a payback from activity monitoring on the health or repro side of your farm? [~14:15]In your opinion, how can farmers best utilize sort gates with monitoring? [~15:45]Talk about how you do regular milk testing with your robots. [~19:45]Explain your farm’s three-pronged approach to evaluating technology. [~25:00]Describe how activity monitoring quantified the value of treatment vs. prevention. [~31:00]What’s a decision you need to make in the upcoming months? [~33:30] Follow Drees Dairy Farm online: www.facebook.com/dreesdairy

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney talks with Davon Cook about how peer groups and advisory boards can improve your farm by bringing additional perspective to your management decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the episode: Davon tells us how she helps dairy producers with their businesses. [~1:08]What trends have you seen with the farms you’ve worked with regarding team development and leadership? [~3:56]Definition of peer groups and advisory boards in a farm context [~8:37]Some frequent challenges she sees on farms related to leadership, business and human resources [~12:55]Recommendations for setting up an advisory board [~16:55]Benefits of including someone outside of agriculture in your advisory board [~24:15]How to vet potential advisory board candidates [~27:20]Recommendations for setting up a peer group [~30:15]Are there existing peer groups that dairy producers can join or do they need to create their own? [~36:35]Success stories [~40:40]Qualities and actions that increase success [~48:00]First steps for setting up an advisory board or peer group [~50:35]Rapid-fire questions [~52:50] Davon’s contact information: Email her at [email protected]

What do health care and dairy have in common? Both are using data and technological advancements to provide better care. In this episode, Taliah Danzinger, VAS manager of education and training, dives into parallels between industries, how we can make better use of data and what the future of dairy data looks like. In her role, Taliah performs dairy herd data evaluation and educates producers, industry partners and academia on the applications and analysis of the data through VAS' software solutions. She also provides education on how to use VAS products and services, including DairyComp and the VAS PULSE Platform. Taliah brings on-farm experience to her role as a herd manager for a 300-cow robotic dairy and her ownership of a small dairy herd. Here is the episode breakdown: 0:57 – Welcome, Taliah1:55 – Hurdles with today’s dairy data2:42 – Parallels between health care and the dairy industry4:29 – How to help farmers manage their data5:57 – Real-life data scenarios7:17 – Data collaboration for key players on every farm8:13 – Platforms making the most of dairy data10:04 – Evolution of benchmarking and dairy software11:58 – Future of dairy data This episode is sponsored by VAS. VAS is focused on your dairy’s future with software and information solutions that help collect and connect your farm’s data. Learn more at VAS.com

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy podcast, host Kimmi Devaney talks with fourth-generation Washington dairy farmer Jack Mallonee about managing an automated milking system in a pasture-based system, opportunities available for young people interested in getting involved in the dairy industry, the ways automation has changed the way they manage the farm, facility upgrades and what they are doing differently to increase cow comfort, and more. Jack and his dad, Maynard, have a 60-cow organic dairy farm in southwest Washington. Here is a breakdown of the episode: About the farm [~1:20]Dairy breeds [~2:35]Why they chose an automated milking system vs. traditional parlor [~3:55 ]Other automation on the farm [~4:42]How they incentivize cows out on pasture to visit the barn to be milked [~5:25]How the automated milking system has changed the way they manage the farm [~5:50]Utilizing data from automation in management decisions [~6:55]Managing robots in a pasture-based system [~8:40]Their greatest challenges with their automated milking system [~10:57]Preparing springers for the automated milking system prior to calving [~12:35]Advice for other grazing dairies considering adding an automated milking system [~13:45]Matching herd size with land base on an organic dairy [~15:25]Jack’s inspiration to return to the farm after graduation [~16:40]Opportunities available for young people to get involved in the dairy industry [~17:15]How industry organizations can help young people make connections in the industry [~18:40]Facility upgrades [~20:18]Building barns for cow comfort [~21:10]Future goals [~22:50]Rapid fire questions [~25:10]

More and more dairy farmers are thinking about switching to robotic milking as new technology provides better options to manage labor, production and milk quality. In this episode, Matt Roberts, director of milking equipment sales for GEA, shares considerations for choosing the right robot type, real-world performance results and how to evaluate robotic milking ROI. Matt has extensive experience with milking system installations, and uses that background to help dairy farmers choose, manage and maintain their milking equipment – from conventional parlors to large-scale robotic milking systems. Whether you’re looking to optimize milking performance or seeking a more flexible farm schedule, he lays out all the options. This episode is sponsored by GEA. GEA offers milking solutions to maximize efficiency and milk quality. From parlors to robotic milking, our customized milking systems fit the needs of any size dairy farm. Herd management tools, hygiene solutions and manure management equipment complete our offering. You can count on our leading-edge technologies paired with our experienced dealer service network to help manage your dairy business profitably and sustainably. Learn more at gea.com/dairyfarming. Here’s the episode breakdown: 0:40 – Welcome, Matt Roberts2:28 – Can you share details on the two milking robot styles?3:47 – Talk us through initial robot conversations and considerations.6:50 – What about robotic milking ROI?8:30 – Can you explain features and services to look for in robotic milking systems?9:48 – Can you share current highlights of robotic milking farms?11:10 – What about robotic milking performance?11:42 – What are your top recommendations for farmers interested in robots?

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy podcast, host Kimmi Devaney visits with Washington dairy farmer Krista Stauffer about her journey in sharing her story online, the challenges of starting a dairy farm in 2009, how advocacy impacts mental health, what she’s learned about managing employees, how Washington’s agriculture overtime law has affected their farm and more. Here is the breakdown of this episode: About her farm (~0:33)What it was like starting a dairy in 2009 (~1:00)What inspired her husband to start dairy farming and why they chose their current location (~2:20)Progression of the first decade of dairy farming (~4:20)How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Stauffers in the Pacific Northwest (~6:15)Kids’ roles on the farm (~7:35)How and why Krista started sharing her story online (~8:50)Consumer feedback to her social media pages (~11:20)How she’s dealt with trolls and others with negative intentions against dairy farming (~13:10)Resources and mentors (~14:05)Mental health related to advocacy (~16:05)Krista’s advice for others sharing their farm stories online (~21:10)Krista shares about running a local boutiqueWhat she’s learned about balanceThe most important things she’s learned about managing people to build a good work environmentHow Washington’s agriculture overtime law has affected their farmWhat should dairy producers living in states without state agriculture overtime laws know about how this law may affect them?Rapid fire questions

Dr. Jim Drackley, Professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, summarizes the results of a trial he conducted on behalf of Native Microbials. The 20-week week study tested the effect of two microbial products consisting of microorganisms sourced from the rumen on the production of Holstein dairy cows. The study found that supplementation with native rumen organisms increased energy-corrected milk production and feed efficiency. The study has been published by the Journal of Dairy Science Communications. This episode is sponsored by Native Microbials. Native Microbials is a biotechnology company that produces microbial products using microbes that are native to the animal. Their Galaxis products are available to dairy farmers.

In this Progressive Dairy podcast episode, four dairy producers discuss how they best utilize dairy data technologies and systems to maximize efficiency, profitability and results. They recently participated in a panel discussion moderated by Editor Walt Cooley during the Data and Innovation Summit, held in conjunction with the National Holstein Convention. The four dairy producers include: Mack Drees, Drees Holsteins; Dr. Portia Seckerson, Blue Horizons Dairy/Northern Valley Livestock Services; Chris Szydel, Pagels Ponderosa; and Bob Webb, Summit Farms. Here is a breakdown of the episode: Mack Drees’ presentation [~2:00]Bob Webb’s presentation [~12:45]Chris Szydel’s presentation [~17:00]Dr. Portia Seckerson’s presentation [~29:20]What is the one technology you use that is most optimal in your opinion and you would miss the most if you lost it? [~37:00]Out of these categories – automation, breeding, cow health, compliance/employee engagement, time management for financial performance, and milk quality – which is the highest priority when making a technology decision? [~40:20]Dr. Seckerson, what platform are you using at your practice to benchmark across herds? {~44:00]Now that you have multiple systems in place, in hindsight is there any that you would have swapped the order in which you installed them? [~44:30)What are the most promising technologies that are coming out that will be additive to what you are doing on your farms? [~48:35]Walt’s take-home messages from the panel discussion [~56:15]

In this episode, Fredric Ridenour talks with Scott Oler, Jennifer Weber and Daniel Horton of Afimilk about how milk analyzer technology is helping some dairies manage component measurement to increase milk check revenue and how the data is being used to make informed decisions on rations, herd health and more. Here is the episode breakdown: Value of technology in component measurementHow milk analyzer technology worksFinding a costly feeding error: A Case StudyAnalyzing milk to manage healthWhat component measurement can tell us about a ration This episode is sponsored by Afimilk.

On this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney visits with Peggy Coffeen in her last episode as a member of the Progressive Dairy team about the most memorable moments, guests and other highlights from co-hosting the podcast over the past three years.

In this episode, the experts from Central Life Sciences discuss ClariFly® Larvicide and the importance of fly control on dairy operations including the importance of a complete IPM program (3:10); identifying flies and their threats (4:59) and an explanation of how a larvicide controls flies (8:14). We then hear from Cameron Dakin (12:00), a third-generation dairy farmer who speaks to benefits he’s experienced while using ClariFly® Larvicide over the past several years. This episode is sponsored by Central Life Sciences.

On this Progressive Dairy podcast, Peggy Coffeen catches up with Dr. Marissa Hake, a veterinarian who has embraced transparency and authenticity to build an Instagram following of more than 55,000 people. Learn how her lifelong ambition to be a vet, combined with her creative side, have forged the path for her mission to bridge the farm-to-consumer relationship. Season 4, Episode 15 Here is a breakdown of the episode: · Becoming the “Calf Vet” [~1:30] · The pivot point when her social media platform started to take off [~9:30] · The biggest challenges ahead for animal agriculture [~16:00] · How becoming a mom to two little farmers has influenced her person [~24:00] · Rapid-fire questions [~28:30] Follow Dr. Marissa Hake here: www.drhakecalfvet.com www.instagram.com/calfvet_ www.facebook.com/calfvet www.blacklabelfarms2020.com Are you a subscriber? Keep up with our Progressive Dairy podcast episodes to gain insights from what is happening in the industry to new and evolving management techniques for your operation. Just like our magazine, we’ll cover a multitude of topics including human resources, business management, facilities, repro and genetics, feed and nutrition, calf and heifer raising, dry and transition cows, herd health, hoof health, milk quality, animal welfare and manure handling. Subscribe now to be notified of new releases. Click here to find past issues and quick links to subscribe on your favorite platform.

In this episode, the experts from Central Life Sciences discuss Starbar® products and the dangers of cockroaches on your agricultural operation. This includes the signs and impacts of cockroach infestations, infestation sites, and the importance of a complete IPM program. In addition, learn about Alluvium™ Cockroach Gel Bait and additional Starbar® products for your operation. This episode is sponsored by Starbar® Products.

On this episode of the Progressive Dairy podcast, host Peggy Coffeen sits down with Jessica Pralle-Trimner of Miltrim Farms, Inc., in Athens, Wisconsin, to dig into the data she uses daily to manage 1,800 cows milked in a 30-box robot barn. Here is a breakdown of the episode: A snapsnot of Miltrim Farms [1:58] Rotary parlor versus robotics: Why they chose robotics [3:33] The biggest challenges of a new way of dairying [6:53] How Miltrim Farms added 1,200 cows with no additional full-time employees [10:33] Why “compliance is key” but “data is power” [16:03] Precision feeding [19:35] Managing milk quality [22:10] Managing cow health without touching cows [23:40] Rapid-fire questions [27:40] Read more about Miltrim Farms, Inc. in this Progressive Dairy article.

In this Progressive Dairy Podcast episode, Kimmi Devaney talks with Tim Haynes and Kerry Estes, who are the two Indiana dairy farmers that recently handed the famous bottle of milk to the winning driver of the 2022 Indianapolis 500. Milk has long been the drink of choice for winners of this race and has been called the “coolest trophy in sports”. In this episode, we learn how this tradition started and hear about Tim and Kerry’s experiences representing dairy on this international stage at the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Here is a breakdown of the episode: Meet Tim and Kerry (~0:37)How did the tradition of milk at the Indy 500 begin (~2:28)What milk options do drivers have and how do Tim/Kerry know which milk to hand the winning driver? (~3:22)As the rookie milkman, what was this experience like for you, Kerry? (~4:25)What was this experience like for you, Tim, as the veteran milkman this year? (~6:00)How were you selected for this coveted role? (~7:53)What were your responsibilities on race day and leading up to it? (~8:50)Who did Kerry hand the milk to? (~9:44)What were the moments like leading up to handing the milk to the winning driver of the Indy 500 along with his team owner and chief mechanic? (~10:00)How does it feel to be the two dairy farmers representing dairy on this international stage? (14:50)What’s next for Kerry and Tim? (~17:35)Rapid fire questions (~18:50)

In this episode, you’ll get to know Progressive Dairy’s newest editor and podcast co-host, Kimmi Devaney. Kimmi comes to Progressive Dairy with a rich history in the dairy industry, which began on her grandparents’ farm in Washington. During this interview, she tells listeners more about her career in public relations, the dairy programs that most impacted her personally and professionally, and why this new role is literally her dream come true. Progressive Publishing is also hiring a new editor and podcast host to join the team. Learn more from editors Peggy Coffeen and Kimmi Devaney about what this role entails, which skillsets would be most beneficial, and why this is such a great opportunity. Interested applicants can view the job posting here: https://www.progressivepublish.com/careers Episode 16 – 06/07/22 Here is a breakdown of the episode: When did you first fall in love with dairy? [~1:45] What are some of your fondest memories of your grandparents’ farm? [~2:45] Give us the highlight reel of your career so far. [~4:15] What motivates you to pursue these roles and serve the dairy industry in this way? [~9:00] How does it feel to be an editor and podcast host at Progressive Dairy? [~10:40] What will you be doing in your new role? [~12:30] Rapid-fire questions [~13:20] We are hiring a new dairy editor and podcast host. Learn more about what that role entails, its qualification, and why someone with this skill set should apply. [~15:55] Contact Editor Kimmi Devaney: [email protected] Dairy editor and podcast host job announcement: https://www.progressivepublish.com/careers Are you a subscriber? Keep up with our Progressive Dairy podcast episodes to gain insights from what is happening in the industry to new and evolving management techniques for your operation. Just like our magazine, we’ll cover a multitude of topics including human resources, business management, facilities, repro and genetics, feed and nutrition, calf and heifer raising, dry and transition cows, herd health, hoof health, milk quality, animal welfare, and manure handling. Subscribe now to be notified of new releases. Click here to find past issues and quick links to subscribe on your favorite platform.

In this episode, Editor Walt Cooley interviews two guests, Kurt Wierda of Plymouth Dairy in Le Mars, Iowa, and Tom Oelberg, formerly with Diamond V and an adviser on Kurt’s management team. Tom recently retired from Diamond V and is best known in the industry as the “grandfather of the TMR audit.” And Kurt’s dairy was one of the first dairies to do a TMR audit and has completed several since the program started in 2008. Overall, more than 12,000 such audits have been done on dairies around the world. Kurt and Tom discuss what they’ve learned about managing feed teams and mixing feed. Kurt also describes his feeding setup and discusses how he is attempting to tackle the volatility of 2022.

In this episode, the experts from Central Life Sciences discuss ClariFly® Larvicide and the importance of fly control on dairy operations including the importance of a complete IPM program (3:10); identifying flies and their threats (4:59) and an explanation of how a larvicide controls flies (8:14). We then hear from Cameron Dakin (12:00), a third-generation dairy farmer who speaks to benefits he’s experienced while using ClariFly® Larvicide over the past several years. This episode is sponsored by Central Life Sciences.

An area that many dairies struggle with, especially those using composted manure for bedding is this: Milk quality. It’s a common challenge for somatic cell counts to bounce all over the board when bedding with dried solids, and it requires an elevated level of both stall and parlor management to maintain udder health. So what does it take to keep somatic cell counts consistently below 100,000 in a dairy facility that beds with composted manure solids? In this episode, Progressive Dairy podcast host Peggy Coffeen sits down with Scott Blevins, the director of dairy and heifer operations at Wiese Bros. Farms in Greenleaf, Wis., to find out how he does it.

This episode includes presentations and interviews with the five technologies recently awarded with Nexus Innovation Awards at PDPW’s 2022 Business Conference. This is the second year such awards have been given out. Progressive Dairy partners with PDPW to sponsor these awards. The award winners were selected by a panel of dairy producers from among more than a dozen technologies that applied for the award. The winners presented their technologies live during the conference. In this episode, you’ll get a taste of those presentations.

On this Progressive Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen welcomes Emily Shaw, the founder of Dairy Girl Fitness. Hear how this social media influencer turned her love for dairy and health into an online coaching business and a platform for dairy nutrition.