Progressive Dairy Podcast

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.

New developments in teat dips and how they’re being applied give dairy farmers more options to manage their labor, udder health and milk quality. In this Progressive Dairy podcast, you’ll hear from Keith Engel, who specializes in hygiene solutions for GEA. Keith helps dairy farmers optimize milking performance with smart hygiene solutions to meet their farm’s needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to utilize parlor labor more effectively or seeking more flexible and economical teat dips, he can lay out all the options. Consistency and efficiency are cornerstones of milk quality and udder health for Keith. In this episode, he shares innovations in teat dip formulas, on-farm blending systems and automated applications to help you achieve both. This episode is sponsored by GEA.

On this Progressive Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Jay Joy, founder of Milk Money LLC, to learn how defining executive level roles within a dairy can propel the business forward, and how an outside perspective can lead to long-term viability.

On this Progressive Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits with Ryan Estis, a keynote speaker from the Dairy Strong Conference hosted earlier this year in Wisconsin. This dynamic business consultant shares what any business must do right now to be positioned for future success.

On this Progressive Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen makes a visit to a dairy farm with no cows in Fort Atkinson, Wis., to learn about a business family coming into its seventh generation of operations. Philip Jones, CEO of Jones Dairy Farm branded pork products talks openly about the brand’s inspiring origins story, company culture and keys to a successful multi-generational business.

There are many metrics that help shine light on a dairy herd’s performance, but one metric that is often overlooked can speak volumes – Dry Matter Intake. In this podcast, we’ll explore the sometimes unseen impact of how much the cows eat can affect health and performance. Joining me again is Richie Shepardson, a dairy technical specialist with Milk Specialties Global based out of Vermont. Richie, welcome to the program. This episode is sponsored by Milk Specialties Global.

On this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Jared Yousey of Sunnyside Farms in Scipio Center, New York, to hear what actions he takes as the manager of a 5,000-cow dairy and 40-person team to establish a culture of loyal and reliable employees in a competitive labor market.

Father and son dairy producers Randy Ebert and Jordan Ebert of Algoma, Wisconsin, join the Progressive Dairy podcast to talk about how they have diversified Ebert Enterprises to include not only a dairy operation, but also a facility for raising many of their beef-on-dairy crossbreds. They also share their “doubling down” approach over the past two years, which has included the purchase of a local meat market, building their own harvesting facility and, most recently, opening the Homestead Kitchen and Tap, a farm-to-fork restaurant.

Finding the right ration mix for your dairy herd is critical to maximizing performance and profitability, but in the era of high feed costs and increased uncertainty, getting it right is trickier than it looks. This episode is sponsored by Milk Specialties Global.

This Progressive Dairy Podcast features the Progressive Dairy Producer Panel moderated by editor Peggy Coffeen at the Global Dairy Expo, held Dec. 8-10, in Las Vegas. Hear from these four top producers as they talk about core values, culture and what makes their operations different: Dick Bennink, North Florida Holsteins, Jared Yousey, Sunnyside Farms; Lyle Grimm, Riverview LLP; and Scott Blevins, Wiese Bros. Farms.

In this Progressive Dairy podcast, hear from Walt Cooley and Peggy Coffeen as they recap the year, talk about traditions and provide a sneak peek of changes coming for Progressive Dairy in the new year. Listen all the way to the end to find out the special gift Walt has for you.

We are back at the Real Science Exchange and coming to you from the World Dairy Expo 2021. We invite you to pull up a chair and join us to discuss the future of the dairy industry with three dairymen who have made their mark, not only in the show ring but on the entire industry. We have gathered three dairymen to discuss how the industry is changing and what recommendations they have for future generations. Guests: Jonathan Lamb, Oakfield Corners Dairy and Lamb Farms Pat Maddox, RuAnn Genetics and Maddox Dairy Jim Ostrom, MilkSource This episode is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.

After more than three decades, 2021 saw new leadership installed at Dairy Management Inc. – the organization that manages the industry’s checkoff program. Barb O’Brien succeeded long-time CEO Tom Gallagher earlier this year. Editor Walt Cooley recently caught up with O’Brien to talk about what changes dairy farmers can expect in the checkoff under her leadership and some of the key issues she believes are facing the dairy industry.

Over the past year, Amy Throndsen, chief operating officer of Advanced Comfort Technology LLC, has written a series of feature articles on people in the dairy community with a background in service, whether that’s through the military or groups like the Peace Corps. In this episode, Progressive Dairy Editor Peggy Coffeen goes behind the scenes to tell the story of where this idea came from and the individuals who continue to give back in their current roles serving the dairy industry.

Meet U.S. Olympian and dairy farmer Elle Purrier-St. Pierre. On this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Editor Peggy Coffeen interviews this record-breaking runner who also advocates and educates her social media audience about dairy farming and nutrition.

Mallory Embree (Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer) and Lisa Marotz (Microbiome Scientist) work at Native Microbials, a company that specializes in creating novel microbial products for dairy cows. Native is on the verge of launching a flagship product that will have a big impact on the dairy industry - Galaxis Frontier. In this episode you’ll learn why the rumen microbiome is so important, what makes Galaxis Frontier different than other products on the market, and how the product improved energy corrected milk by 8 lbs/cow/day in a recently completed trial conducted in Tulare, CA. This episode is sponsored by Native Microbials.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Novus International, Inc. Novus marketing specialist, Megan Niehmeyer took time to interview Dr. Karen Luchterhand, C.O.W.S. program lead, on the importance of cow comfort. She shares key management strategies for achieving optimal production without sacrificing animal well-being. At the end, Dr. Luchterhand shares a C.O.W.S. assessment story that shows the power that teamwork, management practices, and nutrition can all have in transforming a dairy. Thank you for listening! This episode is sponsored by Novus International, Inc.

In today’s podcast, we introduce you to Jim Mattox, CEO of Cowsultants, and founder of the Global Dairy Expo. Progressive Dairy is a founding sponsor and exclusive media partner for the event, which will take place Dec. 8-10 in Las Vegas. Hear about how the exciting lineup of speakers and the value the event offers to dairy producers.

During a global pandemic, we learned that essential workers are people who provide everyday services and goods that we depend on, like milk. We are back with Tom and Simon, to get their perspective on how dairy producers can find ways to adapt in a tumultuous marketplace. This episode is sponsored by Zoetis.