Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Duane Ducat and Joel Roltgen, discuss the following topics: 

• Overview of savings at Deer Run Dairy
• How Deer Run learned about Focus on Energy
• Updating lighting, Deer Run Dair updated:
  • Replaced 250–1000W HID fixtures with efficient LED high-bay and exterior fixtures. 
  • Added LED troffers and direct-wire T8 replacements. 
  • Installed LLLC-enabled fixtures in select areas for advanced controls and additional savings. 
• Dairy refrigeration tune-ups
• VFDs on primary and secondary agricultural water systems
• Variable speed vacuum pumps
• High-speed ventilation fans with VFDs
• Initial investments
• Process of working with Focus on Energy
• What’s next for Deer Run Dairy in energy efficiency
• How to get started with Focus on Energy, find an advisor here.

About the guests

• Joel Roltgen is an Energy Advisor for Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Program, serving agricultural customers in northeastern Wisconsin. He joined Focus on Energy in 2019, providing operational efficiency strategies and financial incentives to agriculture operations and industry partners. Joel brings many years of engineering and management experience, having worked with employees at all levels in various industries.  

• Duane Ducat, who is one of the owners of Deer Run Dairy in Kewaunee, Wisconsin where they milk 1,800 cow and farm 3,000 acres. Duane is a board member of the Dairy, Business Association and Peninsula Pride Farms.  

This is sponsored by Focus on Energy.

Resources:

• Contact us at 800.762.7077 or business@focusonenergy.com
• Full list of opportunities here.
• Focus on Energy Trade Ally list here.
• 2026 Agribusiness catalog here
• Dairy Stream rewind: Unforeseen money savings and benefits of agricultural tune-ups
• Dairy Stream rewind: Save money through a farm energy assessment

• Top 5 Ways to Save Energy on Your Dairy and Livestock Farm

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Duane Ducat, owner of Deer Run Dairy, and Joel Roltgen, agribusiness energy advisor with Focus on Energy, discuss the update made at Deer Run Dairy, which saved them thousands of dollars. We give an overview of the money saved, most impressive energy savings project, process of working with Focus on Energy and what’s next in the energy efficiency space for dairy.

This is sponsored by Focus on Energy.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

The Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration started in 2021 and is studying soil health and manure management and their effects on greenhouse gas reduction, water quality improvement and agronomic factors such as yield and forage quality on working dairies and research farms in major dairy regions.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests, Dr. Mara Cloutier and Dr. Dennis Busch, discuss the following topics: 

• Strides and accomplishment since last Dairy Stream episode in 2022
• Common design of the project
• Research at UW-Platteville
• Importance of nutrient management in soil health management
• Most impactful conservation practices
• Economics of new practices and processes
• Baseline survey
• Farmers adopting new practices
• What’s next for the project

 About the guests:

• Dr. Mara Cloutier is a research soil scientist and program director at the Soil Health Institute who oversees the organization’s scientific and data management contribution to the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration project. 

• Dr. Dennis Busch is a senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville whose work centers on applied agroecosystem research, with an emphasis on pasture- and crop-livestock systems, soil and nutrient dynamics, and long-term field experimentation. 

Resources:

• Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration website 
• Project video 
• Frequently asked questions 
• Wisconsin soil health assessment webinar 
• Dr. Mara Cloutier video clip 
• Dr. Dennis Busch video clip 
• Dairy Stream Rewind: National-scale project examines dairy’s greenhouse gas footprint

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 17.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Dr. Mara Cloutier, research soil scientist and program director at the Soil Health Institute, and Dr. Dennis Busch, senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, discuss accomplishments of the Dairy Soil and Water Regeneration Project (DSWR), focus and research areas at UW-Platteville, most impactful conservation practices, economics and the future of the project.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

Dairy Stream and the Menn Law Firm are proud to present the third annual “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Bob and Tom Zwald, second and third generations at Bomaz Farms, discuss early influences, improvements to be better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future for the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by the Menn Law Firm.

About the guests:

• Bob Zwald is the second generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Bob's is the general manager and oversees the cattle.
• Tom Zwald is the third generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Tom oversees cropping operations on the farm. They milk 1,500 cows and farm 2,500 acres.  

Season 1: How We Got Here (2024):

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Season 2: How We Got Here (2025):

• How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Scheps Dairy in Almena, Wisconsin

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream and the Menn Law Firm are proud to present the third annual “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today. The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 3.

This three-part series is sponsored by the Menn Law Firm.

About the guests:

• Bob Zwald is the second generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Bob's is the general manager and oversees the cattle.
• Tom Zwald is the third generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Tom oversees cropping operations on the farm. They milk 1,500 cows and farm 2,500 acres.  

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Farmers in Wisconsin have teamed up to create a farmer-led watershed group called Peninsula Pride Farms and it’s taking soil health to the next level. We are going to learn more about the farmer-led group, how they make informed management decisions, conservation practices to build organic matter and manure management practices. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the following topics: 

• History of Peninsula Pride Farms
• From field day to conservation idea
• Making informed management decisions
• Including everyone in conservation efforts
• Conservation practices that make big impacts
• Building organic matter
• Importance of manure
• Manure application methods
• Adding other minerals to help with soil structure
• Tools that support conservation
• Manure management success stories
• Conservation goals for Kinnard Farms
• Conservation future trends

Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Lee Kinnard is president and owner of Kinnard Farms located in Kewaunee County in Wisconsin. He manages the business, the people and the cows. Kinnard Farms consist of 9,250 cows, 7,800 heifers located in Colorado in partnership with four Wisconsin farmers, 11,500 acres, and has 21,000 acres with a nutrient management plan and currently provides jobs to 137 valued employees. Over the years, Kinnard Farms has grown due to Lee’s new ideas, methods and solutions that have a positive impact on animal care, regenerative agriculture and food production.  

Resources

• Producer-Led Group Roadmap and more
• Peninsula Pride Farms website
• Kinnard Farms website
• Farmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable Food

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Greg Siegethaler and Mike North, discuss the following topics: 

• Overview of cheese processing capacity in the Midwest
• Economic signals for the Midwest area
• What it means for farmers in the short-term
• Processors achieving net zero and ESG requirement
• Make allowances
• Dairy landscape in 10 years

About the guests

• Greg Siegethaler, president of the Dairy Business Association and the VP of Milk Marketing, Strategic Sourcing, & Sustainability at Grande Cheese 

• Mike North, president of the Producer Division at Ever. Ag and a past DBA president  

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Greg Siegethaler, president of the Dairy Business Association and the VP of Milk Marketing, Strategic Sourcing, & Sustainability at Grande Cheese and Mike North, president of the Producer Division at Ever. Ag and a past DBA president, discuss the billions of dollars in new investment pouring into the I-29 corridor and the Great Lakes region, creating some of the most technologically advanced cheese processing plants.

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza discusses the following topics:

• The best piece of advice
• Advice to their younger selves
• Balancing roles
• Helpful resources that bring success in their roles
• Future goals, steps to take

Guests include:

• Christina Zuiderveen, Black Soil Dairy, IA 

• Heidi Fischer, Fischer Clark Dairy, WI  

• Dorothy Elliott, Drumgoon Dairy, SD 

• Kate Minten, Spadegenske Dairy, MN 

• Kelly Oudenhoven, Larrand Dairy, WI 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Guests include:

• Christina Zuiderveen, Black Soil Dairy, IA 

• Heidi Fischer, Fischer Clark Dairy, WI  

• Dorothy Elliott, Drumgoon Dairy, SD 

• Kate Minten, Spadegenske Dairy, MN 

• Kelly Oudenhoven, Larrand Dairy, WI 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Chad Zuleger and Cody Carpenter, discuss the following topics: 

• Biggest wins for Wisconsin dairy
• Surprises in the policy space
• Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports
• Farm field calculator
• Label grown meat
• Clean water and PFAS
• Importance of engagement
• Basic to advance ways to get involved
• What’s next in the policy space

About the guests

• Chad Zuleger is the Executive Director of the Dairy Business Association. He has been working in the policy space for 25 years.  
• Cody Carpenter, owns and operates Redrock View Farms with his family in Darlington, Wisconsin, where they milk 650 cows and farm 1,500 acres. Cody is currently serving as a DBA board member and also a member of the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance.  

Resources:

• Dairy Business Association priorities
• ARIP Program
• Producer- Led Watershed Protection Grants
• Crop Insurance Premium Rebates for Planting Cover Crops
• Rock Elm local ordinance: DBA members help prevent local ordinance
• Wisconsin dairy and farm statistics from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
• Dairy Day at the Capitol information
• DBA Dairy Golf Classic July 28 information

Learn more about Dairy Business Association.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Chad Zuleger, executive director of the Dairy Business Association, and Cody Carpenter, dairy farmer and owner of Redrock View Farms in Darlington, Wisconsin and also a DBA board member, discuss the Wisconsin legislative wins, surprises, basic to advanced ways to engage policymakers and what’s next in the policy space.

Learn more about Dairy Business Association.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

We are taking a big picture look at the challenges mother nature has brought us and how farmers are overcoming these challenges. We will cover adaptive strategies farmers are implementing, crop selection, new technologies, pest control and more. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the following topics: 

• Shifting weather patterns and the impact on planting and harvesting windows
• Adaptive strategies
• Crop selection and varieties
• Emerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorus
• Compaction in the Midwest
• Data tools for in-season decision making
• New or increasing pest and disease threats
• Agronomic trends or challenges in the next 3-5 years
• Resources for farmer education

About the guest

• Chris Clark is an agronomic outreach specialist with Northeast Wisconsin for the nutrient and pest management team for the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Chris partners, cooperates and brings together farmers, researchers and industry providing agronomy outreach she focuses on crop and soil nutrient use. Chris began her role at Extension in 2023. Prior to joining Extension, Chris worked in private sector agronomy lab testing for 12 years, and as a agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for 9 years. She has a BA in Agricultural Education from UW-River Falls and is a Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor and has been a member of the WI CCA board for 6 years. 

Resources

• Wisconet
• Ag Weather Outlook
• Agriculture Data | Wisconsin State Climatology Office
• UW Extension Agriculture- Agriculture – Extension
• Farmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable Food
• Find a farmer-led group near you

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

We are through the first quarter of 2026 and we’ve seen some big items for dairy. We cover the highlights of the last four months, dairy policy items, market trends and more.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Marin Bozic, discuss the following topics: 

• Top highlights for dairy in the last four months
• Federal Milk Marketing Orders update
• Farm Bill
• Pros/cons of new dietary guidelines
• Global conflicts
• Record-high beef prices
• Value of milk
• GLP-1 weight-loss
• Market signals to keep an eye on

About the guest

• Marin Bozic is the founder and CEO of Bozic LLC, a global provider of technology solutions for commodity markets analytics and designer of three major livestock insurance programs in the United States - Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Gross Margin and Livestock Risk Protection. In addition, Dr. Bozic is a board advisor to Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and a nationally popular consultant and speaker on economics of dairy markets and policy issues. 

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

*Recorded March 30, 2026

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 8.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Marin Bozic, a nationally recognized dairy economist who serves as an adviser to the Edge board of directors, discuss the top highlights for dairy in the last four months, Federal Milk Marketing Orders, global conflicts, value of milk and market signals to keep an eye on.

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

*Recorded March 30, 2026

We have covered succession planning many times on Dairy Stream and this time we are taking a unique approach that focuses on the alignment of family and business goals to support long-term family harmony and business success.  

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Barb Dartt, discuss the following topics: 

• First things to assess and align to improve succession planning
• Collaborative dialogue, how to practice it
• Handling difficult conversations
• Leadership development in succession planning
• Structured governance
• Biggest thorns in succession planning
• Advice to the next generation
• How to revisit succession plans

About the guest

• Barb Dartt is a principal consultant for The Family Business Consulting Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience helping individuals and family groups grapple with the joys and challenges that are a natural part of families owning and managing businesses together.  At The Family Business Consulting Group, Barb helps families get aligned, anticipate and prevent future challenges, and communicate effectively to grow their businesses. 

Resources:

• Lydia Tuthill’s article on the 3 Cs 
• Barb's article on Next Gens “grabbing hold” and Letting Go... by Avoiding the Identity Trap
• Crucial Conversations
• Death by Meeting
• FBCG Resources
  • Managing Conflict in the Family Business
  • Power, Authority, and Influence: The Hidden Challenges of Succession Planning
  • Three Key Conversations for Sibling Partnerships to Succeed in Succession
  • Having “The Talk:” Navigating the Family Business Succession Conversation with Your Parents
  • Family Business Succession: 15 Guidelines

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 1.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Barb Dartt, principal consultant for The Family Business Consulting Group, discuss assessing and aligning farm owners, biggest thorn, preparations and what’s next in the space of succession planning.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Erin Tomasik and Paul Fetzer discuss the following topics: 

• Rock Elm township local ordinance in Pierce County, Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits
• Conversations leading up to the committee meeting
• DNR meeting with the town board
• Testifying at town board meetings
• Bridging the gap
• Monitoring local ordinances
• Running for local office

About the guests

• Erin Tomasik is the Community Relations Manager at the Voice of Milk, where she works to ensure farmer voices are represented on local policy issues. She supports the organization’s government affairs team as well as its permitting and regulatory efforts. Erin collaborates closely with members to connect them with resources, participate in important town meetings and advocate for practical change at the county level. With over 4 years of experience in agricultural advocacy, she has a strong commitment to supporting farmers and the dairy community. 
• Paul Fetzer is a retired dairy farmer and his family is running Fetzer Farm in El Paso, Wisconsin. Where they milk 1,400 cows and farm 3,000 acres. Paul is a past DBA board member and was awarded the 2024 DBA Advocate of the Year. 

Resources:

• DBA members help prevent local ordinance in Rock Elm, read here.
• Nutrient Management Planning resource  
• Livestock Facility Siting resource 
• Contact DBA team
• DBA policy priorities
• Connect with Erin, email Erin at etomasik@voiceofmilk.com 

Learn more about the Dairy Business Association.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

It was an honor to host the voice of agriculture. Dairy Stream's Mike Austin talks with farm broadcast legend Orion Samuelson about his over 60 years of broadcasting experience. Orion shares his favorite stories, gives advice, reminiscences on memories and shares future plans. 

WGN Radio shared a tribute to Orion here. 

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Erin Tomasik, community relations manager and Paul Fetzer, retired dairy farmer and DBA member board member, discuss the recent burdensome local ordinance designed to limit the productivity of dairy farms in Rock Elm township. They discuss the local ordinance, collaborative efforts, monitoring local ordinances and running for local office.

Resources:

• DBA members help prevent local ordinance in Rock Elm, read here.
• Nutrient Management Planning resource  
• Livestock Facility Siting resource 
• Contact DBA team
• DBA policy priorities
• Connect with Erin, email Erin at etomasik@voiceofmilk.com 

Learn more about the Dairy Business Association.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Alex Udermann of Meadowbrook Dairy Inc. discuss the following topics: 

• Meadowbrook Dairy’s start in regenerative farming
• Go-to cover crops
• Making educated decisions
• Soil health mentorship
• Most impactful equipment for regenerative practices
• Precision nutrient management practices
• What consumers are asking
• Conservation goals
• Improving animal health from in-field conservation efforts
• Perspective on feed additives
• What’s next for regenerative farming

About the guest

• Alex Udermann is a fifth-generation dairy, beef, and row crop farmer who operates alongside his parents, John and MaryLou, his wife Kirsten, and his brother Jake and sister-in-law Sam. Their farm focuses on regenerative practices including no-till, cover crops, and responsible nutrient and manure management. They also provide custom no-till planting, cover crop seeding, custom manure hauling, and direct-to-consumer beef sales. Alex serves as an active member and mentor with the MN Soil Health Coalition, helping educate farmers and communities on soil health practices   

Resources:

• Meadowbrook Farm website
• Follow Meadowbrook Dairy on Facebook.
• UM-Extension article on the Udermann family
• MN Soil Health Coalition website

Learn more about the Voice of Milk.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Alex Udermann of Meadowbrook Dairy Inc. discuss regenerative farming practices, precision nutrient management, what consumers are asking and what’s next for the future of regenerative farming practices.

About the guest

• Alex Udermann is a fifth-generation dairy, beef, and row crop farmer who operates alongside his parents, John and MaryLou, his wife Kirsten, and his brother Jake and sister-in-law Sam. Their farm focuses on regenerative practices including no-till, cover crops, and responsible nutrient and manure management. They also provide custom no-till planting, cover crop seeding, custom manure hauling, and direct-to-consumer beef sales. Alex serves as an active member and mentor with the MN Soil Health Coalition, helping educate farmers and communities on soil health practices   

Learn more about the Voice of Milk.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Basics of hoof health care
• Automating hoof care
• Accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) findings
• Materials needed on farm
• How it fits into a hoof care plan
• ROI
• Lifespan of equipment
• Advice to a farmer who is hesitant about adding AI on the farm
• Future of hoof health care

About the guest

• Tera Baker is the North American Marketing Manager for the NedapDairy Business, bringing a lifelong passion for agriculture and a career spanning multiple segments of the dairy industry. Originally from Three Oaks, Michigan, she holds a B.S. in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University. Tera’s career includes roles in pharmaceutical sales and leading the precision livestock sales unit at Topcon, and has spent time living and working with farms in Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan in addition to national and international roles. She is especially energized by Nedap’s commitment to technology creation and its role as a key connector among leading brands serving progressive dairy farmers. Beyond her work at Nedap, Tera remains deeply rooted in agriculture. She farms cash crops with her family, co-owns a precision ag dealership with her husband, and operates a U-Pick flower farm experience. Tera brings a grounded yet forward-looking perspective on dairy technology, innovation, and the future of livestock management. 

Resources:

• SmartSight with Nedap
• Article on Nedap ignites the era of AI-powered vision technology with SmartSight

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Tera Baker of Nedap discuss the basics of hoof health, automating hoof care, working with your hoof trimmer, artificial intelligence, ROI and the future of hoof health care.

This episode is sponsored by Nedap.

About the guest

• Tera Baker is the North American Marketing Manager for the NedapDairy Business, bringing a lifelong passion for agriculture and a career spanning multiple segments of the dairy industry. Originally from Three Oaks, Michigan, she holds a B.S. in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University. Tera’s career includes roles in pharmaceutical sales and leading the precision livestock sales unit at Topcon, and has spent time living and working with farms in Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan in addition to national and international roles. She is especially energized by Nedap’s commitment to technology creation and its role as a key connector among leading brands serving progressive dairy farmers. Beyond her work at Nedap, Tera remains deeply rooted in agriculture. She farms cash crops with her family, co-owns a precision ag dealership with her husband, and operates a U-Pick flower farm experience. Tera brings a grounded yet forward-looking perspective on dairy technology, innovation, and the future of livestock management. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Overview of the AI platforms and what is being used
• Most helpful on the farm
• Hype vs reality
• Simple and advance examples
• Where to learn more about AI
• Data ownership
• Government’s role in AI
• Positive and negative implications of AI
• AI replacing the farmer?
• Future of AI

Collaborate with the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Mike Kutzke is a life-long learner who is interested in technology, artificial intelligence, and how people and groups adapt to change. He holds an M.S. in Social Sciences from North Dakota State University and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Mike grew up on a dairy farm and farmed full-time early in his career. He was a police officer for 17 years and has worked in higher education for over 20 years. 

Resources:

• Connect with Mike Kutzke on LinkedIn
• Major AI Platforms: Claude, Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT
• Dairy Brain with UW-Madison
• SmartSight with Nedap

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest discuss AI platforms, simple and advance ways to use AI, hype vs. reality, data ownership, government’s role in AI and the role it plays on farms.

Collaborate with the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Mike Kutzke is a life-long learner who is interested in technology, artificial intelligence, and how people and groups adapt to change. He holds an M.S. in Social Sciences from North Dakota State University and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Mike grew up on a dairy farm and farmed full-time early in his career. He was a police officer for 17 years and has worked in higher education for over 20 years. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Heidi Fischer of Fischer-Clark Dairy and Michael Torrey of Torrey Advisory Group discuss the following topics: 

• Reflect on ag policy and what we can learn
• Workforce, labor shortage
• Exports
• Positives and negatives of tariffs
• Farm bill
• FDA, Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Renewable Fuel Standards
• How to advocate

About the guest

• Michael Torrey founded the Torrey Advisory Group in 2005. Mike’s commitment to the critical role of agriculture remains the foundation of the firm, and he has developed an experienced, bipartisan team who is dedicated to working for the greater good through food, agricultural, and related industries. The team’s ranks include experts in science, nutrition, legislative policy, and trade. 

• Heidi Fischer is a dairy farmer and owner of Fischer-Clark Dairy in Hatley, Wisconsin, where they milk 1,100 cows and farm 2,800 acres. Heidi is currently serving as the president of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. 

Resources:

• Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative policy priorities
• Edge member portal
• Contact Edge Chief Policy Officer Karen Gefvert at kgefvert@voiceofmilk.com

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Heidi Fischer of Fischer-Clark Dairy and Michael Torrey of Torrey Advisory Group discuss the complexities of agricultural policy in 2026. It covers the historical perspectives on policy-making, current labor shortages, the farm bill timeline and the importance of advocacy for farmers.

About the guests

• Michael Torrey founded the Torrey Advisory Group in 2005. Mike’s commitment to the critical role of agriculture remains the foundation of the firm, and he has developed an experienced, bipartisan team who is dedicated to working for the greater good through food, agricultural, and related industries. The team’s ranks include experts in science, nutrition, legislative policy, and trade. 

• Heidi Fischer is a dairy farmer and owner of Fischer-Clark Dairy in Hatley, Wisconsin, where they milk 1,100 cows and farm 2,800 acres. Heidi is currently serving as the president of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. 

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

What will 2026 bring the dairy economy? Our guest emphasizes the importance of understanding demand curves and offers actionable insights for farmers to navigate the challenges ahead.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest David Widmar of AEI discuss the following topics: 

• Reflecting on Historical Contexts
• Current Financial Health of U.S. Agriculture
• Commodity Prices Outlook for 2026
• Trade Dynamics and Their Impact
• Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
• Labor and Immigration Policy Effects
• Risk Management Strategies for Farmers
• Ad Hoc Policies and Their Implications
• Demand Curves and Economic Insights
• Key Action Items for Farmers in 2026

About the guest

• David Widmar is an ag economist specializing in trends and conditions across the farm economy. He is the managing partner of Ag Economic Insights (AEI.ag), which he co-founded with Dr. Brent Gloy in 2014. AEI is a trusted source of insight for thousands of ag professionals who subscribe to the free weekly newsletter, AEI Premium, or various data offerings. Before founding AEI, Mr. Widmar was a researcher at Purdue University. He holds degrees from Kansas State University and Purdue University. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Recorded 12.17.25

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest David Widmar of Ag Economic Insights discuss historical parallels, the current financial health of U.S. agriculture, outlook for commodity prices, impact of trade dynamics, the role of artificial intelligence and what to keep an eye on in 2026.

Register now for the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin

About the guest

• David Widmar is an ag economist specializing in trends and conditions across the farm economy. He is the managing partner of Ag Economic Insights (AEI.ag), which he co-founded with Dr. Brent Gloy in 2014. AEI is a trusted source of insight for thousands of ag professionals who subscribe to the free weekly newsletter, AEI Premium, or various data offerings. Before founding AEI, Mr. Widmar was a researcher at Purdue University. He holds degrees from Kansas State University and Purdue University. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

We are showcasing past Dairy Strong conference speakers and some of the key highlights. At the 2024 Dairy Strong conference, Scott Caine, president of Aimpoint Research, was the keynote speaker. He discussed key concerns for dairy farmers going forward and the steps needed to keep the industry secure.

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Ben Leibl of Kwik Trip discuss the following topics: 

• Praise Program
• Unsolicited guest compliments
• Employee training
• On-going education and professional development
• Motivators
• Challenges
• Keys to building a reputation
• Advice to balance performance with fostering a supportive, compassionate environment
• How to start a positive culture
• Future goals for Kwik trip customer service and employee engagement

Register now for the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin

About the guest

• Ben Leibl is a Public Relations Specialist for Kwik Trip Inc., based in La Crosse, WI. In his role at Kwik Trip, he assists coworkers with their ongoing educational needs and directs the Kwik Trip praise program, which last year meant acknowledging over 2600 unsolicited guest compliment letters. Prior to joining Kwik Trip in 2020, Ben was an instructor and principal in Oshkosh, WI and Omaha, NE. He holds degrees from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Ben sits on the Boards of the Boys and Girls Club in La Crosse, WI and serves as the Chair of St. Paul's Lutheran School Board. Ben and his wife Heidi have 3 children and they live in Holmen, WI.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Kwik trip has been repeatedly named as a “Best Place to Work” both statewide and nationally and we dive into the specifics on employee culture. This previews a 2026 Dairy Strong conference presentation, register today at dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Ben Leibl of Kwik Trip discuss the Kwik Trip Praise Program, unsolicited guest compliments, employee training, motivators, how to start a positive culture, future goals for customer service innovation and employee engagement.

Register now for the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin

About the guest

• Ben Leibl is a Public Relations Specialist for Kwik Trip Inc., based in La Crosse, WI. In his role at Kwik Trip, he assists coworkers with their ongoing educational needs and directs the Kwik Trip praise program, which last year meant acknowledging over 2600 unsolicited guest compliment letters. Prior to joining Kwik Trip in 2020, Ben was an instructor and principal in Oshkosh, WI and Omaha, NE. He holds degrees from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Ben sits on the Boards of the Boys and Girls Club in La Crosse, WI and serves as the Chair of St. Paul's Lutheran School Board. Ben and his wife Heidi have 3 children and they live in Holmen, WI.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

We are showcasing past Dairy Strong conference speakers and some of the key highlights. At the 2024 Dairy Strong conference, Dr. Thomas P.M. Barnett, a strategist and bestselling author, was the keynote speaker. He shared the latest on the demographic studies and what steps the United States could take to win over the globe’s growing middle class, which could help U.S. farmers with selling their products abroad. In 2024, he shared how the world is going through three major transitions — climate change, demographic transition and a growing global middle class.  

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Dan Scheps, owner of Scheps Dairy, and Paul Salm of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future of the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Dan Scheps is the owner of Scheps Dairy in Almena, Wisconsin where they milk 1,850 cows and farm 2,700 acres. Dan farms with his brother, Ken.

• Paul Salm manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships, including dairy, row crop, grain merchandising and potato customers and has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry 

2025 Season 2: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, Wisconsin

2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Dan Scheps is the owner of Scheps Dairy in Almena, Wisconsin where they milk 1,850 cows and farm 2,700 acres. Dan farms with his brother, Ken.

• Paul Salm manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships, including dairy, row crop, grain merchandising and potato customers and has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry 

2025 Season 2: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, Wisconsin

2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

We are showcasing past Dairy Strong conference speakers and some of the key highlights. Jeff Eggers is a leading senior policy advisor, best-selling author and organizational performance expert and former Navy SEAL. He has 20+ years of experience managing strategic efforts and leading high-stakes, high-performing teams during his time with the White House, Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy as a Navy SEAL. Jeff spoke at the 2025 Dairy Strong conference. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Adam and Kendall Melichar, owners of Melichar Broad Acres, and Jen Peal of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future of the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Adam and Kendall Melichar, owners of Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, Wisconsin where they milk 1,750 cows and farm 1,700 acres.  

• Jen Peal is an agricultural banking officer for BMO and manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural and agribusiness related customers with a focus on dairy farms. She has over 20 years of banking experience.  

2025 Season 2: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin

2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Adam and Kendall Melichar, owners of Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, Wisconsin where they milk 1,750 cows and farm 1,700 acres.  

• Jen Peal is an agricultural banking officer for BMO and manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural and agribusiness related customers with a focus on dairy farms. She has over 20 years of banking experience.  

2025 Season 2: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin

2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Jim Mlsna, owner of Ocooch Dairy, and Brad Guse of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future of the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Jim Mlsna is the owner of Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin where they milk 950 cows and farm 1,450 acres.  

• Brad Guse manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships made up of primarily dairy farm accounts. Brad has over 30 years of experience in agricultural banking. 

2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Jim Mlsna is the owner of Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, where they milk 950 cows and farm 1,450 acres.  

• Brad Guse manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships made up of primarily dairy farm accounts. Brad has over 30 years of experience in agricultural banking. 

2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

• Evolution of farm transitions
• Lender support
• Essential items
• What’s driving the shift to non-family members
• Successful example of a blended farm ownership
• Risks for non-family members
• Lending tools or resources
• Biggest challenge
• Economic pressures
• Advice to dairy owners who don’t have a successor
• Policy
• Reviewing transition plans

Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Bill Oppriecht is a senior dairy lending specialist at Compeer Financial. He has been part of the Farm Credit System for more than 11 years, with the last six years focusing specifically on dairy operations. Bill grew up on a small dairy farm and uses that background to help support dairy producers in southern Wisconsin. Bill graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, double majoring in ag business and animal science with a dairy emphasis. He is a member of Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Bill resides in southwestern Wisconsin with his wife, Heidi, and two sons, Alex and Evan. 

Resources

• Success in Succession Planning series (1 of 3): How to get organized
• Success in Succession Planning series (2 of 3): Financial analysis
• Success in Succession Planning series (3 of 3): Legal and mediation
• Dairy Streamlet: Succession planning and creating generational wealth
• Succession planning and creating generational wealth

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Farm transition planning is an important topic that we continue to cover on Dairy Stream as new tools and insights are shared. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Bill Oppriecht of Compeer Financial discuss essential items, involving non-family members, resources and how to keep tabs on your succession plan.

Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Bill Oppriecht is a senior dairy lending specialist at Compeer Financial. He has been part of the Farm Credit System for more than 11 years, with the last six years focusing specifically on dairy operations. Bill grew up on a small dairy farm and uses that background to help support dairy producers in southern Wisconsin. Bill graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, double majoring in ag business and animal science with a dairy emphasis. He is a member of Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Bill resides in southwestern Wisconsin with his wife, Heidi, and two sons, Alex and Evan. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

• What are digital twins and environmental modeling
• Projects Dr. Basso has worked on
• What insights to track
• Affordable and popular data sources
• Is this risky?
• How to engage lawmakers
• Protecting data
• Other industries using this technology
• Next generation of sustainable crop nutrition

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Dr. Bruno Basso, professor of earth and environmental sciences, integrates diverse disciplines such as biophysics, climatology, hydrology, genetics, agronomy and soil science to understand the spatial and temporal variabilities of crop yield and environmental outcomes in agricultural systems. With a focus on sustainable row crop production, Basso is harnessing advanced UAV technology and predictive process-based models to quantify the impact of current and future climate, soil, genetics and management on crop yield and ecosystem services. 

Resources

• Bruno Basso - Digital Twins to Scale Sustainable Agricultural Systems YouTube video
• 2025 MSU Tech Transfer Achievement Award-Bruno Basso’s Crop Yield Modeling System article
• Dr. Bruno Basso’s Lab with Michigan State University

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Digital twin and environmental modeling will be a valuable tool for farmers in the near future. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Dr. Bruno Basso of Michigan State University discuss the what it is, affordable and popular data sources, risk, engaging with policy makers and the future of sustainable crop nutrition.

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Dr. Bruno Basso, professor of earth and environmental sciences, integrates diverse disciplines such as biophysics, climatology, hydrology, genetics, agronomy and soil science to understand the spatial and temporal variabilities of crop yield and environmental outcomes in agricultural systems. With a focus on sustainable row crop production, Basso is harnessing advanced UAV technology and predictive process-based models to quantify the impact of current and future climate, soil, genetics and management on crop yield and ecosystem services. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

• Shifting weather patterns and the impact on planting and harvesting windows
• Adaptive strategies
• Crop selection and varieties
• Emerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorus
• Compaction in the Midwest
• Data tools for in-season decision making
• New or increasing pest and disease threats
• Agronomic trends or challenges in the next 3-5 years
• Resources for farmer education

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Chris Clark is an agronomic outreach specialist with Northeast Wisconsin for the nutrient and pest management team for the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Chris partners, cooperates and brings together farmers, researchers and industry providing agronomy outreach she focuses on crop and soil nutrient use. Chris began her role at Extension in 2023. Prior to joining Extension, Chris worked in private sector agronomy lab testing for 12 years, and as a agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for 9 years. She has a BA in Agricultural Education from UW-River Falls and is a Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor and has been a member of the WI CCA board for 6 years. 

Resources

• Wisconet
• Ag Weather Outlook
• Agriculture Data | Wisconsin State Climatology Office
• UW Extension Agriculture- Agriculture – Extension
• Farmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable Food
• Find a farmer-led group near you

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Mother nature has the control but farmers are navigating new challenges with adaptive strategies. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the strategies, emerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorus management, handling pest and disease, and the future of agronomy trends and challenges.

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Chris Clark is an agronomic outreach specialist with Northeast Wisconsin for the nutrient and pest management team for the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Chris partners, cooperates and brings together farmers, researchers and industry providing agronomy outreach she focuses on crop and soil nutrient use. Chris began her role at Extension in 2023. Prior to joining Extension, Chris worked in private sector agronomy lab testing for 12 years, and as a agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for 9 years. She has a BA in Agricultural Education from UW-River Falls and is a Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor and has been a member of the WI CCA board for 6 years. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

• History of Peninsula Pride Farms
• From field day to conservation idea
• Making informed management decisions
• Including everyone in conservation efforts
• Conservation practices that make big impacts
• Building organic matter
• Importance of manure
• Manure application methods
• Adding other minerals to help with soil structure
• Tools that support conservation
• Manure management success stories
• Conservation goals for Kinnard Farms
• Conservation future trends

Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Lee Kinnard is president and owner of Kinnard Farms located in Kewaunee County in Wisconsin. He manages the business, the people and the cows. Kinnard Farms consist of 9,250 cows, 7,800 heifers located in Colorado in partnership with four Wisconsin farmers, 11,500 acres, and has 21,000 acres with a nutrient management plan and currently provides jobs to 137 valued employees. Over the years, Kinnard Farms has grown due to Lee’s new ideas, methods and solutions that have a positive impact on animal care, regenerative agriculture and food production.  

Resources

• Producer-Led Group Roadmap and more
• Peninsula Pride Farms website
• Kinnard Farms website
• Farmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable Food

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Farmers in Wisconsin are making a difference in the soil health space through farmer-led watershed groups. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the history of Peninsula Pride Farms, conservation practices, game-changer in the manure management space, manure management tools, conservation goals and future of conservation.

Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Lee Kinnard is president and owner of Kinnard Farms located in Kewaunee County in Wisconsin. He manages the business, the people and the cows. Kinnard Farms consist of 9,250 cows, 7,800 heifers located in Colorado in partnership with four Wisconsin farmers, 11,500 acres, and has 21,000 acres with a nutrient management plan and currently provides jobs to 137 valued employees. Over the years, Kinnard Farms has grown due to Lee’s new ideas, methods and solutions that have a positive impact on animal care, regenerative agriculture and food production.  

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

• What is employee culture
• Small financial investments to improve culture  
• Large financial investments
• Gifts and financial incentives
• ROI on positive work culture
• Technology
• Documenting a plan to improve
• Goals
• Resources
• Trends  

This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial.

About the guest

• Brad Herkenhoff is a Senior Dairy Lending Specialist at Compeer Financial. His primary role at Compeer is to work closely with dairy clients providing industry expertise in finance strategy. He is committed to working with dairy farm families on identifying their goals and helping to work towards them. He works with dairies in MN and western WI. Brad was born and raised near Freeport, MN where his family operated a dairy farm. His brother and sister-in-law have taken over the family farm; however, Brad is still active in the farm primarily helping with field work as needed. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at St. Cloud State University and has been in the Ag lending industry for 17 years prior to joining Compeer. He is active in local and community events and has been involved in the dairy industry his whole life. 

Resources

• Workable Workforce Series: Recruiting and onboarding talent
• Workable Workforce Series: Retention and Engagement
• Workable Workforce Series: Coaching and Counseling
• Workable Workforce Series: HR management and legal matters

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Employees are at the core of a successful business and we will cover specific financial investment to improve the workforce culture and in return save your farm business money. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brad Herkenhoff discuss basic and advanced financial investments to improve employee culture, ROI on positive work culture, resources and trends.

This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial.

About the guest

• Brad Herkenhoff is a Senior Dairy Lending Specialist at Compeer Financial. His primary role at Compeer is to work closely with dairy clients providing industry expertise in finance strategy. He is committed to working with dairy farm families on identifying their goals and helping to work towards them. He works with dairies in MN and western WI. Brad was born and raised near Freeport, MN where his family operated a dairy farm. His brother and sister-in-law have taken over the family farm; however, Brad is still active in the farm primarily helping with field work as needed. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at St. Cloud State University and has been in the Ag lending industry for 17 years prior to joining Compeer. He is active in local and community events and has been involved in the dairy industry his whole life. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

• Backstory of producer-led watershed groups
• Common conservation practices within the groups
• Challenges
• Opportunities to engage with the non-farming community
• Test sites and research
• Game-changing techniques
• Conservation practices that have potential
• Future goals and strategies

This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy.

About the guests

• Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm.   Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment. 
• Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin. 

Resources

• Producer-Led Group Roadmap and more
• Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Grant Program
• Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers website
• Farm Stapels website

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

In Wisconsin, farmers created farmer-led conservation groups, known as Producer-Led Watershed Groups (PLWG), that are leading the way in conservation. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the backstory of the groups, common conservation practices and future goals.

This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy.

About the guests

• Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm.   Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment. 
• Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

• Defining neighbors
• Why this has become more popular
• High-level overview of farm and neighbor relationships
• Crop purchase agreements
• Land leasing agreements
• Investor opportunities
• Conservation efforts with your neighbors
• Outside professional support
• Legal and financial items
• What situation is the most successful
• Challenges
• Future topics in this space

This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial.

About the guest

• Steve Schwoerer is the Vice President of Dairy Lending at Compeer Financial. His primary role is to provide industry expertise and advice to the largest dairy farm clients of Compeer Financial. He has been an account officer for dairy clients in the Farm Credit System for more than 38 years. Steve graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Steve is also a member of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association. 

Resources

• Connect with Steve
• Agricultural Financing resources
• Agricultural Businesses resources

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Our guest helps farms get creative with improving their business by maximizing neighbor relationships. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Steve Schwoerer discuss the list of opportunities, what is the most successful, outside professional support, challenges and future topics in this space.

This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial.

About the guest

• Steve Schwoerer is the Vice President of Dairy Lending at Compeer Financial. His primary role is to provide industry expertise and advice to the largest dairy farm clients of Compeer Financial. He has been an account officer for dairy clients in the Farm Credit System for more than 38 years. Steve graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Steve is also a member of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Ideal timeframe for tune-ups
• Dairy refrigeration, other tune-ups
• Grain dryer tune-ups
• Who to get involved
• Benefits with industry allies within the tune-up program
• Significant money savings
• Sensors to track equipment performance
• Time commitment from the farmer
• Incentives
• Energy efficiency trends in the future

Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Melissa Beeksma has been working in the energy efficiency field for over 18 years. She is the Technical Quality Lead for Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Schools and Government Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Melissa is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers. In 2024, she co-authored the Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations. 

Resources

• Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups
• Energy Advisor Map
• Agricultural: Improving your bottom-line resources

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Melissa Beeksma with Focus on Energy, shares the unforeseen benefits of farm equipment tune-ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations.

Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Melissa Beeksma has been working in the energy efficiency field for over 18 years. She is the Technical Quality Lead for Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Schools and Government Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Melissa is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers. In 2024, she co-authored the Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Evolution of technology in crop production
• Gene-editing microbes
• Current advancements in microbial nitrogen
• Impressive corn silage research
• Key growing stages to focus on
• ROI benefit of nitrogen management
• How microbes can help dairy farmers
• Precision agricultural equipment
• Microbial nitrogen technologies to support GHG emissions
• Challenges
• Future of nitrogen fertilizer management

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Rick Molenaar is a regional agronomy lead for Pivot Bio. He is an agronomy professional with a proven track record of success in leading field agronomist teams, conducting on-farm trials of pre-commercial biological products, and collaborating with land grant universities. His expertise spans Midwest row crop production, where he utilizes agriculture-based GIS programs to develop innovative variable rate maps for seeding, fertility, liming, and manure application, optimizing both crop yield and sustainability. 

Resources

• Connect with Rick Molenaar on LinkedIn
• Scientific Reports: Genetic remodeling of soil diazotrophs enables partial replacement of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer with biological nitrogen fixation in maize, Purdue University & University of Wisconsin - Madison 
• Agronomy Journal: Soil inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to supplement maize fertilizer need, University of Illinois 
• Video Interview: Science Validated: Purdue & UW-Madison Confirm PROVEN 40’s Mode of Action
• Past Dairy Stream episode with Co-Founder Karsten Temme: How microbes are shaping the future of crop nutrition
• Past Dairy Stream episode with Dr. Connor Sible of the University of Illinois: Understanding biologicals and biostimulants

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

We are getting an in-field perspective from an agronomist expert on the opportunities with microbial nitrogen. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Rick Molenaar discuss gene-editing microbes, current advancements in microbial nitrogen, research, precision agricultural equipment and the future of nitrogen fertilizer management.

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Rick Molenaar is a regional agronomy lead for Pivot Bio. He is an agronomy professional with a proven track record of success in leading field agronomist teams, conducting on-farm trials of pre-commercial biological products, and collaborating with land grant universities. His expertise spans Midwest row crop production, where he utilizes agriculture-based GIS programs to develop innovative variable rate maps for seeding, fertility, liming, and manure application, optimizing both crop yield and sustainability. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Why do we have dairy market risk tools
• Dairy market risk options
• Options for certain size dairies
• Recommendations for beginners in risk management
• Important dates and timeframes
• Federal Milk Marketing Orders impact on dairy market risk
• Potential for new risk management tools
• Resources
• Future of dairy market risk management

This episode is brought to you by the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Chris Wolf is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics and the Director of Land Grant Programs in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. Wolf conducts research, extension and teaching focusing on dairy markets and policy, livestock disease economics, farm business management, risk management, and farm animal welfare. He has published widely in academic and industry outlets. Wolf’s extension program stresses the effect of public policy on farm behavior and financial outcome, aiming to focus on issues of current and future importance to policy makers and industry decision makers. A native of Wisconsin, Wolf received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis. 

Episode recorded February 27, 2025

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The focus is on dairy market risk with understanding the basics and what items impact it. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Dr. Chris Wolf discuss why dairy market risk programs exist, options for dairy farmers, recommendation for beginners, changes to the Federal Milk Market Order, future farm bills and resources.

This episode is brought to you by the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Chris Wolf is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics and the Director of Land Grant Programs in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. Wolf conducts research, extension and teaching focusing on dairy markets and policy, livestock disease economics, farm business management, risk management, and farm animal welfare. He has published widely in academic and industry outlets. Wolf’s extension program stresses the effect of public policy on farm behavior and financial outcome, aiming to focus on issues of current and future importance to policy makers and industry decision makers. A native of Wisconsin, Wolf received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis. 

Episode recorded February 27, 2025

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Using actionable data to make informed conservation decisions
• How the conservation efforts are analyzed
• What conservations practices are the most popular
• Conservation efforts making economic sense
• Most impressive part of the program
• Challenges
• Resources
• Data becoming a currency
• What next in the space of data-driven sustainability efforts

Special thanks to Farmers for Sustainable Food for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests

• Drew Kessler — a seasoned Scientist and Principal at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI)—is a leading expert in water resources management and agricultural sustainability. With nearly two decades of experience, including a decade at HEI, Drew has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between environmental science and agricultural practices. His expertise in water quality, wildlife ecology, and TMDL processes has made him a valuable asset to farmers, food supply chains, and policymakers alike. Drew’s ability to translate complex scientific information into actionable insights has fostered collaboration and positive outcomes for agricultural working lands. 

• Michael Crinion — a rural entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of dairy, beef, sheep, and poultry enterprises, as well as experience in implementing ISOs and HACCP protocols. Having grown up on a farm in Ireland, Crinion moved to Brookings, SD, in 2004 to extend his farming operations. He serves as the Managing Partner of Ash Grove Dairy, a 2,100-cow cross-ventilated dairy operation in Lake Benton, MN, and is the CEO of BioHydrogen LLC, which transforms waste streams into a sustainable and renewable hydrogen energy. In addition to his role as a Board Member with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Crinion is the 2024 Chair of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action. 

Resources

• Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart Program
• Farmers for Sustainable Food Resources
• Press release on year-one results
• Contact Farmers for Sustainable Food staff

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

A dairy farmer and scientist share the about the actionable data and results from the first year of a five-year effort through the Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart Program. The results showed that these sustainable farming practices are achieving positive environmental outcomes.

Special thanks to Farmers for Sustainable Food for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests

• Drew Kessler is a seasoned Scientist and Principal at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI)—is a leading expert in water resources management and agricultural sustainability. With nearly two decades of experience, Drew has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between environmental science and agricultural practices. 
• Michael Crinion is a Board Member for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and rural entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of dairy, beef, sheep, and poultry enterprises.  He serves as the Managing Partner of Ash Grove Dairy, where they milk 2,100-cow in Minnesota, and he is the CEO of BioHydrogen LLC, which transforms waste streams into a sustainable and renewable hydrogen energy. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• What is distributed wind and its importance
• Wind power potential on a dairy farm
• Wind resource in the U.S.
• How wind works with other renewable energy sources on the farm
• ROI of wind energy
• Incentives and grants
• Challenges with implantation
• Operation and maintenance cost
• Regulatory challenges
• Ownership and financing options
• Key steps to implement wind power on your farm

Special thanks to EWT for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• An industry veteran, Brett Pingree has worked in renewable energy for 20 years with the majority of it being in distributed renewables, largely distributed wind. Brett has years of developing commercial and industrial solar PV as well as developing distributed energy storage projects across the US. Brett has lived in Europe and developed, or attempted to develop, projects in nearly all of the Western European countries. But his renewable energy experience started in the Arctic regions of Alaska where he has spent 20 years developing projects that displace diesel fuel for the indigenous communities. Brett re-joined EWT in 2021 as Commercial Director of the North American market after successfully developing C&I solar projects in America for the previous four years. Previous to developing PV solar projects, Brett was Head of Business Development for EWT. Brett began his career in renewables with Northern Power Systems in 2004 and has held various senior roles in Commercial Executive leadership and Business Development at Endurance Windpower, Dynapower, and EWT over the years. Brett holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from the Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College (2005) as well as a BS in Environmental Science (1991) from the University of Vermont. 

Resources

• Distributed Wind Market Report: 2022 Edition
• Contact us - EWT 
• Distributed Wind for Farmers
• Environmental Law and Policy Center

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

You’ll be blown away by the potential of wind power on your dairy farm. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and EWT expert Brett Pingree discuss the potential of distributed wind, ROI, incentives and grants, challenges and key steps to get started.

Special thanks to EWT for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• An industry veteran, Brett Pingree has worked in renewable energy for 20 years with the majority of it being in distributed renewables, largely distributed wind. Brett has years of developing commercial and industrial solar PV as well as developing distributed energy storage projects across the US. Brett has lived in Europe and developed, or attempted to develop, projects in nearly all of the Western European countries. But his renewable energy experience started in the Arctic regions of Alaska where he has spent 20 years developing projects that displace diesel fuel for the indigenous communities. Brett re-joined EWT in 2021 as Commercial Director of the North American market after successfully developing C&I solar projects in America for the previous four years. Previous to developing PV solar projects, Brett was Head of Business Development for EWT. Brett began his career in renewables with Northern Power Systems in 2004 and has held various senior roles in Commercial Executive leadership and Business Development at Endurance Windpower, Dynapower, and EWT over the years. Brett holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from the Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College (2005) as well as a BS in Environmental Science (1991) from the University of Vermont. 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Importance of Magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and recognizing deficiencies
• How Mg is absorbed
• How much Mg to feed
• Difference Mg options
• Research on Mg
• Understanding where minerals are sourced

Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Dr. Noelia. Silva del Rio serves as the Dairy Herd Health Specialist at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests includes a wide range of topics, such as transition cow and calf health, dairy herd sustainability, and animal welfare.  

• Sean Mangieri is the Director of Sales at GLC Minerals and works closely with the company’s animal nutrition team.   
• Jeff Evenson is the dairy manager at Woldt Farms in Brillion Wisconsin and has been employed at the farm for 17 years. They milk 1,650 cows and farm 4,000 acres 

Resources:

• Mg research from GLC Minerals
• Multesium
• Dr. Goff’s field test 
• Woldt Farm's story 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza connects with a researcher, GLC Minerals expert and dairy herd manager, to discuss the importance of magnesium in dairy cattle including spotting deficiencies, ration, importance of sourcing high-quality magnesium and more.

Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Dr. Noelia. Silva del Rio serves as the Dairy Herd Health Specialist at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests includes a wide range of topics, such as transition cow and calf health, dairy herd sustainability, and animal welfare.  

• Sean Mangieri is the Director of Sales at GLC Minerals and works closely with the company’s animal nutrition team.   
• Jeff Evenson is the dairy manager at Woldt Farms in Brillion Wisconsin and has been employed at the farm for 17 years. They milk 1,650 cows and farm 4,000 acres 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• What to expect from the new administration
• Momentum of the farm bill
• Federal Milk Marketing Orders
• Tariffs
• Avian influenza in dairy cattle
• Opportunities and challenges with increased cheese processing 
• Milk prices
• What to watch for in the first 6 months

Check out and attend the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

About the guests:

• Mike North has spent nearly 30 years working with both producers and processors or the end users of agricultural commodities to address and manage their exposure to commodity price risk. Mike is currently the president of the producer division at Ever.Ag.  
• Marin Bozic has nearly 20 years of experience in the dairy industry. He serves as a dairy economist on the Edge Board of Directors.   

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza connects with two 2025 Dairy Strong presenters, Mike North and Dr. Marin Bozic, to discuss their Dairy Strong presentation and outlook on the dairy markets in 2025. They cover what to expect from the new administration, farm bill, tariffs, avian influenza in dairy cattle, milk price and more.

Check out and attend the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

About the guests:

• Mike North has spent nearly 30 years working with both producers and processors or the end users of agricultural commodities to address and manage their exposure to commodity price risk. Mike is currently the president of the producer division at Ever.Ag.  
• Marin Bozic has nearly 20 years of experience in the dairy industry. He serves as a dairy economist on the Edge Board of Directors.   

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

• What are bioactive peptides
• Nutritional properties of cheese
• Bioactive peptides and the impact on lower hypertension
• Ethnicity and the role on the human body
• CDR’s research on testing bioactive peptides
• Challenges within the research
• What’s next for the study
• Food is medicine conversation

Special thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Rodrigo A. Ibáñez holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork – National University of Ireland. He currently works as an Associate Scientist in the Cheese Research Group at the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying topics related to cheese defects, impact of cheese components in human health and use of dairy ingredients to improve cheese quality. Additionally, Rodrigo supports teaching activities in CDR short courses, including those offered in Spanish. 

Resources:

• Dairy Pipeline (see page 8)
• Enhancing the Bioactive Peptide Profile of Cheese presentation
• About the Dairy Innovation Hub

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Rodrigo A. Ibáñez, associate scientists at the Center for Dairy Research, discuss a grant from the Dairy Innovation Hub to support the Center for Dairy Research’s work to develop cheese manufacturing and aging methods to increase the amount of the bioactive peptides in cheese that have antihypertensive properties.

Special thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Rodrigo A. Ibáñez holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork – National University of Ireland. He currently works as an Associate Scientist in the Cheese Research Group at the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying topics related to cheese defects, impact of cheese components in human health and use of dairy ingredients to improve cheese quality. Additionally, Rodrigo supports teaching activities in CDR short courses, including those offered in Spanish. 

Resources:

• Dairy Pipeline (see page 8)
• Enhancing the Bioactive Peptide Profile of Cheese presentation
• About the Dairy Innovation Hub

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Ken Verhasselt, owner of Verhasselt Farms, and Don Adams of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to be better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future for the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Ken Verhasselt is the owner of Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin where they milk 4,000 cows and farm 5,000 acres.  

• Don Adams of BMO manages a portfolio of production agricultural relationships that focus mainly on dairy, and has just shy of 40 years of experience in the banking industry, with 37 of those years being with BMO. 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Ken Verhasselt is the owner of Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin where they milk 4,000 cows and farm 5,000 acres.  

• Don Adams of BMO manages a portfolio of production agricultural relationships that focus mainly on dairy, and has just shy of 40 years of experience in the banking industry, with 37 of those years being with BMO. 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Dennis Hawkins, owner of Solhawk Dairy, and Paul Salm of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to be better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future for the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Dennis Hawkins is the owner of Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls where they milk 2,200 cows and farm 3,100 acres.  

• Paul Salm of BMO manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships, including dairy, row crop, grain merchandising and potato customers and has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Dennis Hawkins is the owner of Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls where they milk 2,200 cows and farm 3,100 acres.  

• Paul Salm of BMO manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships, including dairy, row crop, grain merchandising and potato customers and has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Josh Meissner, owner of Norm E Lane, and Brad Guse of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to be better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future for the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Josh Meissner is the owner of Norm E Lane in Chili Wisconsin. They milk 4,000 cows and run 5,000 acres.  
• Brad Guse manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships made up of primarily dairy farm accounts. Brad has over 29 years of experience in agricultural banking. 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

This three-part series is sponsored by BMO.

About the guests:

• Josh Meissner is the owner of Norm E Lane in Chili Wisconsin. They milk 4,000 cows and run 5,000 acres.  
• Brad Guse manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships made up of primarily dairy farm accounts. Brad has over 29 years of experience in agricultural banking. 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

• Overview of the SMART app
• Opportunities with the app
• Challenges
• How to get support
• Data protection and access to the maps
• Compatibility with other apps
• Future of manure tracking

Special thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Hava Blair, soil scientist with the SnapPlus team. She received her Ph.D. in Land and Atmospheric Science from the University of Minnesota. She helps lead the SnapPlus team and works on the science behind the SnapPlus software, including soil fertility, erosion, and nutrient loss components. In addition, she develops trainings and educational materials on how to use SnapPlus and related tools.  
• Jeremy Heim, owner of Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy and Heim Brothers Custom in Algoma, Wisconsin. The dairy farm milks 825 cows and runs 1,800 acres. The custom business operates 26,000 acres and assists with crop harvesting, manure transportation and other trucking needs.   

Resources:

• For tech problems and support: support@snapplus.wisc.edu
• What is the SMART mobile manure app, download information here
• Guide: Getting started to SMART here
• Project summary of SMART here
• SnapPlus3 information
• UW Nutrient Management Education self-paced program
• DATCP Nutrient Management Trainings and resources
• About the Dairy Innovation Hub

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Hava Blair of UW-Madison and Jeremy Heim of Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy and Heim Brothers Custom discuss the SnapPlus Manure Application Realtime Tracker (SMART) mobile manure app funded by the Dairy Innovation Hub. This app helps farmers identify restricted manure hauling areas and help maintain better manure hauling records.

Special thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Hava Blair, soil scientist with the SnapPlus team. She received her Ph.D. in Land and Atmospheric Science from the University of Minnesota. She helps lead the SnapPlus team and works on the science behind the SnapPlus software, including soil fertility, erosion, and nutrient loss components. In addition, she develops trainings and educational materials on how to use SnapPlus and related tools.  
• Jeremy Heim, owner of Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy and Heim Brothers Custom in Algoma, Wisconsin. The dairy farm milks 825 cows and runs 1,800 acres. The custom business operates 26,000 acres and assists with crop harvesting, manure transportation and other trucking needs.   

Resources:

• For tech problems and support: support@snapplus.wisc.edu
• What is the SMART mobile manure app, download information here
• Guide: Getting started to SMART here
• Project summary of SMART here
• SnapPlus3 information
• UW Nutrient Management Education self-paced program
• DATCP Nutrient Management Trainings and resources
• About the Dairy Innovation Hub

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Associationand Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

• How dairy processor and producer relationships have evolved
• Better understand each other’s needs
• Understand challenges
• Who should be involved
• Collaboration areas
• Disconnects in the dairy chain
• Growing pains
• Advice for improving the relationship

Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Bill Oppriecht is a senior dairy lending specialist at Compeer Financial. He has been part of the Farm Credit System for more than 11 years, with the last six years focusing specifically on dairy operations. Bill grew up on a small dairy farm and uses that background to help support dairy producers in southern Wisconsin. Bill graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, double majoring in ag business and animal science with a dairy emphasis.  He is a member of Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Bill resides in southwestern Wisconsin with his wife, Heidi, and two sons, Alex and Evan.  

Resources:

• Bill’s contact information Oppriecht@compeer.com
• Sustainability in dairy processing: A changing landscape
• Examining processor relationships

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Bill Oppriecht of Compeer Financial examine the relationship between a dairy producer and processor and identify how to better understand each other’s needs, challenges, collaboration areas, growing pains and how to best communicate.

Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Bill Oppriecht is a senior dairy lending specialist at Compeer Financial. He has been part of the Farm Credit System for more than 11 years, with the last six years focusing specifically on dairy operations. Bill grew up on a small dairy farm and uses that background to help support dairy producers in southern Wisconsin. Bill graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, double majoring in ag business and animal science with a dairy emphasis.  He is a member of Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Bill resides in southwestern Wisconsin with his wife, Heidi, and two sons, Alex and Evan.  

Resources:

• Bill’s contact information Oppriecht@compeer.com
• Sustainability in dairy processing: A changing landscape
• Examining processor relationships

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

• First assessment lighting
• Second assessment variable frequency drives
• Third assessment fans
• Fourth assessment dairy operation equipment
• Fifth assessment heating equipment
• General maintenance best practices
• Time commitment and what to expect
• Financial support

Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Jessica Mlsna is the Lead Agriculture Energy Advisor at FOCUS ON ENERGY®, serving customers in Southwest and Central Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor's in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a Master's in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University. With over nine years of experience in the energy efficiency field, Jessica is also a Certified Energy Manager accredited by the Association of Energy Engineers. 

Resources:

• Must have a Focus on Energy participating electric or natural gas utility provider: https://focusonenergy.com/about/participating-utilities 
• Agribusiness propane offering:
  • Offered in partnership with Wisconsin’s Office of Energy Innovation. 
  • Electric provider must participate in Focus on Energy. 
  • Must use propane to fuel incentivized equipment. 
  • Visit focusonenergy.com/business/propane for full details. 
• Energy Best Practices guide: Download a free copy at https://focusonenergy.com/business/ee-best-practice-guides 
• https://focusonenergy.com/business/agribusiness
• Contact Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 or visit https://focusonenergy.com/ 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Jessica Mlsna, lead agriculture energy advisor at Focus on Energy talk through the five assessment areas: Lighting, variable frequency drives, fans, dairy operation equipment and heating equipment. Focus on Energy helped over 600 Wisconsin dairy operations save $3.8 million on utility bills through operational improvements!

Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Jessica Mlsna is the Lead Agriculture Energy Advisor at FOCUS ON ENERGY®, serving customers in Southwest and Central Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor's in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a Master's in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University. With over nine years of experience in the energy efficiency field, Jessica is also a Certified Energy Manager accredited by the Association of Energy Engineers. 

Resources:

• Must have a Focus on Energy participating electric or natural gas utility provider: https://focusonenergy.com/about/participating-utilities 
• Agribusiness propane offering:
  • Offered in partnership with Wisconsin’s Office of Energy Innovation. 
  • Electric provider must participate in Focus on Energy. 
  • Must use propane to fuel incentivized equipment. 
  • Visit focusonenergy.com/business/propane for full details. 
• Energy Best Practices guide: Download a free copy at https://focusonenergy.com/business/ee-best-practice-guides 
• https://focusonenergy.com/business/agribusiness
• Contact Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077 or visit https://focusonenergy.com/ 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Basic definition
• How it works
• What to do before adding a product
• Challenges
• How it fits into a farm input plan
• Other management practices to get the full economic benefit

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Dr. Connor Sible is a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Crop Physiology Lab in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois. Originally from northern Illinois, he received his degrees in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois where his graduate studies focused on categorization and best management practices in the use of biologicals and biostimulants for row crops. His current research focuses on nutrient use efficiency of corn and soybean systems with specializations in residue management and nitrogen retention systems. 

Resources:

• Department of Crop Sciences – Crop Physiology at the University of Illinois
• Connor’s email: sible2@illinois.edu
• Getting the most out of biostimulants
• Role of Biologicals in Enhancing Nutrient Efficiency in Corn and Soybean

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Dr. Connor Sible with the University of Illinois dive into the basics of understanding biologicals and biostimulants. We discuss the differences between them, prior management practices before implementation, challenges, additional practices needed to get the full economic benefit and the future of this technology.

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Dr. Connor Sible is a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Crop Physiology Lab in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois. Originally from northern Illinois, he received his degrees in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois where his graduate studies focused on categorization and best management practices in the use of biologicals and biostimulants for row crops. His current research focuses on nutrient use efficiency of corn and soybean systems with specializations in residue management and nitrogen retention systems. 

Resources:

• Department of Crop Sciences – Crop Physiology at the University of Illinois
• Connor’s email: sible2@illinois.edu
• Getting the most out of biostimulants
• Role of Biologicals in Enhancing Nutrient Efficiency in Corn and Soybean

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Complexities surrounding traditional methods of nitrogen 
• What is a microbe
• Microbe application rates 
• Microbes and conservation efforts 
• Availability of microbial nitrogen 
• Research on microbial nitrogen
• Economics and ROI
• Challenges this technology faces, regulatory constraints 
• Future trends 

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Karsten Temme founded Pivot Bio in 2010 with his friend and colleague, Alvin Tamsir, driven by a desire to create meaningful change and solve one of the planet’s biggest challenges. After completing his graduate research on enhancing the nitrogen-fixing potential of soil-borne microbes, he and Alvin focused on creating a microbial nitrogen to replace a portion of synthetic nitrogen. He earned his Bachelor's of Science and Master of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa and his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Resources on microbial nitrogen:

• How it works - Pivot Bio PROVEN 40
• 2023 Impact Report 
• Customer stories: Straight from the farm 
• Building better nitrogen: About the technology

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Karsten Temme, co-founder of Pivot Bio, share how microbial nitrogen products are changing how farmers grow crops and microbes are becoming a key player in a farmer’s crop nutrition strategy. We discuss the complexities of nitrogen use, basics of a microbe, research, challenges and the future of crop nutrition.  

Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Karsten Timme founded Pivot Bio in 2010 with his friend and colleague, Alvin Tamsir, driven by a desire to create meaningful change and solve one of the planet’s biggest challenges. After completing his graduate research on enhancing the nitrogen-fixing potential of soil-borne microbes, he and Alvin focused on creating a microbial nitrogen to replace a portion of synthetic nitrogen. He earned his Bachelor's of Science and Master of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa and his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Resources on microbial nitrogen:

• How it works - Pivot Bio PROVEN 40
• 2023 Impact Report 
• Customer stories: Straight from the farm 
• Building better nitrogen: About the technology

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• Four strategy areas to grow domestic sales
  • More incremental sales
  • More commercialized science
  • More outside investment
  • More trained workforce
• How dairy moves into new growth space
• Popular areas of health and wellness
• Timeline
• Collaboration between checkoffs and the Center for Dairy Research
• Challenges
• Future trends

Watch the Dairy Streamlet on YouTube. 

Special thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest, Paul Ziemnisky, Executive Vice President of Global Innovation Partnerships for DMI  

• Senior brand marketing, innovation and general management executive with over 25 years of consumer package goods marketing, innovation and finance experience in a wide range of industries.  Paul’s experience includes managing brands and leading innovation for well-known brands such as Kraft Natural Cheese, Velveeta, Tombstone, DiGiorno, Rust-Oleum, and First Alert.  Paul has guided brands with revenue from $100M to over $1B, while launching more than $500M of new product platforms.  Prior to joining Dairy Management, Paul served in senior-level positions at companies including Kraft Foods, Jarden Corporation, Rust-Oleum, and Oil-Dri Corporation. Paul has been with DMI for 8 years.  In his current role, Paul is the Group EVP for DMI’s Innovation priority which includes domestic growth platforms, business development and channel partnership efforts with key players such as Domino’s, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, General Mills, Raising Cane’s and Amazon.  Plus, DMI’s health and wellness research and product science and technology teams and efforts.  

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The health and wellness space is a $350 billion industry with a 50 percent dissatisfaction on products, which means a lot of opportunity for dairy. Join Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest, Paul Ziemnisky, executive vice president of global innovation partnerships for DMI, as they discuss the four strategy areas and future trends.  Watch this episode on our YouTube channel here. 

Special thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest, Paul Ziemnisky, Executive Vice President of Global Innovation Partnerships for DMI  

• Senior brand marketing, innovation and general management executive with over 25 years of consumer package goods marketing, innovation and finance experience in a wide range of industries.  Paul’s experience includes managing brands and leading innovation for well-known brands such as Kraft Natural Cheese, Velveeta, Tombstone, DiGiorno, Rust-Oleum, and First Alert.  Paul has guided brands with revenue from $100M to over $1B, while launching more than $500M of new product platforms.  Prior to joining Dairy Management, Paul served in senior-level positions at companies including Kraft Foods, Jarden Corporation, Rust-Oleum, and Oil-Dri Corporation. Paul has been with DMI for 8 years.  In his current role, Paul is the Group EVP for DMI’s Innovation priority which includes domestic growth platforms, business development and channel partnership efforts with key players such as Domino’s, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, General Mills, Raising Cane’s and Amazon.  Plus, DMI’s health and wellness research and product science and technology teams and efforts.  

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Topics include:

• Role of an appraiser
• Three approaches to value
• Mistakes or misconceptions
• Frequency of appraisals
• Appraiser experiences and knowledge of agriculture
• What affects value of properties
• How milk price impacts appraised values
• Including the next generation

Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest: Jade Kruschke, Certified Appraiser, Compeer Financial

• Jade graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Accounting and Management. She joined the Farm Credit System in 2016 and obtained her Wisconsin Certified General Appraiser license in 2019. She uses her knowledge and agricultural experience to assist clients with their valuation and real estate needs. Jade works primarily in Northwestern Wisconsin and specializes in dairy, grain, irrigated tracts, general and improved farms, recreational, residential and transitional properties. Jade lives in New Richmond, WI with her husband and son on the family farm. 

Resource: www.compeer.com/appraisal 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

We cover the basics of appraisals and what outside factors impact property values. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Jade Kruschke, certified appraiser with Compeer Financial, cover the role of an appraiser, common misconceptions, outside factors that impact property values and what Jade’s keeping an eye in the appraiser world.

Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest: Jade Kruschke, Certified Appraiser, Compeer Financial

• Jade graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Accounting and Management. She joined the Farm Credit System in 2016 and obtained her Wisconsin Certified General Appraiser license in 2019. She uses her knowledge and agricultural experience to assist clients with their valuation and real estate needs. Jade works primarily in Northwestern Wisconsin and specializes in dairy, grain, irrigated tracts, general and improved farms, recreational, residential and transitional properties. Jade lives in New Richmond, WI with her husband and son on the family farm. 

Resource: www.compeer.com/appraisal 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Our guests Luke Petersen, regenerative ag specialist with the Nature Conservancy’s North America Agriculture team, and Luke Wavrunek, dairy farmer and owner of Fairview Pastures in Wisconsin, share experiences and expertise with rotational grazing.

Special thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Luke Petersen is a Regenerative Ag Specialist with The Nature Conservancy’s North America Agriculture team. He works on an array of programs aimed at accelerating the uptake of farming practices that simultaneously benefit farmers and nature, including by partnering closely with the US dairy industry to achieve environmental goals on dairies across the country. He has a background in regenerative grazing management, and is a 5th generation farmer who grazes a small beef herd in SW Michigan. 
• Luke Wavrunek is a 5th generation dairy farmer and the owner of Fairview Pastures in Northeast Wisconsin. He started rotational grazing in 2014 and runs 200 acres in rotational grazing and has 195 cattle including milk cows, heifers and some beef cattle on pasture.  

Resources for grazing:

• Dairy Feed in Focus program
• Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart incentive program
• NRCS grazing incentives: Contact your local USDA service center
• Your state’s University Extension, Wisconsin resource
• Farmer-led watershed groups or to start a group
• Group referenced in the episode: Rock River Regenerative Grazers
• Grassland 2.0

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and two guests involved in rotational grazing share the environmental benefits, economics, ROI, common challenges and resources.  

Special thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Luke Petersen is a Regenerative Ag Specialist with The Nature Conservancy’s North America Agriculture team. He works on an array of programs aimed at accelerating the uptake of farming practices that simultaneously benefit farmers and nature, including by partnering closely with the US dairy industry to achieve environmental goals on dairies across the country. He has a background in regenerative grazing management, and is a 5th generation farmer who grazes a small beef herd in SW Michigan. 
• Luke Wavrunek is a 5th generation dairy farmer and the owner of Fairview Pastures in Northeast Wisconsin. He started rotational grazing in 2014 and runs 200 acres in rotational grazing and has 195 cattle including milk cows, heifers and some beef cattle on pasture.  

Resources for grazing:

• Dairy Feed in Focus program
• Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart incentive program
• NRCS grazing incentives: Contact your local USDA service center
• Your state’s University Extension, Wisconsin resource
• Farmer-led watershed groups or to start a group
• Group referenced in the episode: Rock River Regenerative Grazers
• Grassland 2.0

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Stream guests:

• Mike North, President of the Producer Division at Ever.Ag 
• Dr. Marin Bozic, dairy economist on the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Board of Directors
• Tim Trotter, CEO of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative   

Resources:

• Map of dairy processing plants 
• Edge FMMO resource page
• FMMOs website 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Episode was recorded on April 24, 2024

• 1:45: Increased conservation efforts
• 2:45: What commodities Drew works with
• 3:22: What should farmers look for when engaging with a climate smart program
• 7:37: Time commitment to participate
• 10:15 What happens after 2028
• 11:26: Example of a farm’s involvement
• 13:11: What benefits do farmers receive from data collection
• 15:39: Tools and platforms
• 20:52: How to understand the data
• 25:12: Could a farm be penalize for sharing their data, data security
• 28:47: Watch-outs with joining groups
• 30:11: How farms share information with their communities
• 31:33: Future of on-farm sustainability programs

Special thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Drew Kessler is the Senior Scientist at Houston Engineering. He leads Houston Engineering’s Environmental Service Sector. He has been working at Houston Engineering for over 10 years during which he’s grown the company’s connections to the food and dairy industry. Prior to joining Houston, Drew spent 10 years in academia focused on environmental research.

The Farmers for Sustainable Food (FSF) Climate-Smart Project is the culmination of years of proven on-farm, farmer-led sustainability work. We bring extensive experience with farm-level sustainability projects to facilitate locally focused initiatives that support targeted environmental concerns.

Our project stands out among the rest in three important ways:

1. Farmer-driven: No requirement for farmers to implement any specific practices, individual farm groups determine the area of focus.
2. Incentives: Stipends available up to $9,000 a year based on level of participation
3. Hands-on support: Technical support at the farm level to help participants understand their scores and how to leverage their data into management decisions for positive environmental and financial outcomes.

Learn more here: farmersforsustainablefood.com/climate-smart/

With billions of dollars being invested in climate-smart, are farmers participating and how can a farm identify which on-farm project is the best fit? Join Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Drew Kessler, senior scientist at Houston Engineering, as they discuss farmers involvement in Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, choosing the best program, examples of outcomes, watch outs and tools farms can use.

Special thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Drew Kessler is the Senior Scientist at Houston Engineering. He leads Houston Engineering’s Environmental Service Sector. He has been working at Houston Engineering for over 10 years during which he’s grown the company’s connections to the food and dairy industry. Prior to joining Houston, Drew spent 10 years in academia focused on environmental research.

The Farmers for Sustainable Food (FSF) Climate-Smart Project is the culmination of years of proven on-farm, farmer-led sustainability work. We bring extensive experience with farm-level sustainability projects to facilitate locally focused initiatives that support targeted environmental concerns.

Our project stands out among the rest in three important ways:

1. Farmer-driven: No requirement for farmers to implement any specific practices, individual farm groups determine the area of focus.
2. Incentives: Stipends available up to $9,000 a year based on level of participation
3. Hands-on support: Technical support at the farm level to help participants understand their scores and how to leverage their data into management decisions for positive environmental and financial outcomes.

Learn more here: farmersforsustainablefood.com/climate-smart/

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• 1:08: How are UAVs being used
• 4:33: Most popular UAV
• 6:31: Scouting crops
• 11:18: Interrupting data     
• 16:20: What is remote sensing and thermal imagery
• 21:40: Challenges with UAVs
• 25:26: When to use UAVs
• 27:12: Economics
• 29:53: Rules of UAVs
• 36:03: Safety of UAVs
• 39:08: Data protection
• 43.40: Future trends of UAVs

Special thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Brian Luck is an associate professor and extension specialist in Biological Systems Engineering in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison. Dr. Luck’s field of interest include machine management, variable rate technology, agricultural “big data” management and remote sensing.  

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAV are playing a role in precision agriculture. Join Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Dr. Brian Luck, associate professor and extension specialist at UW-Madison, as they discuss the most popular UAVs, scouting crops, challenges, economics and safety.

Special thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• Dr. Brian Luck is an associate professor and extension specialist in Biological Systems Engineering in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison. Dr. Luck’s field of interest include machine management, variable rate technology, agricultural “big data” management and remote sensing.  

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

• 1:40: Global examples of negative bans/regulations on agriculture
• 7:25: National examples
• 9:25: Hindsight, what could have been done differently
• 10:58: Strategic about which voter
• 13:43: Why the farmers voice is trusted
• 16:40: How to better engage voters on agricultural topics
• 20:21: Platform to use to engage voters
• 24:40: Topics to cover with voters
• 26:56: Situation like Prop12 happen again?
• 29:55: How to include engaging voters in your business model
• 33:21: How do agriculturalists stay in engaged on trends

Special thanks to the Animal Agriculture Alliance for sponsoring this episode.

Joel will be speaking at the Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit on May 8-9 in Kansas City, MO. It is a one-of-a-kind conference attended by a diverse group of decision makers, including representatives from farms, ranches, allied industries, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, legislatures, universities, government agencies and media. Registration is available through May 1, learn more here.

About the guest

• Chief Strategy Officer Kansas Farm Bureau President U.S. Agriculture Partnership Fund Joel Leftwich joined Kansas Farm Bureau in 2021 as the organization’s Chief Strategy Officer. Prior to joining Kansas Farm Bureau, Leftwich worked in Washington, D.C. for nearly twenty years with public and private sector experience in food and agriculture policy. Leftwich spent most of his time as staff to Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) serving in the personal office and then on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee as Majority Staff Director. He also worked for Rep. Jim Ryun (R-KS) and the USDA during President George W. Bush’s administration. His private sector experience includes positions with global food and agriculture companies PepsiCo and DuPont. Additionally, he was a Managing Director for the Glover Park Group’s communications and government affairs consulting firm’s Food Team. GPG’s Food Team clients included international food, beverage, animal health, and innovative agriculture companies. As CSO for the Kansas Farm Bureau, Leftwich works with organizational leadership and members to develop and implement new programs and strategies to accomplish KFB’s mission. Examples of KFB’s new initiatives include: Engaged Kansas, a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to recruiting and training candidates for local public service; Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program, where KFB serves as a federally Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary working with agricultural and rural employers to develop registered apprenticeships; and the U.S. Agriculture Partnership Fund, a 501(c)4 organization focused on public education of the importance of keeping the U.S. food supply safe and affordable. Leftwich received his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Friends University and a master’s degree from Loyola University of Chicago in political science. 

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.