Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Епизоде

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  380 | From Vegetarian to Dairy Advocate: How Jill Houin Found Her Place in Dairy 17.09.2026 38мин

  Peggy Coffeen interviews Jill Houin at Homestead Dairy in Plymouth, Indiana, where the family milks 5,000 cows across three sites, including a 2,200-cow robotic dairy with 36 robots and a semi-automatic feed system. Jill, a former New Jersey teacher and vegetarian who married into the dairy, describes learning farm life, becoming the farm’s tour guide and key messenger, and using truthful, practical explanations to convert skeptics. She shares how community tours brought 1,000 visitors in three hours, and highlights sustainability stories like generating electricity from manure and Notre Dame food waste to power about 1,000 homes an hour. Jill also discusses taking on farm bookkeeping, mediating family perspectives, working with Spanish-speaking staff and interns from Mexico, and launching The Break Room Meat Market restaurant featuring the farm’s beef and other local products.This episode is brought to you by Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is dedicated to helping producers achieve healthy animals, healthy dairies and healthy food through their world-class portfolio. For more information, visit ⁠DairyWellness.com.⁠00:00 Meet Jill Houin01:47 Robotic Dairy Updates02:35 From Jersey to Dairy05:40 Vegetarian to Advocate07:21 Tours and Key Messages11:59 Handling Tough Questions15:41 Books and Office Role19:31 Delegation and Hiring21:50 Culture and Worker Respect23:09 Restaurant Origin Story23:45 Local Meat Market Vision24:29 Farm Story Branding25:00 COVID Hug To Deal26:46 Buying And Expanding27:24 Naming The Break Room27:46 Crystal Mess Challenge28:33 Menu And Accommodations29:29 Ownership And Creativity30:19 Dreams And Travel31:34 Meaning And Mission
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  379 | Join us for Showbox Stories Live at World Dairy Expo 2026! 15.09.2026 21мин

  Peggy Coffeen is joined today by Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires and Jared Krull of CowManager on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast to announce that the popular Showbox Stories series will be recorded live at World Dairy Expo on Thursday, October 1, from about 8:00–10:30 a.m. on the Tanbark stage, with CowManager as premier sponsor. They recap the project’s purpose of preserving dairy history and authentic voices while highlighting lessons from mentors and industry icons.Tim and Jared discuss learning through conversations on show boxes and around the bulk tank, and preview guests including Dave Thorbahn, Dr. Sheila McGuirk, and many more. Listeners are invited to attend, subscribe to hear episodes later, and submit show box photos and stories for possible on-stage sharing.Submit your Showbox story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1l6qGl0D1JMEWtG48Y1QHvEAdwHzSpHEHIPaDPAEbUszEdA/viewformThis series is brought to you by CowManager.CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManagerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=allYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager00:00 Showbox Stories Return01:12 Why We Started Recording02:35 Icons and Lessons Learned04:47 Live Tanbark Announcement05:28 Meet Jared Krull06:53 Why CowManager Cares08:53 Guest Lineup Sneak Peek11:40 Submit Your Showbox Photo12:49 Jared and Tim Share Stories16:46 Peggy Trophy Trade Tale21:36 Join Us at Expo
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  378 | Gear up for World Dairy Expo 2026 with Showbox Stories Ft. Jeff Butler, Butlerview Farm 11.09.2026 33мин

  As we gear up for World Dairy Expo 2026, we’re bringing back a favorite from the Showbox Stories series recorded at World Dairy Expo. In this episode, Peggy Coffeen and Tim Abbott sit down with Jeff Butler of Butler View Farms to hear about his journey in the dairy industry—from his early days in 4-H to his success with show cattle and his continued commitment to the future of dairy.Jeff shares memorable experiences, the mentors who helped shape his career, and how technology like CowManager is influencing modern dairy practices. It’s a conversation about heritage, vision, innovation, and the importance of investing in the next generation of dairy farmers.If you’re heading to World Dairy Expo 2026, this is a great episode to revisit as we get ready for another week of celebrating the people, cattle, and stories that make the dairy industry so special.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:39 The Humble Beginnings of Showbox Stories02:19 Showbox Stories Series and Cow Manager Partnership03:37 Guest Introduction: Jeff Butler from Butlerview Farms05:15 Jeff Butler's Early Days and Mentors09:49 First Experiences at World Dairy Expo13:11 Building a Successful Show String19:44 The Role of Technology in Modern Dairy Farming22:51 International Intrigue Sale and Industry Impact28:13 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsThis series is brought to you by CowManager.CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManagerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/#LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=allYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager
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  377 | The Future of Holstein Genetics and Efficient Dairy Management with Seagull Bay Dairy and WinStar Genetics 08.09.2026 1ч 6мин

  What does the dairy cow of the future need to do better and what tools will help get her there?Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits Seagull Bay Dairy in Idaho with brothers Greg and John Andersen to discuss how decades of genetics work shaped their multi-site operations and global influence through Seagull Bay and WinStar Genetics. The Andersens share the story behind Seagull Bay Dairy, the foundation cows and influential genetics that shaped their program. They also discuss how genomics has accelerated genetic progress and helped improve traits such as production, fertility, longevity, and calving ability.Looking ahead, Greg and John discuss the future of dairy genetics, including their focus on polled genetics through Winstar Genetics and the traits they believe will become increasingly important: hoof health, calf health, mastitis resistance, longevity, and feed efficiency.The conversation also dives into using cloud-based technology and real-time data to manage multiple dairy locations, improve feeding and reproduction decisions, and give their teams the information they need to operate with greater precision. For them, building a successful dairy isn't just about producing more, it's about continually improving, developing great people, and creating a family business built to last.Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed.02:09 Seagull Bay Day Origins03:25 Growing Multi-Site Dairies05:40 Holstein Versus Crossbreeding13:27 Genomics Lessons Learned15:49 Winstar Genetics Launch17:22 Polled Breakthrough Mendel22:53 Next Traits To Select27:42 Cloud Feeding With ONEfeed32:03 ONEanimal and Lely Integration34:18 Robot Data Integration35:56 Repro Reporting Upgrades37:10 Tracking Repro Performance37:49 New Repro KPI Goals39:08 Breeding Strategy Mix40:45 Staying Sustainable43:38 People Over Technology45:13 Culture And Expectations46:44 Defining Success Metrics50:18 Vision Mission Legacy54:08 Passing On Values
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  376 | Stewardship in Action: Building a Dairy for the Next Generation 03.09.2026 29мин

  What does it really take to build a dairy that can thrive for generations?In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Mitch Perkins of Perkins Twin Creek Farm in Indiana, a third-generation family dairy milking 450 cows and farming 2,700 acres. Mitch shares what it means to step into a family legacy and make decisions that honor what previous generations built while preparing the farm for what comes next.From investing in robotic milking technology to embracing high-oleic soybeans and creating new opportunities within their cropping operation, Mitch talks about approaching innovation through the lens of stewardship, profitability, and long-term sustainability. He also shares why knowing when to walk away from an opportunity can be just as important as knowing when to say yes.At the heart of the conversation is a simple philosophy: do the little things right, and those things become the big things.This episode is a thoughtful look at making intentional decisions, staying personally involved, and building a dairy that gives the next generation an opportunity to carry the legacy forward.This Episode is brought to you by AdisseoThis episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/00:00 Legacy and Responsibility02:03 Meet Perkins Twin Creek03:24 Robots Plus Parlor04:35 Lessons From Grandpa07:05 Sustainability Equals Profit09:19 High Oleic Breakthrough11:52 Selling Beans to Dairies14:08 Robots Decision Process15:41 Saying No to Premium17:55 Dairy Marketing and Health23:16 Attracting Next Generation25:09 Traditions and Diligence
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  375 | When the Farm Is Your 401(k): Can the Next Generation Afford Your Retirement? 01.09.2026 24мин

  On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Pauly Paul of Complete Management Consulting discusses why many dairy transition plans fail financially even after legal ownership is transferred. As retiring owners depend on the farm as their “401(k)” through monthly, annual, or lump-sum buyouts, the same dairy must also support the next generation’s management, added labor layers, and new debt, often amid tight cash flow from low milk prices and weak cropping margins.Pauly describes cases where payroll spikes from added middle management, outside partners gain cattle equity and can destabilize herd size, and families refinance and roll growing lines of credit into the farm, eroding equity and jeopardizing retiree payments. Key recommendations include knowing the financials, keeping retirees engaged through regular reviews, using objective third-party oversight, and holding quarterly multi-generation meetings to determine whether the business is building or consuming equity.This Episode is brought to you by Complete Management ConsultingLearn more about Complete Management Consulting at:www.CompleteManagementConsulting.com⁠⁠[email protected]⁠920-418-313500:00 Can the Farm Afford It01:00 When Transitions Fail02:23 Farm as Retirement Plan03:33 Payroll and Debt Spiral06:40 Why Calls Are Rising09:22 Outside Equity Risks12:51 Third Party Oversight17:17 Know Your Numbers Now19:25 Plan Ahead at 55
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  374 | 2026 Industry Person of the Year: Corey Geiger 27.08.2026 35мин

  In this special collaboration episode of World Dairy Expo’s The Dairy Show podcast and Uplevel Dairy, Peggy Coffeen interviews Cory Geiger, who was named World Dairy Expo’s 2026 Industry Person of the Year, about the experiences and mentors that shaped his career as a Hoard’s Dairyman editor, CoBank dairy economist, author, and youth mentor. Geiger recalls receiving the award call, his pivotal 1990 World Dairy Expo judging-team trip that solidified his passion, and early influences including his father’s lessons on money and genetics.He describes his CoBank role spanning research, speaking, and client work, including efforts to quantify genetics’ economic value, shift milk metrics toward components, and model herd replacement amid beef-on-dairy. Geiger also recounts co-editing the 50th anniversary book We Need a Show, writing recognition scripts, and publishing award-winning books chronicling farm history, emphasizing mentorship, sparking youth interest, and being remembered for making people think and feel valued.This episode has been brought to you in collaboration with World Dairy Expo and the Dairy Show Podcast. Save the dates for the 2026 World Dairy Expo taking place September 29 - October 2, 2026. Learn more at⁠ https://worlddairyexpo.com/⁠.01:13 Servant Leadership Roots03:19 The Award Phone Call04:44 World Dairy Expo Spark07:54 From Farm Kid to Economist10:37 Mentors and Giving Back13:50 CoBank Role and Research18:46 We Need a Show Book26:17 Writing Recognition Scripts27:25 Becoming a Published Author30:41 Legacy and Mentorship
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  373 | 2026 International Person of the Year: Robert Chicoine 25.08.2026 36мин

  Today, Peggy Coffeen interviews Robert Chicoine, World Dairy Expo’s 2026 International Person of the Year, in a collaboration with The Dairy Show. Chicoine recounts how a childhood fascination sparked by Holstein Canada’s journal led him from a dairy farm background to university, a summer at Quebec’s AI center, and a career developing a young sire proving program starting in 1966.He describes advancing data-driven sire selection through herd-mate comparisons, selecting influential Holstein bulls including Hanoverhill Starbuck and Craiglen Sevens Senator, and helping form the Semex Alliance in 1997 to strengthen Canada’s global genetics reach. Chicoine reflects on major industry innovations—frozen semen, sexed semen, genomics, IVF, and embryo freezing—notes rapid genomic-era progress and concerns about inbreeding, and shares leadership lessons on foresight and building strong teams.This episode has been brought to you in collaboration with World Dairy Expo and the Dairy Show Podcast. Save the dates for the 2026 World Dairy Expo taking place September 29 - October 2, 2026. Learn more at https://worlddairyexpo.com/.01:10 Robert Reacts to Honor02:02 Holstein Journal Origins03:59 AI Center Breakthrough06:36 Building Young Sire Program08:49 Semex Alliance Vision12:08 Finding Legendary Bulls18:38 Tech That Changed Breeding23:12 Leadership and Teamwork26:35 Retirement and Future Concerns
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  372 | From Days to Hours: The Future of Dairy Diagnostics 20.08.2026 50мин

  Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Dr. Kyle Becker, a Heritage Vet Partners veterinarian and former Indiana dairy farm kid who learned to AI cows at 12 and began practicing immediately after graduation. Becker describes his atypical, influencer-style DiSC profile and how it supports team-building, client collaboration, and bridging ownership–employee gaps on modern dairies. He shares using Krishi’s SHERPA Vision technology to rapidly analyze nasal swabs for antibiotic resistance, enabling treatment plans within hours and earlier intervention on the ascending side of a disease “bell curve,” with examples including a stressed calf raiser and a Salmonella Dublin outbreak with no deaths. Becker discusses adapting to changing disease, production, and technology, balancing farmer and veterinarian perspectives, raising five children involved in chores, and prioritizing community service, learning, and farm culture.Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices.  Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com04:34 Growing Up Dairy05:41 AI School at 1210:47 Choosing Vet Medicine12:56 Thrown Into Practice14:20 Going Solo Consulting15:54 Connector Problem Solver18:28 Rapid Resistance Testing22:32 Managing the Bell Curve26:43 Salmonella Rapid Response28:06 Speed Beats Analysis28:54 Finding The PI Calf30:55 Four Days Saved32:05 Future Of Animal Health35:19 Vet And Farmer Perspective38:24 Family And Farm Chores40:46 Community First Values
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  371 | Breeding for the Bottom Line: Genetics That Work in the Real World 18.08.2026 25мин

  Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Luke Getty of Ideal Dairy and Cookiecutter Holsteins in Eastern New York to discuss the role of genetics, technology, and long-term decision-making in building a successful dairy operation. Getty shares the evolution of the family-owned business, which has grown through strategic expansion while also developing a global genetics program.He reflects on the transition to Ideal Dairy, his early skepticism around genomics, and how seeing genomic outliers become top-performing animals changed his perspective. He also discusses how IVF, genomic testing, and intentional breeding decisions have helped accelerate genetic progress and support the dairy's growth.Getty shares how the operation approaches breeding for cows that are moderate in size, productive, healthy, fertile, and built for longevity, with a focus on traits such as strong feet and udders, high components, and mastitis resistance. He also highlights measurable improvements in herd health, including somatic cell count, and explains how genetics can support both current performance and long-term sustainability.United Sires is a partnership of well-known Holstein breeders from the United States bringing genetic solutions to dairy producers worldwide. Our mission, “Breed the Best, Better,” reflects the work we have been doing on our farms for generations. As multi-generational dairy farmers, we adhere to a simple yet powerful principle: We Milk What We Make. We understand the importance of breeding cattle that are profitable throughout their lifetimes, functional across all dairy enterprises, and aesthetically pleasing. Learn more at UnitedSires.com and follow on Facebook.com @UnitedSires and @unitedsiresofficial on Instagram.00:00 Genetics Build Businesses00:54 Luke’s Genomics Turning Point03:06 Scaling Ideal Dairy Fast05:19 Breeding the 10 Year Cow06:33 United Sires Explained08:18 Genetics for Every Market10:36 EU Demand and No Holes Bulls14:31 Health Traits and Happy Teams16:10 Mastitis Gains You Can Measure18:11 Risk Taking and Corrective Mating19:10 Legacy and Next Generation21:20 10 Year Vision and Advice
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  370 | What the Top 20% of Farm Businesses Do Differently with Dr. David Kohl & Lynn Paulson 13.08.2026 32мин

  What will separate the most successful farm businesses from the rest over the next decade?Dr. David Kohl and Lynn Paulson of Bell Bank join Peggy Coffeen to discuss the economic and global trends producers should be watching—from consumer demand for protein and AI-driven agriculture to global competition, regenerative agriculture, the coming land transition, and relationship-based lending.They also break down what separates the top 20% of farm businesses: knowing the numbers, having a plan, managing risk, building strong relationships, and consistently doing the small things right.00:00 – Economic & Global Trends01:05 – Protein & Precision Agriculture02:15 – Following the Consumer03:01 – Global Competition04:37 – The Changing Global Landscape07:18 – Regenerative Agriculture08:58 – Agriculture’s Story to Consumers10:59 – The 2032 Land Opportunity12:42 – Land Ownership vs. Control14:04 – Advice for Young Producers17:09 – Planning & Financial Management20:23 – Family Business Accountability22:01 – Relationship Lending26:33 – What Makes a Good Lender?29:01 – What the Top 20% Do Differently30:32 – Excellence at the Margin
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  369 | Beyond the Technology: The People Who Make Dairy Innovation Work 11.08.2026 32мин

  Technology may be changing the way dairies operate, but it still takes people to make it work. Today, we visit with Bailey Beck of Automated Dairy in Jerome, Idaho, to find out how she stepped into the dairy industry at just 22 years old, tasked with helping producers get more from the software, data and technology they were investing in. In this episode, Bailey shares how she overcame imposter syndrome, earned the trust of dairy producers and built her expertise by staying curious, coachable and willing to learn everything from cow management to electrical systems. She also opens up about balancing a demanding career with raising three young boys, the mentors who helped shape her along the way, and why, even as AI and automation advance, the human side of dairy innovation may be more important than ever.Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed.00:00 Meet Bailey Beck02:27 Her Role at Automated Dairy03:21 Starting Young in Dairy Tech04:13 From 4H to Software Support05:44 Making Tech Actually Work07:15 Early Win and Confidence09:05 Be Coachable and Keep Learning12:57 Mentors Who Made the Difference14:15 Career and Motherhood Balance17:38 Self Care and Staying Organized18:15 Milc Group Tools in the Barn20:41 Advice to Her Younger Self21:50 Future of Dairy Technology25:11 Most Rewarding Moments26:08 Rapid Fire on Ag Advocacy28:34 Networking for Young Pros
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  368 | Sitting Down With The Next Generation of Golden E Dairy 06.08.2026 48мин

  Part two of The Uplevel Dairy Podcast features Chris and Tracey Elbe’s children—Ryan, Kim, Matt, and Kyle—discussing their roles at Golden E Dairy and how their dad intentionally “molded” each of them toward different strengths. Ryan oversees broad operations and improvements, coordinating with contractors and advisers; Kim focuses on calves, heifers, and some fieldwork while embracing change and learning ideas from social media; Matt handles shop work, spraying, and equipment problem-solving with a direct, impatient style; Kyle feeds heifers, does hay and fieldwork, and serves as the people-focused communicator with employees and others.Together, they describe choosing to stay on the farm as the dairy expanded and reflect on the challenges of farm transition planning, especially “what if” scenarios and finances, emphasizing the value of starting the conversation early and appreciating their parents addressing transition at a younger age.This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial.Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.Visit https://www.compeer.com/specialists/dairy00:00 Meet the Elbe Kids01:54 Roles on the Farm03:38 Dad’s Quiet Molding06:19 Why They Came Back10:31 Each Sibling’s Strength16:39 Succession Talk Realities19:11 Advice to Start Now19:54 Transition Timeline
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  367 | Golden E Dairy: Building Dreams From the Ground Up 04.08.2026 41мин

  On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits with the family behind Golden E Dairy in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, where first-generation farmers Chris and Tracey Elbe describe building their dairy from a 64-stall stanchion barn and 250 acres into a self-sufficient enterprise milking 2,900 cows, raising calves, heifers, and steers on site, and operating grain handling and soybean roasting.Chris recounts starting at age nine with calves as pay, learning through hardship, and taking calculated risks to expand from tie-stalls to a parlor and freestalls, then a modern facility with a double-32. Tracey, a former X-ray tech, shares adapting from city life, raising four children who all stayed in the business, and the challenge of letting go during transition. They emphasize hard work, listening to experienced people, strong employees, communication through weekly meetings, and concerns about land costs driven by non-farm uses.This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial.Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.Visit https://www.compeer.com/specialists/dairy00:00 From Nothing to Golden E01:42 Chris Starts With Calves03:07 Hard Lessons and Bankruptcy03:54 Buying the First Farm06:11 Tie Stall Grind to Parlor07:23 Scaling to 2900 Cows09:06 Tracey Finds Her Place10:04 Raising Kids on the Farm12:39 Family Roles and Mentors16:54 Taking Smart Risks20:39 Tech And Growth Strategy22:20 Kids Roles On Farm23:45 Weekly Meetings Transition26:20 Big Dream Legacy27:15 People Behind Success29:56 Letting Go Of Control33:57 Emotional Handoff Stories37:05 Threats And Opportunities39:06 Advice For New Farmers
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  366 | Service Before Self: A Dairy Veterinarian's Calling 30.07.2026 32мин

  Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen talks with Dr. Jared Risser of Dairy Veterinary and Management Services in Goshen, Indiana, about dairy veterinary work as a service-driven career built on trust and relationships. Raised on a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania dairy farm, Risser moved to Indiana in 2017, now serves a 50-mile radius with dairies ranging from 10 cows to 4,000, and describes being a “jack of all trades” for many smaller farms.He shares the variety of his days—herd checks, calvings, surgeries, advisory meetings—and a memorable rabies-suspect euthanasia case requiring lab testing after human exposure. Risser discusses how farm technology, especially activity monitoring systems and AI-assisted data analysis, is improving health detection and management decisions, and reflects on gains in components and productivity, humility in practice, and modeling service for his four-year-old son who sometimes joins farm calls.01:44 Jared’s Dairy Roots03:41 Indiana Practice Bubble05:21 Trust on Farm06:15 Crazy Days on Call10:02 Service Meets Tech11:16 Data and AI Wins13:09 Health Monitoring Shift15:44 Future Production Limits19:14 AI for Vets20:52 Bringing Kids Along25:04 Legacy of Service26:45 Rapid Fire Wisdom30:03 Relationships Beyond Cows
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  365 | When Cash Gets Tight—Leading Through a Cash Flow Crunch 28.07.2026 17мин

  Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy interviews Pauly Paul of Complete Management Consulting about dairy farms facing tight cash flow, growing accounts payable, and overwhelm. Pauly says recent pressure often comes from loan restructures leading to higher interest rates and larger payments, missed income opportunities such as capturing value from black calves, and the lack of a clear cash-flow plan. He describes farms that can make bank payments via milk-check autopay but fall behind with vendors, sometimes handing over the checkbook so he can prioritize payments and negotiate plans.Pauly emphasizes open communication, sharing complete financial information, and being willing to change rather than “buying” a solution with more equipment debt. His first steps are to increase income, cut expenses, and use on-hand inventory; tactics include improving breeding/conception, increasing milk output, streamlining labor, and negotiating vendor costs. He shares a turnaround story where a farm moved from possible liquidation to repairs and potential expansion.This Episode is Brought to you by Complete Management ConsultingAbout Complete Management Consultingwww.CompleteManagementConsulting.com⁠⁠[email protected]⁠920-418-313501:21 Why Farms Are Struggling02:46 Real World Cash Flow Calls05:27 Working With Vendors07:12 Temporary Or Long Term08:28 Common Money Mistakes09:43 Three Step Stabilization Plan11:44 Income Opportunities Fast13:40 Communication And Pride15:08 Turnaround Success Story16:52 What Separates Winners
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  364 | What Every Dairy Producer Needs to Know About New World Screwworm 23.07.2026 22мин

  This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast features entomologist Dr. Mike Catangui, Ph.D., with MWI Animal Health, who discusses the return of the New World screwworm and why dairy producers far from the southern border must be on alert. He explains how the pest was originally eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s but has now been detected in Texas and New Mexico.Dr. Catangui also notes that adult flies are harmless, but larvae hatch quickly after eggs are laid on wounds (especially calf navels) and feed on live flesh, potentially killing calves within days; bites from ticks and stable or horn flies can also attract egg-laying to any species, of any age.Dr. Catangui reviews prior eradication using the USDA’s sterile insect technique, emphasizes vigilance, wound inspection, and fly control, and outlines available preventatives/curatives plus insecticide sprays/foggers and pet treatments from MWI. Suspected cases should be photographed and reported to a veterinarian due to mandatory reporting and existing infestation zones.This episode is sponsored by MWI Animal HealthAt MWI Animal Health, we are your partner in animal health. Our people drive us to think forward every day. We are committed to working with you to identify cutting-edge solutions to your common challenges. We unite with innovators and manufacturers to provide access to products and solutions designed to help you find success in each aspect of your animal health business. Visit www.MWIAH.com00:59 What Screwworm Is01:44 How Calves Get Hit03:09 Eradication History03:47 Dairy Risk Factors05:38 Spread Via Movement07:32 Climate And Vigilance10:09 Fly Control Tools11:35 Products For All Animals12:26 USDA Response Plan14:51 Suspected Case Steps16:53 Key Takeaways18:31 Fairs And Shows Advice
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  363 | Go All In: Lessons from an Idaho Dairy Nutrition Consultant 21.07.2026 42мин

  Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Josh Peters of Standard Dairy Consultants about earning dairy producers’ trust without a dairy-farm background and why showing up and commitment matter. Peters shares his path from raising beef cattle, serving in the military, and working at Simplot to entering dairy nutrition, completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while feeding cows full time, and building long-term client relationships.He discusses early success achieving seven pounds of components, emphasizing that results come from aligning genetics, feeds, infrastructure, and management rather than simple fixes. Since moving to Idaho’s Magic Valley, he’s seen rapid facility upgrades like cross-vent barns that reduce environmental variability but expose management and labor challenges, making consistency the key competitive advantage. Peters explains using Milc Group feeding software to improve speed, accuracy, and data-driven problem identification, focusing his consulting on bottlenecks and overall profitability, and argues AI won’t replace on-farm people willing to walk cows and do the daily work.This Episode is Brought to you by the Milc GroupMilc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with tools they need to succeed.01:18 Show Up And Commit02:29 Beef Roots To Dairy03:56 Military Mindset04:48 All In On Education06:53 First Herd Breakthrough10:22 Magic Valley Shift15:38 Consistency Over Rations17:49 Tech And Data Tools19:28 Milk Group In Action22:41 Profitability Metrics25:52 Labor And Hidden Leaks33:08 Peeling The Onion36:28 AI Cant Replace People38:34 Future Of Dairy
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  362 | Tax and Legal Strategies for Farm Transition with Menn Law 16.07.2026 29мин

  On the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen concludes a three-part Farm Forward listener Q&A series with Will McKinley of Menn Law and Pat Sturz, a retired CPA and longtime agriculture tax advisor, discussing why legal and tax planning must be integrated in farm succession. They explain how farm growth and asset write-offs can create future tax problems, why “sell the farm on a land contract” can trigger unexpected upfront taxes due to different asset classes, and how early planning, entity choice, and large early gifting can improve outcomes.They highlight tools like profits interests to share future growth or reward key employees without immediate income tax, strategies like “shadow” partnership entities to move assets out of C corps over time, and the role of stepped-up basis at death. They close with key mistakes, priorities, and the need for readiness and clarity about who will be involved and retirement cash needs.Contact Will McKinley or Pat Sturz at Menn [email protected](920) [email protected] more at https://mennlaw.com/Do you have a question on succession and farm transition you would like to hear Will answer on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast? Send your questions to [email protected]:13 Meet Will and Pat04:30 Long Term Tax Mindset06:13 Gifting and Entity Choices09:43 Avoid Land Contract Traps12:00 Profits Interest Explained15:20 Shadow Farm Strategy18:32 Biggest Misunderstandings23:19 One Year Retirement Priorities24:42 Common Mistakes and Wrap Up
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  361 | The Biggest Mistake Families Make with Land with Will McKinley 15.07.2026 22мин

  Today's conversation tackles one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics in farm succession planning: how do you provide for non-farming children without putting the future of the farm at risk?Will McKinley explains why "fair" doesn't always mean "equal" and shares practical strategies that allow farm families to care for every child while protecting the operation they've spent a lifetime building. From trusts and LLCs to long-term leases, purchase options, and structured buyout agreements, you'll learn how thoughtful planning today can prevent conflict tomorrow.Will also shares real-life success stories and heartbreaking cautionary tales that demonstrate exactly what happens when estate plans leave room for ambiguity.Whether you're actively planning your estate or simply beginning family conversations, this episode offers valuable insight into preserving both your farm and your family relationships.Contact Will McKinley at Menn [email protected](920) 731-6631Learn more at https://mennlaw.com/00:00 Why "Fair Isn't Always Equal" in Farm Succession01:28 Understanding the Real Value—and Responsibility—of Inheriting a Farm03:05 Using Trusts and LLCs to Protect Farm Assets05:02 The Biggest Mistake Families Make with Farmland06:15 Purchase Options, Long-Term Leases & Buyout Strategies08:10 Why You Should Never Leave Rent Negotiations to Future Generations09:48 Real Success Story: A Farm Family That Planned Ahead12:58 When Poor Planning Forced a Farm to Shut Down15:05 Good Intentions, Bad Estate Planning17:16 Eliminating Ambiguity Before It Leads to Litigation18:00 Three Questions Every Farm Parent Should Answer Before They're Gone