Progressive Dairy Podcast

Hear how large-herd producers scaled with Lely automation at a roundtable that was held live at Miltrim Farms in Athens, Wisconsin. Listen to three large-herd producers share best practices, real-world ROI, barn design and labor efficiency gains. Click through to watch the full roundtable video. This episode is sponsored by Lely. Lely North America, based in Pella, Iowa, is part of the Lely Group, founded in 1948. Lely directs all effort toward creating a sustainable, profitable and enjoyable future in farming for its customers. Using the cow as a center point, the company develops premium robotics and data systems that increase animal welfare, flexibility and production on dairy farms.

Brad Guse from BMO returns to the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss various financial topics ranging from the key aspects of a risk management plan to economics of diversification, profitability strategies, what to expect from interest rates and much more.  Episode overview: [~1:10] Guse’s background/career[~1:35] What is going well on dairy farms and where many are struggling [~2:55] Economics of diversification[~4:50] Favorite ag lending school terms, including what “earns and turns” means for small and large operations[~9:15] Expansion considerations[~12:35] Key aspects of a risk management plan[~14:15] Advisory teams[~19:00] Other profitability strategies[~23:35] Interest rates[~25:40] What happened this past year that Guse didn’t expect [~27:10] What keeps an ag banker up at night right now[~32:25] What Guse is excited about[~38:00] Rapid-fire questions

Discover the latest milk fat research on whole milk and dairy foods. DMI’s Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council, speaks with DMI’s Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is expanding the body of science around whole milk, cheese, and yogurt. With more than 80 studies conducted over the last 20 years, the milk fat research shows that these foods not only help support childhood growth but may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and fit into heart-healthy diets. Cifelli explains how the unique makeup of dairy fat—especially components like oleic acid—plays a vital role in supporting better health. He also underscores the need to translate this science into clear messages for both consumers and health professionals and how the checkoff constantly shares these messages with nutrition professionals. Looking ahead, his research team will continue to explore how dairy contributes to lowering cardiometabolic disease risk and the benefits of dairy’s unique fatty acids. To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com. Host and Guest: Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc. Guest: Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research, Dairy Management Inc. This episode is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc.

Join Jeremy Howard, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at Simplot Animal Sciences, and Lauren Kimble, Manager of the Select Sires ProfitSOURCE program as the discuss the current beef on dairy market and implications for dairy producers. They will unpack: The current strength of the beef-on-dairy marketKey trends and shifts over the past yearWhat dairy farmers should keep on their radarHow the beef supply chain is adapting to this evolving landscape Whether you're in the dairy barn, beef marketer, or just beef-curious, this episode delivers sharp insights and forward-thinking strategies you won’t want to miss. Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve—and make sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more producers discover the value of beef-on-dairy! This episode is sponsored by Simplot Animal Sciences.

Tune into this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to hear from California dairy farmer Maureen Lemos as she chats with host Kimmi Devaney about her family’s milk drive, the two children’s books she wrote, farm tours, farmers markets and the other ways she connects with her community to put a face on the dairy industry. Find her on Facebook and Instagram (@photographer_on_a_dairy_farm) and check out her website. Here is the episode breakdown: [~0:55] About her farm[~8:05] About the two children’s books Lemos wrote about her favorite cow, Clarice[~23:00] Farmers markets[~24:50] Farm tours[~41:10] Advice for other dairy farmers interested in doing farm tours[~42:20] Milk drive[~53:55] Rapid-fire questions

Feed is the single largest expense on any dairy, and how it's managed can make or break both cow performance and your bottom line. In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Frederic sits down with VAS farm performance consultant team leaders, Melissa Freitas and Char Handschke, to talk about the biggest challenges in feed management and how new technology is helping farms of all sizes optimize their investment. They introduce FeedComp, a new cloud-based app from VAS designed to simplify feeding workflows, bring consistency to every mix and reduce waste – so your feed dollars go further. From mixing and delivering rations to tying feed data back to herd performance, this conversation highlights how better management and the right tools pay off. If you’ve ever wanted more clarity around your feed costs or a simpler, more accessible way to run your daily feed program, this episode is for you. Here is the episode breakdown: 01:35 - Melissa and Char introduction05:30 - Today’s most common feeding challenges08:15 - Taking the complexity out of feed management12:36 - How feeders can utilize FeedComp15:16 - Keeping producers, consultants and nutritionists connected18:43 - Tying feed with herd data to see the bigger picture21:07 - Keys to feeding success25:00 - What’s next: Other new VAS tools to power your dairy This episode is sponsored by VAS. VAS is focused on your dairy’s future with software and information solutions that help collect and connect your farm’s data. Contact your local farm performance consultant or reach out to VAS’ support team to see how their herd and feed management tools can support your dairy’s success. Visit VAS.com for more.

Posilac® has impact on carbon footprint reduction. This episode is sponsored by Union Agener. About Union Agener: The plant was acquired in October 2018 by Fernando de Castro Marques, a majority shareholder of União Química, one of the largest groups in the pharmaceutical industry in Brazil. “Now we are in full control of operations and we will begin production of new Posilac® batches to fully satisfy the demands of the American market and other export markets,” says Fernando de Castro Marques, president of Union Agener and Grupo União Química Farmacêutica. The product is marketed globally under the trademarks Posilac® and Lactotropin. This factory complex is FDA certified, having the product present in 22 countries, including the USA.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney and Michele Payn discuss how parents, 4-H leaders and other adults can set a good example of stress management, the current state of mental health in agriculture and how it is impacting youth, available resources and more. Payn wrote two articles that are in the Sept. 12 and Oct. 1 issues of Progressive Dairy about mental health and how it is affecting youth in agriculture.  Episode overview: [~1:15] About Payn’s work in agriculture[~2:05] Current state of mental health in agriculture [~3:15] Mental health impacts on farm businesses[~6:00] Mental health topics producers and the agricultural industry are talking about [~7:35] Stress management [~15:10] The impact smartphones, social media and other technology are having on loneliness and lack of true connection[~18:30] Tips to help adults teach youth how to build fulfilling relationships and community [~22:00] How to have difficult conversations about mental health issues with youth[~26:05] Warning signs parents, 4-H leaders and others who work with kids should look out for[~28:00] The impact feeling stuck can have on youth and adults in agriculture [~32:30] Resources[~34:35] What else can listeners do to help themselves feel more in control and more at ease amid so many uncertainties in agriculture?[~37:00] Rapid-fire questions

Are dairy producers getting everything they can from their prebiotic and probiotic feed additives? The historical approach might be letting valuable ingredients go to waste. In this episode, the Papillon Agricultural Company team discuss how feed additives can be used to address specific concerns and how modern testing methods can reveal profitable opportunities. Listen in and explore how complimentary testing can sharpen your approach at DigesTTiveCheckup.com. Hosts: Matt Kauffman, Papillon Great Lakes Regional Sales ManagerDr. Devan Paulus Compart, Papillon Technical Services Manager Episode Highlights: Historical feed additive approach (2:55)What to measure (6:50)Insights from Papillon DigesTTive Checkup (7:57)Dealing with the Stress Response Cascade (10:30) This episode is sponsored by Papillon Agricultural Company. Papillon Agricultural Company develops and produces premium nutritional products for consultants, feed suppliers and producers nationwide. We commit to progressive research and a rigorous quality control program to deliver consistent, high-quality ingredients designed to maximize feed efficiency at the farm level. Our product portfolio includes prebiotics and probiotics, bypass proteins and specialty solutions.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Waterman from Virtus Nutrition explains how management and nutritional strategies influence uterine involution and overall reproductive success in dairy cows. He discusses key factors like inflammation control, calving management, and omega-3 supplementation to improve cow health and future productivity. With today’s high value on herd replacements and beef-on-dairy calves, every pregnancy matters more than ever—making proactive transition cow management essential. This episode is sponsored by Virtus Nutrition.