Progressive Dairy Podcast

As a dairy farmer, understanding health insurance options is key to protecting your family, employees, and business. This session explores current market trends and key considerations when evaluating insurance coverage options.  Here is a breakdown of the episode: [3:20] 2026 market outlook[5:22] Extended subsides[6:39] Budgeting for health insurance[9:16] Questions to ask your benefits specialist[13:08] Health insurance programs built for farmers This episode is sponsored by Agri-Services Agency. Agri-Services Agency specializes in providing customized insurance solutions for dairy farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. Insurance offerings include: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, workers’ compensation, and property and casualty insurance. ASA is committed to helping you access comprehensive insurance coverage at a price that fits your budget.  24/7 customer service center: 1-877-466-9089 Website: https://agri-servicesagency.com/ Association health plans for Kansas and Texas: https://agricarehealth.com/

This episode's guest is Dave Saunders. Dave has spent years in business development and ag technology — many might remember his work helping create My Dairy Dashboard, the analytics tool that helps farmers track and improve performance. Now he’s focused on helping producers prepare for a changing financial landscape. He’s written a new book, The Reset Ready Playbook: Strategies for Navigating the Global Financial Reset, and developed an online educational platform, ResetReady.app, that helps users understand their financial resilience and learn strategies to strengthen it. Dave isn't going to offer specific give financial advice — his goal is to provide insight, education, and practical frameworks so farmers can make informed decisions with their own advisors. He believes agriculture holds unique advantages in uncertain times — real assets, sustainable stewardship, and regenerative practices that can thrive through major economic shifts. We’ll talk about what this “reset” really means, how it’s unfolding, and what farmers can do to stay resilient — and even thrive — as the system changes. Here is the episode breakdown: 2:00 Who is Dave Saunders6:45 What are examples of real assets that dairies already own?8:15 What should dairies do if they sense some clouds on the horizon?12:15 What is a 'family office' and how do farms act like one?14:55 What is the positive story for dairies' financial future?18:00 Why is the golden age of farming forthcoming?20:00 How is access to capital going to change in the future?21:50 Why is the next economic crisis different than previous ones?25:30 Where can people learn more if interested in the The Reset Ready Playbook and app?

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.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Gail Carpenter, who is an assistant professor and state dairy specialist at Iowa State University, and host Kimmi Devaney discuss a variety of topics ranging from dairy nutrition, reproduction, silage management and advice for dairy youth. Visit the Iowa State Extension Dairy Team website for resources. Here is an episode overview: [~0:55] Meet Gail Carpenter[~2:45] “You can’t outfeed bad management” and back to basics on stocking density, cow comfort, water trough management and more[~10:30] Research: the impact of molasses supplementation on sorting with transition cows [~13:45] Strategies to improve fiber digestion[~15:05] Silage: disease pressure and silage inventory [~17:35] Considerations for silage season[~19:30] Planning for the 2026 silage season [~20:35] Heifer performance strategies [~24:20] Tips to reduce involuntary culling [~28:00] Top challenges Carpenter is hearing from producers [~31:50] Greatest opportunities for dairy producers right now [~36:35] What Carpenter is most excited about with the next generation of the dairy industry [~39:15] The collegiate dairy activities that had the greatest impact on her and set her up for success in her career [~34:10] Carpenter’s advice for students and young people interested in a dairy career[~50:55] Rapid-fire questions

CEO Jim VanderGiessen, Jr. shares how cooling milk became a career and how dairy farmers are using PROChillers to instantly cool milk and heat water to 180°F. This episode is sponsored by Pro Refrigeration.

DMI’s Anne Marie Splitstone, EVP for Growth Platforms and Partnerships, and Silvia Robles, VP for Growth Platforms and Partnerships, speak with DMI’s Scott Wallin about the evolution of fluid milk innovation since 2015, emphasizing consumer insights and industry partnerships. They highlight the role of the Dairy Foods Research Center Network, which includes 150 R&D experts, in driving innovation.  Key consumer trends identified include a preference for high-protein, low-sugar products and lactose-free options.  Successful products like Fairlife, which surpassed $1 billion in sales, and DFA’s Milk 50, launched with strategic packaging and positioning, are cited as examples.  The conversation underscores the importance of consumer insights, industry collaboration, and ongoing innovation in driving growth in the fluid milk category.   This episode is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Walt Cooley is joined by Jacob Twohey of Twohey Dairy.  Like 95% of farms in Olmsted County where they dairy, their farm is family-owned, and Jacob represents the next generation taking over the operation. They milk 260 cows and have transitioned to robotic milking. Jacob explains the single deciding factor behind what brand of milking robots he chose and the one thing he’d definitely do differently if given the chance. He also shares the three key metrics he tracks to monitor robot performance and reveals what he’s discovered decreases robot efficiency. The Twoheys are also working to lower feed costs by growing and storing more of their own feed. You’ll hear their first-out-of-the-gate experience feeding high-oleic soybeans through their robots and what they’ve learned along the way. Here is the episode breakdown:  ~1:45 About the farm ~3:00 Why the decided to milk with robots and what brand~5:15 What he would change about his robot install~6:20 How he’s using data on a day-to-day basis~8:00 What a typical day working cows looks like with robots~10:45 What do you do when you’re not working~12:00 What’s next for your farm~13:20 How are you doing hoof care with robots~15:30 What metrics do you pay attention to ~19:15 What technologies pique your interest~20:10 What are your current goals on the farm~21:30 What did you learn about how to feed high-oleic soybeans~25:00 What’s a decision you are currently weighing~26:05 How do you prevent data overload~28:30 What are your thoughts on whole-life monitoring~29:50 What do you hope is your contribution to your farm’s legacy

Introducing the Real Producer Exchange – a new, interactive experience where we go live, face-to-face with producers who are tackling the same challenges you face every day. It's your chance to get real answers from real producers and walk away with actionable insights you can use immediately. Get a taste of what makes these exchanges so powerful with highlights from our debut episode, plus a preview of the next one. Check out the Real Producer Exchange webinars on agproud.com.

From calf to cull cow, probiotics and enzymes have a measurable impact on the dairy farm. This episode is sponsored by Chr. Hansen. Novonesis is leading the era of biosolutions. By leveraging the power of microbiology with science, we transform the way the world produces, consumes and lives. In more than 30 industries around the world, our biosolutions are already creating value for thousands of customers and benefiting the planet. Our 10,000 people worldwide work closely with our partners and customers to transform business with biology. Let’s better our world with biology.

In this episode, entomologist and forage research agronomist Dr. Erika Rodbell breaks down the hidden power of alfalfa. From pest control and nitrogen fixation to flexible harvest timing and improved forage quality, learn how alfalfa delivers agronomic and nutritional advantages that can boost your bottom line. This episode is sponsored by HarvXtra. Every operation has different goals and priorities. There's no silver bullet that works for everyone. But with the HarvXtra® Alfalfa trait, you have options. It's the first trait of its kind to provide the flexibility to produce higher-quality forage or extend harvest to maximize yield potential, which opens up new ways to optimize the way you grow alfalfa. You could do things the way you’ve always done them and get the results you’ve always gotten. Or, you could live life on the cutting edge with HarvXtra® Alfalfa and take your operation to a whole new level. Visit HarvXtra.com to learn more.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Matti McBride is joined by Tara Felix, associate professor and beef extension specialist at Penn State University. Felix has been feeding dairy steers and beef-on-dairy animals for over 10 years and brings her knowledge and expertise in the field to this episode. Learn about new research being done with beef-on-dairy animals, Felix’s opinion on the current cattle cycle and how producers might prepare for a swing in beef prices.  Here is the episode breakdown: ~0:50 – Felix’s background~3:00 – Felix’s experience with beef-on-dairy~6:30 – The importance of colostrum for beef-on-dairy calves~10:00 – Feeding beef-on-dairy calves~14:30 – What feedlots are thinking about beef-on-dairy calves~16:45 – Felix’s summary of recent research on genomic testing in beef-on-dairy calves~19:30 – Felix’s prediction of cattle cycle~23:30 – How to create a product packers want to see ~25:10 – The role of implants in beef-on-dairy calves~27:40 – Exciting beef-on-dairy research~30:40 – Rapid-fire questions