Progressive Dairy Podcast

Join host Matti McBride as she chats with Anton Borst, owner of Halarda Farms in Elm Creek, Manitoba. Learn about the dairy, current succession plans, why Halarda Farms invests in technology and opts to be a trial farm for emerging technologies, as well as future plans for the dairy.  Here is the episode breakdown: 0:50 – Introduction to Halarda Farms1:40 – Using a parlor and robots3:00 – History of Halarda Farms4:30 – Succession planning6:30 – Slow, steady growth8:00 – Investing in technology10:00 – Managing employees and technology12:00 – Employee buy-in14:30 – Experiences with being a trial dairy17:00 – Current technologies being trialed 18:30 – Goals at Halarda20:50 – The life of a cow at Halarda24:30 – Future plans27:00 – Rapid-fire questions

Reproductive success is now central to both milk and beef calf revenue in progressive dairy herds. The episode explores how methionine, lysine, and histidine drive fertility and calf health, making amino acid balancing a critical strategy for profitability. Listeners discover how small gains in conception rates can yield significant financial impact when paired with strategic breeding and nutrition. Key takeaway: Strategic amino acid nutrition is a proven driver of reproductive efficiency and dual revenue streams in dairy production. This episode is sponsored by Actus Nutrition, innovators of precision dairy nutrition solutions. Actus proudly manufactures RPMet, a leading rumen-protected methionine designed to maximize component yields and reproductive efficiency. To learn more about RPMet and other nutrition products by Actus, such as Energy Booster and custom milk replacer products, visit https://actus.com/livestock/specialty-ingredients/

Michigan dairy producer Paul Windemuller joins host Kimmi Devaney to chat about how his family economically started their dairy farm in 2013, the evolution their dairy facilities and the addition of solar panels, the role of artificial intelligence, and how he uses the data provided by his automated milking system and other monitoring technology to make informed management decisions. Links: Listen to Windemuller’s podcast – the AgCulture Podcast – and learn more about his work in agriculture on his website.Read about his farm in this Progressive Dairy article from April 2024. Episode overview: [~1:20] Windemuller’s inspiration for getting into the dairy business[~2:20] His economical method of starting a dairy farm[~6:50] How his experiences in New Zealand influenced the way he manages his dairy farm today[~8:45] The evolution of his dairy facilities from a turkey coop with freestalls and a New Zealand-style milking parlor to his current modern freestall barns and automated milking system[~10:50] How he utilizes the data provided by his automated milking system and other monitoring technology[~13:05] The most important metrics he watches[~14:00] The process of adding solar panels to his operation [~23:15] Windemuller’s industry involvement[~25:50] Nuffield International Farming Scholars program[~27:45] The white paper he wrote about artificial intelligence that he presented at the World Dairy Summit in Chile in October 2025 as a Nuffield International Scholar[~32:50] Team culture and technology implementation[~40:20] His motivation for starting the AgCulture Podcast [~44:50] Windemuller’s advice to other dairy producers that are interested in advocating for agriculture[~48:05] Rapid-fire questions

In this Progressive Dairy Podcast, guests from Dairy One discuss how forage testing can impact overall milk quality in herds. Speakers Dan Button, Mike Reuter, and Kenlin Martin have a roundtable-style discussion on what impact they’ve seen from farmers who want to improve the feed given to their cows and how it ties to milk production. This episode is sponsored by Dairy One. With over 75 years of experience, Dairy One supports farms across the U.S. with a variety of services. From milk, forage, and soil testing to farm technology solutions to field agronomy services, Dairy One has the tools to support dairy farm success. The cooperative’s goal is to measure it so that farms can manage it.

Join Progressive Dairy Podcast co-hosts Kimmi Devaney, Walt Cooley and Matti McBride as they highlight some of their favorite articles and podcast episodes from 2025 and discuss Progressive Publishing’s new artificial intelligence (AI) policy, the new Ask AgProud AI feature on agproud.com, 2026 internship opportunities and a fun Christmas segment.  Links: Sign up for Real Producer Exchange webinarsArticle: Preparing for unexpected visits from immigration officials (podcast episode – season 7, episode 27)Podcast episode with Bethany Dado-Senn (season 7, episode 1)Snider Dairy Farm’s “Grandma Got Run Over By a Jersey” parody video Episode overview: [~1:30] Ask AgProud AI [~5:15] New editorial AI policy [~6:45] Overview of some of Devaney, Cooley and McBride’s most memorable articles and podcast episodes this year [~13:25] 2026 internship opportunity for students in the U.S. and Canada [~19:30] Christmas segment [~16:30] Internship advice for college dairy students  [~29:30] Rapid-fire questions

DMI’s Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs at the National Dairy Council, speaks with DMI’s Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is working directly with schools to improve school lunches (with dairy being front and center) by collaborating with the School Nutrition Association. Katie explains that nearly 30 million students participate in school meal programs daily, with dairy providing significant nutrients, while emphasizing the critical role of school meals in addressing food insecurity and improving academic performance. She also covers the "Made with School Lunch" campaign, which aims to change perceptions of school meals, and the "Smart Swaps" initiative, which helps schools meet evolving USDA standards while maintaining dairy offerings. The discussion also touches on the potential of whole milk in schools and future projects with the School Nutrition Association. 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: Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs, National Dairy Council This episode is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc.

David Kerr, milkrite | InterPuls (MI) Regional Sales Manager, shares insights on Impulse Air liner technology, proper milking equipment setup, mastitis prevention strategies, and MI comprehensive Farm Services Programs supporting dairy producers. Episode highlights: MI Lines of Business and Impulse Air [~2:08]How to choose the right liner [~4:00]The importance of massage [~5:17]Key factors for liner setup [~5:58]Relationship between liners and mastitis [~7:25]The advantages of MI Capital Goods and Farm Services [~12:52] This episode is sponsored by milkrite | InterPuls (MI). At MI, we support our business partners and farmers. We provide fully integrated systems where all aspects of herd management and milking meet, constantly monitoring and controlling efficient milking. We serve our products through a well-developed network of distributors and technical dealers, which is constantly developing.

Jim Van Patter has managed large dairy herds from Wisconsin to Turkey to Australia to Mississippi and back again. He's now the dairy manager at Nehls Brothers Farm near Juneau, Wisconsin, and he's brought home some hard-won lessons about what works at scale—and what doesn't. Whether you're running 100 cows or 1,000, Jim's got practical insights on everything from labor management to facility design that you can put to work on your operation.

Genetic advances in Holstein cows are reshaping milk composition, demanding more precise nutritional strategies. This episode highlights how the CNCPS v7.0 model and targeted amino acid supplementation can optimize milk solids and herd efficiency. Experts share practical approaches for leveraging data-driven ration modeling to maximize returns in today’s evolving dairy landscape. Key takeaway: Precision nutrition and advanced modeling are essential for unlocking the full value of modern dairy genetics. This episode is sponsored by Actus Nutrition, innovators of precision dairy nutrition solutions. Actus proudly manufactures RPMet, a leading rumen-protected methionine designed to maximize component yields and reproductive efficiency. To learn more about RPMet and other nutrition products by Actus, such as Energy Booster and custom milk replacer products, visit https://actus.com/livestock/specialty-ingredients/

What is Targeted Reproductive Management (TRM)? And why should producers care about this new approach to dairy reproduction? Listen in to this Progressive Dairy sponsorcast as a team of reproductive health experts and enthusiasts evaluate new TRM best practices, how dairies can find better repro rates and more. Episode Highlights The latest reproductive research findingsProstaglandin product comparisonsTRM cost-benefit analysis Episode Guests Dr. Bilby, Merck Animal Health Director of Dairy Technical ServicesAustin Snook, Merck Animal Health U.S. Dairy Marketing ManagerDr. Ricardo Chebel, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Professor This episode is sponsored by Merck Animal Health. With identification, monitoring and biopharma products fully integrated in one portfolio, Merck Animal Health offers the only true full-solution approach in the dairy industry. Which means you get the tools you need to eliminate guesswork, solve specific problems, let cows be cows and put more milk in the tank. It’s the way you want to work, working better than ever before. Learn more about this unique approach to dairy at M-Power-Dairy.com.

Pennsylvania dairywoman Lolly Lesher from Way-Har Farms joins host Kimmi Devaney on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss on-farm processing, selling directly to consumers through their farm market and other retail avenues, farm tours and community outreach.  Connect with Lesher on Facebook.  Here is a breakdown of the episode: [~1:00] About Way-Har Farms and Lesher’s family[~1:50] Differences between their old freestall barn and the new one they built in 2016[~3:30] Farm market[~4:50] On-farm processing[~5:40] How they develop new flavors[~7:00] Marketing [~9:30] Product distribution[~9:55] Ice cream trailer for events[~10:45] Employee recruitment differences between the dairy and the farm market/on-farm processing [~11:40] The part of her farm Lesher is most proud of[~14:05] Advice for other dairy producers interesting in trying on-farm processing [~20:00] Employee training[~20:40] About their farm’s open house in 2020 [~25:30] School tours[27:00] Internships[~28:30] Helpful resources[~29:15] Their Airbnb[~30:45] Agritourism advice for other producers[~33:00] Rapid-fire questions

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.