Progressive Dairy Podcast

In this two-part episode, hear from Dana Coale – deputy administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Dairy Programs at the USDA – about the five areas of milk pricing included in the USDA’s Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) final decision, and learn about the referendum process. Later in the episode, Alex Gambonini joins host Kimmi Devaney to discuss the impact these proposed amendments may have on milk prices. Dairy producers and cooperatives will have until Dec. 31, 2024, to cast their ballots. Here is an overview of the episode: [~0:55] Coale’s role at the USDA and during the FMMO hearing process[~2:30] An overview of the FMMO modernization process[~7:50] What stood out the most to Coale during the hearing[~12:15] Differences between the recommended decision and final decision[~15:05] Proposed amendments to milk composition factors[~16:30] Proposed amendments to surveyed commodity products[~16:55] Proposed amendments to make allowances[~17:50] Proposed amendments to Class I differentials[~18:50] Proposed amendments to Class I mover/base Class I skim milk price[~19:45] Timeline for the referendum process[~24:55] What happens if the majority of producers in an FMMO vote do not vote to approve the order as amended[~27:45] How producers will know if their cooperative plans to block vote on their behalf or if they will vote individually[~29:10] An overview of the three webinars the USDA is holding in November to answer producer questions[~35:55] About Gambonini’s dairy background and her role at HighGround Dairy[~37:50] HighGround Dairy’s process for analyzing the potential impacts of the proposed amendments[~38:45] Projected impact: Milk composition factors[~41:10] Projected impact: Surveyed commodity products[~42:35] Projected impact: Make allowances[~45:35] Projected impact: Class I mover/base Class I skim milk price[~46:50] Projected impact: Class I differentials[~48:15] Where different regions could see different impacts[~50:35] Benefits to the dairy industry if proposed amendments are approved[~53:00] Challenges associated with the proposed amendments[~54:30] Key points dairy producers should know Read more about the final decision on the hearing website. Questions regarding the final decision can be sent to the USDA via email. Email the HighGround Dairy team.

In this episode, Steve Pavelski, Nedap large herd specialist, discusses the value of new cow sorting technology in simplifying herd management and helping farmers save time and labor. He explains how Nedap’s new SmartSort sort gate system integrates RFID technology to automate sorting to streamline tasks like health checks and breeding. Doing so allows farms to efficiently sort cows without disrupting daily operations, ultimately improving both cow comfort and operational efficiency. Here’s the episode breakdown: 0:11 – Welcome Steve Pavelski and host Tera Baker1:57 – Steve Pavelski’s background and journey to working with Nedap.3:56 – Why Pavelski is excited about dairy technology & its potential for improving farm efficiency.5:06 – How SmartSort technology can streamline daily tasks on the farm.7:32 – Discussion on labor efficiency and how technology reduces manual efforts.10:17 – Real-world examples of how farms are benefiting from new sorting technology.12:30 – Key factors farmers should consider when adopting new tech solutions.14:06 – What the future holds for automation in dairy farms. This episode is sponsored by Nedap. Nedap develops technology for life. Technology that helps people be more successful and happier in their professional lives. For Nedap this means helping professional dairy producers run a profitable, sustainable and enjoyable business. The solutions Nedap creates enable users to automate everyday tasks and make informed decisions based on individual animal identification and data. Nedap empowers livestock producers to respond to the growing global demand for animal protein in a way that is profitable and aligned with rising standards for animal welfare, sustainability, transparency and the safety and quality of food. Learn more at https://nedap-livestockmanagement.com/solutions/nedap-farmcontrol/smartsort/

Raising resilient calves begins with high-quality nutrition in early life. Focusing on gut health and microbiome development creates a solid foundation for future productivity. Calves that receive proper early-life nutrition are better equipped to face disease challenges and grow into optimal cows that deliver strong performance throughout their lives. Dr. Jill Soderstrom, milk replacer solutions specialist for Purina Animal Nutrition, joins us today to share why maintaining a healthy gut and microbiome in calves is vital for the growth, health and performance of your herd. This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Jamie Sullivan of Rippleview Hoof Care joins host Matti McBride to discuss hoof care. Learn how Sullivan got his start in hoof trimming, his take on misconceptions surrounding lameness, tips for detecting lameness, the importance of a designated trim area and more. Here is the episode breakdown: 1:00 – Get to know Jamie Sullivan2:40 – Sullivan’s take on lameness misconceptions5:15 – The importance of recordkeeping of hoof treatments7:30 – Communicating with other members of the dairy team8:40 – Footbath design and efficacy10:40 – Hoof care priorities11:50 – Training employees to recognize signs of lameness13:00 – The importance of establishing a trim area15:20 – Designing a trim area16:45 – Tips for a successful trim day19:00 – Creating goals for hoof care20:00 – Rapid-fire questions

How can dairy producers and nutritionists know if their prebiotics or probiotics are worth the investment? In this episode, Papillon Agricultural Company team members Matt Kauffman and Dr. Devan Paulus Compart discuss:  How we know if functional additives are working What specific goals producers and nutritionists can set How complimentary on-farm sampling can help you get the most from your additives 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, amino acid blends and specialty solutions.

How can dairies take repro rates to the next level? In this Progressive Dairy sponsorcast, dairy producer Luis Davalos and Merck Animal Health Dairy Marketing Manager Austin Snook discuss: Ways to catch more heatsHow monitoring and Ovsynch protocols can complement each otherHolistic herd management 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.

In this episode, join host Kimmi Devaney and Dr. Wade Robey for a conversation about mycotoxins, strategies to mitigate mycotoxin issues and more. Robey is the president of Amlan International and vice president of agriculture at Oil-Dri Corporation of America, where he leads Amlan’s animal health business and oversees Oil-Dri’s R&D and Agriculture Products Division. Here is the episode breakdown: [~0:45] About Robey’s background[~1:40] Mycotoxins: What they are and the impact they have on the dairy industry[~2:50] The financial impact mycotoxins can have on a dairy operation[~4:05] Initial signs that a farm may be dealing with mycotoxin issues[~6:00] The impact on milk production, reproduction, calves and animal health[~8:10] Seasonality of mycotoxins[~10:25] Strategies to prevent or minimize mycotoxin issues[~14:50] Questions livestock producers often ask about mycotoxins[~17:20] What to look for when considering products to address mycotoxin issues[~21:30] Rapid-fire questions

Dairy farmers are reaping the benefits of current high prices for dairy-beef crossbred calves thanks to historically lower cattle replacements and strong beef demand. Opportunities for beef-on-dairy strategies remain strong, especially beef embryo-based programs. Feeders and packers seek uniformity between animals and efficient growth. They are willing to reward dairies for these efforts, at least while the national beef herd rebuilds following years of drought, wildfires, and economic hardships. Simplot’s Jeremy Howard and Select Sires Lauren Kimble, discuss the market outlook and how it might affect your beef on-dairy programs. This episode is sponsored by Simplot Animal Sciences. Simplot's Animal Sciences team uses an innovative approach to provide advanced reproductive solutions for beef and dairy cattle producers to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability in a changing market. Combining extensive experience in agribusiness with the latest in reproductive solutions, the Animal Sciences team developed the innovative SimVitro branded platform for improving genetics and reproductive efficiency in dairy and beef cattle. For more information on beef embryos visit simvitro.com/herdflex

In this episode, Native Microbials is joined by three customers — Mal Machado, Jason Nunes, and Gerrit Roeloffs — to discuss the importance of rumen health and their experiences with bird flu. The conversation addresses what we currently know about the virus, and how improved cow health can help mitigate its impact on milking herds. This episode is sponsored by Native Microbials. Native Microbials specializes in understanding the microbial environment in the rumen of dairy cows, and manufacturing rumen microbes that deliver significant profit for farmers. Its flagship product, Galaxis Frontier, is uniquely formulated with four microbes that are native to the rumen, which shift the rumen microbial genetics to a more productive state, enabling cows to be higher functioning, more efficient, and healthier. Galaxis Frontier has been trialed on nine academic herds and over 60,000 commercial cows and is currently available to dairy producers.

What bottlenecks prevent calves from reaching their genetic potential? How can data help you identify trends and make informed calf health and management decisions? What tools can make it easier? Join Wayne Worden, farm performance consultant with VAS and Dr. Mike Nagorske, director of veterinary technical services and research with SCCL, as they share practical tips and real-world examples of how to level up your calf care using actionable data. In his role at VAS, Wayne works closely with 300 dairies across the Northeast, from New York to Virginia and other New England states – ranging in size from less than 100 to over 5,000 head. Before joining VAS, he worked as a herd manager on his family’s dairy farm. He still helps on the farm in his free time with embryo and reproductive work. Wayne graduated from Cornell University in 2009 with his bachelor’s degree in dairy science. Dr. Mike uses evidence-based approaches paired with challenge and influence research to help calf raisers. He enjoys consulting on dairy farms and beef cow/calf businesses across the U.S. and globally. Before becoming the director of research for SCCL, he worked on the veterinary services team at Trans Ova Genetics. He grew up on a grain and cattle farm in southwestern Minnesota. Today, their farm consists of corn, soybeans and registered Angus seedstock cattle. He earned his doctor of veterinary medicine and bachelor’s degree in veterinary science from the University of Minnesota.   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 herd management solutions can take your calf program to the next level. Visit VAS.com for more. Here is the episode breakdown: 0:43 – Wayne and Dr. Mike introductions3:01 – Common management bottlenecks7:52 – How to analyze data trends to make decisions11:45 – Avoid the data overwhelm15:32 – Tools to make data recording easy20:38 – Working with a heifer grower24:10 – Tips to track success26:30 – One piece of advice This episode is sponsored by VAS.

Discussing cow comfort, genetics, succession planning and social media presence, brother and sister Tyler and Mackenzie Reynolds join host Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast. Learn how a new barn has resulted in increased production, how three siblings returned to the western New York dairy, the impact genetics has had on Reyncrest Farm’s herd and the opportunities that come with showcasing dairy farming on social media. Here is the episode breakdown: :45 – About Reyncrest Farm1:40 – Mackenzie and Tyler’s responsibilities3:00 – Building a new barn focusing on cow comfort7:00 – How three siblings made their journey back to the farm10:45 – The influence of genetics on Reyncrest’s herd14:20 – Finding additional revenue with beef-on-dairy calves15:35 – Managing calves and heifers16:20 – The decision to share Reyncrest Farm on social media20:00 – Preparing for the future of the dairy20:45 – Rapid-fire questions

In 2024, how can producers work through industry pressures and still hit their production goals? In this Progressive Dairy sponsorcast, Merck Animal Health Customer Success Specialist, Sarah Anderson, and Territory Manager, Jeannie Bishop, discuss: Finding answers to the skilled labor shortageUsing data quickly and efficientlyCombining solutions to get the most from your resources 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.

In this episode, join host Kimmi Devaney as she visits with Dr. Geof Smith, who is the managing dairy technical services veterinarian at Zoetis, about longevity and how to get calves off to the best start possible. Here is the episode breakdown: [~0:30] About Smith’s background in the dairy industry working with calves[~1:15] His overall thoughts about longevity and why it matters for dairy producers[~3:00] The impact on the dairy’s bottom line[~5:45] The effect the increased interest in beef-on-dairy and the tight replacement market has had on this overall conversation about calves and longevity[~8:00] Three key protocols that are essential for calf programs[~10:00] Tips to managing nutrition for weaned calves[~11:35] How to encourage employees to follow calf protocols[~13:30] Types of calf-related trainings that are most important[~15:55] Smith’s priorities when evaluating a dairy’s youngstock program[~19:45] Tips for vaccine protocols[~23:45] Rapid-fire questions

Final preparations are underway for World Dairy Expo 2024. Laura Herschleb, General Manager, joins podcast host, Lisa Behnke, to share what you can expect if you attend, and how you can join virtually, if unable to make the trek to Madison, Wisconsin. Learn what's new at this year's show and how Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) is being addressed when the world's dairy industry meets, October 1 - 4, 2024. For more information, or to purchase discounted tickets in advance, visit www.worlddairyexpo.com Here is the episode breakdown: [~01:50] This year’s theme – “The Golden Age” explained[~04:15] HPAI’s impact on the show[~07:30] What’s new this year[~09:57] ExpoTV – for those who can’t attend[~11:45] Get your tickets here[~13:15] What to Expect[~16:25] World Dairy Expo App is a Must This episode is sponsored by World Dairy Expo. Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the global dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis. October 1-4, 2024, where dairy producers near and far can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

Dr. Sara Place of Colorado State University joins host Matti McBride in this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast. An associate professor of feedlot systems and researcher with CSU’s AgNext, Place has been working with enteric emissions in cattle for the past decade. Learn about CSU’s feed additive calculator tool, how the beef and dairy industries are approaching the sustainability conversation and if the cattle industries can really have zero emissions by 2050 in this episode.  Here is the episode breakdown: 2:20 – Current research at AgNext3:40 – The development of the feed additive calculator tool (https://agnext.colostate.edu/dairy-fact)9:00 – Comparing the beef and dairy industries approaches to sustainability10:30 – How methane emissions are measured in a grazing environment12:00 – Understanding insets and offsets14:55 – Where beef-on-dairy fits into the sustainability scope16:15 – Is net zero possible by 2050?19:20 – How the beef and dairy industries are measuring up21:00 – Where is there room for improvement?23:15 – Rapid-fire questions

In this episode, Dr. Emily Meccage, senior manager of research and development at Forage Genetics International and Dave Ribeiro, a California dairy farmer, discuss Dave’s experience with growing and feeding alfalfa on his dairy farm and what HarvXtra alfalfa offers dairy producers. This episode is sponsored by Forage Genetics International. For more than 30 years, FGI has led the alfalfa industry by breeding, developing and producing premier alfalfa seed and technologies that have advanced farm operations across the country. FGI’s innovative genetic discoveries, variety developments and cutting-edge alfalfa trait technologies have led to the creation of several patented traits and technology in alfalfa, including HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology, as well as varieties with the UltraCut® alfalfa disease package. Forage Genetics International is the only alfalfa trait provider in the industry that is solely devoted to the relentless pursuit of advancement in the alfalfa industry.

What sets SenseHub Dairy monitoring apart from other monitoring systems? It’s reliable data that leads to needle-moving insights. It’s intuitive reports that simplify tasks and identify problems sooner. It’s time-saving cow location tools. And it’s fully integrated with M-Power, the new full-solution approach to dairy from Merck Animal Health. Now, producers and veterinarians can use M-Power solutions to eliminate guesswork, solve specific problems and operate at peak efficiency. Learn more about what it means for you and your dairy from Erica Tessmann, Marketing Manager for Dairy Monitoring Technology at Merck Animal Health. 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. Identification. Monitoring. Biopharma. 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.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Dr. Mark Kinsel joins host Kimmi Devaney to discuss how to optimize the data available on the farm when making management decisions. Kinsel is the CEO of Agricultural Information Management Inc. and is also a veterinarian who has worked in many different areas throughout his career. Here is the episode breakdown: [~1:10] About Kinsel’s agricultural and professional background with data and information management, veterinary management, emergency management and more[~3:25] How dairy producers can wade through all of it and best optimize it to meet their farm goals[~6:50] Whose job is it to manage records? [~8:30] Record flow between employees in the barn and the records manager/records system [~11:20] Utilizing data as herds get larger [~13:30] Tips to improve the information producers are entering into their records program[~18:00] Considerations when purchasing a new records system [~23:40] Data management strategies of successful dairies [~25:30] What data do consultants need to help them be successful? [~27:25] Cybersecurity – what to know, how to protect privacy and data, etc. [~29:20] What Kinsel wishes dairy producers knew about data and records management that will help them take their management to the next level[~31:10] Rapid-fire questions Check out season 6, episode 17 of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to hear Kinsel’s biosecurity tips for dairy farms.

Justin Graham of Brooksco Dairy joins Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, chatting about milk quality. Learn about Graham’s role as staff veterinarian at southern Georgia’s Brooksco Dairy; milk quality protocols, including Brooksco’s sand reclamation program; challenges and changes in milk quality over the years; and his role as a member of the National Mastitis Council’s board of directors. Here is the episode breakdown: Get to know GrahamAbout Brooksco Dairy and Graham’s responsibilitiesMilking protocols at BrooksCo DairyGraham’s role with the National Mastitis CouncilEffects of procedural drift on milk qualityWhat’s changed with milk quality management in 10 yearsPotential challenges producers might be facing with milk qualityPractices important to maintaining a low somatic cell countRapid-fire questions 

Biosecurity should be a top priority for dairy producers to keep their herds healthy. By implementing strict biosecurity measures, producers can prevent the spread of disease among their cattle and workers. Investing in these protocols is not just a matter of farm management but a commitment to animal welfare, public health and the long-term viability of animal agriculture. Today, we are joined by Dr. Tom Earleywine, director of nutritional services for Purina Animal Nutrition, who will dive deep into biosecurity practices to implement in your dairy operation. Questions in this episode: Pork and poultry producers are no strangers to biosecurity protocols. In what ways are dairy producers practicing safe biosecurity amidst current health challenges?Could you tell us why proper biosecurity practices are important and how they can directly impact a dairy producer’s bottom line?We now understand the importance of implementing biosecurity practices and how they can impact your animals and bottom line. What other measures can dairy producers take to ensure proper biosecurity?What five pieces of advice do you have for our listeners who are working on implementing stronger biosecurity practices on their dairy operations?Where can listeners go to learn more about proper biosecurity measures? Tom Earleywine, Ph.D. Director of Nutritional Services Purina Animal Nutrition TJEarleywine@landolakes.com This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.