In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Dr. Mark Kinsel joins host Kimmi Devaney for a discussion about biosecurity. With recent reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds across multiple states, this is a timely topic that is on the minds of many dairy producers right now. As a veterinarian, Kinsel shares how to put together a biosecurity plan, how to manage animals on multiple sites to protect herd health, considerations for fairs and shows, and other key insights producers should know. Reach Dr. Kinsel at mkinsel@agrimetrica.com Here's a breakdown of the episode: [~1:05] About Kinsel’s background[~4:10] What is biosecurity, and why does it matter?[~6:40] What are the most important biosecurity practices that producers should implement ASAP?[~8:10] Components of a biosecurity plan[~8:35] People on the farm: farm owners/employees and other visitors[~11:45] Where to draw the line of separation[~14:35] Vehicles on the farm[~16:20] Tips for service professionals on farms[~17:40] Cattle movement on the farm[~21:40] Communicating changes with your team/veterinarian[~22:13] Mortality management[~23:40] Proper feed and water storage[~24:40] Bird management[~25:50] Biosecurity when taking animals to shows and fairs[~28:45] Tips for biosecurity when managing animals on multiple sites[~31:20] What information should producers be sharing with their veterinarians?[~34:25] Having a list of key contacts that you may need during an outbreak or other problem[~35:40] Helpful resources – Secure Milk Supply, working with veterinarian, FARM Program, dairy extension, state departments of agriculture, etc.[~39:45] Rapid-fire questions For more information about managing pest birds on the farm, check out this recent article from Amber Adams-Progar.

In this episode, host Kimmi Devaney is joined by Kevin Korbel and Jamieson Lindquist, who together own an ice cream business called Udder Buddies in Minnesota. Learn about how and why they started this business and how they use it to promote agriculture and help other dairy farmers. Connect with them on social media (@udderbuddies) and via email (udderbuddies@gmail.com). Here is the episode breakdown: [~0:50] About Udder Buddies and what inspired Korbel and Lindquist to start this venture[~3:55] Making ice cream at the University of Minnesota’s pilot plant[~11:40] Distribution[~14:15] Overall marketing efforts[~16:40] Events[~20:05] How they use Udder Buddies to promote agriculture and help others[~23:10] About their agriculture backgrounds[~25:05] Target audience[~31:30] The most important lessons they learned [~35:35] The most enjoyable part of this business for Korbel and Lindquist[~38:55] Helpful resources[~40:10] Future growth and goals[~43:45] How to connect with Udder Buddies online[~44:50] Logo development and how they came up with the name “Udder Buddies”[~48:30] What they would change if they could start over today [~50:30] Rapid-fire questions

At Virtus Nutrition our mission is to help you feed a better balance of fatty acids to improve reproduction, health, and profitability. In the early 2000’s, we invented the process to deliver EPA/DHA in a form that dairy cows can utilize. Since then, we’ve developed several products, including Strata and EnerG-3, that give customers flexibility in how to deliver these essential fatty acids to their cows. Lost pregnancies are costly at every stage of pregnancy, and EPA/DHA is the pregnancy nutrient that resolves inflammation, supports healthy embryo development, and improves retention of pregnancy. This episode is sponsored by Virtus Nutrition.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney visits with West Virginia dairy producer Joe Shockey about opportunities to revitalize the dairy industry in Appalachia. West Virginia was one of the visible bright spots during our 2024 State of Dairy interviews with producers and industry leaders. Hear from Shockey about new dairy processing and other efforts to rebuild the state’s dairy industry. Here’s a breakdown of the episode: [~1:00] About Shockey and his dairy farm in West Virginia[~2:05] The dairy landscape in West Virginia[~5:40] The impact of new processing capacity that came online in 2023[~10:00] New resources that are assisting in rebuilding West Virginia’s dairy industry[~13:40] Opportunities for dairies to relocate to West Virginia[~15:30] Other opportunities for rebuilding West Virginia’s dairy infrastructure[~17:05] West Virginia’s dairy regulations [~18:05] Other points of optimism for West Virginia dairy producers[~20:40] Rapid-fire questions

Interest in beef-on-dairy remains at an all-time high. In fact, it’s estimated that the industry will produce 3.22 million beef-on-dairy calves in 2024. Incorporating full beef embryos into a dairy’s reproductive program is one way producers are taking advantage of this growing trend. HerdFlex beef embryos from Simplot Animal Sciences are available through Select Sires, offering a team approach to help producers achieve their goals. 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

On this Progressive Dairy Podcast, Matt Kaufmann, Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager at Papillon Agricultural Company, talks with Dr. Devan Paulus Compart, Technical Services Manager at Papillon, about the three phases of the Stress Response Cascade: initial stressors, the negative effect trio and, finally, reduced health and productivity. You’ll also hear about five key strategies to address that impact—and learn how functional additives play a key role in preventing damage and assisting systemic repair.  Episode Highlights: Three phases of the Stress Response Cascade (1:50)Five key strategies for addressing the Stress Response Cascade (9:54)Functional additives and their impacts (11:45)Papillon’s “diagnose first” approach (22:40) 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.

CEO and managing partner of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, Greg Bethard, joins Matti McBride on the latest episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss all things genetics, reproduction and sustainability. Learn how Bethard landed “the best job” he’s ever had, what dairying in southwest Kansas looks like, Bethard’s “infinite” mentality when it comes to his operation and more.  Here is the episode breakdown: ~00:53 -- Bethard’s journey to becoming a dairy producer ~2:08 -- About High Plains Ponderosa Dairy (HPPD) ~5:40 -- Letting a cow be a cow ~7:00 – What Bethard likes about being a dairy producer ~8:20 – Dairying in southwest Kansas ~10:00 -- A herd of Holstein-Jersey crossbreds ~15:16 -- Reproductive management at HPPD ~18:30 – Reproductive goals ~19:45 – Battling heat stress  ~22:50 – Sustainability at HPPD ~25:30 – Looking forward ~26:22 – Rapid-fire questions

Today, more than ever before is an opportune moment to spotlight the progress that’s happening in the dairy industry when it comes to sustainability on the farm. Listen in as Carlyn Peterson, PhD at Selko USA, joins a conversation that dives into life cycle assessments, the state of the dairy industry’s sustainability efforts, and how these efforts are converging with the environment, society, and economy. Complementing her research at UC Davis, Carlyn will also bring the conversation to farm-level as she shares examples of how Selko is helping ruminant producers lower their operations’ environmental footprint and advance their sustainability goals. Carlyn Peterson is a Dairy Technical Manager based out of California covering the Western region of the US for Selko. Carlyn specializes in sustainable dairy systems and their interaction with dairy nutrition. Prior to joining Selko in 2022, Carlyn provided technical support for the Smartline category with Adisseo for two years. Between 2013 to 2020 she worked with Dr. Frank Mitloehner at the University of California, Davis, to complete a Master’s degree and PhD in Animal Biology with a focus on Sustainability and Ruminant Nutrition. Carlyn is passionate about improving sustainability in the dairy sector. The title of her dissertation is "Effects of Feed and Waste Additives on Dairy Cattle's Impact on Greenhouse Gasses and Air Quality." Her research focused on reducing the environmental impacts of dairy without compromising production. Carlyn also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, emphasis in Livestock and Dairy, from UC Davis. She is originally from San Diego County where she got her start in agriculture through participating in the FFA.  This episode is sponsored by Selko USA.

Join hosts Walt Cooley and Matti McBride as they discuss FarmCon, artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, the Dairy Farm Tech poster and more in the latest episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast.  Here is the episode breakdown: ~ 0:30: Cooley describes his experience at FarmCon 2024.~ 2:30: Artificial intelligence in agriculture ~ 8:25: Cooley discusses the Dairy Farm Tech poster~11:20: How the Dairy Farm Tech poster was created~14:20: What’s next for the Dairy Farm Tech poster~15:11: Rapid-fire questions

Do you wonder about the impact of your dairy checkoff investment? Join farmer hosts in conversations about how local and national checkoff works together to build dairy sales and trust in today’s changing marketplace. Episode 9 - Dairy Innovation: Who is doing it and how does it work? Hear from California dairy farmer Tyler Riberio and New York dairy farmer Emma Andrew-Swarthout chat with Michelle McBride, founder and CEO of GoodSport Nutrition, and Bill Graves, SVP of Product Research at Dairy Management, Inc. about dairy product innovation. This episode is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc.

The future of our farms depends on the calves we’re raising today. Health and performance play an important role in growth and development. And, ultimately, how those calves will pay us back in the future – whether they’re raised for beef or calve in and enter the milking herd. In this episode, Paul Nuttelman, territory sales representative with DBC Ag Products, shares his tips for raising healthy, fast-growing calves. Paul discusses how to stay in front of calf health with proactive calf care. Here is the episode breakdown: 0:40 – Paul introduces himself2:12 – How Paul helps farmers in his role3:15 – Favorite part of working with dairy farmers4:25 – One thing that gets overlooked with calves5:45 – Biggest challenges he sees on farms7:40 – Managing the many variables of calf raising10:00 – Uncovering hidden calf costs11:25 – Calf health and future performance13:30 – Antibiotics requiring veterinarian prescriptions14:10 – Advice for calf raisers15:15 – Where to learn more This episode is sponsored by DBC Ag Products.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, hear about a nonprofit creamery in Chewelah, Washington, that was started “for the community, by the community.” Host Kimmi Devaney visits with Stacy and Virginia Thomas – a husband and wife team who own and operate one of the three local dairies currently shipping their milk to Columbia Community Creamery. They both do a lot more for the creamery than simply shipping their milk there, and in this episode, you will learn all about what those roles look like, how and why the creamery started and the role it has played in strengthening their local community while providing a more direct connection to local agriculture. Here is a breakdown of the episode: [~1:50] Why the community wanted to start a creamery [~4:10] Why the board chose to form a nonprofit[~5:45] How a nonprofit creamery operates differently than the processors that most people in the dairy industry are familiar with[~7:15] About the three dairies shipping milk to the creamery[~8:30] The role employees and members of the three dairies play in the creamery’s success[~12:10] A description of the creamery’s products[~14:25] About the new a milk dispenser in the creamery’s store[~16:45] Their process for determining where to sell their products, aside from the creamery’s store[~18:50] A2A2 genetics[~21:30] The community’s response to the creamery[~23:50] How the creamery has “energized” and “reinvigorated” the local dairy industry[~29:10] Stacy and Virginia share what they enjoy most about being part of the creamery[~30:30] Future education and outreach[~32:10] Mentors and other helpful resources[~36:20] How the creamery has helped the three dairies involved prioritize work-life balance[~37:40] Rapid-fire questions

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Sponsorcast, Tony Marconi of Michelin and Harvey Hathaway a Michelin tire dealer in Texas, discuss one of the biggest operational challenges of skid steer loaders for dairy farmers, and that is downtime! Tony and Harvey discuss the various tire solutions for skid steer loaders, and introduce the Michelin X®TWEEL™ SSL 2 All Terrain, and the benefits of running an airless radial tire. This episode is sponsored by Michelin. Michelin designs, manufactures, and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmoving equipment, farm machinery, heavy-duty trucks, and motorcycles. A Michelin X®TWEEL™ airless radial tire is a single unit that replaces the current tire and wheel assembly. There is no need for complex mounting equipment and once they are bolted on, there is no air pressure to maintain. The unique energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes helps reduce the “bounce” associated with pneumatic tires, while providing outstanding handling characteristics. They are designed to perform like pneumatic tires, without the inconvenience and downtime caused by flats.

Jason Smith of Texas A&M joins host Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss all things beef-on-dairy. An associate professor and extension beef cattle specialist at Texas A&M with an extensive beef background, Smith shares his knowledge and advice for dairy producers looking to capitalize with beef semen.  Here is the episode breakdown: ~1:11 – Smith’s background and current position ~4:00 – How beef-on-dairy calves benefit the beef industry ~6:50 – The importance of a healthy beef-on-dairy calf ~13:50 – Smith explains what it means to sell cattle “on grid.” ~16:00 – Yield grade vs. quality grade ~21:00 – Consider market fluctuation in retaining ownership ~22:40 – Communicate with buyers to leverage a fair price. ~24:45 – The importance of sire selection during mating ~32:00 – Expected progeny differences (EPDs): Birthweight and Calving Ease Direct ~34:30 – Keeping records can benefit operations down the road. ~35:30 – Liver abscesses ~42:00 – Importance of feeding colostrum to beef-on-dairy calves ~44:30 – How beef-on-dairy calves add value to the supply chain ~49:00 – Rapid-fire questions

With guest speakers Cornell Kasbergen (owner of Rancho Teresita Dairy) and Brooke Anderson (Scientist at Native Microbials). While it’s known that improving a cow’s genetics can improve animal productivity, recent research shows that rumen genetics can be a more effective predictor of cow traits, including health and productivity. Cornell Kasbergen of Rancho Teresita Dairy and Brooke Anderson of Native Microbials discuss how feeding native rumen microbes are impacting a commercial dairy herd. This episode is sponsored by Native Microbials.

In this episode, host Kimmi Devaney and Illinois dairy producer Lorilee Schultz from Mil-R-Mor Farm discuss leadership, genetics, advocacy, opportunities for women in dairy and much more. Connect with Schultz on her farm’s Facebook page. Here is the episode breakdown: [~0:40] About Schultz and Mil-R-Mor[~2:15] Schultz shares why dedicating the time to serve the industry through various leadership positions is important to her[~4:00] As the past chair of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Young Cooperators (YCs), Schultz discusses what interested her in this leadership role[~4:45] How the YC program helps to develop young dairy leaders [~7:15] An overview of some of the questions Schultz often receives when meeting with legislators[~9:05] The most interesting thing she’s learned about dairy policy and building relationships with elected officials[~10:00] Tips for other producers interested in building relationships with legislators[~12:30] Other opportunities available for younger producers interested in becoming more involved in the dairy industry[~14:30] Schultz discusses some of the greatest challenges for women serving in dairy leadership roles.[~22:25] Schultz’s tips to help current dairy producer leaders encourage and mentor future leaders[~24:20] Advice for other dairy ladies who may be considering an industry leadership role[~26:05] An overview of Schultz’s involvement with the Adopt-a-Cow program and her key takeaways from virtual sessions with the students and teachers[~28:00] Other community involvement[~29:30] Her family is passionate about registered genetics. Schultz tells listeners about some of the top traits they prioritize when breeding their herd.[~31:30] Schultz discusses some of her farm’s best cows over the years[~35:00] Schultz describes what the transition process has been like for her family so far[~37:35] Schultz’s five-year goals for Mil-R-Mor Farm[~40:15] Rapid-fire questions

A dairy kid turned corporate professional turned food blogger, Hailey Pipher spends her time advocating for the dairy industry through various social media channels. Join host Matti McBride and Pipher on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast as they discuss all things cows, dairy advocacy, social media and more.  Here is the episode breakdown: ~0:58 -- Pipher describes her brand~1:55 – About Pipher’s dairy background~3:05 – How Pipher created shelikesmilk~7:00 – Pipher describes her decision to quit a corporate job and take her business full time~11:12 – Challenges and rewards that come with advocating for dairy through social media~14:55 – How Pipher connects with consumers~19:43 – A look at future dairy consumption~22:32 – What’s next for shelikesmilk~24:17 – Rapid-fire questions

When it comes to your dairy’s data, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. How you use your data to manage your herd should be based on your farm’s goals. And what better time than now to reflect on your goals and priorities as we transition to a new year. In this episode, Taliah Danzinger, VAS senior manager of dairy intelligence, dives into how we can lay a solid foundation with our dairy data for a successful year. In her role, Taliah leads the data science and education teams at VAS. Her department is responsible for building new insights utilizing dairy data and teaching farmers, consultants, and academia in the industry how to apply these tools in order to leverage the value of herd management software. Taliah brings on-farm experience to her role as a herd manager for a 300-cow robotic dairy and her ownership of a small dairy herd. Here is the episode breakdown: 0:16 – Welcome, Taliah1:16 – Data best practices2:37 – Data reflection4:06 – Shifting our management5:31 – Tips for a successful start7:23 – Tracking data for calves and heifers9:20 – Predicting future herd performance10:09 – Taking advantage of herd management tools12:02 – Simplifying herd management14:06 – Tips to get the most from your data 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. Learn more at VAS.com.

Beef embryos are becoming a part of many dairies targeted reproductive programs, use of these embryos results in a higher value calf and can help improve reproductive performance during the heat of summer. In today’s episode we will visit with Skylar Gericke of Triple G Dairy in Buckeye, Arizona, about his experience using HerdFlex beef embryos. 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 www.herdflex.com

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Editor and host Kimmi Devaney visits with National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern, who retires at the end of 2023 after more than four decades of service to agriculture and the dairy industry. Tune in to hear how NMPF is working on behalf of the nation’s cooperatives and dairy producers to move the needle on dairy policy, as well as to look back at some highlights from Mulhern’s career.  NMPF website: www.nmpf.org  FMMO hearing website: www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/moa/dairy/hearings/national-fmmo-pricing-hearing Here is the episode breakdown: [~0:55] About Mulhern’s professional background and career[~3:15] Overview of NMPF’s work in 2023[~5:15] Mulhern’s key takeaways from the FMMO hearing[~8:20] Overview of NMPF’s five proposals submitted for FMMO hearing[~15:00] Differences between the 2023 hearing and previous FMMO hearings[~18:05] 2024 dairy policy[~21:10] What Mulhern wishes dairy producers knew about the policy process[~22:40] Why Mulhern’s role at the helm of NMPF was his dream job[~25:40] Highlights and trends from the last 40-plus years working in dairy policy[~28:10] Mulhern’s favorite part of working in the dairy industry[~29:45] His hopes and wishes for the dairy industry in the future[~32:55] Hear about NMPF’s new president and CEO, Gregg Doud[~34:40] How producers can stay up to date with NMPF’s work[~36:00] The strength of the dairy industry[~37:40] Rapid-fire questions