Dairy Stream

The 2026 is Jan. 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we hope you can join us - learn more at dairystrong.org. We are showcasing past Dairy Strong conference speakers and some of the key highlights. Jeff Eggers is a leading senior policy advisor, best-selling author and organizational performance expert and former Navy SEAL. He has 20+ years of experience managing strategic efforts and leading high-stakes, high-performing teams during his time with the White House, Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy as a Navy SEAL. Jeff spoke at the 2025 Dairy Strong conference. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org. Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

Voice of Milk and BMO are proud to bring back the “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Adam and Kendall Melichar, owners of Melichar Broad Acres, and Jen Peal of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future of the farm and dairy industry. This three-part series is sponsored by BMO. About the guests: 2025 Season 2: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin 2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Voice of Milk and BMO are proud to bring back the “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and the steps they have taken to get to where they are today. The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on Nov. 5. This three-part series is sponsored by BMO. About the guests: 2025 Season 2: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin 2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Voice of Milk and BMO are proud to bring back the “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Jim Mlsna, owner of Ocooch Dairy, and Brad Guse of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future of the farm and dairy industry. This three-part series is sponsored by BMO. About the guests: 2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Voice of Milk and BMO are proud to bring back the “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and the steps they have taken to get to where they are today. The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on Oct. 15. This three-part series is sponsored by BMO. About the guests: 2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Farm transition plans are starting to include non-family members and it offers unique opportunities and challenges in succession planning. We will cover how transition plans have evolved, lending support, essential items, tools, economic pressures and policy items. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Bill Oppriecht of Compeer Financial discuss the following topics: Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Resources Success in Succession Planning series (1 of 3): How to get organizedSuccess in Succession Planning series (2 of 3): Financial analysisSuccess in Succession Planning series (3 of 3): Legal and mediationDairy Streamlet: Succession planning and creating generational wealthSuccession planning and creating generational wealth Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on September 24. Farm transition planning is an important topic that we continue to cover on Dairy Stream as new tools and insights are shared. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Bill Oppriecht of Compeer Financial discuss essential items, involving non-family members, resources and how to keep tabs on your succession plan. Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

If you’re the next generation to take over the family farm, you will want to learn about digital twins and environmental modeling. We will cover what it is, what digital insights to track, affordable data sources, risk, engaging policy makers, protecting data and the future of this technology. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Dr. Bruno Basso discuss the following topics: Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Resources Bruno Basso - Digital Twins to Scale Sustainable Agricultural Systems2025 MSU Tech Transfer Achievement Award-Bruno Basso’s Crop Yield Modeling SystemDr. Bruno Basso’s Lab Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on Sept. 3. Digital twin and environmental modeling will be a valuable tool for farmers in the near future. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Dr. Bruno Basso of Michigan State University discuss the what it is, affordable and popular data sources, risk, engaging with policy makers and the future of sustainable crop nutrition. Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

We are taking a big picture look at the challenges mother nature has brought us and how farmers are overcoming these challenges. We will cover adaptive strategies farmers are implementing, crop selection, new technologies, pest control and more. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the following topics: Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Resources WisconetAg Weather OutlookAgriculture Data | Wisconsin State Climatology OfficeAgriculture – ExtensionFarmer-led servicesFind a farmer-led group Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on August 13. Mother nature has the control but farmers are navigating new challenges with adaptive strategies. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the strategies, emerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorus management, handling pest and disease, and the future of agronomy trends and challenges. Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Farmers in Wisconsin have teamed up to create a farmer-led watershed group called Peninsula Pride Farms and it’s taking soil health to the next level. We are going to learn more about the farmer-led group, how they make informed management decisions, conservation practices to build organic matter and manure management practices. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the following topics: Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Resources Producer-Led Group Roadmap and morePeninsula Pride FarmsKinnard FarmsFarmer-led services Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on July 23. Farmers in Wisconsin are making a difference in the soil health space through farmer-led watershed groups. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the history of Peninsula Pride Farms, conservation practices, game-changer in the manure management space, manure management tools, conservation goals and future of conservation. Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Employees are a valuable asset on the farm and there are specific financial investments a farm can make to improve workforce culture. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brad Herkenhoff discuss the following topics: This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial. About the guest Resources Workable Workforce Series: Recruiting and onboarding talentWorkable Workforce Series: Retention and EngagementWorkable Workforce Series: Coaching and CounselingWorkable Workforce Series: HR management and legal matters Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on July 2. Employees are at the core of a successful business and we will cover specific financial investment to improve the workforce culture and in return save your farm business money. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brad Herkenhoff discuss basic and advanced financial investments to improve employee culture, ROI on positive work culture, resources and trends. This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial. About the guest Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

Farmers are leading the way in conservation efforts through producer-led watershed groups, and today we are going to learn more about these farmer networks, common conservation practices and future goals. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the following topics: This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy. About the guests Resources Producer-Led Group Roadmap and moreCommercial Nitrogen Optimization PilotSheboygan River Progressive FarmersFarm Stapels Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 11. In Wisconsin, farmers created farmer-led conservation groups, known as Producer-Led Watershed Groups (PLWG), that are leading the way in conservation. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the backstory of the groups, common conservation practices and future goals. This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy. About the guests Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

We get creative in this episode and discuss specific examples of how farmers are approaching their neighbors with mutually beneficial business ideas. The first part identifies the opportunities and after the break, we discuss how to approach the opportunities. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Steve Schwoerer discuss the following topics: This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial. About the guest Resources Connect with SteveAgricultural FinancingAgricultural Businesses Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on May 21. Our guest helps farms get creative with improving their business by maximizing neighbor relationships. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Steve Schwoerer discuss the list of opportunities, what is the most successful, outside professional support, challenges and future topics in this space. This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial. About the guest Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

Creating a plan to act on regular tune-ups on your farm can result in money savings and improved relationships with industry allies. Focus on Energy shares the unforeseen benefits of farm equipment tune-ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Melissa Beeksma, discuss the following topics: Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Resources The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-UpsEnergy Advisor MapImproving your bottom-line resources Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.