Progressive Dairy Podcast

In this episode, Steven Pavelski, large herd application expert for Nedap, reinforces the value of herd monitoring technology and describes how it saves farmers time, labor and costs. Pavelski shares how Nedap CowControl reveals behavior abnormalities, signs of heat and real-time location to get the right cow in front of the right person at the right time. Steven Pavelski, large herd application expert for Nedap Email: steven.pavelski@nedap.com Here’s the episode breakdown: 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://www.nedap-livestockmanagement.com/dairy-farming/

Robots or a rotary parlor? As this question continues to be debated nationwide, Progressive Dairy Podcast host Matti McBride sits down with Torie Little of TDSG and Stephanie Schroeder of Boumatic to identify key points that dairy producers need to understand when investing in an automated milking system. Listen to learn about attributes of successful transitions, questions asked during the process and how certain management styles fit different technologies. Here is the episode breakdown:

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: 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:

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:

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: 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:

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: 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:

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:

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:

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: 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.