In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Doug Hubby, general manager of Shamrock Farms. Doug manages 12,000 cows and over a hundred employees, emphasizing his role as a professional problem solver. The conversation with Doug highlights three key technological advancements implemented to save water, time, and money while improving cow health and performance: a micro machine for precise nutrient delivery, a custom teat dip mixing system, and advanced cooling techn...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 214
This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, hosted by Peggy Coffeen, delves into the story of the McCarty family and the establishment of the Judy McCarty Learning Center. The episode features insights from Ken, Clay, Mike, and Tom McCarty as they honor Judy McCarty’s impact on their family and the dairy industry. It includes a special recording of Judy McCarty from 2020 and highlights the family’s commitment to sustainable dairy farming, education, and community engagement. The episode also disc...
Mar 27, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 213
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen wraps up Women's History Month by engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Lindsey Worden, the newly appointed CEO of Holstein Association USA. Lindsey, the 10th CEO in the association's 140-year history, shares her inspirational journey from her beginnings in New York and New Mexico to becoming a key leader in the dairy industry. She discusses her vision for the future of the Holstein Association, focusing on partnerships, indivi...
Mar 25, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 212
International Women in Dairy Series: Ysabel Jacobs, Ferme Jacobs, Quebec, Canada We’ve been celebrating women around the world this month with the International Women in Dairy Series here on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, and today I’m joined by a Canadian dairy woman who knows a thing or two about what it takes to win. Ysabel Jacobs has stood center of the ring at the world’s most competitive cows shows and with her family at Ferme Jacobs in Quebec, developed iconic cows with household names like S...
Mar 20, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 211
Join us at Central Plains Dairy Expo for Happy Hour! If you are heading to Sioux Falls, stop by the Sheraton Hotel Atrium (party deck) on Wednesday, March 26 from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail with some of the familiar faces and voices from Uplevel Dairy Podcast and chat with the sponsors that make this podcast possible including: Adisseo Compeer Complete Management Consulting HighGround Dairy Milc Group Nedap In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined for the Monthl...
Mar 18, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 210
International Women in Dairy Series: Jan Winke In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen sits down with Jan Winke, a dairy farmer and professional with Nedap, who moved from Iowa to New Zealand 17 years ago. She discusses her family’s transition from struggling on a small farm in Iowa to today being proud owners of their own dairy farm in New Zealand. Jan shares her compelling journey of relocating with her husband Chad and young family halfway around the world to take adv...
Mar 13, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 209
International Women in Dairy: Erica Rijneveld, Livestock Show Equipment, Netherlands We are celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month by sharing stories from women around the world who are making a difference in the dairy business, and today’s guest is a one-woman powerhouse who has paved her own path with hard work, perseverance and a commitment to excellence as a European-based livestock show supplies business, not to mention clipping and fitting with some of the best sho...
Mar 11, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 208
International Women in Dairy: Fernanda Lopes, Global Ruminant Strategy Manager, Adisseo We are celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month by bringing on global dairy industry leader Fernanda Lopes. Originally from Brazil, she first found her passion for dairy at 12 years old, spending Saturday mornings with a local embryo transfer veterinarian.. Her pursuit of personal challenge brought her to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned her master's and doctorate a...
Mar 06, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 207
Kritzia López Arvelo, a third-generation dairy farmer from Puerto Rico, shares her life journey, encompassing her roles as a lawyer, a dairy farmer, and a new mother. She discusses the challenges faced by dairy farmers in Puerto Rico, including high costs, the impact of hurricanes, and the struggle for sustainability. Kris reflects on the resilience built during Hurricane Maria and its aftermath, which taught her valuable lessons in self-assurance and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance ...
Mar 04, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 206
Join the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) for the Annual Conference in Westminster, Colorado, April 8-10. Visit dairycalfandheifer.org Two heifer growers from two different parts of the country join us today: TJ McClure joins us from southwest Kansas, and Kendall Wassenaar from northwest Iowa, to chat about the strategies they have been using to overcome challenges on their heifer development operations, including: Recruiting labor in a county with only 1,200 people, Problem-solving pink...
Feb 27, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 205
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, hosted by Peggy Coffeen, Curtis Bosma from High Ground Dairy provides a comprehensive February monthly market update. Key topics include: The current state of tariffs and their potential impact on the dairy industry Insights from the World Ag Expo Trends in milk production across various U.S. states And the global dairy supply Catch your own February Market Report here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/producer-market-update-february-2025 00:00 ...
Feb 25, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 204
“Where quality and service meet” was the brand promise Ideal Dairy was founded upon more than 100 years ago, as not only a dairy farm but a local supply of door-to-door fresh milk delivery in Hudson Falls, New York. Well, fast forward to today, and this dairy farm and the families who operate it continue to live out that motto with their 3,800-cow herd, known widely for excellence in their genetics program, Cookie Cutter Holsteins. And while there are many people behind the scenes of Ideal Dairy...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 203
We just dropped episode number 200 of the Uplevel Dairy podcast, that’s 200 conversations with dairy leaders - from CEOs to high-performing managers, immigrants, industry icons, entrepreneurs, influencers, and even an Olympian. Today I’m summarizing for you the top 7 lessons from these incredible leaders, 7 key themes you can apply today at work and at home to increase your energy, clarify your focus, and amplify your impact. When you take yourself to a higher level, you bring those around you t...
Feb 18, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 202
$18,000 an acre for farmland? Today, we talk about hot trends in land values and rental prices with Jade Kruschke from Compeer Financial. And from Compeer’s dairy team, Senior Ag Lending Specialist Curtis Gerrits shines some light on land acquisition strategies he sees dairy farmers implementing to gain access to acres for feed, cropping and manure without paying premium prices. About Compeer Financial Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture...
Feb 13, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 201
“There’s nothing more painful than having to watch a farmer go to an auction to bid on their own land.” - Will McKinley, Menn Law Today we talk with Will about farming partnerships: What to know before you get into a partnership How to protect yourself and the farm should one party want to get out Buy-sell agreements Operating agreements Shareholder agreements Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law: William-McKinley@mennlaw.com (920) 731-6631 https://mennlaw.com/ Do you have a question on succession ...
Feb 11, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 200
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast Young Leader Series, Sarah Thomas shares her journey from growing up in North Carolina to her current role at Select Sires in Ohio. Sarah discusses her involvement in dairy judging and mentorship, emphasizing mental health and the importance of advocating for oneself. She reflects on the significant impact of mentors in her life and how she's now giving back by guiding and inspiring the next generation through the Ohio Junior Holstein Association. Mak...
Feb 06, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 199
You may know Dr. Marissa Hake from her online following as the @Calfvet, but what you may not know are the big dreams, bold prayers, and brave actions that led to her career of now five years with Fairlife and the recent opening of their direct-to-consumer farm store for Black Label Beef. Get ready to laugh with us, cry with us and be inspired on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast. Connect with Marissa Online https://www.blacklabelfarms2020.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blacklabelfarmmarket/ https://www...
Feb 04, 2025•35 min
25 years ago, a twenty-year-old Dutchman left his homeland in pursuit of a dream - the American dream - and a dairy farm that would allow him to live out his passion. This quest led Sander Penterman to Jon-De Farms in northern Wisconsin, where he met who would be some of his greatest mentors, Dean and Todd Doorninck. This became a stepping stone to eventually owning his own dairy farm in Thorp, Wisconsin, Dutch Dairy. This 15th-generation dairyman shares with us today a journey of starting from ...
Jan 30, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 197
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen interviews Greg Bethard, CEO of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, who shares his unconventional journey into the dairy industry. Greg discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from a consultant and CFO to managing and owning a dairy farm in Kansas. Despite initial hardships and the unexpected loss of a key partner and friend, John Pagel, he pushed through to establish a successful business and master the role of CEO. This conversa...
Jan 28, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 196
Today, we’re talking about managing your heifer inventory, cutting down your cull rate, and making more milk and more money without purchasing pricey replacements as we sit down with Pauly Paul from Complete Management Consulting on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast. This Episode is Sponsored by Complete Management Consulting Contact Pauly Paul www.CompleteManagementConsulting.com completemanagementconsulting@gmail.com 920-418-3135 Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c...
Jan 23, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 195
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy provides an in-depth analysis of key market factors affecting the dairy industry in 2025. Topics covered include: The finalized rulings on Federal Milk Marketing Orders Supply and demand shifts And inventory trends in dairy commodities like cheese and butter. Curtis also emphasizes the importance of financial management for dairy farmers, highlighting the significance of balance sheets, cash flow statements, and mar...
Jan 21, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 194
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is sitting down with Will McKinley, President of Menn Law Firm, to discuss the importance of trust and estate planning for farm families. Will explains three different types of trusts, including Medicaid, revocable, and irrevocable trusts, and their relevance in asset protection, probate avoidance, and tax planning for farms. He shares insights into the legal and practical aspects of transition planning and succession for agribusiness, emphasiz...
Jan 16, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 193
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is sitting down with Tom McCarty to hear about his journey as the patriarch of McCarty Family Farms. Moving his family from Pennsylvania to Northwest Kansas nearly 25 years ago, Tom discusses the strategic steps they took to grow their dairy business. He emphasizes the values of hard work, forward-thinking, and resilience that have guided his family's success. Tom also reflects on the future growth opportunities for the farm and offers advice t...
Jan 14, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 192
Meet fourth-generation Pennsylvania dairyman Jared Kurtz, and listen alongside as I help him put his “why” into words. I’ll be opening the morning session of the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit on Feb. 5, with a conversation inspired by the book “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Simek. Get a preview here as find out Jared’s “why” - why he chose to come back to the dairy after seeking to get away from it, why he and his wife wanted farm life for their six chil...
Jan 09, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 191
Want to end 2025 better than you started it? Ever struggle with New Year’s resolutions that stick? Today I’m walking you through three steps that I do at the beginning of each year to gain the clarity and momentum to make each year better than the last, while creating more margin in your day to make room for habits that will get you where you want to be. 00:00 Welcome and Recap of 2024 00:35 Struggles with New Year's Resolutions 01:53 Step 1: Creating a Vision 06:39 Step 2: Subtracting to Add Va...
Jan 07, 2025•16 min•Season 2Ep. 190
Impact Farming Podcast host Tracy Burnet jumps on from Manitoba to join Uplevel Dairy Podcast host Peggy Coffeen as they reflect on the one word they each chose to live by in 2024, and how they are preparing to uplevel and creating an impact in 2025! Check out the Impact Farming Podcast: https://www.farmmarketer.com/impact_farming_show/season-one-episodes Impact Farming Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@farmmarketer3270 Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtub...
Jan 02, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 189
Best of 2024: We are catching back up with some of our top guests from the past year, and today we chat with Idaho dairyman Hans Nederend, Nederend Dairies. In Episode 92, Hans shared his secrets to achieving world-class milk quality, and then expanded upon that as we talked about his roles as not only a dairyman, but also a dad and a leader. In this episode, Hans talks about the challenge of dealing with avian influenza on his dairies, how it impacted his herd and also how it brought out the de...
Jan 01, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 188
Best of 2024: We are catching back up with some of our top guests from the past year and are so grateful to welcome Katie Coyne. Earlier this year, Katie shared her personal story of growing up in the dairy industry and how she has made it her mission to pay it back to the next in line through mentoring and encouraging youth. Katie also shared her personal journey with cancer and the prognosis given to her in late 2024. Find out how Katie has continued to find hope and purpose each and every day...
Dec 31, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 187
Best of 2024: We are catching back up with some of our top guests from the past year, including Tim Abbott, who joined us back in Ep. 143: Sitting on the Showbox with Tim Abbott. We pull up a seat again today to hear how 2024 challenged him changed him, his greatest wins and the word he has chosen to live by in 2025. More from Tim Abbott: 165 | Showbox Stories with Tim Abbott, featuring Jim Ostrom, John Vosters and Steve Briggs : https://pod.link/1687111792/episode/a27e08505ee234f6417366d1d8df03...
Dec 30, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 186
We sit down with Manuel Soares, CEO of Milc Group, to discuss how applying manufacturing principles to dairy farming can identify and eliminate bottlenecks to improve revenue. Manuel highlights the importance of real-time data for making quick, informed decisions, and the need for an integrated system like ERP to connect all aspects of dairy operations. He emphasizes the role of accurate data, proper data entry, and data ownership in ensuring financial success in the dairy industry. Milc Group i...
Dec 26, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 185
