Free
Description
Developed by PDPW for dairy farmers, processors and other industry leaders, The Dairy Signal episodes will feature a variety of experts in dairy business and dairy economics - and other management topics. All episodes will live-stream from 12:00-1:00 PM CT each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. In addition, each live session will offer attendees the opportunity to engage in open Q&A and interact with the speakers. A video and audio podcast recording of each episode will be available for free on-demand access after each airing.
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All sessions are recorded and available to watch on-demand.
No registration fee is necessary, and all episodes are available by clicking the "Watch Now" button above. Follow along digitally in advance of and during the sessions by following @dairyPDPW and using #PDPWDairySignal on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Our dairy industry and lives are changing daily and our need for accurate business information is vital. This new resource is designed to bring our dairy community together while providing resources to help navigate through challenging times.
Contact
For more information, contact PDPW at 800-947-7379, or email us at mail@pdpw.org.Training Sessions
Presenters and topics by week, with a brief description of each day's episode topic and featured presenter(s):
Week 75: (watch now)
Tuesday, Sept. 14
National Farm Safety and Health Week is celebrated September 19-25, 2021. Learn ways to keep your fall harvest season safe, including necessary equipment tune-ups.
- Cheryl Skjolaas, Senior Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
- Justin Wege, Ag Mechanics Instructor/Tractor Safety Program Lead, Department Chair for Ag Mechanics, Outdoor Power Equipment, and Farm Business Production Management, Fox Valley Technical College
The decision of whether to raise their own heifers or send them offsite to a custom grower is an important one for many dairy producers. Hear from a panel of producers how they determine what best fits their operation.
- Walt Moore, President/Owner, Walmoore Holsteins, Inc. and Moocha Milk Transportation, Inc., West Grove, Pennsylvania
- Tony Brubaker, Partner, Brubaker Farms, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
- Amanda Arata, General Manager, Kansas Dairy Development, Deerfield, Kansas
Listen to the bi-weekly update on the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 74: (watch now)
Tuesday, Sept. 7
Tune in for an update on dairy promotion activities in several areas, including how programs are keeping dairy products at the forefront in schools and how dairy is penetrating international markets.
- Amy Wagner, Executive Vice President, Global Innovation Partnerships, Dairy Management Inc.
- Karen Doster, Director, Youth and School Programs, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Banking and lending experts will share their expertise and knowledge on industry trends from loans to inflation to refinancing and more, and the potential impact on today’s dairy operations.
- Jim Moriarty, Director Dairy Lending and Dairy Consulting, Compeer Financial
- Sam Miller, Managing Director, Group Head, Agricultural Banking, BMO Harris Bank
- Tim McTigue, Senior Vice President of Ag Banking with Investors Community Bank
Find out what’s new in the beef processing industry, when it comes to products, pricing, availability and exports.
- Steve Van Lannen, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group
Week 73: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 31
Healthy calves are the foundation of your herd. Find out what’s been affecting calves lately and what types of information is helpful for monitoring calf health and management including the importance of birth certificates and mortality descriptions.
- Dr. Daryl Nydam, Professor of Dairy Health and Production in the Ambulatory and Production Medicine and Quality Milk Production Services sections at Cornell University, and Faculty Director for the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability
- Dr. Franklyn Garry, DVM, Extension Specialist and Veterinarian with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University
Wednesday, Sept. 1
Hear an overview of how the different weather patterns are affecting the United States and find out what’s in store for fall and winter.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist, Nutrien Ag Solutions
Thursday, Sept. 2
Gain insight on the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President, AgResource Company
Week 72: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 24
With corn silage harvest right around the corner, hear projections for harvest timing and quality testing and learn about InField Updates to provide free updates on silage moisture and quality in your region. Also learn some helpful tips from an experienced nutritionist for developing a cost-effective plan if forage is limiting in quality or yield.
- Dr. John Goeser, PhD, Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at UW-Madison
- Bill Reyes, Consultant / Owner, Royal Ag Services, Canyon, TX
Graduate research showcase will focus on translating and evaluating applications of novel concepts on dairy farms, including meta-analysis of studies with wet corn gluten feed, assessing whether Enogen corn silage is ready to feed more quickly post-harvest than conventional silage, econometric analysis of different approaches to dairy farm expansion and commercial farm assessment of post-calving inflammation and associations with health and productivity.
- Dr. Barry Bradford, Clint Meadows Endowed Chair in Dairy Management, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University
- Kirby Krogstad, Graduate Research Assistant, Animal Science, Michigan State University
- Lynn Olthof, Graduate Research Assistant, Animal Science, Michigan State University
We all know too well the daily pressures of life and work can lead you down the wrong path. Learn the signs of drug and alcohol abuse, the impact it can have on employees and how you can help. Glean tips on keeping your mind and body healthy, from proper food choices to stimulate your mind, to adequate rest to good time management.
- Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, Founder and President of Farmer’s Daughter Consulting
- Laura Saunders, State of Wisconsin Program Manager, Great Lakes Addiction, Mental Health and Prevention Technology Transfer Center
Week 71: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 17
A2 milk has attracted attention from both consumers and dairy producers, due to its ease of digestion. Hear from two dairy producers about their experiences investing in on-farm processing of A2 milk and cheese.
- Lonnie Holthaus, General Manager, MilkHaus Dairy, Inc., Fennimore, Wis.;
- Tammy Fritsch, Owner/Plant Manager, Two Guernsey Girls Creamery, Freedom, Wis. and
- Dr. John Lucey, PhD, Director of Center for Dairy Research, Professor of Food Science at UW-Madison
Keeping cows cooler during hot and humid weather will help maintain steady milk production. Get updated on current research with different ventilation systems and learn first-hand how one producer renovated to keep his cows comfortable.
- Dr. Nigel Cook, DVM, Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine at UW-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine; Chair of the Department of Medical Sciences
- Mike Larson, President and Dairy Manager, Larson Acres, Inc.
Thursday, August 19
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 70: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 10
As part of the effort to address groundwater issues and protect drinking water and public health across Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources are working with key public and agriculture industry stakeholders, state agencies, the State Legislature, the governor, and the general public to update ch. NR 151. Get an overview of how this administrative rule will affect dairy producers.
- Christopher Clayton, Agricultural Runoff Section Chief, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Farm accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Learn how local emergency responders and farmers can create a safer work area on the farm for employees and for responders.
- Chief Gerald Minor, Pittsville Fire Department
- Ronald Naab, Allenton Fire Department Assistant Training Officer
Getting started in the dairy industry involves planning, whether it’s establishing goals or understanding financial tools. Learn some of the strategies young producers should consider when get started in the industry.
- Gary Sipiorski, independent business and financial consultant
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and UW-Extension Farm Management Specialist
Week 69: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 3
Financial data is necessary for taxes and lender requirements, but those uses represent only about 20 percent of their value to dairy managers. A panel of three savvy dairy producers will share how they put financials to work to better their operation.
- Carrie Pollard, Owner, Pollard Farms, Rockford, Ill.
- Stacy Eberle, Owner, EbAcres Orchestrated Dreams, Monroe, Wis.
- Geoff Gerrits, Chief Financial Officer, Breeze Dairy Group, LLC, Pine River, Wis.
Listen to an update on some of the dairy and agriculture-related issues being discussed at the national level, from climate/infrastructure to immigration to trade to economic support.
- Paul Bleiberg, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, National Milk Producers Federation
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 68: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 27
Thousands fall victim to human trafficking, even in rural areas and agricultural labor markets. Know what signs to look for and how to prevent it from happening on your farm.
- Paul Marik, Captain of Patrol Division, Village of Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
Learn from UW-Madison graduate students about new research on the relationship between serotonin and calcium during a cow’s lactation and how calcium levels can affect reproduction hormones around calving time and reproductive health long-term. Episode presenters include:
- Dr. Laura Hernandez, PhD, Professor of Lactation Physiology, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Meghan Connelly, PhD, Research Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Pedro Leopoldo Jeronimo Monteiro Junior, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Body condition score (BCS) is one of the factors limiting reproduction on farms today. Learn the role BCS plays during the transitional period.
- Dr. Paul Fricke, PhD, Dairy Reproduction Specialist with UW-Madison
Week 67: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 20
Hazardous distractions can be found all around your farm. Learn how to identify these distractions and explore an effective communications plan to help prevent these types of distractions from resulting in injuries.
- Marsha Salzwedel, Project Scientist at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation/National Farm Medicine Center
President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month. Learn from two entrepreneurs what it takes to operate a farmstead creamery.
- James Baerwolf, Owner, Sassy Cow Creamery, Sun Prairie, Wisc.
- Karen Kelley, Owner, Kelley Country Creamery, Eden, Wisc.
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 66: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 13
Opportunities exist for bovine tuberculosis (TB) to reemerge in the U.S. Learn how to minimize your herd’s risks for introduction and spread of TB and hear firsthand how one family dairy dealt with this zoonotic disease.
- Dr. Darlene Konkle, DVM, MS, DACVIM, State Veterinarian, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- Dr. Elisabeth Patton, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM, Assistant State Veterinarian, Wisconsin DATCP
- Steve Maddox, Maddox Dairy, Burrel, California
Certain areas of the U.S. have received adequate moisture; other areas are still in a drought-stricken state. Learn how this will affect the dairy state and where we are at in terms of quality and quantity of second-crop harvesting and corn growth.
- Dr. John Goeser, PhD, Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Scott Fleming, Nutrient Management Specialist and Sampling Director from Rock River Lab
Learn how nitrates can affect groundwater and hear the latest update on Discovery Farm’s nitrogen-use efficiency research project as it relates to fine-tuning crop decisions and how this study weaves into the new DNR regulations.
- Amber Radatz, Co-Director, Discovery Farms
- Ryan Heiderman, Nitrogen Projects Coordinator, Discovery Farms
Week 65: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 6
Learn how the agricultural industry can capitalize on alternative energy resources such as geothermal, solar and wind.
- Adam Wehling, Dean of Agriculture, Energy, Construction & Transportation, Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Frank Cardoza, Dairy Operations Manager, Philip Verwey Farms, Hanford, Calif.
Hear the latest consumer research when it comes to e-commerce beef growth, the changes that occurred over the last year on both the retail and consumer side, as well as an outlook on alternative protein sales.
- Shawn Darcy, Senior Director, Market Research, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
- Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association
Gain insight on the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 64: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 29
It’s officially summer and that equates to hot and humid days. Learn how to maintain calf health during warmer weather and how one producer works daily keeping 8,000 calves comfortable and hydrated.
- Dr. Geof Smith, DVM, MS, PhD, Veterinarian, Dairy Technical Services, Zoetis
- Sherry Arnold, Busse’s Barron Acres, Barron, Wis.
Hear from two “rising stars” in dairy research talk about some of the recent work on silage quality and its nutritive value.
- Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Ben Saylor, Ruminant Nutrition PhD Candidate, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences
- Cole Diepersloot, MS Student, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences
Find out how Dairy Farmers of America remains competitive as the largest cooperative in the nation and the innovations keeping them in the forefront of the industry.
- Kristen Coady, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Dairy Farmers of America
- David Darr, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA)
Week 63: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 22
New products are being developed and marketed at a steady pace, including GoodSport, a hydrating sports drink formulated from milk. Learn the concept behind this product and how the Center for Dairy Research provides product development, research and troubleshooting for those looking to create something new.
- Michelle McBride, Founder & CEO, GoodSport™ Nutrition
- Tom Guerin, Research Program Manager, Center for Dairy Research
Learn about consumer food interests and branding, cheese pairings and tips, recipe appetizers to celebrate dairy and current media efforts to promote Wisconsin’s dairy industry.
- Molly Browne, Education Manager, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
- Tina Peterson, National Program Manager, Media Appearances-Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 62: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 15
Hear an overview of how weather patterns are affecting the United States and find out what’s in store the rest of the summer.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
The majority of first crop hay has now been harvested. Dive into a nutritional analysis of this crop and how harvesting higher quality feeds can offset overall feed costs.
- Dr. John Goeser, PhD, Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Adding value to your dairy by diversifying on-farm sales is growing in popularity. Glean tips on how to start, market and maintain a successful business.
- Kristin Quist, Dairy Manager, Minglewood, Inc., Deer Park, Wis.
- Heather Moore, Owner, Moore Family Farms and Moore Local, Maquoketa, Iowa
Week 61: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 8
Find out what’s trending when it comes to consumer buying habits, what’s the recent perception on plant-based and cell-based alternatives to dairy and meat and how certain new initiatives could affect the dairy industry.
- Charlie Arnot, CEO of The Center for Food Integrity and president of Look East
Heat stress can affect overall economics, production, fertility and alter milk composition. Learn some of the more effective heat abatement practices and feeding techniques to combat heat stress.
- Dr. Geoffrey E. Dahl, Harriet B. Weeks Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 60: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 1
Hear two “rising star” dairy researchers share some of their recent work including results from an epidemiological analysis of the impact of sub-clinical ketosis on cows and herds, and findings on rumen-protected choline as a nutritional intervention during heat stress and on overall cow and calf health.
- Dr. Heather White, PhD, Associate Professor of Nutritional Physiology of the University of Wisconsin-Madison,
- Ryan Pralle, Assistant Professor of Animal Science and Researcher, Dairy Innovation Hub, University of Wisconsin – Platteville and
- Henry Holdorf, PhD Candidate, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
There have been some new appointees on key agricultural legislative committees. Find out who is new and what’s in store when it comes to agricultural and environmental policy, trade and exports and the overall health of the U.S agricultural economy.
- Paul Bleiberg, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, National Milk Producers Federation
Business IQ is being proven in today’s world of tight margins. What is your business and financial IQ? Are you up for the challenge?
- Gary Sipiorski, independent business and financial consultant
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist
Week 59: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 25
Farmers are always on the go but still need to communicate – how can we connect with our teams through our laptops, phones and other devices? Learn how to stay connected when working remotely and what the future holds for data integration.
- Jeremy Cherny, Founder and President, Tobin Solutions
Discover what’s new at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin as they work to increase awareness and affinity for Wisconsin dairy products and find out what’s happening in the retail marketplace across the United States.
- Suzanne Fanning, Senior Vice President, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Chief Marketing Officer, Wisconsin Cheese
- Mike Edge, Senior Regional Marketing Director, East, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 58: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 18
Gain insights on how the hacked pipeline between Texas and New York will affect fuel supply and the potential impact on dairy and beef producers, as well as consumers buying trends at the grocery level. Session will also include an overview of milk and commodity pricing trends and policies that could affect producers.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson, PhD, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis at UW-Madison and Director of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Profitability
Managing employees is a full-time responsibility. Glean ideas from several dairy producers on how they motivate and educate their employees.
- Sarah Daugherty, Workforce Development Manager, Paramount Calves, Darlington, Wis.
- Katie Gerrits, Director of Human Resources, Breeze Dairy Group, Pine River, Wis.
- Kevin Wulf, Community Relations and Employee Education, Riverview LLP, Morris, Minn.
Hear an update on domestic and international dairy markets and policy, activity in our key dairy exporting regions around the world and what products are having the biggest impact on the U.S. economy.
- Mary Ledman, Global Dairy Strategist, Rabobank
Week 57: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 11
Wisconsin is celebrating 180 years in the cheesemaking industry. Learn about the Master Cheesemaker program and how several cheesemakers have taken advantage of the program.
- Pam Hodgson, Master Cheesemaker at Satori Cheese
- Chris Renard, Master Cheesemaker and owners Renard’s Cheese and Rosewood Dairy Inc.
- Andy Johnson, Assistant Coordinator, Cheese Industry & Applications for the Center for Dairy Research and Coordinator, Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Program
Teenagers are an important part of the summer workforce on many dairy farms today. Learn about teen characteristics, possible distractions and impulsive behaviors, and find out how to tap into a free online training course aimed at supervising young agricultural workers.
- Marsha Salzwedel, Project Scientist at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation/National Farm Medicine Center
- Diane Rohlman, Assistant Professor and Director of the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company,
Week 56: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 4
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn how farmers can reduce stress to combat mental health issues and why a healthy diet along with plenty of rest plays a role in overall mental health. Tune in to hear the latest research on farm adolescence and mental health.
- Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, Founder and President of Farmer’s Daughter Consulting
- Josie M. Rudolphi, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Farmstead cheese operations are beginning to populate the countryside. As we celebrate American Cheese Month, hear the story of these entrepreneurs and managers as they share their experiences establishing and maintaining their businesses, from quality control to traceability.
- Jake Feltz, Manager of Feltz’s Dairy Store
- Ben Shibler, Cheese Manager and Head Cheesemaker at Ponderosa Farmstead
- Alise Sjostrom, Co-Owner/Head Cheesemaker at Redhead Creamery and Co-Owner at Jer-Lindy Farms
Ultrasounding allows you to look at calf lungs for evidence of damage from calfhood pneumonia and provides information quickly. Discover how ultrasounding works and why it’s a beneficial tool for dairy producers.
- Dr. Jason Kroll, Livestock Veterinarian at Lodi Veterinary Care
- Sherri Meinholz, General Manager at Blue Star Dairy Farms
Week 55: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 27
Learn the basic components of an effective nutrient management plan and other considerations when working with tile drainage.
- Dennis Frame, owner of Timber Ridge Consulting
- Eric Cooley, Co-Director of Discovery Farms
Paired calf housing is becoming a more popular way to raise calves. Learn from two calf managers how they have successfully incorporated the “buddy system” into their calf operation.
- Laura Raatz, Herd Manager and Calf Manager, Wagner Farms, Inc., Cecil, Wis.
- Christine Bender, Owner/Herd Manager, McFarlandale Dairy LLC, Watertown, Wis.
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 54: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 20
Proper manure management is important to help protect the environment and increase farm profitability. Hear about best practices for managing manure and key steps to take if a manure spill occurs.
- Kevin Erb, Director of the Conservation Professional Training Program for UW-Madison, Division of Extension
California passed a law requiring dairy farms to cut methane production by 40% by 2030. Learn how that state’s farmers have already reduced methane production by 25%.
- Dr. Frank Mitloehner, PhD, Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist with the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis
Learn from a producer panel about their experiences in switching to a calf pasteurizer feeding system and how the new system fits into their operation.
- Yogi Brown, Sunburst Dairy, Belleville, Wis.
- Rosario Ibarra, Grotegut Dairy Farm, Inc., Newton, Wis.
- Heidi Fischer, Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm, LLC, Hatley, Wis.
Week 53: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 13
Tune in for a refresher on top safety concerns for the upcoming planting and growing season and learn what tasks are age-appropriate for youth helping on the farm.
- Cheryl A. Skjolaas, Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist, Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, UW-Madison/Division of Extension
- Marsha Salzwedel, Project Scientist at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation/National Farm Medicine Center
Hear about the climate and weather trends that will influence spring planting and affect the 2021 growing season.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 52: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 6
Robotic milking systems are becoming more common. Hear what producers have learned first-hand as they share their experiences with their robotic milking systems.
- Dan Venteicher, owner/manager, Honey Creek Dairy LLC
- Jared Feltz, co-owner, Feltz Family Farms & Dairy Store
- Dr. James Salfer, Extension Professor, Center for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Minnesota
Automatic calf feeders can be used as a tool to reduce labor and improve calf nutrition, but still come with challenges. Learn how two producers are managing their automated calf feeders for profitability.
- Zoey Nelson, COO of Brooks Farm 1855 LLC
- Heather Johnson, Calf Barn Manager, Alfalawn Farm
Tune in to learn more about the SCiO Cup used by consultants and some dairy producers on the farm to measure dry matter in haylage, corn silages, small grain silages and other feed ingredients within a few minutes.
- Terry Allen, North American Business Development Manager, Consumer Physics
- Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor and Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, UW-Madison
Week 51: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 30
Learn how the state of Wisconsin is investing in its agriculture economy and dairy farm families.
- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
- Randy Romanski, Secretary-Designee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Learn the keys of an effective “stay” interview to understand what employees value most about their current role in your organization.
- Liz Griffith, Market Development, Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 50: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 23
Take a step back and evaluate some of the risk management strategies dairy producers are utilizing to manage amid current market trends and conditions.
- Will Babler, Principal, Atten Babler Commodities LLC
Get the latest update on what’s happening on the national level and how it will affect the dairy industry.
- Paul Bleiberg, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, National Milk Producers Federation
Learn the benefits of cover crops and how they impact productivity and sustainability of the land.
- Matthew Oehmichen, part owner of Short Lane Ag Supply
- Peter Graff, dairy producer from Stetsonville, Wis.
Week 49: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 9
Hear about the “Dairy Dozen,” or the 12 key financial ratios that lenders follow that are easy for dairy producers to calculate and understand.
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability
- Gary Sipiorski, independent business and financial consultant
Learn about the latest on-farm research projects and resources available at Discovery Farms that may be applicable on your dairy operation.
- Amber Radatz, Co-Director of Discovery Farms
The amount of business and personal data producers share in cyberspace is ever increasing. Learn how to identify a potential risk or attack and develop a cybersecurity strategy for your business.
- Jeremy Cherny, Founder and President, Tobin Solutions
Week 48: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 2
Family and management should go hand-in-hand, but sometimes the same vision and values are not utilized. Learn how to determine if your family members are in the right management position and glean tips on how to restructure management roles.
- Liz Griffith, Market Development, Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
Learn the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, what phase dairy producers fall into and other vaccine-related questions.
- Jon Meiman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Occupational and Environmental Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Lisa Olson, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Hear about the latest Dairy Innovation Hub-funded projects and how they will affect the dairy industry.
- Mitch Breunig, dairy producer and chair of the Dairy Innovation Hub advisory council
- Dr. Heather White, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutritional Physiology of UW-Madison
Week 47: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 23
The Center for Dairy Research is one of the premier dairy research centers in the United States. Find out what the research team is currently working on and what the dairy industry has to look forward to down the road.
- Dr. John Lucey, PhD, Director of Center for Dairy Research, Professor of Food Science at UW-Madison
Tune in to learn how we can best prepare the next generation of employees and managers for success by developing their leadership skills while managing everyone’s expectations.
- Nicole Bettinger Zeidler, Consultant, Family Business Consulting Group
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 46: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 16
Kwik Trip has quickly become a one-stop shop for food, fuel, household and other consumer needs. Discover how this company is managing their accelerated growth and learn its philosophy for providing opportunities to team members.
- John McHugh, Director of Public Relations, Kwik Trip
Learn how one of the largest beef processing companies in the U.S. has adapted through an unprecedented year in 2020, along with one of their suppliers. Find out how they are keeping up with consumer demand and what lies ahead in 2021.
- Steve Van Lannen, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group
- Keith Lindsey, President and CEO, Salm Partners
How will La Nina affect weather patterns in 2021? Hear about the climate and weather trends that will impact the remaining winter months, influence spring planting and effect the 2021 growing season.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
Week 45: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 9
Learn about the consumer trends that will drive the dairy industry in 2021 and how the industry is partnering with companies for promotional efforts. Also, hear about how fluid milk is competing with other beverages, especially dairy alternatives, in today’s marketplace.
- Chad Vincent, CEO, Dairy Famers of Wisconsin
- Paul Ziemnisky, Executive Vice President, Global Innovation Partnerships, Dairy Management Inc.
The foundation of a strong team is giving and receiving feedback. Learn effective ways to provide constructive feedback and communication with your team members.
- Liz Griffith, Market Development, Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 44: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 2
Every manager is asking how profits are made and what is holding back greater profitability. Learn about the DuPont System for Financial Analysis, and how to break down elements of profitability and make the most of management decisions on your farm.
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability
- Gary Sipiorski, independent business and financial consultant
Review market drivers, trends and fundamentals for both milk and feed markets. Learn about practical risk management tools and example strategies on how to apply them to the current market opportunities.
- Will Babler, Principal, Atten Babler Commodities LLC
Get an update on the global dairy industry as markets around the world recover and reposition from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, learn what producers can do to remain price competitive and avoid the “angry bird” phase when managing through changing times.
- Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, Virginia Tech
- Dr. Alex White, Advanced Instructor, Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Tech
Week 43: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 26
Hear the latest updates on water quality and cover crop research, as well as the environmental issues that dairy producers should be aware of in 2021.
- Amber Radatz, Co-Director, Discovery Farms
- Tim Radatz, Minnesota Discovery Farms Coordinator
Find out what grocery trends and consumer demands from 2020 will continue into the future, including the use of online grocery shopping and possible marketing opportunities for dairy producers.
- Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association
- Darrin S. Kuehn, Senior Director of Store Operations, Skogen’s Festival Foods – De Pere Support Office
Get the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the ag industry through 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 42: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 19
Learn how the calf’s rumen develops and hear tips to make the weaning transition period more successful, including cost-effective ways to begin introducing weaned calves to heifer rations.
- Dr. Jud Heinrichs, Professor of Dairy Nutrition, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
Gain insight from a panel focused on practical ways to make calf care a top priority on your farm, including calf care techniques, record-keeping systems and working with the entire dairy team.
- Ermith Ocampo, Livestock Director, Milk Source LLC
- Stacy Jauquet, Owner, Jauquet’s Hillview Dairy LLC
Pneumonia is the most common disease in growing calves, and is especially challenging in winter months. Tune in for the latest updates on preventing and treating this disease.
- Dr. Theresa Ollivett, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Large Animal), Assistant Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine section at UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
Week 41: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 12
Learn on-board training techniques, effective ways to retain and reward employees and ways to communicate using other means of technology when in-person meetings are unavailable.
- Liz Griffith, Market Development, Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
Learn how to provide constructive feedback and manage challenging conversations. Find out what the next generation needs to know in order to be a successful contributor to the business.
- Nicole Bettinger Zeidler, Consultant, Family Business Consulting Group
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends as we move into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 40: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 5
Learn the latest hoof trimming methods, herd level factors that influence lameness incidence and how dairy producers can reduce the incidence of lameness.
- Dr. Gerard Cramer, DVM, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota
Hear an update on transition cow research and feed efficiency trials predicting individual cow feed intake and how they utilize nutrients differently, as well as an update at the Dairy Innovation Hub.
- Dr. Heather White, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutritional Physiology of UW-Madison
Farm estate and transfer plans are only effective if they are kept up to date. Learn action plans to keep your farm succession plan and estate plan current and in line with business and personal goals.
- George Twohig and Troy Schneider, Partners and Attorneys at Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider & Halbach Law Office
Week 39: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 29
Learn the latest research findings in optimizing fertility of sexed semen in lactating dairy cows and non-lactating dairy heifers.
- Dr. Paul Fricke, Ph.D., Dairy Reproduction Specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends as we close out 2020 and look ahead into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 38: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 22
Take a look at the top nutrition trends in 2020 and hear about some of the hidden opportunities in nutrition management, feed costs and inventory management to take your dairy to the next level in 2021.
- Dr. John Goeser, Ph.D., Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Matt Akins, Assistant Scientist and Extension Dairy Specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Learn practical tips on optimizing the transition cow period for top milk production and reproductive performance.
- Dr. Neil Michael, Manager of Ruminant Field Technical Services with Arm & Hammer
Week 37: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 15
Take a look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on consumer attitudes toward food and agriculture, and dig deeper into which trends will be short term and which will last.
- Charlie Arnot, CEO, Center for Food Integrity
Hear an update on how COVID-19 has affected the health of dairy industry team members, how this essential product is getting to market, as well as an update on the latest OSHA and CDC guidelines and vaccine progress.
- Mary Bauer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, of Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Eau Claire Area
- John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, President and CEO, Medical College of Wisconsin
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends as we close out 2020 and look ahead into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Compan
Week 36: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 8
Learn from global food industry leaders about their work with suppliers and customers to secure high-quality agricultural ingredients that meet global sustainability goals.
- Emily Johannes, Category Manager – Ethical Sourcing, Nestle
- Karen Scanlon, Senior Vice President, Environmental Stewardship, Dairy Management, Inc.
Hear an update on how the changing of the political guard in Washington might impact dairy policy, regulations and markets in 2021 and beyond.
- Paul Bleiberg, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, National Milk Producers Federation
Understand the basics of blockchain and how it could be a tool for the dairy industry now and in the future.
- Phil Harris, Co-Founder and President, ripe.io
Week 35: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 1
Understand options for calculating cost of production and how each approach can help make management decisions and manage risk.
- Gary Sipiorski, Independent Business and Financial Consultant
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability
Hear about agriculture and the dairy outlook from the lender point of view, including lessons learned from 2020 and tips for planning ahead for 2021, including prepaying, refinancing, and other options.
- Tim McTigue, Senior Vice President of Ag Banking, Investors Community Bank
- Doug Lambert, Assistant Vice-president, Farmers & Merchants Union Bank
- Jim Moriarty, Director of Dairy Teams, Compeer Financial
Get the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets, current trends and what to expect for the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company.
Week 34: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 23
Learn about the weather patterns for upcoming months and get an inside look at the winter weather outlook.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
Hear from a dairy producer panel about the management practices, technologies and tools needed to maintain a high production herd. They will share their experiences and provide insights to help raise the bar on production.
- Scott Seward, Seward’s Dairy
- Tom Kestell, Ever-Green-View LLC
There will not be a Dairy Signal broadcast on Thursday, Nov. 26. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Week 33: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 17
Hear how cancer is affecting our rural communities and learn about options for screenings and ways to take care of your health to reduce cancer risk.
- Dr. Madhuri Rao, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, University of Minnesota
Understand how the animal traceability and ID system works and hear about examples from poultry and pork industries when it played an important role in animal and human health.
- Dan Goehring, Johnsonville Livestock Procurement Coordinator for Johnsonville Sausage
- Dr. Gretchen May, DVM, Veterinary Program Manager, Wisconsin DATCP
- Dr. Darlene Konkle, DVM, Wisconsin State Veterinarian, Wisconsin DATCP
Hear the latest update on COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and what families can do to be healthy and safe, especially with upcoming colder weather and holiday seasons. They will also share information on a COVID surveillance study underway in Wisconsin.
- Kathrine Barnes, MS, MPH, Project Manager, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute
Week 32: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 10
Responsible antibiotic management is a top priority for both dairy farmers and consumers. Learn about the Food Armor program and hear about on-farm processes that can be used to improve antibiotic treatment efficacy.
- Paul Lippert, farmer, Grass Ridge Farm
- Katie Mrdutt, DVM, MBA Candidate, Executive Director, Food Armor® Foundation
Hear about the hunger disparity in Wisconsin and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on food supplies for families across the state. Learn about the Dairy Recovery Program and how programs are using CARES funds from DATCP to purchase Wisconsin products.
- Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of Milwaukee Hunger Task Force
Learn the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets, current trends and what to expect for the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company.
Week 31: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 3
With winter right around the corner, ventilation becomes a top priority. Learn how to be prepared when it comes to air quality for our animals.
- Dr. Nigel Cook, DVM, Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine at UW-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine and Chair of the Department of Medical Sciences
Producers are adding value to their dairy by diversifying into on-farm sales. Learn more about what it takes to start, grow and maintain a successful value-added enterprise.
- Lolly Lesher, owner/partner in Way-Har Farms, LLC and Way-Har Farm Market, LLC in Bernville, Pennsylvania
- Kara Kasten-Olson, owner of Little Farmer Meats and Ag Program Supervisor at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Passing the farm on to the next generation involves planning. Find out how these dairy producers are working
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