Training Sessions
Presenters and topics by week, with a brief description of each day's episode topic and featured presenter(s):
Week 200: FARM Program, Soil & Water Quality, & Farm Safety: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 19
Tune in for an update on the FARM program and what may be on the horizon that can impact individual dairy farms and the industry.
- Emily Yeiser Stepp, Vice President, The National Dairy FARM Program
Wednesday, March 20
Learn about how phosphorous impacts water quality and explore how cover crops and other practices change water dynamics, the location and availability of phosphorous in different soil types.
- Chelsea Zegler, Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
- Dr. Jamie Patton, PhD, CPSS, Wisconsin State Soil Health Coordinator, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Thursday, March 21
Safety should always be a top priority on the farm. Join an interactive conversation on common farm hazards, how to correct those hazards and OSHA expectations for various situations.
- Mary Bauer, CIH, CSP, Compliance Assistance Specialist, OSHA
Week 199: Calf Diseases, Corn Rootworm & Impact of Overstocking: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 5
Tune in for a discussion on five common afflictions of calves – crypto, rotavirus, coronavirus, E.coli and salmonella – including signs to look for, how to prevent each disease and the protocols to follow in case of an outbreak.
- Dr. Melissa Cantor, Assistant Professor, Precision Dairy Science, Pennsylvania State University
Wednesday, March 6
With the 2024 growing season just around the corner, what insect pests should growers be on the lookout for? Learn about corn rootworm and other key pests, including management and prevention, potential damage and how to scout for infestation.
- Todd Schaumburg, Part Owner and Agronomist, Tilth Agronomy
Thursday, March 7
Learn about recent research on the impact of feed bunk competition and overstocking on animal wellbeing, and get insights on other new research.
- Dr. Faith Reyes, PhD, PAS, Dairy Outreach Specialist, Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Week 198: Factors Impacting Dairy Demand and Beef Processing: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 27
How common is lactose intolerance and how does it impact the overall perception of milk and dairy products among consumers? Tune in for an informative session to better understand dairy digestion, lactose intolerance and more.
- Andrea Miller, Outreach Program Manager, Communications & Training, Center for Dairy Research
Wednesday, Feb. 28
Beef on dairy is becoming an increasingly important sector of the beef marketplace. Learn about the difference in meat quality in beef on dairy crosses as well as carcass waste and what dairy producers can do to ensure higher quality beef production.
- Dr. Dale Woerner, PhD, Professor and Cargill Endowed Professor in Sustainable Meat Science, Texas Tech University
Thursday, Feb. 29
Join in for an update on the beef processing industry, including insights on products, pricing, availability and export news.
- Steve Van Lannen, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group
Week 197: Geopolitical Analysis, Risk Management & Calf Care: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 20
The world is in a holding pattern as the U.S. and other countries enter election season amid economic troubles in China, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, and continuing inflation concerns. Tune in to hear about how all of these impact dairy producers from a trade perspective.
- Jacob Shapiro, Partner and Director of Geopolitical Analysis, Cognitive Investments
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Join in for an interactive discussion on risk management options related to milk price protection and insurance.
- Aaron Gransee, Ag Insurance Team Lead, Nicolet National Bank
Thursday, Feb. 22
The transition from winter into spring can present special challenges for raising calves. Hear about different ways to take advantage of dairy calf diagnostics during seasonal weather changes and what viruses and bacteria are more prevalent this time of year.
- Dr. Ryan Breuer, DVM, Clinical Assistant Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine, UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, and Diagnostic Case & Outreach Coordinator at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Week 196: Feed Management, Calf Wellness & Market Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Tune in for an interactive conversation about the nutritional content and quality of this year’s feed harvest and strategies for inventory management in the upcoming growing season.
- Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor and Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Learn about “leaky gut” syndrome in calves and ways that producers can prevent systemic inflammation and support overall wellness in the youngest members of the herd.
- Dr. Sara Kvidera, PhD., Dairy Technical Consultant, Elanco
Thursday, Feb. 15
Join in for an update on the latest in market, weather and export news that will impact the dairy industry and individual farms now and into the growing season. Bring your questions for this regular market update.
- Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company
Week 195: Udder Health, Feed & Production Costs, Calf Managemet: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Join in for an interactive conversation about dollars and sense in udder health. The discussion will include ways to use dry-cow therapy and pathogen-based treatment options and how sound cow management can lead to positive financial outcomes.
- Dr. Daryl Nydam, DVM, PhD, Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Take a deep dive with fellow dairy producers for tips on calculating cost of production. And learn about how feed quality and ingredients impact milk production. Hear about valuing forage in cost of production and discover how fellow dairy farmers measure, manage and control shrink.
- David Trimner, General Manager and Co-Owner, Miltrim Farms Inc.
- Shawn Kemp, CFO and Consultant at Pico/Dos Pico Dairy
Thursday, Feb. 8
Tune in for a special “fact or fiction” episode focused on calf management in cold weather, including managing the winter into spring transition.
- Dr. Chelsea Holschbach, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Assistant Professor in Large Animal Medicine and Food Animal Production Medicine at University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine
Week 194: Carbon Markets, Animal Behavior & Market News Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, Jan. 30
Join in for a timely discussion on the carbon market incentives available to dairy producers, with a focus on feed product incentives. Learn more about how the process works and how carbon insets are kept within the industry.
- Don Larson, P.A.S. Technical Ruminant Sales Manager, Feedworks USA
- Ryan Smith, Senior Manager, Regenerative Agriculture Impact and Partnerships, Danone North America
Wednesday, Jan. 31
Tune in to learn how using predictive animal behavior can improve animal wellbeing and milk production in a variety of ways, including how a cow uses her senses, how to work in a pressure zone, move cows more effectively, and more.
- Dr. Kurt Vogel, PhD, Director, Humane Handling Institute, and Associate Professor, Animal Welfare and Behavior, UW-River Falls
Thursday, Feb. 1
With one month of 2024 in the rearview, it’s time for an update on the industry, markets and weather trends expected to impact dairy producers through the remaining winter months and into the 2024 planting season.
- Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company
Week 193: Bedding Options, Milk Price Reform & Wellness Goals: (watch now)
Tuesday, Jan. 23
Tune in for an interactive review of solids and sand bedding options. The presenters will share results of the veterinary clinic’s bedding sample lab tests and management recommendations for dairy producers.
- Dr. Nick Mayer, DVM, Veterinarian, Waupun Vet Clinic
- Dr. Monty Belmer, DVM, Veterinarian, Waupun Vet Clinic
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Join Dr. Nicholson for an update on milk price reform. He’ll share where policy discussions are headed and what dairy producers can expect.
- Dr. Charles Nicholson, Associate Professor, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences and Agricultural & Applied Economics, UW-Madison
Thursday, Jan. 25
Learn about strategies for setting and sticking with realistic wellness goals. Whether it is nutrition, movement or a lifestyle change, you’ll leave with ideas and inspiration for 2024.
- Morgan Ekovich, Owner & Head Trainer of Get Fit with ME LLC
Week 192: Energy Generation, Breeding Heifers & Industry Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, Jan.16
Farmers depend on reliable, continuous power to run their business. The next episode in The Path to Smarter Energy series features a discussion on options for on-farm energy generation and storage.
- Mark Inkrott, Co-Founder and Partner, UpField Group,
- Jacob Feutz, Vice President, Renewable Fuels, EnTech Solutions
Wednesday, Jan. 17
Weight vs. Wait? Tune in to learn about the latest research and discussion between weight vs. waiting to breed heifers and the potential outcomes for animal health, performance and a producer’s bottom line.
- Dr. Paul Fricke, PhD, Dairy Reproduction Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Megan Lauber, M.S., Ph.D. Candidate, Dairy Reproductive Physiology, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, UW-Madison
Thursday, Jan. 18
As we begin the new year, what should dairy producers be thinking about or watching for to help manage through these volatile times? Join in for an update and outlook on dairy industry news and markets.
- Leonard Polzin, Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist, UW-Extension
Week 191: Dairy Product Research, Feed Quality & Off-Farm Life: (watch now)
Tuesday, Jan. 9
Learn about the latest research and innovation underway at the Center for Dairy Research in the field of cultured dairy products and beverages.
- Dr. Daniel Wilbanks, Dairy Applications Specialist, Center for Dairy Research
Wednesday, Jan. 10
What are some key practical strategies to sustain consistency in feedstuffs? And how can producers prevent bottlenecks and quality issues when supplies are tight and alternatives are necessary? Tune in for answers to these questions and more.
- Dr. Gail Carpenter, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Dairy Production, Iowa State University and State Dairy Extension and Outreach
Thursday, Jan. 11
While dairy farming is a way of life, having hobbies and activities outside the farm is critical to health and wholeness. Join an interactive discussion on finding balance on the farm alongside other aspects of life for producers actively involved in farm duties as well as those who are in a transition phase.
- Monica McConkey, Rural Mental Health Counselor, Eyes on the Horizon Consulting