Training Sessions
Presenters and topics by week, with a brief description of each day's episode topic and featured presenter(s):
Week 101: Milk Pricing, Farm Safety & Spring Outlook: (watch now)
Tuesday, Mar. 22
Tune in for an overview of milk and commodity pricing trends as well as a look ahead at what the industry should be preparing for in a constantly changing economic environment.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson, PhD, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis at UW-Madison and Director of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Profitability
As weather warms and activity on the farm increases, ensure that you and your team are using personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe on the farm, and review best practices for safely handling farm equipment.
- Jenna Gibbs, Director of Operations, Ag Health and Safety Alliance; Personal Trainer, University of Iowa
What is the weather outlook for spring planting and the 2022 growing season? Take a deep dive into weather trends and forecasts that will impact the agricultural and dairy community.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
Week 100: Alfalfa Quality, Cow Serotonin & Eating Behavior: (watch now)
Tuesday, Mar. 8
As spring fever settles in, the timing is perfect for updates on the best practices for evaluating and preserving the quality of the coming year’s alfalfa crop. Primary talking points will center on evaluating alfalfa stands for winterkill or injury and determining options for crops that have been significantly damaged. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Don Miller, Ph.D., Director of Product Development, Alforex Seeds
Hear the latest research findings about the role serotonin plays in regulating calcium in dairy cows and its effect on lactation performance. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Laura Hernandez, Ph.D., Professor of Lactation Physiology, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dairy producers can optimize the health and production of their herd by better understanding their cows’ eating behaviors. Learn strategies and tips to offer them the best care. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Trevor, DeVries, Ph.D., Professor and Canada Research Chair Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph
Week 99: Calf Health, Policy & Market Updates: (watch now)
Tuesday, Mar. 1
Oscillating temperatures bring with them challenges to calf health. This episode will help producers better understand situations when passive transfer fails, and discuss calves’ caloric needs with temperature changes. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Theresa Ollivett, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Large Animal), assistant professor in Food Animal Production Medicine section at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
With two months of the new year under our belt, hear an update from Washington D.C. regarding policy, legislative and other central issues that will impact the dairy industry. Also, discover the National Milk Producers Federation’s priorities for the year. Episode presenter will be:
- Jim Mulhern, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Milk Producers Federation
Gain insights on the latest news and trends and an analysis of agricultural markets that will impact dairy producers and the ag industry. Episode presenter will be:
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 98: Employee Reviews, Carbon Credits & Feed Efficiency: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 22
Make the most of employee reviews with tips on how to prepare for and deliver an effective review, and how to provide feedback in a positive and constructive way. Episode presenters will be:
- Liz Griffith, Market Development, Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
- Tim Schaefer, CFP, Certified Family Business Advisor, Certified Professional Business Coach, Encore Consultants
Carbon credits are making headlines and generating social media buzz, but how do you know what the best option is for your farm? Learn what you need to know about contracts for carbon credit as well as what to look for and avoid in these opportunities. Episode presenter will be:
- Troy Schneider, Partner and Attorney at Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider & Halbach Law Office
This episode of the “Rising Stars – Graduate Research Showcase” will shed light on research to develop methods that assess individual animal feed efficiency on commercial dairy farms. Their work to measure individual animal feed intake and body weight could help producers select for more efficient cows and cow lines. Episode presenters will be:
- Leticia M. Campos, B.S., Direct Ph.D. Student in Dairy Science, Virginia Tech
- Jacquelyn Prestegaard-Wilson, M.S., PhD Candidate in Dairy Science, Virginia Tech; Data Research Intern, Select Sires, Inc.
Week 97: Sanitation Protocols, Generations & Market Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 15
Keeping calves healthy starts with effective sanitation protocols, including properly cleaning and disinfecting bottles and using pasteurizers. Learn how to develop and verify the effectiveness of your dairy’s cleaning procedures. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Donald Sockett, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM (large animal), Veterinary Microbiologist/Epidemiologist, Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL), University of Wisconsin
Opportunities and challenges arise when multiple generations work together. Discuss the differences in behaviors, outlooks and expectations of each generation and learn strategies to communicate effectively and bridge generational gaps. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Becky Stewart-Gross, PhD, President, Building Bridges Seminars
Gain insights on the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the agriculture industry. Episode presenter will be:
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 96: Floor Resurfacing Time Budgets & Optimizing Calf Health: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 8
Learn the ins and outs of concrete resurfacing, including the process, when producers should begin thinking about taking action at their facilities and what to consider in decision making. Episode presenter will be:
- Alan LeBlanc, owner TrakRite Services
How do changes in a cow’s schedule impact lameness and other health factors? Discover what the latest research shows regarding a dairy cow’s time budget and the importance of rumination and resting for rumen pH, health and milk components. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Rick Grant, president, William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute
Understand the five most deadly afflictions for calves – crypto, rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli and salmonella – the most effective methods to prevent them and the proper protocols in cases of an outbreak. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Geof Smith, DVM, MS, PhD, veterinarian, dairy technical services, Zoetis
Week 95: Cover Crops, Ration Quality and Market Updates: (watch now)
Tuesday, Feb. 1
Take a deep dive into cover crops and how they can be incorporated into dairy farming operations. Learn about potential forage use, the impact of cover crops on compaction, tips for choosing the right mix and selecting the best approach for farms and soil types. Episode presenter will be:
- Matt Oehmichen, co-owner, Short Lane AG Supply LLC
Hear about the most common factors that cause inconsistent dairy rations and what can be done to address them, including ensuring consistent mixing of rations and more. Episode presenter will be:
- Mark Tegeler, M.Sc., ruminant technical field specialist, Diamond V
Tune in for a bi-weekly update featuring the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the agriculture industry. Episode presenter will be:
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 94: Managing Data, Research Showcase and Compassion Fatigue: (watch now)
Tuesday, Jan. 25
Learn how to put the data you collect to work for you and your herd by digging into the metrics that can simplify calf, herd and financial management decisions. Hear from a dairy farmer panel about what is most valuable to aid decision-making on their operations. Episode presenters will be:
- Laura Raatz, calf, youngstock and herd manager at Wagner Farms Inc.
- Pam Selz-Pralle, dairy farmer, Selz-Pralle Dairy
This month’s “Balchem Rising Star” episode will feature graduate research at Dr. Jennifer Van Os’ lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The lab focuses on understanding, evaluating, and improving the welfare of dairy cattle. Faith Reyes is investigating the relationships between social dynamics among cows at the feed bunk and their production and feed efficiency. Kim Reuscher is studying thermal stress (heat and cold stress) in calves housed in outdoor hutches and heat abatement and ventilation for lactating cows. Episode presenters will be:
- Kim Reuscher, PhD candidate, UW-Madison
- Faith Reyes, PhD candidate, UW-Madison
- Jennifer Van Os, PhD., assistant professor and extension specialist in Animal Welfare, UW-Madison
Burnout is real. And it can be really damaging to your team. Learn how to recognize the signs of compassion fatigue and discover strategies to prevent, handle and treat the condition. Episode presenter will be:
- Monica McConkey, rural mental health counselor at Eyes on the Horizon Consulting
Week 93: Transition Cows, Colostrum Management, Market Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, Jan. 18
Learn about metabolic issues that impact transition cows, specifically ketosis and fatty liver, and discuss practical strategies farmers can implement to prevent and manage these issues. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Ryan Pralle, Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Prepare your calves for success with proper colostrum management. Learn how to handle and store colostrum and learn more about the complexities of what makes it so crucial to getting calves off to their best start. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Tom Earleywine, Ph.D., Milk Replacer Director of Nutritional Services with Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Solutions
Gain insight on the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industries. Episode presenter will be:
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 92: COVID-19 Update, Taxes, Making Most of Smart Phones: (watch now)
Tuesday, Jan. 11
Take a deep dive into how coronavirus breaks down in humans and learn how vaccines work, starting with the basics. Episode presenter will be:
- Dr. Chris Ashworth, DVM, Discovery Researcher-Beef, Global Veterinarian, Zinpro Performance Minerals
Start the new year off with a discussion on tax preparation, from tips for 2021 filing and claims to a review of changes that will impact 2022. Learn about what will have the most impact on your business and farm, and how you can prepare. Episode presenter will be:
- David Mayer, Associate Attorney, Twohig Rietbrock Schneider & Halbach S.C.
Tune in for a roundtable discussion with dairy farmers on how to make the most of smartphones, including apps for managing herd and financial data, coordinating schedules and staying connected with teams and more. Episode presenters will be:
- Mitch Breunig, dairy farmer, Mystic Valley Farms LLC
- Jared Feltz, dairy farmer, Feltz Family Farms & Dairy Store