Training Sessions
Presenters and topics by week, with a brief description of each day's episode topic and featured presenter(s):
Week 156: Reproduction, Milk Nutrition and Effective Delegation: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 25
Join in this “Fact or Fiction” episode to address and dispel common myths and misconceptions regarding dairy reproduction. Dr. Fricke will lead a discussion covering correct solutions to reproductive problems.
- Dr. Paul Fricke, PhD, Dairy Reproduction Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tune in for an encore presentation of a Business Conference Preview Stage session. Learn about new research that seeks to identify high-value uses for milk and its components to advance personalized medicine and improve health of specific patient groups.
- Dr. Joseph Pierre, PhD, Assistant Professor, Nutritional Sciences, UW-Madison
- Karen Antunes, PhD Student, Nutritional Sciences Department, UW-Madison
How and when to delegate tasks and responsibilities is one of the most important skills for leaders and managers at any level. Join this interactive discussion to learn about the necessary steps to make a habit of delegating, including which processes to have in place and more.
- Don Tyler, Founder of Tyler & Associates, Executive and Management Coach
Week 155: Next Generation of Dairy Ideas: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 18
Two Nexus stage presenters join this session. Tune in to learn about CERTILLUS Targeted Microbial Solutions that are available for feed, forage and manure to impact the entire clostridial cycle in a dairy herd. Hear about TruDrinking from Smaxtec, which is a rumen bolus that monitors water intake to ensure animal health and milk yield.
- Ben Saylor, PhD, PAS, Dairy Technical Services Manager, Arm and Hammer and Food Production
- Alisa Gusterer, Vice President, smaXtec Inc.
Join in for a conversation about monitoring and measurement systems for cow health and activity as well as feeding and milking parlor management with Nedap Livestock Management.
- Matt Heisner, Dairy Product Specialist, Nedap Livestock Management
Learn about IsoFerm from Zinpro, a proprietary blend of isoacids designed to enhance rumen function by directly feeding the fiber digesting microbes.
- Dana Tomlinson, PhD, Nutritionist, Global Technical Services, Zinpro IsoFerm
Week 154: Farm Finances, Transition Planning and Market Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 11
Learn strategies to take control of your farm’s finances amid changing markets, input and feed costs, supply chain disruptions, pricing and more? This episode will review the high points from a 2023 PDPW Business Conference session; tune in for tips on better managing during times of rapid change, rising interest rates and evolving technology.
- Dr. Brady Brewer, PhD, assistant professor, Agricultural Economics Department, Purdue University
Tune in for a discussion on navigating through farm transitions, including maintaining and strengthening family relationships through the process as well as sorting through the responsibilities, and accompanying relationship and emotional challenges that can arise.
- Monica McConkey, Rural Mental Health Counselor, Eyes on the Horizon Consulting
With spring weather finally arriving, take a look at the economic, exports and market factors that will impact your farm and the dairy industry during the 2023 growing season and beyond.
- Dan Basse, President, AgResource Company
Week 153: Culling Factors, Obstetrics & Solar-Power Ventilation: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 4
Culling decisions impact the bottom line and play an important part of a farm’s financial and environmental sustainability. Learn how herd-turnover rates influence milk production and methane generation in a session that received top reviews at the 2023 PDPW Business Conference.
- Dr. Daryl Nydam, DVM, PhD, Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University
Bring your entire team up to speed in this discussion of maternity and obstetric care, including pre-, mid- and post-delivery signs to watch for, protocols for safe deliveries and best practices for the safety of handlers and cows. We’re providing an opportunity for a broader audience to hear about this important topic that was a Hands-on Hub session at the 2023 PDPW Business Conference.
- Dr. Ryan Breuer, DVM, Clinical Assistant Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine, UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, and Diagnostic Case & Outreach Coordinator, UW-Madison
Tune in to hear about new research on the use of solar-power ventilation to reduce heat stress and increase welfare for dairy calves house in outdoor hutches.
- Dr. Jimena Laporta, Assistant Professor, Lactation Physiology Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at UW-Madison
Week 152: Silage Safety, Mastitis Control and Market Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 28
Silage season is one of the busiest and most dangerous time for dairy teams. Attendees at the 2023 PDPW Business Conference found the strategies unique and impactful approaches for saving lives. Now you can share it with your whole team.
- Connie Kuber, Co-Owner, Connor Agriscience
Discuss the latest research on antibiotic use for mastitis control in dairy cows and take a closer look at opportunities for antibiotic-free alternatives to control mastitis during the dry period. This topic generated a lot of interest after being presented at the recent PDPW Business Conference, so we’re giving it exposure to a broader audience.
- Dr. Hilario Mantovani, PhD, Assistant Professor, Animal & Dairy Sciences, UW-Madison
- Ana Julia Moreira, Research Intern, Animal & Dairy Sciences, UW-Madison
How has the first quarter of 2023 compared to expectations and what’s ahead for the rest of the year? Tune in for a discussion on the market, weather and economic factors that will drive the dairy industry and impact your farm’s bottom line.
- Dan Basse, President, AgResource Company
Week 151: Grazing Practices, Robotic Calf Feeders & Dairy Policy: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 21
Elevate soil health and bottom line by grazing dairy heifers. Tune in for a discussion of best practices that will deliver benefits for your animals and land.
- Jason Cavadini, Grazing Specialist and Certified Professional Agronomist, UW-Madison Extension
Considering robotic calf feeders? Join this panel discussion of dairy producers who will share their experiences, including pros, cons and what they would do differently.
- Amy Penterman, Manager, Dutch Dairy LLC
- Jordan Ebert, Ebert Enterprise
Learn about the latest happenings in dairy policy at the national level and what industry leaders will be watching for the rest of 2023. Episode presenter will be:
- Jim Mulhern, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
Week 150: Tax Strategies, Water Quality & Renewable Energy: (watch now)
Tuesday, March 7
Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on tax strategies to consider for your farming operation now and in coming years. Marissa Nehlsen will review tax codes and discuss the estate tax exemption level due to expire in 2025 and how that should impact your business and transition planning now.
- Marissa Nehlsen, money and business strategist, certified speaker and coach
As you’re planning for the 2023 growing season, hear about the latest research at UW-Discovery Farms on practices that can deliver benefits for your land, productivity and water quality.
- Amber Radatz, Agricultural Water Quality Program Manager, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension
Join this episode for an attorney’s perspective on the ins and outs of renewable energy contracts, including what producers should know, what to be mindful of and understanding the length of contract commitments and expectations.
- Troy Schneider, Partner and Attorney at Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider & Halbach Law Office
Week 149: Heart Health, Calf Care and Milk Replacer: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 28
February is American Heart Month, so it’s fitting to wrap up the month with a discussion on lifestyle alterations to keep the heart healthy. Join in for practical tips and recommendations to share with employees and family members.
- Jeffrey VanWormer, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute
Learn about D-Lactic acidosis in neonatal calves, including the causes, symptoms and treatment, as well as a general discussion on sick-calf care and management practices.
- Tom Earleywine, Ph.D., Milk Replacer Director of Nutritional Services with Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Solutions
Milk replacer is a critical part of calf care; understand how to read labels and recognize the various fat and protein sources as well as the pros and cons of different formulations.
- Liz Cox, MS, DVM, Animal Care Program Manager, California Department of Food and Agriculture
Week 148: Crop Insurance, Stress Response and Silage Management: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 21
With the 2023 growing season just around the corner, now’s the time to research best practices for managing risk with available crop insurance tools.
- Aaron Gransee, Ag Insurance Team Lead, Nicolet National Bank
Stressful events can have multiple effects in dairy cattle. Learn more about how responses to stress can impact cows’ gut health and how using nutritional supplements can reduce negative effects.
- Dr. Nicole Burdick Sanchez, PhD, Research Animal Scientist, Livestock Issues Research Unit, USDA-ARS
Tune in to hear a final analysis of the 2022 silage season and start a conversation about management practices and opportunities for the upcoming season. Start planning now to make the most of next year’s silage crop.
- Dr. John Goeser, PhD, Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation, Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Todd Schaumburg, Part Owner and Agronomist, Tilth Agronomy
Week 147: Dairy Retail Trends, Mental Health & Market News: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 14
Hear about the trends and changes in the dairy retail space in 2022 as well as what’s ahead in 2023. The discussion will also include a review of consumer buying habits, what supply and demand look like and how inflation has impacted dairy pricing. Episode presenters will be:
- Chad Vincent, CEO, Dairy Famers of Wisconsin
- Brandon Scholz, President and CEO, Wisconsin Grocers Association
Winter can be an especially challenging time for those struggling with mental health issues. Join this interactive discussion on mental health in agriculture, including signs to look for and options for helping individuals. Episode presenter will be:
- Alison Kepner, Financial Officer, Compeer Financial
With the first month of 2023 under our belts, what are the economic, market and demand trends that will impact dairy markets this year? Tune in for the latest news and analysis in this economic update. Episode presenter will be:
- Dan Basse, President, AgResource Company