Training Sessions
Presenters and topics by week, with a brief description of each day's episode topic and featured presenter(s):
Week 136: Automation, Calf-Feeding Behavior, Retirement Strategy: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 29
A new generation of automation in agricultural machines and equipment has the potential to mitigate labor shortfalls across the dairy industry. However, the promise of these new technologies also comes with risks. Join the discussion for an overview of what’s ahead and how it might impact farms of every size.
- Dr. John Shutske, Professor and Extension Specialist in Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tune in to the November “Rising Stars – Graduate Research Showcase” episode to hear about research connecting calves’ feeding behavior and health, and the potential for artificial intelligence and data from automatic calf feeders and other technologies to diagnose and monitor disease in calves. Episode sponsored by Balchem.
- Dr. Melissa Cantor, PhD, Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph
Year-end tax planning is at the top of many dairy producers minds now. Hear about short- and long-term strategies for retirement savings, and learn the right questions to ask when considering off-farm investments.
- Sarah Wiersma, Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Week 135: Don't get stuck in conflict and Market update: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 22
Since it’s not possible to completely avoid conflicts, let’s learn to manage, minimize and even use conflict as a competitive advantage in your business. Consultants Liz and Tim will help us understand where conflict comes from and how to optimize it in this interactive episode.
- Liz Griffith, Market Development, Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
- Tim Schaefer, CFP, Certified Family Business Advisor, Certified Professional Business Coach, Encore Consultants
Tune in to hear what might impact dairy and commodity markets, exports and more as 2022 winds down. Bring your questions for an informative discussion on what you should be thinking about regarding your dairy business as we head into 2023.
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 134: Nutrition, the Transition Period and Biosecurity: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 15
Trace minerals and vitamins are often overlooked in transition nutrition due to more focus on protein or energy. Tune in to hear about the important role trace minerals and vitamins play in cow immune response and calf survival and health.
- Dr. Robert Van Saun, DVM, Professor of Veterinary Science and Extension Veterinarian, Penn State University
Join us for a discussion on all things biosecurity, including the on-farm practices that can minimize disease risk. Bring your questions for a hearty conversation on this critical topic.
- Dr. Heather Roney, DVM, Cattle Health Programs Veterinarian, Wisconsin DATCP
Cart or the horse? How do calcium and serotonin impact peripartal calcium homeostasis? Learn about how calcium is regulated in the transition period and the essential role dry-cow feeding plays in preventing postpartum calcium issues and more.
- Dr. Laura Hernandez, Ph.D., Professor of Lactation Physiology, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Week 133: Staying Healthy, Footbath Research and Market Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 8
Is chocolate really good for you? Do carbohydrates cause weight gain? Does walking to the barn count as exercise? Get to the bottom of these health and diet questions and many more in this enlightening “Fact or Fiction” edition.
- Amy Mydral Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, Founder and President of Farmer’s Daughter Consulting
- Jenna Gibbs, Director of Operations, Ag Health and Safety Alliance; Personal Trainer, University of Iowa
Tune in for the latest research, technologies and management practices for using footbaths on today’s dairy farms. Join the discussion on managing the practical challenges and novel ways to measure footbath effectiveness.
- Dr. Laura Solano, PhD, DVM, Dairy Cattle Comfort and Welfare Expert, Lactanet, Canada
As 2022 winds down, we’ll take a look at the potential market, weather and export news that will impact dairy and commodity pricing for the rest of the year. Dan Basse will also share an overview of what to expect in 2023.
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 132: Repro Protocols, Dairy Policy and Seed Selection: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 1
Effective reproductive programs are a must for dairy farms to be successful. Tune in for the latest research and recommendations for reproductive protocols and procedures.
- Dr. Paul Fricke, PhD, Dairy Reproduction Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Staying on top of policy and regulatory developments can be challenging; today’s update from National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) leaders will share news regarding the FARM Animal Care Program and more. Join in live for a chance to ask questions directly.
- Emily Yeiser Stepp, Vice President, The National Dairy FARM Program, NMPF
- Miquela Hanselman, Manager, Regulatory Affairs, NMPF
Planning begins now for the 2023 growing season; plan to join this discussion of how to select the right seed corn for your farm and fields. The conversation will consider disease tolerance, yield potential and consistency, soil type and more.
- Chad Staudinger, Regional Sales Manager, Dairyland Seed Co., Inc.
Week 131: Silage Outlook, Graduate Research & Market Update: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 25
Tune in for insights on the 2022 corn silage crop and how it will impact decisions and rations for the coming year. Discover strategies to make the most of the feedstuffs on your operation.
- 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
October’s Rising Stars – Graduate Research Showcase will feature work underway at the University of Minnesota. Hear about research to understand the energy value of NDF to lactating Jersey cows and work to explore the association between hyperketonemia and the postpartum rumen environment.
- Jason Stypinski, PhD student, University of Minnesota
- Anay Ravelo, PhD student, University of Minnesota
- Dr. Isaac Salfer, PhD, Assistant Professor, Animal Science, University of Minnesota
As fall harvest continues and cooler temperatures settle in, what do the next few months hold for dairy and commodity markets, exports and more? Get the latest news, trends and insights in our bi-weekly market update.
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 130: Adding Value to Acres, Research Update & Negotiation: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 18
How can you make the most of every acre? What about that marginal ground and odd areas that dot your farm’s landscape? Tune in to hear how these problem areas can add value to an operation and to identify the available support and resources.
- Dallas Glazik, IL Senior Farm Bill Biologist, Pheasants Forever
- Scott Stipetich, Precision Ag & Conservation Specialist, Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quails Forever
Wednesday, October 19
New research is underway at the Dairy Innovation Hub. Learn about these new projects and get an update on work that will benefit dairy producers and the industry.
- Maria Woldt, Program Manager, Dairy Innovation Hub
Thursday, October 20
Improve your negotiation skills in this session focused on making confident decisions, turning negotiations into a conversation and more.
- Linda Swindling, Founder and CEO of professional-development organization JourneyOn
Week 129: Transition Cow, Weather Update and Market News: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 11
Understand the causes of dry-off inflammation and how the condition contributes to poor performance in the transition period.
- Dr. Lance Baumgard, PhD, Professor, Norman L. Jacobson Endowed Professor in Dairy Nutrition, Iowa State University
It is time to check in on the weather outlook for fall harvest and what to expect as we head into a new year. Eric Snodgrass will also review the most important weather stories of the year and how they have impacted dairy and ag markets.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
Tune in for the bi-weekly market news update to learn about the key news and trends as we move into fall harvest and the fourth quarter of 2022.
- Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company
Week 128: Farm Safety, Cover Crops & Fiber Digestibility: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 4
Tune in for safety tips when opening manure pits or storage facilities, including working around methane and other gases. Also, hear about the upcoming Agricultural Rescue Training program from where it started to where it is today.
- Gerald Minor, Chief, Pittsville Fire Department
With fall harvest underway, learn about cover crops that can be used to scavenge for excess nitrogen, resulting in better water quality.
- Daniel Smith, Southwest Regional Agronomist, University of Wisconsin-Madison Nutrient and Pest Management Program
- Dr. Jamie Patton, PhD, Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Nutrient and Pest Management Program
Learn about the relationship between particle size and digestibility of fiber. Understanding the potential interactions between physically effective fiber and undigested fiber can help formulate rations to optimize dry matter intake, milk and milk components and rumen dynamics.
- Dr. Rick Grant, President, William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute
Week 127: Management Tips, Graduate Research & Market News: (watch now)
Tuesday, September 27
What is limiting your dairy farm’s success? Learn about six areas that will help you scale up your dairy management skills and identify the current limitations to success. Episode presenters will be:
- Liz Griffith, Market Development and Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
- Tim Schaefer, Certified Family Business Advisor, Certified Professional Business Coach, Encore Consultants
The September Rising Stars – Graduate Research Showcase will feature research conducted at the University of Florida. Graduate students will share their work on the impact of choline supplementation to in vitro embryos and the impact on calves, as well as choline supplementation at the time of conception. The Graduate Research Showcase is sponsored by Balchem. Episode presenters will be:
- Dr. Peter Hansen, PhD, Professor, University of Florida
- Lané Haimon, PhD student, University of Florida
- Masroor Sagheer, PhD student, University of Florida
As temperatures cool and we wrap up the third quarter of 2022, tune in to hear the latest news in dairy markets, trends and exports, as well as a look at what to expect in the final three months of the year. Episode presenter will be:
- Dan Basse, President, AgResource Company