Dairy Stream

International Year of the Woman Farmer: Featuring Five Female Farmers

This unique episode welcomes five female farmers from across the Midwest to celebrate the International Year of the Women Farmer.  

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza discusses the following topics:

• The best piece of advice
• Advice to their younger selves
• Balancing roles
• Helpful resources that bring success in their roles
• Future goals, steps to take

Guests include:

• Christina Zuiderveen, Black Soil Dairy, IA 

• Heidi Fischer, Fischer Clark Dairy, WI  

• Dorothy Elliott, Drumgoon Dairy, SD 

• Kate Minten, Spadegenske Dairy, MN 

• Kelly Oudenhoven, Larrand Dairy, WI 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Streamlet: International Year of the Woman Farmer: Featuring five Midwest Farmers

This Dairy Streamlet takes a unique approach and covers how to celebrate mothers’ and fathers’ day on the farm and what traditions they’ve learned from their mothers. We encourage you to listen to the episode on May 6 focused on advice, resources and future goals for these five accomplished women.  

Guests include:

• Christina Zuiderveen, Black Soil Dairy, IA 

• Heidi Fischer, Fischer Clark Dairy, WI  

• Dorothy Elliott, Drumgoon Dairy, SD 

• Kate Minten, Spadegenske Dairy, MN 

• Kelly Oudenhoven, Larrand Dairy, WI 

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Wisconsin policy update, importance of advocacy

The Wisconsin legislative sessions has wrapped up and we want to walk you through the wins, surprises and importance of member engagement.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Chad Zuleger and Cody Carpenter, discuss the following topics: 

• Biggest wins for Wisconsin dairy
• Surprises in the policy space
• Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports
• Farm field calculator
• Label grown meat
• Clean water and PFAS
• Importance of engagement
• Basic to advance ways to get involved
• What’s next in the policy space

About the guests

• Chad Zuleger is the Executive Director of the Dairy Business Association. He has been working in the policy space for 25 years.  
• Cody Carpenter, owns and operates Redrock View Farms with his family in Darlington, Wisconsin, where they milk 650 cows and farm 1,500 acres. Cody is currently serving as a DBA board member and also a member of the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance.  

Resources:

• Dairy Business Association priorities
• ARIP Program
• Producer- Led Watershed Protection Grants
• Crop Insurance Premium Rebates for Planting Cover Crops
• Rock Elm local ordinance: DBA members help prevent local ordinance
• Wisconsin dairy and farm statistics from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
• Dairy Day at the Capitol information
• DBA Dairy Golf Classic July 28 information

Learn more about Dairy Business Association.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Streamlet: Wisconsin policy update, importance of advocacy

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 29.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Chad Zuleger, executive director of the Dairy Business Association, and Cody Carpenter, dairy farmer and owner of Redrock View Farms in Darlington, Wisconsin and also a DBA board member, discuss the Wisconsin legislative wins, surprises, basic to advanced ways to engage policymakers and what’s next in the policy space.

Learn more about Dairy Business Association.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

Rewind: Adaptive strategies to combat the shifting weather patterns

Dairy Stream Rewind with Chris Clark on August 13, 2025.

We are taking a big picture look at the challenges mother nature has brought us and how farmers are overcoming these challenges. We will cover adaptive strategies farmers are implementing, crop selection, new technologies, pest control and more. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the following topics: 

• Shifting weather patterns and the impact on planting and harvesting windows
• Adaptive strategies
• Crop selection and varieties
• Emerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorus
• Compaction in the Midwest
• Data tools for in-season decision making
• New or increasing pest and disease threats
• Agronomic trends or challenges in the next 3-5 years
• Resources for farmer education

About the guest

• Chris Clark is an agronomic outreach specialist with Northeast Wisconsin for the nutrient and pest management team for the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Chris partners, cooperates and brings together farmers, researchers and industry providing agronomy outreach she focuses on crop and soil nutrient use. Chris began her role at Extension in 2023. Prior to joining Extension, Chris worked in private sector agronomy lab testing for 12 years, and as a agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for 9 years. She has a BA in Agricultural Education from UW-River Falls and is a Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor and has been a member of the WI CCA board for 6 years. 

Resources

• Wisconet
• Ag Weather Outlook
• Agriculture Data | Wisconsin State Climatology Office
• UW Extension Agriculture- Agriculture – Extension
• Farmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable Food
• Find a farmer-led group near you

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Overview of dairy markets and policies with Dr. Marin Bozic

Learn more about BankFirst.

We are through the first quarter of 2026 and we’ve seen some big items for dairy. We cover the highlights of the last four months, dairy policy items, market trends and more.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Marin Bozic, discuss the following topics: 

• Top highlights for dairy in the last four months
• Federal Milk Marketing Orders update
• Farm Bill
• Pros/cons of new dietary guidelines
• Global conflicts
• Record-high beef prices
• Value of milk
• GLP-1 weight-loss
• Market signals to keep an eye on

About the guest

• Marin Bozic is the founder and CEO of Bozic LLC, a global provider of technology solutions for commodity markets analytics and designer of three major livestock insurance programs in the United States - Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Gross Margin and Livestock Risk Protection. In addition, Dr. Bozic is a board advisor to Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and a nationally popular consultant and speaker on economics of dairy markets and policy issues. 

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

*Recorded March 30, 2026

Dairy Streamlet: Overview of dairy markets and policies with Dr. Marin Bozic

Learn more about BankFirst.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 8.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Marin Bozic, a nationally recognized dairy economist who serves as an adviser to the Edge board of directors, discuss the top highlights for dairy in the last four months, Federal Milk Marketing Orders, global conflicts, value of milk and market signals to keep an eye on.

Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.

*Recorded March 30, 2026

 

Unique approach to succession planning with Barb Dartt

Learn more about BankFirst.

We have covered succession planning many times on Dairy Stream and this time we are taking a unique approach that focuses on the alignment of family and business goals to support long-term family harmony and business success.  

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Barb Dartt, discuss the following topics: 

• First things to assess and align to improve succession planning
• Collaborative dialogue, how to practice it
• Handling difficult conversations
• Leadership development in succession planning
• Structured governance
• Biggest thorns in succession planning
• Advice to the next generation
• How to revisit succession plans

About the guest

• Barb Dartt is a principal consultant for The Family Business Consulting Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience helping individuals and family groups grapple with the joys and challenges that are a natural part of families owning and managing businesses together.  At The Family Business Consulting Group, Barb helps families get aligned, anticipate and prevent future challenges, and communicate effectively to grow their businesses. 

Resources:

• Lydia Tuthill’s article on the 3 Cs 
• Barb's article on Next Gens “grabbing hold” and Letting Go... by Avoiding the Identity Trap
• Crucial Conversations
• Death by Meeting
• FBCG Resources
  • Managing Conflict in the Family Business
  • Power, Authority, and Influence: The Hidden Challenges of Succession Planning
  • Three Key Conversations for Sibling Partnerships to Succeed in Succession
  • Having “The Talk:” Navigating the Family Business Succession Conversation with Your Parents
  • Family Business Succession: 15 Guidelines

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Dairy Streamlet: Unique approach to succession planning with Barb Dartt

Learn more about BankFirst.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 1.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Barb Dartt, principal consultant for The Family Business Consulting Group, discuss assessing and aligning farm owners, biggest thorn, preparations and what’s next in the space of succession planning.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

DBA members help prevent local ordinance

Members of the Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, demonstrated the positive impact farmers can have when they come together to prevent unnecessary and burdensome local ordinances designed to limit the productivity of dairy farms.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Erin Tomasik and Paul Fetzer discuss the following topics: 

• Rock Elm township local ordinance in Pierce County, Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits
• Conversations leading up to the committee meeting
• DNR meeting with the town board
• Testifying at town board meetings
• Bridging the gap
• Monitoring local ordinances
• Running for local office

About the guests

• Erin Tomasik is the Community Relations Manager at the Voice of Milk, where she works to ensure farmer voices are represented on local policy issues. She supports the organization’s government affairs team as well as its permitting and regulatory efforts. Erin collaborates closely with members to connect them with resources, participate in important town meetings and advocate for practical change at the county level. With over 4 years of experience in agricultural advocacy, she has a strong commitment to supporting farmers and the dairy community. 
• Paul Fetzer is a retired dairy farmer and his family is running Fetzer Farm in El Paso, Wisconsin. Where they milk 1,400 cows and farm 3,000 acres. Paul is a past DBA board member and was awarded the 2024 DBA Advocate of the Year. 

Resources:

• DBA members help prevent local ordinance in Rock Elm, read here.
• Nutrient Management Planning resource  
• Livestock Facility Siting resource 
• Contact DBA team
• DBA policy priorities
• Connect with Erin, email Erin at etomasik@voiceofmilk.com 

Learn more about the Dairy Business Association.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.