Dairy Stream

Understanding dairy market risk, future implications

We help navigate the space of dairy market risk from understanding the basics to future implications. The first part cover dairy risk management options to important deadlines and the second part discusses what dairy market risk will look with changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Orders to the Farm Bill. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Chris Wolf, discuss the following topics: 

• Why do we have dairy market risk tools
• Dairy market risk options
• Options for certain size dairies
• Recommendations for beginners in risk management
• Important dates and timeframes
• Federal Milk Marketing Orders impact on dairy market risk
• Potential for new risk management tools
• Resources
• Future of dairy market risk management

This episode is brought to you by the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Chris Wolf is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics and the Director of Land Grant Programs in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. Wolf conducts research, extension and teaching focusing on dairy markets and policy, livestock disease economics, farm business management, risk management, and farm animal welfare. He has published widely in academic and industry outlets. Wolf’s extension program stresses the effect of public policy on farm behavior and financial outcome, aiming to focus on issues of current and future importance to policy makers and industry decision makers. A native of Wisconsin, Wolf received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis. 

Episode recorded February 27, 2025

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: Understanding dairy market risk, future implications

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 March 5.

The focus is on dairy market risk with understanding the basics and what items impact it. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Dr. Chris Wolf discuss why dairy market risk programs exist, options for dairy farmers, recommendation for beginners, changes to the Federal Milk Market Order, future farm bills and resources.

This episode is brought to you by the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Chris Wolf is the E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics and the Director of Land Grant Programs in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. Wolf conducts research, extension and teaching focusing on dairy markets and policy, livestock disease economics, farm business management, risk management, and farm animal welfare. He has published widely in academic and industry outlets. Wolf’s extension program stresses the effect of public policy on farm behavior and financial outcome, aiming to focus on issues of current and future importance to policy makers and industry decision makers. A native of Wisconsin, Wolf received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of California-Davis. 

Episode recorded February 27, 2025

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. 

Data-driven sustainably efforts across 100,193 acres

Farmers in the Upper Midwest are utilizing actionable data to make informed decisions about the conservation practices implemented on their farms. Results from the first year of a five-year effort through the Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart Program showed that these sustainable farming practices are achieving positive environmental outcomes. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Drew Kessler and Michael Crinion, discuss the following topics: 

• Using actionable data to make informed conservation decisions
• How the conservation efforts are analyzed
• What conservations practices are the most popular
• Conservation efforts making economic sense
• Most impressive part of the program
• Challenges
• Resources
• Data becoming a currency
• What next in the space of data-driven sustainability efforts

Special thanks to Farmers for Sustainable Food for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests

• Drew Kessler — a seasoned Scientist and Principal at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI)—is a leading expert in water resources management and agricultural sustainability. With nearly two decades of experience, including a decade at HEI, Drew has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between environmental science and agricultural practices. His expertise in water quality, wildlife ecology, and TMDL processes has made him a valuable asset to farmers, food supply chains, and policymakers alike. Drew’s ability to translate complex scientific information into actionable insights has fostered collaboration and positive outcomes for agricultural working lands. 

• Michael Crinion — a rural entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of dairy, beef, sheep, and poultry enterprises, as well as experience in implementing ISOs and HACCP protocols. Having grown up on a farm in Ireland, Crinion moved to Brookings, SD, in 2004 to extend his farming operations. He serves as the Managing Partner of Ash Grove Dairy, a 2,100-cow cross-ventilated dairy operation in Lake Benton, MN, and is the CEO of BioHydrogen LLC, which transforms waste streams into a sustainable and renewable hydrogen energy. In addition to his role as a Board Member with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Crinion is the 2024 Chair of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action. 

Resources

• Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart Program
• Farmers for Sustainable Food Resources
• Press release on year-one results
• Contact Farmers for Sustainable Food staff

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: Data-driven sustainably efforts across 100,193 acres

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 Feb. 26.

A dairy farmer and scientist share the about the actionable data and results from the first year of a five-year effort through the Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart Program. The results showed that these sustainable farming practices are achieving positive environmental outcomes.

Special thanks to Farmers for Sustainable Food for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests

• Drew Kessler is a seasoned Scientist and Principal at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI)—is a leading expert in water resources management and agricultural sustainability. With nearly two decades of experience, Drew has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between environmental science and agricultural practices. 
• Michael Crinion is a Board Member for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and rural entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of dairy, beef, sheep, and poultry enterprises.  He serves as the Managing Partner of Ash Grove Dairy, where they milk 2,100-cow in Minnesota, and he is the CEO of BioHydrogen LLC, which transforms waste streams into a sustainable and renewable hydrogen energy. 

 

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. 

Why you should install a wind turbine on your farm

This episode provides a unique spin on wind power and why it might be a good fit for your farm. EWT is the number one selling wind turbine in its one Mega Watt class and has 20 years of presence in the U.S. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brett Pingree, discuss the following topics: 

• What is distributed wind and its importance
• Wind power potential on a dairy farm
• Wind resource in the U.S.
• How wind works with other renewable energy sources on the farm
• ROI of wind energy
• Incentives and grants
• Challenges with implantation
• Operation and maintenance cost
• Regulatory challenges
• Ownership and financing options
• Key steps to implement wind power on your farm

Special thanks to EWT for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• An industry veteran, Brett Pingree has worked in renewable energy for 20 years with the majority of it being in distributed renewables, largely distributed wind. Brett has years of developing commercial and industrial solar PV as well as developing distributed energy storage projects across the US. Brett has lived in Europe and developed, or attempted to develop, projects in nearly all of the Western European countries. But his renewable energy experience started in the Arctic regions of Alaska where he has spent 20 years developing projects that displace diesel fuel for the indigenous communities. Brett re-joined EWT in 2021 as Commercial Director of the North American market after successfully developing C&I solar projects in America for the previous four years. Previous to developing PV solar projects, Brett was Head of Business Development for EWT. Brett began his career in renewables with Northern Power Systems in 2004 and has held various senior roles in Commercial Executive leadership and Business Development at Endurance Windpower, Dynapower, and EWT over the years. Brett holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from the Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College (2005) as well as a BS in Environmental Science (1991) from the University of Vermont. 

Resources

• Distributed Wind Market Report: 2022 Edition
• Contact us - EWT 
• Distributed Wind for Farmers
• Environmental Law and Policy Center

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: Why you should install a wind turbine on your farm

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 Feb. 5.

You’ll be blown away by the potential of wind power on your dairy farm. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and EWT expert Brett Pingree discuss the potential of distributed wind, ROI, incentives and grants, challenges and key steps to get started.

Special thanks to EWT for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest

• An industry veteran, Brett Pingree has worked in renewable energy for 20 years with the majority of it being in distributed renewables, largely distributed wind. Brett has years of developing commercial and industrial solar PV as well as developing distributed energy storage projects across the US. Brett has lived in Europe and developed, or attempted to develop, projects in nearly all of the Western European countries. But his renewable energy experience started in the Arctic regions of Alaska where he has spent 20 years developing projects that displace diesel fuel for the indigenous communities. Brett re-joined EWT in 2021 as Commercial Director of the North American market after successfully developing C&I solar projects in America for the previous four years. Previous to developing PV solar projects, Brett was Head of Business Development for EWT. Brett began his career in renewables with Northern Power Systems in 2004 and has held various senior roles in Commercial Executive leadership and Business Development at Endurance Windpower, Dynapower, and EWT over the years. Brett holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from the Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College (2005) as well as a BS in Environmental Science (1991) from the University of Vermont. 

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. 

Importance of Magnesium

Did you know not all magnesium is created equal and it's important to know where it is sourced. This episode is unique as we will get perspectives from three guests including a dairy herd manager, researcher and sales professional about the importance of magnesium and research to prove it. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza, Dr. Silva del Rio, Sean and Jeff discuss the following topics: 

• Importance of Magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and recognizing deficiencies
• How Mg is absorbed
• How much Mg to feed
• Difference Mg options
• Research on Mg
• Understanding where minerals are sourced

Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Dr. Noelia. Silva del Rio serves as the Dairy Herd Health Specialist at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests includes a wide range of topics, such as transition cow and calf health, dairy herd sustainability, and animal welfare.  

• Sean Mangieri is the Director of Sales at GLC Minerals and works closely with the company’s animal nutrition team.   
• Jeff Evenson is the dairy manager at Woldt Farms in Brillion Wisconsin and has been employed at the farm for 17 years. They milk 1,650 cows and farm 4,000 acres 

Resources:

• Mg research from GLC Minerals
• Multesium
• Dr. Goff’s field test 
• Woldt Farm's story 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

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: Importance of Magnesium

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 Jan. 15.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza connects with a researcher, GLC Minerals expert and dairy herd manager, to discuss the importance of magnesium in dairy cattle including spotting deficiencies, ration, importance of sourcing high-quality magnesium and more.

Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.

About the guests:

• Dr. Noelia. Silva del Rio serves as the Dairy Herd Health Specialist at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests includes a wide range of topics, such as transition cow and calf health, dairy herd sustainability, and animal welfare.  

• Sean Mangieri is the Director of Sales at GLC Minerals and works closely with the company’s animal nutrition team.   
• Jeff Evenson is the dairy manager at Woldt Farms in Brillion Wisconsin and has been employed at the farm for 17 years. They milk 1,650 cows and farm 4,000 acres 

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

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. 

2025 Policy and Dairy Market Outlook

There is uncertainty as we head into 2025 and our guests, Mike North and Dr. Marin Bozic, share optimism and tools to help navigate the year ahead. Mike and Marin will be presenting on this topic at the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza, Mike and Marin discuss the following topics:  

• What to expect from the new administration
• Momentum of the farm bill
• Federal Milk Marketing Orders
• Tariffs
• Avian influenza in dairy cattle
• Opportunities and challenges with increased cheese processing 
• Milk prices
• What to watch for in the first 6 months

Check out and attend the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

About the guests:

• Mike North has spent nearly 30 years working with both producers and processors or the end users of agricultural commodities to address and manage their exposure to commodity price risk. Mike is currently the president of the producer division at Ever.Ag.  
• Marin Bozic has nearly 20 years of experience in the dairy industry. He serves as a dairy economist on the Edge Board of Directors.   

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.

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: 2025 Policy and Dairy Market Outlook

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 Jan. 1.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza connects with two 2025 Dairy Strong presenters, Mike North and Dr. Marin Bozic, to discuss their Dairy Strong presentation and outlook on the dairy markets in 2025. They cover what to expect from the new administration, farm bill, tariffs, avian influenza in dairy cattle, milk price and more.

Check out and attend the Dairy Strong conference Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

About the guests:

• Mike North has spent nearly 30 years working with both producers and processors or the end users of agricultural commodities to address and manage their exposure to commodity price risk. Mike is currently the president of the producer division at Ever.Ag.  
• Marin Bozic has nearly 20 years of experience in the dairy industry. He serves as a dairy economist on the Edge Board of Directors.   
  
  

Attend Dairy Strong on Jan. 15-16 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to hear from inspiring speakers and experts on policy, sustainability and the future of dairy. This year's event kicks-off with the return of Tailgate on the Tundra at Lambeau, followed by a jammed pack day of breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and concludes with an evening celebrating award winners and DBA's 25th Anniversary! Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.