Dairy Stream

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. 

Rewind: Orion Samuelson: "I want to be remembered as a good listener"

Dairy Stream Rewind with Orion Samuelson on Jan. 13, 2021.

It was an honor to host the voice of agriculture. Dairy Stream's Mike Austin talks with farm broadcast legend Orion Samuelson about his over 60 years of broadcasting experience. Orion shares his favorite stories, gives advice, reminiscences on memories and shares future plans. 

WGN Radio shared a tribute to Orion here. 

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: DBA members help prevent local ordinance

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 18.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Erin Tomasik, community relations manager and Paul Fetzer, retired dairy farmer and DBA member board member, discuss the recent burdensome local ordinance designed to limit the productivity of dairy farms in Rock Elm township. They discuss the local ordinance, collaborative efforts, monitoring local ordinances and running for local office.

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. 

Regenerative farming with Meadowbrook Dairy Inc. in Minnesota

Details matter and our guest doesn’t miss a beat sharing insight on the challenges and successes with regenerative farming practices.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Alex Udermann of Meadowbrook Dairy Inc. discuss the following topics: 

• Meadowbrook Dairy’s start in regenerative farming
• Go-to cover crops
• Making educated decisions
• Soil health mentorship
• Most impactful equipment for regenerative practices
• Precision nutrient management practices
• What consumers are asking
• Conservation goals
• Improving animal health from in-field conservation efforts
• Perspective on feed additives
• What’s next for regenerative farming

About the guest

• Alex Udermann is a fifth-generation dairy, beef, and row crop farmer who operates alongside his parents, John and MaryLou, his wife Kirsten, and his brother Jake and sister-in-law Sam. Their farm focuses on regenerative practices including no-till, cover crops, and responsible nutrient and manure management. They also provide custom no-till planting, cover crop seeding, custom manure hauling, and direct-to-consumer beef sales. Alex serves as an active member and mentor with the MN Soil Health Coalition, helping educate farmers and communities on soil health practices   

Resources:

• Meadowbrook Farm website
• Follow Meadowbrook Dairy on Facebook.
• UM-Extension article on the Udermann family
• MN Soil Health Coalition website

Learn more about the Voice of Milk.

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: Regenerative farming with Meadowbrook Dairy Inc. in Minnesota

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 4.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Alex Udermann of Meadowbrook Dairy Inc. discuss regenerative farming practices, precision nutrient management, what consumers are asking and what’s next for the future of regenerative farming practices.

About the guest

• Alex Udermann is a fifth-generation dairy, beef, and row crop farmer who operates alongside his parents, John and MaryLou, his wife Kirsten, and his brother Jake and sister-in-law Sam. Their farm focuses on regenerative practices including no-till, cover crops, and responsible nutrient and manure management. They also provide custom no-till planting, cover crop seeding, custom manure hauling, and direct-to-consumer beef sales. Alex serves as an active member and mentor with the MN Soil Health Coalition, helping educate farmers and communities on soil health practices   

Learn more about the Voice of Milk.

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. 

Automating Hoof Health to Detect Lameness

Every step a dairy cow takes counts. There is a new tool available for farmers to detect lameness before it’s visible. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Tera Baker discuss the following topics: 

• Basics of hoof health care
• Automating hoof care
• Accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) findings
• Materials needed on farm
• How it fits into a hoof care plan
• ROI
• Lifespan of equipment
• Advice to a farmer who is hesitant about adding AI on the farm
• Future of hoof health care

About the guest

• Tera Baker is the North American Marketing Manager for the NedapDairy Business, bringing a lifelong passion for agriculture and a career spanning multiple segments of the dairy industry. Originally from Three Oaks, Michigan, she holds a B.S. in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University. Tera’s career includes roles in pharmaceutical sales and leading the precision livestock sales unit at Topcon, and has spent time living and working with farms in Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan in addition to national and international roles. She is especially energized by Nedap’s commitment to technology creation and its role as a key connector among leading brands serving progressive dairy farmers. Beyond her work at Nedap, Tera remains deeply rooted in agriculture. She farms cash crops with her family, co-owns a precision ag dealership with her husband, and operates a U-Pick flower farm experience. Tera brings a grounded yet forward-looking perspective on dairy technology, innovation, and the future of livestock management. 

Resources:

• SmartSight with Nedap
• Article on Nedap ignites the era of AI-powered vision technology with SmartSight

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: Automating Hoof Health to Detect Lameness

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. 18.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Tera Baker of Nedap discuss the basics of hoof health, automating hoof care, working with your hoof trimmer, artificial intelligence, ROI and the future of hoof health care.

This episode is sponsored by Nedap.

About the guest

• Tera Baker is the North American Marketing Manager for the NedapDairy Business, bringing a lifelong passion for agriculture and a career spanning multiple segments of the dairy industry. Originally from Three Oaks, Michigan, she holds a B.S. in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University. Tera’s career includes roles in pharmaceutical sales and leading the precision livestock sales unit at Topcon, and has spent time living and working with farms in Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan in addition to national and international roles. She is especially energized by Nedap’s commitment to technology creation and its role as a key connector among leading brands serving progressive dairy farmers. Beyond her work at Nedap, Tera remains deeply rooted in agriculture. She farms cash crops with her family, co-owns a precision ag dealership with her husband, and operates a U-Pick flower farm experience. Tera brings a grounded yet forward-looking perspective on dairy technology, innovation, and the future of livestock management. 

 

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. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology on the Farm

In today’s fast-paced world, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, even in industries like dairy farming. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Mike Kutzke discuss the following topics: 

• Overview of the AI platforms and what is being used
• Most helpful on the farm
• Hype vs reality
• Simple and advance examples
• Where to learn more about AI
• Data ownership
• Government’s role in AI
• Positive and negative implications of AI
• AI replacing the farmer?
• Future of AI

Collaborate with the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Mike Kutzke is a life-long learner who is interested in technology, artificial intelligence, and how people and groups adapt to change. He holds an M.S. in Social Sciences from North Dakota State University and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Mike grew up on a dairy farm and farmed full-time early in his career. He was a police officer for 17 years and has worked in higher education for over 20 years. 

Resources:

• Connect with Mike Kutzke on LinkedIn
• Major AI Platforms: Claude, Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT
• Dairy Brain with UW-Madison
• SmartSight with Nedap

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: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology on the 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. 4.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest discuss AI platforms, simple and advance ways to use AI, hype vs. reality, data ownership, government’s role in AI and the role it plays on farms.

Collaborate with the Voice of Milk.

About the guest

• Mike Kutzke is a life-long learner who is interested in technology, artificial intelligence, and how people and groups adapt to change. He holds an M.S. in Social Sciences from North Dakota State University and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Mike grew up on a dairy farm and farmed full-time early in his career. He was a police officer for 17 years and has worked in higher education for over 20 years. 

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. 

2026 Dairy Policy Outlook

What agricultural policy items should you be keeping an eye on in 2026? Our guests share insight on workforce, trade and the farm bill while stressing the importance of advocacy with the turnover in Congress.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Heidi Fischer of Fischer-Clark Dairy and Michael Torrey of Torrey Advisory Group discuss the following topics: 

• Reflect on ag policy and what we can learn
• Workforce, labor shortage
• Exports
• Positives and negatives of tariffs
• Farm bill
• FDA, Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Renewable Fuel Standards
• How to advocate

About the guest

• Michael Torrey founded the Torrey Advisory Group in 2005. Mike’s commitment to the critical role of agriculture remains the foundation of the firm, and he has developed an experienced, bipartisan team who is dedicated to working for the greater good through food, agricultural, and related industries. The team’s ranks include experts in science, nutrition, legislative policy, and trade. 

• Heidi Fischer is a dairy farmer and owner of Fischer-Clark Dairy in Hatley, Wisconsin, where they milk 1,100 cows and farm 2,800 acres. Heidi is currently serving as the president of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. 

Resources:

• Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative policy priorities
• Edge member portal
• Contact Edge Chief Policy Officer Karen Gefvert at kgefvert@voiceofmilk.com

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.