Examining the relationship between producers and processors

Our topic today can take years to establish and requires continuous involvement from both parties. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Bill Oppriecht of Compeer Financial examine the relationship between a dairy producer and processor and identify how to better understand each other’s needs, challenges, collaboration areas, growing pains and how to best communicate. Joanna and Bill discuss the following topics:

• How dairy processor and producer relationships have evolved
• Better understand each other’s needs
• Understand challenges
• Who should be involved
• Collaboration areas
• Disconnects in the dairy chain
• Growing pains
• Advice for improving the relationship

Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

About the guest:

• Bill Oppriecht is a senior dairy lending specialist at Compeer Financial. He has been part of the Farm Credit System for more than 11 years, with the last six years focusing specifically on dairy operations. Bill grew up on a small dairy farm and uses that background to help support dairy producers in southern Wisconsin. Bill graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, double majoring in ag business and animal science with a dairy emphasis.  He is a member of Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Bill resides in southwestern Wisconsin with his wife, Heidi, and two sons, Alex and Evan.  

Resources:

• Bill’s contact information Oppriecht@compeer.com
• Sustainability in dairy processing: A changing landscape
• Examining processor relationships

This podcast is co-produced by the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, sister organizations that fight for effective dairy policy in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.  Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

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.