Dairy Stream

Milk pricing: Reform starts with farmer-processor relationship

With lingering memories of record-large milk check deductions, seemingly every group tied to dairy is now exploring options for milk pricing reform. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Mitch Davis of Davis Family Dairies, a member of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative’s board of directors who served on a multi-state task force about milk pricing reform, and Dr. Marin Bozic, a nationally recognized dairy economist who serves as an adviser to the Edge board. They went in-depth on Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative's priorities and contracting principles. Thank you to BMO Harris Bank for sponsoring this episode. 

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. 

Automation: The farm workforce of the future

Is it time for a change or updates? Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Richard Franta, capital sales specialist at DeLaval, about where to start when considering automation, what systems provide the best ROI and how to prepare for your transition. Thank you to DeLaval for sponsoring this episode. 

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. 

Future of your milk check: Edge unveils milk pricing reform priorities

We are providing our listeners with an additional episode to introduce Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative's milk pricing reform priorities. Hear from Tim Trotter, CEO of Edge; Mitch Davis of Davis Family Dairies; and economist Dr. Marin Bozic. View the full list of milk pricing reform priorities here. 

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. 

Farming in the future: ESG is key

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) continues to be a priority as farmers figure out how to monetize more sustainable farming practices and better integrate with the food supply chain. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Sam Miller, managing director of agriculture at BMO Harris Bank, about the future focus areas of the food value chain, rising costs, ESG and preparing for the future. Thank you to BMO Harris Bank for sponsorship this episode. 

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. 

We have on-farm research, now what?

Discovery Farms has been gathering on-farm data for years. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Amber Radatz, agricultural water quality program manager for UW-Extension, about the past and current on-farm projects, key research findings and future trends. Thank you to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsorship this episode. 

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. 

How genetics can help your farm reach environmental and economic goals

Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Dr. Mitch Hockett, technical and sales service manager at STgenetics, about the impact genetics can have on a farm's future. They discuss crossbreeding programs, ROI and the future of dairy genetics. Thank you to STgenetics for sponsoring this episode.

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. 

Advance your farm through data monitoring, artificial intelligence

A data monitor system could take your farm operation to the next level. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Michael Goeldi, customer success team member at smaXtec, about data monitoring systems for cows, bolus technology, the role of artificial intelligence, improving management processes and saving money. Thank you to smaXtec for sponsoring this episode.

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. 

Success in Succession Planning series (3 of 3): Legal and mediation

Our final episode in the three-part series on Success in Succession Planning covers getting organized, financial consulting and legal support. In this episode, we talk with George Twohig, attorney at Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider and Halback Law, and Gordon Speirs of Shiloh Dairy about the difference between estates plans, trust and wills, updating LLCS, mediation, beneficiaries, martial agreements and long-term care. Thank you to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

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. 

Success in Succession Planning series (2 of 3): Financial analysis

Tune in to our second episode in a three-part series on Success in Succession Planning covering getting organized, financial consulting and legal support. In this episode, we talk with Eric Gullicksrud, vice president of tax and accounting at Compeer Financial, and Kari Gribble of Tri-Fecta Farms about their experiences in succession planning, cash-flow and debt analysis, taxes, gift planning, social security and more. Thank you to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

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. 

Success in Succession Planning series (1 of 3): How to get organized

Succession planning is not an event; it needs to be a journey. Join Dairy Stream host Mike Austin in our Success in Succession Planning series covering getting organized, financial consulting and legal support. In this episode, we talk with Steve Bodart, senior dairy consultant with Compeer Financial, and Jamie Witcpalek of Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy about their experiences in succession planning, key players and professionals to have involved, common challenges and what tools are available. Thank you to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode.

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.