Dairy Stream

Taking steps to improve water quality in Wisconsin

Based on recommendations from a water quality task force, the Wisconsin state Assembly in February 2020 passed a $10 million package of bills aimed at curbing water contamination, increasing well testing and bolstering conservation efforts. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Reps. Todd Novak and Katrina Shankland, who led the task force, about what has been accomplished so far, what steps might be needed and the stalled legislation’s prospects.  Thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this podcast.  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.

Dairy customer of the future

COVID-19 has impacted the dairy customer of the future and normalized online grocery shopping. Dairy continues to be in the cart. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, about their marketing strategy towards customers, restaurants and grocery stores, advice for the dairy community to engage with the customer of the future and how to get involved. Thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this podcast.  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.

What are Producer Price Differentials (PPDs) and how does it impact your milk check

Confused by Producer Price Differentials (PPDs)? Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talked with Mark Stephenson, who is the director of dairy policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, about the Federal Milk Marketing Order, Producer Price Differentials (PPDs) and what they are and how they are calculated, what causes a negative PPD, the fluctuations in milk prices and the future outlook for milk checks. Stephenson also co-wrote this document to help make sense of your milk price during COVID-19. Thanks to Agri-King for sponsoring this podcast. 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 to start a farmer-led watershed group

Farmer-led conservation groups have been growing in popularity as a way for farmers to expand conservation practices and document their progress in water quality and soil health. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Rachel Rushmann, Producer-led Program manager at Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Steve Richter, director of agriculture strategies at The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin; and Lauren Brey, director of strategic partnerships and sustainability for the Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance, who together created the Producer-led Group Roadmap: Finding Success in Farmer-Led Watershed Organizations, a new resource to guide farmers in their efforts. Thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this podcast.  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.

Farmers turned lawmakers: Advice on raising agriculture's voice in government

Fewer lawmakers today have a farming background even though agriculture remains an all-important part of our communities and country. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Wisconsin state Senator Howard Marklein and state Representative Dave Considine about their experiences on the farm and now at the Capitol. They encourage farmers to make their voices heard and they offer advice for farmers interested in running for office. 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.

Caring for dairy farm employees during COVID-19

Like other owners of essential businesses, dairy farmers are taking extra precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure their employees are healthy and safe. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Wisconsin dairy farmer Amy Penterman and dairy consultant Elsie Gonzalez about on-farm communication, safety and resources to help navigate this unusual situation. 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.

FSA tips for filling out coronavirus payment applications

As executive director of the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency, Sandy Chalmers is in the thick of helping farmers apply for direct payments through the federal Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Chalmers talks with Dairy Stream host Mike Austin about dairy farm eligibility requirements, how livestock and crops figure into the formulas, and the role of local FSA offices. The 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.

Tom Vilsack sees big opportunities for dairy in emerging export markets

Global markets have played an increasingly important role in the price our dairy farmers are paid for their milk. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, about the work of his organization, the importance of trade relationships and how dairy exports have fared during the global health crisis. Thank you to STgenetics for sponsoring this podcast. The 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 COVID-19 has affected dairy research

The Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin, one of the nation’s premiere dairy research centers, plays an integral role in keeping the dairy economy healthy and dairy customers happy. This work hasn’t stopped during COVID-19. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talks with the center’s director,  John Lucey, about the latest innovations and the future. Thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for sponsoring this podcast. The 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.

Insights from USDA’s Greg Ibach on support for farmers during COVID-19

COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on farmers and the food supply chain that keep our country fed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been working to make sure no farmers are left behind in this crisis and families are able to put food on their tables. Host Mike Austin talks with Greg Ibach, USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, who describes the steps the agency has taken so far and what farmers can expect going forward. Thank you to Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative for sponsoring this podcast. DBA and Edge co-produce Dairy Stream. Email us feedback at podcast@dairyforward.com.