Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

283 | Maximizing Dairy Health with Amanda Dolphin Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Amanda Dolphin, a lifelong dairy farmer turned dairy tech expert, discusses the revolutionary impact of internal temperature monitoring on dairy cow health and operational efficiency. Amanda shares her experiences using smaXtec's bolus technology, which tracks cows' internal body temperature, water intake, drinking cycles, and activity levels.

By providing early alerts for potential health issues like mastitis and ketosis, calving predictions, and precise monitoring of cows' well-being, this technology helps farmers transition from reactive to proactive herd management. Amanda emphasizes the transformative benefits for both her family farm and the wider dairy community, offering detailed insights into implementation, data utilization, and the resulting improvements in productivity and profitability.

00:00 Unlocking the Potential of Internal Temperature Monitoring
01:13 Introduction to Amanda Dolphin and Her Dairy Background
02:54 Embracing Dairy Technology: From Collars to Bolus
04:42 The Impact of Internal Temperature Monitoring
06:22 Implementing smaXtec on the Farm
09:12 Installation and Onboarding Process
11:05 Supporting Dairy Farmers with smaXtec
13:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Prospects
18:08 Final Words and Episode Wrap-Up

This Episode is Brought to you by smaXtec

smaXtec is the internal health management system for dairy cows. The unique bolus technology measures internal temperature, rumination, drinking cycles, activity, and more.

smaXtec helps dairy farmers of any size make confident, data-driven decisions that lead to healthier cows, fewer treatments, and better performance. With early detection and 24/7 monitoring, dairies can stay ahead of herd health issues and focus on long-term herd success. Find out more: https://smaxtec.com/us/

282 | No-Feed, Successful Results: A New Era of Robotic Milking Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this two-part episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, recorded live at World Dairy Expo, dairy producers and advisors discuss the transition and outcomes of robotic milking systems that operate without feed incentives.

Matt Strickland from Double Creek and Jay Heeg from Heeg Dairy share their experiences, supported by advisors Kelli Hutchings and Jodi Erickson. They delve into the transition process, changes in cow behavior, and improvements in feed efficiency, milk production, and components. The panel also explores the challenges and successes, along with the support provided by DeLaval. This conversation offers valuable insights for dairy farmers considering similar transitions.
Listen to part 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rvroeVR2BVlu6CRKxkrbB?si=wWbikgZ8TcGVC8wZ47atCA

This episode is brought to you by DeLaval. DeLaval provides integrated solutions designed to improve dairy producers’ production, animal welfare, and overall quality of life. To learn more, visit Delaval.com/en-us/.

281 | Transforming Dairy Operations: Insights on No-Feed Robotic Milking Systems Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

In this special live-recorded episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast from the World Dairy Expo, sponsored by DeLaval, the discussion revolves around the revolutionary concept of using a VMS (Voluntary Milking System) without feed incentives. Dairy farmers Matt Strickland from Double Creek Dairy in California and Jay Heeg from Heeg Brothers Dairy in Wisconsin, along with their advisors Kelli Hutchings and Jodi Erickson, share their experiences and insights.

The episode explores the motivation behind moving away from feeding pellets, the transition process, and the impact on labor, performance, productivity, herd health, and profitability. Key topics include the setup of VMS systems, the importance of feed management, and the novel no-feed system, with Kelly Hutchings explaining how a concept inspired by her ranching experience in Wyoming was adapted to robotic milking. The conversation provides a comprehensive look at the practical steps and benefits of implementing a no-feed VMS system in dairy farming.

280 | How AI is Reshaping the Dairy Industry with Manuel Soares, Milc Group Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, captured live at the World Dairy Expo, Manuel Soares, CEO of Milc Group, discusses how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the dairy industry. Manuel shares insights into technologies that predict cow health, provide real-time employee guidance, and streamline operations like milking and feeding. The discussion highlights Milc Group's innovative solutions, including their new ID system and AI-driven tools that enhance precision and efficiency on dairy farms.

Soares envisions a future where technology empowers dairy employees to perform at their best, rather than replacing them. The episode also explores the broader implications of these advancements and the potential for future developments in dairy technology.

This episode is sponsored in partnership with the Milc Group.

Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with the tools they need to succeed.

ONETM Feed: https://www.milcgroup.com/product/feed

ONETM Scale: https://www.milcgroup.com/product/scale

00:00 Introduction: Solving Dairy Challenges with Technology

00:51 Sponsor Message: Milc Group's Revolutionary Software

01:23 Live from World Dairy Expo: Conversations with Farmers

02:17 Innovations in Dairy Management: ID Systems and Real-Time Data

09:11 AI and Automation: Enhancing Dairy Operations

16:51 Future of Dairy: Robotics and AI Integration

32:05 Conclusion: Empowering Dairy Farmers with Technology

279 | Building a High-Performing Dairy Team: Lessons from Danielle Ware-Dreier at Shiloh Dairy Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen continues the conversation with Danielle Ware-Dreier from Shiloh Dairy in Brillion, Wisconsin. Danielle discusses her journey and philosophies on leading a high-performing team, managing 54 people, and ensuring top-tier milk quality from 2,900 cows. She shares insights into her leadership strategies, focusing on respect, protocol adherence, and team development.

Danielle emphasizes the importance of understanding team members, setting clear protocols, and offering continuous training. She also highlights the significance of building a supportive culture and recognizing individual contributions.

This Episode is Brought to you by Adisseo

This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/

278 | Hornstead Dairy: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Tradition Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In the second episode of the smaXtec series at Hornstead Dairy, Amber Horn Lieterman, Louisa Koch from smaXtec, and Steve Woodford discuss the transformative impact of precision cow monitoring. They delve into how real-time data from innovative monitoring boluses, including pH bolus technology, is enhancing decision-making in rations, transition protocols, and team communication.

The episode highlights the integration of this technology into the farm's operations and examines the collaborative efforts between nutritionists, veterinarians, and farm managers to improve dairy efficiency.

00:00 Introduction to Precision Cow Monitoring

01:10 smaXtec's Impact on Dairy Farming

02:24 The Evolution of pH Bolus Technology

03:53 Real-Time Data and Nutrition Management

05:05 Actionable Insights from Data

11:33 Team Collaboration and Integration

20:41 Future of pH Monitoring in Dairy

27:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This Episode is Brought to you by smaXtec

smaXtec is the internal health management system for dairy cows. The unique bolus technology measures internal temperature, rumination, drinking cycles, activity, and more.

277 | Building Resiliency in the Barn and as a Business Ft. Dave McCarty Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Dave McCarty discusses the evolution of McCarty Family Farms, from its humble beginnings with a tie-stall barn in Pennsylvania 25 years ago to becoming Dairy Producers of the Year at the World Dairy Expo.

The conversation covers the implementation of precision management and complex KPIs to improve cow performance and profitability, the impact of key partnerships like those with Kansas State University and Danone, and the transition from basic accounting practices to advanced financial management. David emphasizes the role of resiliency and strategic planning in overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, financial hurdles, and market volatility. Additionally, he talks about the future of the dairy industry, highlighting the importance of genetics, health traits, sustainability, and opportunities for the next generation of McCarty family members.

This episode is brought to you by Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is dedicated to helping producers achieve healthy animals, healthy dairies and healthy food through their world-class portfolio. For more information, visit ⁠DairyWellness.com.⁠

276 | Next-level Lameness Detection: Beyond the Human Eye Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Greg Kowalewski, manager of Aurora Oakwood Dairy in New York, to discuss how AI technology is transforming dairy management. They discuss the implementation of Nedap's SmartSight technology for early lameness detection, which allows the farm to identify and treat cow lameness before it becomes severe, thus improving animal welfare and operational efficiency.

Greg shares his journey from growing up working on his uncle's farm to becoming a manager and a proponent of cutting-edge technology. They also delve into how this AI system fits into the broader goals of the dairy and its co-op, Cayuga Milk Ingredients, which markets its milk globally. The conversation covers Greg’s management philosophy, the integration of technology into daily farm operations, and his vision for the future of dairy farming.

About Nedap

The High-Performance Mindset Series is powered by Nedap. Nedap is future-proofing dairy farms by revolutionizing cow-side care through technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering and identification. Listen for more episodes in this series throughout 2025 or catch past episodes in this series below!

275 | Chaos in the Cattle Markets: HighGround Dairy October Market Report Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

This episode of the monthly market update from HighGround Dairy, with Curtis Bosma, delves into the recent announcement from the Trump administration regarding beef prices and its tumultuous impact on cattle markets. The discussion covers potential ramifications for cattle ranchers and dairy producers, especially considering the dairy industry's current reliance on beef revenue.

Additionally, they examine the effects of the ongoing government shutdown on key agricultural reports, explore movements in dairy and commodity markets, and provide insights into the 2025 crop harvest. The episode wraps up with crucial updates on feed and grain markets and a reminder of the importance of risk management in these volatile times.

Grab your own copy of the monthly market update here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/october-2025-producer-market-update

This episode is brought to you by:
HighGround Dairy provides global dairy market intelligence, insurance services, futures & options brokerage, and advisory programs to a diverse range of dairy market participants throughout the supply chain.

00:00 Market Chaos: Trump Administration's Impact on Cattle and Dairy
00:43 Unpacking the Headlines: Beef Prices and Market Reactions
03:24 Dairy Producers' Perspective: Profitability and Market Dynamics
08:30 Government Shutdown: Effects on Market Reports and Data
11:36 Monthly Market Update: Milk, Cheese, and Feed Commodities
17:20 Class Four Futures and Risk Management Strategies
25:44 Conclusion: Navigating Market Volatility and Future Outlook

Information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes and is not a solicitation to buy or sell commodities. Opinions expressed are current opinions as of October 17, 2025 at 1 p.m. CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

274 | 7 Key Areas to Address Before Expanding Your Dairy Farming Business Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Jim Moriarty, Director of Dairy at Compeer Financial, to discuss the seven key areas dairy producers should address before expanding their operations.

Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience, Jim delves into critical topics such as family dynamics, financial planning, milk plant capacity, construction costs, and community relations. The episode provides a detailed checklist to help dairy farmers plan, communicate, and grow with purpose.

About Compeer Financial

Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Our dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.

For more information, contact the Compeer Dairy Industry Experts .

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