Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

224 | Dairy Moms Making a Difference with Danielle Volles May 06, 2025

Show notes

In this special Mother’s Day episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Danielle Volles, a dairy farm mom who transitioned from a banking career to running a dairy farm in Marietta, NY. Danielle discusses her journey of trading high heels for work boots, managing 4,000 livestock, and raising five children, including two adopted nieces. She shares insightful perspectives on parenting, balancing family life with farm responsibilities, and recognizing the invaluable contributions of farm moms. Danielle also highlights the importance of holistic health for cows and how AHV's natural treatments have transformed their animal health management. This episode, filled with honest and inspiring conversations, recognizes the incredible efforts of dairy farm moms making a difference.

This episode is brought to you by AHV

AHV (Animal Health Vision) helps empower their customers as entrepreneurs that embrace innovations in animal health. As a knowledge center, they are a leader in the field of quorum sensing innovations and advisory services for optimal animal health, with programs that focus on improving key areas such as udder health, uterine health, reproduction, and more. AHV celebrates the health and success of the dairy cow and is also proud to honor and celebrate dairy farm moms who are making a difference, today and every day.

Find more information at: https://ahvint.com/

223 | Keys to Success: Life, Leadership, Business with Tim and Dave Abbott May 01, 2025

Show notes

We’re picking up where we left off with the Abbott brothers, the two farm boys from Vermont who went on to achieve high levels of success in two different parts of the dairy business: Tim Abbott and David Abbott.

We talk about tough decisions, taking risks and what it takes to be successful as a leader. Dave reflects on his experiences as CEO at Purina Mills, as well as stepping outside of the agriculture industry and into various other leadership roles, and Tim talks about taking the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship in dairy cattle breeding with St. Jacobs, and now, Showbox Sires.

There’s more than 130 years combined of wisdom and lives well-lived in this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

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/

222 | From Corn Fields to the Corner Office with Dave and Tim Abbott Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

We're talking country music, career paths, and most importantly, courage, character, and the common bond of two brothers from Cabot, Vermont, here on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

Tim Abbott is back, and he’s brought his big brother David Abbott onto the show.

We get to hear David’s story, from graduating in the top third of his high school class of 10, to his 25-year career with Purina Mills, where he eventually became CEO, before stepping out of ag to grow and consult across other industries.

Through the brotherly banter, you will hear a story of pursuing your dreams, perseverance and staying true to your path and your purpose.

This Episode is Brought to you by Adisseo

Empowering Growth: Transformational Leadership in Dairy Management with Steven Landwehr Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Steven Landwehr, CEO of United Dairies in Minnesota, part of the PACE Group. Steven shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to leading a multi-partner, multi-site enterprise. He discusses the key role of transformational leadership, accountability, and decision-making in the success of their operations.

Steven talks about the importance of growing and empowering his team members, instilling confidence, and professionalizing processes.

The episode also highlights the technological advancements brought by Milc Group’s software, which has streamlined feed and animal management and improved operational efficiency.

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

220 | Young Leaders: Kiley Pagel and Megan Abeyta Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast's Young Leaders series, Peggy and Kiley Pagel from Pagel’s Family Businesses welcome Dr. Megan Abeyta, an independent dairy nutritionist with GPS Dairy Consulting. Dr. Abeyta shares her unique journey from growing up in a non-agricultural background in Fort Collins, Colorado, her unforgettable experiences with sheep during lambing season, and landing in her role today, helping dairy cows and farmers be their best. Listeners will hear about her work at Pagel Family Businesses and her role as a nutritionist servicing farms across Wisconsin. Megan offers insights into the challenges and rewards of her career, the importance of mentorship, and valuable advice for young professionals entering the agriculture sector.or.

Episode Sponsor: Quali-T | Branding Solutions
Learn more about how Quali-T | Branding Solutions provides branding solutions, work wear, reflective gear and other customized merchandise for farms and agribusinesses: https://qualitinc.espwebsite.com/

00:00 Introduction to the Young Leaders Series
00:40 Meet Kiley and Her Role at PS Ponderosa
01:41 Introducing Dr. Megan Abeyta
02:43 Dr. Megan's Journey into Dairy Nutrition
07:00 Challenges and Triumphs in the Dairy Industry
08:47 Advice for Aspiring Dairy Professionals
12:25 Resources and Mentorship
17:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell

219 | Tariffs, Trade Tensions, and Dairy Futures: April Monthly Market Update Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen and Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy are catching up on the monthly market updates for April. In this conversation, you can hear about the impact of tariffs on dairy exports such as whey protein and non-fat dry milk, and how planting projections for corn and soybeans in 2025 might affect the dairy industry. The episode also delves into the volatility of the markets influenced by recent announcements from the Trump administration.

Curtis shares insights into the broader implications for the dairy market, focusing on export reliance and the potential effects on U.S. dairy products, particularly regarding trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The episode further covers milk production trends amidst rising costs and the benefits of beef cross calves, as well as the importance of strategic and agile risk management in navigating market changes. Curtis emphasizes the necessity for dairy producers to stay proactive and flexible in their risk management strategies to optimize margins amid market uncertainties.

Get your monthly market update here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/producer-market-update-april-2025

00:00 Introduction to Tariffs and Dairy Exports

01:12 Market Reactions to Tariff Announcements
04:12 Impact on Dairy Markets
08:48 Milk Production Trends and Challenges
12:04 Corn and Soybean Planting Projections
17:04 Risk Management Strategies
20:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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 April 16 p.m.12:30 CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

218 | Farming with Family: How to Handle “Cousin Eddie” Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In the latest episode, hosted at the 2025 Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, Peggy converses with Will McKinley from Menn Law, a legal advisor and General Counsel for the PDP, about the intricate challenges of managing family-run multimillion-dollar dairy farms.

The discussion focuses on common issues such as the 'Cousin Eddie' scenario, where less competent family members may pose risks to farm management and decision-making. Will emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and legal tools, like setting up trusts and involving non-family management to address these complexities while ensuring the farm's longevity and the financial security of all family members.

He also highlights the necessity of open communication, candor, and psychological insight to navigate these sensitive family dynamics effectively. Will shares real-life examples and stresses the importance of detailed, one-on-one conversations with family members to craft tailored solutions that balance individual desires with the best interests of the farm.

Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law:

William-McKinley@mennlaw.com

(920) 731-6631

https://mennlaw.com/

Do you have a question on succession and farm transition you would like to hear Will answer on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast?

Send your questions to peggy@upleveldairy.com

217 | How to Maximize Dairy Farm Profitability and Efficiency in 2025 with Curtis Bosma and Pauly Paul Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy and Pauly Paul from Complete Management Consulting at the Central Plains Dairy Expo. They discuss strategies to enhance profitability and efficiency on dairy farms as we progress through 2025.

Curtis shares insights on the importance of financial planning and risk management in the dairy markets, while Pauly emphasizes the value of operational efficiency audits.

Both experts underscore the significance of proactive business practices and accurate financial assessments to navigate market volatility and achieve sustained success in the dairy industry. This episode is sponsored by HighGround Dairy, which offers a range of services including market intelligence, insurance, and advisory programs for dairy market participants.

About HighGround Dairy

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.

Learn more at ⁠https://highgrounddairy.com/⁠ or email them at info@highgrounddairy.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:55 Curtis Bosma's Background and Role
06:40 Pauly Paul's Background and Role
08:33 Efficiency and Profitability Strategies
17:17 Risk Management Insights
24:42 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

216 | From the Ground Up: Elevating Dairy Farm Culture Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined by Alltech’s Jorge Delgado and Compeer’s Brad Herkenhoff to chat about the challenges and strategies related to improving dairy farm culture.

The discussion dives into the importance of identifying and fostering a strong culture on dairy farms, emphasizing the significance of communication and understanding employee motivations. Jorge Delgado shares actionable steps and success stories, highlighting the need for mission statements and continuous engagement to create a cohesive and dedicated workforce. This episode is packed with practical insights tailored for dairy farm owners and managers aiming to enhance their team's performance and engagement.

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

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Stalled Progress in Dairy Farms
00:23 Meet the our sponsor: Brad Herkenhoff, Compeer Financial
02:13 The Importance of Culture in Dairy Farms
03:26 Insights from Jorge Delgado: Building a Strong Dairy Culture
05:17 Defining and Identifying Culture
08:25 Creating a Mission Statement: A Case Study
17:39 Effective Communication: The Key to Culture
18:55 Challenges and Solutions in Dairy Farm Management
26:24 Final Thoughts: Leadership and Adaptability
27:39 Conclusion: Keep Growing and Upleveling Your Dairy

215 | Navigating Growth and Challenges on the Farm with Tommy Oesch, Swiss Lane Farms Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Tommy Oesch from Swiss Lane Farms at the Central Plains Dairy Expo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Tommy discusses his transition into the role of visionary at Swiss Lane Farms, key wins and challenges in the first quarter of 2025, and the importance of labor solutions and team culture. They also cover the personal aspects of balancing family life, including the recent wrestling season and the impact of losing a valued team member.

Tommy shares insights into the evolving vision statement of Swiss Lane Farms and the importance of team alignment and leadership development. The episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast's founding partner, Adisseo.

00:00 Welcome to the Uplevel Dairy Podcast

00:52 Catching Up with Tommy Oesch

01:26 Q1 Recap and Labor Challenges

06:20 Vision and Leadership at Swiss Lane Farms

15:47 Family and Personal Insights

18:33 Wrestling and Team Dynamics

22:38 Leadership and Employee Development

24:57 Concluding Thoughts and Future Questions

26:48 Sponsor Message