Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

214 | Technology & Team Building: Doug Hubby, Shamrock Farms Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Doug Hubby, general manager of Shamrock Farms. Doug manages 12,000 cows and over a hundred employees, emphasizing his role as a professional problem solver.

The conversation with Doug highlights three key technological advancements implemented to save water, time, and money while improving cow health and performance: a micro machine for precise nutrient delivery, a custom teat dip mixing system, and advanced cooling techniques.

Doug also shares his management philosophy, which is focused on valuing team members and fostering a culture of respect and family. The episode delves into Doug's background, the challenges faced in dairy farming, and his vision for future innovations in the industry.

This episode is sponsored by Micro Technologies

Micro Technologies innovates advanced, comprehensive & integrated technologies to help dairies produce a safe, wholesome product more efficiently and profitably.

For more information, visit: Microtechnologies.com

213 | Honoring Legacy: The Judy McCarty Learning Center Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, hosted by Peggy Coffeen, delves into the story of the McCarty family and the establishment of the Judy McCarty Learning Center.

The episode features insights from Ken, Clay, Mike, and Tom McCarty as they honor Judy McCarty’s impact on their family and the dairy industry. It includes a special recording of Judy McCarty from 2020 and highlights the family’s commitment to sustainable dairy farming, education, and community engagement.

The episode also discusses the McCarty family’s move from Pennsylvania to Kansas and their focus on transparency and innovation in dairy farming, underscored by world-leading milking technology provided by sponsor De LaVal.

00:00 Introduction to the Uplevel Dairy Podcast
00:19 The McCarty Family Legacy
00:30 Judy McCarty Learning Center: A Tribute
00:39 Voices from the McCarty Family
02:03 The Move to Kansas
03:06 Sustainability and Innovation
03:49 Roles within the McCarty Family
04:57 Judy McCarty's Influence on Education
06:22 The Purpose of the Learning Center
07:31 Emotional Reflections
08:58 Community Impact and Future Vision
15:55 Modern Dairy Farming Practices
19:20 The Mural: A Family Story
20:58 Conclusion and Farewell

212 | Meet Holstein USA’s CEO - Lindsey Worden Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen wraps up Women's History Month by engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Lindsey Worden, the newly appointed CEO of Holstein Association USA. Lindsey, the 10th CEO in the association's 140-year history, shares her inspirational journey from her beginnings in New York and New Mexico to becoming a key leader in the dairy industry. She discusses her vision for the future of the Holstein Association, focusing on partnerships, individual animal identification, and innovation in programs and services. Lindsey also reflects on her personal experiences, including fond memories of dairy camp, her professional development, and her active role in breeding genetics on her family's farm. The discussion highlights the importance of youth and leadership programs offered by the Holstein Foundation, emphasizing the value of inspiring and educating the next generation of dairy industry advocates. Lindsey concludes by sharing her commitment to lead with intention, authenticity, and gratitude, aiming to maintain the association's rich legacy while steering it towards a promising future.

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.⁠

211 | Raising Winners with Ysabel Jacobs, Ferme Jacobs Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

International Women in Dairy Series: Ysabel Jacobs, Ferme Jacobs, Quebec, Canada

We’ve been celebrating women around the world this month with the International Women in Dairy Series here on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, and today I’m joined by a Canadian dairy woman who knows a thing or two about what it takes to win.

Ysabel Jacobs has stood center of the ring at the world’s most competitive cows shows and with her family at Ferme Jacobs in Quebec, developed iconic cows with household names like Shakira. But when I sat down with this mother of 3, what I discovered was that while raising the next World Dairy Expo champions in the barn certainly excites her, what drives her passion more than anything these days is raising the next generation of her family with the mindset it takes to be champions far beyond the show ring.

210 | Navigating March Dairy Market Dynamics Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Join us at Central Plains Dairy Expo for Happy Hour!

If you are heading to Sioux Falls, stop by the Sheraton Hotel Atrium (party deck) on Wednesday, March 26 from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail with some of the familiar faces and voices from Uplevel Dairy Podcast and chat with the sponsors that make this podcast possible including:

Adisseo
Compeer
Complete Management Consulting
HighGround Dairy
Milc Group
Nedap

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined for the Monthly Market Update by Curtis Bosma from High Ground Dairy to chat about current trends and forecasts in the global dairy market for March.

They discuss the decline in dairy farm profitability and the impact of varying regional conditions on milk production. The episode also covers key products affecting milk pricing such as cheese, butter, and milk powders, highlighting concerns over domestic and export demand, especially with potential tariffs. The conversation is rounded off with winter crop forecasts affecting the market outlook for 2025 and risk management strategies for producers.

Catch the March Market Update Here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/producer-market-update-march-2025

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 March 17 at 3 p.m. CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

209 | Dairy Farming from Iowa to New Zealand with Jan Winke Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

International Women in Dairy Series: Jan Winke

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen sits down with Jan Winke, a dairy farmer and professional with Nedap, who moved from Iowa to New Zealand 17 years ago. She discusses her family’s transition from struggling on a small farm in Iowa to today being proud owners of their own dairy farm in New Zealand.

Jan shares her compelling journey of relocating with her husband Chad and young family halfway around the world to take advantage of better opportunities in the dairy industry.

Jan also touches upon the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, the differences in dairy farming practices between the US and New Zealand, and the importance of establishing work-life boundaries.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation about resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of dreams in unfamiliar territory.

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 International Women in Dairy Series
01:07 Meet Jan Winke: From Iowa to New Zealand
02:23 The Big Move: Challenges and Opportunities
06:28 Navigating the New Zealand Dairy Industry
12:26 Differences Between US and New Zealand Dairy Farming
20:46 Overcoming Gender Barriers in the Dairy Industry
28:06 Presenting Our Business: A Team Effort
29:03 Milestones in Our Farming Journey
30:19 Learning to Code for Work
31:29 Reflecting on Our Progress
32:44 Implementing Effective Farming Processes
35:05 Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Growth
49:31 Encouraging Youth in Dairy Farming
53:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections

208 | A ‘Fitting’ Business for Erica Rijneveld Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

International Women in Dairy: Erica Rijneveld, Livestock Show Equipment, Netherlands

We are celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month by sharing stories from women around the world who are making a difference in the dairy business, and today’s guest is a one-woman powerhouse who has paved her own path with hard work, perseverance and a commitment to excellence as a European-based livestock show supplies business, not to mention clipping and fitting with some of the best show strings in the world.

Erica Rijenveld reflects on ordering her first case of Orvus in her 20s and growing Livestock Show Equipment over the past two decades to what is now a successful online store with more than 450 different products for both farmers and fitters.

And she’s also made it her mission to teach and encourage the next generation of dairy enthusiasts through the acclaimed Young Breeders School - a Belgium-based experience for young people from around the world who want to learn and grow their network, their skills and their love for competition through dairy cattle fitting and showing.

00:00 Introduction and Background
00:28 Starting the Business
02:30 Current Business Operations
03:50 Team and Business Scale
06:34 Youth Involvement and Mentorship
18:39 Challenges and Adaptations
24:19 Reflections and Future Goals
37:58 Advice for Young Women in Dairy
44:26 Closing Thoughts and Final Question

Livestock Show Equipment:

https://www.showequip.com/

Follow the Young Breeders School here:

https://www.facebook.com/YoungBreedersSchool

207 | The Pursuits of a Global Dairy Professional with Fernanda Lopes Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

International Women in Dairy: Fernanda Lopes, Global Ruminant Strategy Manager, Adisseo

We are celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month by bringing on global dairy industry leader Fernanda Lopes. Originally from Brazil, she first found her passion for dairy at 12 years old, spending Saturday mornings with a local embryo transfer veterinarian..

Her pursuit of personal challenge brought her to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned her master's and doctorate and also met one of her greatest mentors, Dr. David Combs.

Today, as Global Ruminant Strategy Manager with Adisseo, Fernanda discusses her professional challenges and achievements, and the cultural adaptability required in her global role. She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, continuous learning, and advice for younger women in their dairy careers.

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/

206 | International Women in Dairy: Dairy Farming with Perseverance in Puerto Rico Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Kritzia López Arvelo, a third-generation dairy farmer from Puerto Rico, shares her life journey, encompassing her roles as a lawyer, a dairy farmer, and a new mother. She discusses the challenges faced by dairy farmers in Puerto Rico, including high costs, the impact of hurricanes, and the struggle for sustainability.

Kris reflects on the resilience built during Hurricane Maria and its aftermath, which taught her valuable lessons in self-assurance and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of family, her profound faith, and the balance between professional and personal life.

Kris also highlights her involvement in leadership roles within the Puerto Rican dairy and legal communities and shares insights for young women pursuing similar multifaceted career paths.

Episode Sponsor: Quali-T | Branding Solutions

205 | Dairy Heifer Raisers Talk Challenges and Triumphs in 2025 Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Join the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) for the Annual Conference in Westminster, Colorado, April 8-10. Visit dairycalfandheifer.org

Two heifer growers from two different parts of the country join us today: TJ McClure joins us from southwest Kansas, and Kendall Wassenaar from northwest Iowa, to chat about the strategies they have been using to overcome challenges on their heifer development operations, including:

Recruiting labor in a county with only 1,200 people,

Problem-solving pink eye in heifers

Strategies for increasing operational efficiency and reducing man hours

And the organization through which these two connected a few years back, the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association.

As current DCHA President, Kendall gives highlights for the 2025 annual conference, set for April 8-10 in Westminster, Colorado, and TJ, a past president and current DCHA board member, shares what he is looking forward to at this year’s premier event.

This episode is sponsored by the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association and Zoetis.

Zoetis' Calf Wellness solutions are pivotal in ensuring your calves receive the best start possible. By focusing on prediction, prevention, treatment, and expertise, Zoetis helps you raise healthy, productive cows, securing a prosperous future for our herds.

Visit www.calfwellness.com

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