Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

204 | The “T” Words: Trump, Tariffs and Trade Agreements: February Monthly Market Update Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, hosted by Peggy Coffeen, Curtis Bosma from High Ground Dairy provides a comprehensive February monthly market update. Key topics include:

The current state of tariffs and their potential impact on the dairy industry
Insights from the World Ag Expo
Trends in milk production across various U.S. states
And the global dairy supply

Catch your own February Market Report here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/producer-market-update-february-2025

00:00 Introduction to Tariffs and Market Update
00:38 Insights from the World Ag Expo
01:30 The Impact of Tariffs on Dairy Markets
05:58 US Milk Production Trends
08:09 Global Dairy Market Overview
10:39 Commodity Price Movements
16:48 Producer Conversations and Future Outlook
23:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Curtis also discusses the significance of understanding true production costs and effective risk management strategies while highlighting recent price movements in the futures market for whey, butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk.

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 February 21 at 2:30 p.m. CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

203 | Connecting Community, Culture and the Future: Ideal Dairy Farm Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

“Where quality and service meet” was the brand promise Ideal Dairy was founded upon more than 100 years ago, as not only a dairy farm but a local supply of door-to-door fresh milk delivery in Hudson Falls, New York.

Well, fast forward to today, and this dairy farm and the families who operate it continue to live out that motto with their 3,800-cow herd, known widely for excellence in their genetics program, Cookie Cutter Holsteins.

And while there are many people behind the scenes of Ideal Dairy’s success, today we visit with a woman who is intensely passionate about people, connecting with the community and creating opportunities for the next generation of this multi-family dairy operation, while honoring the traditions of the past: Crystal Grimaldi, along with her father, John Dickinson.

BONUS: Sponsor Spotlight featuring Steve Chuhta from Zoetis

Meet Steve and hear why he nominated Ideal Dairy to be featured in Zoetis’s celebrated Born of the Bond video series.

Watch Season 2, Episode 1 here:

https://www.zoetisus.com/cattle/born-of-the-bond/

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.

202 | 7 Lessons from 200 Episodes Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

We just dropped episode number 200 of the Uplevel Dairy podcast, that’s 200 conversations with dairy leaders - from CEOs to high-performing managers, immigrants, industry icons, entrepreneurs, influencers, and even an Olympian.

Today I’m summarizing for you the top 7 lessons from these incredible leaders, 7 key themes you can apply today at work and at home to increase your energy, clarify your focus, and amplify your impact.

When you take yourself to a higher level, you bring those around you to a higher version of success and service too.

Let’s get into it today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

201 | How to Gain Access to Farmland without Paying Top Dollar Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

$18,000 an acre for farmland? Today, we talk about hot trends in land values and rental prices with Jade Kruschke from Compeer Financial.

And from Compeer’s dairy team, Senior Ag Lending Specialist Curtis Gerrits shines some light on land acquisition strategies he sees dairy farmers implementing to gain access to acres for feed, cropping and manure without paying premium prices.

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 theCompeer Dairy Industry Experts.

200 | Farm Partnerships: Protect Yourself from These Pitfalls Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

“There’s nothing more painful than having to watch a farmer go to an auction to bid on their own land.” - Will McKinley, Menn Law

Today we talk with Will about farming partnerships:

What to know before you get into a partnership
How to protect yourself and the farm should one party want to get out
Buy-sell agreements
Operating agreements
Shareholder agreements

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 topeggy@upleveldairy.com

199 | Young Leader: Sarah Thomas Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast Young Leader Series, Sarah Thomas shares her journey from growing up in North Carolina to her current role at Select Sires in Ohio. Sarah discusses her involvement in dairy judging and mentorship, emphasizing mental health and the importance of advocating for oneself. She reflects on the significant impact of mentors in her life and how she's now giving back by guiding and inspiring the next generation through the Ohio Junior Holstein Association.

Make sure to tune in to catch all her tips on dairy judging and career development for young leaders in the dairy industry!

Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6xQHZ0A1vqHKjRkbtJJA

Want to get new episodes in your inbox? Subscribe here: https://www.upleveldairy.com/subscribe

198 | Big Dreams, Bold Prayers and Brave Actions with Marissa Hake Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

You may know Dr. Marissa Hake from her online following as the @Calfvet, but what you may not know are the big dreams, bold prayers, and brave actions that led to her career of now five years with Fairlife and the recent opening of their direct-to-consumer farm store for Black Label Beef.

Get ready to laugh with us, cry with us and be inspired on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

Connect with Marissa Online

https://www.blacklabelfarms2020.com/
https://www.instagram.com/blacklabelfarmmarket/
https://www.instagram.com/calfvet_/
https://www.drhakecalfvet.com/

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/

Want to get new episodes in your inbox? Subscribe here: https://www.upleveldairy.com/subscribe

197 | Driven by a Dream: Dutch Dairy Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

25 years ago, a twenty-year-old Dutchman left his homeland in pursuit of a dream - the American dream - and a dairy farm that would allow him to live out his passion.

This quest led Sander Penterman to Jon-De Farms in northern Wisconsin, where he met who would be some of his greatest mentors, Dean and Todd Doorninck. This became a stepping stone to eventually owning his own dairy farm in Thorp, Wisconsin, Dutch Dairy.

This 15th-generation dairyman shares with us today a journey of starting from scratch, optimizing efficiency and being an early adapter to technology - and also heartbreaking challenges - including the tragic loss of a child.

This is a story of hard work, dedication and the positive attitude that has persevered and continues to keep Sander looking forward to each new day, right here on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

This Episode is Brought to you by 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

Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6xQHZ0A1vqHKjRkbtJJA

Want to get new episodes in your inbox? Subscribe here: https://www.upleveldairy.com/subscribe

196 | Diary of a Dairy CEO: Greg Bethard Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen interviews Greg Bethard, CEO of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, who shares his unconventional journey into the dairy industry.

Greg discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from a consultant and CFO to managing and owning a dairy farm in Kansas.

Despite initial hardships and the unexpected loss of a key partner and friend, John Pagel, he pushed through to establish a successful business and master the role of CEO.

This conversation also delves into Greg's upbringing, career choices, and the importance of hard work, passion, and the infinite business model that emphasizes sustainability in profitability, cow comfort, people, community, and the environment.

Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6xQHZ0A1vqHKjRkbtJJA

Want to get new episodes in your inbox? Subscribe here: https://www.upleveldairy.com/subscribe

195 | How to Maximize Dairy Farm Profitability in 2025 Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Today, we’re talking about managing your heifer inventory, cutting down your cull rate, and making more milk and more money without purchasing pricey replacements as we sit down with Pauly Paul from Complete Management Consulting on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

This Episode is Sponsored by Complete Management Consulting

Contact Pauly Paul

www.CompleteManagementConsulting.com
completemanagementconsulting@gmail.com
920-418-3135

Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6xQHZ0A1vqHKjRkbtJJA

Want to get new episodes in your inbox? Subscribe here: https://www.upleveldairy.com/subscribe

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