Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

302 | Faith, Family, and Farming with Marinus Noordam Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined by Marinus Noordam as they dive into the dynamics of his business partnership at AJ Dairy, emphasizing their complementary skill sets and responsibilities. We explore his rich history, from being born in the Netherlands to immigrating to the United States, and the eventual establishment of the dairy farm. The story highlights the challenges and successes faced, including the crucial role of technology in modern dairy farming. The episode concludes with reflections on family, faith, and the importance of efficient farm management for long-term success.

This episode is part of the High-Performance Mindset Series powered by Nedap.

Nedap is future-proofing dairy farming with smart technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering, sort gates, and AI-powered camera systems. Nedap is improving life on the farm by putting the right cow in the right place at the right time, every time.

00:59 Journey from the Netherlands to the US
04:02 Challenges and Adaptations in Dairy Farming
15:35 The Role of Technology in Modern Dairy Farming
25:33 Future Challenges and Strategies
30:08 Navigating the Dairy Industry's Challenges
31:24 The Importance of Financial Discipline
34:26 Family and Farming: A Personal Insight
37:50 Faith and Legacy in Dairy Farming
46:22 Embracing Technology in Dairy Farming
54:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

301 | Transforming the Hearts of Men with Jack Pirtle Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen catches up with Jack Pirtle, a dairyman and farmer with P7 Dairy and Pirtle Farms in New Mexico, whose journey from business and personal hardships led to a profound transformation through faith.
Jack updates us on his dairy, farming and now cattle enterprise. However, the heart of the conversation lies in Jack's awakening via the Rise Up Kings organization, which helped him realign his life according to four pillars: faith, family, fitness, and finance.
Jack discusses the impact of this transformation on his personal life and business, and his mission to guide his Spanish-speaking employees and others in their spiritual journeys. Through powerful testimonies and actionable insights, this episode offers a compelling narrative of obedience, surrender, and leadership rooted in faith.

Reach out to Jack Pirtle:
(575) 626-7766
jpirtleandsons@yahoo.com
Learn more about Rise Up Kings programs in both English and Spanish:
https://riseupkings.com/

300 | Unlocking Cow Potential: Jordan Matthews on People, Precision and Performance at Rosy-Lane Holsteins Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen welcomes back Jordan Matthews, an ultra-endurance athlete and dairy farmer at Rosy-Lane Holsteins in Watertown, Wisconsin. They discuss how genetics, environment management, and feed technology at the rumen microbial level are unlocking the full potential of dairy cows.

Jordan shares his recent endeavors on the farm and in the trail, including running a 100-mile race to support cancer research, and the introduction of a new and novel calf barn designed for optimal calf socialization and cleanliness.

This episode is sponsored by Native Microbials, the makers of Galaxis Frontier, powered by advanced microbiome technology proven to help cows perform to their full potential. Learn more at nativemicrobials.com.

00:00 Meet Jordan Matthews: Dairy Farmer and Ultra Endurance Runner
01:49 Jordan's Inspiring Story: Running for a Cause
04:16 Updates on Jordan's Brother and Personal Achievements
06:43 The Vision and Values at Rosy-Lane Holsteins
07:52 Innovations in Calf Care at Rosy-Lane
11:14 The Legacy and Culture of Innovation at Rosy-Lane
13:39 Pioneering Barn Designs and Genetic Advancements
19:05 Focus on Feed Efficiency and New Technologies
20:23 Evaluating New Feed Products
20:59 Understanding Rumen Microbiome
21:45 Economic and Environmental Impact
24:39 Human and Animal Nutrition Parallels
30:08 Technological Innovations in Dairy Farming
36:35 Future Goals and Personal Insights
38:08 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

299 | One Team, One Cow: Dr. Blaine Nicks and Joshua Stroud on Building Cow Care Systems That Work Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are traveling to Colorado's dairy country as Peggy visits with Dr. Blaine Nicks, Director of Herd Operations at Jager Ag, and Joshua Stroud, Director of Calf Care at Bower Ag, as they share their strategies for managing large-scale dairies while emphasizing milk quality. They discuss the importance of team leadership, daily execution, and the role of trust and communication in overcoming challenges. The episode also touches on their personal journeys in the industry, the significance of cow care, and the integration of new technologies. This insightful conversation highlights the critical role of people and processes in achieving dairy success.
Bower Ag is the parent company uniting The Dairy Solutions Group (TDSG), Dairy Specialists and Ag Property Solutions. Together, they strive to elevate farm operations through out-of-the-box thinking and problem solving, new technology and a network of locations positioned for growth.
For more information, visit BowerAg.com

00:00 Introduction to Dairy Management Challenges

00:10 Meet the Experts: Dr. Blaine Nicks and Joshua Stroud

02:23 Blaine's Journey: From Vet School to Dairy Operations

03:59 Joshua's Path: From Service Work to Milk Quality Management

05:09 The Power of Teamwork in Dairy Management

07:44 Overcoming Challenges Together

09:51 Managing Multi-Site Dairy Operations

13:55 The Importance of People in Dairy Success

30:21 Future of Dairy: Technology and AI

36:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

298 | Planning to Grow: How Steve Abel Builds Leaders, Systems and Scalable Growth at Abel Dairy Farms Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits Steve Abel of Abel Dairy Farms in Wisconsin to discuss strategic growth and leadership in the dairy industry. Steve shares insights on expanding their operations, managing personnel, and maintaining a values-driven approach. He also highlights the importance of technology and teamwork in modern dairy farming. This episode delves into the challenges and successes of scaling a family dairy farm while ensuring team cohesion and operational effectiveness.

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 tools they need to succeed.

ONE™ Feed: https://www.milcgroup.com/product/feed
ONE™ Scale: https://www.milcgroup.com/product/scale

00:00 Introduction to Growing Leaders and Scaling a Team

01:19 Steve Abel's Journey and Dairy Farm Expansion

03:08 Strategic Growth and COVID Challenges

05:38 Scaling People and Management

09:23 Developing Middle Managers

20:10 Technology in Dairy Farming

25:54 Future of Dairy Farming: Risks and Opportunities

30:08 Advice for the Next Generation

33:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

297 | Margins Are Tight: The 3 Moves Dairy Farmers Need in 2026 with Pauly Paul Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, farm efficiency and profitability expert Pauly Paul from Complete Management Consulting discusses strategies to help dairy producers navigate through the anticipated low milk prices in 2026. He highlights the importance of labor efficiency, reproduction management, and optimized feeding practices.

Through real-world examples and farm audits, Pauly shares how streamlining operations, improving employee productivity, and refining reproductive protocols can result in significant cost savings and increased profitability. The discussion also touches on the value of having an external perspective to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. This episode is packed with actionable insights for dairy managers and owners preparing for the financial challenges ahead.
This Episode is Brought to you by Complete Management Consulting

About Complete Management Consulting

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

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Low Milk Prices in 2026

00:38 Starting the Discussion: Preparing for 2026

02:08 Key Focus Areas: Labor, Reproduction, and Feeding

02:28 Labor Efficiency: Streamlining Workforce

15:59 Reproduction Strategies: Enhancing Preg Rates

24:14 Feeding and Rations: Optimizing Nutrition

34:43 Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Word of the Year

296 | Leading for the Long Run: Greg Bethard on Stress, Resilience, and Building a High-Performing Dairy Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Greg Bethard, CEO of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, to catch up on his progress and leadership strategies. Highlighting topics such as stress management, the development of new leaders, and Greg's personal approach to health and longevity, the conversation also explores the importance of effective people management and the future role of AI in the dairy industry. Greg shares insights on building resilience through experience and maintaining a healthy mind and body as a cornerstone of effective leadership. The episode also touches on the potential challenges and opportunities in expanding large-scale dairy operations globally.This Episode is brought to you by AdisseoThis 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/00:00 Welcome Back Greg Bethard: CEO of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy01:36 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Impact02:33 High Plains Ponderosa: Leadership and Team Dynamics03:26 Employee Relations and Work Environment05:51 Succession of Leadership at High Plains08:26 Challenges and Growth in Dairy Operations11:28 Managing Stress and Building Resilience14:37 Personal Health and Longevity17:34 Diet and Exercise for Optimal Performance20:15 Structured Simplicity in Nutrition and Movement20:23 Running Routine and Fitness Insights22:08 The Importance of Mental Engagement22:57 Health Awareness in the Next Generation26:26 AI and Technology in Dairy Management34:17 Future Aspirations and Reflections36:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

295 | Proactive Not Reactive: How Hornstead Dairy Uses Technology with Brian Horn Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy continues her series from Hornstead Dairy in Brillion, Wisconsin, featuring an in-depth conversation with Brian Horn. Brian shares the journey of transforming a simple 4-H project into a cutting-edge dairy operation driven by technology and innovation. The episode highlights how the multi-generational farm utilizes advanced monitoring tools like the smaXtec Health Management System to boost efficiency and proactive care. Touching on the evolution of dairy farm technologies, challenges, and the crucial role of family, this episode provides insights into progressive dairy farming practices.This Episode is Brought to you by smaXtecsmaXtec 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/00:00 Introduction to Hornstead Dairy's Journey01:01 Brian Horn's Early Days and Family Legacy02:29 Technological Evolution in Dairy Farming04:54 Adopting Advanced Monitoring Systems08:30 Impact of Technology on Farm Management15:58 Future Generations and Technological Integration21:58 Conclusion and Reflections

294 | A Life Sustained by Faith: Gary de Graaf on Prayer, Purpose, and God’s Timing Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Gary de Graaf, a dairyman renowned not just for his life with dairy cows but for his profound faith and role in discipleship. Gary shares his incredible journey of experiencing God's miracles firsthand—from a life-threatening brain bleed that was timely diagnosed and treated, to multiple significant health challenges and miraculous recoveries.

Highlighting the power of prayer and faith, Gary recounts how he found peace in praising God during crises and even ministered to his caregivers. The episode culminates in a prayer for listeners and an introduction to Gary's current mission with Capitol Commission, a ministry focused on reaching and discipling leaders in statehouses across the country.

293 | Feeding the World Through Dairy: Tim Baumgartner on Genetics, Mentorship, and Purpose Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, recorded live at the World Dairy Expo, Peggy sits down with Tim Baumgartner, the genetics manager at Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch in Pixley, California. Tim shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming a pivotal figure in the dairy genetics industry. He discusses his passion for cows and people, recounting how one pivotal conversation led to a rewarding career in genetics. The episode explores how the Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch significantly improved the breed's genetics, the impact of mentorship, and how innovative technology, like the Milc Group's feed program, transformed their operations. Highlights include the discovery and development of high-fat Jersey cows, the challenge and success of polled genetics, and the importance of family and community in the dairy world. Tim's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in the dairy industry.

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/scale00:00 Introduction: Shaping a Breed and Leaving a Legacy00:07 Meet Tim Baumgartner: A Passion for Genetics01:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm in Wisconsin07:42 The Journey to California09:31 A Career in Genetics and Mentorship15:37 The Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch Transformation27:39 Innovations and Future Directions

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