Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Enjoy this listener favorite rerun on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

Join me on this episode of the Uplevel Dairy podcast as I sit down with the groundbreaking Dr. Don Niles. From his humble beginnings as a veterinarian in Wisconsin to transforming the dairy world, Dr. Niles shares his incredible journey.

This episode delves into the experiences that shaped his career, his partnership with visionary dairyman John Pagel, and the innovative practices they implemented at Dairy Dreams that set new standards in cow comfort and dairy management.

In this episode, Dr. Niles discusses

• the evolution of dairy farming practices with everything from the introduction of advanced barn designs to the adoption of sand bedding for enhanced cow comfort.

• The strategic decisions that paved the way for modern dairy operations.

• And shares personal anecdotes from his travels and collaborations with other dairymen from around the country.

The episode also touches on the legacy of John Pagel and the impact of their joint efforts on the dairy industry. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that offers a deep dive into the technological advancements and high-performance mindsets driving the future of dairying.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy visits Plum Creek Dairy in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, to speak with owners Abe and Mandy, and consultant Pauly Paul from Complete Management Consulting. The episode delves into the history of Plum Creek Dairy, from its origins in custom harvesting and manure handling to its transformation into a thriving dairy farm. Featuring insights on efficiency improvements, a major transition in herd management, and the benefits of cross-training employees, the episode showcases how Abe and Mandy, with Pauly's guidance, successfully expanded their operations and enhanced staff morale. 

Listeners will learn about the challenges and triumphs of running an innovative dairy farm, the importance of teamwork, and the value of being open to change and continuous learning.

• 00:00 Introduction to Plum Creek Dairy
• 00:40 Abe and Mandy's Journey into Dairy Farming
• 01:52 Challenges and Transition at Plum Creek Dairy
• 06:39 Reorganizing and Empowering the Team
• 13:35 Expanding Operations and Future Plans
• 21:38 Advice for Aspiring Dairy Farmers
• 25:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 This Episode is Sponsored by Complete Management Consulting

Contact Pauly Paul

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen welcomes Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy for the May market update. The discussion covers significant changes in Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) programs, including updated rules and new protections for beef cross calves and cull cows. Curtis provides insights into trends in milk production, the cheese market, butter market, and milk powder exports.

Additionally, they cover key points about the current state of commodity markets, particularly in corn and soybeans, offering strategic advice for dairy producers on margin management. 

Recognized as one of the most progressive dairy farms in Wisconsin since the mid 1960s, Norm-E-Lane Farms in Chili, Wisconsin, has a long history of not only leading in the business of dairy farming, but also of leading an entire industry forward. From engaging with the community to advocating for policy, the value of relationships is one that the late Jerry Meissner passed on to his children and grandchildren.

And today we are sitting down with the third and fourth generation of the Meissner family - Josh Meissner and his son Emmett Meissner -  to learn about the legacy and resilience that drives the next generation of leadership and growth at Norm-E-Lane.

About Nedap

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Jerod Henrickson, a dedicated dairyman from Bella Holsteins in Platteville, Colorado, shares his journey from growing up on his family's dairy farm to taking on a leadership role. After his father’s motorcycle accident in 2005, Jerod was thrust into managing the expanding operation, a challenge that taught him invaluable lessons in resilience and decision-making. 

Throughout the discussion, Jerod highlights the technological advancements that have revolutionized dairy farming, such as monitoring collars and data integration systems, enhancing efficiency and animal welfare. He also emphasizes the importance of consistent leadership, motivating employees, and maintaining a passion for hard work. 

As Jerod looks toward the future, he remains focused on growth opportunities and navigating industry challenges, all while upholding the values of dedication, innovation, and care for both his team and his cows.

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.

In this heartfelt second part of the Special Mother's Day edition of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy sits down with three inspiring dairy farm moms—Nicole Barlass, Katie Grinstead, and Katy Katzman. They dive deep into the health impacts of their dual roles in managing family and farm, addressing topics such as farm mom guilt, emotional boundaries, and the importance of self-care. These women share personal anecdotes highlighting their struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the necessity of support and balance. This episode also celebrates the mental and physical resilience required in their profession, underlining the significant roles they play in their families and communities. Sponsored by AHV Animal Health Visions, this episode is a powerful reminder of the strength and dedication of dairy farm moms.

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.

In this special Mother's Day edition of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, hosted in partnership with Animal Health Visions (AHV), we honor the influential women who balance motherhood, farming, and agricultural advocacy. Peggy interviews three inspiring dairy farm moms—Nicole Barlas, Katie Grinstead, and Katy Katzman—who share their journeys, challenges, and the passion that drives them. Each mom reflects on their path back to the family farm, their involvement in volunteering and community projects, and the balancing act of managing both family and farm responsibilities. They discuss the importance of support systems, communication, and the powerful lessons they impart to their children about resilience and commitment to agriculture.

Make sure to come back for Part 2 tomorrow!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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

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

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.

Register for the DCHA Annual Conference: https://calfandheifer.org/

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. 

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

“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:

$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.

“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?

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

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.

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

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy provides an in-depth analysis of key market factors affecting the dairy industry in 2025. Topics covered include:

• The finalized rulings on Federal Milk Marketing Orders
• Supply and demand shifts
• And inventory trends in dairy commodities like cheese and butter. 

Curtis also emphasizes the importance of financial management for dairy farmers, highlighting the significance of balance sheets, cash flow statements, and margin management systems to maintain profitability and prepare for future industry changes.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is sitting down with Will McKinley, President of Menn Law Firm, to discuss the importance of trust and estate planning for farm families. 

Will explains three different types of trusts, including Medicaid, revocable, and irrevocable trusts, and their relevance in asset protection, probate avoidance, and tax planning for farms.

He shares insights into the legal and practical aspects of transition planning and succession for agribusiness, emphasizing the importance of updating and funding the trust. Real-life stories illustrate successful trust implementations and the challenges of equitable asset distribution among family members. The episode underscores the necessity of early planning and communication to ensure a smooth transition of farm operations to the next generation. 

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:14 Menn Law's Legacy and Services
• 02:01 Will McKinley's Background
• 02:45 Understanding Trusts: An Overview
• 04:11 Medicaid Trusts Explained
• 05:10 Revocable Trusts: Essential for Farms
• 06:57 Irrevocable Trusts: Advanced Planning
• 16:19 Practical Applications and Case Studies
• 25:46 Challenges in Trust Planning
• 28:57 Success Stories and Final Advice
• 35:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

This Episode is Brought to you by Menn Law Firm

Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law, Appleton, Wisconsin:

Meet fourth-generation Pennsylvania dairyman Jared Kurtz, and listen alongside as I help him put his “why” into words.

I’ll be opening the morning session of the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit on Feb. 5, with a conversation inspired by the book “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Simek. 

Get a preview here as find out Jared’s “why” -  why he chose to come back to the dairy after seeking to get away from it, why he and his wife wanted farm life for their six children, why the transition planning has been challenging but worth it, why he takes his responsibility seriously to engage with his community and educate others about their farming practices, and why he believes his farm serves a greater purpose.

Register for the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit:

Want to end 2025 better than you started it? Ever struggle with New Year’s resolutions that stick?

Today I’m walking you through three steps that I do at the beginning of each year to gain the clarity and momentum to make each year better than the last, while creating more margin in your day to make room for habits that will get you where you want to be.

• 00:00 Welcome and Recap of 2024
• 00:35 Struggles with New Year's Resolutions
• 01:53 Step 1: Creating a Vision
• 06:39 Step 2: Subtracting to Add Value
• 10:11 Step 3: Adding Positive Habits
• 11:12 Recommended Reading for 2025
• 13:31 Final Thoughts and Recap
• 15:22 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Impact Farming Podcast host Tracy Burnet jumps on from Manitoba to join Uplevel Dairy Podcast host Peggy Coffeen as they reflect on the one word they each chose to live by in 2024, and how they are preparing to uplevel and creating an impact in 2025!

Check out the Impact Farming Podcast:

Best of 2024: We are catching back up with some of our top guests from the past year, and today we chat with Idaho dairyman Hans Nederend, Nederend Dairies.

In Episode 92, Hans shared his secrets to achieving world-class milk quality, and then expanded upon that as we talked about his roles as not only a dairyman, but also a dad and a leader.

In this episode, Hans talks about the challenge of dealing with avian influenza on his dairies, how it impacted his herd and also how it brought out the dedication of his team.

Best of 2024: We are catching back up with some of our top guests from the past year and are so grateful to welcome Katie Coyne.

Earlier this year, Katie shared her personal story of growing up in the dairy industry and how she has made it her mission to pay it back to the next in line through mentoring and encouraging youth.

Katie also shared her personal journey with cancer and the prognosis given to her in late 2024. 

Find out how Katie has continued to find hope and purpose each and every day, and the word she is choosing to live by in 2025.

Best of 2024: We are catching back up with some of our top guests from the past year, including Tim Abbott, who joined us back in Ep. 143: Sitting on the Showbox with Tim Abbott.

We pull up a seat again today to hear how 2024 challenged him changed him, his greatest wins and the word he has chosen to live by in 2025.

More from Tim Abbott:

We sit down with Manuel Soares, CEO of Milc Group, to discuss how applying manufacturing principles to dairy farming can identify and eliminate bottlenecks to improve revenue.

Manuel highlights the importance of real-time data for making quick, informed decisions, and the need for an integrated system like ERP to connect all aspects of dairy operations.

He emphasizes the role of accurate data, proper data entry, and data ownership in ensuring financial success in the dairy industry.

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.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast's Young Leader Series, co-host Kiley Pagel leads a conversation with Emily McGowty from 2020 Consulting. Emily transitioned from an equine background to the dairy industry, where she focuses on financial consulting and building trust with dairy farm clients. 

The conversatio  covers Emily's journey, the importance of trust and flexibility in her role in the finance sector, and the mentorship and support she has received along the way. 

You will also hear about the challenges Emily faced and the strategies she used to overcome them, helping her become a trusted advisor in the dairy industry. 

Make sure to share this episode with a Young Dairy Leader you know!