Voice of Milk and BMO are proud to bring back the “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Jim Mlsna, owner of Ocooch Dairy, and Brad Guse of BMO discuss early influences, improvements to better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future of the farm and dairy industry. This three-part series is sponsored by BMO. About the guests: Jim Mlsna is the owner of Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin where they milk 950 cows and farm 1,450 acres.   Brad Guse manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships made up of primarily dairy farm accounts. Brad has over 30 years of experience in agricultural banking.  2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Voice of Milk and BMO are proud to bring back the “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and the steps they have taken to get to where they are today. The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on Oct. 15. This three-part series is sponsored by BMO. About the guests: Jim Mlsna is the owner of Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, where they milk 950 cows and farm 1,450 acres.   Brad Guse manages a portfolio of diverse production agricultural relationships made up of primarily dairy farm accounts. Brad has over 30 years of experience in agricultural banking.  2024 Season 1: How We Got Here Podcast series How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Farm transition plans are starting to include non-family members and it offers unique opportunities and challenges in succession planning. We will cover how transition plans have evolved, lending support, essential items, tools, economic pressures and policy items.  Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Bill Oppriecht of Compeer Financial discuss the following topics:  Evolution of farm transitions Lender support Essential items What’s driving the shift to non-family members Successful example of a blended farm ownership Risks for non-family members Lending tools or resources Biggest challenge Economic pressures Advice to dairy owners who don’t have a successor Policy Reviewing transition plans Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Bill Oppriecht is a senior dairy lending specialist at Compeer Financial. He has been part of the Farm Credit System for more than 11 years, with the last six years focusing specifically on dairy operations. Bill grew up on a small dairy farm and uses that background to help support dairy producers in southern Wisconsin. Bill graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, double majoring in ag business and animal science with a dairy emphasis. He is a member of Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Bill resides in southwestern Wisconsin with his wife, Heidi, and two sons, Alex and Evan.  Resources Success in Succession Planning series (1 of 3): How to get organized Success in Succession Planning series (2 of 3): Financial analysis Success in Succession Planning series (3 of 3): Legal and mediation Dairy Streamlet: Succession planning and creating generational wealth Succession planning and creating generational wealth Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on September 24. Farm transition planning is an important topic that we continue to cover on Dairy Stream as new tools and insights are shared. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Bill Oppriecht of Compeer Financial discuss essential items, involving non-family members, resources and how to keep tabs on your succession plan. Special thanks to Compeer Financial for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Bill Oppriecht is a senior dairy lending specialist at Compeer Financial. He has been part of the Farm Credit System for more than 11 years, with the last six years focusing specifically on dairy operations. Bill grew up on a small dairy farm and uses that background to help support dairy producers in southern Wisconsin. Bill graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, double majoring in ag business and animal science with a dairy emphasis. He is a member of Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers, Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Bill resides in southwestern Wisconsin with his wife, Heidi, and two sons, Alex and Evan.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.  

If you’re the next generation to take over the family farm, you will want to learn about digital twins and environmental modeling. We will cover what it is, what digital insights to track, affordable data sources, risk, engaging policy makers, protecting data and the future of this technology. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Dr. Bruno Basso discuss the following topics:  What are digital twins and environmental modeling Projects Dr. Basso has worked on What insights to track Affordable and popular data sources Is this risky? How to engage lawmakers Protecting data Other industries using this technology Next generation of sustainable crop nutrition Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Dr. Bruno Basso, professor of earth and environmental sciences, integrates diverse disciplines such as biophysics, climatology, hydrology, genetics, agronomy and soil science to understand the spatial and temporal variabilities of crop yield and environmental outcomes in agricultural systems. With a focus on sustainable row crop production, Basso is harnessing advanced UAV technology and predictive process-based models to quantify the impact of current and future climate, soil, genetics and management on crop yield and ecosystem services.  Resources Bruno Basso - Digital Twins to Scale Sustainable Agricultural Systems YouTube video 2025 MSU Tech Transfer Achievement Award-Bruno Basso’s Crop Yield Modeling System article Dr. Bruno Basso’s Lab with Michigan State University Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on Sept. 3. Digital twin and environmental modeling will be a valuable tool for farmers in the near future. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Dr. Bruno Basso of Michigan State University discuss the what it is, affordable and popular data sources, risk, engaging with policy makers and the future of sustainable crop nutrition. Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Dr. Bruno Basso, professor of earth and environmental sciences, integrates diverse disciplines such as biophysics, climatology, hydrology, genetics, agronomy and soil science to understand the spatial and temporal variabilities of crop yield and environmental outcomes in agricultural systems. With a focus on sustainable row crop production, Basso is harnessing advanced UAV technology and predictive process-based models to quantify the impact of current and future climate, soil, genetics and management on crop yield and ecosystem services.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

We are taking a big picture look at the challenges mother nature has brought us and how farmers are overcoming these challenges. We will cover adaptive strategies farmers are implementing, crop selection, new technologies, pest control and more. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the following topics:  Shifting weather patterns and the impact on planting and harvesting windows Adaptive strategies Crop selection and varieties Emerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorus Compaction in the Midwest Data tools for in-season decision making New or increasing pest and disease threats Agronomic trends or challenges in the next 3-5 years Resources for farmer education Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Chris Clark is an agronomic outreach specialist with Northeast Wisconsin for the nutrient and pest management team for the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Chris partners, cooperates and brings together farmers, researchers and industry providing agronomy outreach she focuses on crop and soil nutrient use. Chris began her role at Extension in 2023. Prior to joining Extension, Chris worked in private sector agronomy lab testing for 12 years, and as a agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for 9 years. She has a BA in Agricultural Education from UW-River Falls and is a Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor and has been a member of the WI CCA board for 6 years.  Resources Wisconet Ag Weather Outlook Agriculture Data | Wisconsin State Climatology Office UW Extension Agriculture- Agriculture – Extension Farmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable Food Find a farmer-led group near you Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on August 13. Mother nature has the control but farmers are navigating new challenges with adaptive strategies. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the strategies, emerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorus management, handling pest and disease, and the future of agronomy trends and challenges. Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Chris Clark is an agronomic outreach specialist with Northeast Wisconsin for the nutrient and pest management team for the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Chris partners, cooperates and brings together farmers, researchers and industry providing agronomy outreach she focuses on crop and soil nutrient use. Chris began her role at Extension in 2023. Prior to joining Extension, Chris worked in private sector agronomy lab testing for 12 years, and as a agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for 9 years. She has a BA in Agricultural Education from UW-River Falls and is a Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor and has been a member of the WI CCA board for 6 years.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Farmers in Wisconsin have teamed up to create a farmer-led watershed group called Peninsula Pride Farms and it’s taking soil health to the next level. We are going to learn more about the farmer-led group, how they make informed management decisions, conservation practices to build organic matter and manure management practices. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the following topics:  History of Peninsula Pride Farms From field day to conservation idea Making informed management decisions Including everyone in conservation efforts Conservation practices that make big impacts Building organic matter Importance of manure Manure application methods Adding other minerals to help with soil structure Tools that support conservation Manure management success stories Conservation goals for Kinnard Farms Conservation future trends Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Lee Kinnard is president and owner of Kinnard Farms located in Kewaunee County in Wisconsin. He manages the business, the people and the cows. Kinnard Farms consist of 9,250 cows, 7,800 heifers located in Colorado in partnership with four Wisconsin farmers, 11,500 acres, and has 21,000 acres with a nutrient management plan and currently provides jobs to 137 valued employees. Over the years, Kinnard Farms has grown due to Lee’s new ideas, methods and solutions that have a positive impact on animal care, regenerative agriculture and food production.   Resources Producer-Led Group Roadmap and more Peninsula Pride Farms website Kinnard Farms website Farmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable Food Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on July 23. Farmers in Wisconsin are making a difference in the soil health space through farmer-led watershed groups. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the history of Peninsula Pride Farms, conservation practices, game-changer in the manure management space, manure management tools, conservation goals and future of conservation. Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Lee Kinnard is president and owner of Kinnard Farms located in Kewaunee County in Wisconsin. He manages the business, the people and the cows. Kinnard Farms consist of 9,250 cows, 7,800 heifers located in Colorado in partnership with four Wisconsin farmers, 11,500 acres, and has 21,000 acres with a nutrient management plan and currently provides jobs to 137 valued employees. Over the years, Kinnard Farms has grown due to Lee’s new ideas, methods and solutions that have a positive impact on animal care, regenerative agriculture and food production.   Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.  Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.

Employees are a valuable asset on the farm and there are specific financial investments a farm can make to improve workforce culture. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brad Herkenhoff discuss the following topics:  What is employee culture Small financial investments to improve culture   Large financial investments Gifts and financial incentives ROI on positive work culture Technology Documenting a plan to improve Goals Resources Trends   This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial. About the guest Brad Herkenhoff is a Senior Dairy Lending Specialist at Compeer Financial. His primary role at Compeer is to work closely with dairy clients providing industry expertise in finance strategy. He is committed to working with dairy farm families on identifying their goals and helping to work towards them. He works with dairies in MN and western WI. Brad was born and raised near Freeport, MN where his family operated a dairy farm. His brother and sister-in-law have taken over the family farm; however, Brad is still active in the farm primarily helping with field work as needed. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at St. Cloud State University and has been in the Ag lending industry for 17 years prior to joining Compeer. He is active in local and community events and has been involved in the dairy industry his whole life.  Resources Workable Workforce Series: Recruiting and onboarding talent Workable Workforce Series: Retention and Engagement Workable Workforce Series: Coaching and Counseling Workable Workforce Series: HR management and legal matters Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on July 2. Employees are at the core of a successful business and we will cover specific financial investment to improve the workforce culture and in return save your farm business money. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brad Herkenhoff discuss basic and advanced financial investments to improve employee culture, ROI on positive work culture, resources and trends. This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial. About the guest Brad Herkenhoff is a Senior Dairy Lending Specialist at Compeer Financial. His primary role at Compeer is to work closely with dairy clients providing industry expertise in finance strategy. He is committed to working with dairy farm families on identifying their goals and helping to work towards them. He works with dairies in MN and western WI. Brad was born and raised near Freeport, MN where his family operated a dairy farm. His brother and sister-in-law have taken over the family farm; however, Brad is still active in the farm primarily helping with field work as needed. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at St. Cloud State University and has been in the Ag lending industry for 17 years prior to joining Compeer. He is active in local and community events and has been involved in the dairy industry his whole life.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Farmers are leading the way in conservation efforts through producer-led watershed groups, and today we are going to learn more about these farmer networks, common conservation practices and future goals. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the following topics:  Backstory of producer-led watershed groups Common conservation practices within the groups Challenges Opportunities to engage with the non-farming community Test sites and research Game-changing techniques Conservation practices that have potential Future goals and strategies This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy. About the guests Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm.   Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment.  Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin.  Resources Producer-Led Group Roadmap and more Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Grant Program Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers website Farm Stapels website Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 11. In Wisconsin, farmers created farmer-led conservation groups, known as Producer-Led Watershed Groups (PLWG), that are leading the way in conservation. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the backstory of the groups, common conservation practices and future goals. This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy. About the guests Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm.   Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment.  Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

We get creative in this episode and discuss specific examples of how farmers are approaching their neighbors with mutually beneficial business ideas. The first part identifies the opportunities and after the break, we discuss how to approach the opportunities. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Steve Schwoerer discuss the following topics:  Defining neighbors Why this has become more popular High-level overview of farm and neighbor relationships Crop purchase agreements Land leasing agreements Investor opportunities Conservation efforts with your neighbors Outside professional support Legal and financial items What situation is the most successful Challenges Future topics in this space This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial. About the guest Steve Schwoerer is the Vice President of Dairy Lending at Compeer Financial. His primary role is to provide industry expertise and advice to the largest dairy farm clients of Compeer Financial. He has been an account officer for dairy clients in the Farm Credit System for more than 38 years. Steve graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Steve is also a member of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association.  Resources Connect with Steve Agricultural Financing resources Agricultural Businesses resources Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on May 21. Our guest helps farms get creative with improving their business by maximizing neighbor relationships. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Steve Schwoerer discuss the list of opportunities, what is the most successful, outside professional support, challenges and future topics in this space. This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial. About the guest Steve Schwoerer is the Vice President of Dairy Lending at Compeer Financial. His primary role is to provide industry expertise and advice to the largest dairy farm clients of Compeer Financial. He has been an account officer for dairy clients in the Farm Credit System for more than 38 years. Steve graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Steve is also a member of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

Creating a plan to act on regular tune-ups on your farm can result in money savings and improved relationships with industry allies. Focus on Energy shares the unforeseen benefits of farm equipment tune-ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Melissa Beeksma, discuss the following topics:  Ideal timeframe for tune-ups Dairy refrigeration, other tune-ups Grain dryer tune-ups Who to get involved Benefits with industry allies within the tune-up program Significant money savings Sensors to track equipment performance Time commitment from the farmer Incentives Energy efficiency trends in the future Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Melissa Beeksma has been working in the energy efficiency field for over 18 years. She is the Technical Quality Lead for Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Schools and Government Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Melissa is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers. In 2024, she co-authored the Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations.  Resources Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups Energy Advisor Map Agricultural: Improving your bottom-line resources Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 30. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Melissa Beeksma with Focus on Energy, shares the unforeseen benefits of farm equipment tune-ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations. Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Melissa Beeksma has been working in the energy efficiency field for over 18 years. She is the Technical Quality Lead for Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Schools and Government Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Melissa is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers. In 2024, she co-authored the Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

We are virtually traveling in-field to learn more about microbial nitrogen and the impact biologicals and biostimulants can have on your crops. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Rick Molenaar, discuss the following topics:  Evolution of technology in crop production Gene-editing microbes Current advancements in microbial nitrogen Impressive corn silage research Key growing stages to focus on ROI benefit of nitrogen management How microbes can help dairy farmers Precision agricultural equipment Microbial nitrogen technologies to support GHG emissions Challenges Future of nitrogen fertilizer management Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Rick Molenaar is a regional agronomy lead for Pivot Bio. He is an agronomy professional with a proven track record of success in leading field agronomist teams, conducting on-farm trials of pre-commercial biological products, and collaborating with land grant universities. His expertise spans Midwest row crop production, where he utilizes agriculture-based GIS programs to develop innovative variable rate maps for seeding, fertility, liming, and manure application, optimizing both crop yield and sustainability.  Resources Connect with Rick Molenaar on LinkedIn Scientific Reports: Genetic remodeling of soil diazotrophs enables partial replacement of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer with biological nitrogen fixation in maize, Purdue University & University of Wisconsin - Madison  Agronomy Journal: Soil inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to supplement maize fertilizer need, University of Illinois  Video Interview: Science Validated: Purdue & UW-Madison Confirm PROVEN 40’s Mode of Action Past Dairy Stream episode with Co-Founder Karsten Temme: How microbes are shaping the future of crop nutrition Past Dairy Stream episode with Dr. Connor Sible of the University of Illinois: Understanding biologicals and biostimulants   Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 2. We are getting an in-field perspective from an agronomist expert on the opportunities with microbial nitrogen. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Rick Molenaar discuss gene-editing microbes, current advancements in microbial nitrogen, research, precision agricultural equipment and the future of nitrogen fertilizer management. Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode. About the guest Rick Molenaar is a regional agronomy lead for Pivot Bio. He is an agronomy professional with a proven track record of success in leading field agronomist teams, conducting on-farm trials of pre-commercial biological products, and collaborating with land grant universities. His expertise spans Midwest row crop production, where he utilizes agriculture-based GIS programs to develop innovative variable rate maps for seeding, fertility, liming, and manure application, optimizing both crop yield and sustainability.  Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.