How Strong Producer–Vet Relationships Improve Dairy Herd Performance

In the heart of northeast Wisconsin’s dairy community, relationships and resilience aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the backbone of daily work. On a recent visit, Peggy Coffeen sat down with Dr. Liz Strahl of St. Anna’s Veterinary Clinic to talk about her journey from dairy farm kid to large animal veterinarian—and what it really takes to build lasting producer relationships in today’s industry.

Liz’s story is rooted in agriculture, but her impact reaches far beyond her own upbringing.

The Defining Decision

Medicine was always the direction. The real question was: human or animal?

Growing up on a dairy farm and working early as a veterinary technician clarified the pull. As Liz puts it, she realized she simply missed animals. That realization led her to study biology at Carroll University and eventually earn her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri—before returning home to serve dairy producers in Wisconsin.

Coming back to dairy wasn’t just a career move. It was a calling grounded in familiarity, responsibility, and community.

Building “Unbreakable” Producer Relationships

For Liz, the phrase “unbreakable relationships” isn’t marketing language. It’s a standard.

Strong producer–veterinarian partnerships are built on responsiveness, clear communication, and consistent value—both in and beyond herd checks. It means showing up when it matters, having hard conversations when necessary, and growing alongside the farm over time.

Trust isn’t built in a single visit. It’s built in the everyday moments—listening, problem-solving, and staying invested in outcomes. As Liz explains, over time you’re not just a consultant. You become part of the farm’s extended team.

She also emphasizes flexibility. Sometimes that means digging into data and protocols. Other times, it means simply listening. The best veterinary relationships, she notes, are collaborative—producers asking improvement-focused questions, challenging ideas, and engaging in shared problem-solving.

Mentorship as a Two-Way Street

Mentorship shaped Liz’s early career, particularly under the guidance of Dr. Jessica Southwick, who modeled what strong, value-driven producer relationships look like in practice.

Today, Liz pays that forward with students and young veterinarians riding along in her truck. Her advice is refreshingly direct: ask the dumb questions. Ask them again if you need to. Stay curious.

She views mentorship as reciprocal. Students bring fresh eyes and new research perspectives, while seasoned practitioners offer real-world application. That exchange strengthens the profession as a whole.

Liz also reflects candidly on early-career challenges—learning to handle confrontation, defining personal moral boundaries, and finding the confidence to speak up about unacceptable practices. Those lessons, while uncomfortable at times, helped her mature into a more grounded and decisive practitioner.

Motherhood, Retention, and Redefining Balance

The conversation turns to a sobering statistic: according to AABP data, approximately 40% of female bovine practitioners leave within years five to ten, compared to about 15% of their male counterparts.

Motherhood reshaped Liz’s perspective on work and identity. Balancing the physical and emotional demands of large animal practice with family life requires intentional boundaries and a supportive clinic culture.

For her, sustainability in practice isn’t accidental. It requires a team environment that values flexibility, communication, and shared responsibility. Retention, especially for women in bovine medicine, depends heavily on that culture.

Wellness as Professional Strategy

Large animal veterinary work is physically demanding. Liz approaches wellness not as an afterthought, but as a professional responsibility.

During vet school, she lost approximately 80 pounds as part of preparing herself for the physical demands of the job. Today, she prioritizes strength training, CrossFit, recovery, and overall body care to stay resilient in the field. She has already completed her CrossFit Level 1 training and continues to pursue both personal and professional growth—including a long-term goal of becoming board-certified in dairy practice.

Just as important as physical fitness is intellectual fitness. Liz identifies active learning as her primary burnout prevention strategy. Staying engaged in evidence-based problem-solving, learning new skills, and continually asking better questions keeps the work fresh and meaningful.

Connecting with the Entire Farm Team

One of Liz’s defining strengths is her ability to connect not only with farm owners but with the entire team. She makes a point to learn employees’ names, communicate across language barriers—including conversational Spanish—and build rapport at every level.

That intentional connection fosters respect and improves information flow. When employees feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to share observations that impact herd health and management decisions. Strong communication across the whole farm team ultimately leads to better outcomes.

The Takeaway: Stay Curious and Be Yourself

If there’s one message Liz hopes listeners walk away with, it’s this: stay an active learner and be unapologetically yourself. Looking back, she wishes she had asked even more questions early in her career.

In an industry built on data, performance metrics, and production goals, it’s easy to overlook the human element. But Liz’s journey reinforces a simple truth—relationships and resilience are what sustain dairy practice long term.

For producers, veterinarians, and industry leaders alike, her story is a reminder that growth happens at the intersection of trust, learning, and authenticity.

To hear the full conversation, tune in to the Uplevel Dairy Podcast—and continue building the kind of relationships that move the dairy industry forward.

To hear the complete discussion with Dr. Liz Strahl, stream now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.