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.

Peggy Coffeen sat down with Dairy Calf & Heifer Association board members Jim Van Patter and Rodolfo Nava to discuss what truly determines long-term success in calf and beef-on-dairy programs. From colostrum management to team execution, the conversation centers on consistency, nutrition and leadership that drives measurable results.

Genomics didn’t just improve dairy cattle genetics. It changed the pace of progress. In this episode, Dr. George Wiggins explains how data accuracy, shorter generation intervals, and collaborative research reshaped genetic evaluations and why those shifts still matter for today’s producers.

Transitioning a dairy beyond family lines is complex. At Shead View Dairy in Berlin, Wisconsin, three partners explain how defined roles, legal structure and consistent communication created a path forward.

Dr. Scott Armbrust never set out to change the global dairy genetics landscape. But through decades of work in embryo transfer, mentorship, and international collaboration, his career helped accelerate genetic progress worldwide. In this National Dairy Shrine interview, Armbrust reflects on the cows, people, and partnerships that defined his legacy.

From classrooms to cattle barns, Bonnie Ayars has spent decades shaping the people behind the dairy industry. In this episode, she reflects on education, leadership, and why mentorship remains critical as the next generation steps forward.

Long before reproductive technology became mainstream, Dr. Joe Lineweaver was helping build the foundation. In this episode, he looks back on the early challenges of embryo transfer, the development of industry standards, and why investing in people has been just as important as advancing genetics.

Genomics didn’t just improve dairy cattle genetics. It changed the pace of progress. In this episode, Dr. George Wiggins explains how data accuracy, shorter generation intervals, and collaborative research reshaped genetic evaluations and why those shifts still matter for today’s producers.

At 86, Peter Vail looks back on decades spent building a family business, investing in elite dairy cattle, and learning lessons that continue to shape how he views leadership, risk, and the dairy industry.

From preserving the stories of dairy pioneers to recognizing emerging leaders shaping the industry’s future, the National Dairy Shrine continues to play a critical role in honoring excellence and investing in the next generation of dairy professionals.

Next-generation dairyman Nate Abel shares how hands-on experience, internships and a growing interest in technology are shaping his role and leadership mindset at Abel Dairy in Eden, Wisconsin.

As artificial intelligence and precision technologies accelerate across dairy, Aidan Connolly outlines where real-time data is closing the gap between insight and action and why waiting to adopt AI may be the biggest risk of all.

Dr. Jayce Benzing explains why calf health outcomes depend on people, protocols and consistency, and how strong teams create long-term success across dairy operations.

Entomologist and parasitologist Dr. Mike Catangui explains how flies quietly reduce milk production, spread disease and why natural fly control is gaining traction across dairy systems.

Marinus Noordam reflects on building a dairy operation rooted in partnership, discipline and faith, while using technology to protect both cow performance and family priorities.

Jack Pirtle explains how a personal faith transformation reshaped his leadership, family life and approach to supporting Spanish-speaking employees across his dairy operation.

Jordan Matthews explains how Rosy-Lane Holsteins continues to push performance through early adoption of technology, disciplined management and a people-first culture rooted in long-term thinking.

Managing nearly 10,000 cows across multiple sites requires more than technology. Dr. Blaine Nicks explains why people, basics and clear communication remain the foundation of high-quality milk production.

Steve Abel of Abel Dairy shares how long-term planning, people development and thoughtful technology adoption helped guide a major expansion while strengthening culture and leadership across the operation.

As milk prices tighten heading into 2026, consultant Pauly Paul outlines where dairies are finding opportunity to improve cash flow through labor, reproduction and feeding efficiency.