Dairy Insights: Your Hub for Episode Highlights
Dive deeper into the conversations shaping modern dairy.
Natural Insecticides for Dairy Farms: How Pest Control Impacts Milk Production and Profitability
Peggy Coffeen sat down with Dr. Mike Catangui, entomologist and parasitologist with MWI Animal Health, to discuss one of dairy productionβs most persistent challenges: pest pressure. From fly stress to parasite load, insect control directly impacts milk production, animal comfort, and long-term profitability.
Why Clear Communication and Defined Roles Matter in Farm Succession
Today, Peggy Coffeen sat down with Farm Family Transition Coach Elaine Froese to address one of the most emotionally charged and financially significant topics in agriculture: family farm transition planning. The conversation centers on moving beyond avoidance, creating clarity, and building a structured path forward for the next generation.
Heat Stress Before Birth: How Fetal Programming Impacts Lifetime Milk Production
Peggy Coffeen sat down with Dr. Jimena Laporta, associate professor and lactation physiologist at the University of WisconsinβMadison, to discuss groundbreaking research on fetal programming and heat stress during late gestation. The conversation reveals how conditions before birth can permanently influence calf health, milk production, and even future generations.
How Strong ProducerβVet Relationships Improve Dairy Herd Performance
In the heart of northeast Wisconsinβs dairy community, relationships and resilience arenβt just buzzwordsβtheyβre the backbone of daily work. On a recent visit, Peggy Coffeen sat down with Dr. Liz Strahl of St. Annaβs Veterinary Clinic to talk about her journey from dairy farm kid to large animal veterinarianβand what it really takes to build lasting producer relationships in todayβs industry.
Consistency Creates Champions: Building High-Performing Calf Programs
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.
From Parlor Data to People Power: What Actually Moves the Needle
Genomics didnβt 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 todayβs producers.
Building a Non-Family Farm Transition That Works at Sheadview Dairy
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.
Cultivating Global Genetics: Dr. Scott Armbrustβs Impact on Dairy Reproduction
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.
Bridging Generations in Dairy and Education with Bonnie Ayars
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.
A Lifetime of Innovation in Dairy Reproduction with Dr. Joe Lineweaver
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.
A Dairy Genomics Pioneer: Dr. George Wiggans
Genomics didnβt 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 todayβs producers.
Lesson from a Legend: Elite Cows, High-Flyers and Business Savvy with Peter Vail
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.
Dairy Legends to Next-Gen Leaders: How National Dairy Shrine Is Honoring Pioneers and Leaders
From preserving the stories of dairy pioneers to recognizing emerging leaders shaping the industryβs future, the National Dairy Shrine continues to play a critical role in honoring excellence and investing in the next generation of dairy professionals.
Preparing the Next Generation: How Nate Abel Is Building Skills and Confidence at Abel Dairy
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.
Digital Disruption in Dairy: Aidan Connolly on AI, Precision and Real-Time Decision Making
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.
Setting Calves Up Right: Dr. Jacey Benzing on Calf Health, Teams, and Dairy Success
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.
From the Philippines to Dairy Farms Worldwide: The Scientist Taking on Flies with Dr. Mike Catangui
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.
Creating Balance Between Faith, Family and Farming with Marinus Noordam
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.
Transforming the Hearts of Men: Jack Pirtle on Faith, Leadership and Purpose Beyond the Dairy
Jack Pirtle explains how a personal faith transformation reshaped his leadership, family life and approach to supporting Spanish-speaking employees across his dairy operation.
Unlocking Cow Potential Through People, Precision and Purpose at Rosy-Lane Holsteins
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.

