Peggy Coffeen sat down with Will McKinley of Men Law to discuss one of the most challenging topics facing farm families today: transition planning. Passing a farm from one generation to the next involves far more than transferring land or assets. It requires intentional communication, legal preparation, and a willingness to navigate complex family dynamics.

Peggy Coffeen sat down with Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, to discuss some of the biggest forces shaping the future of dairy. From sustainability initiatives and immigration policy to export growth and generational farm transitions, the conversation highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing today’s dairy producers.

Peggy Coffeen sat down with Rosario Ibarra of Grotegut Dairy in Newton, Wisconsin to discuss leadership, confidence, and the realities of managing people in modern dairy operations. While her journey into dairy is unique, the leadership lessons that emerged from the conversation apply to producers, managers, and team leaders across the industry.

Peggy Coffeen sat down with Dr. Mike Catangui, entomologist and parasitologist with MWI Animal Health, to discuss one of dairy production’s most persistent challenges: pest pressure. From fly stress to parasite load, insect control directly impacts milk production, animal comfort, and long-term profitability.

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.

Peggy Coffeen sat down with Dr. Jimena Laporta, associate professor and lactation physiologist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, 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.

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.