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With fertilizer costs at an all-time high, innovative planting strategies can help dairy producers keep costs low. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Ben Peckman from Slate Ridge Dairy in Franklin County, Pa. shared what he does to boost soil fertility, keep costs low, and make the best use of his acreage. He also shared some of his innovative, tried-and-true planting and cropping strategies that he has learned over the last 10 years— including highly diverse cover crop mixes, a green planting approach, a seed-buying group with neighboring farms, relay cropping and more.

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For Candice Dotterer White from Dotterer Dairy in Clinton County, Pa., raising steers and adding beef into their breeding program started out as a simple solution to a feed problem. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Candice shared how it has evolved into a new opportunity to diversify their dairy operation by raising and marketing their own beef. She also describes what it’s like being a woman in agriculture and how everyone on their team has their own lane, but works together to achieve common goals.

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What is this all for? How do we make sure all family members are secure? How should we manage labor shortages and a changing workforce? How can we use technology to help build a legacy for our dairy farm? In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Donny Bartch of Merrimart Farms in Perry County, Pa. discussed these questions and more as he reflected on the complex transition process that comes along with a family business and multiple generations. He also shared their decision to invest in robotics and how this technology could help transform the future of their operation. 

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When it comes to calf care and management, you don’t get a redo. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Greta Halahan & Virginia Deffibaugh from Singing Brook Farms in Bedford County, Pa. share how they get their calves off to a good start and how important it is to define your protocols to ensure excellence from the very beginning. With cold weather making respiratory issues more common in calves, they also explained how they combat the cold and commit to weight gain through colostrum management.

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Happy New Year! With 2021 almost behind us, enjoy this bonus episode of “Cow-Side Conversations” featuring some of our favorite moments from Season One. Over the last year, we’ve interviewed dairy farmers from across the state – from Wayne County just a few miles from New York to Westmoreland County near Pittsburgh.  As dairy farmers, we all have something we can learn from one another. Being able to exchange stories and ideas is what has made this podcast so refreshing. Thanks for listening!

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Our employees are essential to every aspect of our business, especially on dairy operations. With Willow Behrer Farms in Huntingdon County, PA recently being recognized by the National FARM Program for their efforts in workforce development, Allen Behrer and Pete Posnett joined us for this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations.” Listen as they describe creative ways they are cultivating employee engagement to help achieve their performance goals.

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To kick off Season 2 of Cow-Side Conversations, John Kline of Lebanon County, PA shares how creating a successful transition plan for his five sons has helped them take on responsibilities and make decisions for Klinedale Farms and their satellite embryo business. Passing the dairy farm on to his sons – who he describes as a dream team – has also allowed John to embrace a leadership role with OnFire Youth Ministries and serve his community. In this podcast episode, listen as John shares the challenges that come with transition planning, the rewards of getting involved in the community, and the close-knit nature of the dairy community.

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With October being American Cheese Month, Emily Montgomery of Calkins Creamery on Highland Farms in Wayne County, PA shared how she got her start with cheese-making. With her team making about 1,500 pounds of cheese a week, Emily discussed how she manages quality and consistency, drives profitability for her family’s dairy farm, connects with customers, and navigates the growing demand for their products. In our 12th episode of Cow-Side Conversations, listen as Emily shares both the rewards and challenges of managing a small-scale creamery. 

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Safety protocols are a critical part of your dairy business to protect yourself and your employees. As we enter the fall harvest season, Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms in Juniata County, PA opened up about a farm accident he experienced last November — an accident he describes as “a direct hit, not a near miss.” In our 11th episode of Cow-Side Conversations, he describes the tools they use to prioritize farm safety and also shares how methane digesters are impacting their operation, including new revenue streams.

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One expense that is often overlooked on dairy farms is energy-related costs. In our 10th episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Josh Waddell of Apple Shamrock Dairy Farm in Crawford County, PA describes his model for success. Josh shares how an energy audit led to new opportunities and savings, and he breaks down several ways his family focuses on efficiency through cow comfort, other enterprises, and succession planning.