Dairy Stream

By Dairy Stream

Dairy Stream focuses on policy, sustainability, market trends, new technology and farmer involvement. This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations w... more

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FAQs about Dairy Stream:

How many episodes does Dairy Stream have?

The podcast currently has 158 episodes available.

Dairy Stream episodes:

July 21, 2025Dairy Streamlet: Kinnard Farms: Soil health is a team effort
The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on July 23.
Farmers in Wisconsin are making a difference in the soil health space through farmer-led watershed groups. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the history of Peninsula Pride Farms, conservation practices, game-changer in the manure management space, manure management tools, conservation goals and future of conservation.
Special thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.
About the guest
Lee Kinnard is president and owner of Kinnard Farms located in Kewaunee County in Wisconsin. He manages the business, the people and the cows. Kinnard Farms consist of 9,250 cows, 7,800 heifers located in Colorado in partnership with four Wisconsin farmers, 11,500 acres, and has 21,000 acres with a nutrient management plan and currently provides jobs to 137 valued employees. Over the years, Kinnard Farms has grown due to Lee’s new ideas, methods and solutions that have a positive impact on animal care, regenerative agriculture and food production.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.
...more
9min
July 02, 2025Financial investment to improve the workforce culture
Employees are a valuable asset on the farm and there are specific financial investments a farm can make to improve workforce culture. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brad Herkenhoff discuss the following topics:
What is employee culture
Small financial investments to improve culture
Large financial investments
Gifts and financial incentives
ROI on positive work culture
Technology
Documenting a plan to improve
Goals
Resources
Trends
This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial.
About the guest
Brad Herkenhoff is a Senior Dairy Lending Specialist at Compeer Financial. His primary role at Compeer is to work closely with dairy clients providing industry expertise in finance strategy. He is committed to working with dairy farm families on identifying their goals and helping to work towards them. He works with dairies in MN and western WI. Brad was born and raised near Freeport, MN where his family operated a dairy farm. His brother and sister-in-law have taken over the family farm; however, Brad is still active in the farm primarily helping with field work as needed. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at St. Cloud State University and has been in the Ag lending industry for 17 years prior to joining Compeer. He is active in local and community events and has been involved in the dairy industry his whole life.
Resources
Workable Workforce Series: Recruiting and onboarding talent
Workable Workforce Series: Retention and Engagement
Workable Workforce Series: Coaching and Counseling
Workable Workforce Series: HR management and legal matters
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.
...more
32min
June 30, 2025Dairy Streamlet: Financial investment to improve the workforce culture
The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on July 2.
Employees are at the core of a successful business and we will cover specific financial investment to improve the workforce culture and in return save your farm business money. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Brad Herkenhoff discuss basic and advanced financial investments to improve employee culture, ROI on positive work culture, resources and trends.
This episode is brought to you by Compeer Financial.
About the guest
Brad Herkenhoff is a Senior Dairy Lending Specialist at Compeer Financial. His primary role at Compeer is to work closely with dairy clients providing industry expertise in finance strategy. He is committed to working with dairy farm families on identifying their goals and helping to work towards them. He works with dairies in MN and western WI. Brad was born and raised near Freeport, MN where his family operated a dairy farm. His brother and sister-in-law have taken over the family farm; however, Brad is still active in the farm primarily helping with field work as needed. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at St. Cloud State University and has been in the Ag lending industry for 17 years prior to joining Compeer. He is active in local and community events and has been involved in the dairy industry his whole life.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.
...more
12min
June 11, 2025Producer-led watershed groups leading the way in conservation
Farmers are leading the way in conservation efforts through producer-led watershed groups, and today we are going to learn more about these farmer networks, common conservation practices and future goals. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the following topics:
Backstory of producer-led watershed groups
Common conservation practices within the groups
Challenges
Opportunities to engage with the non-farming community
Test sites and research
Game-changing techniques
Conservation practices that have potential
Future goals and strategies
This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy.
About the guests
Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm. Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment.
Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin.
Resources
Producer-Led Group Roadmap and more
Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Grant Program
Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers website
Farm Stapels website
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.
...more
49min
June 09, 2025Dairy Streamlet: Producer-led watershed groups leading the way in conservation
The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 11.
In Wisconsin, farmers created farmer-led conservation groups, known as Producer-Led Watershed Groups (PLWG), that are leading the way in conservation. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Brody Stapel and Ricardo Costa discuss the backstory of the groups, common conservation practices and future goals.
This episode is brought to you by The Nature Conservancy.
About the guests
Brody Stapel is a dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin milking 250 cows and farming 900 acres with his brother Jory, and Father Rudy, their wives, 10 kids and multiple employees!! They also own and operate 2 beef feedlots and recently launched a direct to consumer brand focused on glass bottled milk, beef and other Stapels from the farm. Brody is the President of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, which is group of farmers in the Sheboygan river basin area that came together to test and explore farming strategies that improve soil health, allow greater farming efficiency, sustain profitability and lessen the impact on the environment.
Ricardo Costa serves as the Associate Director of Agriculture Strategy for TNC in Wisconsin. With a strong background in plant sciences and agronomy, he began his career as a Field Crops Educator and Plant Pathology instructor at Michigan State University Extension, where he worked directly with farmers to develop and implement conservation practices. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. In his role at TNC, Ricardo collaborates with farmer-led groups, private industry, and government agencies to advance conservation practices across Wisconsin.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
Join us at Dairy Strong on January 14-15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gain timely political updates, dive into the dynamics of producer-processor relationships and learn strategies to sustain a stronger future for dairy through innovation and collaboration. United together, we’re leading with purpose—one person, one policy and one farm at a time. To learn more, visit dairystrong.org.
...more
9min
May 21, 2025Improving operational efficiencies by leveraging neighbor relationships
We get creative in this episode and discuss specific examples of how farmers are approaching their neighbors with mutually beneficial business ideas. The first part identifies the opportunities and after the break, we discuss how to approach the opportunities. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Steve Schwoerer discuss the following topics:
Defining neighbors
Why this has become more popular
High-level overview of farm and neighbor relationships
Crop purchase agreements
Land leasing agreements
Investor opportunities
Conservation efforts with your neighbors
Outside professional support
Legal and financial items
What situation is the most successful
Challenges
Future topics in this space
This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial.
About the guest
Steve Schwoerer is the Vice President of Dairy Lending at Compeer Financial. His primary role is to provide industry expertise and advice to the largest dairy farm clients of Compeer Financial. He has been an account officer for dairy clients in the Farm Credit System for more than 38 years. Steve graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Steve is also a member of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association.
Resources
Connect with Steve
Agricultural Financing resources
Agricultural Businesses resources
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
...more
34min
May 19, 2025Dairy Streamlet: Improving operational efficiencies by leveraging neighbor relationships
The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on May 21.
Our guest helps farms get creative with improving their business by maximizing neighbor relationships. Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guest Steve Schwoerer discuss the list of opportunities, what is the most successful, outside professional support, challenges and future topics in this space.
This episode is brought to you by the Compeer Financial.
About the guest
Steve Schwoerer is the Vice President of Dairy Lending at Compeer Financial. His primary role is to provide industry expertise and advice to the largest dairy farm clients of Compeer Financial. He has been an account officer for dairy clients in the Farm Credit System for more than 38 years. Steve graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Steve is also a member of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
...more
10min
April 30, 2025Unforeseen money savings and benefits of agricultural tune-ups
Creating a plan to act on regular tune-ups on your farm can result in money savings and improved relationships with industry allies. Focus on Energy shares the unforeseen benefits of farm equipment tune-ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Melissa Beeksma, discuss the following topics:
Ideal timeframe for tune-ups
Dairy refrigeration, other tune-ups
Grain dryer tune-ups
Who to get involved
Benefits with industry allies within the tune-up program
Significant money savings
Sensors to track equipment performance
Time commitment from the farmer
Incentives
Energy efficiency trends in the future
Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode.
About the guest
Melissa Beeksma has been working in the energy efficiency field for over 18 years. She is the Technical Quality Lead for Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Schools and Government Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Melissa is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers. In 2024, she co-authored the Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations.
Resources
Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups
Energy Advisor Map
Agricultural: Improving your bottom-line resources
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
...more
19min
April 28, 2025Dairy Streamlet: Unforeseen money savings and benefits of agricultural tune-ups
The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 30.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Melissa Beeksma with Focus on Energy, shares the unforeseen benefits of farm equipment tune-ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations.
Special thanks to Focus on Energy for sponsoring this episode.
About the guest
Melissa Beeksma has been working in the energy efficiency field for over 18 years. She is the Technical Quality Lead for Focus on Energy’s Agriculture and Schools and Government Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Melissa is a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional through the Association of Energy Engineers. In 2024, she co-authored the Agricultural Maintenance Benefits White Paper: The Success and Unforeseen Benefits of Farm Equipment Tune-Ups, highlighting the critical role of proactive equipment maintenance in improving energy efficiency and farm operations.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
...more
6min
April 02, 2025In-field perspective of microbial nitrogen
We are virtually traveling in-field to learn more about microbial nitrogen and the impact biologicals and biostimulants can have on your crops. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Rick Molenaar, discuss the following topics:
Evolution of technology in crop production
Gene-editing microbes
Current advancements in microbial nitrogen
Impressive corn silage research
Key growing stages to focus on
ROI benefit of nitrogen management
How microbes can help dairy farmers
Precision agricultural equipment
Microbial nitrogen technologies to support GHG emissions
Challenges
Future of nitrogen fertilizer management
Special thanks to Pivot Bio for sponsoring this episode.
About the guest
Rick Molenaar is a regional agronomy lead for Pivot Bio. He is an agronomy professional with a proven track record of success in leading field agronomist teams, conducting on-farm trials of pre-commercial biological products, and collaborating with land grant universities. His expertise spans Midwest row crop production, where he utilizes agriculture-based GIS programs to develop innovative variable rate maps for seeding, fertility, liming, and manure application, optimizing both crop yield and sustainability.
Resources
Connect with Rick Molenaar on LinkedIn
Scientific Reports: Genetic remodeling of soil diazotrophs enables partial replacement of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer with biological nitrogen fixation in maize, Purdue University & University of Wisconsin - Madison
Agronomy Journal: Soil inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to supplement maize fertilizer need, University of Illinois
Video Interview: Science Validated: Purdue & UW-Madison Confirm PROVEN 40’s Mode of Action
Past Dairy Stream episode with Co-Founder Karsten Temme: How microbes are shaping the future of crop nutrition
Past Dairy Stream episode with Dr. Connor Sible of the University of Illinois: Understanding biologicals and biostimulants

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
...more
31min

FAQs about Dairy Stream:

How many episodes does Dairy Stream have?

The podcast currently has 158 episodes available.

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