# Episode Notes: LAND WARS - How Savvy Dairy Rebels Are Beating Big Money at Its Own Game

## Episode Overview

In this eye-opening episode, hosts Bella and Douglas dive deep into the crisis of skyrocketing farmland prices and explore how innovative dairy farmers are finding creative solutions to stay competitive.

## Key Topics Covered

1. Current farmland prices across the Midwest

2. The threat high land prices pose to traditional dairy operations

3. Innovative land access strategies employed by "dairy rebels"

4. International models for land management in dairy farming

5. The role of solar energy in modern dairy operations

6. Rethinking vertical integration in dairy farming

7. Practical steps for dairy farmers to adapt to the changing land market

## Highlighted Strategies

- Guerrilla leasing tactics

- Profit-sharing lease arrangements

- Collaborative land ownership models

- Solar grazing and agrivoltaics

- Strategic feed partnerships

## Notable Quotes

- "When land costs $14,000 an acre, that's over $950 per cow just in land investment for a grazing operation." - Tom Wilson, Wisconsin dairy producer

- "The future belongs to dairy specialists, not agricultural generalists." - Innovative producer (unnamed)

- "High land prices aren't the end of dairy farming—they're the end of conventional dairy farming." - Douglas

## Key Statistics

- Minnesota farmland average: $8,364/acre

- Missouri farmland average: $15,171/acre

- Premium Wisconsin farmland: up to $21,500/acre

- Solar leases typically pay: $900-$1,200/acre annually

## Action Items for Listeners

1. Conduct a land efficiency audit

2. Initiate conversations with neighboring landowners

3. Identify potential coalition partners

4. Explore solar integration opportunities

5. Reassess business structure for succession planning

## Further Reading

- University of Minnesota research on agrivoltaics

- Dutch cooperative land ownership models

- New Zealand's sharemilking system

https://www.thebullvine.com/management/financial-managment/land-wars-how-savvy-dairy-farmers-are-beating-big-money-at-its-own-21500-acre-game/

In this eye-opening episode, hosts Bella and Douglas dive into the world of sustainable dairy farming, debunking myths and showcasing innovative practices that are transforming the industry. Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. The hidden waste of plant-based alternatives

• Oat milk production waste: 84% of the oat plant

• Seitan production waste: 90% of the wheat crop

2. Cows as nature’s upcyclers

• Converting inedible agricultural byproducts into nutritious food

• The truth about livestock feed: 86% is inedible for humans

3. Circular economy in dairy farming

• Biogas plants turning manure into electricity

• German dairies aiming for 60% biogas usage by 2025

4. Methane emissions and climate impact

• The 12-year methane cycle

• Stable herds and carbon neutrality

5. Innovative farming practices

• Sarah Thompson’s carbon-negative farm in Wisconsin

• High-tech rotational grazing systems

6. Precision agriculture and monitoring systems

• Wearable sensors for cows

• Thermal cameras for non-invasive health monitoring

7. Methane reduction technologies

• 3-NOP feed additive reducing emissions by 22-35%

• Improved feed efficiency and milk production

8. Climate change impacts on dairy farming

• Heat stress and changing weather patterns

• Adaptation strategies: ventilation, feeding schedules, water conservation

9. Industry-wide sustainability initiatives

• Canadian dairy industry’s goal for net-zero emissions by 2050

• 2025 outlook: cautiously optimistic despite challenges

10. The balance of sustainability

• Environmental needs

• Animal welfare

• Farmer livelihoods

Key takeaway: Sustainable dairy farming is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, addressing environmental concerns while ensuring food security and economic viability.

https://www.thebullvine.com/sustainable-farming/dairy-cows-climate-villain-or-circular-hero-the-truth-vegan-brands-dont-want-you-to-hear/

Discover the incredible journey of Snow-N Denises Dellia, the Holstein cow that revolutionized dairy genetics. Born in 1986 on a small Wisconsin farm, Dellia’s impact continues to shape dairy herds worldwide nearly four decades later.

Key Points Covered:

1. Bob Snow’s innovative breeding strategy

2. The “Golden Cross” that produced Dellia

3. Dellia’s show ring success and sale to Regancrest Farm

4. The impact of Dellia’s sons: Durham, Die-Hard, and Million

5. Dellia’s granddaughters and their global influence

6. The genomic revolution and Dellia’s lasting legacy

Notable Quotes:

• “I wasn’t interested in the middle or the bottom. If I went to the sale, I would buy off the top.” - Bob Snow

• “Dellia shattered the maternal-paternal dichotomy.” - Tim Abbott, ABS Global

• “The Sapphires are efficiency queens—great udders, trouble-free, and built for robotic milking.” - Greg Bauer, Sandy-Valley Holsteins

• “Dellia’s impact through Durham alone transformed how we approach longevity in herds.” - Scott Culbertson, Select Sires

Fun Facts:

• Dellia produced 76 registered daughters and 44 AI-sampled sons

• Her son Die-Hard sired 1.75 million semen doses

• Dellia’s great-granddaughter, Sandy-Valley Planet Sapphire, produced Rubicon, the first bull to sell 500,000 sexed semen doses

https://www.thebullvine.com/donor-profile/snow-n-denises-dellia-the-holstein-legend-who-redefined-dairy-genetics/

In this episode, hosts Bella and Douglas dive deep into the world of rumen-protected amino acids (RPAAs) and their game-changing impact on dairy farming. Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Introduction to RPAAs

• What are rumen-protected amino acids?

• Why methionine and lysine are crucial for dairy cows

2. The Science Behind RPAAs

• How RPAAs bypass the rumen

• The pH-sensitive coating technology

3. Benefits of RPAA Supplementation

• Increased milk components (protein and fat)

• Improved cow health and immune function

4. Economic Impact

• Potential profits for a 500-cow herd

• Return on investment figures

5. Environmental Benefits

• Reduced nitrogen excretion and greenhouse gas emissions

• Savings on fertilizer costs

6. Implementation Strategies

• Tailoring RPAA use to different feeding systems

• Monitoring techniques (e.g., Milk Urea Nitrogen levels)

7. Future Innovations

• Advanced delivery systems

• Gene-edited high-methionine alfalfa

8. Regulatory Landscape

• California’s manure nitrogen tax

• Preparing for future environmental regulations

9. Financial Incentives

• NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program

• Carbon credit opportunities

10. Real-World Success Story

• Vermont dairy farmer Mark Richardson’s experience with RPAAs

Key Takeaway: RPAAs offer dairy farmers a powerful tool to increase profitability, improve sustainability, and stay ahead of regulatory curves.

Protected Amino Acids: The Secret to Healthier Cows, Higher Profits, and a Sustainable Future

Episode Notes: From Escape to Excellence - The Ekstein and Loewith Families’ Journey

• Introduction to the extraordinary story of the Ekstein, Loewith, and Abeles families

• Historical context: Nazi annexation of Sudetenland in 1938

• Joe Loewith’s pivotal role in warning Karl Abeles of impending Nazi roundups

• The families’ daring escape from Czechoslovakia to Canada

• Challenges faced during immigration to Canada

• Settlement in Mount Hope, Ontario and the five-year farming commitment

• Support from the local Jewish community and Canadian Jewish Congress

Summitholm Farm (Loewith Family):

• Joe Loewith’s transition from window dresser to dairy farmer

• Growth of Summitholm Farm from 1951 onwards

• Achievements under Carl and David Loewith’s management

• Current statistics: 119 cows with lifetime production exceeding 100,000 kg

• Ben Loewith’s current management and breeding strategies

• Establishment of Summit Station Dairy and Creamery

Quality Holsteins (Ekstein Family):

• Paul Ekstein’s early interest in Holstein cattle

• Ari Ekstein taking over farm management

• Winning of fourth Master Breeder Shield in 2025

• Expansion into seed business with third generation involvement

Industry Context:

• 2024 Master Breeder Awards announcement

• Over 1,100 Master Breeder shields awarded since 1929

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and adaptability of both families

• Impact on Canadian dairy farming industry

• Importance of embracing new technologies and strategies

• Legacy of excellence spanning multiple generations

https://www.thebullvine.com/breeder-profiles/from-escape-to-excellence-the-extraordinary-journey-of-the-ekstein-and-loewith-families/

Key Points Covered:

1. Current impact of HPAI H5N1 on the dairy industry
   • $1.2 billion in losses since March 2024
   • 973 herds affected
2. Virus transmission and survival
   • 76% of outbreaks start from migratory waterfowl
   • D1.1 variant survives 22 days in manure slurry pits
3. Effects on milk production and cow health
   • 10-30% drop in milk production for 7-10 days
   • 0.3% mortality rate in infected herds
4. Financial impact on farms
   • Small herds (<500 cows): $100-$200 daily losses
   • Large herds (>1,000 cows): $1,500-$3,000 daily losses
5. Government assistance programs
   • ELAP: Covers 60% of losses for 21 days
   • HERDS Act: 50% of HEPA filter costs up to $15,000
6. Biosecurity measures
   • HEPA filters: 85% effective against airborne viral particles
   • Closed herd policy: Reduces infection rates by 73%
   • Laser systems to deter birds
7. Upcoming vaccines
   • Zoetis mRNA vaccine: 89% efficacy, potential Q3 2025 release
   • USDA H5N1-CVX vaccine: 92% efficacy, potential Q1 2026 release
8. Milk safety
   • Pasteurization effectively eliminates viable virus
   • Raw milk: 9% of samples showed viral RNA
9. Worker safety
   • 7% of dairy workers in Michigan and Colorado have H5N1 antibodies
   • Only 40% of workers using proper PPE during high-risk tasks
10. Action steps for farmers
    • Enroll in USDA's Herd Status Program
    • Implement strict PPE policies
    • Apply for government assistance programs

https://www.thebullvine.com/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/hpai-h5n1-the-2025-science-based-dairy-farm-survival-guide-because-hope-isnt-a-biosecurity-plan/

Key Highlights:

• 🚜 Generational Legacy: How the Barkey-Puterbough family built a dairy dynasty spanning 187 years, surviving land expropriation (1972) to breed Canada’s first 10-generation EX cows.

• 🐮 Foundation Genetics: The story of Harriett EX-9* (purchased as “Roybrook Starlite’s bargain semen”), whose descendants make up 95% of today’s herd and birthed two historic 10-generation EX cows.

• 🌟 Show Ring Dominance: From Cooper Puterbough’s 4-H calf (Unix Herminie EX-95) to back-to-back Ontario Summer Holstein Show Grand Championships in 2024.

• 🇬🇧 Global Impact: Three Royal Highland Show Grand Champions (Scotland), and Altona Lea Broker Emma EX-96-UK, immortalized in British stained glass.

• 🌱 Nurturing the Next Gen: 37 consecutive years providing TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic calves, mentoring 300+ youth annually.

Notable Statistics:

• Herd size: 60 milking cows | 1,350 acres (combined owned/rented)

• Production: 11,158 kg milk/cow/year | BCA scores of 260-303-265

• Awards: 4 Master Breeder shields | 12 EX/8 ME cows | 37-year 4-H streak

Featured Cattle:

• Altona Lea Classic Jazz EX-91-2E (1st Canadian 10G EX cow)

• Altona Lea Cinderdoor Glitz EX-91 (2nd 10G EX cow)

• Altona Lea Unix Herminie EX-95 (back-to-back Grand Champion)

Key Quotes:

• “We’ve provided calves to the 4-H Classic for 37 years. The teamwork those kids learn? It changes lives.” – Glenn Barkey

• “Harriett wasn’t just a cow – she’s the backbone of a genetic revolution.” – Host Bella

https://www.thebullvine.com/breeder-profiles/legacy-of-excellence-the-heart-and-soul-of-altona-lea-holsteins/

In this eye-opening episode, hosts Bella and Douglas dive into the world of CRISPR gene editing and its potential impact on the dairy industry. Key points covered include:

1. Introduction to CRISPR gene-edited polo horses by Kheiron Biotech in Argentina

• 15% faster sprint speeds

• No artificial DNA added

2. Potential applications of CRISPR in dairy farming:

• Heat-resistant cows (SLICK gene)

• Up to 10% higher milk production during heat waves

• Disease resistance (CD46 gene)

• 20-30% potential reduction in antibiotic use

3. Regulatory landscape:

• Argentina’s open approach vs. EU’s caution

• US AGRI-TECH Act of 2023 and farmer confusion

4. Economic considerations:

• CRISPR-edited embryo costs: $5,000-$10,000

• Licensing fees: 5-10% of offspring revenue

5. Challenges for small farms:

• High costs

• Knowledge gap (only 15% of US dairy farmers understand gene editing)

6. Innovative solutions:

• Brazil’s “Open CRISPR” program

• Australia’s dual approach: heat-resistant cattle and methane-reducing feed

• DairyTrace blockchain system for CRISPR milk tracking

7. Consumer perceptions:

• 52% of Americans cautiously optimistic

• 33% of Europeans want more information

8. Competition from alternative dairy:

• Lab-grown milk proteins

• $2.1 billion market value

9. Key takeaways for farmers:

• Stay informed

• Be adaptable

• Collaborate with other farmers

Join us for this fascinating discussion on the future of dairy farming in the age of CRISPR technology!

https://www.thebullvine.com/technology/gene-edited-polo-horses-a-genetic-revolution-with-dairy-implications/

The Bullvine Podcast: Episode 177

Title: The Show Ring Showdown: Why Taller Holsteins Are Costing You Thousands

Release Date: August 2024

Duration: 45–60 minutes

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### Episode Description

The dairy world is at a crossroads: do towering Holsteins truly win in the show ring and the parlor? In this bombshell episode, hosts Bella and Douglas expose the hidden costs of breeding for height, reveal CDN/USDA data threatening tall-cow dominance, and spotlight four sires revolutionizing balanced genetics.

Key Takeaways:

- 📉 $1.20/day feed bleed: Why every vertical inch drains profits (Cornell data)

- 💀 1.7 fewer lactations: The shocking longevity gap (CDN 2023)

- 🏆 Judges’ secret shift: Why 58% of 2024 champions have STA ≤1.85

- 🐂 Bull MVPs: DG Bechamel’s $820 NM$ and Carters-Corner Charmer’s fertility secrets

- 🔥 Action checklist: 3 non-negotiable rules for profit-driven breeding

---

### Featured Data & Sources

1. Tall Cow Economics

- $287 avg. dystocia vet bill (Ontario AgriCorp 2024)

- +1.5 STA = -0.45 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (CDN)

2. Udder Supremacy

- 67% of Expo champs prioritized udder depth (2024 WDE)

- 14% mastitis risk drop/+1 Udder Composite (Cornell 2023)

3. Winning Bulls

- Genosource Eagle Eye: $48K lifetime profit per 100 cows (USDA)

- Maplecrest Farms: 14% milk yield jump via STA reduction

---

### Chapters (Timestamps for Platforms)

1. 00:00–05:00 – Intro: The Billion-Dollar Height Hoax

2. 05:01–18:00 – Feed Costs & Early Culls: Tall Cows’ Dirty Secrets

3. 18:01–30:00 – Genetic Gladiators: DG Bechamel & Stealth Bulls

4. 30:01–40:00 – Judges’ New Rules: Udder Depth > Vertical Inches

5. 40:01–End – Your 3-Step Breeding Overhaul

https://www.thebullvine.com/the-bullvine/the-show-ring-showdown-why-bigger-isnt-always-better/

In this episode, hosts Bella and Douglas dive deep into cutting-edge strategies that are transforming the dairy industry. They explore how savvy farmers are slashing costs, boosting production, and increasing profitability with the help of their nutritionists.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Custom Feed Solutions

• Regional alternatives like citrus pulp and potato waste

• Potential savings of up to $68/ton on feed costs

2. Technology Investments

• NIRS forage analyzers and rumen sensors

• Real-world example: $33,000 annual savings from $20,000 tech investment

3. Sustainability Measures

• 3-NOP supplements for methane reduction

• Balancing environmental benefits with milk production

• Carbon credits as a new revenue stream

4. Collaborative Approaches

• Co-op nutritionists for smaller farms

• Forming collectives to access carbon credit markets

5. Policy Perks and Grants

• Farm Bill grants covering up to 50% of precision tech costs

• Importance of staying informed about industry policies

6. Practical Implementation Strategies

• Step-by-step guide for integrating new technologies

• Balancing traditional farming wisdom with modern innovations

Expert Insights:

• Dr. Emma Ruiz on integrating tech with farmer intuition

• Real-life success stories from farmers like Mike Larson and Linda Stoltzfus

Call to Action:

1. Contact your nutritionist to discuss implementing new strategies

2. Explore opportunities for collaboration with neighboring farms

3. Investigate policy perks and grants available to dairy farmers

This episode provides a comprehensive look at how dairy farmers can innovate to improve profitability and sustainability, emphasizing the crucial role of nutritionists as strategic partners in this evolving industry.

https://www.thebullvine.com/management/how-dairy-farmers-are-slashing-costs-and-supercharging-herd-health-with-help-from-their-nutritionists/