Episode Notes: "Is the World Dairy Expo Really the Super Bowl of the Dairy Industry?"

The Bullvine Podcast | February 5, 2025 | Hosts: Bella & Douglas

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Key Topics Covered

1. The Big Question:

- Is the World Dairy Expo truly dairy’s equivalent to the Super Bowl?

- Comparing global reach, economic impact, and cultural significance.

2. Global Showdown:

- Shakira vs. Footloose: Relive the Holstein Grand Champion battle between the "undefeated queen" (Shakira) and the "dark horse" (Footloose), dissecting udder symmetry, dairy strength, and decades of breeding strategy.

- Judge Black’s split-second decision that crowned Footloose after a nail-biting face-off.

3. By the Numbers:

- Attendance: 56,250+ from 26 countries, including German genetics experts and Dutch tech innovators.

- Economic Power:

- $753B annual U.S. dairy industry impact [44].

- $52.8B generated by Wisconsin dairy alone—more than Florida oranges + Idaho potatoes combined [3][44].

- $31.8M injected into Dane County during Expo week [3][29].

- ExpoTV: 212,916 views and 69,423 watch hours [1].

4. Beyond the Coliseum:

- Learning Center: 41% agribusiness pros and 30% farmers debating robotic milker AI and methane-reduction tech.

- Trade Show Deals: Dutch engineers partnering with Wisconsin cheesemakers on carbon-neutral aging facilities.

5. Challenges & Adaptations:

- Activist protests (e.g., PETA’s "Buttergate" disruption) vs. NFL-level security measures.

- Rising costs for exhibitors: $13,000+ average spend for "a very expensive vacation" [2].

6. Future Vision:

- VR barn tours, TikTok livestreams dissecting teat placement, and a "Dairy Innovators" podcast booth.

- 2025 Expo upgrades: Expanded educational sessions, global hologram cattle inspections.

### Key Takeaways

1. Global Impact: The Expo isn’t just a show—it’s where Kenyan co-ops discover heat-tolerant genetics and Brazilian farmers bid on embryos.

2. Economic Engine: Dairy supports 3.2M U.S. jobs, with Wisconsin’s sector rivaling Fortune 100 companies [44][46].

3. Cultural Legacy: Fifth-generation farmers weep over heifer profiles here—it’s where dairy’s past and future collide.

4. Survival Strategy: Adapt or perish. Farmers balancing 4:30 AM milkings with real-time market alerts on Trump’s 25% tariffs [45].

https://www.thebullvine.com/show-reports/world-dairy-expo/is-the-world-dairy-expo-really-the-super-bowl-of-the-dairy-industry/

Episode Notes: The Bullvine Podcast - Dairy Farming in 2025: Three Game-Changing Strategies

Host: Bella
Co-host: Douglas

Episode Summary:
This episode explores three critical areas that are revolutionizing dairy farming operations in 2025: forage quality, methionine supplementation, and transition cow management. Hosts Bella and Douglas discuss how these strategies can potentially boost profits by more than $500 per cow for dairy farms of all sizes.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Forage Quality

• Importance of correct dry matter content

• Optimal chop length for BMR (19 millimeters)

• Packing density and its impact on feed budget

• University of Wisconsin’s 2024 Silage Density Study findings

2. Methionine Supplementation

• Benefits of protected methionine

• Impact on cow health, fertility, and milk quality

• Return on investment for different herd sizes

• Cornell’s 2025 research on methionine supplementation

3. Transition Cow Management

• Importance of the 56-day transition period

• Key aspects: feed space, water access, and methionine supplementation

• Cost savings associated with proper transition management

• USDA-APHIS 2025 transition cow data

4. Implementation Strategies

• Advice for farmers to start making changes

• Importance of data-driven decision making

• Interconnectedness of the three key areas

5. Key Takeaways

• Five main points for dairy farmers to focus on

• Potential profit increase of $500+ per cow

Notable Quotes:

• “Fix the transition pen first—it’s like changing your oil before the engine blows.” - Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell University

Call to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to choose one area to improve in their operations and take action, starting with small changes if necessary.

https://www.thebullvine.com/management/your-2025-dairy-gameplan-three-critical-areas-separating-profit-from-loss/

Key Exposés

1. Oatly’s Greenwashing Scandal

• In January twenty twenty-one, Oatly falsely claimed its Barista Edition produced seventy-three percent less carbon dioxide equivalent versus dairy milk.

• The UK Advertising Standards Authority received one hundred nine complaints about misleading ads featuring children shaming dairy consumption.

• Excluded transportation emissions in calculations while counting full dairy production impacts.

2. California’s Almond Water Crisis

• Almond farms expanded from six hundred forty thousand to one point six four million acres (twenty zero-four to twenty twenty-one).

• Now use four point nine to five point seven million acre-feet of water yearly—seventeen percent of California’s agricultural water.

• Draining groundwater reserves, leaving rural wells dry.

3. Alpro’s Banned Campaign

• Twenty twenty-one “Good for the Planet” ads banned for unproven environmental claims.

• Ruled misleading for vague messaging about product sustainability.

Environmental & Consumer Impacts

• Forty-two percent of UK consumers overpaid for falsely labeled “eco” products.

• Only fifteen percent of dairy sustainability claims are trustworthy.

• One thousand UK dairy farms closed between twenty thirteen and twenty sixteen.

Farmer Advocacy

1. Proven Sustainability

• Dairy industry reduced carbon footprint by twenty-two percent per liter through solar, methane digesters, and water recycling.

2. Fight Back Strategies

• Document and share real environmental practices.

• Report false claims to advertising authorities.

• Unite against corporate greenwashing narratives.

Hidden Costs of Alternative Milks

• Almond farming displaces crops, destroys habitats, and strains infrastructure.

• Global shipping and plastic waste ignored in eco-marketing.

Call to Action

• Support local dairy farmers—visit farms and learn about sustainable practices.

• Question “green” labels and research true environmental impacts.

• Subscribe to The Bullvine for uncensored dairy industry insights.

https://www.thebullvine.com/the-bullvine/exposing-the-eco-facade-how-non-dairy-brands-mislead-with-greenwashing/

In this episode of The Bullvine podcast, hosts Bella and Douglas dive into the complex world of North American dairy farming, exploring the stark differences between the Canadian and American dairy systems.

Key Points:

1. Canadian Dairy System:

• Supply management system with production limits

• High quota costs (up to $58,000 per cow in Alberta)

• Guaranteed minimum prices and market protection

• Challenges: aging farmers, high entry barriers, regional disparities

2. American Dairy System:

• Free-market approach with larger operations

• Average U.S. dairy milks 225 cows vs. 85 in Canada

• High volatility in milk prices

• Rapid consolidation: 1.3% of farms produce over 1/3 of U.S. milk

3. Consumer Impact:

• Canada: Higher milk prices, limited variety

• U.S.: Lower prices, wider variety, but potential industry instability

4. The Great North American Milk Spill of 2025:

• Trade war between U.S. and Canada

• Significant economic impact on both sides

• Highlighted vulnerabilities in both systems

5. Future Challenges:

• Changing consumer preferences

• Environmental regulations

• Competition from plant-based alternatives

• Emerging lab-grown milk technology

Conclusion: Both Canadian and American dairy systems face existential threats. The future of dairy farming lies in innovation, adaptability, and finding a balance between stability and opportunity.

https://www.thebullvine.com/dairy-industry/dairy-showdown-canadian-quotas-vs-american-free-market-whos-right/

Guest Profile: Jacob Harbaugh

• Young dairy farmer from Wisconsin

• Achieved success before turning twenty

• Winner of twenty-twenty-two Champion Bred and Owned Heifer title

• Established a successful fitting business

Early Life and Background

• Grew up on a twenty-acre farmette in Wisconsin

• Parents: Lynn and Sara Harbaugh, dairy industry professionals

• Family keeps fifteen to twenty dairy heifers of different breeds

Key Achievements

• Twenty-twenty-two Champion Bred and Owned Heifer title

• Twentieth Merle Howard Award winner at World Dairy Expo (October twenty-twenty-four)

• Winner of twenty-twenty-three Wisconsin State Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

• Named twenty-twenty-three Star in Agribusiness by Wisconsin FFA

• Distinguished Junior Holstein member award from Holstein Association USA

• Top recipient of twenty-twenty-four Judi Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship

Entrepreneurial Ventures

• Started a fitting business during the pandemic

• Specializes in grooming cattle for sales, fairs, shows, and barn clippings

Education and International Experience

• Pursuing an animal science degree at the University of Minnesota

• Focus on industry and business

• Selected for Team USA at the Young Breeders School in Battice, Belgium

Mentors and Influences

• Parents: Lynn and Sara Harbaugh

• Kurt and Sarah Loehr (partnership arrangement for milking cows)

Challenges and Resilience

• Childhood incident with a Durham spring calf

• Fire at family’s partnership’s milking cow facility (June twenty-twenty-three)

Future Vision

• Aspires to excel as a herd manager or in sales/consulting

• Plans to own a small herd of Holsteins and other breeds

• Emphasizes the importance of technology in advancing the dairy industry

Key Takeaways

• Success in dairy farming requires passion, dedication, and continuous learning

• Mentorship plays a crucial role in developing young talent

• Embracing both tradition and innovation is key to the industry’s future

https://www.thebullvine.com/youth-profiles/jacob-harbaugh-building-a-future-in-dairy-through-passion-and-purpose/

In this extended episode of The Bull Vine Podcast, Douglas and Belle dive into the latest challenges facing the global dairy industry. With the recent implementation of 25% tariffs on North American dairy trade, farmers are grappling with massive disruptions to traditional supply chains. This $1.2 billion trade shake-up has created a stark divide in regional dairy markets, with Asian demand soaring and European markets struggling under oversupply. Meanwhile, U.S. dairy heifer numbers have hit a near 50-year low, signaling potential future supply constraints, and feed costs remain a volatile factor for producers worldwide.

Douglas and Belle explore how these trends are impacting farmers across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. They discuss how farmers can adapt to these unprecedented challenges by embracing flexibility, focusing on efficiency, and staying informed about market trends. Whether you’re a small-scale producer or part of a larger operation, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you navigate these turbulent times.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Impact of Tariffs: How the 25% tariffs on U.S.-Canada dairy trade are disrupting $1.2 billion in exports and creating challenges for butter exporters and cheese producers.

• Regional Price Divergence: Why Asian markets are seeing rising prices for products like whole milk powder while European butter prices are falling due to oversupply.

• Production Trends: Insights into how U.S. farmers are focusing on higher fat and protein content in milk production and how New Zealand is benefiting from strong Asian demand.

• Feed Costs & Input Volatility: Current feed price trends and why farmers need to monitor global weather conditions to manage costs effectively.

• Declining Heifer Numbers: What the lowest U.S. heifer numbers since 1978 mean for future milk supply and how farmers can adjust herd management strategies.

• Strategic Adaptation: Practical advice for farmers on diversifying export markets, optimizing production for fat and protein content, investing in efficiency technologies, and adopting sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways for Dairy Farmers:

1. Stay flexible in production focus and marketing strategies to adapt to shifting market demands.

2. Monitor feed costs closely and consider locking in favorable pricing to manage margins effectively.

3. Retain more heifers or invest in genetics to address potential future supply shortages.

4. Explore opportunities in growing markets like Asia while diversifying export strategies to mitigate risks from trade disruptions.

5. Embrace sustainability initiatives to align with evolving consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead into 2025 and beyond, Douglas and Belle predict continued regional price divergence, growing Asian demand, increased emphasis on sustainability, and technological advancements reshaping dairy farming operations.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Market insights on global dairy trade trends

• Practical tips for managing feed costs amid volatility

• Strategies for long-term herd management

Join the Conversation:

Have questions or insights about today’s episode? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with The Bull Vine community on social media or visit our website for more resources.

https://www.thebullvine.com/news/weekly-global-dairy-market-recap-february-3rd-2025-tariffs-spark-market-upheaval/

Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Don’t miss future episodes of The Bull Vine Podcast! Subscribe now to stay informed about the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the dairy industry.

In this hard-hitting episode of The Bullvine, hosts Bella and Douglas dive deep into the impending dairy trade war between the United States and Canada. With just 24 hours before Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs, we explore the far-reaching implications for farmers, consumers, and the entire North American dairy industry.

Key Topics Covered

The Impending Tariff Crisis

• Canada’s 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. dairy products

• $856 million in cross-border dairy trade at stake

• Comparison to the 1970s OPEC oil embargo

Economic Impact

• Canadian dairy farmers facing $450 million in annual losses

• U.S. producers watching $578 million in exports disappear

• Consumer cost increases: $1,300/year for U.S. families, 3-5% food cost spike in Canada

• Potential $200 billion U.S. economic downturn and 2.6% Canadian GDP shrinkage

Supply Management and Market Control

• Canada’s dairy system compared to OPEC’s oil market control

• U.S. overproduction vs. Canada’s quota system

• Political tensions surrounding market access

Political Chess and Future Strategies

• Positioning for the 2026 USMCA review

• U.S. assault on Canada’s supply management system

• Canada’s defensive strategies and lobbying efforts

Long-term Industry Shifts

• Emergence of lab-grown dairy

• Environmental regulations and sustainability challenges

• Global market changes and new competitors

• Climate change impacts on dairy farming

Quotable Moments

“This isn’t just another trade spat – it’s an all-out economic assault hitting farmers, consumers, and entire economies where it hurts.”

“We’re entering an era where milk could be treated like crude oil—an essential commodity subject to wild price fluctuations and market control.”

Call to Action

Listeners are urged to stay informed, prepare for rapid industry changes, and consider how to adapt to the evolving landscape of dairy diplomacy and trade politics.

https://www.thebullvine.com/politics/is-canadas-supply-management-system-the-new-opec/

In this groundbreaking episode of The Bullvine Podcast, hosts Bella and Douglas dive deep into the genetic revolution spearheaded by STgenetics® and Genosource, focusing on the game-changing bull, Genosource CAPTAIN.

Key Points Discussed:

1. The “Charl Coup” and “Sabre Gambit”: How Genosource strategically engineered CAPTAIN’s pedigree

2. STgenetics®’ revolutionary approach to genetic deployment

3. Advanced IVF technology and the Donor Output Index

4. Strategic cloning and its impact on genetic dissemination

5. Rapid daughter deployment: 4,153 daughters in 24 months

6. The STrategy™ platform and integrated approach to breeding

7. Ultraplus™ technology and its role in accelerating genetic progress

8. Global impact of CAPTAIN’s success on international genetic trade

9. Reduction in generation intervals and its implications

10. Data-driven decision making in modern breeding programs

11. Economic implications for farmers and the industry

12. Challenges and considerations for smaller farms

13. Genetic diversity in the face of rapid deployment

14. Sustainability and environmental impact of advanced breeding techniques

Takeaways:

• The speed of genetic deployment is now a critical factor in dairy breeding

• Success in modern dairy requires adapting to this new paradigm of rapid genetic improvement

• The genetic revolution is reshaping the future of food production, making the impossible possible

Join us for this eye-opening discussion on how STgenetics® has transformed the dairy industry and what it means for the future of breeding.

https://www.thebullvine.com/sire-spotlight/captain-the-bull-that-rewrote-the-rules-of-modern-breeding/

Still checking the sky while your profits evaporate? Wake up. While mega-dairies guzzle 142 million gallons daily, smart farmers are letting their phones tell them exactly when and where to water. Welcome to farming’s future – where a $200 sensor is smarter than your neighbor’s weather app, and the smartest drop wins, not the deepest well.

https://www.thebullvine.com/management/drought-proof-your-herd-the-tech-revolution-your-grandpa-never-imagined/

Episode Notes: The CAPTAIN Revolution - Redefining Dairy Genetics

In this groundbreaking episode of The Bullvine podcast, hosts Douglas and Bella dive deep into the genetic phenomenon that is Genosource CAPTAIN. This isn't just another bull story - it's a tale of how one genetic lineage is reshaping the entire dairy industry.

Key Points Discussed:

1. CAPTAIN's Impressive Stats:

- 7 consecutive #1 TPI rankings

- Nearly 8,000 daughters across 494 herds worldwide

- A2A2 milk commanding premium prices

2. The Genomic Masterstroke:

- STgenetics®' strategic approach to "building" CAPTAIN

- The Charles Coup: Recognizing potential in overlooked bloodlines

- The Sabre Gambit: Leveraging advanced genomic analysis

3. IVF and Cloning:

- STgenetics®' cutting-edge IVF program

- Creation of genomic clones Jack-ETN and John-ETN

- Rapid market penetration and industry dominance

4. CAPTAIN's Daughters:

- Exceptional production, efficiency, health, and fertility traits

- Standout performers and their real-world impact

5. CAPTAIN's Sons:

- Dominating industry rankings and redefining genetic possibilities

- Impact on feed efficiency, health traits, and market share

6. Revolution in the AI Industry:

- Shift towards genomic selection and rapid genetic dissemination

- Global impact and acceleration of international genetic trade

7. Key Lessons from the CAPTAIN Revolution:

- The critical importance of genomic selection

- Challenging traditional breeding dogmas

- The need for speed and global thinking in modern breeding

8. Future Implications:

- Reshaping of the entire dairy industry

- Changing skill sets required in dairy farming and breeding

- Balancing genetic progress with sustainability and ethics

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in dairy farming, animal breeding, or agricultural technology. It offers invaluable insights into the future of dairy genetics and the industry as a whole.

Source: https://www.thebullvine.com/sire-spotlight/captain-the-bull-that-rewrote-the-rules-of-modern-breeding/