In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, host Kylene Anderson sits down with Wisconsin dairy farmer Gail Klinkner of Pine Prairie Jerseys and Klinkner Holsteins. Gail shares how her fourth-generation family farm in the Driftless Region has grown from a small rental operation into a diversified dairy raising both Jerseys and Holsteins, producing much of its own feed, and caring for the land through conservation practices.

Gail also discusses the creation of the Klinkner Country Store, a direct-to-consumer farm store launched during the pandemic that sells farm-raised beef, pork, and lamb while welcoming the public onto the farm. From hosting “Summer Nights on the Farm” to opening the barn doors during chore time, Gail explains why connecting with consumers is a priority for her family.

Beyond the farm, Gail talks about her work as a farm evaluator for Westby Cooperative Creamery and her leadership roles with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the National Dairy Board. She shares insights into dairy promotion, the importance of farmer checkoff dollars, and the “Born to Dairy” campaign featuring Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens.

This conversation highlights the passion, commitment, and optimism driving today’s dairy farmers—and why Gail is excited about the future of dairy for the next generation.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with dairy leaders and farm families.

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In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Keep weaning stress as simple as possible" by Katelyn Allen, former Senior Editor at Hoard's Dairyman.

This brief Express episode focuses on strategies for managing stress during the weaning process on dairy farms. It highlights practical, straightforward approaches dairy producers can use to reduce stress on calves and cows when calves are transitioned away from milk. The goal is to simplify the weaning process to help maintain animal health and welfare while minimizing disruptions to productivity. The episode delivers concise, actionable advice for dairy farmers looking to make the weaning transition smoother and less stressful for their animals — in line with other Express episodes that provide short, evidence-based tips for everyday dairy management.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more.

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

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In this episode of The Hoard's Dairyman Podcast, the conversation centers on the vital role women play in agriculture, with a special focus on dairy, as the world looks ahead to the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Host Kylene Anderson is joined by Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, to discuss how this global recognition came to be and why it is long overdue. Harden explains the years of coalition-building and international collaboration — led in part by the United States — that were required to bring the initiative to the U.N., emphasizing the importance of formally acknowledging women’s contributions to farming worldwide.

Throughout the discussion, Harden reflects on the often-unrecognized work of women farmers across generations and continents, from family farms in the United States to women producers around the globe who face barriers to land ownership, education, and credit. She also shares how USDEC plans to mark the year, including storytelling initiatives, international conversations, and partnerships designed to elevate women’s voices and experiences in dairy and agriculture.

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This 2025 Flashback Favorite episode revisits the most popular Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast of 2025. Today’s guest is Wisconsin native and fifth-generation dairy producer Dan Siemers. Dan runs Siemers Holsteins, an award-winning dairy farm in Newton, Wisconsin, and shares how a detailed focus on herd genetics has driven improvements in milk production and helped ensure long-term success.

The host for today’s episode is Kylene Anderson, Managing Editor at Hoard’s Dairyman.

Thank you for listening to the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode of the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast, Jenna Byrne interviews Marilyn Hershey, writer of the column named Common Threads in Hoard's Dairyman for the last 20 years.

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

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In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Why is that cow standing?" by Mark E. Fox, D.V.M.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more.

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

Winter is here, and calf care is top of mind for dairy farmers everywhere. In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, Managing Editor Kylene Anderson sits down with Bethany Dado-Senn — Calf and Heifer Specialist at Vita Plus and part of her family’s dairy — for a practical, honest look at what really works when raising calves through cold snaps and heat waves.

Bethany draws on both research and real-world experience to break down the essentials:
• What a strong colostrum program actually looks like
• Why that second (and even third) colostrum feeding matters more than many think
• When to use calf jackets — and the simple temperature rule Bethany swears by
• How small management details can throw off average daily gain
• The real benefits (and limitations) of pair housing in different seasons
• Steps producers can take now to prepare for next summer’s heat
• Tips for ventilation, auto feeders, and building or upgrading calf facilities

If you work with calves — or simply want to raise healthier replacements — this conversation is full of practical takeaways you can put to use right away.

If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like it and pass it along to someone else who’d appreciate the insights.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

Before the recipes,
before the gathering,
before the holiday traditions —
there are the people behind every serving,
at every meal,
and every moment shared.

This Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a moment to thank the men and women in every corner of agriculture that make our celebration of this holiday and the enjoyment of every meal possible.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Hoard's Dairyman.

Music credit: Aleksey Chistilin, Inspiring Cinematic Ambient

Thank you for listening to the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast.

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Cut the wait times for robotic milking," by Abby Bauer.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more.

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

Today's episode is powered by Specialty Sales. 

In this Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast episode, Associate Editor Jenna Byrne chats with Nate Ranallo (“Nate the Hoof Guy”), a seasoned bovine hoof-trimmer who has gained unexpected internet fame. They discuss his journey from farm work in Wisconsin to documenting hoof-care work on social media, how he creates videos, and how his content resonates far beyond the dairy-industry audience. Nate walks through his approach to hoof anatomy, animal care, and the mechanics of trimming, while Jenna draws out his experiences and insights for dairy producers, hoof-trimmers, and curious viewers alike. The conversation touches on topics such as how to recognize hoof‐health issues, the impact of good trimming on cow welfare and herd performance, and how sharing his work with a broader audience has opened doors for education and outreach.

Follow the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can find more Hoard's Dairyman Podcasts on the Hoard's Dairyman website: https://hoards.com/articles.sec-244-1-the-hoards-dairyman-podcast.html

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

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Website: https://hoards.com/