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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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, "Time is money for the dairy cow," 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 podcast originally aired as the Hoard's Dairyman monthly webinar in March of 2025. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University presented, “Managing through droughts and floods by optimizing low-forage rations.”

High-quality forages are the cornerstone of efficient dairy production, but droughts and floods makes quality forages scarce and expensive. This presentation will discuss getting the most from your cows when quality forages are lacking.

👉 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/