In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy podcast, I am joined for part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Don Niles, a veterinarian turned dairyman, to talk more about his significant contributions to dairy farming and sustainability in Northeast Wisconsin.

Dr. Niles shares his passionate journey from city life to dairy farming, emphasizing the importance of innovative practices, cow comfort, and environmental sustainability, with particular focus on how Peninsula Pride Farms—a farmer-led watershed initiative—reinvented local dairy farming by fostering a cooperative and environmentally responsible community.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Niles provides valuable insights on

• The future of dairy farming

• Addressing key challenges such as attracting the next generation of dairy farmers

• Maintaining high-quality practices amidst environmental scrutiny.

He underscores the necessity of being open to change, fostering community relations, and trusting in new methods and technologies to sustain the dairy industry’s growth and excellence. As he transitions into retirement, Dr. Niles reflects on the impact of his career and the ongoing journey of innovation and improvement in dairy farming.

Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6xQHZ0A1vqHKjRkbtJJA

Enjoy this listener favorite rerun on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

Join me on this episode of the Uplevel Dairy podcast as I sit down with the groundbreaking Dr. Don Niles. From his humble beginnings as a veterinarian in Wisconsin to transforming the dairy world, Dr. Niles shares his incredible journey.

This episode delves into the experiences that shaped his career, his partnership with visionary dairyman John Pagel, and the innovative practices they implemented at Dairy Dreams that set new standards in cow comfort and dairy management.

In this episode, Dr. Niles discusses

• the evolution of dairy farming practices with everything from the introduction of advanced barn designs to the adoption of sand bedding for enhanced cow comfort.

• The strategic decisions that paved the way for modern dairy operations.

• And shares personal anecdotes from his travels and collaborations with other dairymen from around the country.

The episode also touches on the legacy of John Pagel and the impact of their joint efforts on the dairy industry. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that offers a deep dive into the technological advancements and high-performance mindsets driving the future of dairying.

The High-Performance Mindset Series is powered  by Nedap. Nedap is future-proofing dairy farms by revolutionizing cow-side care through technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering and identification. Listen for more episodes in this series throughout 2024 or catch past episodes in this series below!

• Listen to Episode 36 with Megan Schrupp here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/6H45sTWc4Ib

• 4 High-Impact Actions to Create a Winning Farm Culture with Travis Speirs, Shiloh Dairy

• Dairy Tech in Texas: Managing 8,000 Cows with Activity Monitors featuring Nathan Moroney, Del Rio Dairy

• Protecting His Price and Managing Risk with Nathan Moroney, Del Rio Dairy

• Managing More Cows, More People and More Data with Derrick Josi

• Full-Potential Farming: Reaching the Highest Level of Performance with Cows and People through Technology with Megan Schrupp, NexGen Dairy

• Olympic-level Business, Management and Mindset with Elle Purrier-St. Pierre and Jamie St. Pierre

Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6xQHZ0A1vqHKjRkbtJJA

Want to get new episodes in your inbox? Subscribe here: https://www.upleveldairy.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy visits Plum Creek Dairy in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, to speak with owners Abe and Mandy, and consultant Pauly Paul from Complete Management Consulting. The episode delves into the history of Plum Creek Dairy, from its origins in custom harvesting and manure handling to its transformation into a thriving dairy farm. Featuring insights on efficiency improvements, a major transition in herd management, and the benefits of cross-training employees, the episode showcases how Abe and Mandy, with Pauly's guidance, successfully expanded their operations and enhanced staff morale. 

Listeners will learn about the challenges and triumphs of running an innovative dairy farm, the importance of teamwork, and the value of being open to change and continuous learning.

• 00:00 Introduction to Plum Creek Dairy
• 00:40 Abe and Mandy's Journey into Dairy Farming
• 01:52 Challenges and Transition at Plum Creek Dairy
• 06:39 Reorganizing and Empowering the Team
• 13:35 Expanding Operations and Future Plans
• 21:38 Advice for Aspiring Dairy Farmers
• 25:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 This Episode is Sponsored by Complete Management Consulting

Contact Pauly Paul

• www.CompleteManagementConsulting.com

• [email protected]

• 920-418-3135

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen welcomes Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy for the May market update. The discussion covers significant changes in Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) programs, including updated rules and new protections for beef cross calves and cull cows. Curtis provides insights into trends in milk production, the cheese market, butter market, and milk powder exports.

Additionally, they cover key points about the current state of commodity markets, particularly in corn and soybeans, offering strategic advice for dairy producers on margin management. 

Grab your May Monthly Market Update here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/producer-market-update-may-2025

This episode is brought to you by

HighGround Dairy provides global dairy market intelligence, insurance services, futures & options brokerage, and advisory programs to a diverse range of dairy market participants throughout the supply chain.

Information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes and is not a solicitation to buy or sell commodities.  Opinions expressed are current opinions as of May 16, 2025 at 1 p.m. CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

Recognized as one of the most progressive dairy farms in Wisconsin since the mid 1960s, Norm-E-Lane Farms in Chili, Wisconsin, has a long history of not only leading in the business of dairy farming, but also of leading an entire industry forward. From engaging with the community to advocating for policy, the value of relationships is one that the late Jerry Meissner passed on to his children and grandchildren.

And today we are sitting down with the third and fourth generation of the Meissner family - Josh Meissner and his son Emmett Meissner -  to learn about the legacy and resilience that drives the next generation of leadership and growth at Norm-E-Lane.

About Nedap

This episode is powered by Nedap. Nedap is future-proofing dairy farms by revolutionizing cow-side care through technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering and identification. Listen for more episodes from Nedap below!

• Listen to Episode 36 with Megan Schrupp here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/6H45sTWc4Ib

• 4 High-Impact Actions to Create a Winning Farm Culture with Travis Speirs, Shiloh Dairy

• Dairy Tech in Texas: Managing 8,000 Cows with Activity Monitors featuring Nathan Moroney, Del Rio Dairy

• Protecting His Price and Managing Risk with Nathan Moroney, Del Rio Dairy

• Managing More Cows, More People and More Data with Derrick Josi

• Full-Potential Farming: Reaching the Highest Level of Performance with Cows and People through Technology with Megan Schrupp, NexGen Dairy

• Olympic-level Business, Management and Mindset with Elle Purrier-St. Pierre and Jamie St. Pierre

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Jerod Henrickson, a dedicated dairyman from Bella Holsteins in Platteville, Colorado, shares his journey from growing up on his family's dairy farm to taking on a leadership role. After his father’s motorcycle accident in 2005, Jerod was thrust into managing the expanding operation, a challenge that taught him invaluable lessons in resilience and decision-making. 

Throughout the discussion, Jerod highlights the technological advancements that have revolutionized dairy farming, such as monitoring collars and data integration systems, enhancing efficiency and animal welfare. He also emphasizes the importance of consistent leadership, motivating employees, and maintaining a passion for hard work. 

As Jerod looks toward the future, he remains focused on growth opportunities and navigating industry challenges, all while upholding the values of dedication, innovation, and care for both his team and his cows.

This Episode is Brought to you by Milc Group

Milc Group is a dairy software company that brings real-time, actionable data to dairy farms across the world. They are dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry with their user-friendly cloud-based software. ONE™ by Milc Group is our all-in-one app that brings together all the important aspects of your dairy together in one place. With products such as feed and animal management software, people training, dairy facility monitoring, and scale management, Milc Group is committed to providing producers with the tools they need to succeed.

• ONETM Feed: https://www.milcgroup.com/product/feed

• ONETM Scale: https://www.milcgroup.com/product/scale

Chapters

• 00:00 A Sudden Responsibility

• 00:31 Expanding the Dairy
• 01:22 Growing Up in the Dairy Business
• 04:30 Innovations and Technological Advancements
• 14:32 Challenges and Decisions
• 21:29 Managing People and Building a Team
• 25:14 Team Approach to Management
• 25:34 Effective Team Meetings
• 26:31 Motivating Employees
• 27:52 Lessons in People Management
• 31:28 Influence of Family
• 32:52 Current Role and Responsibilities
• 35:30 Challenges and Opportunities
• 40:55 Podcast Wrap-Up Questions
• 48:40 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this heartfelt second part of the Special Mother's Day edition of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy sits down with three inspiring dairy farm moms—Nicole Barlass, Katie Grinstead, and Katy Katzman. They dive deep into the health impacts of their dual roles in managing family and farm, addressing topics such as farm mom guilt, emotional boundaries, and the importance of self-care. These women share personal anecdotes highlighting their struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the necessity of support and balance. This episode also celebrates the mental and physical resilience required in their profession, underlining the significant roles they play in their families and communities. Sponsored by AHV Animal Health Visions, this episode is a powerful reminder of the strength and dedication of dairy farm moms.

This episode is brought to you by AHV

AHV (Animal Health Vision) helps empower their customers as entrepreneurs that embrace innovations in animal health. As a knowledge center, they are a leader in the field of quorum sensing innovations and advisory services for optimal animal health, with programs that focus on improving key areas such as udder health, uterine health, reproduction, and more. AHV celebrates the health and success of the dairy cow and is also proud to honor and celebrate dairy farm moms who are making a difference, today and every day.

Find more information at: ⁠https://ahvint.com/⁠

In this special Mother's Day edition of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, hosted in partnership with Animal Health Visions (AHV), we honor the influential women who balance motherhood, farming, and agricultural advocacy. Peggy interviews three inspiring dairy farm moms—Nicole Barlas, Katie Grinstead, and Katy Katzman—who share their journeys, challenges, and the passion that drives them. Each mom reflects on their path back to the family farm, their involvement in volunteering and community projects, and the balancing act of managing both family and farm responsibilities. They discuss the importance of support systems, communication, and the powerful lessons they impart to their children about resilience and commitment to agriculture.

Make sure to come back for Part 2 tomorrow!

This episode is brought to you by AHV

AHV (Animal Health Vision) helps empower their customers as entrepreneurs that embrace innovations in animal health. As a knowledge center, they are a leader in the field of quorum sensing innovations and advisory services for optimal animal health, with programs that focus on improving key areas such as udder health, uterine health, reproduction, and more. AHV celebrates the health and success of the dairy cow and is also proud to honor and celebrate dairy farm moms who are making a difference, today and every day.

Find more information at: ⁠https://ahvint.com/⁠

• 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
• 01:22 Meet the Dairy Farm Moms
• 02:48 Nicole Barlas: From FFA to Family Farm
• 04:08 Katie Grinstead: A Lifelong Passion for Dairy
• 05:10 Katy Katzman: Balancing Family and Farm
• 06:31 Paths Back to the Family Farm
• 09:31 Challenges and Rewards of Dairy Farming
• 15:47 Advocacy and Community Involvement
• 20:39 Charity Ball and Community Impact
• 21:37 Balancing Passion and Personal Life
• 22:26 Blending Family and Farm Life
• 24:24 Teaching Kids Through Involvement
• 26:45 Challenges of Letting Go and Asking for Help
• 30:11 Navigating Family Dynamics on the Farm
• 37:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

In this special Mother’s Day episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Danielle Volles, a dairy farm mom who transitioned from a banking career to running a dairy farm in Marietta, NY. Danielle discusses her journey of trading high heels for work boots, managing 4,000 livestock, and raising five children, including two adopted nieces. She shares insightful perspectives on parenting, balancing family life with farm responsibilities, and recognizing the invaluable contributions of farm moms. Danielle also highlights the importance of holistic health for cows and how AHV's natural treatments have transformed their animal health management. This episode, filled with honest and inspiring conversations, recognizes the incredible efforts of dairy farm moms making a difference.

This episode is brought to you by AHV

AHV (Animal Health Vision) helps empower their customers as entrepreneurs that embrace innovations in animal health. As a knowledge center, they are a leader in the field of quorum sensing innovations and advisory services for optimal animal health, with programs that focus on improving key areas such as udder health, uterine health, reproduction, and more. AHV celebrates the health and success of the dairy cow and is also proud to honor and celebrate dairy farm moms who are making a difference, today and every day.

Find more information at: https://ahvint.com/

We’re picking up where we left off with the Abbott brothers, the two farm boys from Vermont who went on to achieve high levels of success in two different parts of the dairy business: Tim Abbott and David Abbott.

We talk about tough decisions, taking risks and what it takes to be successful as a leader. Dave reflects on his experiences as CEO at Purina Mills, as well as stepping outside of the agriculture industry and into various other leadership roles, and Tim talks about taking the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship in dairy cattle breeding with St. Jacobs, and now, Showbox Sires.

There’s more than 130 years combined of wisdom and lives well-lived in this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

This Episode is Brought to you by Adisseo

This episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo, a global leader in nutritional solutions and premier provider of rumen-protected methionine for dairy producers who want to optimize milk production, capture more value from components, and maintain the health of their high-performing herds. Learn more at https://www.adisseo.com/en/