In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, captured live at the World Dairy Expo, Manuel Soares, CEO of Milc Group, discusses how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the dairy industry. Manuel shares insights into technologies that predict cow health, provide real-time employee guidance, and streamline operations like milking and feeding. The discussion highlights Milc Group's innovative solutions, including their new ID system and AI-driven tools that enhance precision and efficiency on dairy farms. 

Soares envisions a future where technology empowers dairy employees to perform at their best, rather than replacing them. The episode also explores the broader implications of these advancements and the potential for future developments in dairy technology.

This episode is sponsored in partnership with the 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

00:00 Introduction: Solving Dairy Challenges with Technology

00:51 Sponsor Message: Milc Group's Revolutionary Software

01:23 Live from World Dairy Expo: Conversations with Farmers

02:17 Innovations in Dairy Management: ID Systems and Real-Time Data

09:11 AI and Automation: Enhancing Dairy Operations

16:51 Future of Dairy: Robotics and AI Integration

32:05 Conclusion: Empowering Dairy Farmers with Technology

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen continues the conversation with Danielle Ware-Dreier from Shiloh Dairy in Brillion, Wisconsin. Danielle discusses her journey and philosophies on leading a high-performing team, managing 54 people, and ensuring top-tier milk quality from 2,900 cows. She shares insights into her leadership strategies, focusing on respect, protocol adherence, and team development. 

Danielle emphasizes the importance of understanding team members, setting clear protocols, and offering continuous training. She also highlights the significance of building a supportive culture and recognizing individual contributions.

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/

In the second episode of the smaXtec series at Hornstead Dairy, Amber Horn Lieterman, Louisa Koch from smaXtec, and Steve Woodford discuss the transformative impact of precision cow monitoring. They delve into how real-time data from innovative monitoring boluses, including pH bolus technology, is enhancing decision-making in rations, transition protocols, and team communication. 

The episode highlights the integration of this technology into the farm's operations and examines the collaborative efforts between nutritionists, veterinarians, and farm managers to improve dairy efficiency. 

00:00 Introduction to Precision Cow Monitoring

01:10 smaXtec's Impact on Dairy Farming

02:24 The Evolution of pH Bolus Technology

03:53 Real-Time Data and Nutrition Management

05:05 Actionable Insights from Data

11:33 Team Collaboration and Integration

20:41 Future of pH Monitoring in Dairy

27:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This Episode is Brought to you by smaXtec

smaXtec is the internal health management system for dairy cows. The unique bolus technology measures internal temperature, rumination, drinking cycles, activity, and more. 

smaXtec helps dairy farmers of any size make confident, data-driven decisions that lead to healthier cows, fewer treatments, and better performance. With early detection and 24/7 monitoring, dairies can stay ahead of herd health issues and focus on long-term herd success. Find out more: https://smaxtec.com/us/

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Dave McCarty discusses the evolution of McCarty Family Farms, from its humble beginnings with a tie-stall barn in Pennsylvania 25 years ago to becoming Dairy Producers of the Year at the World Dairy Expo. 

The conversation covers the implementation of precision management and complex KPIs to improve cow performance and profitability, the impact of key partnerships like those with Kansas State University and Danone, and the transition from basic accounting practices to advanced financial management. David emphasizes the role of resiliency and strategic planning in overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, financial hurdles, and market volatility. Additionally, he talks about the future of the dairy industry, highlighting the importance of genetics, health traits, sustainability, and opportunities for the next generation of McCarty family members.

This episode is brought to you by Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is dedicated to helping producers achieve healthy animals, healthy dairies and healthy food through their world-class portfolio. For more information, visit ⁠DairyWellness.com.⁠

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Greg Kowalewski, manager of Aurora Oakwood Dairy in New York, to discuss how AI technology is transforming dairy management. They discuss the implementation of Nedap's SmartSight technology for early lameness detection, which allows the farm to identify and treat cow lameness before it becomes severe, thus improving animal welfare and operational efficiency. 

Greg shares his journey from growing up working on his uncle's farm to becoming a manager and a proponent of cutting-edge technology. They also delve into how this AI system fits into the broader goals of the dairy and its co-op, Cayuga Milk Ingredients, which markets its milk globally. The conversation covers Greg’s management philosophy, the integration of technology into daily farm operations, and his vision for the future of dairy farming.

About Nedap

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 2025 or catch past episodes in this series below!

• 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

This episode of the monthly market update from HighGround Dairy, with Curtis Bosma, delves into the recent announcement from the Trump administration regarding beef prices and its tumultuous impact on cattle markets. The discussion covers potential ramifications for cattle ranchers and dairy producers, especially considering the dairy industry's current reliance on beef revenue.

Additionally, they examine the effects of the ongoing government shutdown on key agricultural reports, explore movements in dairy and commodity markets, and provide insights into the 2025 crop harvest. The episode wraps up with crucial updates on feed and grain markets and a reminder of the importance of risk management in these volatile times.

Grab your own copy of the monthly market update here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/october-2025-producer-market-update

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.

• 00:00 Market Chaos: Trump Administration's Impact on Cattle and Dairy
• 00:43 Unpacking the Headlines: Beef Prices and Market Reactions
• 03:24 Dairy Producers' Perspective: Profitability and Market Dynamics
• 08:30 Government Shutdown: Effects on Market Reports and Data
• 11:36 Monthly Market Update: Milk, Cheese, and Feed Commodities
• 17:20 Class Four Futures and Risk Management Strategies
• 25:44 Conclusion: Navigating Market Volatility and Future Outlook

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 October 17, 2025 at 1  p.m. CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Jim Moriarty, Director of Dairy at Compeer Financial, to discuss the seven key areas dairy producers should address before expanding their operations. 

Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience, Jim delves into critical topics such as family dynamics, financial planning, milk plant capacity, construction costs, and community relations. The episode provides a detailed checklist to help dairy farmers plan, communicate, and grow with purpose.

About Compeer Financial

Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Our dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.

For more information, contact the Compeer Dairy Industry Experts .  

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Senior Vice President Tim Peart of MWI discusses his transition from Australian cattle ranches to leading one of the most innovative teams in animal health. Tim shares how his passion for technology and agriculture drives him to integrate advanced solutions like cattle sorting and dairy monitoring technologies to enhance efficiency and profitability. He highlights the importance of leadership by example, corporate responsibility, and the potential of precision feeding and artificial intelligence in modern dairy farming. 

Sponsored by Micro Technologies, the episode underscores the intersection of purpose, passion, and precision in transforming the dairy industry.

00:00 Introduction to Tim Peart and MWI

01:16 Tim's Journey from Australia to the US

02:59 Embracing Technology in the Beef Industry

04:23 Transitioning to the Dairy Industry

06:14 Challenges and Innovations in Dairy Technology

13:14 Precision Feeding and Methane Reduction

20:15 Customer Experience and Corporate Responsibility

28:41 Leadership and Personal Insights

35:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is sponsored by Micro Technologies

Micro Technologies innovates advanced, comprehensive & integrated technologies to help dairies produce a safe, wholesome product more efficiently and profitably.

For more information, visit: Microtechnologies.com

Catch more episodes sponsored by Micro Technologies below!

• Episode 264 with Will Basham: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kHc3QlAqyMubap6nKnA02?si=KbdPESXdRgihqzUTgauJRQ

• Episode 253 with Jordan Leak: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54Fvnh8mzkRQvQpQFoxT4S?si=r-eBBLPLS0S4JVrPG-l3qA

• Episode 214 with Doug Hubby: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YlZsgAnB9jrgcCoof8afG?si=yyMxGZiARs2jnjxnw6X9sg

In this episode of our special Showbox Stories series, sponsored by CowManager, Peggy Coffeen and Tim Abbott delve into the life and career of Larry Schirm, an industry icon in the dairy world. The conversation touches on pivotal moments, influential mentors, and the evolution of genetic tools like genomics in the industry. Larry also emphasizes the importance of consistency in breeding and cow families. The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on family and the cherished connections Larry has made throughout his career.

This series is brought to you by CowManager.

CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. At World Dairy Expo, the company unveiled its latest innovation — Find My Cow Flash — designed to help producers save time, reduce labor costs, and increase daily efficiency. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.

• Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/

• Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManager

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/#

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=all

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager

This episode of Showbox Stories, recorded at World Dairy Expo and presented by CowManager, features Denton Ross, Hadley Ross, and Justin Stewart from Arizona Dairy Company as they share their journey in dairy farming and show cattle, highlighting their focus on genetics, dairy management, and the importance of cultivating a culture of respect and excellence within their operations. The Ross family also reflects on some memorable moments, including Hadley’s achievement of winning the Supreme Champion of the junior show at World Dairy Expo 2021.

This series is brought to you by CowManager.

CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. At World Dairy Expo, the company unveiled its latest innovation — Find My Cow Flash — designed to help producers save time, reduce labor costs, and increase daily efficiency. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.

• Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/

• Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManager

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/#

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=all

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager