Uplevel Dairy Podcast

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Greg Bethard, CEO of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, to catch up on his progress and leadership strategies. Highlighting topics such as stress management, the development of new leaders, and Greg's personal approach to health and longevity, the conversation also explores the importance of effective people management and the future role of AI in the dairy industry. Greg shares insights on building resilience through experience and maintaining a healthy mind and body as a cornerstone of effective leadership. The episode also touches on the potential challenges and opportunities in expanding large-scale dairy operations globally.This Episode is brought to you by AdisseoThis 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/00:00 Welcome Back Greg Bethard: CEO of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy01:36 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Impact02:33 High Plains Ponderosa: Leadership and Team Dynamics03:26 Employee Relations and Work Environment05:51 Succession of Leadership at High Plains08:26 Challenges and Growth in Dairy Operations11:28 Managing Stress and Building Resilience14:37 Personal Health and Longevity17:34 Diet and Exercise for Optimal Performance20:15 Structured Simplicity in Nutrition and Movement20:23 Running Routine and Fitness Insights22:08 The Importance of Mental Engagement22:57 Health Awareness in the Next Generation26:26 AI and Technology in Dairy Management34:17 Future Aspirations and Reflections36:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy continues her series from Hornstead Dairy in Brillion, Wisconsin, featuring an in-depth conversation with Brian Horn. Brian shares the journey of transforming a simple 4-H project into a cutting-edge dairy operation driven by technology and innovation. The episode highlights how the multi-generational farm utilizes advanced monitoring tools like the smaXtec Health Management System to boost efficiency and proactive care. Touching on the evolution of dairy farm technologies, challenges, and the crucial role of family, this episode provides insights into progressive dairy farming practices.This Episode is Brought to you by smaXtecsmaXtec 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/00:00 Introduction to Hornstead Dairy's Journey01:01 Brian Horn's Early Days and Family Legacy02:29 Technological Evolution in Dairy Farming04:54 Adopting Advanced Monitoring Systems08:30 Impact of Technology on Farm Management15:58 Future Generations and Technological Integration21:58 Conclusion and Reflections

In this heartfelt episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Gary de Graaf, a dairyman renowned not just for his life with dairy cows but for his profound faith and role in discipleship. Gary shares his incredible journey of experiencing God's miracles firsthand—from a life-threatening brain bleed that was timely diagnosed and treated, to multiple significant health challenges and miraculous recoveries.

Highlighting the power of prayer and faith, Gary recounts how he found peace in praising God during crises and even ministered to his caregivers. The episode culminates in a prayer for listeners and an introduction to Gary's current mission with Capitol Commission, a ministry focused on reaching and discipling leaders in statehouses across the country.

In this episode, recorded live at the World Dairy Expo, Peggy sits down with Tim Baumgartner, the genetics manager at Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch in Pixley, California. Tim shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming a pivotal figure in the dairy genetics industry. He discusses his passion for cows and people, recounting how one pivotal conversation led to a rewarding career in genetics. The episode explores how the Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch significantly improved the breed's genetics, the impact of mentorship, and how innovative technology, like the Milc Group's feed program, transformed their operations. Highlights include the discovery and development of high-fat Jersey cows, the challenge and success of polled genetics, and the importance of family and community in the dairy world. Tim's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in the dairy industry.

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/scale00:00 Introduction: Shaping a Breed and Leaving a Legacy00:07 Meet Tim Baumgartner: A Passion for Genetics01:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm in Wisconsin07:42 The Journey to California09:31 A Career in Genetics and Mentorship15:37 The Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch Transformation27:39 Innovations and Future Directions

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen talks with Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy about the current state of the dairy market as of December 2025 and projections for 2026. They discuss stagnant dairy prices, particularly in cheese and butter, the role of whey in sustaining Class 3 milk prices, and the impacts of overproduction and bird flu on milk supply. Curtis also provides insights into alternative revenue sources like beef streams and methane digesters that are supporting dairy farmers. The episode closes with strategic advice for dairy producers to manage margins and plan ahead for the new year.
Grab your own copy of the monthly market update here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/december-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 Introduction to Dairy Market Trends
00:42 Current Dairy Market Overview
03:07 Milk Production Insights
04:39 Bird Flu Impact on Dairy Market
07:58 Cheese and Butter Market Analysis
11:51 Whey Protein: The Unsung Hero
13:08 Alternative Revenue Sources for Dairy Farms
16:32 Strategies for 2026
21:06 Final Thoughts
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 December 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.

The long commitment of Nedap and GEA’s innovation partnership comes together to deliver performance that pays.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy continues the conversation with Galen Smith of Coldstream Farms. They discuss the complexities and strategies involved in transitioning a family farm business across generations. Galen shares insights into how his father-in-law integrated him into the business, the importance of financial success and passion for farming, and the approach to decision-making that drives profitability. 
Galen also talks about preparing opportunities for his four sons to join the farm, emphasizing the value of open conversations, monthly financial meetings, and allowing the younger generation to take ownership of projects. They delve into the process behind adopting new technologies like CowScout collars and outline goals for 2026, including focusing on efficiency, animal health, and mental wellness. The episode highlights both the challenges and the innovative steps taken to ensure a successful family farm transition.

This episode is part of the High-Performance Mindset Series powered by Nedap. Nedap is future-proofing dairy farming with smart technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering, sort gates, and AI-powered camera systems. Nedap is improving life on the farm by putting the right cow in the right place at the right time, every time.

• 00:00 Introduction to Family Farm Transition
• 00:59 Galen Smith's Journey into the Family Business
• 01:38 Challenges and Strategies in Family Farm Transition
• 03:00 Financial Success and Passion in Farming
• 05:12 Generational Transition at Coldstream Farms
• 11:13 Collaborative Decision-Making and Technology Investments
• 17:19 Setting Up the Next Generation for Success
• 23:01 Goals and Reflections for the Future
• 28:55 Personal Goals and Family Time
• 32:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The long commitment of Nedap and GEA’s innovation partnership comes together to deliver performance that pays.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined by Galen Smith, who discusses over 20 years of cow monitoring at Coldstream Farms and the critical role of technology and data-driven decision making in managing dairy profitability. Smith outlines the implementation and evolution of monitoring devices, animal health technologies, and feed management systems that have enhanced operational efficiency.

He shares insights from his recent technology-focused trip to Europe and reflects on how global dairy practices influence local challenges. The conversation also touches on how specific technology investments have not necessarily reduced labor but allowed more focused, effective efforts leading to better animal outcomes and financial returns. Additionally, Smith mentions the challenges faced in the milk market and preparation for the future farm transitions. Tune in for the next episode, where the discussion shifts from technology to family farm transition.

This episode is part of the High-Performance Mindset Series powered by Nedap.
Nedap is future-proofing dairy farming with smart technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering, sort gates, and AI-powered camera systems. Nedap is improving life on the farm by putting the right cow in the right place at the right time, every time.

In this special live panel episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen moderates a discussion featuring three distinguished dairy industry leaders: Kylene Anderson, managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman, Brian Coyne Manager of Applied Genetic Strategies at Select Sires, and Amanda Lichtensteiger, Strategic Marketing Lead for Diamond V. 
This conversation was captured at the National Dairy Shrine Young Professionals luncheon during the 2025 World Dairy Expo. The panelists share their career journeys, from early internships to their current management roles. They offer advice on navigating the job market, building a career with intention, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Whether you are starting your career or looking to advance, this episode is filled with practical tips and inspiration to help you stand out and succeed in the competitive dairy industry.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down on the showbox with Tim Abbott. Tim reflects on his 2025 word "focus," shares insights into the successes and challenges faced during the year, and reveals his new word for 2026. Tim's wife, Sharyn, joins the conversation to share her word too!

The episode also highlights the Abbott family's new venture, Deep Canyon Guest Ranch in Montana, and touches on their upcoming dairy cattle sale event in Nashville. Listeners are encouraged to choose their own word for the year to guide their personal and professional growth.

00:00 Introduction and Annual Word Challenge

01:55 Catching Up with Tim Abbott

04:53 Reflecting on 2025: Focus and Achievements

10:19 Challenges and Lessons Learned

16:01 New Ventures: Deep Canyon Guest Ranch

22:06 Looking Ahead to 2026

22:20 Reflecting on Uplevel's Impact

22:44 Choosing Words for 2026

23:54 Tim's Word: Explore

28:54 Sharon's Word: Dream

31:25 Family Business Aspirations

34:02 Upcoming Nashville Event

37:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we hear from JR Boyke of Vir-Clar Farms in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, about coming back to join his family farm and growing into his roles as a manager and owner as the dairy has expanded and taken on a second site. JR discusses how his father insisted he gain experience working on other dairies, which shaped his skills and leadership abilities. He reflects on his journey back at age 23, starting from the bottom and rising to a managerial role. JR highlights the importance of employee engagement, cultural integration across expanded operations, and his personal passion for dairy cattle genetics.

This Episode is Brought to you by 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.  

• Dairy Industry Articles: Gain knowledge from subject matter experts

00:00 Introduction to JR Boyke's Journey

01:12 Early Life and Family Farm Evolution

03:59 Returning to the Farm and Gaining Experience

07:23 Career Development and Responsibilities

08:05 Leadership and Team Building

19:59 Expanding the Farm and New Opportunities

24:45 Advice and Reflections

26:31 Closing Thoughts and Rapid-Fire Questions