Uplevel Dairy Podcast

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Casey Treloar, an Australian dairy farmer's daughter turned news journalist. Casey shares her journey of combining her passion for dairy farming and journalism, leading to her coverage of dairy shows like World Dairy Expo. 

They discuss Casey's impactful experiences, including her viral social media campaign for Australian dairy farmers and her work with Cosmopolitan's live Expo coverage. The episode highlights upcoming events at World Dairy Expo and underscores the importance of saying 'yes' to opportunities in the dairy industry.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Cowsmo Publications

Find “Cowsmo on Cue” during World Dairy Expo week here: https://www.facebook.com/cowsmo

Catch up with us at World Dairy Expo:

National Dairy Shrine Young Professionals Luncheon

Monday, Sept. 29, Noon-2 p.m. – Sign up here

Tanbark Talk: No-Feed, Successful Results: A New Era in Robotic Milking

Thursday, Oct. 2, 8-10 a.m.

Hosted by: DeLaval

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Pauly Paul is back and sits down to discuss recent challenges and solutions in dairy farm management. 

Focusing on employee training, Pauly addresses common inefficiencies in farm operations and provides strategies for improving labor productivity. Additionally, he highlights the critical issue of fluctuating milk prices and shares methods to manage cash flow under these conditions. Pauly also delves into the importance of detailed management audits, illustrating how these reviews can uncover key areas for improvement across financials, feeding practices, and breeding protocols. The episode emphasizes the value of continual training and re-training to achieve optimal farm performance.

This Episode is Sponsored by Complete Management Consulting

Contact Pauly Paul

920-418-3135

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy provides an updated market report for September, outlining significant movements impacting milk, feed, and beef sectors. He explains the recent decline in dairy futures, the record-breaking cheese production and exports, and the persistent high milk production rates. Curtis discusses the elevated beef prices as a crucial revenue driver for dairy farmers, especially as milk prices decline, and highlights how global milk supply trends and grain commodity updates are influencing the market. The episode concludes with strategic advice on margin management and the importance of proactive decision-making for dairy producers.

Grab your market report here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/september-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.

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 September 17 at 12pm 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, High Plains Ponderosa Dairy COO, Will Basham, discusses the importance of cultivating a positive culture and adapting technology in the dairy industry to enhance efficiency and performance. 

He emphasizes the significance of data-driven management in identifying issues before they become critical and highlights tools for improving operational efficiency. Basham also shares his experiences in managing people and processes during an expansion project, focusing on the integration of milking speed and breeding strategies to optimize productivity. 

Additionally, he explores the value of understanding communication and learning styles to foster a more effective work environment.

In the final installment of the Country Aire Farms series, brothers Craig and Nick Gerrits reflect on stepping into leadership roles within their family’s dairy operation. They discuss the challenges of earning respect, building trust with employees, and maintaining a healthy leadership mindset, even during tough times. 

The episode highlights the importance of confidence, open communication, and continuous learning, as well as the legacy and values passed down through generations. Both brothers share advice they would give their younger selves, emphasizing the need for self-trust, motivation, and a focus on personal well-being to lead effectively. The story of Country Aire Farms is ultimately one of family, tradition, and progressive growth in the dairy industry.

This episode is brought to you by DeLaval. DeLaval provides integrated solutions designed to improve dairy producers’ production, animal welfare, and overall quality of life. To learn more, visit Delaval.com/en-us/.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are back with the third episode of the Country Aire Series, brought to you by DeLaval. 

Today, Peggy Coffeen is back with the Gerrits to explore how technology is transforming modern dairy operations. Cousins Craig and Matt Gerrits share their experiences implementing advanced tools—from automated rotary parlors and precision cow sorting systems to biosolid bedding management and high-tech dashboards—that have improved cow comfort, milk quality, and labor efficiency. 

The discussion highlights the farm’s transition to biosolids, the challenges and solutions in maintaining milk quality, and the importance of consistent management. On the cropping side, Matt describes how data-driven decision-making and innovations like GPS-guided planting and variable rate technology are optimizing fieldwork and margins. The episode underscores the value of embracing new technology while balancing tradition, teamwork, and a forward-thinking mindset to ensure the farm’s continued success.

This episode is brought to you by DeLaval. DeLaval provides integrated solutions designed to improve dairy producers’ production, animal welfare, and overall quality of life. To learn more, visit Delaval.com/en-us/.

In this next episode of the Uplevel Dairy Country Aire Series, the focus shifts to the next generation at Country Aire Farms, where four cousins—Matt, John, Nick, and Craig—each find their way back to the family dairy after exploring different career paths. Influenced by family values and the encouragement of their grandfather, the cousins embrace the challenges and opportunities of running a modern dairy operation. 

The conversation delves into their unique roles, from crop management and finance to equipment and employee relations, highlighting how their diverse skills contribute to the farm’s success. The cousins share candid reflections on the difficulties of stepping into leadership at a young age, earning respect from employees, and balancing family dynamics with business responsibilities. Mentorship from the older generation, a strong workplace culture, and a commitment to sustainability and community involvement emerge as central themes. 

As they navigate the complexities of a family-run business, the cousins emphasize the importance of trust, communication, and adaptability. The episode concludes with a sense of gratitude for the foundation laid by previous generations and a shared commitment to carrying the family legacy forward, blending tradition with innovation at Country Aire Farms.

This episode is brought to you by DeLaval. DeLaval provides integrated solutions designed to improve dairy producers’ production, animal welfare, and overall quality of life. To learn more, visit Delaval.com/en-us/.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen launches a four-part series in partnership with DeLaval, spotlighting the multi-generational story of Country Aire Farms in Greenleaf, Wisconsin. Brothers Mike and Tom Gerrits share their journey from growing up on a small 80-cow dairy to leading a thriving, innovative operation.

The episode explores how their father, Bud, instilled a strong work ethic and forward-thinking mindset, guiding the family through pivotal decisions—like building the area’s first rotary parlor in 1998—that set the stage for major growth. Mike and Tom discuss the division of responsibilities (cows vs. crops), the importance of embracing new technology, and the challenges and rewards of bringing the next generation into the business.

Listeners hear about the transition of leadership, the value of learning from mistakes, and the family’s commitment to core values, community, and continuous improvement. The episode closes with reflections on legacy, pride in the next generation, and optimism for the future of Country Aire Farms.

This episode is brought to you by DeLaval. DeLaval provides integrated solutions designed to improve dairy producers’ production, animal welfare, and overall quality of life. To learn more, visit Delaval.com/en-us/.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen engages with Elsie Gonzalez-Leach of Motiva Consulting to discuss her inspiring journey from Puerto Rico to the United States. Elsie shares how her experiences have fueled her mission to support Spanish-speaking dairy farm employees through leadership development and tailored Dairy English language courses. 

With a focus on personal growth, leadership training, and communication, Elsie’s programs have helped numerous farm workers progress in their careers and contribute positively to their farms and communities. The episode delves into her motivations, challenges, and the impact she aims to achieve, making it a must-listen for those interested in elevating their dairy farming operations and cultivating a motivated workforce.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:40 Elsie's Journey to the US

03:41 Starting Motiva Consulting

12:26 Leadership and Personal Development

23:37 Mentors and Inspirations

34:35 The Impact of Danielle's Leadership

38:21 Elsie's Leadership Program Explained

41:26 Personal Development and Overcoming Challenges

48:58 The Launch of Dairy English Academy

58:59 Future Goals and Reflections

01:02:23 Elsie's Journey and Lessons Learned

01:13:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn more about the Dairy English Academy here: https://www.motivadairy.com/dairy-english-academy

Contact Elsie González-Leach

Motiva Consulting

Cell: 262.388.9096

Email: [email protected]

Visit Motiva Consulting on Facebook! 

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/

This collaboration episode between Uplevel Dairy and World Dairy Expo features the McCarty Brothers—Mike, David, Ken, and Clay—as they discuss their family's legacy and milestones that led to being named World Dairy Expo's Dairy Producers of the Year. They reflect on their family's history from northeastern Pennsylvania to their significant growth in Kansas, their partnerships with large companies like Danone, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation in dairy farming. They share insights into working as a family, their passion for sustainable practices, and their excitement for the future. The episode also offers advice to aspiring young farmers, underscoring the importance of hard work, taking risks, and maintaining a forward-thinking vision. The McCarty family's story is one of resilience, innovation, and community impact.

 Be sure to start planning your trip to World Dairy Expo, September 30th through October 3rd. Get your passes now worlddairyexpo.com. 

This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Dairy Show and World Dairy Expo. 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:37 The McCarty Family History

03:36 The Move to Kansas

07:59 Partnerships and Growth

11:47 Sustainability Efforts

18:38 Community Outreach and Learning Centers

23:54 Technological Advancements and Cow Comfort

28:27 Reflections on the Recognition Award

53:26 Advice for the Next Generation

57:48 Final Thoughts and Future Vision