Uplevel Dairy Podcast

As we gear up for this year’s World Dairy Expo, we’re resharing one of our favorite conversations recorded live from last year’s event at the Showbox Sires showbox. This episode is full of legacy, leadership, and lessons from some of the most respected voices in the dairy cattle show world.

Peggy Coffeen and Tim Abbott sit down with Jim Ostrom and John Vosters of Milk Source to talk show ring memories and the evolution of their multi-site dairy, dairy goat, and cheese enterprise. Then, Steve Briggs of Brigeen Farms shares his heart for mentorship and how the next generation continues to inspire him.

If you missed it the first time—or just want to relive the moment—now’s the perfect time to listen in. And don’t forget to catch our other rerun next week with Tom Morris and Ernie Kueffner for more behind-the-scenes stories from the show.

To nominate the dairy story you’d like us to share, you can contact Peggy at [email protected], 608-558-1876 or Tim at [email protected], (802) 238-1142.

Thanks to Tim Abbott and Showbox Sires for this collaboration.

Learn more about Showbox Sires here:

https://www.showboxsires.com/

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, host Peggy Coffeen welcomes back Tim Abbott for an insightful conversation about their upcoming plans for the World Dairy Expo 2025. The duo revisits Tim's commitment to his word of the year, 'focus', discussing personal and professional growth. 

They also reflect on the value of capturing and sharing legacy stories within the dairy industry. Listeners are encouraged to nominate outstanding dairy figures for the Showbox stories series, highlighting how these narratives foster connections and preserve the industry's rich heritage. This episode underscores the significance of stewardship, legacy, and community in advancing the dairy industry.

To nominate the dairy story you’d like us to share, you can contact Peggy at [email protected], 608-558-1876 or Tim at [email protected], (802) 238-1142.

00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement

00:29 Mid-Year Check-In: Focus and Stewardship

02:16 The Importance of Focus in Dairy Farming

05:08 Showbox Stories: A Look Back and Forward

06:52 Call for Nominations: Share Your Showbox Stories

09:46 Legacy and Mentorship in Dairy

16:02 Personal Showbox Stories and Reflections

19:11 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

In the latest episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined by Curtis Bosma from High Ground Dairy as he provides a comprehensive update on the current state of the dairy markets amid trade tensions and significant crop developments.

Curtis discusses the steady dairy markets, the slight decrease in cheese prices, and the robust butter market. He also delves into the dynamics of non-fat dry milk and whey markets, along with the impacts of an excellent US corn crop and record soybean meal production. 

Additionally, Curtis offers insights into strategic risk management approaches, including the use of futures, options, and Livestock Risk Protection programs. The episode emphasizes the importance of holistic financial strategies to ensure long-term profitability for dairy producers.

Grab your market report here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/producer-market-update-july-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 July 16 at 12 p.m. CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

THE MILC GROUP ORIGINS STORY

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Manuel Soares, CEO and founder of Milc Group. 

Manuel shares his journey from growing up on a family dairy farm to creating game-changing dairy technology. The discussion delves into his early experiences in the dairy industry, a brief stint dealing blackjack, and the significant milestones that led him to create Milc Group. Manuel explains how his hands-on farm experience and technological insights helped him identify key industry problems and develop innovative solutions. 

This conversation also explores the origins and future vision of Milc Group, emphasizing the importance of real-time data for making informed decisions in dairy farming.

00:00 Introduction to Manuel Soares' Journey

01:18 Early Life and Dairy Beginnings

03:53 A Detour in Tahoe

05:11 Lessons from Blackjack Dealing

07:16 Challenges in Dairy Management

15:04 Transition to Dairy Software

25:00 Founding Milc Group

29:35 Conclusion and Future Insights

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

What You Need to Know about Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)

Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy joins us to cover the commonly asked questions he hears from dairy producers regarding new risk management programs aimed at day-old beef-on-dairy calves and dairy cull cows.

About HighGround Dairy

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.

Get the new LRP Guide here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/lrp-guide

Learn more at ⁠https://highgrounddairy.com/⁠ or email them at [email protected]

In this special episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined by Jim Ostrom, CEO of Milk Source, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Dairy Cares of Wisconsin. Jim shares the origin and growth of Dairy Cares, a charitable initiative that started as a garden party among friends and is on pace to raise a cumulative total of more than $4 million for Children's Wisconsin. 

The candid discussion with Jim reveals the heart behind Dairy Cares, highlighting families and their stories, as well as honoring the legacy of generosity set forth by the late Annette Ostrom. The episode underscores the importance of community, visionary leadership, and generosity. 

Jim also calls on listeners to support Dairy Cares through donations, participation in a virtual auction, or attending the annual garden party.

Contribute to Dairy Cares of Wisconsin

Three ways to give back and support families in their greatest times of medical need:

• Corporate or individual donation

• Virtual auction

• Attend the annual Garden Party on July 27

Find details and donate here: www.dairycaresofwisconsin.org

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/

At the end of 2024, I sat down with Katie Coyne to catch up and reflect on how her year had gone and to see what she had hoped to bring in for 2025. Today, we share this re-release in remembrance of Katie’s life, her incredible impact, and the legacy she leaves behind.

In this episode, Katie opened up about her roots in the dairy industry and her passion for mentoring the next generation. She believed deeply in paying it forward, and her words and actions reflected that commitment every day.

Katie also courageously shared her personal journey with cancer, including the prognosis she received in late 2024. Despite the challenges, she continued to live with remarkable hope and unwavering purpose—anchored by one guiding word she chose to live by in 2025.

This conversation is a tribute to a life well-lived and a reminder of the strength, generosity, and spirit Katie embodied. Her voice and vision will continue to inspire all who listen.

Have you ever stopped to think about the people who didn’t have to help you—but did anyway? The ones who showed up with encouragement, opened doors for you, and believed in you long before you believed in yourself?

Katie Coyne was one of those people—for me, and for so many others in the dairy community.

In this special episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are joined by Katie’s daughter, Kelly Reynolds, to reflect on Katie’s life and legacy, followed by the conversation Katie and I had one year ago, called “Leading with Courage and Confidence.”

Katie was a steadfast mentor, a voice for youth in agriculture, and a woman who gave freely of her time, wisdom, and spirit.

This episode was recorded during the final chapter of Katie’s journey here on earth. I knew it was time to sit down with her—not just to thank her, but to honor her story. To let her share in her own words the values she stood for, the lessons she learned, and why pouring into others always mattered most.

Katie’s impact will live on in every life she touched.This episode is a celebration of that legacy.

And tune into our next episode to hear the last conversation we had with Katie on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Preston Fernandes shares his extraordinary journey from California's Central Valley to managing multiple distressed dairies. Rooted in his family's legacy, Preston's story highlights his innovative lean management style, risk-taking appetite, and the tough lessons learned about leadership and growth. 

Listeners will gain insights into scaling a dairy business sustainably in today’s competitive industry and marvel at Preston's bold vision for the future, including the potential use of bipedal robots. 

Sponsored by AHV, this episode offers valuable lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity.

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 episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Gabe Smith, a Zoetis territory business manager with a unique career path in the dairy industry. Gabe shares his journey from managing a small dairy herd, working with top genetic herds, to his role at Zoetis. 

He discusses the significance of saying yes to new opportunities, the importance of taking care of people and animals, and the valuable lessons learned from mentors in the dairy community. Gabe also reflects on personal challenges and successes, emphasizing the importance of trust, perseverance, and listening in professional growth. The episode underscores Gabe's commitment to the dairy industry and his continuous development as a leader.

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.⁠