Uplevel Dairy Podcast

International Women in Dairy: Erica Rijneveld, Livestock Show Equipment, Netherlands

We are celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month by sharing stories from women around the world who are making a difference in the dairy business, and today’s guest is a one-woman powerhouse who has paved her own path with hard work, perseverance and a commitment to excellence as a European-based livestock show supplies business, not to mention clipping and fitting with some of the best show strings in the world.

Erica Rijenveld reflects on ordering her first case of Orvus in her 20s and growing Livestock Show Equipment over the past two decades to what is now a successful online store with more than 450 different products for both farmers and fitters.

And she’s also made it her mission to teach and encourage the next generation of dairy enthusiasts through the acclaimed Young Breeders School - a Belgium-based experience for young people from around the world who want to learn and grow their network, their skills and their love for competition through dairy cattle fitting and showing.

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 00:28 Starting the Business
• 02:30 Current Business Operations
• 03:50 Team and Business Scale
• 06:34 Youth Involvement and Mentorship
• 18:39 Challenges and Adaptations
• 24:19 Reflections and Future Goals
• 37:58 Advice for Young Women in Dairy
• 44:26 Closing Thoughts and Final Question

Livestock Show Equipment:

https://www.showequip.com/

Follow the Young Breeders School here:

https://www.facebook.com/YoungBreedersSchool

International Women in Dairy: Fernanda Lopes, Global Ruminant Strategy Manager, Adisseo

We are celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month by bringing on global dairy industry leader Fernanda Lopes. Originally from Brazil, she first found her passion for dairy at 12 years old, spending Saturday mornings with a local embryo transfer veterinarian..

Her pursuit of personal challenge brought her to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned her master's and doctorate and also met one of her greatest mentors, Dr. David Combs. 

Today, as Global Ruminant Strategy Manager with Adisseo, Fernanda discusses her professional challenges and achievements, and the cultural adaptability required in her global role. She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, continuous learning, and advice for younger women in their dairy careers.

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/

Kritzia López Arvelo, a third-generation dairy farmer from Puerto Rico, shares her life journey, encompassing her roles as a lawyer, a dairy farmer, and a new mother. She discusses the challenges faced by dairy farmers in Puerto Rico, including high costs, the impact of hurricanes, and the struggle for sustainability. 

Kris reflects on the resilience built during Hurricane Maria and its aftermath, which taught her valuable lessons in self-assurance and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of family, her profound faith, and the balance between professional and personal life.

Kris also highlights her involvement in leadership roles within the Puerto Rican dairy and legal communities and shares insights for young women pursuing similar multifaceted career paths.

Episode Sponsor: Quali-T | Branding Solutions

Learn more about how Quali-T | Branding Solutions provides branding solutions, work wear, reflective gear and other customized merchandise for farms and agribusinesses: https://qualitinc.espwebsite.com/

Join the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) for the Annual Conference in Westminster, Colorado, April 8-10. Visit dairycalfandheifer.org

 Two heifer growers from two different parts of the country join us today: TJ McClure joins us from southwest Kansas, and Kendall Wassenaar from northwest Iowa, to chat about the strategies they have been using to overcome challenges on their heifer development operations, including:

Recruiting labor in a county with only 1,200 people,  

Problem-solving pink eye in heifers

Strategies for increasing operational efficiency and reducing man hours

And the organization through which these two connected a few years back, the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association.

As current DCHA President, Kendall gives highlights for the 2025 annual conference, set for April 8-10 in Westminster, Colorado, and TJ, a past president and current DCHA board member, shares what he is looking forward to at this year’s premier event.

This episode is sponsored by the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association and Zoetis.

Register for the DCHA Annual Conference: https://calfandheifer.org/

Zoetis' Calf Wellness solutions are pivotal in ensuring your calves receive the best start possible. By focusing on prediction, prevention, treatment, and expertise, Zoetis helps you raise healthy, productive cows, securing a prosperous future for our herds. 

Visit www.calfwellness.com 

Subscribe to Uplevel Dairy Podcast on    

   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6xQHZ0A1vqHKjRkbtJJA

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In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, hosted by Peggy Coffeen, Curtis Bosma from High Ground Dairy provides a comprehensive February monthly market update. Key topics include:

• The current state of tariffs and their potential impact on the dairy industry
• Insights from the World Ag Expo
• Trends in milk production across various U.S. states
• And the global dairy supply

Catch your own February Market Report here: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/producer-market-update-february-2025

• 00:00 Introduction to Tariffs and Market Update
• 00:38 Insights from the World Ag Expo
• 01:30 The Impact of Tariffs on Dairy Markets
• 05:58 US Milk Production Trends
• 08:09 Global Dairy Market Overview
• 10:39 Commodity Price Movements
• 16:48 Producer Conversations and Future Outlook
• 23:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Curtis also discusses the significance of understanding true production costs and effective risk management strategies while highlighting recent price movements in the futures market for whey, butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk. 

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 February 21 at 2:30 p.m. CST and only represent the views of the speaker and not those of HighGround Trading, unless otherwise expressly noted.

“Where quality and service meet” was the brand promise Ideal Dairy was founded upon more than 100 years ago, as not only a dairy farm but a local supply of door-to-door fresh milk delivery in Hudson Falls, New York. 

Well, fast forward to today, and this dairy farm and the families who operate it continue to live out that motto with their 3,800-cow herd, known widely for excellence in their genetics program, Cookie Cutter Holsteins.

And while there are many people behind the scenes of Ideal Dairy’s success, today we visit with a woman who is intensely passionate about people, connecting with the community and creating opportunities for the next generation of this multi-family dairy operation, while honoring the traditions of the past: Crystal Grimaldi, along with her father, John Dickinson.

BONUS: Sponsor Spotlight featuring Steve Chuhta from Zoetis

Meet Steve and hear why he nominated Ideal Dairy to be featured in Zoetis’s celebrated Born of the Bond video series.

Watch Season 2, Episode 1 here:

https://www.zoetisus.com/cattle/born-of-the-bond/

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. 

We just dropped episode number 200 of the Uplevel Dairy podcast, that’s 200 conversations with dairy leaders - from CEOs to high-performing managers, immigrants, industry icons, entrepreneurs, influencers, and even an Olympian.

Today I’m summarizing for you the top 7 lessons from these incredible leaders, 7 key themes you can apply today at work and at home to increase your energy, clarify your focus, and amplify your impact.

When you take yourself to a higher level, you bring those around you to a higher version of success and service too.  

Let’s get into it today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

$18,000 an acre for farmland? Today, we talk about hot trends in land values and rental prices with Jade Kruschke from Compeer Financial. 

And from Compeer’s dairy team, Senior Ag Lending Specialist Curtis Gerrits shines some light on land acquisition strategies he sees dairy farmers implementing to gain access to acres for feed, cropping and manure without paying premium prices.

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 theCompeer Dairy Industry Experts.  

“There’s nothing more painful than having to watch a farmer go to an auction to bid on their own land.” - Will McKinley, Menn Law 

Today we talk with Will about farming partnerships:

• What to know before you get into a partnership

• How to protect yourself and the farm should one party want to get out

• Buy-sell agreements

• Operating agreements

• Shareholder agreements

Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law:

[email protected]

(920) 731-6631

https://mennlaw.com/

Do you have a question on succession and farm transition you would like to hear Will answer on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast?

Send your questions to[email protected]

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast Young Leader Series, Sarah Thomas shares her journey from growing up in North Carolina to her current role at Select Sires in Ohio. Sarah discusses her involvement in dairy judging and mentorship, emphasizing mental health and the importance of advocating for oneself. She reflects on the significant impact of mentors in her life and how she's now giving back by guiding and inspiring the next generation through the Ohio Junior Holstein Association.

Make sure to tune in to catch all her tips on dairy judging and career development for young leaders in the dairy industry!

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