Uplevel Dairy Podcast

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we wrap up our preview of the Farm Forward Conference with part two of a conversation with Michigan dairyman, Tommy Oesch about farm transition mistakes and building an advisory team. Tommy describes a costly error of trying to manage dairy nutrition himself, learning to hire and listen to the right consultants, and updating who “sits at the table” as the business evolves. He outlines Swiss Lane’s aggressive growth plan from 5,000 cows to 10,000 by 2032, explains adopting EOS quarterly strategy meetings, and shares leadership lessons on accountability, communication, employee reviews, and putting the right people in the right roles. He advises older generations to allow mistakes and the next generation to push succession planning forward, noting it requires time, money, and persistence.

Join us for the Farm Forward ConferenceFriday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI
Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165

00:00 Farm Forward Invite

01:27 Costly Nutrition Lesson

05:19 Building Advisor Team

08:52 Aggressive Growth Vision

10:47 Who Sits at Table

12:58 EOS Outside Expertise

15:05 Evolving Vet Role

16:13 Leadership Growing Pains

19:42 Accountability Processes

23:33 Advice Both Generations

25:29 Patience With Equity

27:05 No One Size Fits All

29:07 Conference Details Wrap

On this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are featuring a throwback interview with Michigan dairyman, Tommy Oesch of Swisslane Farms about generational transition challenges, including older owners holding control, the growing financial scale of dairies, and the need for next-generation members to work elsewhere and succeed before returning. Tommy shares his path from MSU to leaving the farm for a feed sales career, then returning in 2011 for lower pay to help manage growth, including building a 500-cow robot dairy. He describes using consultants, advisors, core values, and buy-sell planning to structure ownership, reduce senior wages to enable management transition, and navigate leadership mistakes.

Join us for the Farm Forward Conference

Friday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI

Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165

• 00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement
• 01:04 Generational Transition Challenges
• 03:06 Preparing the Next Generation
• 05:44 Tommy's Early Career Journey
• 07:03 Learning the Feed Business
• 08:17 The Hard Decision to Return
• 10:48 Realizing Career Opportunities
• 11:51 Senior Generation's Perspective
• 14:57 Creating the Succession Plan
• 16:27 Building the Robot Dairy Together
• 19:45 Developing Core Values
• 23:27 Structuring the Buyout
• 25:01 Difficult Ownership Decisions
• 25:43 Lessons from Leadership Transition
• 26:39 Farm Forward Conference Details

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are gearing up for the Farm Forward Conference on March 27 with Kristy Pagel of Leading Edge Consulting speaking on navigating difficult conversations. This conversation previews Kristy's guidance for managers who avoid confrontation, emphasizing that hard conversations can strengthen bonds and improve retention. She outlines starting with root-cause identification, fact gathering, and objective measures, and shares an employee analyzer matrix (head/skills, heart/passion, capacity/time) plus an added column on willingness to reinvest with a timeframe, sometimes having employees self-assess. Kristy coaches three mindset skills—confidence, active listening, and forward-looking outcomes—and notes common sticking points are initial courage and follow-up.

Join us for the Farm Forward Conference

Friday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI

Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165

00:00 Farm Forward Invite

01:11 Why Hard Talks Matter

02:21 Find the Root Cause

03:19 Employee Analyzer Tool

04:46 Reinvest or Reassign

08:05 Manager Mindset Trio

10:38 Forward Looking Plans

11:58 Where People Get Stuck

13:36 Uplevel Five Q and A

19:09 Wrap Up and Contact

This episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast re-shares a conversation with Will McKinley, president of Menn Law, about legal realities of family farm transition and succession planning and common mistakes when families wait too long. The discussion focuses on why transition planning stalls, macro delays tied to reluctance to “retire” and the cyclical nature of farming, and micro stalls during multi-meeting planning, plus the value of scheduling, on-farm meetings, and mediation to address misunderstandings, confrontation avoidance, and ownership qualifications. The episode also promotes the Farm Forward Conference on March 27, 2026 at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Newton, Wisconsin, featuring expert training and a transition panel including Will McKinley.

Join us for the Farm Forward Conference

Friday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI

Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165

00:00 Why Plans Fail

00:25 Farm Forward Conference

01:06 Meet Will McKinley

02:36 Menn Law and Tuig Merger

05:48 Will’s Farm Roots

08:00 Outside Industry Lessons

10:08 Learning from George Tuig

12:35 Why Transitions Stall

18:30 Keeping Momentum

21:35 Case Study Two Brothers

22:33 Breaking the Stalemate

23:34 One on One Mediation

25:39 Assumptions and Avoidance

27:32 Setting Fair Qualifications

29:06 Key Takeaways Recap

31:40 When to Get Help

33:24 Menn Law One Stop Shop

35:55 Listener Questions Invite

36:47 Uplevel Five Questions

40:32 Wrap Up and Contact Info

41:58 Farm Forward Conference

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, at the High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo, discussing dairy’s current momentum and major risks. Rick highlights positive “tailwinds” including new trade opportunities such as Indonesia, policy wins like the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids bill, and improved perceptions of dairy fat in dietary guidelines. He describes Idaho-led sustainability research lowering lagoon pH with sulfuric acid to reduce methane emissions by over 50%, aiming to create carbon-credit revenue accessible to most dairies. He also explains how relationships with Idaho’s federal delegation helped shape “big beautiful bill” tax provisions on inheritance and accelerated depreciation to support generational transfer and retirement. Immigration reform and workforce dependence are emphasized as critical for food security and national security, along with monitoring global competitors that could disrupt export markets.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with High Plains Dairy Conference.

00:00 Dairy Big Picture

00:39 Welcome and Setup

01:11 Conference Panel Takeaways

03:18 Rick’s Dairy Roots

04:36 Sustainability That Pays

08:29 Tax Policy and Legacy

11:03 Building Political Relationships

17:25 Immigration and Food Security

23:06 Future Risks and Advice

26:33 Closing and Subscribe

She dreamed of being a CEO in heels ... now she does it in coveralls.

In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Rosario Ibarra of Grotegut Dairy in Newton, Wisconsin, a third-generation farm milking 3,600 cows.  Rosario remarks on her journey from Mexico, once dreaming of being a corporate CEO, to studying agronomy, joining an international internship that brought her to Wisconsin, and pivotal mentors along the way. She describes returning to Mexico, moving to the U.S. on a visa, marrying her husband, and helping lead his family’s farm through major losses and transition while balancing motherhood and management. The conversation highlights self-belief, mentorship, delegation, supporting the workforce and leading teams with gratitude, compassion, and a low-stress culture focused on animal care and food production.

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.⁠

• 00:39 Podcast Welcome
• 01:11 Zoetis Women Farmers
• 01:33 Inside Grotegut Dairy
• 04:04 From Mexico to Cows
• 05:12 Choosing Agronomy
• 07:04 Wisconsin Internship
• 08:33 Mentor Deb Reinhart
• 10:24 Back to Wisconsin
• 12:19 Manager and New Mom
• 13:45 Learning to Delegate
• 15:28 Believing in Yourself
• 17:26 Advice and Networks
• 19:53 Inspired by the Team
• 21:05 Leading With Care
• 22:01 Building A Stress-Free Team
• 24:10 Cornerstone Confidence Shift
• 26:37 Next Steps And Giving Back
• 28:55 Helping Team Members Feel at Home
• 32:14 Belonging Between Two Homes
• 34:25 Boards And Representation
• 36:52 Advice To Young Women
• 38:36 Gratitude And Closing

On this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen is back with Dr. Mike Catangui, of MWI Animal Health, to chat about natural insecticides for dairy farm fly control.

Dr. Mike describes growing dairy interest due to milk safety concerns about residues, environmental and sustainability expectations from consumers, and reduced risk of insect resistance. He outlines practical use of natural pyrethrins (derived from plants) that can be sprayed directly on calves, heifers and cows, and in sensitive areas where synthetic products may be restricted, supported by improved application tools like battery-powered foggers.

He cites research showing stable flies can reduce milk production 10–20% during fly season and estimates a strong ROI, including a prior calculation of $27 gained per $1 spent.

This Episode is Brought to you by MWI Animal HealthAt MWI Animal Health, we are your partner in animal health. Our people drive us to think forward every day. We are committed to working with you to identify cutting-edge solutions to your common challenges. We unite with innovators and manufacturers to provide access to products and solutions designed to help you find success in each aspect of your animal health business. Visit www.MWIAH.com for more information.

• 00:00 Meet Dr. Mike Catangui
• 01:32 What Natural Insecticides Are
• 03:13 Why Dairies Want Natural Options
• 04:57 How Pyrethrins Are Used
• 06:07 Calves & Heifers: Direct Spray Benefits
• 09:34 Milk Loss From Flies
• 10:14 Fly Control ROI Math
• 12:58 Wrap Up And Resources

Today on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy highlights the upcoming Farm Forward Conference on Friday, March 27, at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Newton, Wisconsin. Presented in partnership with Zoetis, Menn Law, AgriGrowth Solutions, and Leading Edge Consulting, the event is designed to help farmers and advisors navigate farm transition—especially the hard conversations that often stall progress.
The day includes a hands-on workshop led by farm family transition coach Elaine Froese, along with an afternoon panel featuring legal, financial, and farmer perspectives. Attendees will walk away with practical next steps, communication tools, and greater clarity around transition planning.

In the podcast interview, Elaine shares her background as a farm-raised home economist and certified conflict-resolution coach. She explains her coaching process and the tools she uses to help families move through procrastination, avoid unnecessary conflict, and separate family dynamics from business decisions.

She emphasizes the importance of financial transparency, regular family meetings, clearly defined expectations and timelines, and understanding that fairness does not always mean equality. The conversation also addresses retirement planning, long-term care considerations, and how to reduce anxiety around money and scarcity.

Join us for the Farm Forward ConferenceFriday, March 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center7001 Gass Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI
Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260474594709165
For more from Elaine Froese:
www.ElaineFroese.com
[email protected]
Conflict Dynamics Profile: https://elainefroese.com/coaching/conflict-dynamics-profile/
Farm Family Harmony Podcast: www.farmfamilyharmonypodcast.com

• 00:00 – Farm Transition Anxiety
• 00:27 – Farm Forward Conference Overview
• 01:53 – Meet Elaine Froese
• 04:39 – How Her Coaching Process Works
• 07:44 – Addressing the “Bull in the Room”
• 10:11 – Common Transition Misconceptions
• 14:49 – Why Clarity and Timelines Matter
• 20:20 – Fair vs. Equal in Farm Transitions
• 25:48 – Retirement and Financial Realities
• 29:51 – Effective Advisor and Family Meetings
• 34:37 – When Change Stalls
• 37:56 – Vulnerability and Shared Goals
• 41:01 – Conference Details and Next Steps
• 42:54 – Coach on Call in the Hall
• 44:51 – Final Takeaways

Filmed at the Adisseo VIP Seminar, Peggy Coffeen interviews Dr. Jimena Laporta, associate professor and lactation physiologist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, about how heat stress during late gestation programs calves for lifelong—and even multi-generational—effects.Dr. Laporta explains that fetuses exposed to maternal heat stress are more likely to be born smaller and weaker, absorb fewer immunoglobulins, experience higher sickness and early herd exit rates, and produce less milk across multiple lactations. Florida data shows 12–18% higher culling rates and significant long-term milk losses in animals exposed to in utero heat stress, with an estimated $800 million annual impact across the U.S. dairy industry.

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/

• 00:00 Heat Stress Before Birth
• 01:32 Meet Dr. Laporta
• 04:21 Fetal Programming Explained
• 07:42 Economic Impact
• 12:04 Multi-Generation Effects
• 14:06 Dry Cow Mitigation
• 17:22 Pre-Weaned Calf Cooling Research
• 21:14 Measuring Mammary Development
• 23:23 Key Takeaways

Peggy Coffeen sits down with Dr. Liz Strahl of St. Anna’s Veterinary Clinic, part of Heritage Vet Partners, to talk about building a career—and a life—in dairy practice. A Wisconsin farm kid turned large animal veterinarian, Liz shares how 4-H, early mentorship, and vet school shaped her commitment to strong, trust-based producer relationships. She unpacks what she calls “unbreakable” bonds between veterinarians and dairy teams—rooted in responsiveness, communication, and delivering value beyond the chute.

The conversation also explores mentorship as a two-way street, navigating confrontation early in her career, and how motherhood reshaped her perspective on work-life balance. Liz discusses why many women leave bovine practice, the importance of supportive clinic culture, and how active learning helps prevent burnout. She highlights functional fitness and wellness as essential for the physical demands of large animal work, along with her goal of becoming board-certified in dairy practice.

Her key takeaway: stay curious, ask more questions than you think you should, and be unapologetically yourself.

This Epiosde is Brought to You by Heritage Vet Partners

Heritage Vet Partners is the nation’s leading veterinary partnership, specializing in mixed and large animal practices.  Heritage Vet Partners provides a unique partnership model that preserves local practice legacies, serving dairy and other livestock producers and companion animal owners through shared services, data, and strategic growth. Learn more at HeritageVetPartners.com.

01:11 Sponsor Heritage Vet Partners 
01:35 Choosing Vet Medicine 
02:44 School and Early Career 
05:05 Unbreakable Producer Bonds 
08:07 Mentorship in the Truck 
13:54 Hard Lessons Confrontation 
15:34 Motherhood and Identity Shift 
18:15 Why Women Leave Bovine Practice 
20:17 Burnout and Active Learning 
23:46 Wellness and Functional Fitness 
25:16 CrossFit Origin Story 
29:17 Trust Flexibility Challenge 
32:14 Connecting with the Team 
36:16 Active Learning and Authenticity 
39:15 Big Goals and Getting Boarded 
41:01 Wrap Up and Podcast Outro