Uplevel Dairy Podcast

This week on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy welcomes back Pauly Paul of Complete Management Consulting to discuss dairies that are barely breaking even after Q3 financials and are seeking improvement before 2027. Benchmarking revealed unusually high labor costs per cow and per hundredweight, prompting deeper on-farm management audits to verify what daily work actually looks like.Pauly describes finding overstaffing, gap-filling behaviors, and excessive cow handling due to protocols, then reorganizing schedules with timestamps, retraining, and potentially bringing outsourced tasks (breeding, hoof trimming, ultrasound) in-house or cutting one to two employees. He also cites over-treatment driven by rumination-monitoring alerts without considering causes like recent vaccination, costing one dairy over $50,000 annually in unnecessary therapeutics. Key recommendations are to keep cash flow current, get a management audit, and conduct quarterly financials to track progress.This Episode is brought to you by Complete Management ConsultingAbout Complete Management Consultingwww.CompleteManagementConsulting.com⁠⁠[email protected]⁠920-418-313500:00 Barely Breaking Even00:52 Benchmarking Red Flags01:59 Reading Cash Flow Backwards02:58 Management Audit Reality Check03:41 Hidden Downtime Overstaffing05:28 Bring Services In-House06:31 Overtreatment From Data Alerts08:24 Mapping Tasks On Paper10:38 What Savings Look Like11:51 Three Moves Before Year End© 2026 Uplevel Companies LLC. All rights reserved.This episode is original content produced by Uplevel Dairy Podcast. Unauthorized reproduction or republication of copyrighted audio, video, or transcripts is prohibited except as permitted by law.Journalists, publishers, and other media outlets referencing this interview are expected to provide accurate attribution to Uplevel Dairy Podcast and the original episode. Permission is required for uses not otherwise permitted by law.Content is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Uplevel Dairy Podcast or its sponsors.

What does it take to build a dairy legacy that continues to move the industry forward?For Pat Maddox's of RuAnn Dairy and Maddox Dairy in California, innovation has been part of the family business for nearly 70 years.In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen visits with Pat at World Dairy Expo to explore his family's history of early adoption, from pioneering facility designs and embryo transfer to today's advancements in cow health monitoring. Pat shares how real-time data from smaXtec bolus technology helps his team identify sick cows earlier, navigate labor challenges and make more informed decisions. He also explains how he evaluates new technology, why he looks for at least a four-to-one return on investment and what advancements he hopes to see next in dairy genetics and cow health.It's a conversation about honoring a legacy while continuing to ask one important question: What if there's a better way?smaXtec 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 — A Family Legacy Built on Dairy Innovation01:55 — Three Generations of Dairy Farming in California02:56 — Pat Maddox: The Mindset Behind Early Adoption04:10 — The First TMR Mixers and Freestall Barns in the West05:00 — Pioneering Changes in Milking and Milk Quality05:47 — Golden Genes: Building a Progeny Testing Program06:11 — Exporting Dairy Cattle Around the World07:05 — Getting Started With Embryo Transfer07:57 — How Embryo Transfer Changed the Herd09:13 — Diversifying Through Genetics and Embryo Marketing10:24 — The Fiesta Sale: Bringing the Dairy Community Together12:19 — Continuing the Legacy Through Embryo Technology13:16 — The Biggest Game Changer: Improving Herd Genetics13:36 — Designing a Mega Dairy in the Early 1980s14:26 — Building a Blueprint That Influenced Dairies Worldwide15:06 — Bringing New Technology Inside the Cow15:48 — Implementing smaXtec Before Avian Influenza16:30 — Why Internal Temperature Matters for Early Detection17:36 — Using Real-Time Data to Manage Cow Health18:21 — How Early Detection Helped During Avian Influenza19:19 — Changing Daily Cow Checks With Health Monitoring20:12 — Catching Sick Cows Before Symptoms Become Visible20:49 — Technology and Today’s Dairy Workforce22:18 — Getting the Whole Team Comfortable With Technology23:01 — Sharing Experiences With Other Dairy Producers24:32 — How to Evaluate a New Technology Investment25:09 — Why Pat Looks for a 4-to-1 Return25:51 — What’s Next? The Future of Cow Monitoring26:17 — Measuring Fertility and Embryo Potential27:00 — Breeding for Healthier, More Efficient Cows27:49 — What the Next 10 Years Could Bring for Holsteins29:18 — The Center of the Dairy World: World Dairy Expo30:08 — The Uplevel Challenge: Keep Asking “What If?”

Leadership doesn't always begin in a boardroom. For Taylor Novak of EA Risk, formerly Ever.Ag, it started with showing beef cattle, taking on leadership opportunities at Iowa State University and learning to embrace the unfamiliar.In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Taylor joins Peggy Coffeen at World Dairy Expo to share her growth path from beef cattle and feed sales into the dairy industry and her current role as Business Development Manager at EA Risk.She reflects on the mentors who encouraged her, the experiences that built her confidence and the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone to grow. Taylor also shares how understanding different personalities and adapting communication styles can strengthen relationships across generations and teams.From staying connected to her roots to helping dairy producers succeed, this conversation offers practical lessons for young professionals and anyone looking to become a stronger leader in agriculture.EA Risk, formerly Ever.Ag Risk Management, partners with dairy producers to build customized risk management plans that help protect margins in any market environment. With dedicated advisors, industry-leading technology, and proven tools like Dairy Revenue Protection, we help farms reduce uncertainty and secure long‑term financial strength. Learn more at https://ea-risk.carrd.co/00:00 — Leadership Lessons Beyond the Boardroom01:56 — Meet Taylor Novak of EA Risk02:12 — Connecting People and Serving Dairy Producers03:15 — From Beef Cattle to the Dairy Industry04:14 — Growing Up Showing Cattle and Staying Connected to the Farm05:27 — How Farm Experience Shapes Customer Relationships06:16 — Finding Her Path and Purpose in Agriculture08:12 — Advice for Young Professionals Finding Their Way08:34 — Leadership Lessons from Iowa State University09:50 — The Mentors Who Encouraged Her to Take a Leap11:01 — Taking Ownership and Leading by Doing12:09 — Motivating Others Through Hands-On Leadership12:29 — Giving Yourself Grace While Growing as a Leader13:15 — The Power of Mentorship15:32 — Adapting Your Communication to Different Personalities16:42 — Leaning on Your Team and Asking Good Questions17:55 — Understanding Generational Differences in Communication20:47 — What Drives Taylor to Serve Agriculture?22:18 — Her Evolution in Ever.Ag and EA Risk23:26 — Rapid-Fire Questions with Taylor26:22 — The Uplevel Challenge: Thank a Mentor and Be One for Someone Else

What is your dairy farm really worth—and does investing $1 million in facilities mean you’ve added $1 million in value? On this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down with Brad Herkenhoff, a Senior Dairy Lending Specialist, and Shelby Borman, a Certified General Appraiser, from Compeer Financial to explore what drives dairy farm appraisals. They discuss rising land values, construction costs and the facility features that can make a property more attractive to potential buyers. The conversation also examines how location, functionality and expansion plans influence appraised value—and why the cost of a project may not match the value it adds. From financing growth to buying property and planning a farm transition, Brad and Shelby explain how an appraisal can be more than a lending requirement.Learn how understanding your farm’s value today can help you make more informed decisions for its future.This episode is sponsored by Compeer Financial.Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Their dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.Visit https://www.compeer.com/specialists/dairy00:00 — What Is Your Dairy Farm Really Worth?00:28 — Meet the Compeer Financial Experts01:26 — Understanding Dairy Appraisals02:00 — Rising Land Values Across the Midwest03:11 — Construction Costs and Facility Values05:27 — Dairy Expansion: Growth Opportunities and Higher Costs07:11 — Which Facility Improvements Add Value?08:02 — Building for the Right Herd Size09:52 — Planning Expansion in Phases11:36 — How Location and Buyer Demand Affect Value13:26 — When a Dairy Farm Is Harder to Sell14:13 — Using Existing Equity to Support Growth15:13 — Planning Capital Investments for the Long Term16:19 — Why an Appraisal Can Help Before You Buy17:14 — Appraisals and Farm Succession Planning18:16 — Establishing a Starting Point for Farm Value19:45 — Why Every Investment Doesn’t Return Dollar for Dollar20:45 — Working With Your Lender and Appraiser21:54 — The Uplevel Challenge: Know Your Farm’s Value22:18 — Turning Appraisal Insights Into Better Decisions

What makes a great cow—and which breeding decisions shape the future of the Holstein breed? Recorded live during World Dairy Expo, this special edition of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast brings together Greg Andersen of Seagull Bay Dairy and WinStar Genetics, Idaho, Jordan Siemers of Siemers Holsteins, Wisconsin, and Andrew Steiner of Pine Tree Dairy, Ohio, for an open conversation about the cows and bulls that have influenced their breeding programs.They revisit influential cow families, discuss the sires that made a lasting impact, and share the stories behind pivotal purchases and unexpected matings. The conversation also explores the balance between genomic rankings and real-world performance, including strength, fertility, health traits, production and the ideal modern dairy cow. Looking ahead, the breeders consider genetic diversity, international bloodlines, evolving evaluations and the traits that will matter most to profitable herds.This episode is brought to you by EA Risk, Milc Group, smaXtec and United Sires. EA Risk, formerly Ever.Ag Risk Management, partners with dairy producers to build customized risk management plans that help protect margins in any market environment. With dedicated advisors, industry-leading technology, and proven tools like Dairy Revenue Protection, we help farms reduce uncertainty and secure long‑term financial strength.Learn more at https://ea-risk.carrd.co/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 tools they need to succeed.smaXtec 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/United Sires is a partnership of well-known Holstein breeders from the United States bringing genetic solutions to dairy producers worldwide. Our mission, “Breed the Best, Better,” reflects the work we have been doing on our farms for generations. As multi-generational dairy farmers, we adhere to a simple yet powerful principle: We Milk What We Make. We understand the importance of breeding cattle that are profitable throughout their lifetimes, functional across all dairy enterprises, and aesthetically pleasing. Learn more at Unitedsires.com and follow on Facebook at United Sires and Instagram @unitedsiresofficial.00:00 — Introducing The Breeders' Table02:02 — Why These Breeders Wanted to Talk Genetics07:07 — The Holstein Cows That Belong on Mount Rushmore10:34 — The Foundation Cows Influencing Today’s Breeding Programs16:50 — The Bulls That Changed Holstein Genetics20:00 — Influential Sires and the Traits They Transmitted30:00 — What Makes a Profitable, Modern Dairy Cow?35:00 — Genomics, Type and Real-World Herd Performance40:00 — Breeding Decisions, Unexpected Matings and Lessons Learned46:20 — The Purchases and Cow Families That Changed Everything50:31 — Rebuilding Maternal Lines and Preserving Genetic Diversity53:24 — European Genetics and New Opportunities for the Breed55:54 — Rapid-Fire Questions: Indexes, Size, Fat and Protein1:00:00 — What Makes Breeding Holsteins Rewarding?1:02:22 — The Decisions and People Shaping the Future of Genetics

What motivates someone to run 100 miles and bike another 100? For Jordan Matthews of Rosy-Lane Holsteins, the challenge was about more than endurance. It was an opportunity to raise funds for the UW Carbone Cancer Center and bring people together around a cause that matters.In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen talks with Jordan about the motivation behind his Crossing Wisconsin challenge, the personal experiences that shaped his mission, and the lessons he learned along the way.Jordan shares insights on resilience, mental health, leadership and the power of community, showing how a personal challenge can inspire others and make a difference beyond the miles.Support the UW Carbone Cancer Center: Help support the cause behind Jordan’s challenge by donating here: https://give.wiscmedicine.org/CrossingWisconsin0:00 Crossing Wisconsin: 100 Miles Running, 100 Miles Biking03:10 Honoring Loved Ones Through a Challenge04:50 From the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan06:55 How Cancer Close to Home Changed Jordan’s Perspective08:00 From a First 5K to Ultramarathons09:45 Finding a Purpose Bigger Than Yourself13:55 Bringing Friends and the Dairy Community Along17:35 Pushing Others Beyond What They Thought Possible20:35 The Connection Between Physical Activity and Mental Health34:00 Finding Clarity Away From Screens and Distractions37:00 Getting Through the Darkest Hours of the Challenge40:40 Reflecting on Loved Ones and Finding Strength43:55 Supporting Cancer Research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center45:20 Exceeding the Fundraising Goal48:45 What’s Next at Rosy-Lane Holsteins?52:45 You vs. You: Be a Little Better Than Yesterday

What does it take to prepare the next generation to lead a dairy farm before ownership officially changes hands? Peggy Coffeen visits B&B Dairy near Waupun, Wisconsin, to talk with father-son team Brent and Chase Harmsen about building trust, sharing responsibility and navigating farm succession. They discuss the evolution of their dairy, from a stanchion barn to robotic milking, along with improvements in forage quality, nutrition and calf care. Brent and Chase share lessons from a family buyout, including why communication, aligned goals and a written partnership agreement are essential. They also explain why giving the next generation room to make decisions and learn from mistakes can prepare them for future leadership. Discover how this family is building a stronger dairy business through collaboration, continuous improvement and planning ahead.This episode is brought to you by NutriQuest. The NutriQuest Dairy Nutrition Team is a group of experienced nutritionists committed to serving dairy producers by partnering with them to develop an un-biased, customized nutrition program that delivers maximum profitability, achieved through a holistic approach, engaging in all aspects that influence nutrition program success.​The NutriQuest Dairy Team is committed to serving the dairy industry and delivering their customers’ consistent results with a high return.Learn more at nutriquest.com/dairy-nutrition-solutions00:00 Succession Starts Before the Handoff01:58 From a Stanchion Barn to Robotic Milking02:37 Why Chase Returned to the Family Farm03:41 Learning, Growing and Taking on Responsibility04:19 Dividing Roles Between Cows and Business Management05:31 Challenges with Robotic Milking and Calf Health06:56 Improving Forage Quality and Nutrition08:34 Homegrown Feed, Soybeans and Feed Costs11:07 What Makes High-Quality Forage?15:36 Building Trust Through Responsibility17:26 Improving Calf Facilities and Management24:03 Cow Comfort, Health and Dairy Performance26:30 Making Decisions Together Across Generations30:32 Planning for the Future of the Dairy32:40 Learning the Business Side of Farm Succession35:14 Knowing When to Let Go37:01 Why the Next Generation Needs Room to Make Mistakes38:56 Lessons from a Family Buyout40:34 Aligning Goals and Communicating Through Disagreements41:48 Why Every Farm Partnership Needs an Exit Strategy43:47 A Nutritionist's Perspective on the Partnership45:16 Uplevel Takeaway: Transfer Responsibility, Not Just Assets

In this final Showbox Stories Live from the Tanbark episode filmed at World Dairy Expo, Peggy Coffeen and Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires interview Katie DiGangi of Darlington Ridge Dairy about the origins and goals behind the D-Ridge prefix, her family’s growing involvement in showing, and the values she hopes to pass to her daughters Mila and Paige.Katie explains how their tagline “passion, care, quality” guides decisions on their 4,500-cow dairy, how show cattle create responsibility and character for kids, and how CowManager helped improve herd metrics like pregnancy and cull rates. Along with that, the conversation celebrates the success of D-Ridge at the 2026 World Dairy Expo, including owning and exhibiting three class winners, breeding the junior champion of the Red & White show and taking home top honors for junior best three females, all quite a feat for a farm that only first stepped onto the colored shavings five years ago!This series is brought to you by CowManager.CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManagerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=all\YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager01:46 Katie Takes Stage03:22 A Magical Expo Day05:47 Building D Ridge Brand07:29 Why Show Cows09:48 Raising Kids With Chores12:47 Tech That Frees Time14:53 Dreaming Future Stories16:20 Mila The Deal Maker17:42 Surprise Trophy Moment19:45 Where To Find Showbox21:10 Series Wrap And Thanks

In Part 4 of Showbox Stories Live from the Tanbark at World Dairy Expo, Peggy Coffeen and Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires welcome Dr. Sheila McGuirk from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine to discuss her long involvement with the show, beginning in 1983 as a Holstein assistant and evolving into ring responsibilities and veterinary leadership. McGuirk explains the critical role of Expo veterinarians in health, welfare, safety, and preparing elite show cows for top performance, and describes bringing veterinary students to Expo for pre-unload health checks, an accredited experience that has introduced many students,often with no prior cow exposure, to dairy cattle and mentorship.She also shares the Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award, created after Mike Hellenbrand's passing in 2020, to support youth by awarding donated calves that are shown through Expo and sold via the World Classic Sale, with applications opening October 1 and closing January 1, 2027.For more information on this youth opportunity, visit https://hellenbrandlastinglegacy.com/This series is brought to you by CowManager.CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManagerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=allYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager02:42 Dr. McGuirk's Expo Origins04:32 Vet Team Behind Scenes05:56 Training Show Athletes06:55 Students Health Check Program10:27 Mentoring Story Chicago Student13:14 Helennbrand Legacy Award

Filmed live at World Dairy Expo for Showbox Stories: Live from the Tanbark, Peggy Coffeen and Tim Abbott welcome Clark Woodmansee and Bryan Voegeli to share unforgettable Expo memories, the influence of mentors, and the multi-generation family legacies behind Woodmansee Holsteins and Begley’s Brown Swiss, including Bryan’s family role in the Expo’s origins. They discuss why they return for competition, people, and learning, recall stories ranging from a near ring mishap to generational pride, and emphasize honesty, repeat customers, and mentorship as keys to lasting success, along with the prestige of the Klusendorf tradition. Tara Bohnert of CowManager then explains new calving alerts that monitor behavior within 14 days of due date to provide low/medium/high calving probability, helping teams manage maternity pens, intervene earlier, and support healthier cows and calves, while sharing her own Jersey show and mentor-driven dairy journey.This series is brought to you by CowManager.CowManager delivers 24/7 real-time data to help producers enhance herd health, fertility and nutrition. To learn more, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires or visit CowManager.com.Website: https://www.cowmanager.com/Contact: https://www.cowmanager.com/contact/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowManagerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowmanagers/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cowmanager-bv/posts/?feedView=allYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cowmanager02:59 Meet Clark and Bryan04:11 Why Expo Matters09:14 Unforgettable Expo Moments12:08 Generations on the Farm15:57 Sales and Customer Trust22:25 Advice for Young Breeders26:07 CowManager Calving Alerts32:08 Tara Showbox Story35:04 Mentors and Legacy