Advertise on podcast: The Hoard's Dairyman Podcast

In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, host Jenna Byrne is joined by dairy nutritionist Steve Martin of DNMC Milk explore how feed management strategies vary across the U.S. — and what producers in every region can learn from one another. Drawing on his experience working with herds nationwide, Martin breaks down the practical differences between feeding cows in the North versus the South and why margin management matters regardless of milk price. The conversation dives into how climate, forage availability, and regional feed resources shape rations, with a close look at heat stress, forage quality, and the growing role of byproducts in Southern dairies. Martin emphasizes the importance of consistency, precision, and adaptability, noting that while feed costs may rise and fall with milk prices, disciplined nutrition management is what ultimately protects margins. Martin and Byrne also discuss how data, communication, and on-farm decision-making influence feed efficiency and cow performance across diverse production systems. From managing variability in forage supplies to adjusting rations for environmental stress, the episode highlights strategies that help dairies stay resilient in volatile markets. Whether you’re feeding cows in a cold northern winter or a hot southern summer, this episode offers practical insights into sharpening the pencil on feed costs and building rations that support long-term profitability. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

As the calendar turns to 2026, dairy economists Corey Geiger and Ben Laine join the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast to unpack what lies ahead for dairy demand, milk prices, and consumer behavior. While milk production is climbing both in the U.S. and globally, the industry is facing a familiar challenge: supply is growing faster than demand, putting pressure on milk prices early in the year. Despite the headwinds, Geiger and Laine highlight several bright spots. U.S. retail dairy sales continue to grow, exports are strong, and demand for high-protein dairy products is surging. Categories like cottage cheese, yogurt, dairy creamers, and protein beverages are expanding rapidly, driven in part by changing nutrition trends and the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs that emphasize protein intake. At the same time, cheese demand remains resilient, though the hosts caution that slowing pizza sales and an aging U.S. population could reshape how cheese is consumed in the years ahead. The conversation also explores how policy and demographics influence demand. The return of whole milk to U.S. schools and favorable positioning for dairy in the 2026–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer incremental opportunities, especially in school meals and SNAP programs. However, consumer behavior varies widely by income level, with inflation and employment confidence playing a major role in where and how people eat—and how much dairy they consume. A major differentiator for U.S. dairy farmers remains beef-on-dairy. Strong beef prices are providing a critical revenue stream that is helping offset lower milk prices and is even influencing herd management decisions. Geiger and Laine explain how this advantage sets U.S. producers apart from competitors in the European Union and New Zealand, where growth is more constrained. Looking ahead, the hosts agree that margins will remain under pressure in the near term, but they are cautiously optimistic about improvement in the second half of the year. Risk management tools, diversified revenue streams, and continued innovation around protein-focused dairy products will be key as the industry navigates global oversupply, shifting consumer preferences, and ongoing market volatility. About the Guests Corey Geiger is the lead economist for dairy production and processing and a longtime leader within the dairy industry. Before joining the Farm Credit System, he spent nearly three decades at Hoard’s Dairyman as editor, helping launch the publication’s Chinese-language edition and reporting on dairy farming across 48 states and four continents. Geiger has served in numerous leadership roles, including President of Holstein Association USA, advisor to national dairy organizations, and board member for several industry institutions. Ben Laine is a senior dairy analyst at Terrain with more than 15 years of experience analyzing dairy markets, consumer trends, and global trade. His background includes roles at Rabobank, Agri-Mark Dairy Farmer Cooperative, and EcoBank, where he focused on dairy commodity trading, risk management, and market strategy. Laine holds a master’s degree in resource economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and works closely with dairy producers and lenders to navigate an increasingly volatile global dairy landscape. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "It starts with the right calf" by Abby Bauer This brief Express episode focuses on what drives success when sourcing calves from other farms. It highlights the importance of colostrum management, body weight at arrival, transport stress, and early health status in reducing disease and mortality risk. The episode also emphasizes communication between calf buyers and source farms to improve calf health outcomes. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, host Kylene Anderson sits down with Wisconsin dairy farmer Gail Klinkner of Pine Prairie Jerseys and Klinkner Holsteins. Gail shares how her fourth-generation family farm in the Driftless Region has grown from a small rental operation into a diversified dairy raising both Jerseys and Holsteins, producing much of its own feed, and caring for the land through conservation practices. Gail also discusses the creation of the Klinkner Country Store, a direct-to-consumer farm store launched during the pandemic that sells farm-raised beef, pork, and lamb while welcoming the public onto the farm. From hosting “Summer Nights on the Farm” to opening the barn doors during chore time, Gail explains why connecting with consumers is a priority for her family. Beyond the farm, Gail talks about her work as a farm evaluator for Westby Cooperative Creamery and her leadership roles with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the National Dairy Board. She shares insights into dairy promotion, the importance of farmer checkoff dollars, and the “Born to Dairy” campaign featuring Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens. This conversation highlights the passion, commitment, and optimism driving today’s dairy farmers—and why Gail is excited about the future of dairy for the next generation. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with dairy leaders and farm families. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Keep weaning stress as simple as possible" by Katelyn Allen, former Senior Editor at Hoard's Dairyman. This brief Express episode focuses on strategies for managing stress during the weaning process on dairy farms. It highlights practical, straightforward approaches dairy producers can use to reduce stress on calves and cows when calves are transitioned away from milk. The goal is to simplify the weaning process to help maintain animal health and welfare while minimizing disruptions to productivity. The episode delivers concise, actionable advice for dairy farmers looking to make the weaning transition smoother and less stressful for their animals — in line with other Express episodes that provide short, evidence-based tips for everyday dairy management. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode of The Hoard's Dairyman Podcast, the conversation centers on the vital role women play in agriculture, with a special focus on dairy, as the world looks ahead to the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Host Kylene Anderson is joined by Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, to discuss how this global recognition came to be and why it is long overdue. Harden explains the years of coalition-building and international collaboration — led in part by the United States — that were required to bring the initiative to the U.N., emphasizing the importance of formally acknowledging women’s contributions to farming worldwide. Throughout the discussion, Harden reflects on the often-unrecognized work of women farmers across generations and continents, from family farms in the United States to women producers around the globe who face barriers to land ownership, education, and credit. She also shares how USDEC plans to mark the year, including storytelling initiatives, international conversations, and partnerships designed to elevate women’s voices and experiences in dairy and agriculture. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

This 2025 Flashback Favorite episode revisits the most popular Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast of 2025. Today’s guest is Wisconsin native and fifth-generation dairy producer Dan Siemers. Dan runs Siemers Holsteins, an award-winning dairy farm in Newton, Wisconsin, and shares how a detailed focus on herd genetics has driven improvements in milk production and helped ensure long-term success. The host for today’s episode is Kylene Anderson, Managing Editor at Hoard’s Dairyman. Thank you for listening to the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode of the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast, Jenna Byrne interviews Marilyn Hershey, writer of the column named Common Threads in Hoard's Dairyman for the last 20 years. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Why is that cow standing?" by Mark E. Fox, D.V.M. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

Winter is here, and calf care is top of mind for dairy farmers everywhere. In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, Managing Editor Kylene Anderson sits down with Bethany Dado-Senn — Calf and Heifer Specialist at Vita Plus and part of her family’s dairy — for a practical, honest look at what really works when raising calves through cold snaps and heat waves. Bethany draws on both research and real-world experience to break down the essentials: • What a strong colostrum program actually looks like • Why that second (and even third) colostrum feeding matters more than many think • When to use calf jackets — and the simple temperature rule Bethany swears by • How small management details can throw off average daily gain • The real benefits (and limitations) of pair housing in different seasons • Steps producers can take now to prepare for next summer’s heat • Tips for ventilation, auto feeders, and building or upgrading calf facilities If you work with calves — or simply want to raise healthier replacements — this conversation is full of practical takeaways you can put to use right away. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like it and pass it along to someone else who’d appreciate the insights. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

Before the recipes, before the gathering, before the holiday traditions — there are the people behind every serving, at every meal, and every moment shared. This Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a moment to thank the men and women in every corner of agriculture that make our celebration of this holiday and the enjoyment of every meal possible. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Hoard's Dairyman. Music credit: Aleksey Chistilin, Inspiring Cinematic Ambient Thank you for listening to the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Cut the wait times for robotic milking," by Abby Bauer. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

Today's episode is powered by Specialty Sales.  In this Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast episode, Associate Editor Jenna Byrne chats with Nate Ranallo (“Nate the Hoof Guy”), a seasoned bovine hoof-trimmer who has gained unexpected internet fame. They discuss his journey from farm work in Wisconsin to documenting hoof-care work on social media, how he creates videos, and how his content resonates far beyond the dairy-industry audience. Nate walks through his approach to hoof anatomy, animal care, and the mechanics of trimming, while Jenna draws out his experiences and insights for dairy producers, hoof-trimmers, and curious viewers alike. The conversation touches on topics such as how to recognize hoof‐health issues, the impact of good trimming on cow welfare and herd performance, and how sharing his work with a broader audience has opened doors for education and outreach. Follow the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can find more Hoard's Dairyman Podcasts on the Hoard's Dairyman website: https://hoards.com/articles.sec-244-1-the-hoards-dairyman-podcast.html 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Time is money for the dairy cow," by Abby Bauer. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/

Today's podcast originally aired as the Hoard's Dairyman monthly webinar in March of 2025. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University presented, “Managing through droughts and floods by optimizing low-forage rations.” High-quality forages are the cornerstone of efficient dairy production, but droughts and floods makes quality forages scarce and expensive. This presentation will discuss getting the most from your cows when quality forages are lacking. 👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1 Website: https://hoards.com/