Seen & Herd

WUD
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Industry Updates for the Modern Dairy Family

  1. 6D AGO

    CARB’s Clean Truck Check: What It Means for Dairy Farms

    This week on Seen & Herd, Western United Dairies’ Paul Sousa joins the show to unpack California’s new Clean Truck Check rule — a regulation catching many dairy producers by surprise. The program, managed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), now requires most heavy-duty diesel trucks to complete regular emissions testing to stay registered with the DMV. Paul walks listeners through what the rule means for farm-owned trucks, how to register in the CARB database, and how to avoid common mistakes — like using unofficial websites or missing renewal deadlines. He also explains how the rules apply to trucks with special equipment plates and shares insights on how WUD is helping members navigate these changes. For more information, visit cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov or contact Paul Sousa at (209) 556-2490 or paul@wudairies.com.

    11 min

  2. OCT 21

    Understanding AB 411 and What It Means for California Dairy Farms

    In this episode, the team breaks down AB 411, also known as the C.A.T.T.L.E. Act—the new law allowing California dairy producers to compost animal mortalities on-farm once safety standards are in place. Governor Newsom’s recent signature on the bill marks a major step toward more flexible, sustainable mortality management. But what exactly does the law do? When can dairies start composting? And what should producers be doing in the meantime? Our guests walk through the CDQAP Advisory Q&A, answering the most common questions from producers and explaining what to expect next from the regulatory process. Key Takeaways AB 411 takes effect January 1, 2026. Until then, composting mortalities remains prohibited. CDFA will develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) before composting begins. These will cover water protection, odor and fly control, and pile management. The law applies statewide—to all livestock facilities, regardless of size or location. Composting materials and finished compost must stay on the same agricultural site to protect biosecurity and traceability. Don’t cancel your rendering contracts yet. Current water board and Dairy General Order requirements still apply.WUD, CDQAP, and CDRF will provide guidance, training, and updates as BMPs are developed.Why It Matters With rendering options shrinking and transportation costs rising, AB 411 gives producers an additional, environmentally responsible option for managing routine animal losses—something long supported by Western United Dairies and the broader agricultural community. More details available within this blog post.

    14 min

  3. OCT 7

    PRB Meeting Recap: What Happened at CalExpo

    In this episode, we recap the September 22 Producer Review Board (PRB) meeting held at CalExpo in Sacramento — a six-hour marathon session with no breaks and plenty of discussion on key dairy issues. Kayla sits down with Western United Dairies’ Paul Sousa to unpack everything from board turnover to ballot delays and funding updates. Paul's written recap - https://westernuniteddairies.com/2025/09/producer-review-board-meeting-september-22/  Vermifiltration episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6HhI5TszoFmPWJ80gUzl6R?si=c88ce41542104822

    20 min

  4. SEP 23

    S6E10: Two Years In: What We've Learned About Bird Flu

    In this episode of Seen & Herd, host Amanda Russell is joined by WUD CEO Anja Raudabaugh to unpack the latest on bird flu in California dairies. They discuss the current status of quarantines, the push for a dairy cow vaccine, Western’s proactive efforts to provide over 4.6 million pieces of PPE, and the regulatory challenges posed by OSHA petitions. Tune in for insight into what these developments mean for dairy families and how industry leadership continues to protect both workers and herds.

    20 min

  5. SEP 12

    S6E9: California’s Dairy Policy Battles: Big Wins and Ongoing Fights

    Western United Dairies CEO Anja Raudabaugh joins Amanda Russell for a legislative update covering three big issues: AB 411, the “Cattle Act” allowing mortality composting; SB 601, a water bill with major litigation risks for dairies; and AB 1264, a school nutrition bill that could have impacted dairy’s place on student lunch menus. They also touch on federal policy priorities, the farm bill, and ongoing support for farms navigating avian influenza. Tune in for the latest on what’s at stake for California dairies in Sacramento and beyond.

    27 min

  6. MAY 27

    New World Screwworm Breakdown with Dr. Michael Payne

    Anja Raudabaugh is joined by Dr. Michael Payne to discuss the re-emerging threat of the New World screwworm, a dangerous pest spreading northward through Mexico that prompted U.S. import suspensions. Dr. Payne breaks down how screwworms infest warm-blooded animals, the telltale signs of infection, and the historic success of the sterile fly eradication program—plus what’s being done now to control the resurgence. The episode also includes an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with promising news on herd recovery and ongoing research into potential transmission pathways.

    16 min

  7. MAY 12

    S6E7: CDFA’s Cinco de Mayo Doubleheader Recap with Paul Sousa

    In this episode of Seen & Herd, Paul Sousa, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Western United Dairies, recaps a significant "doubleheader" of meetings held on Cinco de Mayo—a CDFA hearing on Stop QIP Petition #5 and an afternoon Producer Review Board (PRB) meeting. He breaks down procedural updates, introduces new board members, discusses quota administration issues, and explores the intriguing possibility of using a state bond to retire quota. Paul also provides important guidance on ballot signature requirements ahead of June’s upcoming referendum and dives into a tense series of hardship relief requests. Stay informed on how these developments may shape the future of the quota program in California. Resources: > Previous Episode: Breaking Down Quota Results with Anja Raudabaugh > CDFA Producer Record Update Form

    18 min

  8. APR 23 · BONUS

    BONUS EP: What Dairy Producers Need to Know About Livestock Risk Protection

    This week on Seen & Herd, we have a bonus episode. In this episode, Tiffany LaMendola and Katie Burgess from Ever.Ag who discuss Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)—a timely and flexible insurance program designed to help dairy producers protect revenue from calves, crossbreds, and even cull cows. Learn how LRP compares to DRP, what changes are coming on July 1st, and how to take action to get protection in place. This episode is for you if livestock sales are part of your dairy income.

    11 min
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About

Industry Updates for the Modern Dairy Family

Information

  • Creator
    WUD
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    237
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © WUD
  • Show Website
    Seen & Herd

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