Uplevel Dairy Podcast

Peggy Coffeen
  • 4.8 (31)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Uplevel Dairy Podcast

What does it take to be a successful, profitable and competitive dairy farm business? This is the podcast for dairy owners, managers and advisors who are after their next level of success. Join Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen each week as she sits down with the industry’s leading dairy producers and thought leaders for real conversations about business, management and leadership.

  1. 6H AGO

    243 | New Risk Management Tools for Dairy Producers

    What You Need to Know about Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Curtis Bosma from HighGround Dairy joins us to cover the commonly asked questions he hears from dairy producers regarding new risk management programs aimed at day-old beef-on-dairy calves and dairy cull cows. About HighGround Dairy 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. Learn more at ⁠https://highgrounddairy.com/⁠ or email them at info@highgrounddairy.com

    27 min

  2. 2D AGO

    242 |From the Heart: Celebrating 15 Years of Dairy Cares with Jim Ostrom

    In this special episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy is joined by Jim Ostrom, CEO of Milk Source, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Dairy Cares of Wisconsin. Jim shares the origin and growth of Dairy Cares, a charitable initiative that started as a garden party among friends and is on pace to raise a cumulative total of more than $4 million for Children's Wisconsin.  The candid discussion with Jim reveals the heart behind Dairy Cares, highlighting families and their stories, as well as honoring the legacy of generosity set forth by the late Annette Ostrom. The episode underscores the importance of community, visionary leadership, and generosity.  Jim also calls on listeners to support Dairy Cares through donations, participation in a virtual auction, or attending the annual garden party. Contribute to Dairy Cares of Wisconsin Three ways to give back and support families in their greatest times of medical need: Corporate or individual donation Virtual auction Attend the annual Garden Party on July 27 Find details and donate here: www.dairycaresofwisconsin.org 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/

    27 min

  3. JUL 3

    241 | In Memory of Katie Coyne: A Legacy of Hope and Purpose

    At the end of 2024, I sat down with Katie Coyne to catch up and reflect on how her year had gone and to see what she had hoped to bring in for 2025. Today, we share this re-release in remembrance of Katie’s life, her incredible impact, and the legacy she leaves behind. In this episode, Katie opened up about her roots in the dairy industry and her passion for mentoring the next generation. She believed deeply in paying it forward, and her words and actions reflected that commitment every day. Katie also courageously shared her personal journey with cancer, including the prognosis she received in late 2024. Despite the challenges, she continued to live with remarkable hope and unwavering purpose—anchored by one guiding word she chose to live by in 2025. This conversation is a tribute to a life well-lived and a reminder of the strength, generosity, and spirit Katie embodied. Her voice and vision will continue to inspire all who listen.

    34 min

  4. JUL 1

    240 | Reflecting on a Life Filled with Courage and Confidence: The Legacy of Katie Coyne

    Have you ever stopped to think about the people who didn’t have to help you—but did anyway? The ones who showed up with encouragement, opened doors for you, and believed in you long before you believed in yourself? Katie Coyne was one of those people—for me, and for so many others in the dairy community. In this special episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we are joined by Katie’s daughter, Kelly Reynolds, to reflect on Katie’s life and legacy, followed by the conversation Katie and I had one year ago, called “Leading with Courage and Confidence.” Katie was a steadfast mentor, a voice for youth in agriculture, and a woman who gave freely of her time, wisdom, and spirit. This episode was recorded during the final chapter of Katie’s journey here on earth. I knew it was time to sit down with her—not just to thank her, but to honor her story. To let her share in her own words the values she stood for, the lessons she learned, and why pouring into others always mattered most. Katie’s impact will live on in every life she touched.This episode is a celebration of that legacy. And tune into our next episode to hear the last conversation we had with Katie on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

    1h 15m

  5. JUN 26

    239 | Navigating Risk and Opportunity in Dairy Farming with Preston Fernandes

    In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Preston Fernandes shares his extraordinary journey from California's Central Valley to managing multiple distressed dairies. Rooted in his family's legacy, Preston's story highlights his innovative lean management style, risk-taking appetite, and the tough lessons learned about leadership and growth.  Listeners will gain insights into scaling a dairy business sustainably in today’s competitive industry and marvel at Preston's bold vision for the future, including the potential use of bipedal robots.  Sponsored by AHV, this episode offers valuable lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity. This Episode is Brought to you by AHV AHV (Animal Health Vision) helps empower their customers as entrepreneurs that embrace innovations in animal health. As a knowledge center, they are a leader in the field of quorum sensing innovations and advisory services for optimal animal health, with programs that focus on improving key areas such as udder health, uterine health, reproduction, and more. AHV celebrates the health and success of the dairy cow and is also proud to honor and celebrate dairy farm moms who are making a difference, today and every day. Find more information at: ⁠https://ahvint.com/⁠

    38 min

  6. JUN 24

    238 | Exploring a Cross-Country Career in Dairy with Gabe Smith

    In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Gabe Smith, a Zoetis territory business manager with a unique career path in the dairy industry. Gabe shares his journey from managing a small dairy herd, working with top genetic herds, to his role at Zoetis.  He discusses the significance of saying yes to new opportunities, the importance of taking care of people and animals, and the valuable lessons learned from mentors in the dairy community. Gabe also reflects on personal challenges and successes, emphasizing the importance of trust, perseverance, and listening in professional growth. The episode underscores Gabe's commitment to the dairy industry and his continuous development as a leader. 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.⁠

    27 min

  7. JUN 19

    237 | Serving up Butter and Cheese, with a Side of LRP and FMMO Changes

    In this June 2025 market update from High Ground Dairy, Curtis Bosma reviews significant movements in the dairy industry, including milk, feed, and cattle markets: The dairy segment sees strong cheese and butter production with rising domestic demand and favorable export conditions.  Economic fluctuations and Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) changes impact producer payments. The feed market focuses on corn and soybean meal dynamics, highlighting crop conditions and biofuel policy impacts.  Record-high feeder cattle prices are driving dairymen to emphasize revenue management strategies, including the new Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) for dairies.

    23 min

  8. JUN 17

    236 | Balancing Technology and Tradition with Adam Westenbroek, Westwind Farms

    In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy sits down with Adam Westenbroek of Westwind Farms in Bakersfield, California.  Adam shares how cutting-edge technology is empowering him to be both the dairyman and the dad he wants to be. He emphasizes the importance of implementing technological advancements, such as activity monitoring and sort gates, to improve cow comfort and efficiency, which in turn has allowed him to spend more time with his family. Adam also talks about the personal and professional growth he's experienced and his ongoing commitment to constantly improve his dairy operations. This episode highlights the intersection of traditional hard work with modern innovations to achieve sustainable and successful dairy farming. The High-Performance Mindset Series is powered  by Nedap. Nedap is future-proofing dairy farms by revolutionizing cow-side care through technologies in activity monitoring, cow locating, milk metering and identification. Listen for more episodes in this series throughout 2025 00:00 Introduction to Adam Westenbroek and Westwind Farms 01:03 Adam's Journey into Dairy Farming 03:21 Challenges and Innovations in Dairy Farming 08:48 Family Life and Work Balance 13:32 Embracing Technology for Better Dairy Management 16:38 Letting Go of the Old Ways 17:06 Embracing Technology in Dairy Farming 17:40 Impact of Technology on Daily Operations 18:38 Improving Cow Handling and Health 20:26 Reproductive Goals and Challenges 21:36 Breeding Program Strategies 22:40 Future Plans for Dairy Optimization 24:18 Personal Growth and Leadership 25:28 Uplevel 5: Getting to Know Adam 29:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections About Nedap

    33 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

What does it take to be a successful, profitable and competitive dairy farm business? This is the podcast for dairy owners, managers and advisors who are after their next level of success. Join Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen each week as she sits down with the industry’s leading dairy producers and thought leaders for real conversations about business, management and leadership.

Information

  • Creator
    Peggy Coffeen
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    238
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 868329
  • Show Website
    Uplevel Dairy Podcast

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