The Progressive Dairy podcast is for U.S. dairy producers and their industry partners. Each helpful, informative episode serves as an on-the-go companion to the reliable, trustworthy information you find when reading Progressive Dairy magazine. New episodes are released every other week on Tuesdays.
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June 16, 2026Episode 2620 min
Matthew Evangelo talks mastitis management at Bar E Dairy
Matthew Evangelo sits down with host Matti McBride in this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to chat about milking Holsteins and Jerseys, mastitis management and vermiculture. Learn about Evangelo’s career in dairy, current management practices and future plans at Bar E Dairy and their commitment to sustainability.
Episode breakdown:
1:00 – Rapid-fire questions
2:00 – Evangelo’s background
3:20 – Bar E Dairy
4:25 – Milking cows 2X vs. 3X
6:25 – Milking Holsteins and Jerseys
9:45 – Youngstock management
10:40 – Milking protocol at Bar E
11:50 – Mastitis treatment protocol
13:00 – Advice for improving somatic cell counts
15:00 – Cow comfort
17:00 – Vermifiltration system
June 11, 2026Episode 2528 min
Changing the Rules of Pre-Fresh Dairy Cows (Sponsored Podcast)
In this episode, Dr. Blaine Ellison, owner of Applied Biotechnologies Inc. details the uses of a new product QFA. When used during the pre-fresh period and in the first groups fresh where possible, ketosis can be controlled, dry matter intakes will remain at far-off dry group levels without dropping, uterine health will improve, and first-service conception rates, especially in first-lactation heifers, will improve. This is made possible by controlling the 21-day cortisol surge and controlling the blood glucose wasted by the immune system of these stressed cattle. A recent study conducted by Iowa State and Penn State universities concerning this problem will be highlighted and discussed.
This episode is sponsored by Applied Biotechnologies Inc.
Applied Biotechnologies Inc. is a consulting business owned by Blaine N Ellison, DVM that focuses on evaluating technologies for profitable applications on behalf of the beef and dairy cattle industries.
June 4, 2026Episode 2417 min
Performance By Design: Science-driven solutions for today’s calf raisers (Sponsored Podcast)
In this sponsorcast, IFF Animal Nutrition & Health highlights its science‑driven approach to helping calves start strong and perform predictably. Drawing on more than 40 years of animal microbiome and nutritional expertise, IFF discusses how early‑life stress can compromise gut health and long‑term performance in dairy calves and calf ranch systems. The conversation focuses on two complementary solutions: Omni‑Bos® CB, a three‑strain probiotic designed to support early gut development and reduce health challenges, and Betafin®, a naturally derived betaine that helps maintain hydration and gut integrity during stress—together supporting healthier calves from day one.
This episode is sponsored by IFF Animal Nutrition & Health.
June 2, 2026Episode 2350 min
What it takes to raise great heifers and build a winning team culture with Jason Shamburg and Nic Schoenberger
Join host Kimmi Devaney as she chats with Jason Shamburg and Nic Schoenberger, founders and managing partners of Kansas Dairy Development (KDD), about raising dairy replacements and leading a dynamic, high-caliber team.
KDD is a calf ranch and heifer-raising facility based in Deerfield, Kansas, that raises youngstock for dairy clients in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming. They also operate a calf depot in Wisconsin.
Progression of calves and heifers at KDD:
KDD receives calves at 2 to 3 days of age on average, and calves spend approximately 90 days in bedded hutches with a wire paneled outdoor area. After 90 days, calves are moved into transition barns for approximately 60 days. The transition barns range in size from 480’- 660’ in length with individual pens that are 30’ wide by 90’ deep with a 35’ deep roof structure at the back of the pen. Pens are well drained and bedded seasonally with a curtain at the north end of the barn that can be raised and lowered seasonally as conditions require. Calves move to group pens at 150 days of age, which have a significant shade and windbreak structure. Both the group pens and transition barns are bedded heavily to the conditions and needs of the animals throughout the year. At 180-200 days of age, animals are moved to more traditional open lot pens where they will continue to grow until they are moved into the breeding area at approximately 350 days of age. Heifers will be bred according to their voluntary waiting period (VWP) and grown to eventually head back to their respective home dairy at 210 days carrying calf (DCC) on average).
Episode breakdown:
[~1:10] How KDD and the partnership between Shamburg and Schoenberger came together about a decade ago[~2:15] About their calf depot[~4:30] Seasonal management differences, including bedding year round[~7:20] Heifer breeding program[~8:30] Data management[~12:45] Overview of calf ranch and heifer development programs[~13:40] Their client base and how they built those relationships over the last decades[~16:20] Biosecurity[~19:25] Keys to successfully raising heifers[~23:40] How their core values help to shape their team culture[~31:00] Qualities they look for in new employees[~33:05] Keeping employees motivated and engaged[~35:30] The greatest lessons Shamburg and Schoenberger have learned about leading a high-caliber team[~37:45] Schoenberger was recognized by the Holstein Foundation with the 2026 Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader Award[~39:00] Schoenberger’s message for current the YDLI class and what he hopes they gain from their experience[~41:40] Rapid-fire questions
May 28, 2026Episode 2232 min
Dairy cow nutrition strategies in the era of supply chain disruptions (Sponsored Podcast)
Rising costs are reshaping dairy nutrition strategies as milk fat levels continue to increase across US herds. This episode examines how supply chain pressures and renewable diesel demand are influencing fat economics, while highlighting how different fatty acids affect intake, component efficiency, reproduction, and overall return on investment.
Key takeaway: Diets balanced for functional fatty acids and efficiency, rather than cost per ton, are critical for protecting cow performance and profitability in volatile fat markets.
This episode is sponsored by Actus Nutrition, innovators of precision dairy nutrition solutions. Actus proudly manufactures Energy Booster and RPMet, category leading supplements that help farmers maximize their milk check. To learn more about other nutrition products by Actus, such as custom milk replacer products, visit https://actus.com/livestock/specialty-ingredients/
May 26, 2026Episode 2115 min
Creating pregnancies in the heat with Ben Dickman
Ben Dickman of Dickman and Sons Dairy joins host Matti McBride in this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss how he creates pregnancies in 110°F temperatures. Learn what type of cooling system Dickman implements, what reproduction protocol he follows and more about his dairy in Coolidge, Arizona.
Episode breakdown:
0:40 – Rapid-fire questions1:45 – Dickman’s background, Dickman and Sons Dairy3:20 – Temperature challenges4:45 – Cooling systems6:30 – Reproduction protocol7:30 – Current breeding split9:15 – Focus on cow comfort11:20 – Methane digester12:20 – Dickman’s advice for getting cows pregnant in heat13:20 – Goals moving forward
May 21, 2026Episode 2013 min
Integrated Fly Control: Practical Solutions for Producers (Sponsored Podcast)
Join Kenley Zuga and Gene Spellman from Central Life Sciences as they highlight how feed-through fly control can help livestock producers manage fly populations more effectively. In this podcast, they will talk about how targeting flies early in their lifecycle can help reduce pressure on animals, improve overall comfort, and support better performance. They also underscore the importance of combining multiple control methods as part of a broader management approach. Tune in to learn a practical, low-labor strategy for controlling flies that can improve both animal and working conditions on your farm.
Learn more about ClariFly Larvicide and how it can work on your operation.
This episode is sponsored by Central Life Sciences.
May 7, 2026Episode 1934 min
How a Dairy Producer Uses Herd Data to Make Daily Decisions (Sponsored Podcast)
On this Progressive Dairy Podcast, Matt Hendel shares how herd data supports day-to-day decision-making on his dairy operation. From cow-side decisions to long-term herd management, this conversation highlights how disciplined, accurate data helps keep herd information organized, manage complexity, and support informed decisions with confidence.
Drawing from years of experience using Dart—the proven herd management system built on standardized data—Matt discusses how herd management tools support daily workflows, connect data across technologies, and adapt as his operation has grown.
This episode is sponsored by DRMS.
DRMS is a trusted provider of dairy information and decision tools. As a non-profit with deep ties to NC State and Iowa State universities, we’ve spent over 65 years serving the dairy industry—delivering research-backed software, standardized data, and exceptional customer support. Our dedicated team works alongside producers and consultants to ensure they get the training, tools, and insights they need. We turn complex herd data into clear, actionable insights that help producers and consultants make informed decisions, every day—through solutions built in collaboration with the dairy industry.
May 5, 2026Episode 1844 min
Introducing the 2026 Nexus Innovation Award winners
This episode introduces you to the 2026 Nexus Innovation Award winners, recently recognized at the Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference.
We're talking about three technologies that caught the judges' attention: a bolus administered at dry-off that cuts milk production 50% to 60% in 24 hours, an eartag that monitors calf activity from birth and alerts you when behavior deviates from normal, and a semiautomated milking technology that handles everything from pre-dip to post-dip.
Congratulations to the 2026 Nexus Innovation Award winners!
Related articles:
AHV for StopLac
Merck Animal Health for SenseHub Dairy Youngstock
GEA Farm Technologies for DairyProX
StopLac by AHV (1:45 to 14:22)
2:55 How does the product work?
5:30 How was this product developed?
7:00 When do you administer this product?
8:00 How are early adopters using this product?
9:30 What are the long-term effects of this product?
11:05 Any side effects from this product?
12:00 What feedback have you heard from early adopters?
SenseHub Dairy Youngstock by Merck Animal Health (14:25 to 30:00)
15:00 When do you administer this product and how does it work?
15:45 Is the algorithm customizable?
17:00 What insights are you seeing from early adopters?
21:00 What sets this product apart from other monitoring?
23:15 What's the life expectancy of the tag and any warranties?
25:00 What value is created for producers in whole-life monitoring?
27:30 What have you learned about how to successfully transition to an activity monitoring system?
DairyProX by GEA Farm Technologies (31:00 to 44:10)
31:10 What is this product and what does it do?
31:55 How does the product work?
34:10 Does this product limit pre- or post-dips a dairy can use?
36:15 What's the consistency a dairy can expect from using this product?
37:30 What's the return on investment for most dairies?
38:45 Does this product only work with GEA equipment?
41:30 Does this product use more water than conventional milking prep?
42:40 What feedback have you heard from early adopters?
May 1, 2026Episode 1712 min
Silage: What we do matters (Sponsored Podcast)
Making good silage is an art and utilizing technologies can help us improve the process to deliver consistent feed to our animals.
This episode is sponsored by Novonesis.
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