Shows
DairyVoice PodcastDr. Robert Fourdraine of DRMS Talks About The New game-changing Fresh Cow IndexIn this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman from Black Dirt Communications speaks with Dr. Robert Fourdraine, the Assistant Director of Product Development for DRMS. They discuss the new Fresh Cow Index (FCI) and why it’s so important. Dr. Fourdraine explains what makes FCI different from other transition cow KPIs and shares herd scenarios that stand out since FCI was released. The Fresh Cow Index from DRMS could shape transition cow management in the future.For more information on the Fresh Cow Index, you can go to https://www.drms.org/HerdHQ/What-Is-HerdHQ.
2025-10-1818 min
DairyVoice PodcastLucas Fuess of Rabobank on the Global Dairy Top 20 ReportIn this episode of DairyVoice, host Mike Opperman talks with Lucas Fuess, Senior Dairy Analyst at Rabobank. They discuss Rabobank’s Global Dairy Top 20 Report and what to look forward to in 2026 for the dairy economy. There have been significant change recently and Lucas takes us through it and focuses on the broader trends in the global industry.This is one of the more well-known reports each year and not only covers reporting on the largest dairy companies, it dives in to analytical insights. This is a fantastic clear and concise podcast, and gives a lot of in...
2025-10-0431 min
DairyVoice PodcastGreg Palas of DRMS Explains For Producers How To Better Use Their DataIn this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman talks with Greg Palas, a veteran herd management specialist and manager of user support services, at DRMS. Greg shares lessons from the field and discusses a real-world case study involving a 3300 cow midwest dairy.Using tools that make a dairy farm’s data easy to act on is key! He suggests that DRMS’ HerdHQ can be an answer for many dairy farmers, as it can spot trends, compare performance and make informed decisions in a clear way. For more information on HerdHQ and DRMS, you can go to https://www.drms...
2025-09-0511 min
DairyVoice PodcastDr. Mario Riboni from Diamond V on Managing Heat StressIn this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman talks with Dr. Mario Riboni from Diamond V on managing heat stress and some of the things that might be overlooked, especially in the dry period.Dr. Riboni discusses Keeping cows properly cooled, eating patterns, and the importance of the parlor, among other things. Riboni stressed heat abatement technologies - they need to be looked at every year.
2025-08-2930 min
DairyVoice PodcastJodie Myers of Diamond V With Tips and Information on This Year’s Forage EffortsIn this episode of DairyVoice, we continue with discussions on forage. DairyVoice host Mike Opperman talks with Jodie Myers of Diamond V. Everything needs to go right to get the best corn silage as possible and Jodie provides a lot of good information to help our dairy farmers.
2025-08-0116 min
DairyVoice PodcastDr. David Kolb of Acepsis Discusses an Often Overlooked Nutrient for Cows - WaterIn this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman speaks with Dr. David Kolb of Acepsis. They discuss one of the most important nutrients cows need… water! The water trough is a great disseminator of pathogens and disease and it is often overlooked why water is so important to cow nutrition and health. Listeners can find out more about Acepsis at https://acepsis.com .
2025-05-3018 min
DairyVoice PodcastBart Elder With Vermeer On Tips And Processes To Get Started In Hay And Forage SeasonHay and forage season is soon. In this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman talks with Bart Elder of Vermeer. They discuss the many aspects of making good quality forage and getting it stored properly. These tips and processes involved in the getting hay growing in the field, harvested, processed and stored are key.
2025-05-1612 min
DairyVoice PodcastMike Opperman Talks With Corey Geiger of Co-Bank on the Dairy EconomyIn this episode of DairyVoice, host Mike Opperman talks with Corey Geiger, dairy economist with Co-Bank. They discuss the state of the dairy markets, tariffs, China, and what to look for going forward.
2025-04-0528 min
DairyVoice PodcastRobin Smith of Agri-Service Agency on health insurance for your farmIn this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman talks with Robin Smith, AFIS, CRM, CIC, RCLS of the Agri-Service Agency. They discuss renewal of health insurance for your farm. The Ag industry has a completely different set of needs than most other organizations and Robin digs in to some of the issues. From what you can afford and selecting a network to add-on and out of pocket costs, dairy farmers need to work with someone that understands the specific needs of a farm.One resource is the Agri-Service Agency. You can find out more at agri-servicesagency.com.
2024-11-3016 min
DairyVoice PodcastTara Bohnert of Datamars Livestock on New Technologies for DairyIn this episode of DairyVoice, host Mike Opperman speaks with Tara Bohnert, Smart Farming Dairy Specialist for Datamars Livestock. They discuss new technologies and some of the data they can collect. The big question … how can producers collect all this data to help them make more effective decisions?Tara talks about upcoming technology that she is excited about and what dairy farmers need to do before stepping in to this new technology.
2024-09-2616 min
DairyVoice PodcastMike Opperman and Dr. Joel Pankowski discuss building resiliency in the herdIn this episode, host Mike Opperman talks with Dr. Joel Pankowski of Arm & Hammer on resiliency in the herd, gut health, and pathogen mitigation. Dr. Pankowski explains that the best approach is to treat cows as elite athletes.
2024-07-1218 min
DairyVoice PodcastJoel Hastings and Mike Opperman Talk About the National Dairy Shrine and Their 75th AnniversaryJoel Hastings returns to DairyVoice to have a conversation with his longtime friend Mike Opperman about an organization that’s important to the dairy industry. The National Dairy Shrine, which is headquartered in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. In 2024, National Dairy Shrine is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Mike talks with Joel about special activities this year, scholarships, the Shrine’s history, and the upcoming banquet and annual meeting at World Dairy Expo. A lifetime membership to the National Dairy Shrine is only $50. Donations can be made at https://www.campaign75.org.
2024-06-2929 min
DairyVoice PodcastHow dairy producers can take advantage of solar energyMike Opperman of Black Dirt Communications speaks with Josh Cordle, the CEO of Sun Farmers Group about How dairy producers can take advantage of solar energy. They talk about using farm land that is otherwise not usable, the Inflation Reduction Act and associated tax incentives, and how solar energy can help a dairy producer with their sustainability footprint. The bottom line… it has to make financial sense to the farmer.For more information, go to https://sunfarmersgroup.com/
2023-07-0222 min
DairyVoice PodcastAn in-depth discussion on technology and its impact on dairy labor efficiencyMike Opperman with Black Dirt Communications hosts this episode of DairyVoice and he talks about technology and its impact on labor efficiency. The episode is a panel, including Stephanie Schroeder from Waikato Milking Systems, Tomas Vera of Contec Group-MADCAP, Ben Russell of Mastaplex, and Ray Williams from Gallagher. The podcast discusses how dairy producers can invest in technology to make sure it is implemented properly on their dairy? And, why should they embrace the change of adopting new technology?More information is available from the panelist at:Gallagher: https://am.gallagher.com/
2023-06-0231 min
DairyVoice PodcastMike Opperman and Dr Dennis Funk discuss the National Dairy ShrineLike the dairy industry itself, National Dairy Shrine continues to evolve. Executive Director Mike Opperman and Board President Dr. Dennis Funk talk with Joel Hastings of DairyBusiness News about scholarships and the Museum, along with the recent member survey and the Board's long-range planning. And, everyone hopes the annual awards banquet, highlight of the year, can return in 2021 at World Dairy Expo.
2021-01-2925 min