Uplevel Dairy Podcast

• 290 | How to Launch Your Professional Dairy Career

  In this special live panel episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen moderates a discussion featuring three distinguished dairy industry leaders: Kylene Anderson, managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman, Brian Coyne Manager of Applied Genetic Strategies at Select Sires, and Amanda Lichtensteiger, Strategic Marketing Lead for Diamond V. This conversation was captured at the National Dairy Shrine Young Professionals luncheon during the 2025 World Dairy Expo. The panelists share their career journeys, from early internships to their current management roles. They offer advice on navigating the job market, building a career with intention, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Whether you are starting your career or looking to advance, this episode is filled with practical tips and inspiration to help you stand out and succeed in the competitive dairy industry.

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• 289 | Sitting on the Showbox with Tim Abbott: Reflecting on 2025, Saddling up for 2026

  In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sits down on the showbox with Tim Abbott. Tim reflects on his 2025 word "focus," shares insights into the successes and challenges faced during the year, and reveals his new word for 2026. Tim's wife, Sharyn, joins the conversation to share her word too! The episode also highlights the Abbott family's new venture, Deep Canyon Guest Ranch in Montana, and touches on their upcoming dairy cattle sale event in Nashville. Listeners are encouraged to choose their own word for the year to guide their personal and professional growth.00:00 Introduction and Annual Word Challenge01:55 Catching Up with Tim Abbott04:53 Reflecting on 2025: Focus and Achievements10:19 Challenges and Lessons Learned16:01 New Ventures: Deep Canyon Guest Ranch22:06 Looking Ahead to 202622:20 Reflecting on Uplevel's Impact22:44 Choosing Words for 202623:54 Tim's Word: Explore28:54 Sharon's Word: Dream31:25 Family Business Aspirations34:02 Upcoming Nashville Event37:03 Conclusion and Call to Action

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• 288 | Leadership, Culture, and Next-Gen Growth at Vir-Clar Farms with JR Boyke

  In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, we hear from JR Boyke of Vir-Clar Farms in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, about coming back to join his family farm and growing into his roles as a manager and owner as the dairy has expanded and taken on a second site. JR discusses how his father insisted he gain experience working on other dairies, which shaped his skills and leadership abilities. He reflects on his journey back at age 23, starting from the bottom and rising to a managerial role. JR highlights the importance of employee engagement, cultural integration across expanded operations, and his personal passion for dairy cattle genetics. This Episode is Brought to you by Compeer FinancialCompeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural America. Our dairy team brings world-class expertise and tailored solutions to support dairy producers’ financial goals and lending needs.For more information, contact the Compeer Dairy Industry Experts.  Dairy Industry Articles: Gain knowledge from subject matter experts00:00 Introduction to JR Boyke's Journey01:12 Early Life and Family Farm Evolution03:59 Returning to the Farm and Gaining Experience07:23 Career Development and Responsibilities08:05 Leadership and Team Building19:59 Expanding the Farm and New Opportunities24:45 Advice and Reflections26:31 Closing Thoughts and Rapid-Fire Questions

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• 287 | Inside Global Ag Economics with Joe Kerns: Protein Demand, Risk, and Opportunity

  In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Joe Kern of Ever Ag discusses critical market trends impacting the agricultural industry as we move towards 2026. Kern provides an in-depth analysis of global influences, margin pressures, and potential threats to farming businesses. The episode is sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast, and it highlights how dairy producers can optimize their operations using tools like Milk Pay app. Joe Kern also shares his career journey, experiences, and the importance of adaptability and technological integration in the agriculture sector. Key discussions include the impact of government support programs, global protein demand, renewable energy trends, and challenges in the dairy market. The episode concludes with Kern's insights into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) for dairy producers, emphasizing cautious optimism and the critical role of being open to change.This Episode is brought to you by AdisseoThis 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/00:00 Introduction to Market Trends and Dairy Industry Insights00:37 Sponsor Message: Uplevel Dairy Podcast01:23 Joe Kern's Background and Career Journey04:13 Current Role and Industry Involvement05:55 Global Economic Outlook and Dairy Industry Impact15:33 Renewable Energy and Biofuels in Agriculture18:35 Grain, Beef, and Dairy Market Trends20:59 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for Dairy Producers24:20 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways26:50 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

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• 286 | Guided by a Word: A Journey in Leadership and Faith with Tim Peart

  In this special Thanksgiving Day episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy has a powerful conversation with Tim Peart, Senior Vice President of Production Animal at MWI, as they reflect on their 'Words of the Year' for 2025. Tim also shares how the impactful practice of selecting a 'Word of the Year' has been for himself and his team, sharing insights into his selected words for the past few years—'Engagement' and 'Embolden'. Looking ahead to 2026, his word is 'Devotion,' highlighting personal and professional growth, faith, and leadership. Tim's candid reflections on these themes offer inspiration on how to lead oneself and others toward meaningful progress and well-being.00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Gratitude01:05 Introducing Tim Peart and the Word of the Year02:28 Tim Peart's Journey with the Word of the Year05:14 The Impact of Choosing a Word: Engagement and Emboldenment 15:00 Acting with Urgency in 202525:42 Looking Ahead to 2026: Devotion27:03 Defining Devotion in Life and Work27:52 Personal and Professional Devotion29:19 Action Plans for 202629:40 Faith and Family Commitments30:47 Purpose and Professional Impact34:20 Connecting with Adult Children37:30 Choosing Words for the Year38:32 The Power of Stewardship41:08 Embracing the Word 'Prune'44:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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