In this episode, host Kimmi Devaney and Illinois dairy producer Lorilee Schultz from Mil-R-Mor Farm discuss leadership, genetics, advocacy, opportunities for women in dairy and much more.

Connect with Schultz on her farm’s Facebook page.

Lorilee SchultzLorilee Schultz. Photo provided by Lorilee Schultz. 

This episode is brought to you by Dairy One.

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For collecting and testing milk samples in the Northeast, Dairy One has proudly been serving farms for 75 years. Our professionally trained DHI Field Technicians work with dairies to collect milk samples and report back on results. For more information about testing services email support@dairyone.com.

At Dairy One, we are committed to providing dairies in the Northeast with herd records. Our team will visit your farm to collect a milk sample, and return results to you on components, diseases like Johne’s or Bovine Viral Diarrhea, or the presence of Mycoplasma bovis. We can even tell you if a cow is pregnant or not from a milk sample. Our trained DHI Field Technicians can schedule a visit around your needs, and work with you to improve your milk’s quality. For more information about milk testing services email support@dairyone.com.

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Season 6, Episode 2


Here is the episode breakdown:

  • [~0:40] About Schultz and Mil-R-Mor
  • [~2:15] Schultz shares why dedicating the time to serve the industry through various leadership positions is important to her
  • [~4:00] As the past chair of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Young Cooperators (YCs), Schultz discusses what interested her in this leadership role
  • [~4:45] How the YC program helps to develop young dairy leaders 
  • [~7:15] An overview of some of the questions Schultz often receives when meeting with legislators
  • [~9:05] The most interesting thing she’s learned about dairy policy and building relationships with elected officials
  • [~10:00] Tips for other producers interested in building relationships with legislators
  • [~12:30] Other opportunities available for younger producers interested in becoming more involved in the dairy industry
  • [~14:30] Schultz discusses some of the greatest challenges for women serving in dairy leadership roles.
  • [~22:25] Schultz’s tips to help current dairy producer leaders encourage and mentor future leaders
  • [~24:20] Advice for other dairy ladies who may be considering an industry leadership role
  • [~26:05] An overview of Schultz’s involvement with the Adopt-a-Cow program and her key takeaways from virtual sessions with the students and teachers
  • [~28:00] Other community involvement
  • [~29:30] Her family is passionate about registered genetics. Schultz tells listeners about some of the top traits they prioritize when breeding their herd.
  • [~31:30] Schultz discusses some of her farm’s best cows over the years
  • [~35:00] Schultz describes what the transition process has been like for her family so far
  • [~37:35] Schultz’s five-year goals for Mil-R-Mor Farm
  • [~40:15] Rapid-fire questions


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