https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us audrey@agproud.com A block of butter, plastic cutlery and just 10 minutes on the clock may not sound like the recipe for a crowd-pleaser, but at the Washburn County Fairgrounds in Spooner, Wisconsin, it proved to be the perfect dairy activity for June Dairy Month. A block of butter, plastic cutlery and just 10 minutes on the clock may not sound like the recipe for a crowd-pleaser, but at the Washburn County Fairgrounds in Spooner, Wisconsin, it proved to be the perfect dairy activity for June Dairy Month.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63299 Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63299-june-dairy-month-butter-carving-contest-churns-up-fun 63299-schmitz-7118.jpg frances@agproud.com An open mind to listen to others’ advice may steer you in the direction of a lifetime. Taking others’ advice led Nicole Morris to become a dairy science instructor at Modesto Junior College (MJC) as well as grow her social media platform beyond Instagram and into Tik Tok. Morris juggles those passions along with running J&M Dairy with her husband, Johnny. An open mind to listen to others’ advice may steer you in the direction of a lifetime. Taking others’ advice led Nicole Morris to become a dairy science instructor at Modesto Junior College (MJC) as well as grow her social media platform beyond Instagram and into Tik Tok. Morris juggles those passions along with running J&M Dairy with her husband, Johnny. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62591 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:37 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62591-nicole-morris-blends-farming-teaching-and-digital-advocacy 62591-Pierce-5523.jpg Time stood still for the Hebgen family that late October day in 2021. In fact, Nicki Hebgen remembers every detail of the day their second daughter Ela died in a tragic UTV accident at the family farm. Time stood still for the Hebgen family that late October day in 2021. In fact, Nicki Hebgen remembers every detail of the day their second daughter Ela died in a tragic UTV accident at the family farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62065 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62065-building-a-legacy-beyond-tragedy 62065-berens-1.jpg frances@agproud.com When Zachary Damrow first moved to Idaho, youth involvement in the dairy show industry was very minimal – and over the years, it continued to decline. After he and his wife had their two children, Callen and Dawson, Damrow felt inspired to ensure there would be something meaningful for them to be a part of. When Zachary Damrow first moved to Idaho, youth involvement in the dairy show industry was very minimal – and over the years, it continued to decline. After he and his wife had their two children, Callen and Dawson, Damrow felt inspired to ensure there would be something meaningful for them to be a part of.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62011 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62011-zachary-damrow-inspires-youth-to-get-involved-in-the-dairy-industry 62011-pierce-62011_3.jpg audrey@agproud.com Throughout June Dairy Month, dairy organizations and companies across the U.S. launched impactful initiatives to support local communities, food-insecure families and the next generation of dairy professionals. Throughout June Dairy Month, dairy organizations and companies across the U.S. launched impactful initiatives to support local communities, food-insecure families and the next generation of dairy professionals.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61725 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:41:44 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61725-dairy-industry-celebrates-june-with-acts-of-giving-nutrition-future-investment 61725-schmitz-uddertech.png ebarge@centerfordairyexcellence.org At Penn State Extension’s Women in Dairy Conference held on Nov. 19, Joanna Shipp, a seventh-generation dairy farmer from Virginia and chair of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, reflected on what the next 20 years of dairy could look like in the U.S. At Penn State Extension’s Women in Dairy Conference held on Nov. 19, Joanna Shipp, a seventh-generation dairy farmer from Virginia and chair of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, reflected on what the next 20 years of dairy could look like in the U.S.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61183 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61183-what-do-the-next-20-years-of-dairy-look-like 61183-barge-shipp-joanna.jpg The high prices of camel milk may make operating a camel dairy seem like a great way to make money. However, the business has challenges beyond those experienced by cattle dairy owners. The high prices of camel milk may make operating a camel dairy seem like a great way to make money. However, the business has challenges beyond those experienced by cattle dairy owners.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60880 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60880-camel-dairies-offer-intriguing-alternative-to-cattle-dairies 60880-pastis-1.jpg jenn@agproud.com At Jer-Lindy Farms, crops are grown, cows are cared for and milk is produced, much like many dairy farms across the nation. In addition to the conventional way of dairying, the Jennissen and Sjostrom families also turn their milk into cheese at the on-farm Redhead Creamery and make whey-based spirits, all while telling their story through public and private on-farm gatherings. At Jer-Lindy Farms, crops are grown, cows are cared for and milk is produced, much like many dairy farms across the nation. In addition to the conventional way of dairying, the Jennissen and Sjostrom families also turn their milk into cheese at the on-farm Redhead Creamery and make whey-based spirits, all while telling their story through public and private on-farm gatherings.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60643 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60643-redhead-creamery-a-place-for-cows-curds-and-cocktails 60643-coyne-1.jpg ryandennis@themilkhouse.org One of the consequences of marrying someone from a different culture and then living in a third country is that our Christmas plans vary wildly from year to year. Last year, we spent Christmas with my wife’s family in her birthplace of Taranto, in the heel of the Italian boot. One of the consequences of marrying someone from a different culture and then living in a third country is that our Christmas plans vary wildly from year to year. Last year, we spent Christmas with my wife’s family in her birthplace of Taranto, in the heel of the Italian boot.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/60536 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/60536-the-milk-house-christmas-in-southern-italy audrey@agproud.com The Christmas Calf by George Woodard captures the essence of a true holiday miracle through the perspective of a 9-year-old farm boy. On a cold Christmas Eve, this young boy's curiosity and care lead him to the barn, where a cow is expected to give birth. In the quiet, snowy night, he experiences the wonder and mystery of new life, illuminated by the magic of the season. Woodard’s storytelling transports readers to this heartwarming moment, making The Christmas Calf a memorable tale for all ages. The Christmas Calf by George Woodard captures the essence of a true holiday miracle through the perspective of a 9-year-old farm boy. On a cold Christmas Eve, this young boy's curiosity and care lead him to the barn, where a cow is expected to give birth. In the quiet, snowy night, he experiences the wonder and mystery of new life, illuminated by the magic of the season. Woodard’s storytelling transports readers to this heartwarming moment, making The Christmas Calf a memorable tale for all ages.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60559 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60559-retired-vermont-dairy-farmer-writes-childrens-christmas-book 60559-schmitz-george-w.jpg Over the course of 2024, the dairy industry experienced some firsts and all-time highs. We continue to see dairy producers adopt new technologies and methods, while also focusing on the basics of good nutrition and animal care. Here, Progressive Dairy looks back at the top-viewed 25 articles from October 2023 to October 2024. We reached out to several of the subjects and authors to ask a follow-up question. Here are the responses we received. Over the course of 2024, the dairy industry experienced some firsts and all-time highs. We continue to see dairy producers adopt new technologies and methods, while also focusing on the basics of good nutrition and animal care. Here, Progressive Dairy looks back at the top-viewed 25 articles from October 2023 to October 2024. We reached out to several of the subjects and authors to ask a follow-up question. Here are the responses we received.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60556 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60556-progressive-dairys-top-25-read-articles-of-2024 60556-Top25-Collage.jpg jenn@agproud.com Progressive Dairy Editor Jenn Coyne spoke with Jamie Leifker, president of Truterra, to learn more about industry efforts to support sustainable dairy farming practices and reach goals within the dairy supply chain. Progressive Dairy Editor Jenn Coyne spoke with Jamie Leifker, president of Truterra, to learn more about industry efforts to support sustainable dairy farming practices and reach goals within the dairy supply chain. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60403 Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60403-3-open-minutes-with-jamie-leifker 3-open-minutes.png matti@agproud.com Driven, hard-working and passionate about the dairy industry. These attributes describe many involved with dairy cattle, and siblings Logan and Lauren Silveira are no exception. The duo have made their splash in the dairy world and are here to stay. Driven, hard-working and passionate about the dairy industry. These attributes describe many involved with dairy cattle, and siblings Logan and Lauren Silveira are no exception. The duo have made their splash in the dairy world and are here to stay.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60164 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60164-silver-elite-holsteins-siblings-creating-a-bright-future-with-genetics 60164-mcbride-3.jpg audrey@agproud.com Identifying consumer trends and generating new, innovative dairy products to meet these demands provides opportunities for increased dairy consumption. Read all about these three new dairy products and how the ideas for them came about. Identifying consumer trends and generating new, innovative dairy products to meet these demands provides opportunities for increased dairy consumption. Read all about these three new dairy products and how the ideas for them came about.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59593 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59593-new-and-innovative-dairy-offerings 59593-schmitz-collage.jpg audrey@agproud.com As June approaches, dairy producers and the dairy industry gear up for a monthlong celebration of all things dairy. June Dairy Month, a tradition dating back to 1937, continues to honor the contributions of dairy farmers, the delicious products they produce and the vital role dairy plays in our daily lives. As June approaches, dairy producers and the dairy industry gear up for a monthlong celebration of all things dairy. June Dairy Month, a tradition dating back to 1937, continues to honor the contributions of dairy farmers, the delicious products they produce and the vital role dairy plays in our daily lives.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/1/post/59609 Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/1-progressive-dairy-from-the-editor/post/59609-a-spoonful-of-goodness audrey@agproud.com Consumers may have another reason to head to the yogurt aisle to reach for a protein-rich cup of yogurt to fill them up and fuel them throughout their day. Yogurts can now make limited claim to lower Type 2 diabetes risk. Consumers may have another reason to head to the yogurt aisle to reach for a protein-rich cup of yogurt to fill them up and fuel them throughout their day. Yogurts can now make limited claim to lower Type 2 diabetes risk. ]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59591 Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59591-eating-yogurt-may-help-lower-type-2-diabetes-risk 59591-schmitz-yogurt-getty.jpg matti@agproud.com Dairy has not escaped the influencing trend – in fact, it’s been the focus of a nutrition beat. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt boast a healthy portion of protein (25 grams and 17 grams per cup, respectively) prompting health-conscious consumers to create unique recipes incorporating the dairy products. Dairy has not escaped the influencing trend – in fact, it’s been the focus of a nutrition beat. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt boast a healthy portion of protein (25 grams and 17 grams per cup, respectively) prompting health-conscious consumers to create unique recipes incorporating the dairy products.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59596 Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59596-influenced-cottage-cheese-and-greek-yogurt audrey@agproud.com Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious way to kick-start your morning and fuel up for the day ahead. One of my go-to breakfast foods is a strawberry, blueberry yogurt smoothie. However, for June Dairy Month this year, I wanted to change up my morning routine a bit and learn a few new quick and easy breakfast treats that include yogurt. Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious way to kick-start your morning and fuel up for the day ahead. One of my go-to breakfast foods is a strawberry, blueberry yogurt smoothie. However, for June Dairy Month this year, I wanted to change up my morning routine a bit and learn a few new quick and easy breakfast treats that include yogurt.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59595 Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59595-fun-and-easy-yogurt-breakfast-snack-ideas 59595-schmitz-8.jpg josh_hushon@cargill.com The number one goal of a feeding program is to promote healthy development from birth to freshening. Additionally, we want to maximize each heifer’s growth and genetic potential to its fullest – while also promoting healthy hair coats, good muscle tone and ideal body condition – when it matters most, show days. The number one goal of a feeding program is to promote healthy development from birth to freshening. Additionally, we want to maximize each heifer’s growth and genetic potential to its fullest – while also promoting healthy hair coats, good muscle tone and ideal body condition – when it matters most, show days.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59537 Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59537-feeding-show-heifers-during-different-stages-of-growth 59537-hushon-cashell.image1.jpg The operation has grown to 400 Holstein cows milked with six robotic milking systems, as well as a new retail store where they also sell local products from their community. The farm has a beef community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and also provides hay wagon tours and farm tours throughout the spring and summer and four weeks of Kids Farm Camp. The operation has grown to 400 Holstein cows milked with six robotic milking systems, as well as a new retail store where they also sell local products from their community. The farm has a beef community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and also provides hay wagon tours and farm tours throughout the spring and summer and four weeks of Kids Farm Camp.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59355 Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59355-fairholm-farm-leans-on-community-to-continue-family-legacy 59355-schilter-1.jpg jwalker@kinderground.org What do you get when two passionate dairy professionals decide that college students deserve a broader view of the dairy industry, an opportunity to connect the dots from farm to factory and to begin building their professional network all while keeping animal welfare and a healthy planet top of mind? Dairypalooza! What do you get when two passionate dairy professionals decide that college students deserve a broader view of the dairy industry, an opportunity to connect the dots from farm to factory and to begin building their professional network all while keeping animal welfare and a healthy planet top of mind? Dairypalooza!

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59270 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59270-progressive-events-dairypalooza-connecting-the-dots-while-cultivating-curiosity-and-compassion 59270-walker-shuttle.jpg kimmi@agproud.com 2023 was a tough and “below-average” year for many dairy producers in the Northeast. While they remain cautious heading into 2024, new processing capacity in New York and other opportunities across the region bring excitement and optimism to the dairy community. 2023 was a tough and “below-average” year for many dairy producers in the Northeast. While they remain cautious heading into 2024, new processing capacity in New York and other opportunities across the region bring excitement and optimism to the dairy community.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59187 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59187-2024-state-of-dairy-pensive-and-cautious-in-the-northeast kimmi@agproud.com In addition to the high input costs and thin margins plaguing dairy producers across the nation, drought, other water issues, low milk prices and labor contribute to the caution expressed by dairy producers and industry leaders in the central and Great Plains region. In addition to the high input costs and thin margins plaguing dairy producers across the nation, drought, other water issues, low milk prices and labor contribute to the caution expressed by dairy producers and industry leaders in the central and Great Plains region.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59186 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59186-2024-state-of-dairy-proceeding-with-caution-in-the-great-plains kimmi@agproud.com New processing capacity in West Virginia and Georgia is bringing optimism to the dairy community in the Southeast. However, 2023 weakened the financial positions of many dairy producers across the region. New processing capacity in West Virginia and Georgia is bringing optimism to the dairy community in the Southeast. However, 2023 weakened the financial positions of many dairy producers across the region.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59185 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59185-2024-state-of-dairy-hanging-on-in-the-southeast kimmi@agproud.com The words “financially stressed,” “weary” and “frustrated” paint a less than cheery picture of the current state of the dairy economy heading into 2024 for producers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The words “financially stressed,” “weary” and “frustrated” paint a less than cheery picture of the current state of the dairy economy heading into 2024 for producers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59182 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59182-2024-state-of-dairy-financial-stress-regulations-burden-dairy-operations-in-the-west kimmi@agproud.com It comes as no surprise that 2023 was a rough year for most dairy producers across the U.S. with low milk prices, high input costs and tight margins. It comes as no surprise that 2023 was a rough year for most dairy producers across the U.S. with low milk prices, high input costs and tight margins.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59177 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59177-2024-state-of-dairy 59177-devaney-cover-image-intro.jpg kimmi@agproud.com Entering an election year with high inflation and input costs, tight dairy farm margins and a farm bill that has been punted into 2024 has left many in the Midwest feeling a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism about what is to come this year. Entering an election year with high inflation and input costs, tight dairy farm margins and a farm bill that has been punted into 2024 has left many in the Midwest feeling a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism about what is to come this year.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59175 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59175-2024-state-of-dairy-cautiously-optimistic-amid-uncertainty-in-the-midwest It is not uncommon for the dairy checkoff to receive calls from entrepreneurs looking to innovate with dairy. This is why Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) created a tool that can help them navigate the resource waters and find the answers needed. It is not uncommon for the dairy checkoff to receive calls from entrepreneurs looking to innovate with dairy. This is why Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) created a tool that can help them navigate the resource waters and find the answers needed.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59147 Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59147-checkoff-watch-checkoff-created-tool-supports-dairy-entrepreneurs 59147-checkoff-1.jpg audrey@agproud.com For years, Chase Pagel of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy told herself she should write a children’s book about her daughter’s Jersey steer, Rosco, who loved to eat pink Pop-Tarts. For years, Chase Pagel of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy told herself she should write a children’s book about her daughter’s Jersey steer, Rosco, who loved to eat pink Pop-Tarts.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59087 Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59087-from-farm-to-page-dairy-mom-writes-childrens-books 59087-schmitz-cover-art.jpg audrey@agproud.com Nicknamed the cattle of the North, reindeer are similar to cows in a lot of ways. Like cows, reindeer have a four-chamber stomach to digest food and also chew their cud. Nicknamed the cattle of the North, reindeer are similar to cows in a lot of ways. Like cows, reindeer have a four-chamber stomach to digest food and also chew their cud.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58583 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58583-from-tundra-to-pasture-mcintosh-dairy-is-home-to-riverdale-reindeer 58583-schmitz-image7.jpg