https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us courtneygraham@agrigrowthsolutions.com By adapting to new market trends and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven efficiencies, dairy operations can increase profitability while reducing costs. By adapting to new market trends and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven efficiencies, dairy operations can increase profitability while reducing costs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62441 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62441-the-next-decade-of-dairy-unlocking-revenue-growth-through-innovation-and-ai 62441-graham-1.jpg Lolly Lesher from Way-Har Farms in Pennsylvania joins host Kimmi Devaney to discuss on-farm processing, selling directly to consumers through their farm market and other retail avenues, farm tours and community outreach. Lolly Lesher from Way-Har Farms in Pennsylvania joins host Kimmi Devaney to discuss on-farm processing, selling directly to consumers through their farm market and other retail avenues, farm tours and community outreach.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62520 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62520-podcast-community-outreach-ice-cream-production-and-selling-directly-to-consumers-with-lolly-lesher 111825-PD-Podcast-preview-image.jpg The final piece of their 10-year goal was to sell milk from their farm in a value-added format. Cheese, ice cream, fluid milk – each was researched and on the table. A 2021 trip to Ireland introduced Dave and Kat Mageean to the European design of milk vending machine that they are now using, where customers fill and cap glass bottles themselves using the same concept as a convenience store fountain drink dispenser. The final piece of their 10-year goal was to sell milk from their farm in a value-added format. Cheese, ice cream, fluid milk – each was researched and on the table. A 2021 trip to Ireland introduced Dave and Kat Mageean to the European design of milk vending machine that they are now using, where customers fill and cap glass bottles themselves using the same concept as a convenience store fountain drink dispenser.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61978 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61978-annie-gs-dairy-first-of-its-kind-milk-vending-machine-debuts-in-the-us 61978-berens-creamery.jpg kimmi@agproud.com Starting an on-farm creamery and selling local products directly to consumers at their drive-through market has given Ryan and Haylee Mensonides optimism for the future of the dairy industry while helping to create a legacy for their four sons. Starting an on-farm creamery and selling local products directly to consumers at their drive-through market has given Ryan and Haylee Mensonides optimism for the future of the dairy industry while helping to create a legacy for their four sons.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61814 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61814-drive-through-market-aims-to-increase-convenience-of-purchasing-dairy-products 61814-devaney-Outside-of-market.jpg kimmi@agproud.com Siska Reece has dreamed about having an on-farm creamery since she was 15 years old. That dream became a reality last summer when her family began bottling A2A2 whole nonhomogenized milk and cream and making ice cream with some of the milk produced on their Idaho dairy farm. Siska Reece has dreamed about having an on-farm creamery since she was 15 years old. That dream became a reality last summer when her family began bottling A2A2 whole nonhomogenized milk and cream and making ice cream with some of the milk produced on their Idaho dairy farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61530 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61530-a-dream-come-true-at-copper-cow-creamery 61530-devaney-1.jpg matti@agproud.com After building a state-of-the-art blueberry processing facility, Breanne Stobbe made her husband, AJ, promise that they wouldn’t undertake another large project for at least one year. As fate would have it, the opportunity to purchase a cheese processing facility would arise one month after the ultimatum was given, and together, they couldn’t say no. After building a state-of-the-art blueberry processing facility, Breanne Stobbe made her husband, AJ, promise that they wouldn’t undertake another large project for at least one year. As fate would have it, the opportunity to purchase a cheese processing facility would arise one month after the ultimatum was given, and together, they couldn’t say no.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61025 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61025-blueberries-and-cheese-serene-lea-farms-diversifies-operations 61025-mcbride-1.jpg felicethorpe@icloud.com For dairies considering diversification, here are 10 important suggestions to help ensure a smooth and successful roadmap into innovation and diversification. For dairies considering diversification, here are 10 important suggestions to help ensure a smooth and successful roadmap into innovation and diversification.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60991 Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60991-10-key-considerations-for-dairies-exploring-diversification-and-innovation 60991-thorpe-photo.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 matti@agproud.com When Stephanie and Hayley Painter were growing up in rural Pennsylvania, they didn’t think they had a unique lifestyle. Born and raised on an organic dairy farm in Tioga County, the pair grew up milking cows, feeding calves, running barefoot, working alongside siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins, and enjoying the rolling hills of the Northeast. When Stephanie and Hayley Painter were growing up in rural Pennsylvania, they didn’t think they had a unique lifestyle. Born and raised on an organic dairy farm in Tioga County, the pair grew up milking cows, feeding calves, running barefoot, working alongside siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins, and enjoying the rolling hills of the Northeast. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59608 Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59608-painterland-farms-bringing-the-world-to-the-farm 59608-mcbride-painterland5.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 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 kimmi@agproud.com A community effort to bring local dairy processing to northeast Washington resulted in a stronger agricultural connection for local consumers. A community effort to bring local dairy processing to northeast Washington resulted in a stronger agricultural connection for local consumers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58953 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58953-new-nonprofit-creamery-energizes-local-dairy-industry 58953-devaney-crew.jpg After the Howelings stopped selling milk to a local processor, they turned to creating products made from raw milk such as lotions and soaps. After the Howelings stopped selling milk to a local processor, they turned to creating products made from raw milk such as lotions and soaps.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58417 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58417-houwelings-continue-dairying-after-selling-most-of-their-herd 58417-stangler-houweling-family.jpg In its 10th season of being open, Purple Cow Winery began after Bruce Hemsarth’s kids, Andrew and Greg, moved away for a college education. Andrew Hemsarth says his father eventually “got this itch” which led to planting 800 vines and harvesting a whole lot of wine. In its 10th season of being open, Purple Cow Winery began after Bruce Hemsarth’s kids, Andrew and Greg, moved away for a college education. Andrew Hemsarth says his father eventually “got this itch” which led to planting 800 vines and harvesting a whole lot of wine.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58534 Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58534-winery-built-with-a-dairy-farmers-mentality-in-mind 58534-stangler-1.jpg rebecca@daritech.com The robotic aspect of milking a grazing herd is much the same as in a traditional one, but the primary difference is sending cows out to pasture and ensuring they regularly return to the robot for milking. Optimizing this condition is key. The robotic aspect of milking a grazing herd is much the same as in a traditional one, but the primary difference is sending cows out to pasture and ensuring they regularly return to the robot for milking. Optimizing this condition is key.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58103 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58103-integrating-automated-milking-systems-and-grazing 58103-meier-cows-pasture.jpg In the early 1900s, King Brothers Dairy in Schuylerville, New York, had on-farm processing, but ended in the 1960s due to stricter regulations for milk processing. In the early 1900s, King Brothers Dairy in Schuylerville, New York, had on-farm processing, but ended in the 1960s due to stricter regulations for milk processing.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57755 Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57755-king-brothers-connect-back-to-their-roots-in-dairy-processing 57755-stangler-3.jpg kimmi@agproud.com After 18 months of planning and preparation, Freshly Dairy began processing non-homogenized whole milk in two flavors – chocolate and traditional white milk – in August 2022 just west of Indianapolis in Lizton, Indiana. After 18 months of planning and preparation, Freshly Dairy began processing non-homogenized whole milk in two flavors – chocolate and traditional white milk – in August 2022 just west of Indianapolis in Lizton, Indiana.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57719 Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57719-teamwork-key-to-freshly-dairys-success 57719-devaney-freshly-img2.jpg In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney visits with branding experts Sara Talcott and Felice Thorpe about how to build a standout brand, when to stay local versus grow regionally or nationally, how to differentiate your brand story and much more as it relates to branding, sales and marketing. In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney visits with branding experts Sara Talcott and Felice Thorpe about how to build a standout brand, when to stay local versus grow regionally or nationally, how to differentiate your brand story and much more as it relates to branding, sales and marketing.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57666 Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57666-podcast-building-a-standout-niche-market-brand jenn@agproud.com After nearly 20 years being a member of a nationwide organic cooperative and selling his milk on store shelves across the country, Malone became an owner and general manager of a local creamery in southern Minnesota. After nearly 20 years being a member of a nationwide organic cooperative and selling his milk on store shelves across the country, Malone became an owner and general manager of a local creamery in southern Minnesota. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57266 Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57266-organic-dairy-producers-purchase-creamery-to-secure-market 57266-coyne-milk-cheese.jpg kimmi@agproud.com A desire for their community to experience the farm firsthand led John Carter and his family to create an annual event on the day their cows are released out to pasture in late April. A desire for their community to experience the farm firsthand led John Carter and his family to create an annual event on the day their cows are released out to pasture in late April.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57512 Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57512-spring-release-event-draws-community-to-carter-dairy-farm 57512-devaney-2023-spring-release.jpg matti@agproud.com It’s not often you see a family-owned farm passed down through several generations. It’s less likely that it’s been in the same family for almost 200 years. It’s extremely rare to have the same genetics in that herd that existed 100 years ago. It’s not often you see a family-owned farm passed down through several generations. It’s less likely that it’s been in the same family for almost 200 years. It’s extremely rare to have the same genetics in that herd that existed 100 years ago. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57003 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:00:46 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57003-the-cows-come-first-at-molly-brook-farm 57003-mcbride-Sstonyfieldfarms-4543.jpg kimmi@agproud.com “[Switching from a traditional parlor to an automated milking system] primarily came down to the time savings,” Mallonee says. “[Switching from a traditional parlor to an automated milking system] primarily came down to the time savings,” Mallonee says.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57004 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:17:40 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57004-managing-an-automated-milking-system-on-a-pasture-based-dairy-at-mallonee-farms 57004-devaney-3886-Kimmi.jpg audrey@agproud.com What once was old is new again after an old cheese factory was rebuilt into an eight-room boutique hotel, restaurant, café and micro-dairy plant. What once was old is new again after an old cheese factory was rebuilt into an eight-room boutique hotel, restaurant, café and micro-dairy plant. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56867 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56867-old-wisconsin-cheese-factory-renovated-into-boutique-hotel 56867-schmitz-5.jpg At the NODPA Field Days in September, one workshop focused on feeding strategies organic producers could utilize when grain and input costs are high. At the NODPA Field Days in September, one workshop focused on feeding strategies organic producers could utilize when grain and input costs are high.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56666 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:56:43 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56666-struggling-organic-dairy-farms-foraging-for-survival matti@agproud.com “We absolutely loved the sustainability aspect and were really impressed by Rogue Creamery’s use of technology – the use of artificial intelligence robots, RFID chips, etc. David [Gremmels] explained all the benefits and demonstrated how the entire dairy could be run from the apps on the dairy manager’s phone, which we found fascinating.” “We absolutely loved the sustainability aspect and were really impressed by Rogue Creamery’s use of technology – the use of artificial intelligence robots, RFID chips, etc. David [Gremmels] explained all the benefits and demonstrated how the entire dairy could be run from the apps on the dairy manager’s phone, which we found fascinating.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56662 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56662-blue-cheese-in-the-blue-skies-oregon-creamery-cuts-deal-with-singapore-airlines 56662-mcbride-blue-cheese-2.jpg The Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA) recently held its annual Field Days, touring several organic dairy farms near Middlebury, Vermont, and hosting experts – including panels of organic dairy farmers – to discuss industry news, share concerns, offer solutions and promote the best practices for organic dairy success. The Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA) recently held its annual Field Days, touring several organic dairy farms near Middlebury, Vermont, and hosting experts – including panels of organic dairy farmers – to discuss industry news, share concerns, offer solutions and promote the best practices for organic dairy success.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56664 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 12:46:48 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56664-organic-dairy-calf-health-concerns 081120-jersey-calves.jpeg jsebright@centerfordairyexcellence.org Growing a dairy business doesn’t always necessitate adding more cows. In the case of Pennsylvania’s Oregon Dairy Farm, it meant a dramatic reduction in cow numbers and building on custom cropping and agritourism enterprises. Interviewed in a recent Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence (CDE) “Cow-Side Conversations” podcast, Maria Forry discussed her family farm’s move to create new and diverse revenue streams. Growing a dairy business doesn’t always necessitate adding more cows. In the case of Pennsylvania’s Oregon Dairy Farm, it meant a dramatic reduction in cow numbers and building on custom cropping and agritourism enterprises. Interviewed in a recent Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence (CDE) “Cow-Side Conversations” podcast, Maria Forry discussed her family farm’s move to create new and diverse revenue streams.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56351 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 10:50:49 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56351-custom-cropping-agritourism-part-of-family-dairys-evolution 56351-sebright-oregon-dairy-family.jpg What happens when you combine dairy cows, on-farm processing, an old farmhouse, sunflowers, plenty of dairy products and consumers interested in learning more about where their food comes from? What happens when you combine dairy cows, on-farm processing, an old farmhouse, sunflowers, plenty of dairy products and consumers interested in learning more about where their food comes from? 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56353 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 09:42:34 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56353-maple-bottom-farm-rewarding-for-both-guests-and-family 56353-hagenow-baker-family.jpg The potential to collect a premium on milk has been an underlying factor for those just starting out in dairy, or for conventional dairy farmers seeking to transition to certified organic production. Even some skeptical of organic methods have been swayed to transition by the economic bottom line. The potential to collect a premium on milk has been an underlying factor for those just starting out in dairy, or for conventional dairy farmers seeking to transition to certified organic production. Even some skeptical of organic methods have been swayed to transition by the economic bottom line.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56352 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 11:26:54 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56352-certified-organic-making-it-work-today