Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! “When you look at innovation, what can you do to your daily tasks to automate them, simplify them, and make them labor-friendly and super easy? That’s where it’s at – your daily tasks.” In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Josh Waddell of Apple Shamrock Farms LLC in No…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! We all know that on a dairy farm, it’s very easy to go from zero to 50 in the blink of an eye – but nothing is more important than saving a life or preventing an injury. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Matt Carr, a third-generation dairy farmer from Westmoreland C…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Trenton Canon and Josie Offerdahl (the fifth generation on Canon Dairy in Mercer County, PA) share how they are focusing on diversity as a way to grow. In this interview with the siblings, Trent talks about some of their cropping st…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Andy Bollinger of Meadow Spring Farm in Northern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania reflects on how someone once told him that the best dairy farmers are not great at any one aspect of farming, but are good at three key areas of dairy f…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! “I got told ‘no’ a lot,” Amy shares as she reflects on the years she spent getting her value-added dairy business off the ground. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Amy Brickner of Stover Farms and Destiny Dairy Bar in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania opens up about h…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! For Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Cow-Side Conversations showcases how a unique friendship started years ago helps a small group of farm women located across the state balance the highs and lows of farming and family life. Katie Sattazahn and her family farm…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Duane Stoltzfus of Pennwood Farms LLC in Somerset County, PA shares a glimpse inside their nutrition program, the feeding decisions they make for their 600-cow herd as they crop 2,000 acres, and the return on investment they’ve seen after implementing a feed watch technology…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Too often, we hear about dairies that are exiting the industry or those without a next generation. We don’t always hear how dairy farm families are positioning their operations for the future. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Yvette Longenecker of Penn England LLC …

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Managing calves can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with the up and down temperatures we’ve had this winter. But getting calves off to a good start can make all the difference in the future productivity of your herd. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, …

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! January on the farm can be rough for everyone: you, your employees, and your herd. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Justin Risser of Meadow Vista Dairy in northern Lancaster County shares how his team takes it one day, one decision, and one individual at a time. He…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! “Cheese-making is kind of like farming. There are many different ways to do it well and do it right.” The holiday season is here, and can you imagine having to fill a bunch of orders from last-minute customers looking for the perfect gift? For Pennsylvania dairy farmers in t…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! As we wrap up Season 3, Jayne Sebright, host of the podcast, sat down with Emily Barge, our podcast producer, for this special bonus episode to reflect on some memorable moments. Featuring conversations with 12 dairy farms from across Pennsylvania, this season included farm-…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With fall harvest wrapping up, many dairy farms are looking ahead to the winter months. For the grazing herds in Pennsylvania, this means moving their herds off the grass. To kick off Season 4 of Cow-Side Conversations, Neil Hertzler of Rock Hollow Dairy LLC in Perry County,…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Too often in Pennsylvania, we talk about dairy farm families who are exiting the dairy business. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Cory Mellott, Kerry St. Onge and James St. Onge – all middle managers at Molly Pitcher Milk LLC – share the unique journey of how their…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! What does the expansion decision-making process look like? In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Tyler Rohrer of Rohrer Dairy Farms in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania shares how his family made the decision to invest in a 60-stall rotary milking parlor and expand to milk…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! For Oakleigh Farm in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, they went from a true, 1950’s era dairy farm to a fully-automated, 21st century dairy operation in less than a year. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Matt Brake of Oakleigh Farm opens up about how a devastating ba…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! “To me, value-added is one of the few areas of growth.” “Ice cream is a fun thing.” If you want your kids to dig in, you have to allow them to run.” In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations (and to cap off National Ice Cream Month this July), William Lesher of Way-Har Farms…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Tricia Adams of Hoffman Family Farms, LLC in Potter County, Pennsylvania describes their family business and how Potter County’s unique terrain impacts their growing season and dairy management practices. With a strong presence in t…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! “Rub some dirt on it” might work for physical problems on the farm, but it’s not always that simple with mental health. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Jess Peters of Spruce Row Farm in Crawford County, Pennsylvania has a candid conversation about some of the thou…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Diversification is common on many PA dairy farms. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Daryl Martin of Dew Mist Farms in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania talks about some of the unique ways he has diversified his family business and said “yes” to new opportunities. From da…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Today is the first day of spring, and many dairy famers are already preparing for their spring planting and cropping cycle. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Shawn Saylor of Hillcrest Saylor Dairy Farms in Somerset County, Pennsylvania talks about his unique, regene…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With limited land availability on their home farms, many Pennsylvania dairy farmers are considering investing in satellite dairies. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Rod Hissong of Mercer Vu Farms in Franklin County, Pennsylvania opened up about their journey to inv…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Making the decision to invest in new technology like a robotic milking system or a compost barn can be exciting, but it often comes with a learning curve and new maintenance requirements. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Phoebe Bitler of Vista Grande Farms in Berks…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Should you overcrowd or not? While some farms use overcrowding to increase overall profitability, others worry that individual cow performance will suffer if they overcrowd. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Dale Brown, a partner at Jobo Holstein Farm in Gettysburg,…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Especially during this month of giving and gratitude, being able to work alongside your family and serve your community at the same time is one of the most satisfying parts of dairy farming. To kick off Season 3 of Cow-Side Conversations, Jennifer Orr of Harmony Acres in Fay…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With 7,100+ downloads to date, the Cow-Side Conversations podcast has remained true to our original mission: helping dairy farmers learn from other farmers. As we wrap up Season 2, Jayne Sebright, host of the podcast and director at the Center, sat down with Emily Barge, pod…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Dairy cows are a lot like high-performing athletes. To help them achieve their peak performance, attention must be paid to every detail. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Tom Barley of Star Rock Farms in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, shares how their team remains …

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! “I always liked to rest at the top of the hill, not the bottom. I wanted to do that as I exited dairy.” “A farm is more than just a place to make a living. It’s a place to live.” In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Frank Graybill, a retired dairy producer from Restful…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! There’s no price tag you can put on the opportunity to work with your family every day. But how do you find a healthy balance between your dairy farm and your family? How can each generation be a part of your family's legacy? In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Jared …

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With temperatures rising and many Pennsylvania dairy farms experiencing July heat waves, proper ventilation and cooling measures are essential this time of year. In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Clint Burkholder of Burk-Lea Farms in Franklin County, Pennsylvania sh…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! As we celebrate National Dairy Month this June, Maria Forry, a dairy producer from Lancaster County, Pa., shared how Oregon Dairy Farm LLC’s annual event – Family Farm Days – reaches up to 10,000 people each year. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Maria described …

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Michelle Kirk, a former beef producer from Adams County, Pa., opened up about how the unexpected loss of her husband has affected her mental health and her future in agriculture. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Miche…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With fertilizer costs at an all-time high, innovative planting strategies can help dairy producers keep costs low. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Ben Peckman from Slate Ridge Dairy in Franklin County, Pa. shared what he does to boost soil fertility, keep costs …

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! For Candice Dotterer White from Dotterer Dairy in Clinton County, Pa., raising steers and adding beef into their breeding program started out as a simple solution to a feed problem. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Candice shared how it has evolved into a new opp…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! What is this all for? How do we make sure all family members are secure? How should we manage labor shortages and a changing workforce? How can we use technology to help build a legacy for our dairy farm? In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Donny Bartch of Merrimart…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! When it comes to calf care and management, you don’t get a redo. In this episode of “Cow-Side Conversations,” Greta Halahan & Virginia Deffibaugh from Singing Brook Farms in Bedford County, Pa. share how they get their calves off to a good start and how important it is to de…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Happy New Year! With 2021 almost behind us, enjoy this bonus episode of “Cow-Side Conversations” featuring some of our favorite moments from Season One. Over the last year, we’ve interviewed dairy farmers from across the state – from Wayne County just a few miles from New Yo…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Our employees are essential to every aspect of our business, especially on dairy operations. With Willow Behrer Farms in Huntingdon County, PA recently being recognized by the National FARM Program for their efforts in workforce development, Allen Behrer and Pete Posnett joi…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! To kick off Season 2 of Cow-Side Conversations, John Kline of Lebanon County, PA shares how creating a successful transition plan for his five sons has helped them take on responsibilities and make decisions for Klinedale Farms and their satellite embryo business. Passing th…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With October being American Cheese Month, Emily Montgomery of Calkins Creamery on Highland Farms in Wayne County, PA shared how she got her start with cheese-making. With her team making about 1,500 pounds of cheese a week, Emily discussed how she manages quality and consist…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Safety protocols are a critical part of your dairy business to protect yourself and your employees. As we enter the fall harvest season, Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms in Juniata County, PA opened up about a farm accident he experienced last November — an accident he descr…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! One expense that is often overlooked on dairy farms is energy-related costs. In our 10th episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Josh Waddell of Apple Shamrock Dairy Farm in Crawford County, PA describes his model for success. Josh shares how an energy audit led to new opportunit…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Over the past few months, we have seen feed costs rising exponentially as grain market prices reached record highs and remain well above historical averages. With overall feed costs representing anywhere from 35 to 70 percent of the total costs on a dairy, Walt Moore of Walm…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! June is extra special in Pennsylvania. Not only is it June Dairy Month, but Holstein breeders from all over the country are coming to the southeast corner of our state to celebrate the National Holstein Convention and to spotlight Pennsylvania Holstein genetics. In our eight…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! After a barn fire in 2008 and a near fatal accident in 2018 where he found himself between a gate and an oncoming skidloader, Chuck Carr of Lone Oak Farm joined us for our seventh episode of Cow-Side Conversations to share his inspiring journey toward recovery – both physica…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! In our sixth episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Jason Frye of Pleasant Lane Farms in Westmoreland County, describes how a simple business plan helped his family transform their dairy and enter the value-added space to begin making cheese. After working in the high-tech space…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! In this fifth episode of Cow Side Conversations, Alan Waybright from Mount Rock Dairy in Newville, Cumberland County, shares his thoughts on transitioning into a new facility and investing in low-cost improvements to aid in cow comfort and herd performance. He also discusses…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! In this fourth episode of Cow Side Conversations, Carissa Westrick from Vale Wood Farms in Loretto, Cambria County, shares insight their farm family has gained from spending the last 80+ years in the value-added space. She also shares perspective she learned from their agrit…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! Dry matter is more than just a number on this dairy farm. For Brubaker Farms in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, it's not just about getting pounds of dry matter into the cows – it’s how that dry matter is being converted into milk that really matters. In this episode, Tony Brubaker…

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts! With the COVID-19 vaccine just approved by the FDA, everyone is talking about viruses, quarantine, and vaccines right now. In this episode, Nate Heim, the general manager at Yippee! Farms in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, shares his perspective and experience with vaccinati…