Episodes
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Deer Run Dairy completed energy-efficient upgrades with Focus on Energy since 2017 and they updated lighting, refrigeration, water systems and ventilation. Deer Run Dairy has earned $47,203.04 in Focus on Energy rebates to support these improvements and combined upgrades result in annual electricity savings of 839,511 kWh, which is equivalent to $105,946.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Duane Ducat and Joel Roltgen, discuss the following topics:
Overview of savings at Deer Run DairyHow Deer Run learned about Focus on EnergyUpdating lighting, Deer Run Dair updated:Replaced 250–1000W HID fixtures with efficient LED high-bay and exterior fixtures. Added LED troffers and direct-wire T8 replacements. Installed LLLC-enabled fixtures in select areas for advanced controls and additional savings. Dairy refrigeration tune-upsVFDs on primary and secondary agricultural water systemsVariable speed vacuum pumpsHigh-speed ventilation fans with VFDsInitial investmentsProcess of working with Focus on EnergyWhat’s next for Deer Run Dairy in energy efficiencyHow to get started with Focus on Energy, find an advisor here.About the guests
Joel Roltgen is an Energy Advisor for Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Program, serving agricultural customers in northeastern Wisconsin. He joined Focus on Energy in 2019, providing operational efficiency strategies and financial incentives to agriculture operations and industry partners. Joel brings many years of engineering and management experience, having worked with employees at all levels in various industries. Duane Ducat, who is one of the owners of Deer Run Dairy in Kewaunee, Wisconsin where they milk 1,800 cow and farm 3,000 acres. Duane is a board member of the Dairy, Business Association and Peninsula Pride Farms.This is sponsored by Focus on Energy.
Resources:
Contact us at 800.762.7077 or [email protected] list of opportunities here.Focus on Energy Trade Ally list here.2026 Agribusiness catalog hereDairy Stream rewind: Unforeseen money savings and benefits of agricultural tune-upsDairy Stream rewind: Save money through a farm energy assessmentTop 5 Ways to Save Energy on Your Dairy and Livestock Farm
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on July 1.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Duane Ducat, owner of Deer Run Dairy, and Joel Roltgen, agribusiness energy advisor with Focus on Energy, discuss the update made at Deer Run Dairy, which saved them thousands of dollars. We give an overview of the money saved, most impressive energy savings project, process of working with Focus on Energy and what’s next in the energy efficiency space for dairy.
This is sponsored by Focus on Energy.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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The Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration started in 2021 and is studying soil health and manure management and their effects on greenhouse gas reduction, water quality improvement and agronomic factors such as yield and forage quality on working dairies and research farms in major dairy regions.
Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests, Dr. Mara Cloutier and Dr. Dennis Busch, discuss the following topics:
Strides and accomplishment since last Dairy Stream episode in 2022Common design of the projectResearch at UW-PlattevilleImportance of nutrient management in soil health managementMost impactful conservation practicesEconomics of new practices and processesBaseline surveyFarmers adopting new practicesWhat’s next for the projectAbout the guests:
Dr. Mara Cloutier is a research soil scientist and program director at the Soil Health Institute who oversees the organization’s scientific and data management contribution to the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration project. Dr. Dennis Busch is a senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville whose work centers on applied agroecosystem research, with an emphasis on pasture- and crop-livestock systems, soil and nutrient dynamics, and long-term field experimentation.Resources:
Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration website Project video Frequently asked questions Wisconsin soil health assessment webinar Dr. Mara Cloutier video clip Dr. Dennis Busch video clip Dairy Stream Rewind: National-scale project examines dairy’s greenhouse gas footprintCompeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 17.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Dr. Mara Cloutier, research soil scientist and program director at the Soil Health Institute, and Dr. Dennis Busch, senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, discuss accomplishments of the Dairy Soil and Water Regeneration Project (DSWR), focus and research areas at UW-Platteville, most impactful conservation practices, economics and the future of the project.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Dairy Stream and the Menn Law Firm are proud to present the third annual “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today.
Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests Bob and Tom Zwald, second and third generations at Bomaz Farms, discuss early influences, improvements to be better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future for the farm and dairy industry.
This three-part series is sponsored by the Menn Law Firm.
About the guests:
Bob Zwald is the second generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Bob's is the general manager and oversees the cattle.Tom Zwald is the third generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Tom oversees cropping operations on the farm. They milk 1,500 cows and farm 2,500 acres.Season 1: How We Got Here (2024):
How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, WisconsinSeason 2: How We Got Here (2025):
How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, WisconsinHow We Got Here: Scheps Dairy in Almena, WisconsinCompeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Learn more about BankFirst.
Dairy Stream and the Menn Law Firm are proud to present the third annual “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today. The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on June 3.
This three-part series is sponsored by the Menn Law Firm.
About the guests:
Bob Zwald is the second generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Bob's is the general manager and oversees the cattle.Tom Zwald is the third generation to operate Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin. Tom oversees cropping operations on the farm. They milk 1,500 cows and farm 2,500 acres.Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Dairy Stream Rewind with Lee Kinnard on July 23, 2025.
Farmers in Wisconsin have teamed up to create a farmer-led watershed group called Peninsula Pride Farms and it’s taking soil health to the next level. We are going to learn more about the farmer-led group, how they make informed management decisions, conservation practices to build organic matter and manure management practices. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms discuss the following topics:
History of Peninsula Pride FarmsFrom field day to conservation ideaMaking informed management decisionsIncluding everyone in conservation effortsConservation practices that make big impactsBuilding organic matterImportance of manureManure application methodsAdding other minerals to help with soil structureTools that support conservationManure management success storiesConservation goals for Kinnard FarmsConservation future trendsSpecial thanks to GLC Minerals for sponsoring this episode.
About the guest
Lee Kinnard is president and owner of Kinnard Farms located in Kewaunee County in Wisconsin. He manages the business, the people and the cows. Kinnard Farms consist of 9,250 cows, 7,800 heifers located in Colorado in partnership with four Wisconsin farmers, 11,500 acres, and has 21,000 acres with a nutrient management plan and currently provides jobs to 137 valued employees. Over the years, Kinnard Farms has grown due to Lee’s new ideas, methods and solutions that have a positive impact on animal care, regenerative agriculture and food production.Resources
Producer-Led Group Roadmap and morePeninsula Pride Farms websiteKinnard Farms websiteFarmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable FoodCompeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Billions of dollars in new investment are pouring into the I-29 corridor and the Great Lakes region, creating some of the most technologically advanced cheese processing plants in the world.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Greg Siegethaler and Mike North, discuss the following topics:
Overview of cheese processing capacity in the MidwestEconomic signals for the Midwest areaWhat it means for farmers in the short-termProcessors achieving net zero and ESG requirementMake allowancesDairy landscape in 10 yearsAbout the guests
Greg Siegethaler, president of the Dairy Business Association and the VP of Milk Marketing, Strategic Sourcing, & Sustainability at Grande Cheese Mike North, president of the Producer Division at Ever. Ag and a past DBA presidentLearn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on May 20.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Greg Siegethaler, president of the Dairy Business Association and the VP of Milk Marketing, Strategic Sourcing, & Sustainability at Grande Cheese and Mike North, president of the Producer Division at Ever. Ag and a past DBA president, discuss the billions of dollars in new investment pouring into the I-29 corridor and the Great Lakes region, creating some of the most technologically advanced cheese processing plants.
Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
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This unique episode welcomes five female farmers from across the Midwest to celebrate the International Year of the Women Farmer.
Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza discusses the following topics:
The best piece of adviceAdvice to their younger selvesBalancing rolesHelpful resources that bring success in their rolesFuture goals, steps to takeGuests include:
Christina Zuiderveen, Black Soil Dairy, IA Heidi Fischer, Fischer Clark Dairy, WI Dorothy Elliott, Drumgoon Dairy, SD Kate Minten, Spadegenske Dairy, MN Kelly Oudenhoven, Larrand Dairy, WICompeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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This Dairy Streamlet takes a unique approach and covers how to celebrate mothers’ and fathers’ day on the farm and what traditions they’ve learned from their mothers. We encourage you to listen to the episode on May 6 focused on advice, resources and future goals for these five accomplished women.
Guests include:
Christina Zuiderveen, Black Soil Dairy, IA Heidi Fischer, Fischer Clark Dairy, WI Dorothy Elliott, Drumgoon Dairy, SD Kate Minten, Spadegenske Dairy, MN Kelly Oudenhoven, Larrand Dairy, WICompeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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The Wisconsin legislative sessions has wrapped up and we want to walk you through the wins, surprises and importance of member engagement.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Chad Zuleger and Cody Carpenter, discuss the following topics:
Biggest wins for Wisconsin dairySurprises in the policy spaceWisconsin Initiative for Agricultural ExportsFarm field calculatorLabel grown meatClean water and PFASImportance of engagementBasic to advance ways to get involvedWhat’s next in the policy spaceAbout the guests
Chad Zuleger is the Executive Director of the Dairy Business Association. He has been working in the policy space for 25 years. Cody Carpenter, owns and operates Redrock View Farms with his family in Darlington, Wisconsin, where they milk 650 cows and farm 1,500 acres. Cody is currently serving as a DBA board member and also a member of the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance.Resources:
Dairy Business Association prioritiesARIP ProgramProducer- Led Watershed Protection GrantsCrop Insurance Premium Rebates for Planting Cover CropsRock Elm local ordinance: DBA members help prevent local ordinanceWisconsin dairy and farm statistics from Dairy Farmers of WisconsinDairy Day at the Capitol informationDBA Dairy Golf Classic July 28 informationLearn more about Dairy Business Association.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 29.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Chad Zuleger, executive director of the Dairy Business Association, and Cody Carpenter, dairy farmer and owner of Redrock View Farms in Darlington, Wisconsin and also a DBA board member, discuss the Wisconsin legislative wins, surprises, basic to advanced ways to engage policymakers and what’s next in the policy space.
Learn more about Dairy Business Association.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Dairy Stream Rewind with Chris Clark on August 13, 2025.
We are taking a big picture look at the challenges mother nature has brought us and how farmers are overcoming these challenges. We will cover adaptive strategies farmers are implementing, crop selection, new technologies, pest control and more. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest Chris Clark of UW-Extension discuss the following topics:
Shifting weather patterns and the impact on planting and harvesting windowsAdaptive strategiesCrop selection and varietiesEmerging best practices in nitrogen and phosphorusCompaction in the MidwestData tools for in-season decision makingNew or increasing pest and disease threatsAgronomic trends or challenges in the next 3-5 yearsResources for farmer educationAbout the guest
Chris Clark is an agronomic outreach specialist with Northeast Wisconsin for the nutrient and pest management team for the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Chris partners, cooperates and brings together farmers, researchers and industry providing agronomy outreach she focuses on crop and soil nutrient use. Chris began her role at Extension in 2023. Prior to joining Extension, Chris worked in private sector agronomy lab testing for 12 years, and as a agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for 9 years. She has a BA in Agricultural Education from UW-River Falls and is a Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor and has been a member of the WI CCA board for 6 years.Resources
WisconetAg Weather OutlookAgriculture Data | Wisconsin State Climatology OfficeUW Extension Agriculture- Agriculture – ExtensionFarmer-led services through Farmers for Sustainable FoodFind a farmer-led group near youCompeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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We are through the first quarter of 2026 and we’ve seen some big items for dairy. We cover the highlights of the last four months, dairy policy items, market trends and more.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Marin Bozic, discuss the following topics:
Top highlights for dairy in the last four monthsFederal Milk Marketing Orders updateFarm BillPros/cons of new dietary guidelinesGlobal conflictsRecord-high beef pricesValue of milkGLP-1 weight-lossMarket signals to keep an eye onAbout the guest
Marin Bozic is the founder and CEO of Bozic LLC, a global provider of technology solutions for commodity markets analytics and designer of three major livestock insurance programs in the United States - Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Gross Margin and Livestock Risk Protection. In addition, Dr. Bozic is a board advisor to Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and a nationally popular consultant and speaker on economics of dairy markets and policy issues.Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
*Recorded March 30, 2026
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The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 8.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Marin Bozic, a nationally recognized dairy economist who serves as an adviser to the Edge board of directors, discuss the top highlights for dairy in the last four months, Federal Milk Marketing Orders, global conflicts, value of milk and market signals to keep an eye on.
Learn more about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
*Recorded March 30, 2026
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We have covered succession planning many times on Dairy Stream and this time we are taking a unique approach that focuses on the alignment of family and business goals to support long-term family harmony and business success.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Barb Dartt, discuss the following topics:
First things to assess and align to improve succession planningCollaborative dialogue, how to practice itHandling difficult conversationsLeadership development in succession planningStructured governanceBiggest thorns in succession planningAdvice to the next generationHow to revisit succession plansAbout the guest
Barb Dartt is a principal consultant for The Family Business Consulting Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience helping individuals and family groups grapple with the joys and challenges that are a natural part of families owning and managing businesses together. At The Family Business Consulting Group, Barb helps families get aligned, anticipate and prevent future challenges, and communicate effectively to grow their businesses.Resources:
Lydia Tuthill’s article on the 3 Cs Barb's article on Next Gens “grabbing hold” and Letting Go... by Avoiding the Identity TrapCrucial ConversationsDeath by MeetingFBCG ResourcesManaging Conflict in the Family BusinessPower, Authority, and Influence: The Hidden Challenges of Succession PlanningThree Key Conversations for Sibling Partnerships to Succeed in SuccessionHaving “The Talk:” Navigating the Family Business Succession Conversation with Your ParentsFamily Business Succession: 15 GuidelinesCompeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Learn more about BankFirst.
The Dairy Streamlet is a condensed version of a long Dairy Stream episode and covers the high-level points of the conversation. If this topic interest you, then listen to the full episode on April 1.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Barb Dartt, principal consultant for The Family Business Consulting Group, discuss assessing and aligning farm owners, biggest thorn, preparations and what’s next in the space of succession planning.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Members of the Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, demonstrated the positive impact farmers can have when they come together to prevent unnecessary and burdensome local ordinances designed to limit the productivity of dairy farms.
Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests Erin Tomasik and Paul Fetzer discuss the following topics:
Rock Elm township local ordinance in Pierce County, WisconsinWisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permitsConversations leading up to the committee meetingDNR meeting with the town boardTestifying at town board meetingsBridging the gapMonitoring local ordinancesRunning for local officeAbout the guests
Erin Tomasik is the Community Relations Manager at the Voice of Milk, where she works to ensure farmer voices are represented on local policy issues. She supports the organization’s government affairs team as well as its permitting and regulatory efforts. Erin collaborates closely with members to connect them with resources, participate in important town meetings and advocate for practical change at the county level. With over 4 years of experience in agricultural advocacy, she has a strong commitment to supporting farmers and the dairy community. Paul Fetzer is a retired dairy farmer and his family is running Fetzer Farm in El Paso, Wisconsin. Where they milk 1,400 cows and farm 3,000 acres. Paul is a past DBA board member and was awarded the 2024 DBA Advocate of the Year.Resources:
DBA members help prevent local ordinance in Rock Elm, read here.Nutrient Management Planning resource Livestock Facility Siting resource Contact DBA teamDBA policy prioritiesConnect with Erin, email Erin at [email protected]Learn more about the Dairy Business Association.
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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Dairy Stream Rewind with Orion Samuelson on Jan. 13, 2021.
It was an honor to host the voice of agriculture. Dairy Stream's Mike Austin talks with farm broadcast legend Orion Samuelson about his over 60 years of broadcasting experience. Orion shares his favorite stories, gives advice, reminiscences on memories and shares future plans.
WGN Radio shared a tribute to Orion here.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing [email protected].
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