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 15.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Megan Roberts, agricultural economist at Compeer Financial, discuss the biggest structural shifts occurring now compared to 5-10 years ago, understanding a farm’s baseline with multi-commodity businesses, beef herd rebuild and what to keep an eye on in 2026 and into 2027.

This is sponsored by Compeer Financial.

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 podcast@dairyforward.com.

*Recorded July 6

Components and beef on dairy are the strong themes in this interview. We dive into a farm’s true net revenue, historic high beef prices and future items to keep an eye on.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Megan Roberts, discuss the following topics:

• Structural shifts occurring now compared to 5-10 years ago
• Diversification in dairy changing baseline stability
• Three items to note on your milk check
• Calculating a farm’s ‘true’ net revenue
• Hedging strategies
• Beef on dairy, herd rebuild
• Cost of purchasing vs raising a replacement heifer vs crossbred calf
• Less cull cows, what does the next 12–18-month dairy cycle projection
• Keeping an eye on in 2026 and into 2027

About the guest

• Dr. Megan Roberts is a seasoned agricultural economist at Compeer Financial, bringing experience in farm economics, agribusiness education and policy analysis. With deep roots in agriculture, Megan combines academic expertise and hands-on farming experience to provide real-world insights that help farmers navigate economic challenges and opportunities. Before joining Compeer, Megan spent years teaching agricultural economics and business in higher education, including leadership roles in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and as an Extension educator at the University of Minnesota. She holds a doctorate in agricultural education from Texas A&M University, along with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Beyond academia, Megan is a farmer herself, living on a farrow-to-finish hog, corn and soybean farm in southern Minnesota with her husband and son. Growing up on a dairy farm and now co-managing her family’s operation, she understands the day-to-day realities of farming, giving her a unique perspective that blends economic theory with practical application. Megan is a regular speaker at industry events and published author on farm business strategies and ag policy. Her ability to break down complex economic trends into actionable insights makes her a trusted resource for today’s farmers and agribusiness professionals.

This is sponsored by Compeer Financial.

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 podcast@dairyforward.com.

*Recorded July 6

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 Dairy
• How Deer Run learned about Focus on Energy
• Updating 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-ups
• VFDs on primary and secondary agricultural water systems
• Variable speed vacuum pumps
• High-speed ventilation fans with VFDs
• Initial investments
• Process of working with Focus on Energy
• What’s next for Deer Run Dairy in energy efficiency
• How 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 business@focusonenergy.com
• Full list of opportunities here.
• Focus on Energy Trade Ally list here.
• 2026 Agribusiness catalog here
• Dairy Stream rewind: Unforeseen money savings and benefits of agricultural tune-ups
• Dairy Stream rewind: Save money through a farm energy assessment

• Top 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 podcast@dairyforward.com.