Columnist Ryan Dennis has been writing for Progressive Dairy for many years. In addition, he’s also a published author. His most recent book is titled Barn Gothic: Three Generations and the Death of the Family Dairy Farm. It's a memoir about his own family dairy farm. At the center of the story is his dad, who taught him everything about handling cattle, farming and running a dairy. Most dairy dads are heroes. And Ryan’s book is a tribute to his own dairy hero and the many others just like him.

Walt and Ryan talk about father-son working relationships, the pressures of writing a monthly column on deadline, and the one story he deliberately left out of the book to not distract from his father's legacy. We also get into what it feels like to watch the family dairy disappear.

Highlights

• 1:30 – Ryan Dennis - a master of ‘show don’t tell’ writing
• 4:30 – ‘Quiet violence’ – the loss of 1/2 of U.S. dairy farms in two decades
• 6:00 – ‘The rhythm of farming’
• 9:00 – Why did you want to write this book?
• 12:00 – Do you see your dad as hero or victim in this story?
• 15:00 – ‘An ember of toughness’
• 17:30 – Father-son relationships in farming
• 20:00 – A story that didn’t make it into the book
• 23:15 – What would you redo about your life while dairying?
• 26:10 – Why do people still farm if it’s not often very profitable?
• 30:25 – What are your fondest memories of writing for Progressive Dairy?
• 34:00 – What would U.S. dairy farmers find interesting about Irish dairying?

On-farm accidents are costly, and farm injuries can happen during everyday tasks. In this episode, host Mike Opperman talks with Joe Buschor about what to expect during a safety audit, common safety hazards and the safety gaps that can happen among employees.

Here is the episode breakdown:

• 2:14: Dairy farm safety audit
• 2:33: Farm walk through
• 3:04: Preparing your farm for a safety visit
• 4:30: Most common safety hazards
• 5:20: Safety audits and OSHA inspections
• 6:20: On-farm employee training
• 7:20: Safety gaps among employees on your farm
• 8:30: Parlor safety
• 10:00: Animal handling
• 12:32: Agri-Services Agency contact information

This episode is sponsored by Agri‑Services Agency.

Agri-Services Agency (ASA) specializes in providing customized insurance solutions for dairy farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. Insurance offerings include health, dental, vision, life insurance, workers’ compensation, and property and casualty insurance. ASA is committed to helping you access comprehensive insurance coverage at a price that fits your budget.

24/7 customer service center: 1-877-466-9089

Website: https://agri-servicesagency.com/

DMI’s Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council, speaks with DMI’s Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is expanding the body of science around whole milk, cheese, and yogurt.

With more than 80 studies conducted over the last 20 years, the milk fat research shows that these foods not only help support childhood growth but may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and fit into heart-healthy diets.

Cifelli explains how the unique makeup of dairy fat—especially components like oleic acid—plays a vital role in supporting better health. He also underscores the need to translate this science into clear messages for both consumers and health professionals and how the checkoff constantly shares these messages with nutrition professionals.

Looking ahead, his research team will continue to explore how dairy contributes to lowering cardiometabolic disease risk and the benefits of dairy’s unique fatty acids.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

Guest: Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research, Dairy Management Inc.

This episode is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc.