Cow-Side Conversations

Auteur(s): Center for Dairy Excellence
  • Résumé

  • “Cowside Conversations” is a monthly podcast brought to you by the Center for Dairy Excellence. We’ve heard time and time again that dairy farmers learn the most from other dairy farmers. So, in this podcast we’re going to share real-time farmer insight, tricks of the trade, and inspiring stories from dairies across Pennsylvania.
    © 2025 Cow-Side Conversations
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Épisodes
  • Episode 3: Brad Hoover discusses his breeding strategy and having patience in building your herd
    Jan 29 2025

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    In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Brad Hoover of Brook-Corner Holsteins in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania gives a deep dive on the breeding and genetics decisions he makes for his family’s herd of 350 Registered Holsteins. From focusing on fat and protein levels to boost pounds of components to specific types and traits that lead to longevity, Brad discusses the ways they try to maximize herd performance and get well-balanced cows. Unlike a lot of dairy operations right now, Brad is raising more heifers than cows – and works to keep good genetics behind the cows to drive profitability as he markets most of the heifers with a premium. Brad describes the return (ROI) he gets from investing in genetics, registered cows, and high-quality animals. He’ll be selling some of his animals at the PA Holstein Association’s annual sale in early February.

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    34 min
  • Episode 2: Joe Zug defines what growth means to him and reflects on new endeavors like hauling their own milk, installing a lameness camera & hiring an executive coach
    Dec 19 2024

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    In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Joe Zug of Zugstead Farms in Juniata County, Pennsylvania defines what growth means to him on his familyâ s 950-cow dairy. He reflects on major, growth-related projects like building a new dry cow facility and expanding their herd. Joe also shares smaller, more recent endeavors that are helping to drive profitability and growth: deciding to haul their own milk for cost savings, installing a lameness camera to be proactive about hoof health concerns, being aggressive with their breeding program, and hiring an executive coach to help enhance their "people" skills. "I don't think you can grow unless you are profitable," Joe shares in the podcast.

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    22 min
  • Episode 1: Paul Mason shares daily decisions that add up on the farm, new cropping technology that optimizes their acreage, and how he builds buy-in with employees
    Nov 25 2024

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    To kick off the first episode in Season 5 of Cow-Side Conversations, Paul Mason of Mason’s Chrome View in Chester County, Pennsylvania shares how the details add up on his 500-cow family dairy operation. From unique ways they keep employees engaged with production goals and understanding the “why” behind what they do to calf-raising protocols that have paid dividends, Paul reflects on all the little details and management decisions that are part of dairy farming – and how he finds balance between being content but never satisfied. He shares some of the new technology he has implemented on the cropping side with variable rate application, precision planting and zone sampling to optimize their acreage with the future in mind. Paul also opens up about how he has used grants to jumpstart capital investments on his farm and build buffer into the dairy business.

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    1 h et 5 min

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