As I write this, I’m flying home from Florida. I’ve spent the past two days in a room full of fellow dairy enthusiasts at the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). I signed up for this leadership opportunity seeking to connect with members of the dairy community my age and am leaving the program with exactly that and a new skill set I’m excited to utilize.

In modern agriculture, technology and automation have become more accessible, and small equipment can now pack a big punch. Application drones have given farmers the ability to do their own aerial applications.

After building a state-of-the-art blueberry processing facility, Breanne Stobbe made her husband, AJ, promise that they wouldn’t undertake another large project for at least one year. As fate would have it, the opportunity to purchase a cheese processing facility would arise one month after the ultimatum was given, and together, they couldn’t say no.

As spring approaches, and before your power ventilation system is required to operate at full capacity, it is a best practice to thoroughly inspect all equipment to ensure it is functioning at peak efficiency. This proactive approach can prevent expensive repairs, extend the life of your system and ensure your livestock remain comfortable during the warmer months.

Making sure the farm is financially organized could be a key to running a successful and sustainable operation. Unlike many other industries, farmers are faced with unique challenges such as fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather and potentially volatile cash flows. Ensuring you are aware of the current financial position of the farm by creating accurate and timely reports can allow you to make quick decisions when necessary.

Managing cows correctly during the transition period is one of the most important factors for overall farm success. During the transition period, nutrient requirements change to support fetal growth, colostrogenesis and the onset of lactation following parturition.

By combining satellite-based methane data with AI-driven insights, we empower producers to identify emission hotspots, implement best-fit solutions and verify their impact. Producers, policymakers and processors can then collaborate on incentives that make sustainable practices both achievable and rewarding.