Seen & Herd

S4E20: Clean Fleets, Methane Reductions, and Water Quality: Insights from the WUD Board Meeting | Paul Sousa

In this episode, Paul Sousa summarizes key discussions from a recent board meeting.

The topics covered include the recently adopted Advanced Clean Fleet rule, its implications for manufacturers and companies, and the potential impact on allied industries.

Paul also shares insights from the State of the Science Summit, focusing on strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions in livestock. He highlights the significance of methane emissions, the need for voluntary adoption, and ongoing developments in the field.

Additionally, he discusses updates on water quality, including the revision of the Dairy General Order and concerns about nitrate loading in groundwater. Stay tuned to learn more about these critical issues and their implications for various sectors.

S4E19: “Navigating California Legislation: From Flavored Milk to Methane Reductions” | Anja Raudabaugh

On this episode, Allison Tristao and Anja Raudabaugh discuss legislative bills related to the dairy industry. 

SB 348

The first bill, SB 348, aims to reduce the amount of added sugar in school meals. It proposes guidelines for limiting sugar intake and increasing access to fresh and nutrient-rich foods. Raudabaugh expresses concern about the bill's potential impact on the dairy industry and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing dairy as a nutrient-dense product. They discuss the progress of the bill and the need for caution until the legislative session concludes.

S4E18: "AB 554: A Threat to Animal Agriculture - Unveiling the Extremist Agenda" | Anja Raudabaugh

Anja Raudabaugh and Allison Tristao, from Western United Dairies, discuss the potential consequences for producers if AB 554 is approved. The passing of this bill has prompted numerous organizations, some of which have never collaborated before, to unite their efforts to oppose it.

S4E17: An Inside Look at The Dairy Leadership Program  | Anthony Agueda

Anthony Agueda and Allison Tristao share their experiences from the Dairy Leadership Program. They discuss some of their favorite moments and what they look forward to as the program nears its conclusion.

S4E16: The DairyPlus Program | Denise Mullinax

Denise Mullinax, Executive Director of California Dairy Research Foundation, comes on the Seen & Herd Podcast to discuss the Dairy Plus Program. 

Check out Denise’s last visit to the Seen & Herd Podcast - Link Below

S4E15: Capital Punishment | Anja Raudabaugh

In this episode, Allison Tristao and Anja Raudabaugh discuss the latest dairy news out of Sacramento.

00:00 - Intro

S4E14: Landflex Is Here! | Anja Raudabaugh

In this episode, Allison Tristao and Anja Raudabaugh discuss some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) of Landflex. 

S4E13: The Environmental Report You've Been Waiting For | Paul Sousa

In this episode, Allison Tristao and Paul Sousa discuss the ever so changing environmental world our dairy producers live in.

Topics discussed include:

Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board - Permitting for Expanding Dairies

CV Salts

CDFA - Manure Recycling Innovative Products (MRIP) and Digesters

USDA Funding Available - Inflation Reduction Act

Regional Board 6 Update - Lahontan Region

Regional Board 8 Update - Santa Ana Region

Tricolored Black Bird - Their Back!

S4E12: The Floods and Heroes with Stock Trailers | Anja Raudabaugh

In this episode, Allison Tristao and Anja Raudabaugh discuss the catastrophic flooding some dairies in Tulare and Kings Counties are experiencing. Allison shares how she saw the community rally around those in need. 

When dairies started to flood and herds were at risk of being lost, unnamed heroes jumped into action. Nearly every stock trailer in the South Valley was put to use. It took all kinds: Dairymen, Cattle Ranchers, Horse trailers, FFA Stock Trailers, and the like to evacuate over 100,000 cows, heifers, and calves. Resilience and community were on full display. 

S4E11: The Enteric Fight Continues  | Anja Raudabaugh

In this episode, Allison Tristao interviews Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies. They discuss the monumental strides the California dairy industry has made to decrease enteric methane and the challenges that still lie ahead.  

S4E10: Maas Cow Gas, Maas Revenue | Maas Energy Works

In this episode, Allison Tristao interviews Daryl Maas, CEO of Maas Energy Works. They discuss dairy digesters, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG or Cow Gas) and the potential of adding another revenue stream to your operation.  

S4E09: LandFlex Launch

In this episode, Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies and Aubrey Bettencourt, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance discuss the latest on LandFlex.

S4E07: DTAP | Dairy Technical Assistance Program

In this episode, Allison Tristao hosts Anja Radabaugh, CEO, and Kyle Lutz, Technical Assistance Provider, of Western United Dairies. Kyle facilitates the Dairy Technical Assitance Program (DTAP), a new program provided by the Western United Dairies Foundation with assistance from the California Cattle Council.

S4E06: LandFlex Seminar Recorded at the World Ag Expo | Anja Raudabaugh

In this episode, Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies, speaks at the World Ag Expo at the LandFlex Seminar. Thanks to all of those that were in attendance. We will be posting some of the questions that were asked in this seminar across our social media platforms.

World Ag Expo

Thank you to all of our members that visited our booth at the World Ag Expo.

S4E05: SGMA Lesson from a Hydrologist | Thomas Harter, PhD

This week, Allison Tristao and Paul Sousa of Western United Dairies interview Dr. Thomas Harter, PhD, Distinguished Professor of UC Davis Cooperative Extension. Dr. Harter is a hydrologist that has spent the majority of his career studying California’s most prized resource, water.

In this episode, Allison, Paul and Dr. Harter discuss water from many different angles.

00:00 - Opening discussion

01:25 - Introduction by Allison Tristao

03:10 - Market Update by Tiffany LaMendola

06:00 - Start of Interview

06:23 - Dr. Thomas talks about he stumbled into hydrology

09:20 - How did SGMA come to fruition, and what was the intention of that program?

17:40 - SGMA & California’s regional diversity

22:35 - How can local agencies manage SGMA to reduce the negative impact on dairies and agriculture in general?

25:50 - The six indicators of a healthy aquifer: water levels, groundwater storage, water quality, seawater intrusion, land subsidence, groundwater-surface-water connectivity

30:00 - How can we, as individuals or regionally as an industry, improve even further on our water usage?

36:08 - The main challenge we face with groundwater recharge

40:15 - SGMA’s timeline is changing

50:23 - Land subsidence explained

World Ag Expo

Come see WUD at the World Ag Expo (WAE) at booths 6503 and 6603 in the Dairy Pavillion. See our schedule below.

S4E04: Do Tomatoes Fit Into Your Crop Rotation? | Morning Star Spotlight

This week, Allison Tristao interviews Giovanni Cavaletto, Agriculture Business Development of The Morning Star Company. They discuss tomatoes as an optional row crop for dairy farmers and how to get started with the Morning Star Company.

Contact Giovanni Cavaletto or Rigoberto Guzman for more information on their nutrition models or working with The Morning Star Company.

World Ag Expo

The Morning Star Company will be at the World Ag Expo.

Come see WUD at the World Ag Expo (WAE) at booths 6503 and 6603 in the Dairy Pavillion. See our schedule below.

S4E03: Message From the CEO | Anja Raudabaugh

This week, Allison Tristao interviews Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies. They discuss the Dairy Leaders Program, this year's challenges and the World AG Expo (WAE).

See us at the World Ag Expo (WAE) at booths 6503 and 6603 in the Dairy Pavillion.

S4E02: Being Married to Your Work

This week, Allison Tristao interviews a husband-wife duo who allows work discussion at the dinner table. Dairy Herd Nutritionist Brad Bogdanich and his wife, dairy veterinarian Rebecca Bogdanich, discuss the importance of how nutrition consulting and veterinary care of a herd are two sides of the same coin.

S3E46: Bonus Episode - 2022, If you blinked, you missed it!

This week, Allison Tristao recaps the year with Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies. This is the episode that shares all of the wins for Western United Dairies and their members.

S3E44: The Political Climate After The Midterm Elections with Jason Bryant 

This week, Allison Tristao interviews Jason Bryant, Lobbyist for Western United Dairies. Jason brings his expertise to Seen & Herd and analyzes the political climate post-midterm elections.

00:00 - Introduction

S3E43: Environmental Policy Breakdown with Paul Sousa

This week, Allison Tristao interviews Paul Sousa, Director of Environmental Services & Regulatory Affairs for Western United Dairies. Paul explains some of the latest environmental policies and how they can affect our members.

00:00 - Introduction

01:07 - Market Update by Tiffany LaMendola of Ever.Ag

05:06 - Interview with Paul Sousa

Paul covers an overview of:

05:40 - California Air Resources Board (ARB) – Truck Policy

08:38 - ARB and GHG reduction strategies.

12:03 - ARB is considering a reduction of the value of methane credits of dairy digesters.

12:56 - ARB is looking to implement enteric strategies

14:46 - North Coast - Member Update

16:47 - Central Valley - Conditional Use Permits may be in jeopardy

21:20 - CDFA Awarded 14 manure digester projects for $18.7 million and 27 alternative manure management projects for $18.9 million.

S3E42: An Interesting Time in the World of Water with Anja Raudabaugh

This week, Allison Tristao interviews Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies. Anja explains voluntary settlement agreements regarding some of California’s oldest water rights. Also, Anja reports the latest Landflex.

00:00 - Introduction

01:04 - Market Update by Tiffany LaMendola of Ever.Ag

04:32 - Interview with Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies

04:53 - Voluntary Settlement Agreements

S3E41: Common Good Water with Val Fishman

S3E40: Anja Raudabaugh

This week, Anja Raudabaugh gives a second update on Land Flex. She also explains the purpose of the Milk Producer’s Security Trust Fund and recaps their board meeting.

00:00 - Introduction

01:09 - Anja’s Land Flex Update

04:45 - Market Update by Tiffany LaMendola

07:45 - Anja talks about the Milk Producer’s Security Trust Fund

S3E39: Anja Raudabaugh | Land Flex

This week, Anja Raudabaugh recaps the Producer Review Board (PRB) Meeting and gives an update on Land Flex.

➡️ 0:00 - Introduction

➡️ 1:15 - Market Update by Tiffany LaMendola

Anja Raudabaugh’s Interview:

➡️ 4:04 - Recap of the PRB Meeting.

➡️ 15:18 - Land Flex Update

S3E38: Tony Raimondo | An Update on California's Labor Laws for Dairy Producers

This week, Tony Raimondo breaks down changes to California’s labor laws for dairy producers.

➡️ 0:00 - Introduction

➡️ 1:13 - Market Update by Tiffany LaMendola

➡️  4:48 - Tony Raimondo’s webinar on California’s labor laws.

S3E7: Not Good at Goodbyes

This week, Allison Tristao welcomes Melissa Lema on the podcast for a final interview. For over a decade, Melissa has been building relationships and serving the members of Western United Dairies, and although we're bummed to see her go, however, we're excited about her new role at the California Milk Advisory Board. Tiffany LaMendola also joins the podcast with a weekly market update.

Melissa Lema California Milk Advisory Board.

➡️0:00 - Introduction

➡️1:27 - Market Update by Tiffany LaMendola

➡️ 4:39 - Allison Tristao interviews Melissa Lema

S3E36: Climate Smart Commodities Grant - Come and Get It!

This week, Allison Tristao hosts Denise Mullinax of the California Dairies Research Foundation.

This week we catch up with Tiffany LaMendola of Blimling/Ever.Ag for a Market Update & follow that with WUD CEO Anja Raudabaugh, who shares with us a little bit about WUD's newly launched TikTok campaigns.

To tune in to WUD's TikTock Channel and the Green Cow Channel, visit the links below: 

This week's episode kicks off with a market update, brought to us by our Economist, Tiffany LaMendola, of Blimling/ever.ag, followed by a sit-down interview Darby Pedrozo had with Andrew Gustafson, program manager for the Agriculture Incentive Program at TRC. 

This week we kick things off with a market update brought to us by our economist Tiffany LaMendola of Blimling & Associates, after which we welcome back to Seen & Herd, Louis Borba, in his new role as WUD's board President. Louis shares with us a little bit about his family dairy in the Turlock/Hilmar area and speaks on his hopes for WUD in the coming year. We wrap the podcast with an update from Paul Sousa about some important happenings at the California Air Resources Board this week (link below). 

This week we have Tiffany LaMendola, our economist of Blimling & Assoc. back with your holiday market update, Jennifer Giambroni of the California Milk Advisory Board sits down with Melissa to chat about the recent Real California Milk Excelerator competition finals and gives us a few tips on donation of dairy products this holiday season, and to wrap up this episode and our podcasting year, Darby and Melissa sit down with Maureen Lemos a dairy farmer, photographer and author of Lockwood III Dairy in Waterford, to share a bit about her dairy family, the work she has done in her community to help the food insecure, and her newly published children's book, Clarice The Red Cow. 

For more information about the Real California Milk Excelerator Competition: 

This week's episode features a Market Report with our contract economist Tiffany LaMendola and an update on Federal Water Projects with Aubrey Bettencourt,  CA Dairy Industry's Director of Sustainability. 

Tiffany LaMendola, our Economist of Blimling & Assoc.  brings us a Top 5 in the Dairy Markets for a change of pace in our weekly Market Update. This can't-miss segment highlights what producers and industry folks should be watching in the Dairy markets over the coming months.  We follow the market update with a re-run of our Labor Webinar with long-time Labor Attorney and WUD partner Anthony Raimondo of Raimondo and Associates.  Today's episode wraps with a call-to-apply to our Dairy Leaders program, which launches later this fall. 

This week we bring you a market update with our Economist Tiffany LaMendola of Blimling, followed by a California Water update with Dairy Industry Director of Sustainability, Aubrey Bettencourt.

This week we share a Market Update with our Economist Tiffany LaMendola of Blimling, Paul Sousa joins us to update members on a paperwork issue that may arise in the Central Valley water board Region, and Devin Gioletti, WUD's Board President sits down to discuss the ARB issue and what it means for California Dairy Families. 

This week's episode features another segment from our USDA Drought Resources Webinar on July 15th, this time showcasing the programs of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). We also have Tiffany LaMendola with our weekly Market Report, Anja Raudabaugh, WUD CEO sits down with Darby to continue the SB 1383 conversation we started with Paul Sousa Last week, and we debut a new CA Dairy radio spot that will begin airing this week. 

This week we bring listeners a dairy market update with our Contract Economist of Blimling, Tiffany LaMendola. In preparation for all of the "Ag-vocating" we're going to be doing during Dairy month in June, we re-share an interview with Tyler Ribeiro of Rib-Arrow Dairy (and WUD Board Member) and Jennifer Giambroni of CMAB talking about the importance of dairy producers presence on Social Media, and we wrap with Darby sharing a story about an important field tour that WUD gave this week with a special guest!

Happy Earth Week! This week's episode features a re-run of the podcast we did with Dr. Frank Mitloehner last July with a message about all of the climate benefits cattle can and do provide. In addition, we have Tiffany LaMendola with the market update and WUD President Devin Gioletti joins us for a little Earth Day message from our board. 

Today we share Tiffany LaMendola's Market Update from this week's Virtual Kitchen Table Meeting; Tiffany takes an in-depth look at the markets, where they have been and where they may be headed, as well as what options are out there for producer price supports in 2021. Tiffany's update is followed by a short producer Q&A.

Our Market update is followed by a visit from Anja Raudabaugh and Devin Gioletti, who share an update from some work we did in Sacramento this week. 

Welcome to our 15th episode! This week Annie joins us for another positive market update,  thanks to the record breaking cheese markets.  The focus of our episode is a Q&A with our favorite labor attorney, Anthony Raimondo of Raimondo & Associates. Tony brings us a plethora of information on how dairy employers should be handling all things COVID-19 on their facilities. Tony mentions several resources in the episode and they can be found at the below links.  Finally, we wrap up today's episode with a LUC update from the wonderful Rashell and a quick reminder about our upcoming online events.  As always, visit our website for more information: www.westernuniteddairies.com. 

This week's episode introduces us to WUD Board's First Vice President, Louie Borba and brings us briefings from Economist Annie AcMoody and Director of Environmental Affairs Paul Sousa. WUD CEO Anja Radabaugh brings us important updates on our legislative activities, efforts to move and donate dairy products, and an important reminder about navigating an activist attack. We round out the episode with a serious discussion about the mental well being of producers and what signs to look for in family members or neighbors that are likely experiencing extra stress in today's dairy environment.