How We Got Here: Dairy farmers share their stories on Dairy Stream

Amy Penterman new board member

Dairy Stream, a podcast focusing on agriculture, policy, market trends and the future of dairy farming presented by the Voice of Milk, is excited to bring back the "How We Got Here" podcast series for its third year. This series, sponsored by the Menn Law Firm, consists of three episodes and highlights dairy farmers as they share the histories of their farms and the steps they have taken to get to where they are today.

Podcast host Joanna Guza explores the stories of innovative farmers, highlighting how they have overcome challenges and made advancements on their farms, as well as their outlook on the future of farming and the industry.

Episodes in the 2026 How We Got Here series include:

Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wis.

This episode features Bob and Tom Zwald, second and third generations on Bomaz Farms. Bob is the general manager and oversees the cattle, and Tom oversees cropping. They milk 1,500 cows and farm 2,500 acres.

Listen on Dairy Stream.

Ripp’s Dairy Valley in Dane, Wis.

This episode features Chuck Ripp and Kailyn Kippley, third and fourth generations at Ripp’s Dairy Valley. Chuck owns the farm with his brothers, Troy and Gary, and his daughter, Kailyn, has been working on the farm as a herdsperson since 2022. They manage more than 1,800 head of cattle and farm 1,600 acres.

Listen on Dairy Stream.

Bucks Unlimited in Goodhue, Minn.

This episode features Dave Buck and his son, Chris Buck. Bucks Unlimited started as a 70-cow dairy and has grown into a multi-family operation with 1,400 cows, a manure management business, a custom chopping business and their own crossbred beef.

Listen on Dairy Stream.

About Dairy Stream:

Dairy Stream focuses on policy, sustainability, market trends, new technology and farmer involvement. 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, and listen at voiceofmilk.com/dairy-stream.