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by Voice of Milk on Oct 23, 2025 11:30:04 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 23, 2025
Contact: Laura Hensley
Director of communications
(517) 652-4524| lhensley@voiceofmilk.com
How We Got Here: Dairy farmers share their stories
Listen now on Dairy Stream
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Dairy Stream, a podcast centered on agriculture and brought to you by the Voice of Milk, is proud to bring back the “How We Got Here” podcast series. This three-part series, sponsored by BMO, showcases dairy farmers as they discuss the history of their farms, the journeys they’ve undertaken to get to where they are today and the significant role they’ve played in helping to move dairy forward.
Podcast host Joanna Guza deep dives into the stories of innovative farmers, highlighting how they’ve overcome challenges and made advancements on their farms, as well as their outlook on the future of farming and the industry. Each episode features a dairy farmer and a representative from BMO who has experience in agricultural banking.
“Farmers have remarkable stories and a strong commitment to their work,” Guza said. “It's been wonderful to be able to uncover the influences and experiences that have shaped these people into who they are today and how their farms operate.”
Episodes in the 2025 How We Got Here series include:
- Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin: The first episode in this series features dairy farmer Jim Mlsna, owner of Ocooch Dairy. His farm milks about 930 cows and farms 1,450 acres. He’s accompanied by Brad Guse of BMO, who has over 30 years of experience in agricultural banking. Listen to the episode here.
- Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, Wisconsin: In this episode, meet Adam and Kendall Melichar, owners of Melichar Broad Acres. They milk 1,750 cows and farm 1,700 acres. The Melichars are joined by Jen Peal, who oversees a diverse portfolio of agricultural production relationships, bringing over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Listen to the full episode when it’s released on November 5.
- Scheps Dairy in Almena, Wisconsin: The final episode in the series features Dan Scheps, owner of Scheps Dairy, where he and his brother, Ken, milk 1,850 cows and manage 2,700 acres. Dan is joined by Paul Salm of BMO, who has over 30 experience in the banking industry. Listen to the full episode when it’s released on November 26.
Listen to previous episodes of Season 1: How We Got Here (2024):
- How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
- How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
- How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin
To learn more and listen to the Dairy Stream podcast, visit dairyforward.com/dairy-stream.
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About Voice of Milk:
The Voice of Milk is a collaboration between Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the Dairy Business Association and the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, working together to bring the voice of milk to communities, congress and consumers. With the strength of over 1,400+ dairy farmers and industry supporters, the Voice of Milk is a multi-state association speaking only on behalf of dairy farmers. For more information, visit www.voiceofmilk.com.
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 dairyforward.com/dairy-stream.