BMO, in partnership with the Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, is proud to return for the second season of the Dairy Streams podcast series How We Got Here. Each episode features Dairy Stream’s Joanna Guza interviewing a different farmer about their operations and paths to success in the dairy industry with the help of their BMO banker.  

We hope you enjoy these inspiring success stories from dairy farmers who are leading the industry forward.  

Episode 1: Ocooch Dairy, Hillsboro, Wisconsin 

Jim Mlsna, owner of Ocooch Dairy, explains why the concept of care (of cows, of the land) is paramount to his 950-cow operation. He also discusses the importance of working with your banker to help make sound investments in technology. Brad Guse, Director, Production Agriculture, U.S. Food, Consumer and Agribusiness at BMO, explains how Ocooch’s collaborative approach has kept it moving in the right direction from a financial perspective. 

Episode 2: Melichar Broad Acres, Port Washington, Wisconsin 

In this segment, Adam Melichar and Kendall Melichar, co-owners of Melichar Broad Acres, a fourth-generation dairy farm. They discuss the benefits of stepping out of their comfort zone by embracing technology, the rewards of cooperating with their neighbors, and what excites them about the future of their operation. Jen Peal, BMO Commercial Bank’s VP of Production Agriculture, explains how consistent communication with their partners helps the farm prepare for financial decisions. 

Episode 3: Scheps Dairy, Almena, Wisconsin 

In the final episode, Scheps Dairy owner Dan Scheps discusses how the 1,850-cow dairy has embraced innovation. Paul Salm, a Director within BMO’s agriculture banking team, offers his insights on the best practices Scheps employs to prepare for financial decisions.