Brad Guse: Financial metrics to watch and building trust with your ag lender

Brad Guse: Financial metrics to watch and building trust with your ag lender

Author: Progressive Dairy editors June 3, 2025 Duration: 57:32

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Brad Guse from BMO joins host Kimmi Devaney to discuss the metrics dairy producers should be watching right now, why risk management and contingency plans are vital, how to build a good relationship with your ag lender, and the recent BMO report about eight key economic and market trends that are significantly impacting U.S. farmers right now.

Here’s an overview of the episode:

  • [~2:35] BMO report: What is happening right now with trade, the impact is it having on agriculture and how dairy producers can best manage through these uncertainties 
  • [~4:05] BMO report: Slower economic growth
  • [~5:00] BMO report: Abundant crop supplies, livestock leaner
  • [~6:40] Impact of beef-on-dairy
  • [~8:45] BMO report: The value of the U.S. dollar 
  • [~9:35] BMO report: Some costs decreasing
  • [~11:00] BMO report: Interest rates
  • [~12:25] BMO report: Labor 
  • [~13:15] BMO report: Productivity growth
  • [~14:50] The impact of higher butterfat and protein on processing 
  • [~17:30] The most important metrics for dairy producers to watch right now as they look at their operation’s financials
  • [~23:30] The most important parts of a risk management plan 
  • [~25:10] What keeps ag lenders up at night?
  • [~29:30] Tips for building a good relationship with your ag lender
  • [~32:20] Examples of contingency plans and how to develop them 
  • [~38:20] Current topics dairy producers are talking about
  • [~41:20] What producers should be asking or talking about with their ag lender that they probably aren’t
  • [~43:15] When should producers involve their ag banker in succession planning discussions?
  • [~46:30] Rapid-fire questions

For those who live and work in the world of milk production, the day doesn’t stop for a deep dive into industry news. That’s where the Progressive Dairy Podcast comes in, extending the trusted editorial voice of the magazine into an audio format you can take anywhere. Hosted by the Progressive Dairy editors, this series is crafted specifically for U.S. dairy producers and the network of professionals who support them. Think of it as a conversation with well-informed colleagues, breaking down the latest trends, operational strategies, and business insights that matter at the farm gate and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward discussions that translate complex topics into actionable advice, whether the subject is herd health, market dynamics, sustainability practices, or technology adoption. Released every other Tuesday, each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, providing a dose of relevant information during a morning commute or an afternoon walk. It’s more than just a business podcast; it’s a practical resource built on the same foundation of reliability that readers have come to expect, now available for your ears instead of your eyes. Tune in to stay informed and connected to the pulse of the dairy industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Progressive Dairy Podcast
Podcast Episodes
One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for dairy with Danny Munch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:10
In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, learn about the dairy provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Danny Munch joins host Kimmi Devaney to discuss…
Building a strong foundation for farm transition with Elaine Froese [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney chats with Elaine Froese about how farm families can build a strong foundation for farm transition. Froese has more than 30 years of experience helping…
Targeted Reproductive Management – Explained (Sponsored Podcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:54
What is Targeted Reproductive Management (TRM)? And why should producers care about this new approach to dairy reproduction? Listen in to this Progressive Dairy sponsorcast as a team of reproductive health experts and en…
Managing hoof health in the heat with Lee Erickson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:36
Join host Matti McBride as she chats with Lee Erickson, dairy technical specialist with Zinpro, about hoof health management in the summer months. Learn which metrics to monitor to ensure cows are comfortable, how to des…