Take control of your dairy’s biggest expense – Char Handschke and Melissa Freitas, VAS (Sponsored Podcast)

Take control of your dairy’s biggest expense – Char Handschke and Melissa Freitas, VAS (Sponsored Podcast)

Author: Progressive Dairy editors September 29, 2025 Duration: 31:10

Feed is the single largest expense on any dairy, and how it's managed can make or break both cow performance and your bottom line. In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Frederic sits down with VAS farm performance consultant team leaders, Melissa Freitas and Char Handschke, to talk about the biggest challenges in feed management and how new technology is helping farms of all sizes optimize their investment.

They introduce FeedComp, a new cloud-based app from VAS designed to simplify feeding workflows, bring consistency to every mix and reduce waste – so your feed dollars go further. From mixing and delivering rations to tying feed data back to herd performance, this conversation highlights how better management and the right tools pay off.

If you’ve ever wanted more clarity around your feed costs or a simpler, more accessible way to run your daily feed program, this episode is for you.

Here is the episode breakdown:

  • 01:35 - Melissa and Char introduction
  • 05:30 - Today’s most common feeding challenges
  • 08:15 - Taking the complexity out of feed management
  • 12:36 - How feeders can utilize FeedComp
  • 15:16 - Keeping producers, consultants and nutritionists connected
  • 18:43 - Tying feed with herd data to see the bigger picture
  • 21:07 - Keys to feeding success
  • 25:00 - What’s next: Other new VAS tools to power your dairy

This episode is sponsored by VAS.

VAS is focused on your dairy’s future with software and information solutions that help collect and connect your farm’s data. Contact your local farm performance consultant or reach out to VAS’ support team to see how their herd and feed management tools can support your dairy’s success. Visit VAS.com for more.


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
Milk quality and more with Justine Britten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:45
In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, learn from National Mastitis Council president and director of Udder Health Systems Justine Britten as she and host Matti McBride discuss milk quality. Enjoy a conversati…
Introducing the 2025 Nexus Innovation Award winners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:01
In this episode, we will introduce you to the 2025 Nexus Innovation Award winners. They were recently recognized at Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference. One of the award winners is an innovative new lending…