The American Dairymen Podcast, hosted by Dustin Hector, Publisher of the American Dairymen Podcast, with AGPROfessionals’ engineers, Chad teVelde and Valene Cauhorn

Chad teVelde, AGPROfessionals’ senior professional engineer, brings extensive experience in dairy facility design, having worked on over 30 new dairy projects ranging from 800 to 15,000 cows. With roots in a family dairy in California and personal dairy operation experience, Chad specializes in creating cost-effective designs that directly impact a farm’s bottom line.

Valene Cauhorn, a licensed professional engineer across multiple states, and our Regional Manager based at our Idaho office, complements Chad’s expertise with her background in agricultural and civil engineering. Raised on a generational farm in Idaho, she brings hands-on agricultural knowledge to her professional work, managing complex agricultural and commercial projects with strategic oversight.

Chad and Valene get into the critical considerations for dairy producers looking to expand their operations. Key topics include:

• Site selection
• Permitting
• Construction challenges
• Navigating Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) regulations

In the interview, Chad and Valene emphasize the importance of comprehensive planning, understanding local requirements, and maintaining meticulous records to ensure smooth project execution and regulatory compliance.

The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of the dairy industry. They discuss technological advancements, changing environmental regulations, and the increasing complexity of dairy farm management. Chad and Valene highlight the need for producers to stay informed about regulatory changes, invest in sustainable practices, and adapt to emerging technologies.

Throughout the podcast, Chad and Valene underscore the value of professional engineering services in helping dairy producers make informed decisions. They stress the importance of strategic planning, cost-effective design, and a proactive approach to facility development and regulatory compliance.

The episode provides valuable insights into the intricate world of dairy facility design and management, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in modern agricultural engineering.