Cow-Side Conversations

Author: Center for Dairy Excellence

Cowside Conversations is a monthly podcast brought to you by the Center for Dairy Excellence. Weve heard time and time again that dairy farmers learn the most from other dairy farmers. So, in this podcast were going to share real-time farmer insight, tricks of the trade, and inspiring stories from dairies across Pennsylvania.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Management

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Episode 3: David Sattazahn reflects on expansion, transition, and key factors that influence profitability
Episode 3
Friday, 13 February, 2026

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts!“Profitability is paramount, and we try to never be satisfied. What can we do to keep pushing production and maximize our facility?”Speaking to their forward-thinking approach and eye for critical details, David Sattazahn, who farms with his brother Doug and wife Katie on Zahncroft Dairy in Berks County, Pennsylvania, reflects on some of the decisions that have led their family, farm and herd to where they are today in this episode of Cow-Side Conversations. After transitioning the family farm and then completing an expansion in 2017, today the Sattazahn family farms about 300 acres and milks 315 cows in a double-twelve parlor and sand-bedded, free stall set-up. David describes the decision-making process of moving to 3x a day milking, switching to custom drag lining and manure injection, hiring and mentoring a dairy herd manager apprentice, honing in on reproduction, creating energy corrected milk goals for the year, and more. To avoid complacency and drive profitability, David says they critique what they’re doing, work with experts they trust, try new ideas, evaluate the results, and remain open to switching course as the farm evolves.