Paul Windemuller: Solar energy, artificial intelligence and managing data

Michigan dairy producer Paul Windemuller joins host Kimmi Devaney to chat about how his family economically started their dairy farm in 2013, the evolution their dairy facilities and the addition of solar panels, the role of artificial intelligence, and how he uses the data provided by his automated milking system and other monitoring technology to make informed management decisions. Links: Listen to Windemuller’s podcast – the AgCulture Podcast – and learn more about his work in agriculture on his website.Read about his farm in this Progressive Dairy article from April 2024. Episode overview: [~1:20] Windemuller’s inspiration for getting into the dairy business[~2:20] His economical method of starting a dairy farm[~6:50] How his experiences in New Zealand influenced the way he manages his dairy farm today[~8:45] The evolution of his dairy facilities from a turkey coop with freestalls and a New Zealand-style milking parlor to his current modern freestall barns and automated milking system[~10:50] How he utilizes the data provided by his automated milking system and other monitoring technology[~13:05] The most important metrics he watches[~14:00] The process of adding solar panels to his operation [~23:15] Windemuller’s industry involvement[~25:50] Nuffield International Farming Scholars program[~27:45] The white paper he wrote about artificial intelligence that he presented at the World Dairy Summit in Chile in October 2025 as a Nuffield International Scholar[~32:50] Team culture and technology implementation[~40:20] His motivation for starting the AgCulture Podcast [~44:50] Windemuller’s advice to other dairy producers that are interested in advocating for agriculture[~48:05] Rapid-fire questions