308 | Lesson from a Legend: Elite Cows, High-Flyers and Business Savvy with Peter Vail
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen interviews Peter Vail, a prominent figure in the dairy cattle show world and the fertilizer business. Vail recounts his career journey from starting CaroVail Fertilizer Company in 1964 to his significant investments in various dairy cattle breeds. He shares personal anecdotes about his childhood on a commercial dairy farm, his ventures in fertilizer, and his return to dairy cattle in the 1990s. Vail highlights key milestones, including the success of his family business now in its third generation, and his achievements in dairy cattle showing. At 86 years old, Vail reflects on his career, the importance of knowledge, and his enduring passion for the dairy industry.
01:09 Peter Vail's Early Life and Introduction to Dairy
03:10 First Experiences in Dairy Showing
07:29 Transition to Fertilizer Business
08:39 Challenges and Successes in the Fertilizer Industry
11:18 Career Growth and Relocation
15:26 Starting a New Venture
18:16 The Start of CaroVail
18:26 Building a Family Business
19:43 Returning to Cattle
19:55 High-Flying Investor Days
20:45 Adventures in Cow Trading
23:38 Success with Jerseys
26:39 Memorable Cows and Achievements
29:49 Reflections and Future Goals
30:42 Conclusion and Gratitude
Link to award applications: https://dairyshrine.org/awards/Link to scholarship applications: https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#scholarLink to donate to Dairy Shrine: https://dairyshrine.org/donate/Link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dairyshrine?si=dS_EVxaA1XhUXBhzInformation about webinar
Topic: “Avoiding Burnout in a 24/7 Industry”
Date: February 11, 2026
Time: Noon Central
Click here to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eTGV4PLeTe2gI4np7Lrlzg
