Bovine Banter

Join Dairy Educators Emily Fread and J. Craig Williams as they interview Colin Kadis from EverAg. Colin talks about how HPAI has impacted dairy markets.

In this episode, dairy educator Daniela Roland talks with first responders Steve Brown and Rob Nese about farm safety and emergency response on the farm. They share practical tips for implementing farm safety and insights that farmers can use on their operations. Photo credit: Penn State Extension

Join Angela Breneman, Dairy Management Educator, and John Williamson from Team AG for tips on how to keep you, your family, and your employees safe around manure storage systems this spring

 In this episode, Dr. Becot shares her insights about multiple generations working on the farm with considerations for health insurance, childcare, and keeping everyone safe on the farm. Episode host and speaker: Ginger Fenton with guest Dr. Florence BecotImage credit: Ginger Fenton, Penn State Extension

Join dairy educator, Kasey Hower, as she speaks with Ed Crow and Jamie Kopco from the Penn State Extension Pesticide Education program on the importance of chemical safety on your dairy farm. Their discussion includes considerations you should make when handling common chemicals, common mistakes that may be made, some particularly hazardous chemicals you may come across, the health risks associated with improper handling, and the overall importance of following chemical labels.

Extension veterinarian, Dr. Adrian Barragan, shares current research being conducted on transition cows focusing on the role of inflammation, precision technology applications for management, and hypocalcemia. Host: Ginger Fenton; Guest: Dr.  Adrian BarraganImage credit: Penn State Dairy Extension file photo

Join Penn State Dairy Educators Kasey Hower and Micheal Lunak as they discuss how you may use your DHIA and health records to identify subclinical ketosis in your dairy herd.

Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews Dr. Heather Dann, President of the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, NY. Dr. Dann grew up on a dairy in New York State and has been researching transition cow nutrition and management her entire career.

Join Dairy Educator Kasey Hower as she interviews Josh Brubaker of Brubaker Farms in Mt. Joy, PA. Brubaker Farms runs a methane digester and solar panels on their barn roofs to generate green energy that powers parts of their farm and provides an additional income source.

 Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms in Mifflintown, PA. Reinford farms uses two anaerobic digestors to run their food waste recycling business.

Join the Extension Dairy team for a thought provoking discussion with Assistant State Program Leader focused on energy, Dan Brockett. This episode is must-listen for dairy producers who are interested in solar energy. Episode host: Ginger Fenton, Guest: Dan Brockett

Join Dr. Lisa Holden as she talks with Dr. Dan Ciolkosz from Penn State's Energy Team about current research and energy savings ideas of interest for dairy farms. Learn more about opportunities to diversify revenue streams or reduce electricity expenses on dairies.  

Join Penn State Ag Engineer John Tyson as he discusses facilities, fans and water during times of heat stress. Understand the principles of Shade, Air Exchange, Air Velocity and Water (SAAW). Photo credit:  Andrew Sandeen, formerly with the PSU Extension Dairy Tea

In this episode, dairy educator Kasey Hower interviews Doug Kennedy, an independent dairy nutritionist serving farms throughout Pennsylvania. They will discuss some different strategies you may want to consider for your feed program as we get into the hotter months of the year. Learn about water accessibility and the importance of measuring dry matter intake and planning ahead for your forages. 

Join Educator Daniela Roland and dairy farmer Neil Hertzler for a discussion on heat abatement. Neil shares his strategies for managing heat stress for his pasture-based dairy herd.

Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews Katie Ballard, Director of Research at the W. H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, NY about episodic heat stress in the Northeastern U.S. Not only does Katie manage the research at Miner, she is also a dairy farmer. Her family milks 210 Holsteins on a bicentennial dairy in Georgia, Vermont.

Join Educator Ginger Fenton and Graduate Student Gillian Plaugher for a discussion on how heat stress can affect dairy calves and strategies for effective heat mitigation. Host: Ginger Fenton, Guest: Gillian PlaugherImage: Ginger Fenton, Penn State Extension

Join dairy educators Emily Fread and Craig Williams as they discuss the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews Greta Snider Halahan, herd manager of Singing Brook Farms in Imler, PA. Greta discusses managing the herd remotely, as well as her approach in creating a healthy, productive well-balanced Holstein.

Join the Extension Dairy team for a discussion on applications of technology for increasing reproductive success on a dairy farm with Caroline Zimmerman. Episode host: Ginger Fenton  Guest: Caroline ZimmermanImage: PSU Extension Dairy team file photos

Join Dr. Lisa Holden for this episode as she talks with Brian Boyer a Reproductive Services Specialist Supervisor with Premier Select Sires about using data and making decisions for a sound and profitable reproductive management program on-farms.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Camilla Hughes, Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology in the Department of Animal Science at Penn State University. Dr. Hughes shares her background and how she got into research, some of her current research projects, and how her findings may be able to help dairy producers in the future.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Claire Stenhouse, Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology in the Department of Animal Science at Penn State University. Dr. Stenhouse will talk about her latest research and how it can benefit dairy and livestock producers.

Two dairy producers share the approaches their farm takes to housing calves and the reasons for those decisions.Episode host: Ginger Fenton with guests Brooks Rynd and Steve PaxtonImage credit: Ginger Fenton

This episode of Bovine Banter hosted by Dr. Lisa Holden features Dr. Rebecca Klopp a calf and heifer specialist with Purina.  Dr. Klopp shares some practice tips with producers for raising calves more profitably. 

In this episode, Beverly Hampton Phifer with NMPF will discuss the Calf Care Quality Assurance Program. Learn how this program, geared for custom calf and heifer raisers, can help farm owners and managers with calf care training on their operations.

In this episode, we talk about calf nutrition with Dr. Sarah Morrison from the W. H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, NY. Learn about methods for feeding milk replacer, waste milk, and calf starter.The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.Episode hosts/speakers: Emily Fread interviewing Dr. Sarah Morrison

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Keith Bryan with Chr. Hansen, Inc. about silage inoculants. Dr. Bryan will discuss the common types of inoculants, their benefits and useful tips for dairy producers.Episode host/speakers: Daniela Roland interviewing Dr. Keith Bryan

Learn about safety tips for harvesting and working around silage. This discussion serves as a good reminder before harvest.Guest: Dairy educator Emily Fread interviews Dr. Renato Schmidt.

In this episode we talk with Dr. Mary Drewnoski from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln about common issues that contribute to silage loss and how that can have a major affect on feed out. Dr. Drewnoski will discuss strategies to reduce overall loss.The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.Episode host/speakers: Carly Becker interviewing Mary Drewnoski

Learn about mycotoxins, the risks the pose to your crops and your cows, and how the contaminate your crops. Guest: Host Dr. Ginger Fenton interviews guest Dr. Adriana Murillo-WilliamsCover Image credit: Dr. Adriana Murillo-Williams, Penn State Extension

In episode 14.1 of Bovine Banter, we focus on silages.  This first episode covers agronomic considerations and drought stress silages with Dr. Guojie Wang and Extension Forage Specialist at Penn State.  You can reach Dr. Wang at gkw5177@psu.edu.  

Dr. Rick Watters of Cornell University shares his insight and experience to assist managers of automated milking systems (AMS) with managing the data that matter most to them. Speaker/Guest: Ginger Fenton (host) with guest Dr. Rick WattersLead image credit: Ginger Fenton, Penn State Extension

In this episode of Bovine Banter, Dr. Adrian Barragan interviews Joe Zug, from Zugstead Farms, and Loran Harclerode from Corle Homestead Farms. Loran and Joe provide great applied tips about the use and data management of two popular animal precision technologies for adult cattle and calves.Picture credits: Jessie Crosby, Administrative Support Assistant, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Penn State

In this episode of Bovine Banter, Dr. Melissa Cantor, Assistant Professor of Precision Dairy Science will discuss various technologies available for use in the dairy industry.  Learn about how data can be used for decision making and what is coming up with regard to new research and new technologies. 

The data generated by automated milking systems or "robots" can be a useful tool for managing milk quality and making decisions. Producer Alan Davis shares his perspective on understanding and using this information. Episode host/speaker: Ginger Fenton with guest dairy producer Alan DavisLead image credit: Ginger Fenton, Penn State Extension

In this episode, Peter Schaefer from Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative discusses the data collected and how it is used to help farmers. The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom. Episode host/speakers: Rainey Rosemond interviewing Peter Schaefer 

Join Dr. Lisa Holden as she talks with Mr. Allen Behrer, a dairy producer who shares his safety story from an accident and Ms. Linda Fetzer from the Penn State Ag Safety Team who shares some key resources for safety on the farm.

In this episode Dr. Ken Griswold shares his experience about a time he was exposed to silo gas when working on a corn silage research study. Dr. Griswold talks about the best practices to use when working in or around a silo in order to prevent silo gas poisoning.The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.Episode host/speakers: Carly Becker interviewing Ken Griswold

Abbie Spackman with AgrAbility PA provides a program overview and description of technologies that have assisted dairy producers in PA. Dairy farmer, Wayne Klock, shares his story. Episode host: Ginger Fenton interviews Abbie Spackman and Wayne Klock

In this episode, Jonas Fisher, a Farmer in Lancaster County, and John Tyson, an Ag Engineer with the Penn State Dairy Team discuss a personal story regarding manure safety and best practices when dealing with potential manure gas. The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom. Episode host/speakers: Rainey Rosemond interviewing Jonas Fisher and John Tyson

In this episode, Dr. Soder, research animal scientist with the USDA agricultural research service, discusses some of her research studies regarding interseeding forage crops in corns and potential applied benefits for dairy and beef producers.

In this episode, we'll explore two research projects being conducted by Dr. Kevin Harvatine, Professor of Nutritional Physiology at Penn State University. He is looking at the effects of feeding fat supplements to cows along with monitoring characteristics of dairy foods such as butter that are produced from cows that are fed certain fat supplements. Episode host and guest: host -Ginger Fenton with Guest Dr. Kevin Harvatine

In this episode, Dr. Chad Dechow, an Associate Professor of Dairy Cattle Genetics from Penn State University, discusses his recent research relating dairy cow genetics to feed utilization efficiency. The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom. Episode host/speakers: Rainey Rosemond interviewing Virginia Ishler and Tim Beck 

In this episode, Esteban Jimenez, a graduate student at Penn State University will discuss his current research projects.The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.Episode host/speakers: Carly Becker interviewing Esteban Jimenez 

In this episode Dr. Piotr Borawski from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland will share some information about the Polish dairy industry and the impact of the energy crisis in Europe on cropping and renewable energy in Poland.  Dr. Borawski was a recent visiting professor at Penn State who participated in collaborative teaching and research projects.  

In this episode, Virginia Ishler and Tim Beck, members of the dairy extension team from Penn State University, discuss how small grains are typically fed in Pennsylvania and the financial impact growing and feeding small grains can have on dairy operations. The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom. Episode host/speakers: Rainey Rosemond interviewing Virginia Ishler and Tim Beck 

In this episode, Sarah Potts and Amanda Grev, both extension specialists from the University of Maryland, discuss the ins and outs of grazing small grain forages.The content of this podcast, including text, graphics, and images is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.Episode host/speakers: Carly Becker interviewing Amanda Grev and Sarah Potts 

Join us to learn more from Dr. Heather Karsten about the latest agroecosystems research.  Learn about pros and cons of double cropping and cover cropping.