Podcasts about Feedlot

In this solo episode, Brad shares a few recent herd-health case studies from his dairy, highlighting the value of diagnostics and transparency.He walks through two calf losses—one at 60 days old and another at 9 months. Both animals had been treated for common issues but continued to decline. Necropsies revealed severe heart abnormalities in each case (thin, underdeveloped ventricles), pointing toward possible genetic or nutritional causes. The takeaway: without a necropsy, these would have remained unexplained losses.Brad also discusses a recent abortion in a dry cow. Diagnostic testing ruled out BVD and IBR and identified Citrobacter sp., an environmental organism found in manure, soil, and bedding that can contribute to abortions. He suspects environmental exposure in wintered dry cows may have played a role.Overall, the episode emphasizes investigating unexpected losses, using lab diagnostics, and learning from on-farm challenges as spring calving approaches.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Emily and Brad re-record this episode of The Moos Room after a technical glitch wiped out Emily's audio—and dive into a big question: What does the dairy cow of the future look like?Inspired by a recent Journal of Dairy Science paper, they move beyond the classic Holstein vs. Jersey debate to discuss a more balanced vision. Instead of selecting for maximum milk at all costs, the future cow will prioritize resilience, fertility, longevity, feed efficiency, and environmental sustainability.They explore how genomics must be paired with real-world performance data (phenotypes), how precision technologies and robots are shaping breeding goals, and why moderate size and genetic diversity matter. From methane efficiency to beef-on-dairy and even gene editing, the episode highlights how breeding decisions today are shaping a smarter, more sustainable cow for tomorrow.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links —Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

Calf prices are making headlines, and in this episode Emily and Brad are joined by UMN Extension beef educator Melissa Runck to talk through what today's hot beef and beef-on-dairy markets mean for producers.They discuss why newborn beef-cross calves are bringing record prices, how that cash can help dairy farms when milk prices are low, and what the latest Cattle on Feed report tells us about declining inventories and producers' reluctance to keep heifers as replacements. The group then dives into beef-on-dairy sire selection, emphasizing realistic goals over the search for a “perfect” bull, the importance of calving ease and fertility, and when carcass traits and indexes matter based on how calves are marketed.The episode wraps up with a practical look at facilities and management, underscoring that good management—more than perfect buildings—drives success with beef-on-dairy cattle.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Nebraska Extension is inviting feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied industry professionals to attend the 2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series, set for Feb. 17–19 at three locations across western, central and northeast Nebraska. Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson says the series will feature research-based discussions on feedlot management, cattle health, nutrition, and market outlooks, offering practical information for participants to apply to their operations.

On a warm-for-February day in Minnesota, Brad dives into two topics shaping today's dairy landscape: changing dairy herd demographics in the Upper Midwest and new research on dairy cow preferences for grooming brushes.The episode opens with a look at dairy farm numbers in Minnesota, where the state has lost nearly 37% of its dairy farms since 2019—dropping from 2,567 to just 1,622 operations. Brad breaks down herd size distribution, showing Minnesota remains dominated by small herds (especially 50–100 cows), even as the number of very large herds continues to grow. He also highlights where dairy farms are concentrated geographically, with Stearns County leading the state, and notes that seven Minnesota counties now have no dairy farms at all.Brad then compares Minnesota to Wisconsin, which still has over 5,100 licensed dairy farms. Wisconsin's dairy industry includes a notable number of goat dairies (nearly 400) and a small but interesting presence of sheep dairies. He walks through the top dairy counties in Wisconsin, illustrating how dairy production clusters in central, southwestern, and Green Bay–adjacent regions.In the second half of the episode, Brad discusses a new Purdue University study examining dairy cow preferences for grooming brushes. Researchers compared three brush types—swinging and rotating, swinging only, and stationary—and found that more than 75% of cows preferred the swinging, rotating brush. Cows spent several minutes grooming their heads, backs, and rumps, with rotating brushes offering the most engagement and relaxation. While stationary brushes were used mainly for head scratching, the study suggests that offering a variety of brush types may give cows valuable choice and enrichment.Brad wraps up by reflecting on what these trends mean for dairy farm viability, animal welfare, and management decisions—leaving listeners with practical insights and plenty to think about.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

*Feedlot inventories continue to shrink.   *There's an investigation of Mexican tomato imports.  *The number of screwworm cases in northern Mexico continues to rise. *A Texas High Plains rancher is seeing red, but he's actually happy about it.*The show goes on in Cowtown.  *The Trump administration could soon release details on a biofuels rule that encourages fuel producers to buy more feedstocks like corn and soybeans.  *Winter storm Fern packed a big punch in the Texas Rolling Plains.*Cattle have a well developed sense of smell.  

Brad checks in from a brutally cold stretch in western Minnesota (30–40°F below zero), noting the cows are handling it well and somatic cell counts tend to run low in the extreme cold. He then walks listeners through how he thinks about sire selection in his research herd—mostly Holsteins, plus Jerseys and a few “colored breeds” like Norwegian Red, Montbéliarde, and Normande.His selection philosophy is clear: he starts with Net Merit, but he doesn't blindly follow it. Brad says he doesn't chase milk pounds, and he wishes the major indexes put more emphasis on fertility. Instead, his priorities are:Low somatic cell count / mastitis resistanceHigh fertility (DPR, heifer and cow conception rate)Productive life and durabilityManaging inbreeding (using outcross sires when needed)A major current push: polled genetics (especially homozygous polled sires to speed progress)Brad shares many of the specific bulls he's using and why—including proven sires with lots of daughters for reliability, plus a smaller “sprinkling” of genomic bulls (often because they're polled). He highlights using popular Holstein sires like Genosource Captain, polled-focused options like Leyser PP and Seabrook PP, plus a few high-type outcross bulls mainly to reduce inbreeding, even if their production or functional traits aren't his usual preference. He also lists several Select Sires bulls (including polled sires) that fit his functional-trait focus.On the Jersey side, he emphasizes moderate cows with fertility, productive life, and livability, again weaving in polled where possible. For crossbreeding, he calls out Norwegian Red bulls with strong U.S. proofs for fertility and functional traits, and he mentions finding limited polled options in Montbéliarde but using them when available. He wraps by summarizing what listeners should take away: his herd is moving deliberately toward polled, backed by a USDA grant, while still prioritizing fertility, longevity, mastitis resistance, and outcrossing to manage inbreeding—and he invites feedback and debate from listeners.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Cold temperatures, fluctuating weather conditions, and increased feed requirements can induce stress in feedlot cattle resulting in health complications. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of water, nutrition, windbreaks and monitoring animal health on your operation.

A feedlot study compared FerAppease applied to yearling beef steers at initial processing and reimplant to a placebo on cattle health, feeding performance and carcass characteristics.

The winter months present unique challenges for feedlot cattle, particularly in terms of maintaining health and productivity. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber offers some strategies to combat winter weather in feedlot cattle.

In this solo episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares “hot off the press” research on circadian rhythms in dairy cows and what long-term sensor data can tell us about cow welfare. Drawing from a study presented at the International Precision Dairy Farming Conference in New Zealand, the episode explores how daily and seasonal behavior patterns—such as eating, rumination, activity, and rest—are shaped by environment, management, and breed.Using more than 10 years of CowManager sensor data from the University of Minnesota research herd, Brad walks through how different breeds (Holsteins, crossbreds, graze-cross cows, and 1964 Holstein genetics) show distinct seasonal rhythms. Results revealed clear breed differences in eating time, rumination, overall activity, and inactivity, with graze-cross cows showing the strongest seasonal patterns and more stable alignment with environmental cues—suggesting better adaptability to pasture-based systems.The episode highlights how disruptions to circadian rhythms—caused by inconsistent lighting, feeding schedules, or confinement—may be linked to stress, immune suppression, lameness, mastitis, and reduced fertility. Brad discusses how precision dairy technologies offer a powerful, non-invasive way to monitor these rhythms and potentially detect welfare issues before clinical signs appear.The episode wraps up by looking ahead to future research linking behavior patterns directly to health and productivity outcomes, and how better alignment of management practices with natural cow rhythms could improve welfare and resilience on dairy farms.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this solo “Emily Show” episode of The Moos Room, Emily takes a timely look at mastitis management during the winter months. While mastitis and high somatic cell counts are often associated with summer heat and humidity, Emily reminds listeners that cold weather brings its own risks and requires just as much attention to udder health.She begins by emphasizing the foundation of mastitis prevention: clean, dry bedding, cow comfort, and good ventilation. These basics reduce stress on cows and limit bacterial exposure, which is especially important when winter conditions can lead to damp or dirty housing.Emily then dives into winter-specific milking routine challenges, especially when cows are exposed to cold temperatures after milking. Wet teats are at much higher risk of frostbite, which can permanently damage teat ends and predispose cows to infections. While this makes some producers hesitant to use post-milking teat dip in cold weather, Emily strongly advises against skipping this crucial step. Instead, she shares a practical guideline: “Don't skip dip—but don't drip.” In other words, apply teat dip thoroughly, but avoid excessive dripping that can freeze. Letting cows stand for 20–30 seconds after dipping and wiping off excess dip before they go outside can provide protection against both mastitis and frostbite.She also discusses udder hair management, noting that long hair can trap teat dip, manure, and moisture. Options like singeing or clipping udders can help keep teats cleaner and drier, especially in winter.Finally, Emily highlights the role of nutrition in mastitis prevention. Cold stress increases a cow's energy needs, and inadequate nutrition can weaken immune function. Ensuring cows receive enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals helps support immune defenses and overall udder health. Working closely with a nutritionist during the winter is key.Emily wraps up by reminding listeners that even if mastitis seems less severe in winter than in summer, it still requires consistent attention year-round. With proper milking routines, clean housing, good nutrition, and smart winter management, producers can protect teat health and keep somatic cell counts in check all season long.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Welcome to the RealAg Radio Farmer Rapid Fire, brought to you by Corteva Crop Protection! On today’s show host Shaun Haney is joined by: Brendan Byrne of Essex, Ont.; Ron Krahn of Rivers, Man.; Chris Bauer of Lake Lenore, Sask, Patrick Kunz of Beiseker, Alta.; and, Saskatchewan agronomist Rhett Duke of Corteva Agriscience. Thoughts on... Read More

Welcome to the RealAg Radio Farmer Rapid Fire, brought to you by Corteva Crop Protection! On today’s show host Shaun Haney is joined by: Brendan Byrne of Essex, Ont.; Ron Krahn of Rivers, Man.; Chris Bauer of Lake Lenore, Sask, Patrick Kunz of Beiseker, Alta.; and, Saskatchewan agronomist Rhett Duke of Corteva Agriscience. Thoughts on... Read More

In the first episode of 2026, Emily and Brad kick off a New Year's “resolution” to record more episodes together and dive into one of their favorite themes: management. The conversation is sparked by a German case study Brad found that followed 10 German dairy herd managers (average ~600 cows; range 200–1,200) for three weeks, tracking their work minute-by-minute to see how managers spend time—and what actually drives herd performance.The key concept is “controlling activities,” defined as proactive checks and analysis (not just reacting and “putting out fires”). They break these into three categories: animal controls (pen walks, fresh/sick cow monitoring, reviewing sensor alerts), feeding controls (bunk/refusal checks, feed sampling, monitoring mixing and storage), and process controls (reviewing herd records, equipment checks, ventilation/manure systems, cleanliness).A big takeaway: herd managers spent much of their day on communication and logistics, while only about 15% of time went to controlling activities (animal ~9%, feeding ~1%, process ~5%). Yet the study found that performance wasn't linked to total hours worked, but to how much time was dedicated to these proactive controls. Farms where managers spent more time on controlling activities showed better outcomes, including lower mortality, lower somatic cell count, higher lifetime production, and reduced youngstock losses.They also highlight a concerning “disconnect” around feeding: managers often had minimal involvement in feed-related controls even though feed is a major cost and driver of health and production. The episode closes with practical guidance for any farm size: prioritize time intentionally, increase proactive controlling activities (even slightly), and ensure herd managers stay connected to the feeding process—setting the tone for a more efficient, resilient 2026.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In the final episode of 2025, Emily and Brad reflect on another big year for The Moos Room, marking more than 300 episodes since launching in 2019. They look back on key 2025 topics, including real-world dairy case studies from the Morris Research Dairy, health and safety conversations, emerging disease issues, beef markets, virtual fencing, and growing interest in agrivoltaics.Brad highlights the value of openly sharing on-farm challenges—from calf health issues to nutrition troubleshooting—so listeners can learn alongside the research process. Emily shares how 2025 deepened her understanding of virtual fencing, renewable energy in agriculture, and farm safety, while continuing to champion sunscreen use year-round.Looking ahead to 2026, they preview upcoming projects and episodes on virtual fencing, agrivoltaics, genetics, feed efficiency, and a new study raising purebred Angus calves in a dairy system. They also hope to expand global perspectives on livestock and agriculture and invite listeners to suggest topics, guests, and on-air case studies.They close by thanking listeners for another year of support and looking forward to more conversations in 2026.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Fernando Storni (Presidente de la Cámara Argentina de Feedlot) Agroindustria En Foco

North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center will hold its annual NDSU Feedlot School on Jan. 21-22, 2026. Source: NDSU ExtensionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Feedlot inventories continue to drop.  *USDA's NRCS has set a single deadline for farmers and ranchers to sign up for conservation programs.  *The application period for the Texas Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is now open.  *The beef industry has made massive improvements in the quality of beef sold to consumers.  *A new pasture herbicide will be available for forage producers.  *Economic assistance is available for milk and grain losses.  *Fertilization of winter pastures should be based on soil tests.  *Researchers are studying how cattle can become infected with salmonella.  

In this short solo episode of The Moos Room, Emily takes the mic to talk about managing holiday stress through setting healthy boundaries. With the holidays approaching, Emily shares practical guidance on navigating family dynamics, uncomfortable conversations, and competing demands on time and energy.She outlines three simple steps for setting boundaries—being clear and direct, stating what you need, and accepting any discomfort that may follow—and walks through real-world examples such as saying no, redirecting conversations, asking for time, and stepping away when needed. Emily emphasizes that boundaries can be temporary or permanent, and that setting them is an important form of self-care.The episode closes with a reminder that boundaries help reduce unnecessary stress, support resilience, and contribute to healthier relationships. Emily encourages listeners to reflect on their own needs this holiday season and to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's essential.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into a landmark new study examining the effects of short- and long-distance transport on the health, survival, and growth of pre-weaned dairy and dairy–beef crossbred calves. Drawing on data from nearly 392,000 calves across multiple farms and transport durations (ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours), the study challenges common assumptions about calf transport. Surprisingly, mortality upon arrival was extremely low and unaffected by transport length. Differences in mortality by weaning (60 days) were also modest and, importantly, were driven far more by early-life factors than by time spent on the truck.The discussion highlights colostrum management as the single most critical factor influencing calf outcomes. Calves fed two colostrum meals had higher serum protein levels, significantly lower rates of failure of passive transfer, and were about 50% less likely to develop diarrhea—one of the leading causes of pre-weaning mortality. Other key drivers of calf survival included diarrhea, pneumonia, dam parity, gestation length, and birth season, with transport duration explaining relatively little of the variation in outcomes. Brad emphasizes that a calf's “destiny is largely sealed before the wheels start rolling,” underscoring that management decisions made at birth—especially colostrum feeding, dam health, and environmental stress mitigation—matter far more than transport distance alone.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode, Brad and Emily welcome a special guest: Dr. Angie Varnum, the University of Minnesota Extension's new livestock veterinarian. After some banter about Minnesota winters—and a classic round of The Moos Room's “super-secret” cattle breed questions—the crew dives into Angie's unique path to Extension.Angie shares how she went from growing up in suburban Maple Grove to studying Spanish education, teaching in schools, and eventually being inspired to pursue veterinary medicine. Her training and work took her across the western U.S., where she gained experience in beef and dairy systems before returning to Minnesota to practice large-animal medicine. Her love for both animals and education ultimately led her to Extension.The conversation explores:How Angie's Spanish language background shapes her work and the opportunities it creates for better outreach and training with Spanish-speaking livestock employees.Current and emerging livestock health concerns, and the importance of distinguishing real risks from media frenzy—while still preparing producers with good information.The evolving role of veterinarians in dairy and beef systems, from herd health and data-driven decision-making to the value of strong producer–vet relationships.Animal behavior and welfare science, an area Angie is especially passionate about integrating into herd health discussions.Angie also highlights upcoming Extension programs she'll be involved in, including the new Artificial Insemination School, Beef Quality Assurance certification sessions, Cow/Calf Days, and several small ruminant programs—from webinars to hands-on lambing and kidding workshops.It's a fun, thoughtful conversation introducing a new member of the Extension livestock team and setting the stage for exciting work ahead.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this solo episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into a deep, honest look at production challenges in the University of Minnesota dairy herd and the nutrition and management factors that may be holding cows back. After noticing low udder fill during classification and reviewing herd data, Brad confirms a troubling trend: cows across all lactations are producing 20–30% less milk than predicted. Early-lactation health issues—ketosis, metritis, and retained placentas—are also more common than they should be, especially in first-lactation animals.A recent visit from an outside nutrition team helped uncover several key issues contributing to poor performance. Brad walks listeners through what those “fresh eyes” found across young stock, calves, dry cows, and both the organic and conventional lactating herds. From overconditioned heifers to transition problems at weaning, ration inconsistencies, possible ingredient imbalances, and major concerns with hammer-mill screen size causing undigested corn to pass straight through cows—each discovery points to opportunities for improvement.The conversation also highlights the importance of forage management, including the need for a silage facer, better bunk management, and a long-overdue TMR audit to evaluate mixing order, load prep, refusals, shrink, and ration consistency.Throughout the episode, Brad emphasizes transparency and the value of bringing in additional perspectives. Even well-managed dairies can develop blind spots, and small issues add up fast when milk is left on the table. He outlines the farm's next steps and promises future updates as changes are implemented.If you're interested in nutrition, transition cow health, TMR audits, or practical herd-level troubleshooting, this episode is a real-world case study in identifying problems and planning for better performance.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Brad and Emily reunite on the podcast to dive into an essential—and timely—topic: farmer mental health. With fall wrapping up and winter on the horizon, stressors on the farm shift and often intensify. Emily shares updates on her recent travels and outreach work in farm safety, health, and wellness, highlighting the seasonal rise in mental health–related concerns across rural communities.Together, Brad and Emily walk through:Why stress is so high right now — uncertainty in markets, weather, disease, economic pressure, and social isolation.Common mental health concerns in farmers, including chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.Key warning signs to watch for in yourself and others—physical symptoms, behavioral changes, and emotional red flags.How to reach out when you're concerned about someone, and why it matters more than people realize.Barriers rural residents face when accessing mental health care, including service shortages and stigma.University of Minnesota Extension's work supporting mental health, including training programs like COMET, resources on ambiguous loss, and broader regional efforts to make help more accessible.Emily emphasizes that checking in, offering support, and connecting people to resources can make a meaningful difference. The episode wraps with reminders that it's okay to not be okay—but it's not okay to keep it to yourself. Brad and Emily also point listeners to a long list of mental health and farm stress resources in the show notes, including Emily's recent appearance on RFD-TV discussing this very topic.COMET: Changing our mental and emotional trajectory TrainingAmbiguous loss and farmingUMN Extension Farm Safety and Health webpageMinnesota Farm Stress resourcesFarm Aid Farmer Resource NetworkQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this week's episode of Cattle Chat, the experts discuss the evolution in the feedlot industry. They debate how producers used to calculate cost based on feed efficiency. The team also questions different cow-calf practices. Lastly, they debate whether or not you should have bigger cows with heavier weaned weight for your calves or if you should have smaller cows so there are more cows per acre, resulting in more calves being sold.   3:10 Evaluation in the Feedlot Industry  11:00 Questioning Cow Calf Practices  15:50 Bigger Cows vs Smaller Cows on Pasture   For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. You can also email us to sign up for our weekly news blast! Don't forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!

Death Loss in the Cattle Feeding Industry Kansas Farm Service Agency is Back Open Building Resilient Gardens   00:01:05 – Death Loss in the Cattle Feeding Industry: Beginning today's show is K-State Extension beef specialist Justin Waggoner as he explains how death loss in the cattle feeding industry has changed in the past 30 years and what might be contributing to the losses.   00:12:05 – Kansas Farm Service Agency is Back Open: David Schemm, Kansas Farm Service Agency State executive director, continues today's show as he provides an update on FSA programs and how they are working to continue serving producers.  Farmers.gov Service Center Locator Important Information for Kansas Farmers on the Hansen Muelle Co. Bankruptcy Filing   00:23:05 – Building Resilient Gardens: Reno County Extension horticulture agent, Pam Paulsen, ends the show discussing methods for building gardens that are resilient to tough growing conditions. This was the topic for the November K-State Garden Hour.       Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.   Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast.   K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Brad recaps a fall road trip with the Minnesota dairy extension team to South Dakota's rapidly growing I-29 dairy corridor, highlighting what innovative farms are doing to boost efficiency, cow health, and profitability. Along the way, they tour the Bel Brands plant in Brookings, where milk from about 10,000 cows a day is turned into those familiar Babybel snack cheeses, and hear how the plant's demand for high-protein milk is shaping local production.On the farm visits, Brad digs into why one 1,700-cow dairy is ripping out a barn full of robots after just a few years—citing software headaches, maintenance demands, and an extra dollar per hundredweight in cost—and how they're using strict 5-minute milking times and strong beef-on-dairy markets to stay competitive. He then visits a Holstein dairy using parlor timers, FutureCow brushes, genomic testing, Akushi (red Wagyu) beef-on-dairy crosses, intensive calf biosecurity, and a Danish SKOV ventilation system to keep big groups of calves healthy.The final stop is a 6,000-cow Jersey herd proving Jerseys can be successfully raised in northern climates. Brad shares how they use SenseHub tags on calves from birth, IVF and embryo work for high-value Jersey genetics, fresh-heifer mastitis prevention strategies in recycled bedding systems, and clever pen redesigns to add bunk space.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why one large dairy abandoned milking robots for a parlorHow timers in the parlor are being used to speed up milking and labor efficiencyBeef-on-dairy strategies, from Angus to Akushi crosses and premium Texas marketsNew approaches to calf housing, ventilation, and biosecurityUsing precision technology and genomic data to guide breeding and health decisionsPractical ideas Brad wants to bring home to the U of M dairy, from boot disinfectant to fresh-heifer dry treatmentQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Explore the latest accessible tech offers from Sight and Sound Technology and Aspire Consultancy, including exclusive Sight Village deals, lightweight Savosky canes, Orbit Braille displays, and Feedlot backpacks designed for blind users.This episode is supported by Pneuma Solutions. Creators of accessible tools like Remote Incident Manager and Scribe. Get $20 off with code dt20 at https://pneumasolutions.com/ and enter to win a free subscription at doubletaponair.com/subscribe!We're excited to share an exclusive treat for Double Tap listeners! As we prepare bring you full coverage of Sight Village taking place in London, England on 18–19 November, our friends at Sight and Sound Technology are giving you a special Double Tap discount across a huge range of products.Whether you're shopping Black Friday deals or browsing anything else on the site, use the code DoubleTap at checkouton the Sight and Sound Technology website and you'll receive free delivery on your order — no exceptions, no minimums. Shop now: https://www.sightandsound.co.ukThis episode of Double Tap is packed with insider updates on accessible technology ahead of Sight Village London. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece welcome Stuart Lawler from Sight and Sound Technology to reveal limited-time Black Friday and Site Village deals on products like the Minivision and SmartVision phones, BrailleSense devices, Envision glasses, Ruby magnifiers, OrCam Read, and the Braille Doodle—with a special free delivery code for Double Tap listeners. Graham Longly from Aspire Consultancy then shares his expertise on lightweight Savosky canes, Feeldom backpacks with built-in cane holders and Braille-friendly zips, the versatile Navi-Pal phone pouch for Be My Eyes and Aira calls, and the full Orbit product range including the Orbit Writer, Reader, Speak, and the new Q40. We also discuss the durability of Braille displays, maintenance tips, and the growing interest in affordable Braille technology.Relevant LinksSight and Sound Technology: https://www.sightandsound.co.ukAspire Consultancy: https://aspire-consultancy.co.uk Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brad recaps his trip to dairy farms in the Netherlands and Germany, where robotics, crossbreeding, and creative manure and energy management are everywhere — even on small farms. He visited farms using Lely robots, grass/rye silage-based diets, and small-scale digesters that capture manure methane. Crossbreeding (Holstein × Montbéliarde × Viking Red) is common, driven by goals of longevity, health, and reducing inbreeding.He also saw some surprising management choices: dry cows fed only straw for 60 days (reportedly reducing metabolic issues) and one advisor recommending farmers don't clean calf pens to preserve the microbiome — a concept Brad remains skeptical about.At a dairy technology show and breeding conference, Brad shared research on feed efficiency and methane emissions and learned how European breeders are incorporating resilience and efficiency traits into genetic programs. Overall, Europe's dairy farms showed strong use of technology, a focus on components and longevity, and serious interest in crossbreeding as a labor- and health-saving strategy.Hybrid Genetics YouTube Channel to learn more about some of these FarmsQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode, Brad is back from Europe—jetlagged but full of insights from farms and conferences in Germany and the Netherlands. He dives into one of the biggest topics he heard about abroad and at home: Inbreeding in dairy cattle.Brad explains how inbreeding occurs, what it costs farmers economically, and how inbreeding levels have climbed across all major dairy breeds—especially Holsteins and Jerseys. Drawing on recent research from Italy and data from the U.S. Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, he outlines how increasing inbreeding negatively impacts cow survival, fertility, and long-term profitability.The discussion highlights startling trends—Holstein inbreeding has jumped from 3.7% in the mid-1990s to nearly 11% today, and some genomic bulls now exceed 16%. Brad also touches on historic bulls whose genetics still dominate today's herds, like Elevation and Highland Magic Duncan, and explores whether approaches like crossbreeding, linebreeding, or greater genetic diversity in breeding programs could help slow the trend.Brad concludes with a call to action: farmers, AI companies, and breed associations must prioritize genetic diversity now to safeguard herd health and productivity.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Brad kicks off a solo episode (recorded before a trip to Germany) and turns the mic to rangeland scientist Anna Clare for a deep dive into “the solar savanna”—treating solar arrays on grasslands as functioning grazing ecosystems. She shares early results from Silicon Ranch's Cattle Tracker research on integrating cattle (not just sheep) with PV systems. Brad follows with University of Minnesota's on-farm demos: panel heights that work for cattle, heat-stress reductions, forage performance under panels, and a mobile, battery-equipped shade/solar rig. If you're curious how and when cattle can safely graze under solar, this one's packed with data and practical design tips.Key takeawaysSolar as savanna: Think of arrays as shade “canopies” over grasslands—manage them as grazing systems with soils, roots, pollinators, and large herbivores in mind.Cattle can work under PV: Moving from sheep to cattle is feasible when arrays are designed with animal size/behavior in mind.Panel height matters: In controlled mockups, animal interactions dropped 43% from 2.0→2.5 m and 59% at 3.0 m. Cattle never touched panels; most curiosity was with dampers—a design hotspot.Ecosystem wins: Under-panel zones showed higher soil moisture and lower soil temperatures, favoring cool-season grasses and legumes; regrowth dynamics can improve after grazing passes.Animal welfare benefits: UMN trials showed lower respiration rates and 0.5–1.0 °F lower internal body temperatures during hot afternoons for shaded cows—meaningfully less heat stress.Forage production holds up (or improves): Certain mixes (e.g., orchardgrass, meadow fescue; grass-legume combos) produced equal or greater biomass under panels with no drop in nutritive value.Design for cattle, not fear: After a decade of on-farm experience, Brad's team hasn't seen cattle damage panels; people and tractors are more likely risks than cows.Practical layouts: Keep inverters outside fences, route wiring high/inside racking, and allow equipment lanes; rotational grazing and (potentially) virtual fencing fit well.Innovation on wheels: A 20 kW mobile bifacial shade rig with onboard batteries can power irrigation, fencing, and even an electric tractor—bringing agrivoltaics to wherever cattle need relief.Research & projects mentionedSilicon Ranch – Cattle Tracker: multi-year cattle-PV integration study; Phase 2 is a 4.5 MW Tennessee “outdoor test lab” comparing array vs. open pasture for behavior, space use, health/performance, plus mirrored ecosystem monitoring.Comprehensive literature review (AGU Earth's Future – in press): Maps intersections among livestock–solar–land, identifies six research gaps (integration, layered ecology, modeling, best practices, social dimensions, collaborative science).UMN Morris agrivoltaics demos: Fixed-tilt arrays at 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) leading edge; 0.5 MW pasture array powering campus; vertical bifacial and crop-under-PV pilots coming; EV fast charger powered by cow-shade solar.Who it's forDevelopers, ranchers, extension pros, and policy folks exploring dual-use solar that keeps grasslands working and cattle comfortable.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Emily is back from medical leave (hooray!) and she and Brad dig into an essential topic for every operation: emergency planning. You can't predict every detail, but you can make the first decisions easier when seconds count.What we cover:What an emergency plan is (and isn't): a concise, written set of steps and key info you can default to under pressure.Start with a farm map: access routes, gates/fences, livestock locations, hazardous/flammable materials, and utility shutoffs.Make the red sheet easy to find: an emergency contact list (911 first), then vet, sheriff/emergency management, insurance, milk hauler, feed/suppliers, and owner/manager.Stock the right supplies: standard first-aid kits, a trauma kit with a tourniquet, and consider an AED; plan to keep kits replenished.Three scenario buckets to plan for:Shelter in place (blizzards, extended outages): backup power/fuel, blocked access routes, pared-down chore list, role assignments, keeping people safe.Evacuation (fire, flood, tornado damage): best escape routes for people/animals, which gates to open and in what order, a designated meeting point (and Plan B), and who calls whom.Medical emergencies (injury or health event): known conditions (EpiPens, diabetes, heart issues), where supplies/AED live, basic first-aid/CPR training, clear directions for EMS, and—on larger sites—who meets the ambulance at the road and whether a safe helicopter landing area exists.Mind the paperwork: review insurance coverage before you need it.Keep it simple and living: a few clear steps beat a thick binder no one reads.Resources mentioned:University of Minnesota Extension: Operations contingency plan templates for livestock operations.Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN): disaster-specific farm resources.Cultivating Change Foundation (Emily & Joe Rand received the Cultivator of Change award).Save the date: Ag for All Conference for LGBTQ+ farmers, ag professionals, and allies — March 7, 2026, Waite Park/St. Cloud, MN.Have questions, comments, or scathing rebuttals? Email TheMoosRoom@umn.edu.Chapter markers (optional)00:00 – Emily's back! (and why breaks matter)03:18 – Why farms need emergency plans05:41 – What an emergency plan actually is08:07 – How plans help when stress spikes10:45 – Simple planning story (cats + hamper)12:03 – What belongs in the plan (map, shutoffs, hazards)15:11 – The red emergency contact list19:06 – First-aid vs. trauma kits (tourniquets)24:44 – Shelter-in-place: questions to answer26:11 – Evacuation: routes, gates, meeting points28:04 – Medical emergencies: AEDs, training, EMS access32:35 – Keep it living, keep it simple33:00 – Resources + wrap-upQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode of Beefmaster Banter, new hosts Hannah Nixon and Lance Bauer sit down with Coulter Croft of Next Gen Cattle Feeding to discuss how Beefmaster and Beefmaster-cross cattle are performing in commercial feedlots. From heat tolerance and feed efficiency to buyback programs and market demand, this episode dives deep into why Beefmasters are built to compete.

In this episode, Brad shares his fall updates from western Minnesota before diving into a detailed discussion on genomic testing in dairy herds. Drawing on his experiences from recent farm visits in South Dakota and ongoing University of Minnesota research projects, he explores how producers are using genomics and whether the investment pays off.Brad explains that while some herds use genomic testing solely to decide which animals to breed to beef, he believes the technology's value lies much deeper — in improving herd genetics, managing inbreeding, verifying parentage, and advancing traits like health, fertility, and production components. He outlines the major testing companies (Neogen, Zoetis, and Genetic Visions), their costs (around $37–$42 per animal), and the kinds of data producers can expect from each, including A2 status, horned/polled traits, and wellness indices.The episode also includes two case studies:A small grazing herd where genomic testing clarified breed composition, revealed unknown sires, and identified A2 status across mixed-breed animals.A university research herd exploring polled genetics and crossbred performance, where Brad questions how well current evaluations reflect the true genetic potential of crossbreds like Normande and Montbéliarde crosses.Brad closes by summarizing the practical ways to use genomic information — from strategic breeding and heifer selection to developing niche markets like A2 milk products. His key takeaway: genomic testing can be a powerful tool for herd improvement, but it's only worth the cost when used strategically rather than as a simple breeding filter.Listeners are encouraged to share feedback or questions via The Moos Room's contact page or University of Minnesota Extension channels.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Host Brad Heins welcomes Becca Weir, a Minnesota native and newly appointed assistant professor of agricultural economics at Penn State. Growing up on a dairy farm near Sauk Centre, Rebecca developed a passion for applying economics to dairy management decisions.In this episode, she shares findings from her University of Minnesota research with Jolene Hadrich, which connected genetic selection (sire Net Merit) with farm-level profitability using data from 2012–2018 Minnesota dairy herds.Key insights:A $100 increase in sire Net Merit was linked to roughly $12,000 more in net farm income—about $87 per cow, higher than expected.The positive relationship held across small, medium, and large herds, showing that investing in genetics pays off for all farm sizes.Traits related to longevity and health—such as livability and milk fever resistance—were the most consistent contributors to profitability.Selecting based on the Net Merit index is more effective than focusing on single traits.Genetics explained about 3% of profitability variation, a small but meaningful share alongside market conditions, management, and input costs.Rebecca also discusses her new role at Penn State, where she'll continue exploring dairy farm management, risk management, and programs like Dairy Margin Coverage to help producers improve economic resilience.Brad closes by reminding listeners that genetics are just one piece of the profitability puzzle—but an important one that can deliver measurable returns for dairy farmers.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode, Brad shares his firsthand experience with virtual fencing on the University of Minnesota's Morris dairy herd. After a long grazing season, he dives into the reasons he began experimenting with NoFence collars, the training process for heifers, and what he learned about costs, labor savings, and animal behavior.Brad walks listeners through the setup, the challenges of training, and the variation he saw among animals in how quickly they adapted. He highlights both the advantages—like labor efficiency and flexibility—and the limitations, such as collar costs, GPS accuracy, and the need for careful management when mixing groups.Looking ahead, Brad plans to extend the trial to lactating cows next grazing season, a new frontier for virtual fencing in dairy. He also points to upcoming field days and funding opportunities for farmers curious about adopting the technology.Virtual fencing, he concludes, may be the future of grazing management—helping reduce labor while improving flexibility on farms. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Today, Brad brings on University of Minnesota Extension colleague Jim Salfer to talk through the state of dairy automation. Robots are still going in across the Upper Midwest, but they're also coming out—and the “why” depends on farm goals, labor, barn design, and cash flow.HighlightsAdoption reality: Robots are spreading, yet many farms are re-evaluating fit. Large herds often lean toward automated rotaries (pre- and post-sprays) for sheer throughput; small to mid-size herds may benefit most from box robots—especially when barn flow and labor fit the model.Repair costs that pencil: Plan for $10–12k per robot per year once out of warranty, with $500–$1,000 annual increases as units age. Under warranty is lower; 24/7 equipment inevitably costs more to maintain.Troubleshooting visits: Dips from ~2.7–2.9 milkings/day to ~2.2–2.3 crush production and are hard to diagnose (cow behavior, nutrition, traffic, hardware hiccups).Feeding in robots: Trend has shifted from “all pellets through the robot” to less robot feed overall. Pellets remain reliable; meals can work but often require hardware tweaks (vibrators/lines) and some herds struggle with consistency. Multiple feeds can help target fresh cows but isn't mandatory.Used robots are viable: Dealer-refreshed, recent-model used units can be half (or less) the cost of new. Expect less warranty and potentially higher repairs, but they're a solid on-ramp for younger or capital-tight producers.Rotaries & partial automation: Pre/post sprayers are getting better and can deliver impressive efficiency. Full robotic attachment on rotaries remains complex due to eye-hand coordination challenges, but incremental automation keeps improving labor per hundred cows.Batch milking with box robots: A compelling middle path for pasture-based or capital-limited farms—bring cows up 2–3× daily, run them through multiple boxes, and send them back. You won't maximize 24/7 robot utilization, but you may optimize labor and cash while managing cows like a traditional system.Capital strategy matters: Highly automated, all-robot barns can tie up capital and slow growth; retrofitting modest parlors can free cash to grow cow numbers. Match the system to your growth goals.Crystal ball: Expect three lanes to coexist—(1) retrofit parallels, (2) large new rotaries (increasingly automated), and (3) robots for small/mid herds—plus combo herds (rotary + a robot barn for elite “robot cows”).Bottom line: There's no one “right” technology. Choose the milking system that fits your labor pool, barn flow, capital plan, and temperament for tech and troubleshooting—not what worked for your neighbor.Chapter markers00:00 – Cold open, guest intro & breed banter (Red Angus; black-and-white Holsteins)03:21 – Why talk robots now? Installs vs. removals and what that means04:56 – Large-herd calculus: automated rotaries vs. box robots06:22 – The visit-rate problem: when milkings/day drop and why it's tricky07:48 – Real repair numbers and how they climb after warranty09:38 – Feeding through the robot: pellets, meals, and what's working now12:47 – Should you buy used robots? Costs, warranties, dealer refreshes16:13 – Robotic rotaries, parlor automation, and what's practical today20:08 – Labor reality: making jobs people actually want to do21:33 – “All-automated” dairies, cash flow, and growth constraints23:55 – Jim's outlook: three lanes + hybrid herds26:00 – Batch milking with boxes: where it shines (esp. pasture herds)28:13 – Tradeoffs: robot idle time vs. labor/capital fit30:02 – The cost elephant: margins, risk, and decision discipline31:41 – Wrap and contact info Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

This week on The Moos Room, Brad shares updates from the University of Minnesota's dairy research center, where staff have been on strike and he's been back in the barn doing chores, milking, feeding, and even pulling calves late at night. With calving season underway, Brad shifts the focus to a new review article on weaning practices in young ruminants, authored by Heather Nave at Purdue University.The discussion explores the stress calves, lambs, goat kids, and beef calves experience when transitioning from milk to solid feed, and how management decisions—such as weaning age and milk removal method—impact long-term health, growth, and welfare. Brad breaks down the pros and cons of abrupt versus gradual weaning, highlights the benefits of later weaning, and shares practical strategies to reduce stress, from nutritional management and water access to social housing and avoiding stacked stressors.Key takeaways include:Later and gradual weaning generally improves growth, gut health, and reduces stress.Early access to palatable solid feed and free-choice water is essential for rumen development.Environmental enrichment and positive human contact can help ease the transition.Veterinarians and farmers should balance short-term economics with long-term animal health and productivity.Tune in for research-backed insights and practical tips to improve calf and herd outcomes during one of the most critical stages of development.Improving the Welfare of Ruminants Around Weaning  in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal PracticeQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode, Brad dives into the growing interest in milk fatty acid profiles and what they can tell us about cow health, nutrition, and management.Brad explains the three main groups of milk fatty acids—de novo, mixed, and preformed—and how they are shaped by diet, stage of lactation, seasonality, and even genetics. He highlights how monitoring these fatty acid trends through routine milk testing can help farmers fine-tune rations, detect health challenges like subclinical ketosis or mastitis, and make more informed feeding decisions.Brad also shares findings from two recent University of Minnesota research projects:Commercial herd study: Comparing Holsteins and crossbreds, as well as feeding strategies (higher starch diets vs. fat supplementation). Results showed small but meaningful differences in fatty acid profiles, with crossbreds showing slightly healthier rumen indicators.University herd study: Comparing organic pasture-based cows to conventional TMR-fed cows, and looking at breed influences (Holsteins, Viking Reds, Jerseys, and Normandy crosses). Pasture cows had higher preformed fatty acids, while Jerseys and Normandy crosses stood out for more favorable fatty acid compositions.The takeaway: fatty acid testing is a valuable management tool for nutrition, genetics, and herd health monitoring—and could even open new opportunities for niche milk markets.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Welcome to episode 230 of Growers Daily! We cover: grassfed vs feedlot meat, how much cold storage do you REALLY need for a market garden, and what gives with paper mulches. We are a Non-Profit! 

In this Labor Day episode, Brad highlights the history of the holiday in the U.S. and Canada before diving into a brand-new genetic evaluation for Holstein dairy cattle: milking speed. Released in August 2025, this trait provides an objective way to measure how quickly cows milk—expressed in pounds of milk per minute—with the Holstein breed average set at 7 lbs/min.Brad explains how this evaluation was developed using parlor sensor data (not robot milking systems) from over 165 herds and 43,000 cows, making it more accurate than traditional subjective scoring methods used in other breeds. With heritability at 42%, milking speed is a promising selection tool for improving parlor efficiency and labor use.The episode also covers:How milking speed correlates with traits like somatic cell score and mastitis.The range of variation in bulls and what that means for selection decisions.Why milking speed isn't yet included in the lifetime merit index.Practical implications for farmers considering faster vs. slower milking cows.Brad wraps up by reflecting on how this new tool could impact herd management at the Morris research herd and encourages producers to watch for milking speed in future bull proofs.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares updates from a busy summer and fall kickoff at the Minnesota State Fair, where his kids showed cows and he helped with 4-H dairy programming. After reflecting on the fair, he dives into the latest research and extension projects happening at the University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.Brad covers a wide range of studies, including:Virtual fencing trials with heifers, lessons learned from training, and future plans to test with milking cows.Horn fly vaccine research, tracking fly counts across hundreds of cows to evaluate effectiveness.Agrovoltaics and portable solar shade, examining how cows use shade structures to reduce heat stress and the impact on pasture regrowth.Parasite monitoring and exploring connections between genetics and parasite load.Heifer feed efficiency, using precision feeders and methane collectors to measure intake, weight gain, and greenhouse gas output.Mastitis management, including trials with alternatives to antibiotics.Genetics-focused projects on inbreeding effects in Holsteins and the potential of polled genetics.Milk processing exploration, with plans to begin producing value-added products like ice cream and butter from the university herd.From innovative technology like virtual fencing to on-farm challenges like mastitis, Brad shares insights into ongoing research aimed at helping dairy farmers improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares updates on the University of Minnesota's ongoing work with bovine leukosis virus (BLV), a retrovirus that weakens the immune system, reduces production, and costs dairy farmers hundreds of dollars per cow each year.Brad walks through the latest herd testing results, where prevalence has held steady at around 30%, but with new infections continuing to appear—especially in older cows. He digs into the role of biting flies in BLV transmission, highlighting research showing that nearly all previously negative cows became suspect or positive after just one summer on pasture.The discussion covers:How BLV spreads within herds.The economic and animal health impacts of infection.Management strategies like testing, culling, colostrum protocols, and breeding decisions.Why fly control may be one of the most important tools for reducing BLV spread in grazing herds.Tune in to hear how the UMN Morris dairy herd is tackling this challenge, what the research says about seasonality and transmission, and what steps farmers can take to manage BLV on their own operations.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Brad records solo during a busy fair season. But behind the scenes at the research center, a troubling issue emerged this summer: a cluster of abortions isolated to a 50–60 cow organic herd.After ruling out other groups, Brad suspected moldy feed. Testing revealed high mold counts—especially Fusarium, which produces mycotoxins linked to infertility and abortions. The herd had been eating first-crop hay baled a bit too wet, later found to be heating and moldy.Aborted fetuses sent to diagnostic labs showed mixed results: one indicated Neospora caninum (a protozoan parasite spread by dogs or coyotes), another pointed to bacterial placentitis likely linked to moldy feed. Despite the confusion, abortions dropped sharply after the moldy hay was removed from the diet, strengthening Brad's belief that feed quality was the main culprit.To prevent future issues, the team pulled suspect hay from use, began feeding a mycotoxin binder, and emphasized the importance—and challenge—of making mold-free feed in a wet year.After almost a month without new cases in the affected herd, Brad is cautiously optimistic. His takeaway: good feed management is critical, even for research herds, and sometimes the simplest solution—removing bad feed—makes the biggest difference.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory