The Beef Podcast Show

Dr. Haley Larson, an esteemed Assistant Professor at Kansas State University, discusses her experiences in ruminant nutrition, including gaining confidence in a room of industry professionals and the value of networking. They explore topics such as undergraduate research exposure, in situ and continuous culture fermentation techniques, teaching graduate-level courses for industry-driven career growth, industry experience in the classroom, combating mycotoxins, and the challenges of studying rumen microbiology.

Effective pasture management is essential in beef production, being feed costs, particularly supplemental feeds, a major variable expense. Dr. Amanda Grev, a forage extension specialist, joins us in this episode to introduce "Flirts," a creative blend of flocks and herds. Dr. Grev's expertise lies in integrating various species for improved forage and grazing practices. She highlights the benefits of species mixing in pastures, including diverse grazing preferences, increased carrying capacity, and potential parasite management advantages. However, challenges such as fencing and infrastructure must be considered. Dr. Grev's team is also researching on the economic viability of flirt grazing, with early results favoring a combination of perennial and annual forages. "A flirt is essentially a blend of a flock and a herd, wherein different species graze together." What you’ll learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:20) Introduction (04:36) Strategies to extend the grazing season(09:30) Productivity period for warm-season annuals(12:57) Potential impacts of different species and mixtures(22:55) Importance of rest for your pasture(27:56) Advantages and challenges of grazing different species together(37:37) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Amanda GrevExperience:Current: Forage Extension Specialist at the University of MarylandPast: Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesBackground: Ph.D., Animal Science (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities)M.Sc., Animal Science (University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesB.Sc., Equine Science and Animal Science (North Dakota State University)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedInThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

That's my first episode as one of the hosts for The Beef Podcast Show, and to celebrate that, I had an exciting talk with Dr. Jason Banta, an animal nutrition expert. High-quality beef production hinges on proper nutrition and management. Many cow-calf producers rely on forages as their primary nutrient source, demanding effective forage management for optimal herd growth. Dr. Banta emphasizes aligning forage types with the region, maintaining proper stocking rates, and focusing on forage quality, mineral supplementation, and drought management. He also shares valuable insights on raising replacement heifers and recommends a comprehensive mineral supplementation program for herd health."For most producers, the key to a successful nutrition program is going to start with that forage program." What you’ll learn:  (00:00) Highlight(02:00) Introduction (05:01) Analysis of regional forage variation and its importance(06:52) Impact of drought on feeding forages(16:49) Mineral analysis in confined cattle context(26:28) Tips for developing bred heifers(34:06) Choosing a good mineral supplement(41:13) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Jason BantaExperience:Current: Associate Professor at Texas A&M UniversityBackground: Ph.D., Animal Nutrition (Oklahoma State University)M.Sc, Animal Science (West Texas A&M University)B.Sc., Animal Science (Texas A&M University)The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

Dr. A. J. Tarpoff, expert in cattle heat stress management and feedlot practices, discusses challenges and advancements in cattle heat stress management, weather monitoring, heat stress mitigation strategies, and enhancing existing feedlot practices. He emphasizes the interconnectivity of comfort, productivity, and health factors in securing the quality of beef products and the future of animal health and wellbeing.

Sustainability in beef cattle production has become a vital concept addressing long-term environmental, societal, and economic welfare. As global demand for high-quality protein rises, balancing it with responsible resource management is paramount. In this episode, we engage in an insightful conversation with Dr. Jacquelyn Prestegaard-Wilson, an assistant professor and livestock sustainability specialist at Texas A&M University. She highlights practical strategies for beef producers, including grazing management and forage analysis, while addressing regional challenges. Dr. Prestegaard-Wilson underscores the impact of empathy and connection in sharing beef's sustainability narrative, emphasizing active listening and open conversations to bridge the gap between producers and consumers."As a beef producer, try making small adjustments here and there to see if they work. See if they work for you." What you’ll learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:30): Introduction (12:33) Settling in Texas: challenges and opportunities(17:33) Strategies for sustaining operations(24:02) Contemplating the modern definition of sustainability and past progress(28:15) Sustainability challenge for producers(34:48) The importance of extension program for sustainability(40:56) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Jacquelyn Prestegaard-WilsonExperience:Current: Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M UniversityPast: Postdoctoral Data Research Intern in Select Sires Inc.Background: Ph.D. in Dairy Cattle Nutrition (Virginia Tech)M.Sc. in Ruminant Nutrition (University of Missouri-Columbia)B.Sc. in Animal Science (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedInThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

Extension programs are essential for the beef industry, ensuring accessibility to the latest research and best practices in forage management. By promoting efficient forage use and sustainable grazing, these services bolster the beef sector’s growth, productivity, and resilience. In this episode, Jeff Semler, M.Sc., a distinguished University of Maryland Extension Educator, delves into captivating forage research. He shares insights about optimizing forage production under traditional and organic settings, unveiling their impact on beef output. Discover Semler's role in knowledge transfer and advocating for sustainable agriculture. "As long as extension remains viable, our ongoing endeavor should be to unite people, as this has consistently been our underlying strength." - Jeff SemlerWhat you’ll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:15) Introduction (08:15) Changing extension over 35 years(14:21) Transition to the challenges in farming(21:32) A conversation about the forage base for cattle(26:30) The effect of technological changes(41:59) The final questionsMeet the guest: Jeff Semler, M.Sc.Experience:Current: Extension Educator at the University of Maryland ExtensionBackground: M.Sc. in Animal Sciences (University of Connecticut)B.Sc. in Animal Science (West Virginia University)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedInThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

Skeletal muscle growth constitutes a crucial multifaceted biological process for meat quality, particularly in beef production, with a notable focus on beef marbling. Comprehending these intricate elements and their interplay is essential for producing premium meat that aligns with consumer and market preferences. In this episode, Dr. Marcio Duarte, Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph and an authority in meat science and muscle biology, delves into the influence of skeletal muscle growth on meat excellence. He underscores the connection between maternal nutrition during the cow's final trimester and the calf's dietary intake in its first 250 days. "The most suitable time frame to enhance marbling deposition is from the final trimester of gestation up to 250 days after the calf's birth." - Dr. Marcio DuarteWhat you’ll learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:34) Introduction (09:11) Enhancing Marbling Through Nutrition and Timing(13:09) Maternal nutrition during the cow's final trimester(16:01) Early Calf Nutrition for Marbling Success(36:49) Understanding Cellular Level Effects on Tissue(45:18) Nutrient Manipulation in Livestock(48:38) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Marcio DuarteExperience:Current: Assistant Professor at the University of GuelphPast: Assistant Professor at the Federal University of ViçosaBackground: Ph.D. in Animal Sciences (Federal University of Viçosa)M.Sc. in Animal Sciences (Federal University of Viçosa)B.Sc. in Animal Science (Federal University of Viçosa)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedInThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

With advances in genetics and livestock practices, the beef industry has evolved over the years. However, current references for vitamin and mineral inclusion are outdated, failing to address the animals' modern needs. Our guest (and also our co-host!), Dr. Stephanie Hansen, a prominent researcher and professor in feedlot nutrition at Iowa State University, focuses on optimizing growth and stress resilience in cattle. Dr. Hansen's research has revealed interesting links between beta-agonists like ractopamine hydrochloride and reduced external fat in cattle, benefiting both the industry's economic viability and sustainability. These findings emphasize the importance of up-to-date research to meet the changing demands of livestock production."I wanted to ensure that animals wouldn't get sick, and I was eager to explore ways to prevent illnesses in them." - Dr. Stephanie HansenWhat you’ll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:30) Introduction  (11:03) Discussing teaching and research (21:33) Research on beta agonists(25:15) The economic and environmental benefits of ractopamine(30:21) Feed efficiency and sustainability (33:54) The difference between classes of beta agonists(42:17) Travel experiences and interests(54:29) Final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Stephanie HansenExperienceCurrent: Full Professor at the Iowa State UniversityPast: Associate Professor at the Iowa State UniversityBackgroundPh.D. Nutrition (the North Carolina State University)M.Sc. Nutrition (the North Carolina State University)B.Sc. (the Iowa State University)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedinThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

The beef industry has witnessed remarkable growth in animal welfare awareness, leading to significant improvements in its practices. Properly caring for animals translates into better health, heightened disease resistance, and consistent growth rates. Besides, producing meat from compassionately raised animals positively impacts consumer perception, influencing purchasing decisions and enhancing the industry's reputation. In this episode, Dr. Eduarda Bordelusi, from Kansas State University, shares her expertise in animal welfare and applied domestic animals. As an innovative leader dedicated to improving animal welfare and exploring innovative solutions and a prominent advocate for responsible and sustainable agriculture, she connects technology, animal behavior, and welfare in the beef industry. "I believe it is crucial to incorporate both physiological and behavior measures, including grimace scores, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the animal's emotional state." - Dr. Eduarda BortoluzziWhat you’ll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:48) Introduction  (06:37) Understanding animal welfare in the beef industry(09:32) Applying observations from the dairy industry to beef cattle(13:16) The uses of artificial intelligence in beef farming(16:51) The challenges of getting quality images and consistency for machine learning models  (19:47) Further opportunities for employing AI and machine learning in the beef industry(21:48) Trying to eliminate subjectivity in the measurement of animal welfare(24:43) The importance of observer consistency(33:54) Integrating AI in Research(44:49) Integrating AI in researchMeet the guest: Dr. Eduarda BortoluzziExperienceCurrent: Associate Professor at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary MedicinePast: Research Intern at Kansas State UniversityBackgroundPh.D., Animal Science (Kansas State University)M.Sc., Animal Science (Kansas State University)B.Sc., Veterinary Medicine (Universidade Federal do Pampa)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedinThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

While beef production is crucial to meet the ever-increasing global demand for protein-rich food, the rapid expansion of livestock farming has raised concerns regarding its environmental impact and long-term sustainability. In this episode, I team up with the esteemed Dr. Diwakar Vyas to delve into various aspects of the beef industry such as those ones. A true expert in the field, Dr. Vyas gives invaluable insights and practical advice for beef producers, emphasizing the importance of carefully observing animal performance and analyzing data, highlighting the immense value of extension work and producer collaboration, stressing the significance of conducting applied research, and sharing the findings of his groundbreaking research on efficiency and cattle performance."Observation and data are the keys to effective farming. So always start by looking at the data and be ready to adapt your management practices if anything deviates from the norm." - Dr. Diwakar VyasWhat you’ll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:21) Introduction (07:45) Differences among livestock production systems(09:39) Challenges with forages in different climates(11:16) Focus and goals of current research(12:05) A comprehensive view on methane production and sustainability(14:10) An introduction to the concept of net protein contribution(15:48) Combining life-cycle assessment and net protein contributions(21:29) Discussing principles of forage quality evaluations(24:12) The responsibility of extension and collaboration with producers(25:49) Advice for beef producers and the importance of forage quality(29:51) The impacts of small mistakes on the farming process(30:25) Future breakthroughs in sustainability and the role of artificial intelligence(33:51) Final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Diwakar VyasExperienceCurrent: Assistant Professor of Ruminant Nutrition at the University of FloridaPast: Research Biologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaBackgroundPh.D., Nutrigenomics (the University of Maryland)M.V.Sc., Animal Nutrition (the National Dairy Research Institute)D.V.M. (the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedinThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Instagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show