The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tara Bohnert, CowManager Performance Specialist, explains how ear sensor technology supports labor efficiency, herd health, and proactive dairy management. She discusses rumination monitoring, early disease detection, dry cow insights, calf monitoring, and team adoption strategies. Tara highlights how data-driven decisions improve consistency and scalability across dairy operations and adds real-world experiences. Learn practical insights to strengthen health, nutrition, and production outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!“Rumination and activity data allow earlier identification of health challenges, shifting dairy management from visual detection toward proactive, consistent decision making.”Meet the guest: Tara Bohnert is a CowManager Performance Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in dairy technology, herd management, and on-farm efficiency. With a background in animal sciences and extensive work across U.S. dairy systems, she focuses on translating ear sensor data into actionable insights that support health, nutrition, and production teams. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:53) Introduction(04:04) Labor challenges(05:29) Health detection(06:34) Sensor features(08:49) Sort gate use(10:52) Dry cows(15:27) Data insights(28:15) Final QuestionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* CowManager* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Lallemand- DietForge- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- Agrarian Solutions- AHV- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jennifer Spencer and Dr. Juan Piñeiro from Texas A&M AgriLife discuss how highly pathogenic avian influenza may affect dairy cattle reproduction. They explain why disease-related inflammation can reduce conception rates and increase services per conception in cows and heifers. The conversation explores early research findings, data challenges, and the importance of biosecurity in dairy operations. Learn how reproductive performance may lag even after recovery from disease. Listen now on all major podcast platforms!"When cows experience systemic illness, energy is redirected toward immune defense, which reduces the biological resources available for normal reproductive function."Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Spencer is an Associate Professor and Extension and Research Dairy Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife, focusing on dairy reproduction, endocrinology, and herd management strategies. Dr. Juan Piñeiro is an Associate Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist at Texas A&M University with expertise in disease prevention, biosecurity, and applied dairy research. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:50) Introduction(05:46) Reproduction concerns(09:20) Early findings(11:52) Impact on the heifer(17:05) Inflammation link(25:10) Practical takeaways(31:07) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Afimilk* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Evonik* CowManager- Protekta- DietForge- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- Natural Biologics- AHV- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Nicole Reisinger from dsm-firmenich breaks down how phytogenic feed additives fit into practical dairy nutrition. She shares how these plant-based compounds can influence rumen function, gut integrity, inflammation, and overall cow comfort, and highlights how biomarkers and modern in vitro tools help fine-tune their use on farm. Hear how phytogenics can support cows facing heat stress, subacute acidosis, and other common herd challenges. Listen now on all major platforms!"Phytogenic feed additives support rumen function, strengthen gut barrier function, and moderate inflammatory activity during critical challenges."Meet the guest: Dr. Nicole Reisinger is a Senior Scientist at the dsm-firmenich Animal Health and Nutrition Center in Tulln, Austria, with a PhD in biotechnology and advanced training in behavior, neurobiology, and cognition. Her research focuses on biomarkers in ruminants, endotoxins, gut health, and complex host-based in vitro and organ chip models, with applications in dairy cattle nutrition, welfare, and precision solutions. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Andy Mueller: Sugar in Dairy Diets | Ep. 105Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann: Mycotoxins & Dairy Feed | Ep. 125Ignacio Artavia: Vitamin D & Dairy Cows | Ep. 132What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:25) Introduction(02:03) Career path(07:32) What are phytogenics(09:31) Testing plant compounds(14:55) Findings in cow challenges(19:15) Evaluating payback(24:12) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- dsm-firmenich* Evonik* CowManager* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Afimilk* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.- SmaXtec- Protekta- DietForge- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- Natural Biologics- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Rick Grant, Trustee of Miner Institute and the William H. Miner Foundation, discusses how cow behavior, nutrition, and management intersect to influence performance and well-being. He shares how two decades at Miner Institute reshaped his understanding of time budgets, stocking density, and feed access, revealing how these factors influence chewing behavior and rumen health. Learn what “feeding from the cow’s perspective” truly means for nutrition and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!"If cows spend over 3.5 hours outside the pen, they sacrifice resting time, which directly reduces rumination and overall efficiency."Meet the guest: Dr. Rick Grant, Trustee of Miner Institute and the William H. Miner Foundation, was raised on a dairy farm in northern New York and earned his B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from Purdue University. His research focuses on forage quality, dairy cattle nutrition, and cow behavioral management. A pioneer in linking cow comfort with feeding efficiency, Dr. Grant’s insights help shape modern dairy management.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Adrian Barragan: Managing Transition Period Inflammation | Ep. 106Dr. Chris Chase: Gut Health’s Impact on Cattle | Ep. 114What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(07:11) Behavior and nutrition(09:27) Miner Institute overview(12:42) Time budgets(19:03) Cow comfort insights(26:52) Management takeaways(28:11) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Natural Biologics* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Evonik* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Afimilk* Agri-Comfort* CowManager- AHV- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec- Protekta- DietForge- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, explores the world of robotic milking systems. From barn design that supports cow flow to strategies for maximizing milk per robot and improving labor efficiency, Jim discusses the economic and practical considerations of implementing this technology. Whether you're managing robots or considering the transition, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss it—listen now on all major platforms!"Robots started as a lifestyle choice, but now we’re maximizing efficiency and milk per robot."Meet the guest: Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, has served the dairy industry for 30 years. With a BS in Animal Science from South Dakota State University and a Master’s in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota, Jim has pioneered research and outreach in dairy management and technology.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:51) Introduction(06:35) Dairy extension changes over time(08:15) Evolution of robotic milking(16:45) Guided vs. free-flow barns(20:13) Milk per cow vs. robot(30:33) Addressing common challenges(36:05) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Afimilk* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Evonik* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Lallemand- DietForge- Berg + Schmidt- Natural Biologics- AHV- BoviSync- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec- Protekta𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Steve Martin from DNMCmilk discusses the evolution and optimization of distillers grains in dairy cow diets. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains the nutritional and economic factors driving ingredient selection, the balance of fatty and amino acids, and strategies for feed cost efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!"Understanding how distillers grains are produced is essential because each processing pathway creates a different nutritional profile for dairy cattle diets."Meet the guest: Steve Martin earned his B.S. in Animal and Dairy Science from Auburn University and his M.S. in Animal Nutrition from Texas A&M University. With more than 30 years in the industry, he has served as a dairy nutritionist, consultant, and founder of DNMCmilk, providing expertise in feed formulation, milk economics, and heifer nutrition. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:40) Introduction(07:55) History of distillers grains(11:10) Feeding management rules(16:10) Fat and protein balance(21:25) Diet optimization(26:40) Dairy risk and innovation(29:20) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC- Protekta- AHV- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- SmaXtec- dsm-firmenich- ICC𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Miel Hostens from Cornell University shares how data integration and AI are reshaping dairy herd management. He discusses key challenges in data systems, explains the role of sensors and cloud tools in farm-level decisions, and highlights how smarter data handling leads to more sustainable dairy production. Learn how digital tools are powering the future of dairy analytics. Listen now on all major platforms!"Everyday decision-making should be somehow driven by data to make sure choices are grounded in measurable insights and not assumptions."Meet the guest: Dr. Miel Hostens received his MSc and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University. He is the Robert and Anne Everett Associate Professor of Digital Dairy Management and Data Analytics at Cornell University, Dr. Hostens leads a lab focused on precision dairy science and sustainable food systems.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:10) Introduction(09:06) Data integration challenges(12:48) Herd-level analytics(14:40) Sensor-based monitoring(16:20) AI and language models(24:20) Behavior and milk yield(35:37) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik- dsm-firmenich- ICC- Protekta- AHV- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Laura Hernandez from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shares groundbreaking insights on calcium regulation in dairy cows. She explains how serotonin, phosphorus, and prepartum management influence hypocalcemia outcomes and overall herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!"Serotonin moves calcium into the mammary gland through transporters to stimulate a hormonal signal that mobilizes calcium from the bone."Meet the guest: Dr. Laura Hernandez is a Professor of Lactation Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences and Animal Science from the University of Arizona, following her M.S. and B.S. at New Mexico State University. Her research focuses on hormonal and metabolic pathways that regulate calcium homeostasis and mammary function in dairy cows.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(02:19) Research on calcium(04:15) Serotonin’s calcium link(06:03) Hormonal regulation explained(14:33) Types of hypocalcemia(26:03) Future research areas(30:37) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:Volac* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik- Berg + Schmidt- SmaXtec- dsm-firmenich- ICC- Protekta- AHV- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jennifer Weber from Afimilk discusses how data-driven technology is transforming dairy management. She explains how feed efficiency algorithms and cow-level data are transforming breeding, replacement strategies, and sustainability strategies on farms. Discover how digital tools are redefining productivity and profitability in the dairy industry. Listen now on all major platforms!"We can confidently say now in the general market, we were able to get a 94% accuracy on individualized dry matter intake."Meet the guest: Jennifer Weber is the Director of Customer Success and Midwest Commercial Manager for Afimilk USA. She leads operations and customer success initiatives across North America. With a dual background in Dairy Science and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, Jennifer brings years of experience in integrating technology into dairy operations. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(05:13) Feed efficiency innovation(07:31) Data and sensors(09:12) On-farm applications(11:41) Long-term strategy(18:06) Future technologies(01:41) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo- Berg + Schmidt- SmaXtec- dsm-firmenich- ICC- Protekta- AHV- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Megan Schrupp, veterinarian and owner of NexGen Dairy in Minnesota, shares how proactive fresh cow management and new technologies are improving animal health and performance. She discusses the tools she uses to monitor fresh cows, reduce post-calving challenges, and build efficient, data-driven protocols that prioritize prevention. Learn how being proactive can enhance health, longevity, and productivity in your herd. Listen now on all major platforms!"Our goal with fresh cows is to set the stage for success in the first few days of lactation."Meet the guest: Dr. Megan Schrupp is a veterinarian and co-owner of NexGen Dairy in Eden Valley, Minnesota, where she oversees herd health, reproduction, and team management. She also operates Dairy Performance Service, LLC, which provides veterinary consulting to dairy farms across central Minnesota. Known for combining sustainability, data-driven decisions, and strong leadership, Dr. Schrupp focuses on maximizing cow health, productivity, and longevity. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(09:38) Fresh cow care(11:46) Genetics and management(15:57) Technology use(20:03) Proactive health assessment(23:08) Feeding behavior(31:01) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: AHV* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- SmaXtec- dsm-firmenich- ICC- Protekta𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show