The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist, discusses the critical issues surrounding sustainability in dairy farming. Tara shares her unique journey from environmental consulting to podcasting, highlighting water use, sustainability practices, and how dairy farmers can balance environmental concerns with production. Learn about the latest challenges in water conservation, the importance of educating consumers, and how small management changes can make a big impact. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!"Water use in dairy is not just about big projects. Sometimes it's the small management changes that make a big difference."Meet the guest: Tara Vander Dussen is a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist based in New Mexico. With a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Arizona, Tara has spent over a decade consulting on water conservation, manure management, and sustainability within the dairy industry. As the co-host of the Discover AG podcast, she engages in discussions about agriculture, sustainability, and the future of food. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(04:46) Environmental science(07:01) Water conservation(15:35) Educating consumers(23:05) Consumer-driven in dairy(27:41) Digital media(28:41) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this special episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, celebrating Cow Appreciation Day, Dr. Michael Schutz, Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, shares updates on dairy cattle genetics and herd management. He covers everything from breakthroughs in genomics to colostrum management and industry-wide shifts in dairy science education and practice. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!"Computing capacity has revolutionized genetic evaluations, allowing us to manage data on a scale unimaginable decades ago."Meet the guest: Dr. Michael Schutz is the Department Head of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota. With a BS and MS in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in Dairy Cattle Genetics from Iowa State University, he brings decades of experience in dairy cattle research and extension programs. A pioneer in dairy genetics, Dr. Schutz continues to lead efforts in education and innovation.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(04:00) Dairy extension(13:22) Herd management(17:07) Evolution in education(19:43) Colostrum quality(26:16) Computing capacity & genetics(32:54) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- Protekta- 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. Chris Chase from South Dakota State University explores the persistent challenge of stray voltage in dairy cattle facilities. Discover how faulty facility design, inadequate maintenance, and overlooked electrical issues contribute to this problem—and learn practical strategies to prevent and manage it. Listen now on all major podcast platforms!"Stray voltage can affect the immune system, adding stress to already vulnerable transition cows."Meet the guest: Dr. Chris Chase earned his DVM from Iowa State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in virology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences at South Dakota State University, Dr. Chase has spent decades advancing animal health research. Click here to learn more: bit.ly/40XFyVdhttps://bit.ly/3Ch71Jahttps://strayvoltagefacts.com/Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(05:57) Stray voltage basics(12:57) Facility design flaws(16:58) Importance of maintenance(23:23) Identifying root causes(25:47) Impact on herd health(29:13) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo* Lallemand- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- 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, Dr. Kassidy Buse, Dairy Technical Service Specialist at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, explores the ROI of clean feed and why on-farm hygiene plays a critical role in dairy herd health and performance. She breaks down the hidden costs of spoilage, microbial load, and poor feed management across the entire feeding process. Learn practical strategies to protect herd efficiency and improve your bottom line. Listen now on all major platforms!"The real definition of clean feed is a feed that has spoilage, wild yeast, bacteria, and mycotoxins held and managed to a minimal level."Meet the guest: Dr. Kassidy Buse earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research explores forage utilization and feed preference, with a special focus on low-lignin alfalfa and its effect on digestibility and intake. As a Dairy Technical Service Specialist with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, she brings science-based insight to practical dairy feed management.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:09) Introduction(01:52) Understanding clean feed(07:23) ROI of clean feed(08:45) Feed management practices(13:26) Feed testing tools(20:54) Adjusting feeding strategies(23:39) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- 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. Peter Surai, a professor of nutritional biochemistry, explores the science behind selenium’s impact on immunity, reproduction, and stress resilience in dairy cattle. He discusses different selenium sources, bioavailability challenges, hydroxy-selenomethionine benefits, and strategies for optimizing supplementation. Learn how to fine-tune selenium supplementation and improve herd resilience—listen now on all major platforms!"Organic selenium, particularly selenomethionine, builds body reserves and supports stress resilience."Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Surai, a professor of nutritional biochemistry, has spent over 45 years researching antioxidants and selenium. With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and a career spanning multiple universities worldwide, Dr. Surai has published extensively on selenium’s role in animal nutrition. His expertise in antioxidant defense mechanisms has advanced dairy cattle health and production strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:24) Introduction(03:00) Selenium & dairy health(09:00) Stress and free radicals(15:11) Selenium deficiency impact(19:00) Optimizing selenium supplementation(27:31) Controlling inflammation in dairy cows(33:45) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- 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. Juan Romero from the University of Maine talks about practical ways to reduce hay nutrient losses in humid climates—a common challenge for dairy producers. He highlights the benefits of using preservatives, improving storage techniques, and maintaining forage quality to preserve nutrients. With a focus on cutting spoilage and boosting profitability, Dr. Romero shares actionable tips to help you get the most out of your hay and silage. Tune in now on all major platforms!"Proper storage under a roof and off soil is essential to avoid spoilage after drying efforts."Meet the guest: Dr. Juan Romero is an Associate Professor of Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Forage Science at the University of Maine, where he focuses on improving forage quality and conservation to support dairy profitability. Dr. Romero holds a B.Sc. in Animal Sciences from the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Peru and both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Florida. He completed post-doctoral research in forage science at North Carolina State University.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(04:22) Hay production(09:11) Hay preservatives(13:43) Legumes vs. grasses(17:43) Hay storage(22:32) Soil moisture(26:57) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Evonik* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Adisseo- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Marcia Endres from the University of Minnesota shares how precision tech is reshaping daily life on dairy farms. From robotic milking systems to computer vision and welfare-monitoring sensors, she shares practical insights into how data-driven tools are shaping herd management, animal comfort, and productivity. Understand the real-world challenges and opportunities of tech adoption on dairies. Listen now on all major platforms!"We can collect digital information on cows living in a group, and still monitor each one individually using precision tools."Meet the guest: Dr. Marcia Endres earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science with a dairy emphasis from the University of Minnesota, where she now serves as Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist. Her work centers on improving dairy cattle welfare, health, and performance through advanced housing systems and precision technologies. With a focus on robotics, behavioral sensors, and animal management, her research supports innovation on U.S. dairy farms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:17) Introduction(05:58) Robotic milking systems(08:23) Computer vision insights(11:22) Sensor data adoption(19:29) AI in animal welfare(27:57) Teaching dairy tech(36:30) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Evonik* Lallemand* Priority IAC- Scoular- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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, Richard Breunig, founder, president, and owner of Priority IAC, shares how microbiology and nutrition work together to reshape dairy cattle health. He explores smartbacteria, the importance of pH balance, and challenges in feeding models. Discover how microbial solutions can optimize rumen function and improve herd performance. Listen now on all major platforms!"Smartbacteria is about identifying the right strain for the right function."Meet the guest: Richard Breunig, founder, president, and owner of Priority IAC, began his journey on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, where hands-on animal care led him into genetics, nutrition, and microbiology. With experience developing elite herds and pioneering microbial solutions, Richard’s work now integrates novel bacteria strains into feeding systems to improve dairy cattle performance.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:38) Introduction(06:22) Microbiology meets nutrition(07:13) Defining smartbacteria(12:42) Opportunities beyond the rumen(17:58) Results from smartbacteria(21:12) Leading a successful team(23:48) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo* Evonik- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. Johanna Fink-Gremmels, a veterinarian specialized in pharmacology and toxicology, unpacks the complex role of biofilms in dairy cattle health and farm management. She explains how bacterial communities impact antibiotic resistance, chronic infections, and nutrient utilization, offering insight into prevention strategies, such as quorum sensing manipulation. Learn how understanding bacterial communication can optimize herd health and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!"The most important nutrient for a cow is water, and biofilms in water systems can severely affect intake and health."What will you learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:28) Understanding biofilms(10:20) Antibiotic resistance mechanisms(13:20) Biofilms and cow health(17:33) Rumen health focus(19:56) Quorum sensing explained(29:23) Final three questionsMeet the guest:Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels is a veterinarian specialized in pharmacology and toxicology (Dip ECVPT). With over 25 years as a professor and head of department at Utrecht University, her expertise spans antibiotic use, pharmacokinetics, and the toxicity of mycotoxins. Now consulting for the feed and animal health industries, Dr. Fink-Gremmels shares critical insights on biofilms and microbial communication in dairy cattle health.Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Brian Sanford, Eastern US Team Lead at smaXtec, discusses the advantages of bolus technology in dairy herd management. He explains how highly precise, real-time data from the reticulum—such as inner body temperature and water intake—enables early disease detection, improved diagnoses, and better reproductive outcomes. Learn how this technology is helping producers reduce involuntary culling, enhance milk quality, and optimize peak milk production. Listen now on all major platforms!"By monitoring cows’ internal temperatures in real-time, we can detect health issues days before clinical signs appear, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes."Meet the guest: Brian Sanford is the Eastern US Team Lead at smaXtec, with over 15 years of experience in dairy nutrition and herd management. Before joining smaXtec, he worked extensively in forage quality and nutrition sales, helping producers optimize dairy herd health and efficiency. Brian’s expertise lies in leveraging technology for precision dairy farming, particularly in early disease detection and reproductive health.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:12) Introduction(04:47) Early disease detection(08:32) Potential influences on data(11:18) Improving cow reproduction(22:12) Biggest benefits for farms(26:12) Using sensor technology(33:42) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: SmaXtec* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo* Evonik- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show