
The Dairy Podcast Show
Do you want to be in the top 1% of the dairy industry? Then learn how to improve dairy production with high-impact strategies and through a modern podcast especially conceived and designed by and for the brightest minds of the global dairy industry. Perfect for staying up to date with the latest research, trends and hot topics of the industry in a light and interesting way, while saving your time.
Latest episodes

Oct 2, 2023 โข 26min
Dr. Thom Petersen: Dairy Industry in Minnesota | Ep. 56
In this episode I had the honor of discussing the dairy industry with a great professional. Dr. Thom Peterson, who is not only a dairy producer but also the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, graced us with an interesting conversation about the top concerns in the dairy industry in Minnesota, the impacts of Pfas on the dairy industry, benefit programs for dairy farmers in Minnesota, advice for dairy producers or anybody in the industry, and much more. "I just like if we could always just somehow magically produce a good price for farmers that want to milk cows that would make ah the world a lot better place"What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:28) Introduction(03:43) A typical day at work in the Agriculture Department(06:43) Top concerns in the dairy industry in Minnesota(08:09) Impacts of Pfas on the dairy industry(10:21) Benefit Programs for dairy farmers in Minnesota(16:04) Average age and new profile of dairy farm operators(17:57) Advice for dairy producers or anybody in the industry(20:29) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Thom PetersenExperience:Current: Commissioner (Minnesota Department Of Agriculture) Past: Director in Government Relations (Minnesota Farmers Union)Background:Ph.D., (University of Georgia)B.Sc., (University of Minnesota)Connect with the guest!The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo- Berg + Schmidt- Diamond V- dsm-firmenich- Evonik- ICC- Phibro- Protekta- smaXtec- AB Vista๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Sep 26, 2023 โข 47min
Nathan Brearley: Dairy Farming Journey | Ep. 55
Dealing with the unpredictability of dairy industry endeavors is a test of durability and adaptability. In this episode, Nathan recounts his journey throughout a tumultuous decade in the dairy industry, marked by fluctuating highs and lows, and how these challenges prompted him to implement resourceful and efficient strategies to improve farming operations. More than just a simple dairy farm, this episode delves into integrating technology into dairy farming, considering strategic herd management, and emphasizing ecological sustainability."That seems to be what has always worked for us: to get a little bit more out of each animal or the facility in general, it's always easier to get things paid for with more money, but also as you care for those animals better, they return to you at a faster rate."What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(02:23) Introduction(05:22) The economic stress and challenges in the dairy industry(09:53) Goals for the dairy moving forward(14:03) Farm's numbers and performance(15:48) Keeping cows longer and genomic breeding strategy(19:35) Heat detection and introduction of new technology(22:03) Implementation and benefits of the bolus (26:57) Review of the bolus implementation after six months(30:58) Reproductive health in livestock(38:04) Innovations in forage program(42:03) Operating a dairy(43:24) The three final questionsMeet the guest: Nathan Brearley Experience:Current: Owner and operator of Brearly FarmsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- smaXtec- Adisseo- AB Vista- Berg + Schmidt- Diamond V- DSM- Evonik- ICC- Phibro- Protekta๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Sep 19, 2023 โข 46min
Dr. Robin White: AI in Dairy Sustainability | Ep. 54
The dairy industry is a vibrant ecosystem that continually evolves with research and advancements. Integrating data science and technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), into farming practices is a notable development. Additionally, the industry is steering towards enhanced sustainability to address environmental challenges. In this episode, Dr. Robin White of Virginia Tech delves into her work at the intersection of animal and environmental sciences, highlighting three main areas: fermentation mechanisms, farm-level efficiency through precision technologies, and livestock's role in broader food systems. Dr. White underlines the necessity of mitigating emissions and adapting to climate change in order to secure the industry's future. Moreover, she discusses the potential of AI in reshaping education and fostering critical thinking."We closely examine modeling and precision technologies as tools to advance our objectives in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability."What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:55) Introduction(07:44) Discussion about improving sustainability in the dairy industry(11:01) The need for climate change mitigation strategies in animal agricultural practices(12:34) The link between animal productivity and environmental impact(13:15) Nutrient synchrony and volatile fatty acids (VFA) in Dairy Nutrition(21:15) Operationalizing AI in the dairy industry and professional communication(40:35) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Robin WhiteExperience:Current: Assistant Professor at the Virginia TechPast: Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of KentuckyBackground:Ph.D. in Animal Sciences (Washington State University)B.Sc. in Animal Sciences (Washington State University)The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Sep 11, 2023 โข 38min
Dr. Jodi McGill: Dairy Respiratory Disease Management | Ep. 53
Respiratory diseases in dairy cattle are pivotal, affecting animal welfare and farm economics. Ailments like Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and bacterial pneumonia are particularly concerning during calf growth and weaning, impacting long-term productivity. Thus, effective management is vital. In this episode, Dr. Jodi McGill, an expert in dairy cattle immunity, especially in respiratory diseases, discusses the role of immunity in calf health and strategies for preventing respiratory diseases. Dr. McGill emphasizes the significance of stress during weaning, the effectiveness of intranasal vaccines, and the potential of nutritional interventions. "We must be aware that the long-term implication of bovine respiratory disease is enormous."What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(02:15) Introduction(04:19) Discussion on bovine respiratory disease(13:24) The role of the adaptive immune system(18:24) Discussion on weaning strategies(19:13) Vaccination strategies for respiratory disease(26:11) The effects of postbiotic products for respiratory disease(34:01) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Jodi McGillExperience:Current: Associate Professor at the Iowa State UniversityPast: Postdoctoral Associate at the National Animal Disease CenterBackground:Ph.D., Immunology (University of Iowa)M.Sc., Pathology (University of Iowa)B.Sc., Microbiology (Iowa State University)The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Sep 4, 2023 โข 38min
Dr. Ranga Appuhamy: Calf Development and Water | Ep. 52
Water represents a critical, yet often overlooked component in the nutrition and development of young calves. While significant attention is justifiably given to their milk or milk replacer intake, supplying water to neonatal calves should not be underestimated. In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Ranga Appuhamy from Iowa State University as our distinguished guest. Dr. Appuhamy, a renowned researcher and educator in Dairy Science, shared valuable insights, including his research on water intake in young calves. His work underscores the pivotal role of water in calf development, shedding light on its influence on milk consumption, gut microbiome, and overall growth."We see that providing drinking water increases milk consumption of young calves." What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(02:12) Introduction(19:24) Testing water's relevance in neonatal cows(24:20) Drinking water provides stimulus for rumen development(26:22) Relevance of water at the time of weaning(27:44) Observations on gut microbiota composition changes(30:55) Problem of providing drinking water to calves during winter(32:53) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Ranga AppuhamyExperience:Current: Assistant Professor at the Iowa State UniversityPast: Post Doctoral Associate at the University of CaliforniaBackground:Ph.D., Animal Science (Virginia State University)M.Sc., Dairy Science (Virginia State University)B.Sc., Agriculture (University of Peradeniya)Connect with the guest!The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Aug 28, 2023 โข 47min
Dr. Steve Blezinger: Driving Dairy Success | Ep. 51
In today's dairy industry, achieving and sustaining optimal milk production and herd health depend on a strategic fusion of effective nutrition and management practices. This pivotal synergy maximizes milk yield, ensures cattle welfare, and drives overall success. In this episode, Dr. Steve Blezinger, a veteran with 30+ years in ruminant nutrition, discusses dairy triumph factors. He stresses farm efficiency, feed quality, and decisive choices during economic challenges. Highlighting collaboration between nutritionists and vets, he uses real-world data to optimize animal health. โThe interlacing of nutrition, animal health, and reproduction is intricate; everything is tied together." What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(02:15) Introduction (05:59) Discussion about the intersection of dairy and beef industries(08:04) Hot topics in the industry and challenges during downturns(13:00) Importance of quality in forage and selection processes(17:09) Yeast studies in beef and dairy production(22:23) The impact of supplements on dairy production(32:56) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Steve BlezingerExperience:Current: Owner of Reveille Livestock ConceptsPast: Ruminant Product and Technical Manager in Trouw Nutrition USABackground:Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition (Texas A&M University)M.Sc. (Texas A&M University)B.Sc. (Texas A&M University)Connect with the guest!The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Aug 21, 2023 โข 41min
Dr. Chuck Schwab: Beyond Protein in Dairy | Ep. 50
Amino acids, often termed as the fundamental components of proteins, play a vital role in diverse physiological processes such as growth, reproduction, immune response, and milk synthesis. Their significance in the nutrition of dairy cattle is undeniable. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Chuck Schwab, a distinguished Professor Emeritus from New Hampshire University and a trailblazer in this domain. He guides us through his profound research expedition, which began with a deep fascination for amino acids during his undergraduate years. From there, he delves into their pivotal contribution to the overall well-being and productivity of dairy cattle, offering invaluable insights on his journey's progress and challenges.โAmino acids represent essential nutrients, while protein is an approximate nutrient." - Dr. Chuck SchwabWhat youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(02:16) Introduction (18:27) Amino acid balancing(20:46) Observation of the impact of amino acid balancing in herds(26:02) Improvement of models and research challenges(29:16) Importance of essential and non-essential amino acids(34:58) Dr. Schwab's advice for dairy nutritionists(39:12) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Chuck SchwabExperience:Current: Independent Business Owner in Schwab Consulting, LLCPast: Assistant Professor at the University of New HampshireBackground:Ph.D., Dairy Science and Nutritional Sciences (University of Wisconsin-Madison)M.Sc., Dairy Science (University of Wisconsin-Madison)B.Sc., Animal Sciences (University of Wisconsin-Platteville)Connect with the guest!The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Aug 14, 2023 โข 55min
Dr. Robert VanSaun: Minerals and Dairy Cow Health | Ep. 49
Trace mineral nutrition is often underestimated in agricultural education, yet it remains indispensable for ensuring optimal livestock health and productivity. These minerals play a vital role in numerous physiological processes, and their deficiencies can give rise to severe health issues. In this episode, we engage in a conversation with Dr. Robert VanSaun, a distinguished Professor of Veterinary Science at Penn State University and a specialist in animal and mineral nutrition for ruminants. Dr. VanSaun underscores the significance of trace minerals in maintaining livestock health and emphasizes their role in nourishing cows during the dry period. "Optimal dry cow nutrition is essential for maximizing cow performance." - Dr. Robert VanSaunWhat youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(02:57) Introduction (16:50) Discussion about transition cow nutrition and trace mineral nutrition(17:30) Sharing practice experiences on mineral homeostasis(26:35) Discussing maternal-fetal transfer and its impact(30:18) The composition of the trace mineral(31:13) Common misconceptions among nutritionists regarding trace minerals(48:13) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Robert VanSaunExperience:Current: Professor at the Penn State UniversityPast: Assistant Professor at the Oregon State UniversityBackground:Ph.D. in Ruminant nutrition (Cornell University)M.Sc. in Large Animal Clinical Nutrition (Michigan State University)B.Sc. in Veterinary Medicine (Michigan State University)Connect with the guest!The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Aug 7, 2023 โข 36min
Dr. Todd Callaway: Ruminant Microbiology in Management | Ep. 48
Feeding ruminants goes beyond just nourishing the animal itself. It heavily revolves around supporting the ruminal microbiota. The role of microorganisms in ruminants is crucial for obtaining the necessary nutrients and ensuring optimal performance. Dr. Todd Callaway, an expert from the University of Georgia, delves into the intricate microbial environment present in cattle's digestive system in this episode. His research journey focuses on understanding the functionalities of the gut microbiota in cattle nutrition. Here, he explores the complexities of the cattle gastrointestinal tract and its implications for food safety and production efficiency. โOver the years, we have invested significant effort in studying the typical carriage of pathogens, distinguishing what is considered normal from what isn't.โ - Dr. Todd Callaway What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:58) Introduction (07:11) Introduction to next-generation sequencing(13:29) The definition of microbiome(15:43) Understanding metagenomics(20:00) Interaction between the microbes and the animal(21:37) Applying microbiome knowledge to nutrition and management (22:17) Effects of heat stress on microbes and animals(26:18) Understanding pathogens and managing the gut of an animal(30:31) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Todd Callaway Experience:Current: Associate Professor at the University of GeorgiaPast: Research Microbiologist in USDA-ARSBackground:Ph.D., Microbiology (Cornell University)M.Sc., Animal Science (University of Georgia)B.Sc., Animal Science (University of Georgia)Connect with the guest!The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Jul 31, 2023 โข 46min
Dr. Ulises Alex Sanchez Sandoval: Fly Impacts on Dairy | Ep. 47
While they may seem insignificant to the dairy industry at a first glance, flies do pose considerable challenges to dairy cattle that are already facing thermal and ambient stress, as they intensify stress levels and severely affect productivity. Our guest, Dr. Alex Sanchez from the University of New Mexico, sheds light on dairy farming and the role of fly control for milk yields and weight gain. We discuss the impact of fly infestations on dairy production and the adoption of scientific pest control solutions, along with the implications of fly pests and data-driven decision-making. All in all, Dr. Sanchez emphasizes the importance of focusing on small details for optimal outcomes. โI would say that the most successful producers are the ones who never neglect or diminish the potential effect that a single fly can have. They pay attention to the little details.โ - Dr. Ulises Alex Sanchez Sandoval What youโll learn:(00:00) Highlight(00:00) Introduction (04:39) Measuring responses and production parameters in a controlled chamber(07:30) Practical applications(09:41) Management of pests(12:48) Integrated pest management(15:16) The usage of traps in pest management(17:36) Discussing biological control tools(18:58) The importance of quick action tools in pest management(19:40) Understanding the problem of resistance(22:03) Explanation of environmental control strategies(25:14) Economic aspects connected to pest control(33:53) Impact of stress caused by flies on bacterial protein production in cows(37:36) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Ulises Alex Sanchez Sandoval Experience:Current: Manager of Operations at the New Mexico State UniversityPast: Health Services Manager in Establo Don ReyesBackground:Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition / Veterinary Entomology (the New Mexico State University)M.Sc. (the New Mexico State University)D.V.M. (Universidad Autรณnoma Agraria Antonio Narro)Connect with the guest!The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ.Instagram: The Dairy Podcast Show LinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show