The Dairy Podcast Show

In order to ensure profitability on our farms while producing top-quality milk, we must carefully consider both technical and economic factors when solving problems and managing our cows, since this approach leads to more precise and profitable results. In that sense, managing somatic cell count and heat stress is no exception. To stay up to date with the latest knowledge in this area, we discuss somatic cell premium programs, somatic cell count reduction for economic viability, the daily impacts of early heat stress, and winter-to-summer ratios with Dr. Derek Nolan. In this episode, we also cover other important topics, such as the economic impact of cover crops, the use of big data on farms, and the role of technology in improving economics.“I hadn’t realized how important the economic side was till I started graduate school’’ - Dr. Derek NolanWhat you’ll learn:(0:00) Highlight(1:38) Introduction (5:16) The role of somatic cell count in farm economics (11:40) The threshold for lowering somatic cell count (15:17) Heat stress abatement (21:48) Activity monitoring to detect heat stress (25:54) Big data management for farm profitability (31:09) The final questions Meet the guest: Dr. Derek NolanExperience: Current: Teaching Assistant Professor and Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of IllinoisBackground: Ph.D., Animal Science (University of Kentucky)M.Sc., Animal Science (University of Kentucky)B.Sc., Dairy Science (Iowa State University)Connect with the guest!𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec

The journey that dairy products undertake starts at the dairy farm and ends at the consumer's table, where milk fluid or other dairy products are consumed. Throughout that process, milk stability is critical, and farms can contribute to a positive consumer experience by managing farm-level factors that can impact the final products. In that aspect, microbiology plays a vital role, so staying up to date with the latest information is essential to reduce dairy product waste. In this episode, featuring Dr. Nicole Martin, we discuss how farm factors, particularly somatic cell count and bacteria plate count, influence the quality of the final products. Additionally, we delve into the significance of cold-resistant bacteria and spore-forming bacteria, as well as consumer decision that contribute to dairy food waste.“We know that dairy products (namely, cheese and extended shelf-life fluid) can be severely impacted by high somatic cell count in milk.’’ – Dr. Nicole MartinWhat you’ll learn:(0:00) Highlight(1:50) Introduction (7:11) How somatic cell and bacteria plate counts affect dairy product quality (12:30) Spore-forming bacteria in milk (18:53) The waste panorama of dairy products (24:04) Farm-level factors that affect the quality of the final product (29:21) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Nicole MartinExperience: Current: Assistant Research Professor in Dairy Foods Microbiology and Associate Director of the Milk Quality Improvement Program at Cornell UniversityBackground: Ph.D., Food Science (Cornell University)M.Sc., Food Science (Cornell University)B.Sc., Food Science (Cornell University)Connect with the guest!𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec

In recent years, automatic milking systems have become a valuable tool for dairy farmers, offering solutions to labor challenges and providing efficient management of cow milking. With it, farmers can streamline their daily tasks while also gaining valuable insights into cow behavior and responses through data analysis. However, effectively interpreting and utilizing this data is essential to optimize the performance of the milking systems. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth French, an expert on the field, who discusses key factors such as the way the number of milking times, parity, and nutrition impact cow performance in robotic milking systems. Additionally, she provides an overview of her current research projects at the Forage Research Center, with the USDA.“I think it is exciting that we are getting more and more monitors on farms to start telling in real-time when milk fat, protein, and lactose are changing.’’ - Dr. Elizabeth FrenchWhat you’ll learn:(0:00) Highlight(2:05) Introduction (7:59) The role of milking frequency in automatic milking systems (15:19) Precision nutrition in robotic systems (22:29) Using automatic milking systems to predict feed nutrients (27:12) Cover crops in the diets of cows (31:19) Methane reduction of unborn calves (36:23) The final questionsMeet the guest: Dr. Elizabeth French Experience: Current: Animal Scientists and Researcher/Dairy Cattle Nutritionist at the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)Past: Dairy Technical Specialist at Purina Mills; Dairy Management Advisor at DeLavalBackground: Ph.D., Dairy Nutrition (University of Wisconsin-Madison)M.Sc., Dairy Nutrition (University of Wisconsin-Madison)B.Sc., Biotechnology and Pre-veterinary Medicine (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec

Management is the heart of every business and profitability is its oxygen, both working together and indispensable to keep us alive. Two aspects we must make sure that we are doing right are managing our input costs and preparing the next generation to take over our farms. These are not trivial goals, and we should explore every idea that could help us achieve them – which is why in this episode, with Jonathan LaPorte, M.Sc., we will discuss strategies for input purchases, management of financial reserves for the reduction of price risks, the engagement of younger generations in dairy farm operations, and plans for the transition of farm ownership.“Dairy farmers make up a very close, neat community where everybody wants to see everybody being successful and there are always people willing to help each other out.’’ - Jonathan LaPorte, M.Sc.What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (01:38)Purchasing strategies for reducing inputs costs (05:35)Managing financial reserves on a farm (12:37)Starting a new dairy farm operation (16:41)Engaging the next generations in dairy farm operations (21:28)Transitioning dairy farm ownership (27:38)The final questions (34:10)Meet the guest: Jonathan LaPorteExperience: Current: Farm Business Management Educator at Michigan State University ExtensionPast: Senior Farm Loan Officer (USDA, FSA); Agronomy Sales Specialist (Certified Crop Advisor)Background: M.Sc., Agribusiness (Kansas State University)B.Sc., Agribusiness Management (Michigan State University)Connect with the guest: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec

The final products obtained from milk industrialization make up the identity of the dairy industry and are the image that is sold to our consumers. As such, developing products with high quality is key – now more than ever, particularly considering the development of plant-based alternatives and the emergence of diseases like milk allergy and lactose intolerance. To do that, we have to understand consumer demands and willingness. That is where this episode, with our guest Dr. Stephanie Clark, comes in: to stay up to date with the topic, we discuss the differences between lactose intolerance and milk allergy, the expiration dates of products, the flavors present in products, the effects of packaging types and labeling on consumers, new plant-based milk alternatives, and ways to educate new consumers and give them incentive to buy more dairy products.“I think we are potentially leading to a lactose-intolerant generation.’’ - Dr. Stephanie ClarkWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (01:57)Lactose intolerance and milk allergy (04:34)Sell by date on dairy products (09:55)Milk flavors (14:20)Consumers’ packaging preferences (18:15)Labeling effects on dairy consumption (27:15)Plant-based alternatives for milk (31:21)Educational messages for increasing consumption (34:17)Milk information sources for consumers (40:47)The final questions (42:48)Meet the guest: Dr. Stephanie Clark‬Experience:Current: Professor at Iowa State UniversityPast: Associate Professor at Iowa State University; Associate Professor at Washington State UniversityBackground:Ph.D., Food Science (Cornell University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo- smaXtec

We now have decades of accumulated knowledge on strategies for mammary health management regarding milking – protocols were developed even as early as in the fifties or sixties, like dipping techniques. This could mislead us to think that there isn’t much new to learn about it, but science is in constant progress and brings in new concepts every day. That’s why we should look for opportunities to keep up with new developments. In this episode with our guest Dr. Valerie Ryman, we discuss the main challenges for mammary health and milk quality, key management strategies for improving mammary health, and somatic cell counts. Also, we talk about new tools for assessing differential somatic cell counts and a recent, controversial proposition that there may be a natural microbiome in the mammary gland rather than only pathogenic bacteria.“To my mind, the appropriate application of a pre-dip is like an unsung hero in preventing a lot of mastitis – underestimated, but key.’’ Dr. Valerie Ryman ‬What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:33)Dairy industry trends in Georgia (10:21)Main challenges for mammary health and milk quality in Georgia (14:48)Key practices for mastitis control (19:03)Fore-stripping cows in the milking routine (24:04)Research on mammary health (26:28)What is differential somatic cell count? (29:31)Is there a microbiome in the mammary gland? (32:17)The final questions (38:03)Meet the guest: Dr. Valerie Ryman‬Experience:Current: Assistant Professor and State Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of GeorgiaPast: Postdoctoral Research Specialist at University of GeorgiaBackground:Ph.D., Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology (Michigan State University)M.Sc., Animal and Dairy Science (The University of Georgia)B.Sc., Animal and Veterinary Science (Clemson University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo

While most problems that dairy farms face both arise and are solved inside the farm, sometimes it’s not that easy – some natural hazards, over which we have little to no control, can cause harm. That is the case with wildfires: concerns over the danger posed by the air pollution caused by wildfires have been increasing in recent years. In order to reduce these impacts, we have to stay up to date with the latest research about the effects of poor air quality. That is precisely the topic of this episode’s roundtable, with Dr. Amy Skibiel and Dr. Pedram Rezamand: discussing air quality indicators, the impacts of wildfire air pollution on cow health and performance, and the development of research on the long-term effects, mitigation, and treatment of affected cows.“The major issues with which producers deal in our area have to do with environmental issues.’’ – Dr. Pedram Rezamand‬What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:45)Quantifying air pollution (10:09)The impact of air pollution on cows (16:53)Smoke inhalation issues on calves (21:545)Controlled experiments for air pollution exposure (24:14)Further research on wildfire air pollution (27:17)Protection measures for dairy workers’ safety (32:33)The final questions (36:02)Meet the guest: Dr. Amy Skibiel‬Experience:Current: Assistant Professor at the University of IdahoBackground:Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Auburn University)M.Sc., Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology (Auburn University)B.S., Biology (Juniata College)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedInMeet the guest: Dr. Pedram Rezamand‬Experience:Current: Professor at the University of IdahoBackground:Ph.D., Animal Science (The University of Connecticut)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo

Before we start thinking about formulating the most precise diet for our cows, we have to make sure that the feed is properly prepared and delivered to cows. In order to do that the right way, we have to understand the feeding behavior of cows. In this episode, Dr. Trevor DeVries discusses what drives cows to feel hungry, what the feeding frequency is, how we can identify the individual behavior of the animals at the feed bunk, the benefits of automatic systems, and the challenges of research on nutrition with automated milking systems.“We don't want a cow to eat because they’ve been out of feed for so long that they’re hungry and need to do it right now – we want cows to be internally hungry.’’ – Dr. Trevor DeVries ‬What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:45)The access of cows to feed bunkers (6:00)Individual behavior at feed bunkers (11:00)How many times should we do feed push-ups? (15:00)Feed push-up technologies (26:24)Nutrition with robotic milking systems (31:42)Technological integration in feed management (38:53)The final questions (41:39)Meet the guest: Dr. Trevor DeVries‬Experience:Current: Professor and Canada Research Chair on Dairy Cattle Behavior and Welfare at the University of GuelphBackground:Ph.D., Epidemiology (The University of British Columbia)B.Sc.; Agriculture, Animal Sciences (The University of British Columbia)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo

Minerals have always been important for the nutrition of cows – even more so when it comes to preparing the animals for calving, since they play a role in helping prevent disorders like hypocalcemia. The most successful example of that is DCAD diets. With that in mind, what are the latest advances regarding minerals for transition cows? To answer this question, we have to look at the most important minerals: calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. In this episode with Patrick Hoffman, we talk about the importance of these three minerals for transition cows as well as define what a zeolite binder is, how it works, and how it reduces hypocalcemia problems.“I was very skeptical about zeolite products when they first emerged.’’  – Patrick Hoffman‬What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (2:05)Important minerals after calving (12:12)What is zeolite? (20:52)Zeolite mechanism of action on phosphorus homeostasis (25:37)Zeolite at farms (29:26)Zeolite for heifers: does it work? (33:24)The final questions (39:28)Meet the guest: Patrick Hoffman‬Experience:Current: Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Scientist at Dairy Science Solutions, LLCPast: Dairy Technical Specialist at Vita Plus CorporationBackground:M.Sc., Dairy Science (University of Wisconsin-Madison)B.Sc., Agricultural Education (University of Wisconsin-Platteville)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo

Cow welfare has now become a concern for both producers and consumers. In this context, if we are aware of consumer priorities and industry plans regarding the issue, we can better address the main challenges on our dairy farms. In this episode with Dr. Jennifer Walker, we talk about animal welfare audit protocols, consumer interests, and the main issues in dairy systems related to the subject. Additionally, she shares some perspectives on milk quality.“I think we're going to see benefits when we start thinking about how to simultaneously optimize both animal welfare with production.’’ - Dr. Jennifer Walker‬What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:45)Concerns about audits on dairy farms (5:40)The priorities of dairy consumers (13:22)The main challenges in welfare at dairies (12:06)Animal welfare and housing systems (24:45)Milk quality perspectives (31:47)The final questions (40:19)Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Walker‬Experience:Current: Director of Quality & Care at Danone North AmericaPast: Director, Dairy Stewardship at Dean Foods; Graduate Research Assistant- Veterinary of Preventive Medicine at Ohio State UniversityBackground:Ph.D., Veterinary Preventive Medicine (Ohio State University)M.Sc.; International Animal Welfare, Ethics & Law (University of Edinburgh)D.V.M., Food Animal Medicine (University of California, Davis)B.Sc., Animal Sciences (University of California, Davis)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista- Protekta- DSM- Diamond V- ICC- Phibro- Berg + Schmidt- Evonik- Adisseo