Progressive Dairy Podcast

Dairy farmers have several options when designing and implementing beef-on-dairy programs. One approach is breeding dairy cows to beef sires, producing crossbred calves that enter the beef value chain. However, an increasing number of dairies are choosing HerdFlex beef embryos, which result in full-beef calves. Evaluating embryo quality is crucial for dairy farmers when considering beef-on-dairy options. Understanding the processes involved with these embryos is essential, and we provide comprehensive information to address any questions you may have. Here is a breakdown of the episode: 1:50: The Impact of Embryos and In Vitro Fertilization on Dairy Breeding3:28: Debunking the Myth: “An embryo is an embryo”6:57: Quality Control and Simplot Animal Sciences8:56: Why Embryo Quality Matters for Dairies10:49: Practical Insights from Your Own Herds14:54: Final Thoughts & Advice for Dairies Considering HerdFlex Embryos16:14: Where to Learn More This episode is sponsored by Simplot Animal Sciences. Embryo quality is the foundation of a successful embryo transfer program. By prioritizing high-quality embryos, dairy farmers can achieve higher conception rates and healthier, stronger calves for a more profitable and sustainable dairy operation.

There’s a new type of AI in town, and one you might not be as familiar with. Shari van de Pol, CEO of Cattleytics, joins host Matti McBride to explain how and why dairies can benefit from artificial intelligence. Learn the different types of AI, what applications you might use it for and understand the benefits and limitations of this technology.

Brad Peterson, VP of Sales at Total Farm Marketing, sheds light on how AI and proactive planning are revolutionizing dairy marketing. He discusses the innovative TFM360 system, which employs AI for optimizing milk pricing and managing costs amidst market fluctuations. Brad emphasizes the importance of scenario planning and how Dairy Revenue Protection insurance serves as a safety net for farmers. Learn how these strategies empower dairy producers to make informed decisions and enhance their financial resilience.

Matt Dodd, a seasoned veterinarian and Ruminant Field Technical Specialist at Diamond V, shares insights on managing dairy herds through intense heat stress seasons. He covers essential pre-season preparedness and the importance of management adjustments during warmer months. Dodd emphasizes the significance of nutritional strategies, highlighting the impact of additives like Diamond V Ice Plus on cow hydration and health. With rising temperatures, he offers practical tips to maintain milk production and ensure reproductive success, making heat stress management a top priority.

Tune into this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to learn about dairy policy, what is new in Washington D.C. and how it is affecting dairy right now from Gregg Doud, who is the president and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF).  Here's a breakdown of the episode: [~1:05] Overview of Doud’s background, previous roles, etc.[~5:00] Doud shares what’s new in Washington D.C. in the past few months since the new administration took office[~5:55] A comparison between the two Trump administrations[~7:25] About the new Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins[~9:25] The biggest changes between the Biden administration and new Trump administration and how it is affecting dairy[~14:25] Waters of the United States (WOTUS)[~15:49] Immigration[~18:25] Renewing the tax code[~20:35] When Doud expects to have a new farm bill[~23:05] How changes in Senate Ag Committee leadership may impact dairy[~24:15] Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) reform[~26:00] Trade, tariffs and USMCA[~35:05] What’s new at NMPF: Redesigned CWT program – the NEXT program, FARM Program renewal[~37:10] Impacts of tariffs in the short term[~39:15] Other things NMPF is working on[~40:20] Dairy economics in 2025[~43:35] Doud’s vision for the future at NMPF[~47:30] Highlights from his first year at NMPF[~49:40] What excites Doud most about dairy policy[~50:35] Rapid-fire questions Learn more about NMPF programs at www.nmpf.org. Email Gregg Doud at gdoud@nmpf.org.

Join host Matti McBride as she chats with Ryan Leiterman, director of technical services at Crystal Creek Natural, about calf barn ventilation. Learn the difference between a good or bad draft in calf barns, Leiterman’s suggestions for design and his recommendations for airspeed in barns.  Here is the episode breakdown: 0:40 – Leiterman’s background2:00 – Defining a draft4:20 – A recipe for a “bad draft”10:05 – Amount of fresh air a calf should have16:11 – What does the smell of ammonia tell you?19:00 – Leiterman’s preferred calf barn situation23:20 – Points to consider when designing a calf barn37:15 – Rapid-fire questions

This podcast explores the role of probiotics in maintaining the health and productivity of dairy cows and calves. It highlights how specific probiotic strains enhance gut health, digestion, and immune function, leading to improved herd stability and fewer health challenges. Key points: Strain Selection Matters: Not all probiotics are equal—specific strains provide targeted benefits, making strain selection crucial for effective probiotic use. Probiotics and Digestive Health: Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus species, support digestion, absorption, barrier and immune functions. Probiotics in Calf Health: Research trials demonstrated that probiotics helped mitigate Clostridium perfringens challenges in calves, supporting normal performance and improving survival rates. Key time markers: 1:05: What is Novonesis?1:56: What does Novonesis do?2:55: What makes probiotics effective?4:34: Strain matters6:15: The benefits of effective probiotics11:19: What are our effective probiotics for dairy animals?16:31: Effective probiotics support the well-being of the animals in our care20:40: Effective probiotics for dairy cows This episode is sponsored by Chr. Hansen. Novonesis is a global biosolutions company with extensive expertise in bacteria culture science. As the product of two industry powerhouses — Chr. Hansen and Novozymes — Novonesis is poised to continue building on their more than 100-year history of bettering our world with biology. We’re on a mission to leverage the power of microbiology with science to transform global production and consumption. A big piece of that starts on the farm, with your herds. Why? Because daily feeding of effective probiotics helps herds perform at peak efficiency.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, learn how to set your star employees up for success as they transition into a supervisor role. Dr. Bob Milligan joins host Kimmi Devaney to chat about easing stress during this leadership transition, getting buy-in from other employees as their peer becomes their supervisor, skills that are essential to work on before transitioning into a leadership role and much more. This episode can also help those employees hoping to move up into a supervisor role in the future better prepare themselves for this transition. Here's a breakdown of the episode: [~1:30] About Milligan and his background with leadership [~3:00] As a leader, what are some indications that someone is ready to transition into a supervisor role?  [~4:00] How to recognize if you are ready to transition into a supervisor role yourself[~4:50] Skills that are important to develop before becoming a supervisor[~6:15] Tips to communicate clear expectations [~7:20] Tips to provide effective feedback [~11:15] How the job changes when transitioning into a supervisor role and why it should it be reflected in the job description [~13:15] How and why it is important for farms to create job descriptions for employees[~14:55] Making the leadership transition more seamless and less stressful[~18:00] The types of training that are most helpful in preparing new supervisors[~19:00] Ways new supervisors can be proactive in their new role[~20:45] Gaining buy-in/support from other employees as their former peer now becomes their supervisor[~22:40] What to do when you are now supervising someone that you became friends with previously [~26:30] Utilizing annual reviews to continuously gauge employee interest in future leadership roles[~29:05] How to hire career employees who move up into leadership roles over time[~31:40] Tips to improve confidence as a new leader[~22:45] Leadership pitfalls and how to avoid them [~37:10] Tips for younger supervisors now supervising people old enough to be their parents[~41:10] Rapid-fire questions

DMI’s Megan Maisano and Aris Georgiadis speak with DMI’s Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is sharing dairy’s impact on children with the “First 1000 Days”. She also explains how the checkoff is promoting this research through our nutrition and health professionals and to consumers via trusted online resource centers. Tune in to find out! Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast The Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast offers firsthand perspectives on examples of local, national and global checkoff collaborations to grow sales and build trust in U.S. dairy. This episode is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc.

Veterinarian Michelle Schack joins host Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss the importance of employee training and management. Learn more about why documentation, communication and repetition matters regarding training. Here is the episode breakdown: 0:50 – Schack’s background1:40 – The importance of documentation3:08 – Training at onboarding6:00 – Schack explains how DairyKind works7:20 – Schack’s suggestions for finding time for training11:30 – Bridging language barriers13:30 – Training is important regardless of operation size16:40 – How proper documentation can protect against animal activists22:35 – Rapid-fire questions