Best University Of Minnesota Extensions Podcasts (2025)

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RE-RELEASE: Nadine Bill discusses Red Lake Nation College's expansion to Minneapolis and connecting rural and urban Native communities 44:13

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23h ago44:13

44:13

While Ellen takes a mid-season break to enjoy Minnesota's beautiful summer, revisit this episode originally released on October 9, 2024, during Season 1. In this episode, Ellen talks with Nadine Bill, Executive Director of Red Lake Nation College's new site in downtown Minneapolis. Nadine shares the college's history, its commitment to language and…

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Episode 306 - Sun Safety and Heat Illness: What You Need to Know - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 26:46

4d ago26:46

26:46

In this special episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Brad record in person for the first time in ages! While together in Rochester, they dive into their favorite annual topic: sun safety and preventing heat illness in humans. After a lighthearted reminder that Brad still doesn’t wear sunscreen enough, the duo discusses practical strategies to stay s…

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How soil conditions & chemistry affect nitrogen loss 37:58

8d ago37:58

37:58

Nitrogen loss is the topic today on the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast. Soil conditions and chemistry are factors that make nitrogen prone to loss, but how does N loss process actually happen. What's left over after the N loss process occurs in the field? What do denitrification, leaching and volatilization mean? How can the 4 Rs (right rate, rig…

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Dr. Tom Horan describes industry clusters across Minnesota and how business ecosystems can build rural and urban prosperity 28:17

8d ago28:17

28:17

Ellen talks with Dr. Tom Horan about his research on industry clusters in Minnesota and the economic and community benefits that they bring to both rural and urban areas. He also discusses Granite Partners, a company that embodies the cluster approach, supporting local economies by acquiring and retaining businesses in central Minnesota. Tom highli…

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Episode 305 - Heat Stress in Calves and Cows: A Hot Topic in the Summer Months - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 35:20

10d ago35:20

35:20

In this episode, Brad and Emily dive into one of the most pressing summertime challenges in cattle care: heat stress. As county fairs, field days, and Farmfest approach, the co-hosts reflect on their busy schedules and upcoming plans to finally record in person. The main discussion covers how heat affects both calves and adult cattle, including sig…

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Richard Young and Lucas Grindley discuss rural-urban interdependence in Lexington, KY and the value of an urban service boundary 46:04

15d ago46:04

46:04

In this episode, Ellen talks with Lucas Grindley from Next City and Richard Young from Civic Lex. Lucas and Richard discuss their respective organizations and their dedication to strengthening urban and rural areas through solutions journalism and transforming civic engagement. They also share about their collaboration on the 2024 Next City Vanguar…

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Episode 304 - Is It Feasible to Pay Top Dollar for Beef-on-Dairy Calves? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 20:11

17d ago20:11

20:11

In this episode, Emily and Brad reunite to dive into a hot topic on the beef-on-dairy circuit: Are today’s sky-high calf prices economically sustainable? After crisscrossing the country speaking with farmers and cattle buyers, Brad shares firsthand insights and jaw-dropping market figures — with beef-on-dairy calves selling for up to $1,600. The du…

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Variable rate nitrogen: What are we trying to accomplish? 28:42

21d ago28:42

28:42

On this episode of Advancing Nitrogen Smart, Brad and Dan take some of the mystery out of variable rate N. What are we trying to accomplish when we use a variable rate management practice? What kinds of field conditions might benefit from VRN, and which conditions should be avoided with VRN? How might the other 3 R's (Timing, Source & Placement) pl…

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Extension foresters, Eli Sagor and Angie Gupta, explain how healthy forests rely on rural-urban collaboration 43:37

24d ago43:37

43:37

Ellen talks with Extension foresters, Eli Sagor and Angie Gupta, about the significant impact forests have on rural and urban communities. Eli and Angie discuss the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding between urban and rural areas in maintaining healthy and productive forests, which are crucial for both economies and ecological bal…

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Nutrient management for irrigated crops in MN: Corn, potatoes, & edible beans 33:03

23d ago33:03

33:03

Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast we discuss nutrient management for irrigated crops in Minnesota. How many irrigated acres are there in Minnesota? What are some of the benefits and risks of irrigation? In what ways can risks be mitigated - through timing, cover crop adoption and / or other general soil health practices? What should growers …

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Episode 303 - Improving Calf Health: What Total Serum Protein Levels Are Telling Us - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 20:50

24d ago20:50

20:50

In this episode, Brad shares insights from recent dairy science meetings and dives deep into total serum protein (TSP) levels in calves—a key indicator of successful colostrum management and passive transfer of immunity. He reviews data from multiple studies, including work by Dave Casper in Illinois and a Midwest study on beef-on-dairy cross calve…

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Chris Estes highlights how asset-based strategies can drive regional cooperation and elevate the role of rural communities in rural-urban partnerships 36:23

1M ago36:23

36:23

Ellen talks with Chris Estes, co-executive director of Aspen Institute's Community Strategies Group, which supports rural communities, particularly those that have historically been overlooked. Chris emphasizes a shift from a deficit-based approach to an asset-based approach in community development and the benefits of rural-urban regional collabor…

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Episode 46: PRRS virus Classification 34:48

1M ago34:48

34:48

In the podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Drs. Kim VanderWaal and Igor Paploski about PRRS virus Classification. Both are faculty members in the University of Minnesota Veterinary Population Medicine department. PRRS virus Classification is basically naming of the PRRS virus according to the genetic sequencing of the…

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Episode 302 - Fly Frenzy: Understanding and Controlling Flies on Your Farm - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 24:35

1M ago24:35

24:35

Brad flies solo in this episode—literally and figuratively—to tackle a problem buzzing on every farmer’s mind around the 4th of July: flies. With heavy rains in the Upper Midwest fueling major fly outbreaks, Brad dives deep into why managing flies is essential for livestock health, productivity, and human comfort. He covers the four main types of f…

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Nora Hertel, founder of Project Optimist, explores how regional solutions-focused journalism can rebuild trust and connection 40:31

1M ago40:31

40:31

In this episode, Ellen talks with journalist Nora Hertel and her news initiative, Project Optimist. Project Optimist, founded by Nora, aims to bring positive and constructive perspectives through solutions-based journalism, addressing regional issues with an evidence-based approach. Nora explains how the challenges faced by local newspapers and the…

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Episode 301 - Biosecurity Reminders for Fair and Show Season - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 13:28

1M ago13:28

13:28

In this solo episode, Emily shares timely reminders about biosecurity as county fair and livestock show season ramps up across Minnesota. Drawing on her own experience showing dairy cattle in 4-H, she discusses the importance of protecting animals from disease before, during, and after exhibitions. Topics include bringing only healthy animals to sh…

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Tim Marema of The Daily Yonder reflects on the changing news ecosystem and how the loss of local news can impact the way rural and urban communities see each other 28:44

2M ago28:44

28:44

Ellen talks with Tim Marema, editor of The Daily Yonder, a digital news platform that provides news, information, and storytelling about rural America. Tim shares how the news ecosystem has changed since he started as a journalist 30 years ago and how it has become much more fragmented and nationalized as news deserts in rural areas increase and lo…

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Sulfur management: In-season, source, carryover, soybean & more 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

This month's episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast is all about sulfur. Fertilizer guidelines go through changes periodically, but are there any upcoming changes to the sulfur fertilizer guidelines specifically? What does current research tell us about managing sulfur for Minnesota crops? Were there any surprising results? Should growers proac…

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Episode 300 - Celebrating Five Years of The Moos Room - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

🎉 Episode 300: Celebrating Five Years of The Moos Room 🎉 In this milestone episode, Emily and Brad reflect on five years and 300 episodes of The Moos Room, a podcast that began as a small idea in late 2019 and launched in April 2020. Born in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show quickly became a weekly staple—covering everything from be…

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Manure sampling and testing: Variability, guidelines & safety for your operation 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

This week on Advancing Nitrogen Smart Melissa Wilson and Brad Carlson talk about manure sampling and testing. What are some sampling guidelines to be aware of in Minnesota? How variable is nitrogen in one type of manure, and then from type to type? How could changes to a farmer's overall operation affect manure nutrient content? How should manure s…

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Camden Blatchly, Center on Rural Innovation data analyst, explains the complex story behind rural and urban classifications and why place isn't so easily defined 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

Ellen talks with Camden Blatchley, a data analyst with the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Camden discusses the complexities of defining rural and urban areas in the United States, and describes the differences between the two most commonly used definitions: one developed by the Census Bureau and the other by the Office of Management and Budget.…

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Episode 299 - The Grass Is Growing Faster Than the Cows Can Eat - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 20:54

2M ago20:54

20:54

In Episode 299 of The Moos Room, Emily returns to the mic, reminding Brad—and the audience—that The Moos Room is a team effort, not just "The Bradley Show." The two catch up and share updates on their chaotic summer schedules in the world of Extension before diving into the topic of the week: pasture management in mid-June. Brad gives a detailed lo…

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David McCollough III describes how the American Exchange Project builds connections between rural, urban, and suburban students 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

In the first episode of season 2, Ellen talks with David McCullough III, co-founder and CEO of the American Exchange Project (AEP). David discusses the origins and objectives of AEP, a program that sends high school graduates on week-long exchanges to different parts of the country. The program, inspired by international exchange initiatives after …

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Episode 298 - Exploring Non-Antibiotic Mastitis Treatments: Research Insights and On-Farm Applications - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:12

2M ago22:12

22:12

In this solo episode, Brad dives into the challenges of managing mastitis, especially during wet spring and summer conditions. He shares findings from ongoing University of Minnesota research on non-antibiotic treatments for mastitis, highlighting two promising alternatives: Ozolea-Mast, a corn oil-based intramammary product, and Optimum UterFlush,…

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More Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN): How is this N rec calculated? 33:43

2M ago33:43

33:43

Today on the Advancing Nitrogen Smart podcast series, Brad and Dan tell us how the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach to N rate recommendations is calculated. What does the MRTN actually measure for farmers? What's the reason the MRTN recommendations were created? What kind of / how many rate trials are used to build the dataset? Does the M…

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Episode 297 - Johne’s Disease: What We’re Learning From Herd Testing - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 23:19

2M ago23:19

23:19

In this solo episode, Brad dives deep into Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis), a chronic intestinal illness affecting ruminants, with a particular focus on dairy cattle. Prompted by recent whole-herd milk ELISA testing at the University of Minnesota’s Morris dairy, Brad shares results, trends, and lessons learned from managing Johne’s over the year…

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Conducting on-farm research: Four Midwest experts weigh in on design tips, planning and more 46:30

2M ago46:30

46:30

Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast we discuss on-farm research. On-farm research has been here for decades - so what's new about it? What are management practices that might be easier to evaluate and which might be more difficult? What are the design criteria that farmers need to have in place in order to be successful? What kinds of problems…

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Episode 296 - Calf Scours Case Study: Diagnosing and Managing Rotavirus - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 21:35

2M ago21:35

21:35

In this episode, Brad shares a recent case study from the University of Minnesota's dairy research center, where a group of spring-born calves experienced widespread scours. He walks through the onset of symptoms, including diarrhea, depression, and reduced milk intake, primarily in calves on an automatic feeder. Diagnostic testing confirmed rotavi…

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Episode 295 - Lyme Disease and the Long Road to Recovery: Brad’s Story - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

Lyme Disease and the Long Road to Recovery: Brad’s Story In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares his powerful personal journey through a long and challenging battle with Lyme disease. Starting with a seemingly harmless bite in July 2023, his symptoms progressed from fatigue to severe neurological issues, misdiagnoses, and multiple rounds of a…

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Accounting for soil and weather conditions: Methods and tools to help fine-tune your N 38:03

3M ago38:03

38:03

On this episode of Advancing Nitrogen Smart we discuss methods and tools to account for soil and weather conditions as you execute your nitrogen management strategy. Which tissue and nitrate testing options are the most beneficial, and when should you test? How does understanding the nitrogen cycle help you interpret these results? How do drought a…

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Episode 294 -Mental Health Awareness Month: Tackling Anticipatory Stress Together - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:31

3M ago25:31

25:31

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Emily returns for a second week in a row to join Brad in discussing a common but often overlooked type of stress: anticipatory stress. They explain what it is, how it manifests both physically and mentally, and offer practical strategies to manage it—like reframing your thoughts and using deep breathing fo…

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Episode 45: Discussion about H5 Influenza 26:57

3M ago26:57

26:57

In the podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Dr. Marie Culhane about H5 Influenza. Especially as it relates to cases in poultry and dairy, and the risk of it for pigs. Dr. Culhane is a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Population Medicine. Her expertise is Influenza as it relates…

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Episode 293 - Spring Catch-Up: Virtual Fencing, Safety, and Self-Care - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

Spring Catch-Up: Virtual Fencing, Safety, and Self-Care Emily returns to the podcast after a travel-heavy spring focused on farm safety and farm stress programming. She shares highlights of her outreach work, including training Extension colleagues in the Northeast on ambiguous loss and farming. Meanwhile, Brad has been experimenting with virtual f…

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Why understanding the nitrogen cycle is key to managing soil fertility 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

Today on Advancing Nitrogen Smart we’re talking about the nitrogen cycle and managing soil fertility. What does 'the nitrogen cycle' mean, and how does it affect your management strategy? In what ways do temperature and moisture slow down or speed up nitrogen's window of usability? What are nitrification, denitrification, volatilization, mineraliza…

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Episode 292 - Breeding for the Future: Polled Genetics in Dairy - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:55

3M ago22:55

22:55

In this episode, Brad dives into the topic of polled genetics — cattle that are naturally hornless — and why it's becoming more important in both the dairy and beef industries. He explains what polled genetics are, how the trait is inherited, and how farmers can use homozygous or heterozygous polled bulls to reduce the need for dehorning. Brad disc…

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Cation exchange capacity & nutrient management: What does the data say? 33:22

4M ago33:22

33:22

Cation exchange capacity and cation balancing are the topics of the day in this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the definitions of cation exchange capacity and cation balancing? How is CEC measured, and are those estimates reliable? What does the research say about CEC and CB and their role in a nutrient management strategy? Wh…

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Episode 291 - Decoding A2 Milk: Genetics, Health, and Herd Management Strategies - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 27:16

4M ago27:16

27:16

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives deep into A2 genetics and what dairy producers need to know. Brad shares his experience genotyping over 1,500 dairy animals, highlighting how A2 genetics have progressed in his herd and across the industry. He explains the science behind A2 milk, distinguishing it clearly from lactose intolerance, and di…

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Episode 290 - Feeding the Future: Lessons from Our Auto Feeder Journey - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Experience with Our Automated Calf Feeder In this episode, Brad goes solo to talk about the ups and downs of using an automatic calf feeder at the U of M dairy. He shares why they made the switch, how the setup has changed over the years, and what they’ve learned—like how ad lib feeding boosts growth and why cleanliness is everything. The feeder’s …

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Episode 289 - Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: What It Means for Farms - UMN Extension's Moos Room 23:11

4M ago23:11

23:11

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad is back from sunny Florida (and into a snowy Minnesota) to dive into the world of AI in agriculture—and no, we're not talking about artificial insemination. Brad shares his recent experience experimenting with AI-generated audio content and how tools like Google’s NotebookLM are changing the way we interact wi…

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Nitrogen fertilizer management & surface water: Context, successes and challenges 28:06

4M ago28:06

28:06

Today on the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast we discuss nitrogen fertilizer management and surface water issues. When did we first become aware of nitrates appearing in surface water? What are some of the effects, and who is being affected? What are Minnesota's current nitrate-reduction strategy benchmarks - and are we on target to meet them? What…

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Episode 288 - Dairy Culling Deep Dive: The Hidden Value of Your Cows - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 20:45

4M ago20:45

20:45

Dairy Cow Culling Research Insights In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad takes a break while guest hosts Emily and Joe dive into a recent research study from the University of Minnesota on dairy cow culling. The study, spanning 14 years of data, compares Holstein and crossbred cows, uncovering key insights about the reasons for culling and its ec…

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2025 Spring Fertilizer Outlook: What should MN farmers consider, avoid? 34:26

4M ago34:26

34:26

It's the end of March, which means it's time for the annual Spring Fertilizer Outlook. What are field conditions like throughout Minnesota? What early fertilizer application options might MN growers want to consider? Which early fertilizer application practices might MN growers want to avoid, and why? What are growers excited - or hesitant - about?…

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Episode 287 - Optimizing Dairy Cow Nutrition and Gut Health with Kirby Krogstad - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 24:09

5M ago24:09

24:09

Gut Check: Optimizing Rumen Health with Dr. Kirby Krogstad In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad welcomes Dr. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University to discuss his research on dairy cow nutrition and gut health. Dr. Krogstad shares his journey through various academic institutions and how a personal experience with cow health sparked his in…

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Episode 286 - More Milk, Less Methane? The Science Behind Red Seaweed & Agolin - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:38

5M ago25:38

25:38

Reducing Methane with Red Seaweed: New Research Findings In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into a groundbreaking research study on feeding red seaweed to dairy cows to reduce methane emissions. Conducted at the University of Minnesota’s research center, this six-month study demonstrated a 30% reduction in methane emissions without negati…

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Nitrogen management & groundwater: What to know 23:33

5M ago23:33

23:33

A lot of the conversation about nitrogen management centers around environmental issues, and in particular, nitrate levels in groundwater and surface water in Minnesota. Today we’ll discuss N management and nitrate levels in groundwater. What are some effects of elevated nitrate levels in both infants and adults? When were elevated levels first dis…

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Bonus Episode: Family Pod 18:33

5M ago18:33

18:33

In this special bonus episode, Ellen takes a break from working on season two to chat with her siblings, Megan and Keith, about their experiences growing up in rural Montana and North Dakota and their journey to urban spaces. Megan, Ellen, and Keith reminisce about their unique childhood from being the only girl in fifth grade to walking home from …

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Episode 285 - Mooving Cows: A Game-Changer for Dairy Training - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 26:05

5M ago26:05

26:05

Mooving Cows: A Game-Changer for Dairy Training In this episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Bradley welcome Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin Extension to discuss an innovative training tool—Mooving Cows, a free mobile game designed to teach proper dairy cattle handling techniques. The app provides an interactive and engaging way…

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Episode 44: Surveillance of African and Classical Swine Fevers in the U.S. 24:27

5M ago24:27

24:27

In the podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Rachel Schambow who is a researcher with the UMN Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Rachel speaks about the analysis her and her colleagues did of USDA’s Sick Pig Surveillance component at Iowa State University and the University o…

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Episode 284 - Cows, Conferences, and Crazy Ideas: Brad & Emily Catch Up - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:32

5M ago25:32

25:32

The Moos Room Podcast: Catching Up with Brad and Emily In this episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Brad reunite after a busy stretch of research, extension work, and conference travel. They reflect on where they’ve been, what they’ve been working on, and exciting projects on the horizon. Brad celebrates his birthday while attending the Southwest Mi…

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Nutrient management & cover crops: A research update across Minnesota 26:32

5M ago26:32

26:32

Today we talk with four panelists throughout Minnesota about nutrient management and cover crops. What are some results of new research looking into incorporating covers into a nutrient management strategy? What are some of the specific rotations being measured, and why? What do farmers need to know about new manure management regulations and cover…