A series of conversations with farmers and those working in the rural sector. We’re exploring the variety of experiences, perspectives and ideas coming from the creation of resilient, regenerative and enjoyable farming systems in New Zealand. The setup and first years of this podcast were supported by MPI’s Productive & Sustainable Land Use - Extension Services fund. Since July 2023, the Quorum Sense Podcast has been produced independently by the podcast team. For more information, visit the ...
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Quorum Sense Podcasts
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.
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Your doctor tells you “you’re normal, you’re fine,” or “this medication will solve the problem.” But, there’s a problem with the solution, because you don’t feel “fine” and part of you knows that there must be another way to look at “the problem”. Your health deserves a 2nd opinion. Join Dr. David Miller, Dr. Michelle Pobega, and other ND’s with the smarts and hearts to help you rethink medicine and take informed action on your health. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker ...
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Dr. Geoff Ackaert: Quorum Sensing & Dairy Health | Ep. 162
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28:28In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Geoff Ackaert, Technical Director at AHV International, shares how quorum sensing inhibition is reshaping dairy cattle health management. By targeting microbial communication, this approach offers proactive strategies to improve animal health. He explains its impact on udder health, mastitis prevention…
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Dr. Corwin Nelson: Inflammation and Hypocalcemia | Ep. 161
31:55
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31:55In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Corwin Nelson from the University of Florida takes a closer look at hypocalcemia and how our understanding of it has changed. He explains what’s really driving calcium imbalances, how inflammation plays a role, and what producers can do with current feeding and management tools. Hear practical strategi…
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Dr. José Eduardo Santos: Fatty Acids for Repro and Metabolic Health | Ep. 160
30:37
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30:37In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida breaks down how dietary fat plays a role in dairy cow health and reproduction. He discusses the physiological effects of specific fatty acids, their anti-inflammatory roles, and the evolving strategies for fresh cow nutrition. Listen now on all major p…
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Haylee Reisinger: Bioactives in Cow Diets | Ep. 159
28:39
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28:39In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Haylee Reisinger, a PhD student at Michigan State University, shares her research on using bioactive compounds in dairy cow diets to support the immune system. She explains the differences between bioactives and nutraceuticals, and how they influence immune and reproductive systems. Listen now on all major…
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Dr. Paige Gott: Impact of Mycotoxins on Dairy Cattle | Ep. 158
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34:59In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Paige Gott from dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health unpacks the complexities of mycotoxins in dairy cattle nutrition. She explains contamination risks, testing methods, and regional variability, offering practical guidance for dairy professionals preparing for harvest. Get ahead of mycotoxin challe…
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Dr. Brad Daigneault: Bull Fertility Evaluation | Ep. 157
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33:29In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Brad Daigneault, from the University of Florida, unpacks the science behind bull fertility and semen quality. Dr. Daigneault talks about key factors like motility scoring and mitochondrial function, and how technologies are being used to improve fertility predictions and boost reproductive performance.…
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Dr. Mike Hutjens: Calcium Levels & Transition Cows | Ep. 156
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30:09In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Mike Hutjens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, shares valuable tools to optimize calcium levels in transition cows. He breaks down how strategies like DCAD diets and zeolites can help prevent calcium-related health issues, ensuring cows stay healthy and productive through the critical …
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Dr. Hinayah Rojas: Genomics & Dairy Efficiency | Ep. 155
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32:18In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Hinayah Rojas, from Purdue University, shares valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of genomics in dairy cattle. Dr. Rojas breaks down the challenges and opportunities presented by longitudinal traits like milk production, discussing how genomic tools are helping to boost sustainability acr…
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Dr. Vern Osborne: Water & Dairy Nutrition | Ep. 154
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30:51In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Vern Osborne from the University of Guelph explores the critical yet often overlooked role of water in dairy herd health and performance. From nutrient supplementation through water to improving water quality and facility design, Dr. Osborne offers practical advice for optimizing dairy operations. Tune…
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Dr. Kurt Rosentrater: DDGS in Dairy Diets | Ep. 153
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34:27In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kurt Rosentrater from Iowa State University explores the evolving role of distillers' grains in dairy cattle nutrition. He shares insights on biofuel byproducts, ingredient optimization, and the economics behind high-protein corn co-products. Learn how the ethanol industry and dairy nutrition intersect…
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Tara Vander Dussen: Sustainability & Dairy | Ep. 152
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32:10In 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…
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Dr. Michael Schutz: Genomics & Herd Management | Ep. 151
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36:26In 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 s…
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Dr. Chris Chase: Stray Voltage Issues | Ep. 150
36:18
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36:18In 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.…
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Dr. Kassidy Buse: Why Feed Hygiene Matters | Ep. 149
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26:22In 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 fee…
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Dr. Peter Surai: Selenium & Dairy Health | Ep. 148
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35:52In 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 sup…
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Dr. Juan Romero: Hay & Humid Climates | Ep. 147
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29:45In 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…
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Dr. Marcia Endres: Precision Dairy Advances | Ep. 146
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42:46In 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 prod…
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Getting off your ass with John King
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1:04:45In this episode Jono sits down with educator and author John King. You may have read some of John's articles in various publications or his books. John is passionate about helping farmers help themselves through dialogue. John has found that getting farmers together in a room or out in a paddock (or on a bus so they can't run away!) is one of the m…
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Richard Breunig: Linking Microbiology and Nutrition | Ep. 145
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25:40In 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 imp…
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Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels: Biofilms & Dairy Health | Ep. 144
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34:06In 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 pre…
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Brian Sanford: Early Disease Detection in Dairy Herds | Ep. 143
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38:12In 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 reproducti…
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Lindsay Ferlito & Betsy Hicks: Benchmarking Herd Health | Ep. 142
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38:06In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Lindsay Ferlito and Betsy Hicks from Cornell University Extension explores the complexities of benchmarking in dairy health management. They discuss the challenges of disease recording, the importance of consistent data collection, and how these insights can improve farm management. Don’t miss this episode…
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Farming, family and motherhood with Ruby Frew
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28:24In this episode of the Quorum Sense podcast, Jono interviews his wife Ruby Frew! Ruby is a farmer and a mother among many other things. However, family and farming are what matters most for Ruby. In this short and sweet conversation, Ruby shares her journey from an early interest in sheep and beef farming to a career in dairy, and also how becoming…
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Tom Woodall: Traction Milling for Dairy Barns | Ep. 141
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38:54In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tom Woodall, founder of AGRI-TRAC Inc., shares his insights on the evolution of dairy barns, with a focus on addressing lameness in dairy cows through flooring solutions. Tom discusses the importance of proper barn maintenance and how traction milling technology is helping dairy farmers reduce costs and im…
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Dr. Lina Castano-Duque: Preventing Mycotoxin Outbreaks | Ep. 140
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30:57In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Lina Castano-Duque from USDA-ARS explores the critical role of predictive models in managing mycotoxin outbreaks in US corn. She discusses the key environmental factors, soil conditions, and insect pressure that drive fungal growth and toxin production, such as aflatoxins and fumonisins, which impact f…
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Dr. Melina Bonato: Yeast in Ruminant Nutrition | Ep. 139
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27:49In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Melina Bonato, Global Technical and R&D Manager at ICC Animal Nutrition, shares her expertise on the evolving role of yeast-based products in ruminant nutrition. She shares insights on how yeast products impact rumen health, immune system function, and animal performance. Learn about the different sour…
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Dr. Adrian Barragan: Workforce Management in Dairy | Ep. 138
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49:18In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Adrian Barragan, from Penn State University, discusses essential strategies for workforce management with a focus on animal health training. He emphasizes the challenges of effective personnel training, from ensuring workers understand the "why" behind certain tasks to building a positive, supportive w…
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Tom Nauman: Smartbacteria in Dairy | Ep. 137
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24:25In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tom Nauman, Dairy Nutrition and Technical Services Manager at The Wenger Group, explains what microbiology nutrition is, the role of Smartbacteria, how they support digestive efficiency, and why trusting microbiology-driven concepts is key to improving cow health and performance. Listen now on all major pl…
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Tapping into the retail market with Logan Wait
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50:25In this episode, Jono sits down for a pre-sunrise yarn with Logan Wait. Logan's family have been dairy farming in the Waikato for a century and a half, but this conversation is not so much focused on the family dairy farm... Instead, Logan shares a brand new concept: Earth First Food. Earth First Food creates the opportunity to buy high quality, di…
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Bryan Miller: Mycotoxin Mitigation Strategies | Ep. 136
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33:30In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Bryan Miller from Volac addresses modern concerns surrounding mycotoxins in dairy production. Dr. Miller shares strategies for identifying and mitigating mycotoxin risks, highlighting their impact on cow health, milk production, and reproduction. Learn how to tackle these hidden challenges and maintain opt…
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Dr. Phil Cardoso: Fiber & Energy Balance | Ep. 135
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42:36In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Phil Cardoso, from the University of Illinois, explores strategies for optimizing starch in dairy cow diets while addressing key nutritional challenges. The discussion highlights the role of yeast additives in improving fiber digestibility, feed efficiency, and rumen health. By balancing starch levels,…
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Steven Harnish: The Dairy of the Future | Ep. 134
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30:47In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Steven Harnish from Central Manor Dairy discusses the innovations and strategies shaping the “dairy of the future.” Steven shares insights on improving labor efficiency, adopting cutting-edge technologies like the use of bolus, and addressing carbon footprint challenges. He shares practical advice for dair…
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Dr. Scott Earnest: Hygiene Protocols for Healthier Calves | Ep. 133
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30:54In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Scott Earnest from ProAGtive Technologies shares practical advice on improving dairy replacement health and management. He highlights effective strategies for raising healthier heifers, minimizing non-completion rates, and reducing costs. Dr. Earnest also emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene and…
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A celebration of soil and connection: Conversations at Underground
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27:34In this episode, Jono takes the podcast kit to North Canterbury to check out Underground Festival. This was a great opportunity to capture some of the conversations happening while people mingled between presentations at this wonderful celebration of soil. There were some stand-out themes like community and connection, and also practical takeaways …
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Ignacio Artavia: Vitamin D & Dairy Cows | Ep. 132
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39:40In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Ignacio Artavia, Global Marketing Manager for Ruminants at dsm-firmenich, explores the critical role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) in dairy cattle health. Unlike traditional vitamin D3, which requires metabolic conversion in the liver and kidneys before becoming bioavailable, 25OHD3 bypasses the first s…
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Dr. Corinna Brock: Fatty Acids & Dairy Cattle | Ep. 131
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28:38In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Corinna Brock, PhD in Animal Nutrition, discusses fatty acid nutrition in dairy cows. She highlights the expanding role of fats in enhancing energy density, supporting metabolic health, and boosting fertility in high-producing cows. Dr. Brock also shares innovations in fat blends that improve productiv…
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Dr. Laura Solano: Digital Dermatitis & Lameness in Dairy Cattle | Ep. 130
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43:07In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Laura Solano from the University of Wisconsin–Madison discusses the challenges of digital dermatitis, which affects up to 95% of large dairy operations and around 70% of all US dairies. She explores its impact on cattle health and production, along with effective management strategies. Discover the imp…
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Chad Robbins: Methionine, Forage and Transition Cow Health | Ep. 129
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26:15In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Chad Robbins, from Adisseo, discusses three essential topics for dairy producers: forage quality, the role of amino acids, and transition cow health. Drawing from his extensive industry experience, Chad offers practical advice on improving forage management, leveraging amino acid balancing for better milk …
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Dr. José Santos: Transition Cow Health | Ep. 128
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32:03In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida discusses the critical challenges and cutting-edge advancements in dairy cattle reproduction and herd health. From tackling Florida’s intense heat stress to improving cow comfort and understanding the impact of cow diseases on reproduction, Dr. Santos …
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People, economics and environment with Otto Dogterom
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41:34In this episode Jono jumps in the tractor cab with dairy farmer and president of Federated Farmers' North Otago Provincial Executive, Otto Dogterom. Otto has been dairy farming for over 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share from how he got started, to navigating family farming ups and downs, to simple principles he uses to monitor farm pe…
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Dr. Chris Chase: Smart Vaccination Strategies | Ep. 127
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46:07In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Chris Chase, from South Dakota State University, discusses the balance of nutrition, vaccination protocols, and management in dairy cattle health. Drawing on his deep expertise in virology and immunology, Dr. Chase shares hands-on tips to reduce stress and boost immune performance in calves and cows. C…
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Dr. Miguel Morales: Transition Cows & Calcium Balance | Ep. 126
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27:52In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Miguel Morales from Protekta shares innovative strategies for managing hypocalcemia in transition cows, focusing on the critical roles of calcium and phosphorus metabolism during the transition period. Dr. Morales introduces a new approach that bypasses traditional acidification methods, discussing its…
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Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann: Mycotoxins & Dairy Feed | Ep. 125
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41:10In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann from The Ohio State University shares practical insights on managing mycotoxin risks and inflammation in dairy cattle. He explores how these challenges affect cow health and reproduction and offers strategies for better feed management, along with tips for choosing the right binders…
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Dr. Geoffrey Dahl: Career Paths in Dairy Science | Ep. 124
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28:42In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Geoffrey Dahl from the University of Florida tackles key topics for aspiring dairy cattle professionals. From mentoring the next generation to addressing workforce demands and educational opportunities, Dr. Dahl highlights the evolving roles and career paths in production and allied sectors. Discover h…
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Dr. Bill Weiss: Feed Adjustments for Winter | Ep. 123
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27:39In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Bill Weiss, professor emeritus of dairy cattle nutrition at Ohio State University, tackles the challenges of cold stress in dairy cattle. From fine-tuning rations to improving facilities, Dr. Weiss shares practical advice on keeping cows healthy and productive in harsh winter conditions. Don’t miss thi…
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Banging on about soil health with Matthew Evans
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53:14We decided to sneak one more podcast in for 2024!! In this episode Jono sits down with food fanatic and farmer Matthew Evans from Fat Pig Farm in Southern Tasmania. Matthew started his career as a chef and food critic, and through a love for food - and noticing a link between good food flavour and soil health - he began a life-changing journey into…
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Dr. Jennifer Spencer: Heifer Reproductive Management | Ep. 122
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29:02In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jennifer Spencer, Assistant Professor and Dairy Extension Specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife, unpacks key strategies for optimizing heifer reproductive management. From body condition scoring to puberty timing and the use of precision tools, Dr. Spencer highlights practical benchmarks that enhance breedi…
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Dr. José Eduardo Santos: Hydroxy Trace Minerals | Ep. 121
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31:53In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida breaks down the differences between mineral sources like sulfates, organics, and hydroxy trace minerals, focusing on their bioavailability and interactions in the rumen. He explains how hydroxy trace minerals not only reduce antagonism but also enhance…
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Dr. Enrique Schcolnik: Feed Efficiency Tips | Ep. 120
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33:44In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Enrique Schcolnik, Dairy Nutritionist and Management Consultant at Progressive Dairy Solutions, Inc., breaks down key factors impacting feed efficiency, from nutrient formulation to herd health, reproduction, and feed management. Dr. Schcolnik shares actionable insights into the role of energy-correcte…
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Optimising life with Rachel and Greg Hart
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48:52In this episode Jono sits down with Rachel and Greg Hart from Mangarara Station in central Hawke's bay. Greg and Rachel are passionate about nature, community and farming, and this is very easy to pick up in this wonderful conversation. It's a conversation that covers the farm's journey from sheep farming to the haven of life it is today, covering …
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