Best University Of Minnesota Extension Podcasts (2025)

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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

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6h 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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Learn how to can your own garden fresh produce (republish) 46:55

4d ago46:55

46:55

(The Growing Together crew is taking some time off to enjoy the summer, so in the meantime, please enjoy this republished episode from August 2024.) If you’re excited by the idea of canning but feel unsure about where to start, this episode is made for you. In this episode, Don and John sit down with Rita Ussatis, Family and Community Wellness Exte…

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July corn update and dealing with drowned out areas of fields 29:32

5d ago29:32

29:32

Field Notes is an interactive, discussion-based webinar for farmers and agricultural professionals to address crop-related concerns with experts as they arise during the growing season. Sessions run from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays from May 7 through August 13. For more information, visit https://z.umn.edu/Strategic-Farming. We want to thank ou…

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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

5d 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

7d 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

7d 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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How vines and climbing plants add dimension to your garden 50:00

11d ago50:00

50:00

If you're the kind of gardener who runs out of room in your gardening, climbing and vining plants are an intriguing prospect. In this episode, Don and John talk about growing up, not out, with vining and climbing plants.

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Iron Deficiency Chlorosis: I'm Dreaming of a Green Soybean 32:31

12d ago32:31

32:31

Field Notes is an interactive, discussion-based webinar for farmers and agricultural professionals to address crop-related concerns with experts as they arise during the growing season. Sessions run from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays from May 7 through August 13. For more information, visit https://z.umn.edu/Strategic-Farming. We want to thank ou…

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

12d 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

15d 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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Protect your yard and garden from severe summer storms 53:42

17d ago53:42

53:42

Severe weather shook our region last weekend, with tornadoes, high winds and hail wreaking havoc on lives and property alike. In this episode, Don and John talk about steps you can take to protect your yard and garden from severe storm damage. Plus, they go over your "Independence Day for gardeners" checklist.…

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What to expect after heavy June rains 30:32

19d ago30:32

30:32

Field Notes is an interactive, discussion-based webinar for farmers and agricultural professionals to address crop-related concerns with experts as they arise during the growing season. Sessions run from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays from May 7 through August 13. For more information, visit https://z.umn.edu/Strategic-Farming. We want to thank ou…

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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

19d 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

20d 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

22d 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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Holm-grown gardens: Mary Holm of the PBS show Prairie Yard & Garden talks about her growing garden 58:29

25d ago58:29

58:29

In this episode, Don and John learn something new from seasoned gardener Mary Holm as well as her favorite annuals and perennials and a beneficial reason to plant parsley.

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Cover Crops and Nutrient Interactions 33:01

26d ago33:01

33:01

Join us as we welcome Dr. Axel Garcia y Garcia, Cropping systems agronomist, and Jeff Vetsch, Researcher at the Southern Research and Outreach Center, to discuss the latest research in cover crops and how they interact with nutrient management for row crops.By University of Minnesota Extension

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

26d 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

27d 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

28d 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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Dealing with powdery mildew and other fungal diseases 53:32

1M ago53:32

53:32

You aren't the only one looking to get the most out of your plants and shrubs. Fungi, bacteria and pests are after them, too. In this episode, Don and John go over some common fungal diseases, like powdery mildew, and other blights that can strike your garden early in the season, along with strategies to keep them at bay.…

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Post-Emergent Weed Control 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

This program is brought to you by the UMN Extension Crops Team and is supported by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council.By University of Minnesota Extension

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

1M 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

1M 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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Add color and texture to your yard with shrubs 55:10

1M ago55:10

55:10

If you want to level up your landscaping game, you might want to give a good thought to how you use shrubs in your yard. In this episode, Don and John discuss shrubs, the backbone of your landscaping. You'll learn how to choose varieties that work with your available space and give your yard some class.…

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

1M 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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Nutrient management and sidedress considerations and small grains updates 30:35

1M ago30:35

30:35

Join us as we welcome Drs. Fabian Fernandez, Extension nutrient management specialist, and Jochum Wiersma, Extension small grains specialist, as they discuss fertilizer sidedress considerations and updates on the small grain crops. This program is brought to you by the UMN Extension Crops Team and is supported by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Pr…

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

1M 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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Tips for Forage and Pasture Management: Insect Pests, Production and Harvesting 31:36

2M ago31:36

31:36

Tips for Forage and Pasture Management: Insect Pests, Production and HarvestingBy University of Minnesota Extension

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How to get a healthy lawn growing this spring 51:28

2M ago51:28

51:28

It's the backdrop for your heated cornhole games and memory-making family barbeques, so it's nice to have a healthy, green lawn. In this episode, Don and John talk about seeding, fertilizing and other important steps to improving your lawn and making it the envy of your neighbors.

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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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Plan your garden to make the best use of your available sun 53:57

2M ago53:57

53:57

We all have big dreams when it comes to what we want to grow, but the hard truth is that we have to work with the space we have, and every space comes with different amounts of available sunshine. In this episode, Don and John go over some strategies for planning your garden to make the best use of your sun, with some considerations for container g…

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Planting progress and stand assessments 29:17

2M ago29:17

29:17

Field Notes is an interactive, discussion-based webinar for farmers and agricultural professionals to address crop-related concerns with experts as they arise during the growing season. Join us when we welcome Dr. Jeff Coulter, Extension corn agronomist, and Dr. Seth Naeve, Extension soybean agronomist, for an update on planting progress and stand …

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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

2M 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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Some tips on fertilizing your yard and garden 55:21

2M ago55:21

55:21

Fertilizing is an important part of a successful garden, and the spring is the most important time to fertilize, so it's important to get it right. In this episode, Don and John go over fertilizing the yard and garden, with special considerations for vegetables and containers, all to help your plants reach their full potential this season.…

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Early Season Weed Control 31:02

2M ago31:02

31:02

Join us this week when we welcome Dr. Debalin Sarangi, Extension weed scientist, and Ryan Miller, Extension educator-crops, to discuss early season postemergence weed control. The weekly Wednesday program features a live, interactive webinar with specialists to address in-season cropping issues as they arise. Weekly sessions will reflect current co…

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

2M 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

2M 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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How to plant just about anything in your garden 49:27

2M ago49:27

49:27

The time has finally come for our part of the world: planting season in your yard and garden. In this episode, Don and John go over some basics on soil preparation and tips for putting annuals, vegetables, shrubs and more in the ground. Plus, they answer a question about mulch from the listener mailbag and Don has a "dirty" joke.…

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Planter tips for successful crop establishment 27:15

2M ago27:15

27:15

Join us as we welcome Dr. Jeff Coulter, Extension corn agronomist, and Matt Pfarr, Extension educator-crops, are on hand to take your questions and discuss planter tips for even establishment.By University of Minnesota Extension

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Episode 45: Discussion about H5 Influenza 26:57

2M 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

2M 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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What to consider before your first trip to the garden center this season 54:18

2M ago54:18

54:18

If you're enthusiastic to hit the garden centers for the first time this season, great! But it helps to have a plan first. In this episode, Don and John go over some considerations to keep in mind before you get swept up in the thrill of a new growing season. They also answer a few questions from the mailbag.…

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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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Unique conditions lead to winter burn on some area evergreens 34:24

3M ago34:24

34:24

Unique conditions can lead to winter burn on some area evergreens. In this episode, Don and John discuss what winter burn is, how it can happen and steps to prevent it.

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

3M 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

3M 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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It's time to get your yard and garden set for spring planting 52:31

3M ago52:31

52:31

The snow is gone and the days are getting longer and warmer, and while we're not quite ready to plant, the time has come to get everything set for the growing season. In this episode, Don and John talk about the tasks you should be doing right now to get your yard and garden ready for spring planting. They also discuss Easter lillies and a ... man/…