Explore every episode of the podcast The Moos Room™
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 372 - Putting AI to Work on the Dairy: From Herd Records to Action - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 09 Nov 2026 | 00:18:38 | |
Dairy farms generate plenty of data—but turning those records into useful management decisions takes time. In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad explores how artificial intelligence can help organize dairy records, summarize herd performance, and identify priorities for follow-up. Brad shares his experience using Claude AI and open-source dairy data tools to analyze DairyComp 305 exports from the University of Minnesota’s organic and conventional research herds. From milk production and components to fresh cow health, somatic cell counts, and culling, he discusses how AI can bring information together into a practical herd review. He also describes using monthly DHI reports and milk fatty acid profiles to build summaries, graphs, and cow lists that make trends easier to spot. Topics include:
The opportunity is making dairy data easier to use. Brad discusses how these tools could support farmers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and Extension educators as they work together to improve herd management.
https://github.com/padge01/dairy-data-tools/blob/main/README.md Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 371 - Cull Now or Feed Longer? Weighing the Value of Cull Dairy Cows - UMN Extenion's The Moos Room | 02 Nov 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
Should you sell a cull dairy cow now or feed her a little longer to improve her market value? In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad explores an economic modeling study examining whether a 60-day feeding program for thin, nonlactating cull cows could improve profitability and animal welfare. Under the modeled conditions, increasing body condition score from 2.0 to 3.0 generated approximately $222 Canadian in additional net returns per cow after accounting for feed, housing, health costs, and mortality risk. Brad discusses why initial body condition, feed costs, and market prices determine whether retaining cows makes financial sense—and why cows already in better condition may offer little opportunity for additional returns. Topics include:
The take-home message: Strategic feeding before marketing may add value for selected thin cows, but careful animal selection and farm-specific economics are essential. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 370 - How Calf Housing Shapes the Gut Microbiome: Individual, Group, and Dam-Reared Calves - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 26 Oct 2026 | 00:16:53 | |
How does raising calves individually, in groups, or alongside their dams shape their gut microbiome? In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad discusses a University of Minnesota study examining how these three rearing systems influence microbial communities, growth, and the transition through weaning. Individually housed calves and calves raised in groups of six received similar diets and developed similar gut microbiomes, suggesting that calf-to-calf contact alone had little influence on microbial diversity. Dam-reared calves, however, developed distinct microbial communities and had the highest average daily gains. Their lower microbial diversity before weaning did not correspond with poorer growth. Brad explores how access to milk, contact with adult cows, and exposure to solid feeds may help explain these differences. Within three to four days after weaning, microbial diversity increased in dam-reared calves as they transitioned away from milk, although some differences among rearing systems remained. Because the systems differed in several ways, the findings reflect the combined effects of diet, environment, and maternal contact. The episode also includes updates on fall grazing, virtual fencing, and ongoing calf research at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, plus a preview of Brad’s upcoming trip to Sweden. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 369 - Troubleshooting Calf Health: What the Experts See on Farms - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:16:42 | |
Are the basics of calf management getting overlooked? Fresh from dairy research meetings in Florida, Brad explores a North American survey led by Penn State’s Melissa Cantor examining the management challenges calf health professionals encounter on dairy farms. Brad discusses how low milk allowances, larger calf groups, inconsistent routines, and poor ventilation can contribute to challenges with respiratory disease, scours, and navel infections. He also shares examples from the University of Minnesota’s dairy herd and explains why troubleshooting calf health requires looking beyond treatments to everyday feeding, housing, and care. Topics include:
The take-home message: healthier calves start with consistent management. Before investing in new equipment or changing treatment strategies, review the fundamentals—and make sure everyone caring for calves understands and follows the farm’s protocols.
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| Episode 368 - Does a Second Colostrum Feeding Make a Difference? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:14:07 | |
Does a second colostrum feeding give newborn calves an extra boost? In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad explores University of Minnesota research involving 150 dairy and beef-on-dairy calves that examined how a second colostrum meal—and feeding by bottle versus tube—affected immunity, health, appetite, and behavior. On a farm delivering high-quality colostrum within one hour of birth, a second colostrum feeding eight hours later did not significantly increase blood IgG concentrations compared with feeding milk replacer. Brad discusses why that strong first feeding matters when interpreting the results and what the study revealed about second-meal intake, subsequent appetite, and feeding labor. Bottle-fed calves often left part of their meal unfinished, while researchers observed no colic events during the study’s first 72 hours under the feeding protocols evaluated. The practical takeaway: prioritize the timing, quality, and quantity of the first colostrum feeding. Tune in for a discussion of how second feedings fit into calf management, why meal size and spacing matter, and why these findings do not rule out other benefits of continued colostrum or transition milk feeding.
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| Episode 367 - HYAL1: A Hidden Genetic Defect Affecting Holstein Longevity - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:16:50 | |
Fresh from World Dairy Expo, Brad Heins discusses the newly identified HYAL1 mutation in Holstein cattle and its implications for cow health, longevity, and farm profitability. Research in Switzerland and France links this recessive variant to swollen hocks, joint fluid buildup, impaired mobility, and reduced productive life in cattle that inherit two copies. Brad explains how researchers uncovered a genetic problem that standard additive analyses missed, why joint abnormalities can appear before first calving, and how affected animals may experience lower production and earlier culling. He also explores the importance of combining genomic data with observations of cattle and how genetic testing and avoiding carrier-to-carrier matings could help prevent affected calves. Tune in for a practical look at what this discovery could mean for dairy breeding decisions and healthier, longer-lived cows. The reported 4.4% and 8.4% are allele frequencies, not percentages of affected cattle; and affected animals inherit two copies of the variant.
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| Episode 366 - Virtual Fencing for Dairy Cattle: Lessons from the Pasture - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:15:55 | |
Virtual fencing is drawing plenty of questions from grazing dairy and beef producers. In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares what the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center learned from using NoFence collars with heifers during the summer grazing season. Undergraduate interns observed 27 heifers from June through August and compared their behavior with collar records of audio warnings and pulses. The heifers spent most of their observed time grazing or standing, although grazing increased as the summer progressed. Observations associated with pulses showed less grazing and more walking, while warnings and pulses varied widely among individual heifers. Brad discusses what those patterns might mean, including how heifers respond when a virtual boundary moves. He also looks ahead to testing additional collars and virtual fencing systems with dairy cattle. Future work will examine animal behavior alongside the labor and economics of managing pasture with virtual fences.
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| Episode 365 - Serum Protein, Calf Survival, and Economic Value - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:17:43 | |
Brad begins with an update from the WCROC dairy, where corn silage harvest is complete, fall calving is underway, and new Angus and beef-on-dairy calves are arriving. The episode then examines a six-year study of approximately 1,300 Holstein bull calves purchased through Wisconsin livestock auctions. Researchers measured serum total protein to evaluate whether the calves had received adequate immunity from colostrum. More than 70% of the calves were classified in the poor or fair categories, while only 16% reached the excellent benchmark. Calves with poor passive immunity were nearly 12 times more likely to die than calves with excellent serum total protein levels. Brad discusses why male dairy and beef-on-dairy calves should receive the same high-quality colostrum management as replacement heifers. He also explores how serum total protein testing—using a simple blood sample and refractometer—could help farms evaluate their colostrum programs and give calf buyers better information. Verified colostrum management could reduce calf mortality, reward dairy producers for raising healthier calves, and create greater value throughout the beef-on-dairy supply chain.
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| Episode 364 - Early calf socialization may deliver long-term benefits - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:13:49 | |
Early calf socialization may deliver long-term benefits Can housing calves together during their first weeks of life affect how they perform as cows? This episode examines University of Florida research comparing individually housed, pair-housed and group-housed calves through their first lactation. Socially housed calves grew faster before weaning, producing up to 16% greater average daily gain than individually housed calves. Although differences in growth and reproductive performance largely disappeared after weaning, important benefits emerged after calving. Pair- and group-housed animals produced approximately 1,700 additional pounds of milk during their first lactation and were substantially less likely to be culled. The findings suggest that early social contact builds behavioral resilience. Calves raised with companions may adjust more easily to the milking parlor, regrouping and competition at the feed bunk—helping them maintain intake, manage stress and remain productive during the demanding transition into the milking herd. The results position social housing as more than a calf-welfare practice; it may also be a long-term investment in productivity and herd retention. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 363 - What Can AI Tell You About Your Dairy? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:19:56 | |
Can AI turn mountains of dairy data into practical management insights? This episode explores how tools like ChatGPT can analyze bulk tank records, DHI reports, and milking-parlor data. Using examples from conventional and organic herds, we discuss how AI can reveal production and milk-quality trends, identify cows driving somatic cell count, highlight reproductive concerns, and uncover parlor-efficiency problems. AI cannot replace farmers, advisers, or Extension expertise—and its results should always be verified—but it can save hours of spreadsheet work and help dairy managers focus on the issues that need attention. Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 362 - Age at First Calving: Why 22 to 23 Months Pays - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:16:20 | |
What is the ideal age at first calving for Holstein heifers? Brad examines a Zoetis study of nearly 130,000 cows from 74 dairy herds. Although heifers calving at 26 months produced slightly more projected first-lactation milk, those calving around 23 months produced more cumulative milk through two lactations, remained in the herd longer, and generated greater modeled net income. Replacement risk increased substantially as calving age rose, reaching about 35% for heifers calving at 27 months compared with 17% at 21 months. By 27 months, modeled net income was approximately $650 lower than for the 23-month group because the small milk-production advantage did not offset additional rearing costs and earlier removal from the herd. The findings support targeting 22 to 23 months—but only when heifers are adequately grown. Brad explains why producers should monitor body weight alongside age, evaluate the costly tail of late-calving heifers, and consider cumulative production and survival rather than relying solely on projected 305-day milk.
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| Episode 361 - Why Routine Hoof Trimming Pays: Preventing Lameness in Dairy Cows - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:15:21 | |
Lameness can quietly reduce milk production, cow welfare, and dairy farm profitability. In this episode of The Moos Room, we examine how a difficult, wet spring prompted our dairy to make routine hoof trimming a priority for both its grazing and confinement herds. Since 2019, every cow—including lactating and dry cows—has been trimmed twice a year, with hoof problems carefully recorded. The results have been substantial: the percentage of cows with hoof issues declined from 15.6% during the first whole-herd trimming to just 2–3% during the past two spring trimmings. Thin soles and toe ulcers have nearly disappeared, white line disease has declined, and antibiotic use for lameness has fallen. Learn why grazing cows still benefit from routine trimming, how common hoof lesions affect cattle, and why partnering with a hoof trimmer to establish a consistent maintenance schedule can improve cow longevity, employee satisfaction, and farm profitability.
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| Episode 360 - Working With the Dairy Cow’s Biological Clock - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:14:43 | |
After a busy week showing dairy cattle at the county fair, Brad explores research on the dairy cow’s 12-month biological clock. Using data from 332 Western U.S. dairy herds, the study examined how region, breed, housing, organic management, and BST use influence seasonal patterns in milk production, components, dry matter intake, and feed efficiency. Despite differences among herds, annual rhythms remained remarkably consistent: milk components peaked in winter, dry matter intake peaked in February, and milk production generally peaked in spring. The findings suggest producers and nutritionists should compare herd performance across seasons—not just from one month to the next—and work with cows’ natural biological rhythms when evaluating production changes and planning diets. Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 359 - New Calf Health and Fertility Traits: What Dairy Producers Need to Know - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:18:21 | |
This episode previews new U.S. dairy genetic evaluations scheduled for release by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding on August 11, 2026. Two new calf-health traits will measure genetic resistance to diarrhea and respiratory disease in Holsteins and Jerseys. Positive predicted transmitting abilities indicate greater resistance. Although these traits have relatively low heritability, they may help producers gradually improve calf health, reduce treatment costs, and avoid the long-term productivity losses associated with early-life illness. Continued, accurate recording of calf health events will be essential for strengthening these evaluations The episode also explains revisions to several fertility traits, including daughter pregnancy rate, cow conception rate, heifer conception rate, and early first calving. The updated models better account for modern reproductive management, including longer and variable voluntary waiting periods, synchronization programs, sexed and beef semen, and automated monitoring systems. A new trait, first service to conception, measures the number of days between a cow’s first breeding and conception. Unlike daughter pregnancy rate, it is independent of a herd’s voluntary waiting period and may be particularly useful on farms that establish breeding eligibility for individual cows. The host remains skeptical about how dramatically the revised models change historical fertility trends—especially daughter pregnancy rate, which now appears to have improved rather than declined over the past 25 years. Producers are encouraged to examine how the August evaluations affect bulls they currently use, while considering calf-health and fertility traits as additional selection tools rather than replacements for sound management.
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| Episode 358 - Footbath Management: What Dairy Farms May Be Missing - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:17:34 | |
After sharing how recent heat stress caused an average milk loss of four pounds per cow in his herd, Brad turns his attention to lameness and footbath management. He examines a study of approximately 250 Canadian dairy farms to explore how footbaths are being used, where management gaps exist, and what the future of hoof-health programs may look like. Most farms sent lactating cows through a footbath one or two times per week, commonly after milking. Copper sulfate was the most widely used product, but Brad discusses its potential to accumulate in soil and affect crop production. He also addresses the health risks associated with formaldehyde and copper sulfate, noting that fewer than half of the surveyed farms reported using personal protective equipment while preparing footbath solutions. Solution management is another important concern. As manure and other organic matter accumulate, footbath products become less effective—often after 150 to 300 cow passages. Keeping a solution too long may mean that cows passing through later receive much less protection. The study also identified major gaps among nonlactating animals: 69% of dry cows and 82% of heifers never passed through a footbath. Because hoof problems in heifers can negatively affect first-lactation milk production and reproduction, farms may need to consider hoof health across the animal’s entire life cycle. Brad concludes by discussing how automated footbaths could improve consistency, shorten solution-retention times, and reduce labor. The key is developing a farm-specific protocol that accounts for cow flow, herd size, chemical safety, solution replacement, and hoof-health challenges across every group of animals.
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| Episode 357 - From Calf to Carcass: Early Nutrition for Beef-on-Dairy Success - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:17:00 | |
Beef-on-dairy calves continue to bring strong prices, but producing calves that perform well from birth through harvest requires careful decisions about genetics and nutrition. In this episode, we look at current Minnesota calf markets, the factors influencing beef sire selection and recent research exploring how early feeding programs affect the long-term performance of Angus-Holstein calves. A University of Minnesota study compared conventional 20:20 milk replacer with a higher-energy 24:24 formulation. Calves receiving the 24:24 milk replacer had greater starter intake, faster weight and frame growth, and improved feed efficiency through eight weeks of age. The results suggest that supplying more nutrients early in life may encourage—not suppress—starter consumption. We also discuss an Iowa State University study that followed beef-on-dairy steers from the nursery through harvest. Although pelleted diets produced faster growth shortly after weaning, cattle raised on forage-based total mixed rations performed better later in the feeding period. The low-starch TMR group finished with heavier body and carcass weights, more Prime carcasses and greater carcass value, while the high-starch TMR group experienced substantially more liver abscesses. The research highlights why early growth should not be the only goal. Rumen health, feed costs, finishing performance and carcass quality all matter when developing profitable beef-on-dairy feeding programs. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 356 - Heat Stress and Water Intake in Dairy Cows - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:16:01 | |
This episode examines how heat stress affects water intake in dairy cows—and why farms must prepare their watering systems for increasingly hot weather. A review of studies from 1985–2024 found that Holstein cows producing roughly 65–70 pounds of milk averaged about 24 gallons of water per day under thermoneutral conditions. During heat stress, intake increased by approximately 10 liters, or 2–3 gallons, per cow per day. Each one-unit increase in the temperature-humidity index was associated with another 1.5 liters of water intake. Although heat-stressed cows produce less milk, they drink more because the additional water supports evaporative cooling and body-temperature regulation. Data from the University of Minnesota’s dairy herd revealed a more complicated picture. smaXtec sensors showed that cows averaged around 23 gallons per day, but estimated intake declined during summer. Possible reasons include warmer drinking water, pasture water access, competition at waterers, and changes in drinking behavior. Cows generally drank only four or five times per day, consuming roughly 14–20 liters at each visit. Peak drinking also shifted from midafternoon in winter to around 7 p.m. in summer, often after milking. These patterns highlight the importance of examining when cows drink—not just daily totals. Farms should ensure adequate water flow, tank capacity, access, and cool water during peak-use periods. Sensor readings are most valuable when compared with each cow’s normal behavior and interpreted alongside weather, milk production, rumination, health events, and management changes. The central message is that water intake can be a useful indicator of heat stress, but unexpected changes should prompt investigation rather than an automatic conclusion. As extreme heat becomes more common, dairy water systems must be designed for peak demand rather than historical averages. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 355 - How Breed (Holstein and Crossbred) Influences Heifer Feed Intake and Emissions- UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:15:21 | |
Brad shares preliminary results from a University of Minnesota study examining feed intake, methane emissions, and feeding behavior in Holstein and crossbred dairy heifers. Using precision feeders, methane-monitoring equipment, and activity sensors, the research team compared Holsteins with ProCROSS and GrazeCross heifers. The early findings show that methane production generally increased with feed intake. Smaller GrazeCross heifers consumed less feed and produced less methane and carbon dioxide, while ProCROSS heifers had the highest feed intake. However, methane produced per unit of dry matter intake did not differ significantly among the breed groups. Brad also discusses how often heifers visited the feed bunk, how much time they spent eating, and what sensor data revealed about rumination and activity. These preliminary results highlight how body size, breed, and feeding behavior may influence heifer management and environmental efficiency. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 354 - Hot Calves, Lower Gains: Rethinking Summer Calf Care - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:19:56 | |
Brad takes a closer look at heat stress in dairy calves and cows. This episode highlights several recent studies on how temperature-humidity index affects calf behavior, lying time, respiration rates, shade use, and growth performance. Brad discusses research from the University of Guelph, The Ohio State University, and Mississippi State showing that heat-stressed calves spend less time lying down, stand more often, breathe harder, and may gain less weight when shade is not provided. He also reviews a Texas A&M study using precision livestock technology to monitor drinking behavior, rumen temperature, and heat stress responses in robotic milking herds. The big takeaway: heat stress in calves deserves more attention. Simple strategies like shade cloth, better ventilation, and more thoughtful housing design may help improve calf comfort, growth, and long-term performance.
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| Episode 353 - Calf Research Roundup: Colostrum, Beef-on-Dairy, and Weaning Insights - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:19:10 | |
Back from the ADSA annual meeting in Milwaukee, Brad shares highlights from several calf-focused dairy studies. This episode covers new research on colostrum management for beef-on-dairy crossbred calves, including how feeding practices differ between retained dairy heifers, beef-on-dairy calves, and calves not kept on farm. Brad also reviews a study comparing fixed-age weaning with starter-intake-based weaning in Holstein and Angus-Holstein calves, plus new work using ear tag sensors to track calf behavior, rumination, eating, and activity through 150 days of age. The episode wraps up with research from the University of Florida on colostrum yield, quality, and genetics, including how season, parity, calf sex, gestation length, and days dry can influence colostrum outcomes. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 352 - Somatic Cell Count Genetics and Heifer Feed Efficiency - UMN Extension's The Moos Rom | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:17:05 | |
Brad shares two studies He presented at the American Dairy Science Association annual meeting. First, he examines records from more than 150,000 lactations to compare genetic predictions for somatic cell score and clinical mastitis. The results suggest that PTA for somatic cell score is more useful for predicting and ranking cows by observed somatic cell count than PTA for mastitis. He also discusses a study comparing Holstein and crossbred heifers for feed intake, methane emissions, rumination, and feeding behavior. Although methane produced per kilogram of feed was similar across breed groups, smaller crossbred heifers consumed four to five pounds less dry matter per day. The findings highlight how genetics, breed, sensors, and precision feeding data could help producers improve herd health and heifer management.
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| Episode 351 - High Oleic Soybeans: A New Tool for Dairy Rations? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:17:33 | |
Brad discusses what he learned about high oleic soybeans at the Four State Dairy Management and Nutrition Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin. High oleic soybeans are gaining attention in dairy nutrition because they can provide both rumen undegradable protein and a more rumen-friendly fat source, potentially reducing the need for purchased protein and fat supplements. The episode covers how high oleic beans differ from conventional soybeans, why roasting quality matters, and how measures like protein dispersibility index help determine whether beans are under- or over-processed. Brad also reviews feeding rates, farm case studies showing milk fat and energy-corrected milk responses, possible cost savings, and the pros and cons of adopting high oleic beans on dairy farms. Overall, high oleic soybeans are not a silver bullet, but they may offer dairy producers another tool for improving ration economics, milk components, and on-farm feed production when managed carefully.
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| Episode 350 - New World Screwworm Returns to the U.S.: What Farmers Need to Know - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:14:37 | |
A case of New World screwworm was recently identified in a three-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. In this episode, Brad breaks down what New World screwworm is, why it matters to livestock producers, and what signs to watch for in cattle and other animals. He explains how the larvae infest live tissue, how the pest spreads, and why early detection, reporting, quarantine, and treatment are key to preventing further spread. The episode also clears up common myths, including whether screwworm spreads animal-to-animal or person-to-person, whether whole herds must be culled, and whether recovered animals can enter the food supply. Brad also discusses past eradication efforts using sterile flies, current treatment options, and the importance of producer awareness, especially for those in areas at higher risk. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 349 - Can Pasture-Raised Heifers Outperform Confinement Heifers? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:17:41 | |
Brad discusses new research comparing dairy heifers raised on pasture versus in confinement, focusing on studies from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Both studies found that pasture-raised heifers were slightly lighter and gained less before calving, but they reached calving at a similar age and showed advantages after freshening. Pasture-raised animals had higher dry matter intake, fewer health issues in the Minnesota study, and stronger first-lactation milk production, especially under rotational grazing systems. Brad also highlights the economic upside: pasture systems reduced heifer feed costs and, in the Wisconsin study, improved income over feed cost during lactation. The episode makes the case that raising dairy heifers on pasture can be a practical strategy to lower rearing costs without sacrificing, and potentially improving, future milk production. Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 348 - Holstein Classification and Crossbreeding Lessons from Minnesota Dairy Research - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 25 May 2026 | 00:24:00 | |
Brad shares updates from the University of Minnesota Morris dairy herd, including cows heading out to spring pasture, a recent Holstein classification, and highlights from several high-scoring cows. He then revisits University of Minnesota crossbreeding research comparing Holsteins with Viking Red and Montbéliarde crosses. The results show that crossbred cows often had better fertility, lower health treatment costs, improved survival to later lactations, and higher daily profitability, even when milk volume was sometimes lower than Holsteins. Brad also connects these findings to current beef-on-dairy calf research showing health advantages from crossbreeding, especially fewer scours and digestive problems. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 347 - Heat Stress Starts Earlier Than We Think: Using Cow Sensors to Stay Ahead - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 18 May 2026 | 00:19:37 | |
In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad discusses spring pasture challenges in western Minnesota, including dry conditions, temperature swings, and slowed grass growth. With summer heat on the horizon, the focus shifts to heat stress in dairy cows and how precision technologies, especially internal bolus sensors, can help farmers identify problems earlier. Brad shares observations from cows monitored with Smaxtec boluses, including rumination, internal body temperature, and water intake data. He also reviews research from the University of Minnesota herd showing that rumination may start dropping at lower temperature-humidity index levels than traditional industry thresholds suggest. Conventional cows showed rumination declines around a THI of 64, while pasture-based organic cows showed declines closer to 58. The episode highlights why waiting for milk production losses may be too late when managing heat stress. Instead, rumination, body temperature, water intake, shade, cooling systems, and feeding strategies can all play a role in protecting cow comfort and performance before visible signs of heat stress appear.
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| Episode 346 - FerAppease for Dairy Cows and Calves: Can Reducing Stress Improve Pregnancy Rates and Growth? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 11 May 2026 | 00:17:03 | |
Brad takes a closer look at FerAppease, a synthetic analog of the maternal bovine appeasing substance that is gaining attention in both the dairy and beef industries. He explains how the product is designed to reduce stress in cattle during events like breeding, weaning, dehorning, transportation, calving, and dry-off. The episode highlights recent research in lactating Holstein cows showing that applying FerAppease at the time of artificial insemination increased pregnancy per AI from 47.7% in control cows to 60.2% in treated cows. Brad also walks through the potential economics, estimating a strong return on investment when improved pregnancy rates are valued at the farm level. Brad then discusses a calf study looking at FerAppease use around disbudding. Treated calves showed signs of reduced stress, including lower cortisol measures, and had improved average daily gain shortly after disbudding. While more research is needed, Brad notes that FerAppease may be a useful non-antibiotic, non-hormonal tool for reducing stress and improving outcomes during key management events.
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| Episode 345 - Virtual Fencing for Grazing Cattle: Costs, Training, and Practical Tips - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 04 May 2026 | 00:19:03 | |
Virtual fencing is gaining attention in livestock production, and this episode breaks down what dairy producers need to know before trying it. Brad explains how virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled collars or ear tags, audio cues, and electrical cues to manage grazing animals within digital boundaries. He also shares lessons from training heifers with virtual fence collars, including the adjustment period, the importance of using a physical fence during training, and how animals typically learn the system within about a week. The episode also compares several virtual fencing systems available to U.S. producers, including Vence, Gallagher, Halter, and Nofence. Brad walks through major considerations such as collar weight, cellular versus base station connectivity, battery life, subscription fees, and upfront costs. He also discusses how virtual fencing may compare financially with traditional physical fencing and why more research is needed to understand its fit in dairy grazing systems. Brad also previews upcoming virtual fencing work at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, where multiple systems will be tested with dairy cattle to better understand labor needs, cost, practicality, and overall performance in real grazing conditions. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 344 - Salmonella Dublin: The Hidden Threat in Dairy-Beef Systems - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:17:57 | |
This episode highlights new research on Salmonella Dublin in dairy-beef systems and what it means for calf health and farm management. The disease is a major threat to young calves, causing severe illness and high mortality, while often spreading silently through carrier animals and contaminated environments. New PCR testing shows the pathogen is far more common than traditional methods suggest. Key risk factors include frequent introduction of new calves, mixing animals post-weaning, and human movement (boots, equipment) spreading contamination between areas. Bottom line: Salmonella Dublin isn’t random—it reflects management. Strong biosecurity, better calf flow, delayed weaning, and improved monitoring are critical to reducing risk. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 343 - The Hidden Cost of Cow Health: Why It Pays to Look Beyond ‘Sick or Not - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:23:11 | |
Spring may be slow to arrive in Minnesota, but research season is heating up. In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad revisits a large Minnesota-based study exploring the true cost of health events in dairy cows—and why tracking cost, not just disease incidence, could transform genetic selection and farm profitability. Using data from thousands of Holstein cows across multiple herds, the team found that health costs are heavily concentrated in the first 30 days of lactation, when cows face metabolic stress from calving and high milk production. However, issues like lameness and mastitis continue to accumulate costs throughout the lactation, especially in older cows. In fact, total health costs more than double from first to later lactations, reflecting wear, immune fatigue, and management differences. A key takeaway: management determines cost, but genetics influence risk. While some high-cost conditions (like reproductive disorders) are difficult to improve genetically, others—such as mastitis and metabolic disease—show stronger heritability. The breakthrough insight is that total health cost itself is moderately heritable (~0.25)—much higher than traditional “sick vs. not sick” measures. This means selecting animals based on overall health cost could drive faster genetic progress than current methods. Brad also highlights important genetic and phenotypic relationships:
From a practical standpoint, the episode emphasizes:
Bottom line: Selecting for lower total health cost can improve profitability, extend cow longevity, and enhance animal welfare—potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars at the herd level in just one generation. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 342 - Cows, Kilowatts, and Cool-Season Grasses: What Grows Best Under Solar? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:18:02 | |
This episode of The Moos Room dives into new research on agrivoltaics—specifically how forages perform when grown under solar panels in grazing systems. Brad shares results from a recent study evaluating multiple grass and legume species across different solar array designs compared to a traditional pasture. Overall, forage production depended heavily on species and shade level. Cool-season grasses like meadow fescue and orchardgrass performed well under solar panels, sometimes even producing more biomass than in open pasture. In contrast, warm-season species like sorghum-sudangrass struggled under shaded conditions. Legumes such as red clover maintained strong performance and contributed to improved forage quality. One of the biggest takeaways was that while heavier shade can reduce total biomass, it often improves forage quality. Grasses grown under solar panels showed higher crude protein and greater fiber digestibility, especially in more shaded systems. This suggests agrivoltaic systems can still produce high-quality feed, even when yield is slightly reduced. The episode highlights that selecting the right species—particularly shade-tolerant cool-season grasses and legume mixtures—is key to success in grazing-based solar systems. Ultimately, agrivoltaics offers a promising opportunity to combine livestock production with renewable energy, providing both high-quality forage and an additional revenue stream for farmers.
Agrivoltaics Webinar Cattle and Kilowatts 4/14 Our first webinar is April 14th, 2026 5pm CT. Register for the zoom link: z.umn.edu/cattlekilowatts
Join the University of Minnesota Extension for an in-depth webinar featuring pioneers of cattle solar grazing. This session moves beyond theory and into the pasture, focusing on the practical management, infrastructure, and animal welfare considerations of running cattle on solar sites. Guest speakers include Will Harris and Dale Caldwell (White Oak Pastures) leaders in regenerative agriculture who have integrated solar grazing into their multi-species operation in Bluffton, Georgia. Josh Bennett (HUWA Enterprises), an agrimation expert at the forefront of cattle-ready solar design will also join the discussion.
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| Episode 341 - Stop Mastitis Before It Starts: Pre-Calving Training That Works - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:18:03 | |
In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares insights from a recent study at the University of Minnesota Morris dairy focused on reducing mastitis and improving behavior in first-lactation heifers. The research tested a simple, low-labor strategy: bringing heifers into the parlor once per week for three weeks before calving, gently acclimating them, and applying a 1% iodine teat dip. Results showed that trained heifers were calmer, easier to milk, and significantly less likely to kick during milking, improving both animal welfare and milker safety. While overall clinical mastitis rates did not differ, the treatment notably reduced Staphylococcus aureus infections, with untrained heifers having five times greater odds of infection shortly after calving. The episode highlights how small, proactive management steps before calving can break the cycle of stress, poor behavior, and disease—offering a practical approach to improving transition success in dairy heifers. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 340 - Beef-on-Dairy Boom: Why Crossbred Calves Are Winning - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:15:54 | |
Spring calving is underway in Minnesota, and with it comes renewed focus on the booming beef-on-dairy market. In this episode, Brad dives into current calf prices—highlighting the strong premium for beef-cross calves—and breaks down new research comparing Holstein and beef × dairy calves under the same management. Across studies from Canada and Brazil, crossbred calves consistently showed advantages: lower rates of diarrhea, fewer treatment interventions, improved starter intake, and greater feed efficiency. While respiratory disease incidence was similar, crossbreds recovered faster and required fewer treatments. By 84 days, crossbred calves were heavier and more efficient to raise, reinforcing long-standing evidence that heterosis improves calf performance. The takeaway is clear: beef-on-dairy calves not only bring strong market value but also demonstrate biological and economic advantages during the pre-weaning phase—making them an increasingly attractive strategy for dairy producers navigating volatile milk markets. Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 339- Horn Fly Vaccines: What We Learned from a Summer Study - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:18:28 | |
On this spring episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into the seasonal return of flies and shares results from a recent horn fly vaccine study conducted at the University of Minnesota’s WCROC. Horn flies—common in pasture-based systems—cause significant irritation, blood loss, and production losses in cattle, and their rapid life cycle makes them difficult to control, especially with increasing insecticide resistance. The study evaluated a Medgene horn fly vaccine designed to disrupt the fly’s ability to take a blood meal, ultimately reducing reproduction. Researchers vaccinated about half of the cows and heifers across organic (pasture-based) and conventional (dry lot) systems and tracked fly populations throughout the summer. While no differences were observed for face flies or stable flies—as expected—the vaccine showed promising results for horn flies. There was little effect in conventional cows, but in pasture-based animals, especially heifers, vaccinated groups experienced a consistent 30–40% reduction in horn fly numbers compared to controls.
Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 338 - Dairy by the Numbers: Production, Breeds, and Herd Size - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:21:46 | |
Brad shares a spring dairy update and breaks down newly released national performance metrics from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, offering a snapshot of what the U.S. dairy herd looks like today. He also touches on a major industry headline—Zoetis’ planned acquisition of Neogen’s animal genomics business—and what that could mean for dairy genetics going forward. A big part of the episode focuses on the red-hot calf market, especially for beef-on-dairy crosses. Brad highlights eye-popping prices from Minnesota sale barns, where Holstein bull calves and beef-cross calves are bringing in far more than producers would have expected just a few years ago. He reflects on how dramatically the economics of beef-on-dairy have changed and what that could mean for breeding decisions on dairies this year. The second half of the episode dives into the new national herd data, including milk production, components, somatic cell counts, herd size, and breed distribution across the country. Brad walks through where Holsteins, Jerseys, crossbreds, Brown Swiss, Guernseys, Ayrshires, and Milking Shorthorns stand today, and which states are leading in cow numbers and herd size. It’s a practical, numbers-driven look at dairy trends in the U.S. and a useful update for anyone interested in genetics, herd demographics, and where the industry is heading.
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| Episode 337 - Bucket or Nipple: What’s the Best Way to Feed Calves? - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:16:23 | |
Brad explores a recent study comparing two common calf-feeding methods: open buckets and nipple buckets. While most U.S. dairies rely on open buckets because they allow calves to drink quickly and reduce chore time, the research looked at how these systems affect calf growth, digestion, and behavior. The study followed individually housed calves fed six liters of milk per day until weaning at eight weeks. Calves fed with open buckets finished their milk much faster, often in under two minutes, while nipple-fed calves took about five minutes because the system mimics natural suckling. Despite the difference in drinking speed, both groups had similar growth rates and physical development. However, behavior and digestion told a more interesting story. Calves fed with open buckets consumed more starter grain and spent more time ruminating, but they also showed more non-nutritive oral behaviors like sucking on pen fixtures or other calves—likely because their natural suckling drive wasn’t satisfied. Nipple-fed calves showed fewer of these behaviors, had slightly firmer feces, and exhibited metabolic signals suggesting improved digestion. Brad breaks down the trade-offs for dairy producers: open buckets offer efficiency and faster feeding, while nipple buckets may better support calf welfare and natural behavior. The episode highlights how feeding systems can influence calf behavior, digestion, and management decisions on dairy farms. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 336 - Heat, Herd Size and Cow Factors: Understanding SCC in Organic Herds - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:25:12 | |
Brad shares results from a large national research project examining somatic cell count (SCC) and mastitis risk in U.S. organic dairy herds, using more than 2 million DHI test-day records from 430 farms across 31 states. The discussion highlights how SCC is influenced by multiple factors, including cow age, stage of lactation, milk production, breed, season, region, and herd size. Older cows, early-lactation animals, and lower-producing cows were most likely to have elevated SCC, while heat stress—especially during summer months—and larger herd size significantly increased risk. Because organic systems cannot rely on antibiotics, Brad emphasizes prevention strategies such as improved fresh-cow management, heat abatement, careful monitoring of chronic cows, and strong milking hygiene as key tools for controlling mastitis and maintaining milk quality. Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 335 - What the Necropsy Revealed: Hidden Heart Issues and Citrobacter Abortions | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:19:14 | |
In this solo episode, Brad shares a few recent herd-health case studies from his dairy, highlighting the value of diagnostics and transparency. He walks through two calf losses—one at 60 days old and another at 9 months. Both animals had been treated for common issues but continued to decline. Necropsies revealed severe heart abnormalities in each case (thin, underdeveloped ventricles), pointing toward possible genetic or nutritional causes. The takeaway: without a necropsy, these would have remained unexplained losses. Brad also discusses a recent abortion in a dry cow. Diagnostic testing ruled out BVD and IBR and identified Citrobacter sp., an environmental organism found in manure, soil, and bedding that can contribute to abortions. He suspects environmental exposure in wintered dry cows may have played a role. Overall, the episode emphasizes investigating unexpected losses, using lab diagnostics, and learning from on-farm challenges as spring calving approaches.
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| Episode 334- The Cow of the Future: Built for Producers, Powered by Precision - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:33:37 | |
Emily and Brad re-record this episode of The Moos Room after a technical glitch wiped out Emily’s audio—and dive into a big question: What does the dairy cow of the future look like? Inspired by a recent Journal of Dairy Science paper, they move beyond the classic Holstein vs. Jersey debate to discuss a more balanced vision. Instead of selecting for maximum milk at all costs, the future cow will prioritize resilience, fertility, longevity, feed efficiency, and environmental sustainability. They explore how genomics must be paired with real-world performance data (phenotypes), how precision technologies and robots are shaping breeding goals, and why moderate size and genetic diversity matter. From methane efficiency to beef-on-dairy and even gene editing, the episode highlights how breeding decisions today are shaping a smarter, more sustainable cow for tomorrow.
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| Episode 333 - Beef on Dairy in a Hot Market: Calf Prices, Cattle Numbers, and Sire Selection - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:32:05 | |
Calf prices are making headlines, and in this episode Emily and Brad are joined by UMN Extension beef educator Melissa Runck to talk through what today’s hot beef and beef-on-dairy markets mean for producers. They discuss why newborn beef-cross calves are bringing record prices, how that cash can help dairy farms when milk prices are low, and what the latest Cattle on Feed report tells us about declining inventories and producers’ reluctance to keep heifers as replacements. The group then dives into beef-on-dairy sire selection, emphasizing realistic goals over the search for a “perfect” bull, the importance of calving ease and fertility, and when carcass traits and indexes matter based on how calves are marketed. The episode wraps up with a practical look at facilities and management, underscoring that good management—more than perfect buildings—drives success with beef-on-dairy cattle.
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| Episode 332 - From Herd Counts to Cow Scratches: What’s Changing in Midwest Dairies - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:17:46 | |
On a warm-for-February day in Minnesota, Brad dives into two topics shaping today’s dairy landscape: changing dairy herd demographics in the Upper Midwest and new research on dairy cow preferences for grooming brushes. The episode opens with a look at dairy farm numbers in Minnesota, where the state has lost nearly 37% of its dairy farms since 2019—dropping from 2,567 to just 1,622 operations. Brad breaks down herd size distribution, showing Minnesota remains dominated by small herds (especially 50–100 cows), even as the number of very large herds continues to grow. He also highlights where dairy farms are concentrated geographically, with Stearns County leading the state, and notes that seven Minnesota counties now have no dairy farms at all.
In the second half of the episode, Brad discusses a new Purdue University study examining dairy cow preferences for grooming brushes. Researchers compared three brush types—swinging and rotating, swinging only, and stationary—and found that more than 75% of cows preferred the swinging, rotating brush. Cows spent several minutes grooming their heads, backs, and rumps, with rotating brushes offering the most engagement and relaxation. While stationary brushes were used mainly for head scratching, the study suggests that offering a variety of brush types may give cows valuable choice and enrichment. Brad wraps up by reflecting on what these trends mean for dairy farm viability, animal welfare, and management decisions—leaving listeners with practical insights and plenty to think about.
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| Episode 331 - Why I Use the Bulls I Do: Fertility, Polled Genetics, and Outcross Thinking - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:27:37 | |
Brad checks in from a brutally cold stretch in western Minnesota (30–40°F below zero), noting the cows are handling it well and somatic cell counts tend to run low in the extreme cold. He then walks listeners through how he thinks about sire selection in his research herd—mostly Holsteins, plus Jerseys and a few “colored breeds” like Norwegian Red, Montbéliarde, and Normande. His selection philosophy is clear: he starts with Net Merit, but he doesn’t blindly follow it. Brad says he doesn’t chase milk pounds, and he wishes the major indexes put more emphasis on fertility. Instead, his priorities are:
Brad shares many of the specific bulls he’s using and why—including proven sires with lots of daughters for reliability, plus a smaller “sprinkling” of genomic bulls (often because they’re polled). He highlights using popular Holstein sires like Genosource Captain, polled-focused options like Leyser PP and Seabrook PP, plus a few high-type outcross bulls mainly to reduce inbreeding, even if their production or functional traits aren’t his usual preference. He also lists several Select Sires bulls (including polled sires) that fit his functional-trait focus. On the Jersey side, he emphasizes moderate cows with fertility, productive life, and livability, again weaving in polled where possible. For crossbreeding, he calls out Norwegian Red bulls with strong U.S. proofs for fertility and functional traits, and he mentions finding limited polled options in Montbéliarde but using them when available. He wraps by summarizing what listeners should take away: his herd is moving deliberately toward polled, backed by a USDA grant, while still prioritizing fertility, longevity, mastitis resistance, and outcrossing to manage inbreeding—and he invites feedback and debate from listeners.
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| Episode 330 - Circadian Rhythms in Dairy Cows: What Sensor Data Reveals About Welfare - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:16:24 | |
In this solo episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares “hot off the press” research on circadian rhythms in dairy cows and what long-term sensor data can tell us about cow welfare. Drawing from a study presented at the International Precision Dairy Farming Conference in New Zealand, the episode explores how daily and seasonal behavior patterns—such as eating, rumination, activity, and rest—are shaped by environment, management, and breed. Using more than 10 years of CowManager sensor data from the University of Minnesota research herd, Brad walks through how different breeds (Holsteins, crossbreds, graze-cross cows, and 1964 Holstein genetics) show distinct seasonal rhythms. Results revealed clear breed differences in eating time, rumination, overall activity, and inactivity, with graze-cross cows showing the strongest seasonal patterns and more stable alignment with environmental cues—suggesting better adaptability to pasture-based systems. The episode highlights how disruptions to circadian rhythms—caused by inconsistent lighting, feeding schedules, or confinement—may be linked to stress, immune suppression, lameness, mastitis, and reduced fertility. Brad discusses how precision dairy technologies offer a powerful, non-invasive way to monitor these rhythms and potentially detect welfare issues before clinical signs appear. The episode wraps up by looking ahead to future research linking behavior patterns directly to health and productivity outcomes, and how better alignment of management practices with natural cow rhythms could improve welfare and resilience on dairy farms.
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| Episode 329 - Winter Mastitis Management: Don’t Let the Cold Catch You Off Guard - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:08:44 | |
In this solo “Emily Show” episode of The Moos Room, Emily takes a timely look at mastitis management during the winter months. While mastitis and high somatic cell counts are often associated with summer heat and humidity, Emily reminds listeners that cold weather brings its own risks and requires just as much attention to udder health. She begins by emphasizing the foundation of mastitis prevention: clean, dry bedding, cow comfort, and good ventilation. These basics reduce stress on cows and limit bacterial exposure, which is especially important when winter conditions can lead to damp or dirty housing. Emily then dives into winter-specific milking routine challenges, especially when cows are exposed to cold temperatures after milking. Wet teats are at much higher risk of frostbite, which can permanently damage teat ends and predispose cows to infections. While this makes some producers hesitant to use post-milking teat dip in cold weather, Emily strongly advises against skipping this crucial step. Instead, she shares a practical guideline: She also discusses udder hair management, noting that long hair can trap teat dip, manure, and moisture. Options like singeing or clipping udders can help keep teats cleaner and drier, especially in winter. Finally, Emily highlights the role of nutrition in mastitis prevention. Cold stress increases a cow’s energy needs, and inadequate nutrition can weaken immune function. Ensuring cows receive enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals helps support immune defenses and overall udder health. Working closely with a nutritionist during the winter is key. Emily wraps up by reminding listeners that even if mastitis seems less severe in winter than in summer, it still requires consistent attention year-round. With proper milking routines, clean housing, good nutrition, and smart winter management, producers can protect teat health and keep somatic cell counts in check all season long.
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| Episode 328 - Working Smarter, Not Longer: What Great Dairy Managers Do Differently - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:33:21 | |
In the first episode of 2026, Emily and Brad kick off a New Year’s “resolution” to record more episodes together and dive into one of their favorite themes: management. The conversation is sparked by a German case study Brad found that followed 10 German dairy herd managers (average ~600 cows; range 200–1,200) for three weeks, tracking their work minute-by-minute to see how managers spend time—and what actually drives herd performance. The key concept is “controlling activities,” defined as proactive checks and analysis (not just reacting and “putting out fires”). They break these into three categories: animal controls (pen walks, fresh/sick cow monitoring, reviewing sensor alerts), feeding controls (bunk/refusal checks, feed sampling, monitoring mixing and storage), and process controls (reviewing herd records, equipment checks, ventilation/manure systems, cleanliness). A big takeaway: herd managers spent much of their day on communication and logistics, while only about 15% of time went to controlling activities (animal ~9%, feeding ~1%, process ~5%). Yet the study found that performance wasn’t linked to total hours worked, but to how much time was dedicated to these proactive controls. Farms where managers spent more time on controlling activities showed better outcomes, including lower mortality, lower somatic cell count, higher lifetime production, and reduced youngstock losses. They also highlight a concerning “disconnect” around feeding: managers often had minimal involvement in feed-related controls even though feed is a major cost and driver of health and production. The episode closes with practical guidance for any farm size: prioritize time intentionally, increase proactive controlling activities (even slightly), and ensure herd managers stay connected to the feeding process—setting the tone for a more efficient, resilient 2026.
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| Episode 327 - Closing Out 2025: Reflections, Research, and What’s Ahead for The Moos Room - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:25:48 | |
In the final episode of 2025, Emily and Brad reflect on another big year for The Moos Room, marking more than 300 episodes since launching in 2019. They look back on key 2025 topics, including real-world dairy case studies from the Morris Research Dairy, health and safety conversations, emerging disease issues, beef markets, virtual fencing, and growing interest in agrivoltaics. Brad highlights the value of openly sharing on-farm challenges—from calf health issues to nutrition troubleshooting—so listeners can learn alongside the research process. Emily shares how 2025 deepened her understanding of virtual fencing, renewable energy in agriculture, and farm safety, while continuing to champion sunscreen use year-round. Looking ahead to 2026, they preview upcoming projects and episodes on virtual fencing, agrivoltaics, genetics, feed efficiency, and a new study raising purebred Angus calves in a dairy system. They also hope to expand global perspectives on livestock and agriculture and invite listeners to suggest topics, guests, and on-air case studies. They close by thanking listeners for another year of support and looking forward to more conversations in 2026.
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| Episode 326 - A Holiday Reminder: Boundaries Are Self-Care - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:08:18 | |
In this short solo episode of The Moos Room, Emily takes the mic to talk about managing holiday stress through setting healthy boundaries. With the holidays approaching, Emily shares practical guidance on navigating family dynamics, uncomfortable conversations, and competing demands on time and energy. She outlines three simple steps for setting boundaries—being clear and direct, stating what you need, and accepting any discomfort that may follow—and walks through real-world examples such as saying no, redirecting conversations, asking for time, and stepping away when needed. Emily emphasizes that boundaries can be temporary or permanent, and that setting them is an important form of self-care. The episode closes with a reminder that boundaries help reduce unnecessary stress, support resilience, and contribute to healthier relationships. Emily encourages listeners to reflect on their own needs this holiday season and to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential.
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| Episode 325 - Calf Transport: Why Early-Life Management Matters More Than Miles - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:21:43 | |
In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into a landmark new study examining the effects of short- and long-distance transport on the health, survival, and growth of pre-weaned dairy and dairy–beef crossbred calves. Drawing on data from nearly 392,000 calves across multiple farms and transport durations (ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours), the study challenges common assumptions about calf transport. Surprisingly, mortality upon arrival was extremely low and unaffected by transport length. Differences in mortality by weaning (60 days) were also modest and, importantly, were driven far more by early-life factors than by time spent on the truck. The discussion highlights colostrum management as the single most critical factor influencing calf outcomes. Calves fed two colostrum meals had higher serum protein levels, significantly lower rates of failure of passive transfer, and were about 50% less likely to develop diarrhea—one of the leading causes of pre-weaning mortality. Other key drivers of calf survival included diarrhea, pneumonia, dam parity, gestation length, and birth season, with transport duration explaining relatively little of the variation in outcomes. Brad emphasizes that a calf’s “destiny is largely sealed before the wheels start rolling,” underscoring that management decisions made at birth—especially colostrum feeding, dam health, and environmental stress mitigation—matter far more than transport distance alone. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||
| Episode 324 - A New Vet in Town: Dr. Angie Joins the Moos Crew - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:29:20 | |
In this episode, Brad and Emily welcome a special guest: Dr. Angie Varnum, the University of Minnesota Extension’s new livestock veterinarian. After some banter about Minnesota winters—and a classic round of The Moos Room’s “super-secret” cattle breed questions—the crew dives into Angie’s unique path to Extension. Angie shares how she went from growing up in suburban Maple Grove to studying Spanish education, teaching in schools, and eventually being inspired to pursue veterinary medicine. Her training and work took her across the western U.S., where she gained experience in beef and dairy systems before returning to Minnesota to practice large-animal medicine. Her love for both animals and education ultimately led her to Extension. The conversation explores:
Angie also highlights upcoming Extension programs she’ll be involved in, including the new Artificial Insemination School, Beef Quality Assurance certification sessions, Cow/Calf Days, and several small ruminant programs—from webinars to hands-on lambing and kidding workshops. It's a fun, thoughtful conversation introducing a new member of the Extension livestock team and setting the stage for exciting work ahead.
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| Episode 323 - Why Aren’t The Cows Milking in Our Herd? A Deep Dive Into Dairy Nutrition Troubleshooting - UMN Extension's The Moos Room | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:20:02 | |
In this solo episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into a deep, honest look at production challenges in the University of Minnesota dairy herd and the nutrition and management factors that may be holding cows back. After noticing low udder fill during classification and reviewing herd data, Brad confirms a troubling trend: cows across all lactations are producing 20–30% less milk than predicted. Early-lactation health issues—ketosis, metritis, and retained placentas—are also more common than they should be, especially in first-lactation animals. A recent visit from an outside nutrition team helped uncover several key issues contributing to poor performance. Brad walks listeners through what those “fresh eyes” found across young stock, calves, dry cows, and both the organic and conventional lactating herds. From overconditioned heifers to transition problems at weaning, ration inconsistencies, possible ingredient imbalances, and major concerns with hammer-mill screen size causing undigested corn to pass straight through cows—each discovery points to opportunities for improvement. The conversation also highlights the importance of forage management, including the need for a silage facer, better bunk management, and a long-overdue TMR audit to evaluate mixing order, load prep, refusals, shrink, and ration consistency. Throughout the episode, Brad emphasizes transparency and the value of bringing in additional perspectives. Even well-managed dairies can develop blind spots, and small issues add up fast when milk is left on the table. He outlines the farm’s next steps and promises future updates as changes are implemented. If you’re interested in nutrition, transition cow health, TMR audits, or practical herd-level troubleshooting, this episode is a real-world case study in identifying problems and planning for better performance. Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message! Linkedin -> The Moos Room | |||