The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jill Nelson, co-owner and manager of Olmar Farms in Sleepy Eye, MN, tackles the critical issue of stray voltage—a hidden challenge with serious implications for cow behavior, milk production, and overall herd health. Jill explains how stray voltage impacts dairy operations and offers practical, research-backed solutions for identifying and resolving the issue. Tune in now on all major platforms to safeguard your herd and enhance productivity on your dairy farm!"Our milk production increased nearly 20 pounds per cow per day after addressing the stray voltage issue."Meet the guest: Jill Nelson, co-owner and manager of Olmar Farms in Sleepy Eye, MN, holds a BS degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. After working in international genetic sales, she transitioned to dairy nutrition consulting before returning to manage her family’s dairy farm. Jill now advocates for improvements in stray voltage testing and mitigation methods across U.S. farms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:35) Introduction(02:10) Jill’s background in dairy(04:38) Stray voltage on farms(09:12) Testing recommendations(21:58) Corrective solutions(25:39) Impact on milk quality(38:57) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Afimilk* Lallemand* Evonik- dsm-firmenich- Berg + Schmidt- ICC- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Protekta- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Michael Overton from Zoetis and Meagan Young from VAS bring a new perspective on cow replacement strategies. They discuss the economics of replacement timing, the impact of salvage value, and how keeping cows too long can reduce herd productivity. Learn how data-driven decisions impact profitability and sustainability on dairy operations. Listen now on all major platforms!"Keeping cows longer than necessary often hides economic losses through reduced milk production." - Dr. Michael OvertonMeet the guests: Dr. Michael Overton, Global Dairy Platform Lead at Zoetis, combines veterinary practice, academia, and industry expertise to advance data analytics and economic modeling in dairies. Meagan Young, Voice of Customer Program Manager at VAS, connects producer insights with software solutions like DairyComp to improve herd decision-making. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:19) Introduction(07:34) Herd replacements(08:24) Beef crossbreeding impact(10:19) Economics of heifers(12:28) Herd management choices(24:04) Genomic testing role(26:00) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:VAS* Evonik* Afimilk* Adisseo* Priority IAC- SmaXtec- Natural Biologics- dsm-firmenich- ICC- Berg + Schmidt- AHV- Protekta𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. MaryGrace Erickson discusses sustainability challenges and opportunities within modern dairy production. She explores how protein nutrition, manure management, and farm-level decisions intersect to shape greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient cycles. Dr. Erickson also highlights the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and social perspectives in dairy systems. Listen now on all major platforms!"Sustainability isn’t just about emissions; social and economic factors must be part of the equation too."Meet the guest: Dr. MaryGrace Erickson is a Dairy Nutritionist at CSA Animal Nutrition, specializing in sustainability, nutrient management, and precision feeding for dairy systems. She completed her PhD in Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison after earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Purdue University.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:30) Introduction(08:05) Manure management(09:44) Solid-liquid separation(12:09) Protein nutrition & nitrogen(19:10) Management challenges(23:14) Sustainability impacts(34:37) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Evonik* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Afimilk- dsm-firmenich- Berg + Schmidt- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Protekta- ICC- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Patrick French, Principal Consultant and Founder of PF Bovidae, discusses the use of sorghum silage as a forage source for milk cows in the High Plains. He highlights the benefits of sorghum, such as water conservation and land efficiency. Dr. French also addresses the challenges and key considerations when feeding sorghum silage, outlining the research gaps that remain in understanding its full potential for dairy nutrition. Tune in on all major platforms!"The dairies in the High Plains are exploring sorghum not just for water conservation but for its potential to support sustainable dairy production."Meet the guest: Dr. Patrick French is the Principal Consultant and Founder of PF Bovidae, focusing on consulting for dairies in the High Plains region. With over a decade of experience, his work centers on enhancing dairy operations by introducing sustainable practices, such as the use of sorghum silage as a cost-effective and water-efficient forage alternative.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Michael Hutjens: Buffer Benefits for Dairy Cows | Ep. 58Dr. Michael Steele: Colostrum Feeding Strategies | Ep. 104Dr. Miguel Morales: Transition Cows & Calcium Balance | Ep. 126What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:12) Introduction(03:47) High Plains dairies(05:02) Sorghum silage(08:17) Practical sorghum applications(13:02) Starch content in sorghum(21:32) Advice for nutritionists(24:42) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Protekta* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* Adisseo- ICC- AHV- dsm-firmenich- Berg + Schmidt- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kevin Harvatine from Penn State discusses strategies to optimize milk fat production in dairy cows. He explains the complexities of dietary fat requirements, feeding behavior, and the biological mechanisms influencing milk composition. Learn how seasonality, cow behavior, and nutritional balance interact to impact milk fat yield. Tune in now on all major platforms!"Milk fat depression isn’t caused by acetate deficiency; it’s the bioactive fatty acids decreasing the cow’s ability to make milk fat."Meet the guest: Dr. Kevin Harvatine is a Professor of Nutritional Physiology at Penn State University. With a Ph.D. from Cornell and expertise in milk fat synthesis and rumen fatty acid metabolism, his research integrates ruminant nutrition and molecular biology to improve dairy production. He explores how bioactive nutrients affect metabolic regulation.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Mark Hanigan: Balancing Amino Acids in Feed | Ep. 107Dr. Kraig Peel: Methionine & Dairy Reproduction | Ep. 119Dr. Jennifer Spencer: Heifer Reproductive Management | Ep. 122What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:36) Introduction(03:21) Dietary fat challenges(07:49) Rumen function and diet(11:26) Feeding behavior patterns(19:33) Sodium acetate experiments(21:42) Milk fat depression(31:46) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC- SmaXtec- ICC- Protekta- AHV- dsm-firmenich- Berg + Schmidt- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jeff Firkins from The Ohio State University explains how fatty acids interact with rumen bacteria and influence fiber digestion in dairy cattle. He discusses the evolution of microbiome research, methane mitigation strategies, and the role of saturated versus unsaturated fats. Learn how a moderate fat strategy can help improve energy efficiency and cow performance. Listen now on all major platforms!"Many microbes can pull in fatty acids from the environment, and providing palmitic acid saves the equivalent of producing eight acetates, significantly reducing energy costs for bacterial membrane synthesis."Meet the guest: Dr. Jeff Firkins earned his B.S., M.S., Ph.D., and postdoctoral in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Illinois. As a Distinguished Professor at The Ohio State University, he researches dairy microbiology and nutrition, especially microbial protein synthesis and fiber degradation.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Rik Hendriks: Transition Cows Strategies | Ep. 95Dr. Enrique Schcolnik: Feed Efficiency Tips | Ep. 120Dr. Corinna Brock: Fatty Acids & Dairy Cattle | Ep. 131What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:15) Introduction(04:39) Microbiome diversity(09:10) Fatty acids in the rumen(15:00) Fiber digestion insights(18:15) Palmitic vs. oleic(26:50) Methane reduction via fat(31:12) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Berg + Schmidt* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- ICC- Protekta- AHV- dsm-firmenich𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Enrico Casella, from Penn State University, discusses how artificial intelligence drives innovation in dairy farming. From using computer vision to estimate body weight to implementing sustainable water management and monitoring heat stress, Dr. Casella explains high-impact solutions advancing cattle health and boosting efficiency on the farm. Tune in on all major platforms!"Depth cameras use height data instead of color, enabling precise bodyweight estimation in dairy systems."Meet the guest: Dr. Enrico Casella, Assistant Professor of Data Science for Animal Systems at Penn State University’s Animal Science Department and Co-Hire of the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, specializes in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for animal health and development. With a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Kentucky and postdoctoral experience at UW-Madison, his interdisciplinary research integrates AI, computer vision, and optimization techniques.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:15) Introduction(01:67) Dr. Casella’s career(06:58) AI & bodyweight(15:22) Sustainable water use(19:10) Group data analysis(27:46) Future opportunities(31:49) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Evonik- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- ICC- Protekta- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Geoff Ackaert, Technical Director at AHV International, shares how quorum sensing inhibition is reshaping dairy cattle health management. By targeting microbial communication, this approach offers proactive strategies to improve animal health. He explains its impact on udder health, mastitis prevention, and lifetime milk production, as well as how it supports sustainable farming practices. Listen now on all major platforms!"Quorum sensing is simply communication between bacteria, enabling them to coordinate infection and biofilm formation."Meet the guest: Dr. Geoff Ackaert holds a DVM from Ghent University and an MBA from Vlerick Business School. His work bridges veterinary science, research, and market strategies to support animal health and sustainable dairy production. He currently serves as Technical Director at AHV International, and his expertise includes quorum sensing inhibition, immune modulation, and sustainable health practices.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels: Biofilms & Dairy Health | Ep. 144What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:10) Introduction(04:29) Concept explained(06:30) Quorum sensing inhibition(08:20) Science and marketing(14:00) Sustainable farming tools(20:18) Lifetime milk gains(23:39) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: AHV* Evonik* Adisseo* Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- ICC- Protekta𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Corwin Nelson from the University of Florida takes a closer look at hypocalcemia and how our understanding of it has changed. He explains what’s really driving calcium imbalances, how inflammation plays a role, and what producers can do with current feeding and management tools. Hear practical strategies to keep cows healthier after calving. Listen now on all major platforms!"Zeolite binders have been very effective at preventing hypocalcemia on farms, and the nutritionists using them seem genuinely satisfied with the results."Meet the guest: Dr. Corwin Nelson is an Associate Professor of Physiology at the University of Florida. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Immunobiology from Iowa State University and a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. His research focuses on improving cattle health and productivity through better nutritional and immune system strategies.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Michael Hutjens: Buffer Benefits for Dairy Cows | Ep. 58Dr. Michael Steele: Colostrum Feeding Strategies | Ep. 104Dr. Miguel Morales: Transition Cows & Calcium Balance | Ep. 126What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:37) Introduction(04:50) Hypocalcemia insights(07:48) Effects on cow health(15:05) Calcium monitoring strategies(20:02) Prepartum feeding tools(23:10) Transition cow health tools(27:37) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Protekta* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- AHV- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- ICC𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida breaks down how dietary fat plays a role in dairy cow health and reproduction. He discusses the physiological effects of specific fatty acids, their anti-inflammatory roles, and the evolving strategies for fresh cow nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feeding fatty acids may benefit fresh cows by supporting immune function, without harming milk fat synthesis."Meet the guest: Dr. José Eduardo Santos is a Research Foundation Professor at the University of Florida, holding a DVM from São Paulo State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona. His work focuses on enhancing dairy efficiency, especially during the peripartum period, through integrative research in cow health, reproduction, and nutrition.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Eduardo Rico: Decoding Ketosis in Dairy Cows | Ep. 87Dr. Rik Hendriks: Transition Cows Strategies | Ep. 95Dr. Corinna Brock: Fatty Acids & Dairy Cattle | Ep. 131What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:18) Introduction(01:58) Academic sabbatical insights(08:11) Feeding fat strategies(14:29) Metabolic health pathways(19:48) Reproduction and fatty acids(26:59) Industry shifts(30:06) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Berg + Schmidt* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- ICC- Protekta- AHV- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show