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The Moos Room™
University of Minnesota Extension
316 episodes
4 days ago
Hosted by members of the University of Minnesota Extension Beef and Dairy Teams, The Moos Room discusses relevant topics to help beef and dairy producers be more successful. The information is evidence-based and presented as an informal conversation between the hosts and guests.
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Natural Sciences
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All content for The Moos Room™ is the property of University of Minnesota Extension and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Hosted by members of the University of Minnesota Extension Beef and Dairy Teams, The Moos Room discusses relevant topics to help beef and dairy producers be more successful. The information is evidence-based and presented as an informal conversation between the hosts and guests.
Show more...
Natural Sciences
Science
Episodes (20/316)
The Moos Room™
Episode 307 - What is Causing All of Our Cow Abortions - UMN Extension's The Moos Room

Brad records solo during a busy fair season. But behind the scenes at the research center, a troubling issue emerged this summer: a cluster of abortions isolated to a 50–60 cow organic herd.

After ruling out other groups, Brad suspected moldy feed. Testing revealed high mold counts—especially Fusarium, which produces mycotoxins linked to infertility and abortions. The herd had been eating first-crop hay baled a bit too wet, later found to be heating and moldy.

Aborted fetuses sent to diagnostic labs showed mixed results: one indicated Neospora caninum (a protozoan parasite spread by dogs or coyotes), another pointed to bacterial placentitis likely linked to moldy feed. Despite the confusion, abortions dropped sharply after the moldy hay was removed from the diet, strengthening Brad’s belief that feed quality was the main culprit.

To prevent future issues, the team pulled suspect hay from use, began feeding a mycotoxin binder, and emphasized the importance—and challenge—of making mold-free feed in a wet year.

After almost a month without new cases in the affected herd, Brad is cautiously optimistic. His takeaway: good feed management is critical, even for research herds, and sometimes the simplest solution—removing bad feed—makes the biggest difference.

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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3 days ago
20 minutes

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

In this special episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Brad record in person for the first time in ages! While together in Rochester, they dive into their favorite annual topic: sun safety and preventing heat illness in humans.

After a lighthearted reminder that Brad still doesn’t wear sunscreen enough, the duo discusses practical strategies to stay safe in the sun. Topics include:

  • Why UV protection matters year-round (not just when it’s hot)
  • Sunscreen, clothing, and hats as protective tools
  • Recognizing symptoms of heat illness like dizziness, nausea, and fatigue
  • The importance of hydration and nutrition before and during heat exposure
  • Personal stories (including heat exhaustion from county fairs and baling straw)

Emily shares tips like using cold water on wrists and neck to cool down, while Brad emphasizes the importance of rest and watching out for each other on the farm. They wrap up by reminding listeners that being proactive with sun and heat safety can prevent serious health risks.

Resources mentioned:

  • UMN Extension Farm Safety
  • Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH)
  • Farm Safety Check - Heat Illness

    Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

    Linkedin -> The Moos Room
    Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
    Facebook -> @UMNDairy
    YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
    Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
    Extension Website
    AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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1 week ago
26 minutes

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

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

They share practical tips for reducing heat stress, such as increasing water availability, feeding at optimal times, cleaning equipment frequently to prevent bacterial growth, and improving ventilation. Emily emphasizes the value of evaporative cooling, while Brad discusses using sensor technology like SmaXtec rumen boluses to monitor cow behavior and internal temperatures.

Whether you're a dairy producer, 4-H family, or cattle enthusiast, this episode offers actionable insights for keeping animals healthy and comfortable during extreme heat.


Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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2 weeks ago
35 minutes

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

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

The duo discusses whether investing in calves at these prices can truly yield profit when factoring in feed, labor, and marketing constraints. Brad reviews recent research from Michigan State University suggesting producers may be overpaying by $40–$75 per head based on expected returns. Despite the volatility, beef-on-dairy is here to stay, now making up 15–20% of U.S. beef supply.

Key takeaway: Know your cost of production. It’s the foundation for making smart, profitable decisions in this fast-changing market.

Stay tuned for more workshops and research updates from the Minnesota Beef and Dairy Extension team.


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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3 weeks ago
20 minutes

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

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 calves. The results show improvements in TSP levels over time, but highlight that a significant number of calves—especially male and crossbred calves—still arrive at calf ranches with low TSP and signs of poor health.


Brad also shares findings from University of Minnesota research, including a 20-year dataset from Waseca involving nearly 6,000 Holstein calves, showing correlations between TSP, growth rates, and calf survival. He questions the rigid cutoffs for TSP and emphasizes a more nuanced view based on outcomes like average daily gain and long-term milk production.

The episode wraps with details on two upcoming calf care workshops in Minnesota this summer (July 29 in Rochester and August 5 in Eden Valley) where farmers, consultants, and educators can learn about colostrum management, TSP testing, pain mitigation, and more.

Calf Care Workshop - Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Rochester, MN

Calf Care Workshop - Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Eden Valley, MN

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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1 month ago
20 minutes

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

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 flies affecting livestock—stable flies, house flies, horn flies, and face flies—including their behaviors, lifecycles, preferred habitats, and the economic losses they cause. From foot-stomping stable flies in confinement to pinkeye-spreading face flies on pasture, Brad emphasizes the importance of identifying the fly species to choose effective control methods.

Management strategies discussed include manure and bedding management, fans, fly traps, fly predators, sprays, and even a horn fly vaccine being tested at the UMN research dairy. Brad also shares fascinating research on how coat color in cattle affects fly load, with black-coated animals attracting more flies than lighter-colored ones.

Whether you're dealing with flies in barns or on pasture, this episode breaks down how to reduce their impact on your operation—and why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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1 month ago
24 minutes

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

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 shows, cleaning equipment beforehand, being mindful of potential disease exposure at the fairgrounds, and the value of quarantining animals upon return. Emily also gives a quick update on current H5 (avian influenza) testing requirements in Minnesota and encourages listeners to prioritize safety for the sake of their animals and operations. Whether you're new to showing or a seasoned exhibitor, this episode offers practical steps to keep your animals healthy this summer.


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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1 month ago
13 minutes

The Moos Room™
Episode 300 - Celebrating Five Years of The Moos Room - UMN Extension's The Moos Room

🎉 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 beef and dairy production to farm safety and mental health.

The hosts celebrate:

  • A loyal and growing global audience in 89 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, and even Zambia and Nepal.
  • Highlights like Episode 84 (farm safety with Emily’s father) and Episode 189 (farm transition with Krishona Martinson), which became their most-listened-to episode.
  • Winning a 2022 national award for audio communication from NACAA.
  • Brad’s favorite episodes featuring his graduate students and debates like Holsteins vs. Jerseys.
  • Fun memories—including Brad famously falling out of a chair during a recording.

They credit their success to the support of listeners, special guests, and a shared love for telling important stories in agriculture, both about animals and the people who care for them. The team promises even more episodes, fresh topics, and new guests in the next 300 episodes—and invites anyone in the industry to reach out and join the conversation.

Thank you for listening—and here’s to the next five years of The Moos Room! 🐄🎙️


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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1 month ago
32 minutes

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

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 look at what’s happening in Morris, where heavy rainfall (over five inches in the past month) has led to explosive pasture growth. With 315 cows now grazing—including the conventional herd—he’s doing everything he can to keep up with the grass. He shares his strategies for dealing with overgrown pastures, including increasing stocking density, rotating more quickly, and when mowing or even baling might be necessary.

They discuss the challenges of maintaining forage quality, the role of manure scores and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) as indicators of nutritional balance, and the complications posed by persistent rain—especially thistle outbreaks in organic systems where herbicide options are limited.

The episode closes with practical tips for producers facing similar pasture overgrowth issues: keep animals moving, don’t be afraid to mow, and have a flexible grazing plan. And of course, the excitement builds for Episode 300, coming next week!

Listeners are encouraged to email their thoughts (or rebuttals to Brad’s rain enthusiasm) to themoosroom@umn.edu and tune in for the big milestone ahead.

Grazing and pasture management for cattle

Managing perennial cool-season forage grasses in Minnesota


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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1 month ago
20 minutes

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

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, a botanical-based treatment studied in Colorado.

Brad discusses how these non-antibiotic tools have performed both in lactating cows with subclinical mastitis and as dry cow therapy. Notable results include a consistent ~30% reduction in somatic cell count in chronic cows and the potential economic benefits of avoiding milk and meat withdrawal. While the Colorado study didn’t show significant differences in udder health outcomes, Brad stresses the importance of continuing to evaluate these products as pressure increases to reduce antibiotic use on dairies.

Whether you're a producer looking to cut costs or a researcher interested in alternatives to antibiotics, this episode offers valuable insights into mastitis treatment innovation.


Ozolea-Mast

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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2 months ago
22 minutes

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

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 years.


Key topics include:

  • Clinical signs and long-term impact of Johne’s on milk production and cow longevity
  • Interpretation of milk ELISA results and testing protocols
  • Management decisions around culling, beef breeding, and calf-rearing practices
  • Surprising trends in calf infection sources—including group housing and dam-rearing
  • Insights from genetic studies showing heritability of Johne’s susceptibility
  • Practical prevention strategies and the importance of annual testing

Whether you're dealing with Johne’s in your own herd or want to improve your disease prevention approach, this episode is packed with data, reflections, and takeaways to help guide on-farm decisions.

Johnes Disease - APHIS
MN DHIA Johnes Testing
DHIA Laboratories - Johnes Testing
Central Star Johnes Testing

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Show more...
2 months ago
23 minutes

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

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 rotavirus A as the culprit, ruling out other common pathogens like salmonella, cryptosporidium, and coronavirus.

Brad explains the importance of prompt treatment with electrolytes and continued milk feeding, emphasizing that hydration—not antibiotics—is key to recovery from viral scours. He also discusses how CT values from lab results helped indicate viral load and severity. While no calves were lost, the outbreak highlighted the critical role of sanitation, consistency in protocols, and whole-system prevention strategies including vaccination and colostrum quality.

Listeners will gain practical tips on treating and preventing scours, especially from rotavirus, and hear an honest account of real-world challenges in calf health management.


Causes and prevention of dairy calf scours


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Show more...
2 months ago
21 minutes

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

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 antibiotic treatments over the span of nearly two years. Brad also discusses the co-infections he faced, the impact on his mental health, and how Lyme changed his approach to life and work. Emily and Brad wrap up the episode with practical, actionable tick safety tips for anyone spending time outdoors—especially farmers and pasture-based livestock producers. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and this episode is a vital listen.

Farm Safety Check: Tick-borne Disease

Tick-Borne Diseases

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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2 months ago
40 minutes

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

 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 for biofeedback. Emily and Brad also share personal experiences and remind listeners that it's okay to struggle, and it's even more important to seek help when needed. Resources from UMN Extension and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are highlighted throughout.


Resources mentioned:

  • UMN Extension – Managing Farm Stress
  • Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline and resources


anticipatory stress webpage


MDA farm stress resources


North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center resources page


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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3 months ago
25 minutes

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

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 fencing for dairy heifers, a new and evolving technology typically used with beef cattle. He shares how the system works, its benefits for rotational grazing, and amusing quirks like a Norwegian lullaby for escaped animals.

Brad also previews his packed summer research agenda, which includes agrivoltaics, fly and parasite control, and student intern supervision. He promotes an upcoming agrivoltaics field day (June 27) and webinar series.

The episode also emphasizes farm safety as planting ramps up, including ATV safety and roadway precautions. Both hosts reflect on the importance of self-care, taking breaks, and setting realistic expectations—reminding listeners, “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”


Agrivoltaic Cattle Grazing Webinar


Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Show more...
3 months ago
26 minutes

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

 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 discusses the growing emphasis on polled genetics by organizations like Organic Valley, highlights some top polled bulls across major dairy breeds, and shares his own experience integrating polled genetics into his herd. He also touches on the challenges of finding polled bulls and the slow but steady transition toward more humane animal management practices. Brad wraps up by encouraging farmers to consider polled genetics as a way to reduce labor, improve animal welfare, and align with consumer expectations.

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Show more...
3 months ago
22 minutes

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

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 discusses its potential health benefits, including improved digestive comfort. Brad reviews recent genetic studies, emphasizing how consumer demand is steadily increasing for A2 milk, driven by perceived health advantages.

Listeners will learn about the inheritance patterns of A2 genetics, costs associated with testing animals, and realistic timelines for transitioning to a fully A2 herd—ranging from 10 to 20 generations depending on breeding and culling strategies. Brad provides detailed breed-specific insights, identifying Guernsey and Normandy breeds as standout performers with 100% A2 genetics. He also reviews current availability of A2 bulls in various dairy breeds globally.

Wrapping up, Brad shares results from a collaborative study indicating higher genetic merit and productive life traits among A2 animals, though he notes that improved survival to second lactation is primarily due to management choices like culling. Overall, Brad emphasizes the importance of testing your herd, making informed breeding decisions, and understanding that fully transitioning to an A2 herd requires patience and deliberate genetic management.

UMN Extension A2 Milk and A2 Genetics

UC Davis A2 Genotyping

CentralStar Cooperative A2 Testing

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Show more...
3 months ago
27 minutes

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

Experience with Our Automated Calf Feeder

 In this episode, Brad goes solo to talk about the ups and downs of using an automatic calf feeder at the U of M dairy. He shares why they made the switch, how the setup has changed over the years, and what they’ve learned—like how ad lib feeding boosts growth and why cleanliness is everything. The feeder’s been a game changer for efficiency and calf health, but maintenance headaches and mouse-chewed wires have tested his patience. Still, it’s hard to argue with the results.
 
Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Show more...
4 months ago
22 minutes

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

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

From cow monitoring and health alerts to feeding behavior, milk yield forecasting, and even employee training, artificial intelligence is already showing up on farms in more ways than we might realize. Brad covers the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the dairy world, including data integration issues, false alarms, and maintenance headaches. He also highlights exciting tools like Cattle Care and Cattleytics that are pushing dairy efficiency and management forward.

Whether you're AI-curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this episode explores what AI can do with human intelligence—not instead of it.


Cattle-Care AI Video Monitoring

Cattleytics

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Show more...
4 months ago
23 minutes

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

Dairy Cow Culling Research Insights

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

Did you know that dairy cows make up 10% of the U.S. beef market? In this episode of The Moos Room, guest hosts Emily and Joe break down a new University of Minnesota study analyzing 14 years of dairy cow culling data. The study compares Holsteins and crossbred cows, revealing key factors that influence culling decisions, market value, and farm profitability.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why cows are culled (poor reproduction & mastitis top the list)
✅ How cull cows impact the beef market and farm revenue
✅ Which cows bring in the most money—Holsteins vs. crossbreds
✅ How seasonal trends & lactation cycles affect cull value
✅ The future of dairy genetics—is a shift toward dual-purpose cows coming?

This episode challenges the traditional view of dairy culling and explores how breeding, management, and market trends are shaping the future of dairy farming.

Valuing Cull Cows

Reasons for disposal and cull cow value of Holstein cows compared with Holstein, Jersey, Montbéliarde, Normande, and Viking Red crossbred cows

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

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4 months ago
20 minutes

The Moos Room™
Hosted by members of the University of Minnesota Extension Beef and Dairy Teams, The Moos Room discusses relevant topics to help beef and dairy producers be more successful. The information is evidence-based and presented as an informal conversation between the hosts and guests.