In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kurt Rosentrater, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, breaks down what sustainability really means across food and agriculture. He explains why feed efficiency matters more than any single additive, how DDGS and ethanol co-products fit ruminant diets, and why systems thinking, not silver bullets, drives lasting results. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Feed efficiency is one of the holy grails of sustainability. It is all about converting protein and energy into an animal product.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kurt Rosentrater is a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. His research focuses on grain processing, ethanol co-products including DDGS, and sustainable food and feed systems, bridging historical data with precision feeding tools to help producers make better decisions. Learn more from Dr. Kurt Rosentrater on The Dairy Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:59) Introduction
• (03:18) Growing up on a farm
• (11:50) Sustainability across systems
• (17:42) Carbon scoring in formulation
• (24:49) Value of historical research
• (30:25) Feed efficiency as sustainability
• (37:13) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Agri-Comfort

* Adisseo

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* Evonik

* Priority IAC

* CowManager

- DietForge

- Agrarian Solutions

- BoviSync

- Chemlock

- Protekta

- dsm-firmenich

- AHV

- Natural Biologics

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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I'm Dr. Liz Eckelkamp, and I’m thrilled to kick off my first episode as co-host on The Dairy Podcast Show! Very excited to embark on this journey with you.

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Liliane Silva, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at Clemson University, explains how forage systems support dairy production in the Southeast. She discusses grazing strategies, feed cost challenges, soil health, and greenhouse gas mitigation through improved management and legume integration. Get practical insights that highlight resilience and profitability in modern systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Adoption of baleage and forage conservation techniques allows producers to maintain high-quality feed supplies and reduce dependence on external feed purchases.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Liliane Silva earned her PhD in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida after completing her degrees at the University of São Paulo. Now at Clemson University, her work focuses on forage livestock systems, soil health, and sustainable dairy production. Her Extension efforts support producers across multiple states with practical solutions.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:42) Introduction
• (04:06) Forage role
• (06:09) Feed costs
• (09:26) Grazing strategies
• (12:23) Confinement feeding
• (18:53) Emissions research
• (32:31) Final Questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Priority IAC

* Evonik

* Afimilk

* CowManager

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

* Agri-Comfort

* Adisseo

- Protekta

- Berg + Schmidt

- DietForge

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

- BoviSync

- Agrarian Solutions

- dsm-firmenich

- Chemlock

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. David Casper, dairy nutritionist at Casper’s Calf Ranch in Illinois, shares research on calf air quality and ammonia control in hutches. He explains how bedding management and sodium bisulfate reduced ammonia by 85% and improved average daily gain. Dr. Casper also discusses practical insights on colostrum transfer and calf performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Calf hutches are the gold standard for environmental quality, but bedding can become an issue. When we started using soy hulls, I started noticing ammonia in the hutches. That's when we started getting concerned.”

Meet the guest: Dr. David Casper earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Dairy and Animal Science from South Dakota State University. With experience at USDA ARS and in dairy nutrition leadership roles, he now leads contract calf research at Casper’s Calf Ranch in Illinois, focusing on nutrition, air quality, and performance.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:28) Introduction
• (05:33) Hutch systems overview
• (08:34) Ammonia measurement methods
• (11:21) Ammonia reduction results
• (13:28) Growth performance impact
• (16:33) Recommended resources

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

* Agri-Comfort

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

* Evonik

* Afimilk

* CowManager

- dsm-firmenich

- Protekta

- Berg + Schmidt

- DietForge

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

- BoviSync

- Agrarian Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Peter Jackson, Technical Services Consultant at BoviSync, discusses how transition cow management, accurate farm data recording, and consistent routines influence dairy herd health and productivity. He explains the concept of farm blindness and how unnoticed management drift can reduce performance. Peter also shares practical strategies for using technology, data insights, and team engagement to strengthen dairy operations. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Accurate and timely recording of disease events, treatments, and management actions allows dairy operations to transform daily observations into meaningful herd management insights."

Meet the guest: Peter Jackson is a Technical Services Consultant with BoviSync and has more than four decades of experience in the dairy industry. After graduating from an agricultural college in the United Kingdom with qualifications in General Agriculture and Dairy Science, work included commercial dairy herd management, research and development operations, and technical consulting across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:45) Introduction
• (07:14) Transition cow focus
• (09:35) Farm blindness concept
• (11:52) Recording farm data
• (18:05) Team engagement strategies
• (20:00) Data insight challenges
• (28:48) Final Questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- BoviSync

* CowManager

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

* Agri-Comfort

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

* Evonik

* Afimilk

- Agrarian Solutions

- dsm-firmenich

- Protekta

- Berg + Schmidt

- DietForge

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this special episode of The Dairy Podcast Show marking Earth Day this month, Ron Brooks, CEO of Brooks Farms in Wisconsin, explains how soil health directly influences cow health, forage quality, and long-term dairy performance. He shares practical insights on reducing tillage, improving water infiltration, protecting nutrients, and supporting rumen function through healthier soils. Ron connects conservation practices with productivity, stewardship, and farm resilience. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Forage quality depends on soil health, and animal performance reflects the condition of the land producing that feed."

Meet the guest: Ron Brooks is the CEO of Brooks Farms, a fifth-generation dairy farm in Wisconsin established in 1855. His work focuses on soil health, conservation tillage, forage quality, and sustainable dairy production systems. Ron was named Wisconsin Conservationist of the Year and Wisconsin Master Agriculturalist for his leadership in stewardship.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:50) Introduction
• (05:37) Soil cow health
• (07:30) Water infiltration
• (08:39) Earthworm indicators
• (11:15) Forage quality
• (13:42) Cow performance
• (17:54) Final Questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Afimilk

* CowManager

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

* Agri-Comfort

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

* Evonik

- DietForge

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

- BoviSync

- Agrarian Solutions

- dsm-firmenich

- Protekta

- Berg + Schmidt

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Theresa Casey from Purdue University explains how coordinated metabolic alterations and mammary-specific changes support lactation. The discussion connects transition cow physiology, circadian rhythms, and nutrient partitioning that drive milk synthesis while maintaining metabolic balance. Dr. Casey also discusses seasonal patterns in colostrum production and how balance supports long-term performance. Listen now on all major platforms.

"Predictable routines allow animals to maintain homeostasis and handle large metabolic demands."

Meet the guest: Dr. Theresa Casey earned her MS in Animal Sciences and PhD in cell and molecular biology from the University of Vermont. She is an Associate Professor at Purdue University, focusing on mammary gland development, lactation physiology, circadian rhythms, and metabolic adaptation in dairy cattle.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:47) Introduction
• (05:26) Current research
• (07:35) Homeostasis and homeorhesis
• (14:13) Transition stress
• (19:04) Management stability
• (22:23) Seasonal rhythms
• (30:32) Final three questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Adisseo

* Evonik

* Afimilk

* CowManager

* Priority IAC

* Agri-Comfort

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

- dsm-firmenich

- Protekta

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

- DietForge

- Agrarian Solutions

- BoviSync

- Berg + Schmidt

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, John Gerbitz from Cow Corner Robotic Milking Consulting shares practical insights on managing robotic milking systems in the dairy cattle industry. He explains why cow comfort, feeding consistency, reproduction, and basic management fundamentals matter as much in robotic barns as in conventional parlors. The conversation also covers stocking density, guided versus free flow systems, and realistic expectations when transitioning to robots. Listen now on all major platforms.

"The fundamentals that support successful conventional dairies are the same fundamentals that support efficient robotic milking systems when managed with discipline and consistency."

Meet the guest: John Gerbitz is the owner and consultant at Cow Corner Robotic Milking Consulting, where he helps dairy farms improve robotic milking performance and profitability. With over 40 years in the dairy cattle industry, including roles as a dairy farmer, advisor, and industry consultant, his work focuses on cow comfort, feeding systems, and efficient robot management.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:41) Introduction
• (03:41) Cow comfort
• (07:21) Feed management
• (10:16) Reproduction impact
• (17:11) Robot planning
• (28:49) Stocking density
• (33:24) Final three questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

* Adisseo

* Afimilk

* CowManager

* Evonik

* Priority IAC

* Agri-Comfort

- BoviSync

- Berg + Schmidt

- dsm-firmenich

- Protekta

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

- DietForge

- Agrarian Solutions

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Martin Folkema, Product Manager at Agri-Comfort in Canada, explains how flooring design influences dairy cow mobility, health, and longevity. Discussion covers lameness prevalence, biological impacts of concrete surfaces, and how rubber flooring can support traction, hoof health, and cow comfort. Practical insights include installation priorities and return on investment considerations for dairy operations. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Rubber flooring provides shock absorption similar to pasture conditions, allowing dairy cattle to walk with improved stride length and greater confidence on barn surfaces."

Meet the guest: Martin Folkema is Product Manager at Agri-Comfort, a division of the Agri-Plastic Group of Companies in Canada. With more than two decades of experience in rubber flooring solutions for livestock facilities, work focuses on improving cow comfort, hoof health, and barn design efficiency. Industry experience includes farm management, sales, and product development supporting dairy production systems.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:34) Introduction
• (05:16) Lameness prevalence
• (06:34) Concrete impact
• (08:56) Rubber shock absorption
• (15:07) Rubber research
• (17:52) Cow longevity
• (26:21) Final Questions

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Agri-Comfort

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

* Adisseo

* Afimilk

* CowManager

* Evonik

* Priority IAC

- Agrarian Solutions

- Berg + Schmidt

- BoviSync

- dsm-firmenich

- Protekta

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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