Best UMN Extension Podcasts (2025)

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

2d ago23:19

23:19

In this solo episode, Brad dives deep into Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis), a chronic intestinal illness affecting ruminants, with a particular focus on dairy cattle. Prompted by recent whole-herd milk ELISA testing at the University of Minnesota’s Morris dairy, Brad shares results, trends, and lessons learned from managing Johne’s over the year…

1
Conducting on-farm research: Four Midwest experts weigh in on design tips, planning and more 46:30

7d ago46:30

46:30

Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast we discuss on-farm research. On-farm research has been here for decades - so what's new about it? What are management practices that might be easier to evaluate and which might be more difficult? What are the design criteria that farmers need to have in place in order to be successful? What kinds of problems…

1
Episode 296 - Calf Scours Case Study: Diagnosing and Managing Rotavirus - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 21:35

9d ago21:35

21:35

In this episode, Brad shares a recent case study from the University of Minnesota's dairy research center, where a group of spring-born calves experienced widespread scours. He walks through the onset of symptoms, including diarrhea, depression, and reduced milk intake, primarily in calves on an automatic feeder. Diagnostic testing confirmed rotavi…

1
Episode 295 - Lyme Disease and the Long Road to Recovery: Brad’s Story - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 40:28

16d ago40:28

40:28

Lyme Disease and the Long Road to Recovery: Brad’s Story In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares his powerful personal journey through a long and challenging battle with Lyme disease. Starting with a seemingly harmless bite in July 2023, his symptoms progressed from fatigue to severe neurological issues, misdiagnoses, and multiple rounds of a…

1
Accounting for soil and weather conditions: Methods and tools to help fine-tune your N 38:03

21d ago38:03

38:03

On this episode of Advancing Nitrogen Smart we discuss methods and tools to account for soil and weather conditions as you execute your nitrogen management strategy. Which tissue and nitrate testing options are the most beneficial, and when should you test? How does understanding the nitrogen cycle help you interpret these results? How do drought a…

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Episode 294 -Mental Health Awareness Month: Tackling Anticipatory Stress Together - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:31

23d ago25:31

25:31

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Emily returns for a second week in a row to join Brad in discussing a common but often overlooked type of stress: anticipatory stress. They explain what it is, how it manifests both physically and mentally, and offer practical strategies to manage it—like reframing your thoughts and using deep breathing fo…

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Episode 45: Discussion about H5 Influenza 26:57

26d ago26:57

26:57

In the podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Dr. Marie Culhane about H5 Influenza. Especially as it relates to cases in poultry and dairy, and the risk of it for pigs. Dr. Culhane is a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Population Medicine. Her expertise is Influenza as it relates…

1
Episode 293 - Spring Catch-Up: Virtual Fencing, Safety, and Self-Care - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Spring Catch-Up: Virtual Fencing, Safety, and Self-Care Emily returns to the podcast after a travel-heavy spring focused on farm safety and farm stress programming. She shares highlights of her outreach work, including training Extension colleagues in the Northeast on ambiguous loss and farming. Meanwhile, Brad has been experimenting with virtual f…

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Why understanding the nitrogen cycle is key to managing soil fertility 39:49

1M ago39:49

39:49

Today on Advancing Nitrogen Smart we’re talking about the nitrogen cycle and managing soil fertility. What does 'the nitrogen cycle' mean, and how does it affect your management strategy? In what ways do temperature and moisture slow down or speed up nitrogen's window of usability? What are nitrification, denitrification, volatilization, mineraliza…

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Episode 292 - Breeding for the Future: Polled Genetics in Dairy - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:55

1M ago22:55

22:55

In this episode, Brad dives into the topic of polled genetics — cattle that are naturally hornless — and why it's becoming more important in both the dairy and beef industries. He explains what polled genetics are, how the trait is inherited, and how farmers can use homozygous or heterozygous polled bulls to reduce the need for dehorning. Brad disc…

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

1M ago33:22

33:22

Cation exchange capacity and cation balancing are the topics of the day in this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the definitions of cation exchange capacity and cation balancing? How is CEC measured, and are those estimates reliable? What does the research say about CEC and CB and their role in a nutrient management strategy? Wh…

1
Episode 291 - Decoding A2 Milk: Genetics, Health, and Herd Management Strategies - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 27:16

1M ago27:16

27:16

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives deep into A2 genetics and what dairy producers need to know. Brad shares his experience genotyping over 1,500 dairy animals, highlighting how A2 genetics have progressed in his herd and across the industry. He explains the science behind A2 milk, distinguishing it clearly from lactose intolerance, and di…

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Episode 290 - Feeding the Future: Lessons from Our Auto Feeder Journey - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

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 …

1
Episode 289 - Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: What It Means for Farms - UMN Extension's Moos Room 23:11

2M ago23:11

23:11

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 wi…

1
Nitrogen fertilizer management & surface water: Context, successes and challenges 28:06

2M ago28:06

28:06

Today on the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast we discuss nitrogen fertilizer management and surface water issues. When did we first become aware of nitrates appearing in surface water? What are some of the effects, and who is being affected? What are Minnesota's current nitrate-reduction strategy benchmarks - and are we on target to meet them? What…

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Episode 288 - Dairy Culling Deep Dive: The Hidden Value of Your Cows - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 20:45

2M ago20:45

20:45

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 ec…

1
2025 Spring Fertilizer Outlook: What should MN farmers consider, avoid? 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

It's the end of March, which means it's time for the annual Spring Fertilizer Outlook. What are field conditions like throughout Minnesota? What early fertilizer application options might MN growers want to consider? Which early fertilizer application practices might MN growers want to avoid, and why? What are growers excited - or hesitant - about?…

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Episode 287 - Optimizing Dairy Cow Nutrition and Gut Health with Kirby Krogstad - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 24:09

2M ago24:09

24:09

Gut Check: Optimizing Rumen Health with Dr. Kirby Krogstad In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad welcomes Dr. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University to discuss his research on dairy cow nutrition and gut health. Dr. Krogstad shares his journey through various academic institutions and how a personal experience with cow health sparked his in…

1
Episode 286 - More Milk, Less Methane? The Science Behind Red Seaweed & Agolin - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

Reducing Methane with Red Seaweed: New Research Findings In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into a groundbreaking research study on feeding red seaweed to dairy cows to reduce methane emissions. Conducted at the University of Minnesota’s research center, this six-month study demonstrated a 30% reduction in methane emissions without negati…

1
Nitrogen management & groundwater: What to know 23:33

3M ago23:33

23:33

A lot of the conversation about nitrogen management centers around environmental issues, and in particular, nitrate levels in groundwater and surface water in Minnesota. Today we’ll discuss N management and nitrate levels in groundwater. What are some effects of elevated nitrate levels in both infants and adults? When were elevated levels first dis…

1
Episode 285 - Mooving Cows: A Game-Changer for Dairy Training - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 26:05

3M ago26:05

26:05

Mooving Cows: A Game-Changer for Dairy Training In this episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Bradley welcome Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin Extension to discuss an innovative training tool—Mooving Cows, a free mobile game designed to teach proper dairy cattle handling techniques. The app provides an interactive and engaging way…

1
Episode 44: Surveillance of African and Classical Swine Fevers in the U.S. 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

In the podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Rachel Schambow who is a researcher with the UMN Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Rachel speaks about the analysis her and her colleagues did of USDA’s Sick Pig Surveillance component at Iowa State University and the University o…

1
Episode 284 - Cows, Conferences, and Crazy Ideas: Brad & Emily Catch Up - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:32

3M ago25:32

25:32

The Moos Room Podcast: Catching Up with Brad and Emily In this episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Brad reunite after a busy stretch of research, extension work, and conference travel. They reflect on where they’ve been, what they’ve been working on, and exciting projects on the horizon. Brad celebrates his birthday while attending the Southwest Mi…

1
Nutrient management & cover crops: A research update across Minnesota 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

Today we talk with four panelists throughout Minnesota about nutrient management and cover crops. What are some results of new research looking into incorporating covers into a nutrient management strategy? What are some of the specific rotations being measured, and why? What do farmers need to know about new manure management regulations and cover…

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Episode 283 - Beef on Dairy: Unlocking Genomics, Genetics, and Sire Secrets - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:46

3M ago22:46

22:46

Beef on Dairy: Genomics, Genetics, and Sire Selection In this final episode of The Moos Room’s three-part Beef on Dairy series, Brad dives into the genetics and genomics of beef-on-dairy crosses. He breaks down the results of genomic testing on 50 crossbred animals, highlighting how breed composition influences carcass traits, marbling, and growth …

1
Nitrogen-fixing biologicals: What farmers should know 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

Today we’re talking all about nitrogen-fixing biologicals. What's the best definition of a biological or biostimulant? Are they fertilizers, pesticides - or neither? In what ways do they interact with nitrogen in the field? Where and how are biological products tested? Which environmental factors might impact biologicals? How should they be properl…

1
Episode 282 - Beef on Dairy: Which Breed Performs Best? Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Insights - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 29:28

4M ago29:28

29:28

Beef on Dairy Research: Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Data In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad continues the deep dive into beef-on-dairy research, focusing on data collected in Minnesota. This is the second installment of a three-part series, where we examine how different beef breeds perform when crossed with dairy cattle. Key highlights inc…

1
Episode 281 - Beef-on-Dairy Crossbreeding: What Every Dairy Farmer Should Know (Part 1) - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 35:21

4M ago35:21

35:21

Beef on Dairy: Trends, Economics, and Genetics (Part 1) Brad takes the mic solo this week to dive into a hot topic in dairy farming—beef on dairy crossbreeding. In this first part of a two-part series, he breaks down current market trends, semen sales data, and recent research on how beef genetics are being used in dairy herds. Key highlights inclu…

1
Variable rate nitrogen: What farmers should know 24:25

4M ago24:25

24:25

Today we’re talking all about variable rate nitrogen. What underlying information do we need to make decisions about VRN? What areas in the field might be prone to N loss? Should you only add extra N to high-yielding areas, or could a low-yielding zone also show positive responses? What effect could your overall management strategy have on a variab…

1
Episode 280 - Navigating H5N1: What Dairy Farmers Need to Know About Upcoming Milk Testing - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:45

4M ago25:45

25:45

In this episode of The Moos Room, hosts Emily and Brad tackle the latest updates on H5N1 (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) and its impact on the dairy industry. With raw milk testing set to begin in Minnesota, they break down what dairy producers need to know about the testing process, quarantine protocols, and potential impacts on farm operation…

1
Episode 279 - Cracking the Code: Dairy Genetics, Net Merit Updates, and Cold-Weather Cows with Katie Schmitt - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 32:56

4M ago32:56

32:56

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad and Emily are joined by Katie Schmitt from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) to discuss the organization's role in managing genetic evaluations and the National Cooperator Database. Katie, a Minnesota native, shares insights into the CDCB's work, including their transition from USDA oversight to an i…

1
25 Years of nutrient management: How have practices changed and evolved? 53:36

4M ago53:36

53:36

Here we are in 2025. Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast, our panelists talk about how the practice of nutrient management has changed over the last quarter century. How have precipitation levels - and perceptions about precipitation - changed? What came before the current Maximum Return To Nitrogen management model, and what did the change ad…

1
Nitrogen conservation and water quality, Part 1: Tech, edge-of-field, & proactive management solutions 29:06

4M ago29:06

29:06

Nitrogen conservation and water quality are the subject of today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart episode. There's lots to cover so we're splitting the episode up into two parts. Today in Part 1, Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch unpack different conservation solutions, and what might be achieved from their adoption. In what situations might buffer strips, co…

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Nitrogen conservation and water quality, Part 2: Precision conservation, and future efficiencies 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

We continue our conversation about nitrogen conservation and water quality on Advancing Nitrogen Smart. Today in Part 2, Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch continue discussing new technologies that may help address nitrogen loss, such as passive sensors and crop modeling systems. How might future tools such as AI play a part? How is precision testing aff…

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Episode 278 - Frozen but Focused: Staying Safe on the Farm This Winter - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 13:09

5M ago13:09

13:09

In this solo episode of The Moos Room, Emily discusses essential cold weather safety tips for farmers and agricultural workers. With below-zero temperatures in Minnesota, Emily emphasizes the importance of recognizing cold stress symptoms like hypothermia and frostbite, dressing in proper moisture-wicking layers, and using safe heating practices. S…

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Episode 277 - Cold Weather, Hot Risks: Winter Barn Fire Safety - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 23:56

5M ago23:56

23:56

In this episode, Emily and Brad discuss winter barn fire prevention, highlighting common causes such as outdated wiring and heating equipment. They share real-life stories, practical tips for maintaining safety, and the importance of annual inspections, clean barns, fire extinguishers, and emergency action plans. Don’t let a preventable fire impact…

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Episode 43: Feeding hybrid rye to organic growing-finishing pigs. 16:06

5M ago16:06

16:06

In the podcast, Extension Swine Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Gabriella Lima who recently finished her Master of Science degree in the Department of Animal Science. Gabriella speaks about a research project she worked on. The research project was very comprehensive in what it all looked at, but specifically, Gabriella looked at the effe…

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Episode 276 - Cracking the Coccidiosis Code: A Calf’s Story and What We Learned - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:36

5M ago22:36

22:36

In the first episode of 2025, Brad dives into a real-life case study of a calf that succumbed to coccidiosis at the University of Minnesota's research center. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and prevention of this parasitic disease, along with insights on how early detection and better management practices can make all the difference. This episod…

1
Episode 275 - Cows, Chaos, and Chuckles: 2024 in Review - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 27:11

5M ago27:11

27:11

Join us for The Moos Room's epic year-end wrap-up! We’re looking back at 2024’s biggest highlights, revisiting key episodes, and sharing what’s ahead for the world of agriculture. From exciting research on dairy-beef crossbreeding and agrivoltaics to breakthroughs in calf and heifer feed efficiency, methane emissions, and fatty acid profiles, we’ve…

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Episode 274 - Chillin' Through the Holidays: Beating Winter Blues and Stress on the Farm - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:03

5M ago25:03

25:03

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it also brings unique challenges for farmers managing livestock and family life in the depths of winter. In this episode of The Moos Room, we tackle the stress and winter blues that often accompany shorter days, colder temperatures, and holiday demands. Join us as we share practical tips for staying resi…

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Soybean nutrient management: IDC concerns, a research wrap-up, and looking ahead to 2025 29:38

6M ago29:38

29:38

Today on the podcast we focus on soybean nutrient management. Our four soybean and nutrient management panelists from across Minnesota and North Dakota explain their research trials, and discuss some preliminary results in the region. Also, what should growers keep in mind as we transition into 2025? What are the panelists' concerns about IDC? That…

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Episode 273 - Seeing Lameness: How Camera Technology is Changing Dairy Cow Care - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:20

6M ago25:20

25:20

In this episode of The Moos Room, we dive into cutting-edge research on a camera-based technology for detecting lameness in dairy cattle. Lameness is a significant issue impacting animal welfare and the economic sustainability of dairy farms. We discuss a recent study that evaluated how autonomous locomotion scoring aligns with hoof health data, hi…

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Episode 42: Identifying the tail biter in a pen of growing-finishing pigs with intact tails. 20:07

6M ago20:07

20:07

In the podcast, Extension Swine Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Courtney Archer who is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Animal Science. Courtney speaks about a research project she completed to identify the tail biter pig in a pen of pigs with intact tails. She shares how her findings can help identify pigs responsible for tail biti…

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Episode 272 - ManureDB: Updating the Science of Manure, One Sample at a Time - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 30:51

6M ago30:51

30:51

We’re diving into the creation and purpose of ManureDB, a groundbreaking database developed to modernize and enhance the accuracy of manure book values in the U.S. With most current values dating back to pre-2003 samples, researchers at the University of Minnesota, led by Drs. Melissa Wilson and Erin Cortus, received a NIFA grant to address this ga…

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Episode 271 - H5N1 Update - USDA Begins National Milk Testing Strategy - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 7:50

6M ago7:50

7:50

USDA Announces New Federal Order, Begins National Milk Testing Strategy to Address H5N1 in Dairy Herds New Federal Order Will Require National Milk Testing and Support State Officials and Dairy Regulators; Builds on Actions to Protect Farms, Farmworkers and Communities from H5N1 Avian Influenza. USDA Press Release National Milk Testing Strategy Roa…

1
Predicting nitrogen rates: Factors and resources for Minnesota farmers 47:50

6M ago47:50

47:50

After spending last episode talking about the background and history of nitrogen rate recommendations in Minnesota, today on episode 14 we’re talking about what to keep in mind as you begin predicting your nitrogen rate needs. How do yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) factor into decision making? Are there any N rate databases available to Mi…

1
Episode 270 - How Sensors Are Revolutionizing Calf Care- UMN Extension's The Moos Room 24:02

6M ago24:02

24:02

In this episode of The Moos Room, we dive into the world of dairy calf monitoring with cutting-edge sensor technologies. We explore how tools like CowManager, ST Genetics FarmFit, and Merck's SenseHub Dairy are transforming calf health management. Plus, we share insights from the latest research at the University of Minnesota WCROC Dairy, highlight…

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Episode 269 - Beyond the Basics: Unlocking DHIA’s Hidden Insights – Fatty Acids, RFID, and More!- UMN Extension's The Moos Room 30:05

6M ago30:05

30:05

Dive into the evolving world of DHIA! This episode explores milk fatty acids, ELISA testing for Johne's and Leukosis, new RFID tags for official ID, cutting-edge DHIA meters, and more. Discover how DHIA is more than just milk, fat, protein, and SCC—it's the future of herd management! Minnesota DHIA National DHIA Questions, comments, scathing rebutt…

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Episode 268 - H5N1 Update - H5N1 in Martin County, MN, Pennsylvania Bulk Milk Tank Surveillance and Hawaii's first case - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 8:13

7M ago8:13

8:13

H5N1 virus found in Martin County, Minnesota backyard poultry (ducks and guinea fowl). Pennsylvania starts mandatory bulk tank milk surveillance for H5N1. Hawaii has first case of H5N1 in backyard poultry flock. Remember biosecurity practices are the best way to limit the spread of H5N1. Enhance Biosecurity Dairy Herd Status Program MN FAQ Document…

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Episode 267 - Bovine Leukosis (BLV) - The Fight Against BLV: Lessons from the Field- UMN Extension's The Moos Room 27:12

7M ago27:12

27:12

We dive into the latest Bovine Leukosis (BLV) control strategies from a University of Minnesota dairy study at our herd in Morris. Learn how testing revealed a 28% BLV prevalence and the steps being taken to manage high-shedding cows. We also discuss best practices for preventing BLV transmission and improving herd health. Don't miss these actionab…

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