In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, explores the world of robotic milking systems. From barn design that supports cow flow to strategies for maximizing milk per robot and improving labor efficiency, Jim discusses the economic and practical considerations of implementing this technology. Whether you're managing robots or considering the transition, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss it—listen now on all major platforms!

"Robots started as a lifestyle choice, but now we’re maximizing efficiency and milk per robot."

Meet the guest: Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, has served the dairy industry for 30 years. With a BS in Animal Science from South Dakota State University and a Master’s in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota, Jim has pioneered research and outreach in dairy management and technology.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:51) Introduction
• (06:35) Dairy extension changes over time
• (08:15) Evolution of robotic milking
• (16:45) Guided vs. free-flow barns
• (20:13) Milk per cow vs. robot
• (30:33) Addressing common challenges
• (36:05) Final three questions

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

* Afimilk

* Jones-Hamilton Co.

* Evonik

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

* Lallemand

- DietForge

- Berg + Schmidt

- Natural Biologics

- AHV

- BoviSync

- dsm-firmenich

- SmaXtec

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Steve Martin from DNMCmilk discusses the evolution and optimization of distillers grains in dairy cow diets. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains the nutritional and economic factors driving ingredient selection, the balance of fatty and amino acids, and strategies for feed cost efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Understanding how distillers grains are produced is essential because each processing pathway creates a different nutritional profile for dairy cattle diets."

Meet the guest: Steve Martin earned his B.S. in Animal and Dairy Science from Auburn University and his M.S. in Animal Nutrition from Texas A&M University. With more than 30 years in the industry, he has served as a dairy nutritionist, consultant, and founder of DNMCmilk, providing expertise in feed formulation, milk economics, and heifer nutrition.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:40) Introduction
• (07:55) History of distillers grains
• (11:10) Feeding management rules
• (16:10) Fat and protein balance
• (21:25) Diet optimization
• (26:40) Dairy risk and innovation
• (29:20) Final three questions

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

* Lallemand

* Adisseo

* Afimilk

* Evonik

* Priority IAC

- Protekta

- AHV

- Natural Biologics

- Berg + Schmidt

- SmaXtec

- dsm-firmenich

- ICC

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Miel Hostens from Cornell University shares how data integration and AI are reshaping dairy herd management. He discusses key challenges in data systems, explains the role of sensors and cloud tools in farm-level decisions, and highlights how smarter data handling leads to more sustainable dairy production. Learn how digital tools are powering the future of dairy analytics. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Everyday decision-making should be somehow driven by data to make sure choices are grounded in measurable insights and not assumptions."

Meet the guest: Dr. Miel Hostens received his MSc and PhD in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University. He is the Robert and Anne Everett Associate Professor of Digital Dairy Management and Data Analytics at Cornell University, Dr. Hostens leads a lab focused on precision dairy science and sustainable food systems.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:10) Introduction
• (09:06) Data integration challenges
• (12:48) Herd-level analytics
• (14:40) Sensor-based monitoring
• (16:20) AI and language models
• (24:20) Behavior and milk yield
• (35:37) Final questions

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

* Priority IAC

* Lallemand

* Adisseo

* Afimilk

* Evonik

- dsm-firmenich

- ICC

- Protekta

- AHV

- Natural Biologics

- Berg + Schmidt

- SmaXtec

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Laura Hernandez from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shares groundbreaking insights on calcium regulation in dairy cows. She explains how serotonin, phosphorus, and prepartum management influence hypocalcemia outcomes and overall herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Serotonin moves calcium into the mammary gland through transporters to stimulate a hormonal signal that mobilizes calcium from the bone."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laura Hernandez is a Professor of Lactation Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences and Animal Science from the University of Arizona, following her M.S. and B.S. at New Mexico State University. Her research focuses on hormonal and metabolic pathways that regulate calcium homeostasis and mammary function in dairy cows.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:33) Introduction
• (02:19) Research on calcium
• (04:15) Serotonin’s calcium link
• (06:03) Hormonal regulation explained
• (14:33) Types of hypocalcemia
• (26:03) Future research areas
• (30:37) Final three questions

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

Volac

* Priority IAC

* Lallemand

* Adisseo

* Afimilk

* Evonik

- Berg + Schmidt

- SmaXtec

- dsm-firmenich

- ICC

- Protekta

- AHV

- Natural Biologics

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jennifer Weber from Afimilk discusses how data-driven technology is transforming dairy management. She explains how feed efficiency algorithms and cow-level data are transforming breeding, replacement strategies, and sustainability strategies on farms. Discover how digital tools are redefining productivity and profitability in the dairy industry. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We can confidently say now in the general market, we were able to get a 94% accuracy on individualized dry matter intake."

Meet the guest: Jennifer Weber is the Director of Customer Success and Midwest Commercial Manager for Afimilk USA. She leads operations and customer success initiatives across North America. With a dual background in Dairy Science and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, Jennifer brings years of experience in integrating technology into dairy operations.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:41) Introduction
• (05:13) Feed efficiency innovation
• (07:31) Data and sensors
• (09:12) On-farm applications
• (11:41) Long-term strategy
• (18:06) Future technologies
• (01:41) Final three questions

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

* Afimilk

* Evonik

* Priority IAC

* Lallemand

* Adisseo

- Berg + Schmidt

- SmaXtec

- dsm-firmenich

- ICC

- Protekta

- AHV

- Natural Biologics

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Megan Schrupp, veterinarian and owner of NexGen Dairy in Minnesota, shares how proactive fresh cow management and new technologies are improving animal health and performance. She discusses the tools she uses to monitor fresh cows, reduce post-calving challenges, and build efficient, data-driven protocols that prioritize prevention. Learn how being proactive can enhance health, longevity, and productivity in your herd. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Our goal with fresh cows is to set the stage for success in the first few days of lactation."

Meet the guest: Dr. Megan Schrupp is a veterinarian and co-owner of NexGen Dairy in Eden Valley, Minnesota, where she oversees herd health, reproduction, and team management. She also operates Dairy Performance Service, LLC, which provides veterinary consulting to dairy farms across central Minnesota. Known for combining sustainability, data-driven decisions, and strong leadership, Dr. Schrupp focuses on maximizing cow health, productivity, and longevity.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:33) Introduction
• (09:38) Fresh cow care
• (11:46) Genetics and management
• (15:57) Technology use
• (20:03) Proactive health assessment
• (23:08) Feeding behavior
• (31:01) Final three questions

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

AHV

* Afimilk

* Evonik

* Priority IAC

* Lallemand

* Adisseo

- Natural Biologics

- Berg + Schmidt

- SmaXtec

- dsm-firmenich

- ICC

- Protekta

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Tricia Wood from Lallemand Animal Nutrition explains how microbial balance impacts feed efficiency, health, and milk production in dairy cattle. She outlines practical strategies for improving silage quality, preventing dysbiosis, and enhancing gut integrity through the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Learn how to manage feed risks and optimize rumen function. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Feeding spoiled forages can trigger inflammation by disrupting microbial balance and impairing gut barrier function."

Meet the guest: Dr. Tricia Wood earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Animal Physiology from Iowa State University, focusing on calf immune development and nutritional support. With over 15 years of experience in dairy feed additives, she now works as a Ruminant Technical Services Rep and Field Services Support Manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. Her expertise supports dairy producers in the western U.S. with strategies to improve microbial balance and feed quality.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:34) Introduction
• (04:29) Silage audits and feed quality
• (06:07) Feed and dysbiosis link
• (08:18) Preventing poor feed inclusion
• (13:04) Planning for field challenges
• (18:21) Pre, pro, and postbiotics
• (23:14) Final three questions

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

* Lallemand

* Evonik

* Afimilk

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

- ICC

- Natural Biologics

- SmaXtec

- Protekta

- AHV

- dsm-firmenich

- Berg + Schmidt

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Manny Salcedo, President and Founder of Dairy Performance Network, explains how technology is transforming compliance, efficiency, and management in large-scale dairy operations. He shares examples of using data integration, automation, and monitoring tools to reduce errors, improve consistency, and optimize herd performance. Learn how technology bridges gaps between protocols and execution on farms. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Now there are tools that can actually help you measure compliance, and then compliance eventually leads to better performance."

Meet the guest: Manny Salcedo is the President and Founder of Dairy Performance Network, where he has spent nearly a decade developing innovative technology solutions for U.S. dairy farms. With a background in both herd management and computer science, he focuses on bridging agriculture and technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

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What you'll learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:25) Introduction
• (01:47) Data integration
• (05:43) Compliance explained
• (08:47) Missed breeding impact
• (11:19) Workforce monitoring
• (21:25) Automation benefits
• (25:07) Final three questions

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

* Afimilk

* Adisseo

* Priority IAC

* Lallemand

* Evonik

- Berg + Schmidt

- ICC

- Natural Biologics

- SmaXtec

- Protekta

- AHV

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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