In this solo “Emily Show” episode of The Moos Room, Emily takes a timely look at mastitis management during the winter months. While mastitis and high somatic cell counts are often associated with summer heat and humidity, Emily reminds listeners that cold weather brings its own risks and requires just as much attention to udder health.

She begins by emphasizing the foundation of mastitis prevention: clean, dry bedding, cow comfort, and good ventilation. These basics reduce stress on cows and limit bacterial exposure, which is especially important when winter conditions can lead to damp or dirty housing.

Emily then dives into winter-specific milking routine challenges, especially when cows are exposed to cold temperatures after milking. Wet teats are at much higher risk of frostbite, which can permanently damage teat ends and predispose cows to infections. While this makes some producers hesitant to use post-milking teat dip in cold weather, Emily strongly advises against skipping this crucial step. Instead, she shares a practical guideline:
“Don’t skip dip—but don’t drip.”

In other words, apply teat dip thoroughly, but avoid excessive dripping that can freeze. Letting cows stand for 20–30 seconds after dipping and wiping off excess dip before they go outside can provide protection against both mastitis and frostbite.

She also discusses udder hair management, noting that long hair can trap teat dip, manure, and moisture. Options like singeing or clipping udders can help keep teats cleaner and drier, especially in winter.

Finally, Emily highlights the role of nutrition in mastitis prevention. Cold stress increases a cow’s energy needs, and inadequate nutrition can weaken immune function. Ensuring cows receive enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals helps support immune defenses and overall udder health. Working closely with a nutritionist during the winter is key.

Emily wraps up by reminding listeners that even if mastitis seems less severe in winter than in summer, it still requires consistent attention year-round. With proper milking routines, clean housing, good nutrition, and smart winter management, producers can protect teat health and keep somatic cell counts in check all season long.

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

In the first episode of 2026, Emily and Brad kick off a New Year’s “resolution” to record more episodes together and dive into one of their favorite themes: management. The conversation is sparked by a German case study Brad found that followed 10 German dairy herd managers (average ~600 cows; range 200–1,200) for three weeks, tracking their work minute-by-minute to see how managers spend time—and what actually drives herd performance.

The key concept is “controlling activities,” defined as proactive checks and analysis (not just reacting and “putting out fires”). They break these into three categories: animal controls (pen walks, fresh/sick cow monitoring, reviewing sensor alerts), feeding controls (bunk/refusal checks, feed sampling, monitoring mixing and storage), and process controls (reviewing herd records, equipment checks, ventilation/manure systems, cleanliness).

A big takeaway: herd managers spent much of their day on communication and logistics, while only about 15% of time went to controlling activities (animal ~9%, feeding ~1%, process ~5%). Yet the study found that performance wasn’t linked to total hours worked, but to how much time was dedicated to these proactive controls. Farms where managers spent more time on controlling activities showed better outcomes, including lower mortality, lower somatic cell count, higher lifetime production, and reduced youngstock losses.

They also highlight a concerning “disconnect” around feeding: managers often had minimal involvement in feed-related controls even though feed is a major cost and driver of health and production. The episode closes with practical guidance for any farm size: prioritize time intentionally, increase proactive controlling activities (even slightly), and ensure herd managers stay connected to the feeding process—setting the tone for a more efficient, resilient 2026.

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

In the final episode of 2025, Emily and Brad reflect on another big year for The Moos Room, marking more than 300 episodes since launching in 2019. They look back on key 2025 topics, including real-world dairy case studies from the Morris Research Dairy, health and safety conversations, emerging disease issues, beef markets, virtual fencing, and growing interest in agrivoltaics.

Brad highlights the value of openly sharing on-farm challenges—from calf health issues to nutrition troubleshooting—so listeners can learn alongside the research process. Emily shares how 2025 deepened her understanding of virtual fencing, renewable energy in agriculture, and farm safety, while continuing to champion sunscreen use year-round.

Looking ahead to 2026, they preview upcoming projects and episodes on virtual fencing, agrivoltaics, genetics, feed efficiency, and a new study raising purebred Angus calves in a dairy system. They also hope to expand global perspectives on livestock and agriculture and invite listeners to suggest topics, guests, and on-air case studies.

They close by thanking listeners for another year of support and looking forward to more conversations in 2026.

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