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

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

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