Ruminate This | Agrarian Solutions

Disbudding is performed on nearly 94% of U.S. dairy farms. Dr. Alycia Drwencke, PhD, Tucker Lab Member at the University of California, Davis, shares research comparing methods and why proper pain management requires both a local block and NSAID. She also discusses the impact of disbudding on calf behavior, feeding, and performance, and the role of polled genetics to reduce stress. 📊Interested in...

Preventing milk fever is important,  but it’s not the whole story. The real wins in transition care happen when you go beyond calcium. In this episode of Ruminate This , John Lawlor, Managing Director of Anchor Life Science and Agrarian Solutions Vice President of Nutrition Dr. Larry Roth, explore research that challenges long-held assumptions about calcium supplementation at calving. While tradit...

Do forage inoculants really work, or are they just “insurance”? Can they prevent or reduce mycotoxins in silage? In this episode of Ruminate This, Agrarian Solutions’ Vice President of Nutrition, Dr. Larry Roth, explains the real role inoculants play in silage management. Tune in to learn  how the right inoculant can help preserve dry matter and nutrient value, why it can’t remove mycotoxins alrea...

In this episode of Ruminate This , we discuss simple, no-nonsense strategies to set up your silage season for success and stop costly feed losses before they start. Agrarian Solutions’ Vice President of Nutrition, Larry Roth, Ph. D., PAS, shares expert tips on reducing corn silage shrink, improving fermentation, and protecting forage quality from harvest to feedout. From hitting the perfect harves...

The first week after calving is a critical window that impacts reproductive performance and overall lactation success in dairy cows. In this episode, we discuss how supporting transition cows’ immune systems and addressing common nutritional deficiencies can reduce inflammation, prevent uterine diseases, and minimize early pregnancy loss after first service. Caroline Knoblock, Director of Nutritio...

Accurate feed inventory management is crucial for dairy producers and nutritionists to optimize ration formulation, improve herd performance, and meet lender requirements. In this episode of Ruminate This , discover how drone technology is transforming feedstuff inventory by providing safer, faster, and more precise measurements of corn silage and haylage piles. Chad Christensen, West Region Busin...

Are mycotoxins really limiting performance, or is something else happening? In episode 49 of Ruminate This , we tackle common questions from dairy professionals. When should you consider an immune enhancement product? How can you tell if toxins are the hidden culprit? Why is listening to your cows might be the best diagnostic tool you have. Pinpointing and solving nutrition challenges takes scienc...

In this episode of Ruminate This , we explore how creating a culture of openness and trust can transform your dairy. Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, or team leader, the ability to foster honest communication and welcome feedback is a key driver in building stronger teams and improving performance. Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited and host of the Fishing for a Reason podcast...

In Episode 47 of Ruminate This , we’re joined by Jodi Hoynoski, a driving force behind the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), to explore how this program is shaping the future of the dairy industry. YDLI isn’t just another leadership seminar, it’s a hands-on, real-world development experience focused on communication, relationship building, and personal growth. Jodi shares how YDLI equips young...

In this episode of Ruminate This , Dr. Larry Roth revisits the fundamentals of high-quality haylage. From managing moisture to minimizing oxygen exposure, this conversation sharpens your edge heading into haylage season. Even seasoned pros will get value from the timely reminders, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes factors that make or break forage quality. Whether you’re fine-tuning your proce...

Mycotoxin problems are rising, but do you know where they’re really coming from and how to protect your herd? In Episode 45 of Ruminate This , Caroline Knoblock, Director of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, breaks down what dairy producers and nutritionists need to know about Fusarium molds, feed contamination, and practical ways to get ahead of mycotoxin challenges. Caroline shares insights from...

New findings in the Spring Mycotoxin Report highlight a growing threat to dairy herd health and profitability. In this episode of Ruminate This , Scott Zehr and Dr. Larry Roth break down the newly released Spring Mycotoxin Report and what over 800 feed samples reveal about mycotoxins growing risk, especially from fumonisin. We discuss how this increasingly common mycotoxin is affecting gut health,...

Want healthier, more productive calves? It all starts with colostrum management. In this episode of Ruminate This , we're joined again by Danielle Varner, Calf and Heifer Specialist at Cargill Animal Nutrition, to explore why quality and quantity matter, especially for bull calves and beef-on-dairy crosses. We discuss how investing in a well-executed colostrum protocol leads to stronger calve...

Danielle Varner, Calf and Heifer Specialist at Cargill Animal Nutrition, joins Ruminate This for an insightful discussion on improving calf health and performance through effective farm team communication. Learn about the common challenges that often lead to calf health issues, the importance of training beyond just protocols, and the key areas where the best calf programs consistently excel. Tune...

Mycotoxins in young stock diets can hinder growth and performance by triggering an immune response that diverts nutrients away from productive purposes. When calves face additional stressors like poor passive transfer, ventilation issues, or pathogen exposure, mycotoxins amplify these challenges, making it harder for them to thrive. Despite their impact, mycotoxins in starter feeds often go undete...

Working with family in the dairy industry is both common and uniquely rewarding, though it comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Ruminate This , Mary Taylor, Administrative Assistant, and her daughter, Kelbi Veenstra, Office Manager at Agrarian Solutions, share their experiences balancing personal and professional relationships while supporting the business. They discuss the uni...

In this episode of Ruminate This , Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, discusses the science behind LivOx, the next evolution of DTX™ and BioCycle Plus. This proprietary blend of plant-based actives, including curcumin, naringin, and carnosic acid, is redefining mycotoxin mitigation, gut health, and liver protection in cattle. Dr. Roth discusses how LivOx strengthens...

In this episode of Meet the Team , we sit down with Morgan Ekovich, the organizing force behind Agrarian Solutions’ podcast operations. Morgan shares her journey into podcast production, her background in fitness and nutrition coaching, and her strong connection to agriculture, rooted in her family’s heritage. Discover how Morgan’s project management expertise and passion for teamwork have turned...

Explore the science behind early care and its lasting impact on dairy cattle in this must-listen episode of Ruminate This . Dr. Billy Brown, dairy cattle nutrition expert from Kansas State University, discusses the science of developmental programming, covering in utero influences, colostrum management, and dry cow care, to reveal proven strategies for boosting calf performance and herd profitabil...

In this episode of Meet the Team , we spotlight Ambar Ramirez, the creative force behind the editing and production of Ruminate This .  From teaching English in Venezuela to joining Agrarian Solutions while living thousands of miles away, listen in as she reflects on her unique perspective as a consumer-turned-collaborator, the power of teamwork, and the passion of the people in agriculture. Ambar...

The critical first moments of a calf's life are essential in shaping its future productivity. Poor calf health leads to both direct and indirect costs, including reduced growth rates, increased mortality , and lower future productivity , all of which significantly impact long-term profitability . Early intervention is critical for improving calf health and ensuring long-term success in your h...

In this Meet the Team episode, we sit down with Kelly Bristle to discuss her behind-the-scenes role at Agrarian Solutions. With a lifetime of experience in agriculture and communications, Kelly shares her insights on teamwork, leadership, and the lessons learned from mentors, including her daughters. The conversation also explores how Agrarian Solution’'s culture has influenced the team'...

For over 25 years, the DTX product line has been a trusted solution for improving ruminant health and production. Now, it’s been improved with the addition of a proprietary blend of natural plant actives and advanced synergistic technology to enhance digestive tract integrity, support liver health, and maximize herd performance and profitability. 🎧 Don’t miss this episode! Tune in now: bit.ly/Rum...

In this special Meet the Team episode, we’re turning the tables as Jamie Propst, entrepreneur and podcast host, interviews none other than the host of Ruminate This and Regional Business Development Manager, Scott Zehr. This fun and insightful episode dives into Scott's journey, from his roots on a dairy farm in New York to his entrepreneurial ventures and career in agriculture. Scott opens u...

Get ready for an exciting Season 2 of Ruminate This , the podcast that delivers cutting-edge insights in dairy nutrition. Tune in for a sneak peek at the groundbreaking lineup, featuring top researchers and renowned speakers from leading scientific and producer conferences. From developmental programming in calves, strategies to maximize cow health, and  performance-enhancing nutrition - Season 2...