AK Podcast

This episode explores the critical stages of calf and heifer development and the management decisions that influence lifetime productivity. Dr. Adam Geiger discusses key nutrition, health, and management strategies that support optimal growth, reduce disease risk, and prepare animals for successful calving and milk production. Learn practical insights to help maximize the long-term performance and...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson talks with Mat Faulkner about the challenges heat stress creates for dairy operations. Dr. Faulkner discusses how rising temperatures affect cow health, feed intake, milk production, and overall performance. The conversation covers practical management strategies and nutritional tools, including Agri-King's Replete, that can help producers minimize heat stress...

In this episode, Dr. Adam Geiger discusses the critical aspects of calf and heifer rearing, emphasizing health management, environmental factors, and nutrition to optimize long-term herd profitability. connect with Dr. Adam Geiger @ adam.geiger@agriking.com 🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Br...

This episode offers an inside look at the Progressive Dairy Forum at Agri-King, featuring industry experts and dairy farm owners sharing insights on dairy management, innovative technologies, and industry trends. Discover practical tips, cutting-edge research, and the future of dairy farming from those shaping the industry. 🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, sci...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson talks with Vance Crowe about the role communication plays in leadership, relationships, and agriculture. Vance explains how interest-based communication helps people better understand motivations, reduce unnecessary conflict, and improve conversations in both professional and personal settings. The discussion covers listening skills, negotiation strategies, and the...

What should producers be doing differently in 2026?  In this episode, a panel of Agri-King experts cuts through the noise on spring planting, livestock management, and market trends. From smarter crop rotations to nutrition strategies and emerging market opportunities, this is a grounded, real-world look at what’s working—and what’s not—across the U.S. 🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the lates...

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson and Jason Alsum, delve into the critical aspects of livestock nutrition and forage management. They discuss the importance of timely harvesting, the balance between quality and quantity in forage production, and the impact of digestibility on livestock health and productivity. The conversation emphasizes the financial implications of forage management...

This episode explores the physiological effects of heat stress on dairy cattle, its long-term impacts, and nutritional strategies to mitigate these effects. Dr. Marcus Kehrli shares insights on managing heat stress to improve animal health and productivity. 🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Br...

This episode explores the groundbreaking research on the long-term and multi-generational impacts of heat stress on dairy cows, focusing on epigenetic changes and their economic implications. Dr. Marcus Kehrli shares insights into how heat stress affects gene expression, fetal development, and future productivity, emphasizing the importance of mitigation strategies. 🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Explo...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the intricacies of calf and heifer management with Dr. Adam Geiger. They delve into the critical aspects of the weaning process, feeding strategies, and the importance of monitoring calf health and growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper nutrition, the balance between grain and hay, and the significance of water intake during weaning. Dr. G...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the critical aspects of calf care and management with Dr. Adam Geiger. They explore the importance of early calf care, feeding consistency, and the role of environment in calf health. The conversation delves into the nutritional needs of calves, the significance of water quality, and the transition from milk to solid feed. They also address the impact of h...

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson and Dr. Adam Geiger discuss the critical aspects of dairy nutrition and calf management, focusing on the first 48 hours of a calf's life. They emphasize the importance of colostrum management, including testing water quality, dipping navels, and ensuring a clean environment. The conversation also introduces the five cues of colostrum management,...

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson engages with Dr. Marcus Kehrli, who shares his extensive background in veterinary medicine and animal agriculture. The discussion focuses on the increasing prevalence of mycotoxins in livestock feed, their impact on animal health, and strategies for prevention and management. Dr. Kehrli emphasizes the importance of understanding the signs of mycotoxin...

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson, Brett Mortensen, and Jason Alsum discuss the forage year of 2025, exploring the challenges and successes in hay production, corn silage trends, and innovations in livestock nutrition. The conversation highlights the resilience of farmers, the impact of global markets on the hay industry, and the importance of adapting to changing agricultural practic...

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson and guest Kory Lauridsen from Performance Livestock Analytics discuss the evolution of livestock management, focusing on the importance of data and technology in modern farming. They explore the features and benefits of Performance Beef, a cloud-based software that automates operational records for cattle feeding, health, and financials. The conversat...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses dairy nutrition and forage management with Joe Sparrow, a nutrition consultant at Agri-King. They explore the shift from traditional alfalfa to small grains in dairy diets, the advantages of using small grains, and the importance of digestible fiber. Joe shares insights on creating the ideal dairy diet, the unique challenges faced by dairymen in the southe...

Mike Donaldson and Dr. Dave Jones discuss the critical aspects of livestock care management, focusing on the nutritional and environmental factors that contribute to animal stress. They explore how stress impacts dairy cows, the long-term effects of maternal stress on offspring, and the role of antioxidants in combating stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, social...

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson and Fredy Urquia delve into the intricacies of dairy nutrition and management. They discuss various approaches to nutrition programs based on geographical differences, focusing on corn silage and alfalfa as key components of dairy rations. Fredy shares his extensive experience in the dairy industry, particularly in Idaho and Mexico, highlighting th...

Mike Donaldson discusses the essential preparations for corn silage harvest with Justin Monson. They cover topics such as determining when corn is ready for harvest, the importance of community engagement through chipper days, safety considerations, equipment maintenance, and the significance of kernel processing for feed quality. The conversation highlights the importance of thorough planning and...

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson discusses the advancements in dairy farming with Hannah Lansing. They explore the importance of data and technology in managing dairy farms, the key performance indicators that determine farm success, and the future trends in dairy technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for accurate record-keeping and the role of nutrition consulting in impr...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discuss the critical importance of cow comfort in dairy farming with expert Chris Keane from Promat (www.promatinc.com/). They explore the design and management of dairy barns, the impact of cow comfort on milk production, and innovative solutions for improving cow welfare. Chris shares real-life success stories and emphasizes the need for proper barn design to ensu...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the importance of goal setting with Shawn Mennenga, who shares his unique perspective on achieving goals through S.M.A.R.T. criteria and the impact of daily habits. They explore the role of coaching, the significance of neutral thinking in overcoming setbacks, and the mindset required for success. Shawn provides practical examples from sports and agricultu...

In this conversation, Mike and Parker Snider delve into the intricacies of robotic milking systems, discussing the differences between free flow and controlled flow setups, the challenges and considerations of retrofitting existing barns versus new constructions, and the importance of cow comfort and data utilization in managing robotic systems. They also explore feeding strategies and the future...

  In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the critical issue of heat stress in dairy cows with expert Don Sanders. They explore the signs of heat stress, effective cooling strategies, and the importance of adjusting rations to ensure cow health and productivity during the hot summer months. The conversation emphasizes the long-term impacts of heat stress on dairy cows and their offspring, highli...

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the advancements in robotic milking technology with Parker Snider from Agri-King. They explore the evolution of robotic milking, its adoption trends in the U.S., and the benefits of automation in dairy farming. Parker shares insights on how robotic systems can improve cow management and the importance of data in making informed decisions. The conversation...