Bovine Banter

Dairy Educator Daniela Roland talks with Dr. Alyssa Collins and Dr. Paul Esker from Penn State about mycotoxins and Penn State's current mycotoxin research. 

The question we hear everywhere is simple: when is the milk price going up? The real answer is complicated, and that is exactly why we brought on Dr. Becca Weir, assistant professor of agricultural economics at Penn State, to translate the dairy pricing system into plain language you can actually use. We start with Becca’s path from a Minnesota dairy farm to dairy economics, then compare Minnesota...

Join Dairy Educator Kasey Hower as she interviews Penn State Forage Specialist Dr. Guojie Wang and Agronomy Educators Andrew Frankenfield and Zachary Curtis on the latest research trials conducted by their team and what this means for cropping and feed management on Pennsylvania dairy farms. Guest speaker contact information: Dr. Guoji Wang - gkw5177@psu.edu Andrew Frankenfield - adf13@psu.edu Zac...

Join us this week as we connect with Penn State Animal Science professors and grad students to translate new dairy nutrition and management research into on-farm decisions that improve health, components, and profit. We focus on precision as a way to manage uncertainty, then move on to the latest in soybeans, minerals, VR training, and milk fat strategies you can actually use. This episode will fo...

Join Dairy Educator, Emily Fread, as she interviews members of the Penn State Extension Veterinary Team. Dr. Adrian Barragan, Dr. Vinny Buiatte, and Dr. Jen Ida talk about their current research at the university.

Join Penn State Extension educators Anna Hodgson, Emily Fread, and Assistant Director of Programs Nicole Thompson as they describe opportunities for farmers to be involved in and initiate research projects. 

Rumen development drives the future of a calf. It is the beginning of forage digestion, growth, nutrient absorption and future milk production. This is especially true for calves being raised for organic purposes. Join us on this week's episode of Bovine Banter to learn about proper rumen development in calves for organic production and how to achieve it in your calf herd. 

In this episode, Dairy Educator Daniela Roland talks with Chris Anderson, of Sustainable Strategies, to unpack the regulations, financial realities, and key considerations for dairy farmers thinking about transitioning from conventional production to organic. 

Join Berks County dairy educator, Kasey Hower, as she interviews Dr. Hayley Springer, the Animal Health Division Chief for the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostics Service at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. They discuss the emerging threat of the Asian Longhorned Tick and what dairy producers can do to manage this pest. 

In this episode, we talk with organic dairy producers Matt and Garrett Byler about transitioning to organic production, the family dynamic of working together, and making your neighbors wonder what you are doing. 

Join Emily Fread as she interviews Dr. Brad Heins, an organic dairy production professor at the University of Minnesota.

Jim Lawhead from Penn State Extension interviews Dr. Amy Kraus from Horizon Organic Dairy about the myths surrounding organic dairy farming.

Join Extension Dairy team member, Dr. Jess Mitchell to learn about her research on calf housing and comfort and why it is important to keep calves comfortable, too.

Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews long-time hoof trimmer Chad Ripka about common hoof health problems and solutions.

Jim Lawhead interviews Penn State Ag. Engineer John Tyson about the impact of facilities on cattle health, primarily hoof health.

 Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews Dave Hartman, Program Director of the PA Grazing Lands Coalition. about pasture management. Dave raises Angus cattle and Katahdin sheep on a 170-acre farm in Montour County.

Join dairy educator Kasey Hower and agronomy educator Zack Curtis from Penn State Extension as they discuss this year’s corn silage crop as well as some upcoming opportunities to learn more about this topic during a webinar series.

Meet new Penn State Extension dairy team member and faculty researcher, Dr. Leoni Martins as he shares about his work in the area of precision nutrition.  Host: Ginger Fenton, Guest: Leoni Martins Image credit: Penn State Dairy Team 

In this episode, Jim Lawhead interviews 2 PSU grad students about their research on the fat nutrition of dairy cows and the economics of cropping strategies.

Crops play a crucial role on dairy farms, and forages are arguably the most crucial part of a dairy diet. Feed costs on a dairy farm represent about 75% of total expenses and, in most cases, can make or break a business. Penn State Extension came up with a program to analyze these feeding systems on the farm, called the Penn State Feeding Assessment. The program was designed to analyze the current...

In this episode, we'll talk with Dr. Claudia Schmidt, a Penn State faculty member, who will share her insight and observations about agritourism as a way to diversify the farm business.  Episode host and guest: Ginger Fenton (host) with Guest Dr. Claudia Schmidt Image Credit: Ginger Fenton, Penn State Extension

 Join Angela Breneman and Michael Peachey from Acuity Advisors and CPAs July 15th on Bovine Banter to discuss farm transition. Angela and Mike discuss who needs a succession plan, what should be in a plan and how to start a conversation with family centered around planning for the future business.