Bovine Banter

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.

Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews Hayley Painter of Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt. Hayley, and her sister, Stephanie, started Painterland Sisters to help stabilize the milk market for their farm located in Tioga County, PA. Listen to learn more!

"Join dairy educator, Kasey Hower, as she chats with Kent, Kyle, and Chad Heffner with Jersey Acres Farms and Stone Mountain Wine Cellars located in Schuylkill County Pennsylvania. The Heffner’s have a unique operation where they milk 200 head of registered Jersey cattle, have a roadside market selling seasonal produce, and a winery. They offer insights to their farm diversification and trans...

Join Dairy Educators Emily Fread and J. Craig Williams as they interview Colin Kadis from EverAg. Colin talks about how HPAI has impacted dairy markets.

In this episode, dairy educator Daniela Roland talks with first responders Steve Brown and Rob Nese about farm safety and emergency response on the farm. They share practical tips for implementing farm safety and insights that farmers can use on their operations.  Photo credit: Penn State Extension

Join Angela Breneman, Dairy Management Educator, and John Williamson from Team AG for tips on how to keep you, your family, and your employees safe around manure storage systems this spring

 In this episode, Dr. Becot shares her insights about multiple generations working on the farm with considerations for health insurance, childcare, and keeping everyone safe on the farm.  Episode host and speaker: Ginger Fenton with guest Dr. Florence Becot Image credit: Ginger Fenton, Penn State Extension