Shows
THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastDr. Heather DannToday, I’m joined by Dr. Heather Dann, President of the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, NY. With over two decades at Miner Institute, Dr. Dann has led groundbreaking research in dairy nutrition, herd management, environmental impact, and animal welfare.
In this episode, we dive deep into the transition period in dairy cows — a critical window that can make or break herd performance. Dr. Dann shares her insights on how managing this period effectively can boost productivity, animal health, and overall farm sustainability.
It was a fascinating and informative conversation!
I hop...2025-05-2650 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastDr. Barry BradfordOn this episode of the DFD podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Barry Bradford from Michigan State University. Dr. Bradford is a Professor, Researcher, and Extension specialist in the Department of Animal Science at MSU where he has a longstanding interest in data analysis and its use in making decisions that impact dairy farms on a daily basis.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If you have any questions about this episode or future episodes of the podcast, please feel free to reach out to me by email at keithschweitzer@wfs.c...2025-04-0743 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastDr. Christine BaesThis month's episode of the podcast features a conversation I had with Dr. Christine Baes, a Professor and Acting Associate Dean of External Relations at the University of Guelph. She is also the Canadian Research Chair in Livestock Genomics at the same university. Dr. Baes is active in teaching University students, but her main focus is research. Some of the areas she researches include GHG emissions, feed efficiency and genetic trait selection in dairy animals. We had a great time talking about DNA structure, methane emissions, and feed efficiency.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the...2025-03-1145 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastDr. Adam LockOn this episode of the DFD, I had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Adam Lock. Dr. Lock is a Professor and researcher at Michigan State University in the department of Animal Science. Adam has spent his career researching and teaching students about fatty acid digestion and the metabolism of the dairy cow, along with the effect of bioactive fatty acids on animal production and human health. Dr. Lock and I had a great discussion about this topic, with the main theme being that not all fats are created equal.
I hope you enjoy this episode of t...2025-02-0445 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastDr. Mike SteeleDr. Mike Steele is a professor and researcher in the Department of Animal Bio-Science at the University of Guelph. He is world-renowned for his work with young ruminants. In this episode, we discuss some of the experiments that his lab is currently conducting, as well as some of his past research and how it can be applied to today's dairy operations.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If you have any questions about this episode or future episodes of the podcast, please feel free to reach out to me by email at keithschweitzer@wfs.c...2025-01-1055 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastMark Carson - SemexOn this episode of the DFD podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Mark Carson, the Solutions Operation Manager at Semex.
Mark and I have a great discussion about how genetics and data are influencing the dairy industry today and some trends that we will be seeing in the future.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If you have any questions about this episode or future episodes of the podcast, please feel free to reach out to me by email at keithschweitzer@wfs.ca by phone at 1 (519) 872-0742 and please follow m...2024-12-0453 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastJoanne FallisOn this episode of the DFD, I had the pleasure to talk to Joanne Fallis from Fallis Immigration Consulting. Joanne specializes in supporting and helping farmers in Canada steer through the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program.
Labour is the number one concern in the Agriculture industry. Joanne and I cover lots of great topics related to navigating the rules and regulations involved in the TFW system.
If you would like more information regarding Joanne's business or need help with the TFW program feel free to reach out to her at fallisimmigration@gmail.com or 1 (226) 929-2907
...2024-10-1653 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastDr. Luiz FerrarettoOn this episode of the DFD, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Luiz Ferraretto. Dr. Ferraretto is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Ruminant nutrition and Research at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
The 2024 Corn Silage season is upon us and it has been a trying season for growers and producers. Dr. Ferraretto and I have a great conversation about dealing with the challenges the 24 season has presented to us, and how what we do at harvest can and will impact the crop throughout the next year.
Luiz has a plethora of...2024-08-281h 06THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastTrent Westhoff - Cornell UniversityOn this episode of the DFD podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Trent Westhoff. Trent is currently conducting research at Cornell University and will soon be defending his dissertation to earn his PhD.
Trent and I have a fascinating conversation about colostrum, and why we sometimes see reduction in volume as well as a research paper that he worked on focused on pre-fresh and post-fresh nutrition.
Trent is an up and coming researcher in the dairy world, and I'm sure we are going to hear a lot more about his cutting edge work i...2024-05-131h 01THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastTom Kilcer - Advanced Ag SystemsOn this episode of the DFD podcast, I had the pleasure of talking to Tom Kilcer from Advanced Ag Systems and one of the pioneers in the photosynthetic forage wilting process more commonly known as "Hay in a day"
We have a great conversations about best management practices for this years forage crops with special attention paid to Winter Cereals and hay. We also talk about a novel crop that he's been working with in Tennessee.
Tom has been doing work around making the best possible forages for ruminant producers for almost 50 years and brings a...2024-05-081h 09THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastNick Thurler - GET-CorpOn this episode of the DFD podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Nick Thurler. Nick is the President of Green Energy Trading Corporation (GET-Corp).
GET-Corp offers a viable avenue for dairy farmers to positively impact their sustainability efforts through the conversion of on-farm organic wastes to renewable natural gas (RNG), while creating nutrient dense fertilizer and providing revenue streams for dairy farms. The RNG generated from the digesters is sold to the market.
Nick and I have a great conversation about GET-corps mission and vision around producing RNG from on farm waste products. I...2024-04-0936 min
Outlaw GodAn Introduction to the Lord's PrayerDr. Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their series on the Small Catechism. In this episode, they examine the inclusion of the Lord's Prayer in the catechism. They discuss why prayer is essential to the Christian life but is not some third category between law and gospel. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Catechesis Topics Index 1517 What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edi...2024-02-0249 min
Tough TextsThe Giving God (Ephesians 1:15-23)In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price dive into the teachings of Ephesians 1:15-23, a passage that reminds shows us that God has given Christ to the church. In this epistle, the Apostle Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian believers, praying for God to grant them a deep understanding of His revelation. As we explore this text, consider the following questions: What does it mean that Christ is given to the church? How does this revelation affect the preaching and practices of the church? Join us as we discuss...2024-01-3125 min
Thinking FellowsWhy is God Silent?Is God silent? Can Christians hear the voice of God? Are there still prophets? The Thinking Fellows spend this week's episode addressing concerns and questions about the silence of God. Many people use God's supposed silence as proof of his existence. In contrast, others claim to have received specific revelations from him. The Thinking Fellows address the ways that God has and continues to speak to his creation. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Philip Carey: Good News for Anxious Christians2024-01-2938 minThinking FellowsWhy is God Silent?Is God silent? Can Christians hear the voice of God? Are there still prophets? The Thinking Fellows spend this week's episode addressing concerns and questions about the silence of God. Many people use God's supposed silence as proof of his existence. In contrast, others claim to have received specific revelations from him. The Thinking Fellows address the ways that God has and continues to speak to his creation. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Philip Carey: Good News for Anxious Christians2024-01-2938 minOutlaw GodThe Close of the Apostles CreedDr. Paulson concludes the Apostles Creed and its explanation from Luther's Small Catechism. He and Caleb Keith discuss what it means for the Holy Spirit to work through the Church and how God delivers his forgiveness as an external Word to sinners. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Creedo Book What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edition by Chad Bird 2024-01-2550 minTough TextsDeny and Die not Self Justify (Matthew 16:24-28)In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price dive into Matthew 16:24-28, a passage that holds profound significance for Christians. In these verses, Jesus calls on his disciples to take up their crosses and follow him, emphasizing the cost of discipleship and the eternal reward for those who lose their lives for his sake. How does this passage highlight ones desire to self justify? What does it mean for believers to deny themselves, to lose their lives and to pick up their cross? Join us as we explore these questions and more. Show...2024-01-2425 minTough TextsManure For You? (Luke 13:1-9)In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price look into Luke 13:1-9, a strange passage that challenges us to reflect on one's desire to self justify. In this scripture, Jesus addresses the crowd, emphasizing the need for repentance and the consequences of a life lived without turning to God. As we unpack this text, consider these questions: How should Christians understand repentance? What does the parable of the barren fig tree reveal about God's patience for us? Join us as we answer these questions and more. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517...2024-01-1725 minThinking FellowsThe Decline of Christianity in Europe and the WestMagnus Persson joins Scott and Caleb Keith to discuss the decline of Christianity in Europe. The conversation leads to an important defining and reimagining of the Christian mission. Maguns and the Fellows conclude that the church needs to refocus Christians on the needs of their local neighbors to hear the Gospel. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Reclaiming the Reformation The Sound of Freedom HWSS Talk What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Fre...2024-01-1649 minThinking FellowsThe Decline of Christianity in Europe and the WestMagnus Persson joins Scott and Caleb Keith to discuss the decline of Christianity in Europe. The conversation leads to an important defining and reimagining of the Christian mission. Maguns and the Fellows conclude that the church needs to refocus Christians on the needs of their local neighbors to hear the Gospel. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Reclaiming the Reformation The Sound of Freedom HWSS Talk What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Fre...2024-01-1649 minOutlaw GodThe Second Article of the Creed"I Believe in Jesus Christ." The second article of the creed gives us the words to confess the justification won and given to us through Jesus Christ. Here, you confess who Christ is and what he has done for you for the forgiveness of your sins. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edition by Chad Bir...2024-01-1259 minThinking FellowsIs Technology Evil?Is human technology innately evil? To what extent does technology enable or empower evil? The Thinking Fellows consider the reality that ever-advancing technologies surround and enhance our lives. They explore what it means that technology has no agency but is built and used by sinners. The episode closes with some ideas about using and adopting technology while being watchful. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Freedom Les...2024-01-1049 minThinking FellowsIs Technology Evil?Is human technology innately evil? To what extent does technology enable or empower evil? The Thinking Fellows consider the reality that ever-advancing technologies surround and enhance our lives. They explore what it means that technology has no agency but is built and used by sinners. The episode closes with some ideas about using and adopting technology while being watchful. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Freedom Les...2024-01-1049 minTough TextsNew For You (Matthew 9:14-17)In Today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery take a look at an interesting dialogue between the disciples of John the Baptist and Jesus, addressing the practice of fasting. As we explore this text, we'll contemplate the significance of Jesus referring to himself as the bridegroom, examine Jesus's response, and consider the implications of the new wine and old wineskins metaphor. How does this passage shed light on the relationship between law and gospel? What lessons can we draw from Jesus' response to the disciples of John regarding fasting? And, in what ways does this passage...2024-01-1025 minOutlaw GodThe First Article of the Apostles CreedDr. Paulson and Caleb discuss the first article of the Apostles Creed. In this article, we hear how God has provided physical provisions and life for his creation. Here, we also receive the words that fulfill the first commandment; "I believe." Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Creeds Search Index at 1517 Credo: I Believe edited by Caleb Keith What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edition by Chad Bird Sc...2024-01-0557 minTough TextsFaith Without Doubt? (James 1:5-8) We begin the New Year of Tough Texts with James 1:5-8, where James instructs believers to seek wisdom from God. How does the context of the book of James help us better understand this passage? What is antilegomena? What is faith? Is James suggesting Christians can have faith without doubt? What should we ask God for? Join us as we unpack these questions and more. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album 2024-01-0325 minOutlaw GodThe Ninth and Tenth Commandments"You shall not covet." The final two commandments bring the Outlaw God back to the subject of the human will. How do we deal with a command from God that prohibits our actions and, more substantially, our desires? Dr. Paulson anchors this episode by demonstrating how this commandment teaches us and our children that "following your heart" is not best for you. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Your God is...2023-12-2856 minOutlaw GodThe Eighth CommandmentDr. Paulson and Caleb continue teaching Luther's Small Catechism. This week, they talk about why reputation is so valuable. How do we instill the value of an excellent reputation in our children and teach them to honor and respect their neighbors? Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edition by Chad Bird Schweitzer's Psychoanalysis of Jesus Christ: & Other Essays in Christian Psychotherapy by Joh...2023-12-2250 minTough TextsDisciple Decision (Acts 1:15-26) In today's episode of Tough Texts, Daniel Emery Price and Scott Keith dive into Acts 1:15-26. In this passage, we witness a pivotal moment in the early Christian community as they grapple with the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot's betrayal. What does Jesus say prior to this passage and what context does it provide? As the disciples gather to select a replacement, we explore the significance of leadership and the discernment process within the early Church. How does Peter navigate the tension between human agency and divine guidance in selecting Matthias? Join us as we explore these questions and...2023-12-2125 min
30 Minutes In The New Testament2023 Christmas SpecialChad, Daniel, and Erick are joined by Scott Keith to talk about the proclamation of John the Baptizer's birth Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edition by Chad Bird Schweitzer's Psychoanalysis of Jesus Christ: & Other Essays in Christian Psychotherapy by John Warwick Montgomery Free 2023 Advent Resources 2024 NWA Tickets (May 3-4) More from the hosts: Dan...2023-12-2138 min
40 Minutes In The Old Testament2023 Christmas SpecialChad, Daniel, and Erick are joined by Scott Keith to talk about the proclamation of John the Baptizer's birth Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edition by Chad Bird Schweitzer's Psychoanalysis of Jesus Christ: & Other Essays in Christian Psychotherapy by John Warwick Montgomery Free 2023 Advent Resources 2024 NWA Tickets (May 3-4) More from the hosts: Da...2023-12-2138 minOutlaw GodThe Seventh CommandmentYou shall not steal. The Seventh Commandment prohibits us from taking our neighbor's possesions as our own. It also teaches us that the world is economic. Dr. Paulson discusses how the seventh commandment conditions us to live in a world of inequality and how the withdrawal of monasticism or the theft of communism misunderstands and abuses God's physical and economic creation. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Your God is too...2023-12-1444 minTough Texts"Keep" The Law (1 John 2:1-6)In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price focus on 1 John 2:1-6, a passage that speaks to the grace offered by Christ. As Christians, how do we understand the role of Jesus as our Advocate in verse 1 and the significance of His righteousness covering our sins? What does it mean for us to "keep his commandments?" How do we avoid the trap of works righteousness when reading this passage? Join us as we explore these verses and questions. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple...2023-12-1325 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastUniversity of Guelph Panel DiscussionOn this week's episode of the podcast, we have something a little different for the listeners. I had the opportunity to host a panel where we discussed our careers. I wanted to say thanks to our participants, Dr. Sara Robson from Grand Valley Fortifiers, Justine Dodson MSc from Sharpe's Feed Supply, Dr. Bruna Mion from Lactanet and Dr. Chris Church from Trouw Nutrition Canada.
Also a special thanks to Dr. David Innes from the University of Guelph's Dairy at Guelph faculty who hosted the podcast for his fourth year Nutrition Group.
I hope you enjoy this...2023-12-111h 03THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastAaron KeunenOn this episode of the podcast, I have a great conversation with Aaron Keunen. Aaron is part owner of Mapleview Agri, a milk replacer, animal health product manufacturer and veal/calf research facility in Palmerston Ontario, Canada.
Aaron and I have a great talk about calves, what we are seeing in the country side currently and what is coming down the pipe with regards to calf health and calf performance.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If you have any questions about this episode or future episodes of the podcast, please feel fr...2023-11-1356 min
Contrepoints PodcastUne philosophie de la liberté, avec Damien TheillierDamien Theillier est professeur de philosophie en terminale et en classes préparatoires à Paris, fondateur de l'Institut Coppet et président de l'Académie Libre des Sciences Humaines.
Cet entretien a été enregistré à Paris le 4 octobre 2023. Produit et animé par Pierre Schweitzer pour Contrepoints.
Programme
Introduction - 0:00
Présentation de l'invité - 0:32
Fondation de l'Institut Coppet - 9:28
Lancement de l'Ecole de la Liberté (Académie Libre des Sciences Humaines) - 16:16
Le nécessaire retour au débat contradictoire - 18:40
Le Cercle...2023-10-301h 02THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastDr. Bill MahannaOn this episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr. Bill Mahanna. Bill is the Global Nutritional Services Manager with Pioneer, he is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University.
Bill and I cover all things corn silage, we touch on plant health, starch deposition, kernel processing and some new and exciting technology coming down the pipeline.
He has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to making high quality forages, especially corn silage. He has worked for Pioneer for over 30 years and he has tr...2023-09-051h 13THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastThe big 5-0!On this week's episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Michelle Durnin. Michelle is an agronomist and the owner of Prosperity Ag, located in Huron County, Ontario.
Michelle has worked for several years in Ontario with a focus on forage crops. We have a great conversations about this years corn crop, whether or not we should look at fungicide and we also cover some options for forage crops after this years wheat.
Michelle have several iron in the fire outside of being an agronomist. She is the owner of Durnin Farm and...2023-07-2846 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastIt’s a hot topicOn this weeks episode of the Dairy Farmer's Digest, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Geoffrey Dahl from the University of Florida. Geoffrey is the Director of the Feed the Future Innovations Lab for Livestock Systems and a Professor - Harriette B. Weaks Professor President of the ADSA.
Dr. Dahl is the leading experts in the world when it comes to the topic of heat stress and its impact biology and physiology of the dairy production animals. He has won a multitude of professional service honors and awards, he has also been sited more than 10,000 ti...2023-07-2149 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastGuess who’s back, back again .... Gary’s back, tell a friend.On this week's episode of the Dairy Farmer's Digest, I talk with Gary Markus, who along with his wife and four kids run Markhill Holsteins in Ingersoll Ontario. In addition to milking cows, Gary also works as an Elite account manager with Alta Genetics in SW Ontario.
Gary and I have a great discussion about developing a plan and choosing criteria to cull animals, it is a tough decision to move on from these animals, but with the right data we can make these decisions a little bit easier, and make your operation more profitable.
If...2023-07-131h 09THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) Podcast#cowchow23 is our Oyster.On this on the DFD podcast, I have a great conversation with Dr. Luis Ferraretto. Dr. Ferraretto is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Dairy Nutrition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The spring is one of the most important times of year, not only is it planting season but it brings the first opportunity to make high quality forages for the upcoming year. Luis and I touch on several topics related to this years winter forages and hay crops. We also touch a bit on the upcoming corn crop.
I hope you enjoy this epi...2023-05-1858 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastTakin care of business!On this episode of the Dairy Farmer's Digest (DFD) podcast, I talk to Cox Wensink. Cox is the owner and herd manager at Hoenhorst Farms in Woodstock Ontario where her and her team milk 500 cows with 10 Lely A4 milking robots on two locations utilizing temporary foreign workers (TFW). We have a great discussion around how she came about using TFW and how to get the process started and the learning curve involved in going down this route.
Cox is a Mechanical Engineer with a Masters in Strategic Product development and she has worked in Canada and in Eu...2023-05-0155 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastLegend .... wait for it .... Dairy!!On this episode of the Dairy Farmer's Digest (DFD) podcast, I talk to Dr. Mike Hutjens. Mike is a Professor Emeritus in the department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois.
Dr. Hutjens grew up on a dairy farm in Green Bay, Wisconsin and has a PhD from the University of Wisconsin and has focused his entire career on teaching dairy professionals and producers how to make milk as efficiently and economically as possible. He has published several hundred if not thousand articles for publications like Hoard's Dairyman and other industry publications around the world. Mike has...2023-04-171h 00
The Vicki McKenna ShowThe Vicki McKenna Show - Drop The HammerParents On Patrol's Ali Schweitzer, Wisconsin Right Now's Jessica McBride, Congressman Glenn Grothman, Robert Bryce, National Crime Research Center's John Lott, Hunter Nation's Keith Marks, and WMC's Scott Manley2023-03-221h 46THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastWhere’s the Beef?!On this episode of the Dairy Farmer's Digest (DFD) podcast, I talk to Brad Gilchrist. Brad is the Beef Marketing and Product specialist for Semex. Brad is a graduate of the University of Guelph Ag economics and Business degree. He and his family also operate a purebred Angus cow calf operation in Lucknow Ontario.
Breeding Beef x Holstein has become the norm in the dairy industry in North America, Brad and I discuss how farmer are utilizing these genetics and how producers can maximize the calf value by breeding to the right sires.
I hope you...2023-03-0651 min
Gin & JusticeExonerations: February 2023It's the last Legal Brief of the month, so you know what that means! Justine and Amanda tell you about all the people added to The National Exoneration Registry."The National Registry of Exonerations is a project of the Newkirk Center for Science & Society at University of California Irvine, the University of Michigan Law School and Michigan State University College of Law. It was founded in 2012 in conjunction with the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University School of Law. The Registry provides detailed information about every known exoneration in the United States since 1989—cases in...2023-02-281h 49THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastBustin myths and talkin hooves!On this week's episode of the Dairy Farmer's Digest (DFD), I talk to Dr. Gerard Cramer. Gerard has a DVM, DVSc from Ontario Veterinary College and is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota in the department of Veterinary Population Medicine.
Lameness is the most costly disease on modern dairy farms, Gerard and I discuss some of the science behind foot bath, the challenges that heat stress present and we bust some common myths around foot health.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If you have any questions about this episode or...2023-01-3054 min
Instant TriviaEpisode 701 - When I Was Your Age... - Famous Seniors - "Sun"S And "Moon"S - The Virtues - Meet The FlintstonesWelcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 701, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet.
Round 1. Category: When I Was Your Age...
1: People went out and bought records; why, in 1956, this man sold 10 million singles, proving he was "The King".
Elvis (Presley).
2: These devices, like the Univac, took up whole rooms.
computers.
3: Baseball players didn't go on strike; they pulled off feats like this one by pitcher Don Larsen in the 1956 World Series.
throwing a perfect game.
4: We didn't have SUVs, we had cars like this company's Edsel.
Ford.
5: The Russians weren't sending tourists into space...2023-01-1307 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) Podcast60% of the time...It works every timeOn this week's episode of the Dairy Farmer's Digest (DFD), I talk to Mark Gerber. Mark is an account manager and Technical Specialist with Zinpro. We cover a plethora of topics relating to hoof health, hoof trimming and lameness prevention and treatment.
Lameness is the most costly disease on modern dairy farms, it's impact can be felt through production, reproduction and overall herd performance. Talking about, monitoring and measuring the lameness prevalence on your farm can have long lasting and beneficial impacts to your economic returns and bottom line performance.
I hope you enjoy this ep...2022-12-091h 05THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastOh, the times they are a changinOn this weeks episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Andrea DeGroot from Farm Credit Canada. Andrea is a Business Advisor who specializes in farm transitions.
Transitioning a multi-million dollar farm business is a daunting task, Andrea and I discuss where to start, what resources you may need and how producers can navigate this crucial decision making process.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If you have any questions about this episode or future episodes of the podcast, please feel free to reach out to me by email at...2022-11-241h 06
Springcreek Church - Garland, TX PodcastService | Made to Make a Difference: Service or Serve Us - Part 4Send us a textMADE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCEService or Serve Us - Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartOctober 9, 2022There is something you, uniquely, were made to do. You were created on purpose and for a purpose. Though none of us gets to spend 100% of our time just doing that one thing, you want to be sure at the end of the day and most definitely by the end of life you’ve accomplished what God put you on this planet to do. Join us this weekend as we wrap up ou...2022-10-0939 minSpringcreek Church - Garland, TX PodcastService | Straight Outta Excuses: Service or Serve Us - Part 3Send us a textSTRAIGHT OUTTA EXCUSESService or Serve Us - Part 3Senior Pastor Keith StewartOctober 2, 2022Have you ever sensed God might be asking you to do something for which you felt totally inadequate? You’re certainly not alone. But you’re never too old, too young, or too inexperienced to be used by God. The only ability God seems to care about is availability.SERIES: Service or Serve UsIt was the Nobel Prize-winning Dr. Albert Schweitzer who once said, “I don’t know what your destiny...2022-10-0243 minSpringcreek Church - Garland, TX PodcastService | Fuel Your Passion by Finding Your Purpose: Service or Serve Us - Part 2Send us a textFUEL YOUR PASSION BY FINDING YOUR PURPOSEService or Serve Us - Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartSeptember 25, 2022Each of us was made to crave so much more than what we settle for. We were created by God in such a way that there’s a song our lungs were made to sing, a race our legs were made to run, and a purpose our lives were meant to fulfill. That’s what this message is all about – discovering your purpose in order to fully live out your passio...2022-09-2540 minSpringcreek Church - Garland, TX PodcastService | Service in a "Serve Me" World: Service or Serve Us - Part 1Send us a textSERVICE IN A "SERVE ME" WORLDService or Serve Us - Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartSeptember 18, 2022Do you want to know the secret to a blessed life? It’s no mystery. Jesus couldn’t have been clearer. He said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16.25). Jesus radically reorients our thinking and priorities. Rather than pursuing selfish interests, living for one’s self, and making our own needs #1, Jesus tells us to do the opposi...2022-09-1837 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastIt’s CORN ... I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing!On this episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr. Bill Mahanna. Bill is the Global Nutritional Services Manager with Pioneer, he is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University.
Bill and I cover all things corn silage, we touch on plant health, starch deposition and how to cut, pack and store the most critical forage for this years winter feeding.
He has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to making high quality forages, especially corn silage. He has worked for Pioneer for over 30 ye...2022-09-011h 15THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastColostrum is cool!On this episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr. Sarah Parsons, she is the Colostrum Technical Specialist with Alta Genetics. Sarah provides technical support for clients right across North America.
Dr. Parsons graduated from the University of Guelph with a BSc in Animal Biology and a PhD in Dairy calf management where she specialized in calf weaning management.
Colostrum is the one of the first steps in ensuring that your future milking herd gets off to the best start to their life, it factors into and influences almost every aspect of that calves early li...2022-06-1858 min
Unexpected Surprises - A Podcast of the Western North Dakota SynodRev. Keith Pearson, ELCA FoundationThe Rev. Keith Pearson serves as Regional Representative for the ELCA Foundation. This episode is from the May WND Synod "Lunch & Learn Zoominar" where Pr. Keith shared a bit of his story with us as well as many insights available to our synod through the ELCA Foundation including endowments, gift policies, and planned giving ideas.You can find Pr. Keith's contact information here - http://wndsynod.org/synod-staff/Unexpected Surprises is made possible through a mission grant from the WND Synod Mission Endowment Fund. More information on all of our synod's endowment funds is available h...2022-06-1341 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastIt’s COW CHOW time!On this weeks episode of the podcast, I talk to Bill Woodley. Bill is the owner of Woodley Dairy Direction, a consulting company that specializing in training nutritionists on the key concepts of dairy nutrition, Bill has spoken to, and consulted with Dairy producers all over the world.
With hay and winter forage crops quickly reaching their harvest windows, Bill and I tackle the topic of forage quality and how it affects feed cost. We also talk about the physiology of the plant and how the cow utilizes the fiber to make milk, as well as how dif...2022-05-1954 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastFatty Acids, not the kind your parents think of!On this weeks episode of the podcast, I have a great discussion with Dr. Stirling Dorrance, DVM from Nova Scotia, Canada. Along with being a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dorrance works with Lactanet in Eastern Canada where he works with producers understanding and interpreting Profilab, the milk fatty acid report from Lactanet.
Milk has a multitude of different fatty acids in it, Dr. Dorrance helps me understand what the three main groups are, and how we can influence them through feeding and management. We also talk about how this tool can be utilized on the farm to...2022-05-0950 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastTransition shouldn’t be a bad word!On this episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr. José Santos, a Professor in the department of Animal Science at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Dr. Santos and I explore the world of DCAD diets for transition dairy cows and how it can work on your operation to help keep cows healthier and more productive.
Dr. Santos conducts applied and basic research in dairy cattle nutrition and reproductive biology. In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Santos also teaches several course at the Univ. Florida in both the Post and Undergrad programs, and works with dairy produ...2022-03-291h 07THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastGreat minds think alike, but fools seldom differ!On this weeks episode of the podcast, I talk to Tony Hall, Technical Services support from Lallemand Animal Nutrition. Tony and I drill down on the difference between forage samples when it all looks good on paper, and how CP isn't always the best indicator of quality.
Tony has extensive experience when it comes too making high quality forages and how fiber quality affects milk production. Tony is a world renowned speaker, he has consulted on farms all over the world in his career and has been an incredible resource for me over the years.
I...2022-02-151h 00THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastCalves, calves, calves ... some are good, some are badOn this episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr. David Renaud. Dave is a veterinary epidemiologist in the Department of Population Medicine at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on the health and welfare of dairy calves, Dave teaches in both the veterinary and undergraduate curriculum.
As one producer put it to me, "raising calves can be the most rewarding or the most soul sucking endeavor on the farm". This producer wasn't wrong. Dave and my discussion helps shed some light on how to make it the most rewarding job on the farm.
In th...2022-01-1549 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastThe silage doctor is in the house!On this weeks episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr. Andy Skidmore from Lallemand Animal Nutrition about inoculant, what they are, how they work and how they can fit into your forage production systems.
Dr. Skidmore is a Veterinarian with a PhD in Dairy Management from Cornell University. He has been in the dairy industry in the United States and has held various roles from a practicing veterinarian, to research at MSU and in the animal nutrition industry.
Dr. Skidmore has been with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, a Canadian Bio-tech company that specializes in making ye...2021-11-2648 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastAlberta bound!!On this weeks episode of the podcast, I have a great conversation with Dustin Grisnich. He is the owner of Windy Creek Dairy in Fort Macleod, Alberta.
Dustin, along with his wife, four kids and two cats milk 45 cows under the new entrant program from Alberta milk. He is also the host of the Faraway Farmboy podcast, a podcast dedicated to networking within the Western Canadian dairy business. You can find the podcast wherever you download your podcasts. You can also find Dustin on twitter @farawayfarmboy
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If yo...2021-11-1250 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastWait a second .... you said how much?!?!On this week's episode of the podcast I have a great conversation with Dustin Gamble, the Procurement manager for Shur Gain Ontario.
There are a lot of things that we can't control in our day to day lives and business, and the major global influences on feed price is one of them. Dustin and I talk about what influences the markets around the world and in our own back yard, we also touch on the global supply chain for fat, proteins and grains that we feed every day.
I hope you enjoy this episode of th...2021-10-2957 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastI just dropped in to see what condition my condition is in ....On this episode of the podcast, I have a great discussion with Kristen Kelderman about mental health. Kristen is currently doing her Masters of Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King's College in London, UK.
Mental health is becoming a more common and less stigmatized conversation in our daily lives. Kristen helps facilitate those conversations and normalizes them. Growing up on a dairy farm, she has a keen passion for the mental wellbeing of producers and industry professionals alike. She is a great advocate and resources, you can follow her on Instagram @thefarmtherapist.
We disc...2021-10-151h 01THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastWhere my money at? Dollar Dollar bill ya‘ll!!On this episode of the DFD podcast I have a great conversation with Kristin Benke, she is the Director, Economic and Product Development with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
Kristin has spent the last 12 years at the DFO. We have a great conversation about how the new pricing schedule has been going for the past 8 months. We also talked about what she thinks the future holds for producers in the P5 with regards to quota allocations, cost of production formula, production sleeves and the SNF ratio.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. If y...2021-09-1842 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastThe corn silage is coming! The corn silage is coming!On this episode of the podcast, I get to talk to Dr. Bill Mahanna. Bill is the Global Nutritional Services Manager with Pioneer, he is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University.
Bill has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to making high quality forages, especially corn silage. He has worked for Pioneer for over 30 years and he has travelled all over the world educating dairy, beef and small ruminant producers and industry professionals. Bill has a real passion for helping people make the best forage pos...2021-08-271h 16THE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastGot milk? Not without a pregnancy! Gary Markus 2.0On this week's episode of the podcast I talk with Gary Markus about how to set your farm up for Reproductive success! Gary, along with his wife and four kids run Markhill Holsteins in Ingersoll Ontario. In addition to milking cows, he also works as an Elite account manager with Alta Genetics in SW Ontario. you can reach him at gary.markus@altagenetics.com or on twitter @gary_markus
Reproduction is the engine that drives every dairy farms production and bottom line, there are a multitude of decisions when it comes to your breeding program, The decisions you m...2021-08-1651 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastChlorophyll is not borophyll!On this week's episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Christine O'Reilly, the forage and grazing specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Christine is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to producing high quality forages. We have a great conversation about what is happening in the province with regards to forage yields and quality, we also talk about what you can after wheat to build inventories.
Christine is a grad of University of Guelph, she has a great passion for forage crops and helping producers make decisions th...2021-07-1053 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastToo hot to handle!! Ep. 2On this episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr. Mac Littlejohn and Dr. Reg Clinton from Kirkton Vet Clinic about how heat stress affects the cows. We have a great discussion of what to look for when monitoring your animals and what we can do to help them out.
Dr. Littlejohn and Dr. Clinton are partners at Kirkton Vet clinic, where they are 2 of the 10 dairy focused vets at the practice. KVC is a progressive, multi species Vet clinic based in Kirkton Ontario. Both Mac and Reg have a keen interest in helping dairy and beef pro...2021-06-1852 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastToo hot to handle! Ep.1On this weeks episode of the DFD podcast, I talk to my colleague Chelsea Gordon about the effects of heat stress on cows. The first week of June was a scorcher in Ontario so we had a great conversation about what we can do as a nutritionally to help these cows make milk and components.
Chelsea is the Director of Dairy Technology Application for Trouw Nutrition Canada, I have worked with her for the better part of a decade and she is very passionate about dairy nutrition and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to c...2021-06-1840 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastHaylage in a day? You don't say!On this episode of the podcast, I talked to Tom Kilcer, he is one of the pioneers of the "haylage in a day" or the photosynthetic drying concept.
Tom is very passionate about helping producers make the highest quality feed possible, and has spoke to many farmers, researchers, nutritionists and equipment manufacturers all over North America.
Tom worked as a county Dairy Extension specialist for Cornell University in eastern New York. He retired from extension and has continued to work as the owner of Advanced AG Systems. You can reach him at https://advancedagsys.com/
2021-06-1841 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastLife’s a garden.....dig it, you gotta make it work for youOn this weeks episode of the podcast, I talk to the man, the myth, the legend Bill Woodley. Bill is the owner of Woodley Dairy Direction, a consulting company that specializing in training nutritionists on the key concepts of dairy nutrition, Bill has spoken to, and consulted with Dairy producers all over the world.
With protein and grain prices as nearly all-time highs, Bill and I tackle the topic of forage quality and how it can affect feed cost. We also talk about the physiology of the plant and how the cow utilizes the fiber to make mi...2021-05-0751 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastBilly Madison isn't the only one heading back to school .....On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Chris Church is back on the DFD. We have a great discussion about transitions cows. We touch on a few subjects including DCAD, transition diseases, feeding and grouping strategies.
During this discussion, I pose a question to Dr. Church; Is 3.5 kg's (2.0 kg's of milk fat and 1.5 kg's of milk protein) on a herd average possible? Chris and I have a great conversation talking about how it can be done!
We also talk about his own transition back to school to get a MBA focusing on what influences profitability on...2021-04-2051 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastCow Chow ConversationsOn this weeks episode of the podcast, I talk to the always energetic Kelsey Banks. She is an agronomist in Eastern Ontario, who has a keen interest in dairy forage crops.
Kelsey is very passionate about making sure producers work as a team with their agronomist and nutritionist to make the highest quality forages possible. We had a great conversation about what to look for when scouting field crops and how plant nutrition and cow nutrition are tied together.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. if you have any questions about this episo...2021-04-0355 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastMatt Walker, Texas ranger...I mean dairy doctorOn this week's episode of the podcast, I get the pleasure of talking to Dr. Matt Walker. Matt along his wife Jaqueline and four daughters own and operate Dairy Doc Holsteins in Woodstock, Ontario. Matt is also a Vet, and a partner in Oxford Bovine Veterinary Services one of the largest and most progressive dairy focused vet clinics in Canada.
Matt and I have a great discussion on what profitability means to him from a producer and a practitioner's standpoint.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. if you have any questions about thi...2021-03-0644 minTHE DFD (Dairy Farmer’s Digest) PodcastYou are what you eat, so is Betsy!On this weeks episode of the podcast, I talk to Tony Hall from Lallemand Animal Nutrition. Tony and I talk about how too make the highest quality silage possible, and how mitigating silage loss relates too profitability of your dairy.
Tony has extensive experience when it comes too making silage and helping producers reach their goals. Tony is a world renowned speaker, he has consulted on farms all over the world in his career and has been an incredible resource for me over the years.
I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. if you h...2021-02-0455 min