As dairy producers look to maximize profitability, every pregnancy needs a strategic lens. Join Jeremy Howard of Simplot Animal Sciences and Lauren Kimble of Select Sires as they discuss strategic breeding, beef-on-dairy opportunities, the growing value of uniform, consistent genetics to help producers capture value today and prepare for tomorrow's market demands.

Learn more about SimVitro® Cattle Embryos

This episode is sponsored by Simplot Animal Sciences.

Stacy Rethman joins guest host Audrey Schmitz in this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss how she returned to her family’s dairy, Rottinghaus Holstein Farm in Seneca, Kansas. After teaching middle school science, she now helps manage their herd while educating consumers about dairy farming through outreach and social media.

Episode breakdown:

• 0:40 – Rethman’s connection to farming
• 4:00 – Journey from teaching to dairying
• 8:00 – Similarities between teaching and dairying
• 10:00 – Returning to the farm full time
• 12:40 – Difficult seasons
• 15:20 – Steepest learning curve
• 16:50 – Finding balance between farming and family
• 18:45 – Advice for other young women
• 20:40 – Sharing farm life on social media

Healthy calves begin with a healthy environment, and sometimes the most important challenges are found right at bedding level. In this episode, calf producer and researcher Dr. Dave Casper discusses what led him to investigate ammonia in calf hutches and the results of his research evaluating SurpHace® (sodium bisulfate) as an environmental management tool. He shares what the study revealed about ammonia concentrations and calf growth, and observations surrounding fly pressure. A great listen for producers looking for proactive ways to create a healthier calf environment.

Episode highlights:

01:34 – Why Study Ammonia in Calf Hutches?

Dave explains what first made him question ammonia levels in outdoor calf hutches.

03:44 – Reducing Ammonia with SurpHace

The study showed lower ammonia levels, along with observations of reduced fly pressure.

05:23 – Improving Calf Growth

Calves gained more than a tenth of a pound per day, resulting in about eight pounds of additional gain.

06:03 – Evaluating Ammonia at Calf Level

Dave explains why producers should assess air quality where the calf actually rests.

07:07 – What’s Next for SurpHace Research?

Ongoing work is evaluating whether once-weekly applications can provide effective ammonia control.

This episode is sponsored by Jones-Hamilton.