Podcasts
Check back for the official launch date of the American Dairymen Podcast. We are excited to roll out the podcast that will be covering just about every topic that concerns the American dairy farmer.
Previous Episodes
Herd Health Management Plans Cattlemen and Veterinarians
Welcome to Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, join hosts Gale McKinney and Dr. Shynia Peterman as they discuss Herd Health Management Plans with Dr. Jason Banta with Texas A&M University. 
The conversation opens with timely news on trade restrictions related to disease outbreaks, reinforcing the ongoing importance of biosecurity for preventing the introduction of pests and infectious agents into herds, especially via newly purchased livestock.
Dr. Banta explains that proper herd health plans are critical for maintaining profitability and animal welfare because they reduce illness, treatment costs, reproductive losses, and overall mortality. He emphasizes that these plans should be tailored for each operation but universally include key components: biosecurity, vaccination, internal and external parasite control, and proper nutrition. Quarantine and testing of new arrivals are stressed as vital to preventing the spread of diseases like BVD PI and trichomoniasis. Dr. Banta advises working with veterinarians to determine the best vaccine protocols, highlighting that while some elements (such as Clostridial and respiratory viral vaccines) are foundational, protocols may need to be adjusted for local risks or herd-specific needs. The pursuit of a balanced approach to parasite control is also advocated, with strategies varying by region, rainfall, and forage growth patterns.
Nutrition is described as a frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of herd health, with energy and protein intake more vital to immune function than minerals. Nonetheless, having a balanced mineral supplementation plan is important, as excesses can be as harmful as deficiencies.
The podcast also addresses the importance of consistent record-keeping, suggesting technology or simple tools according to preference, and encourages producers to seek out educational resources and relationships with experienced cattle veterinarians. As part of holistic ranch management, herd health plans should be periodically reviewed and integrated with other operational plans, such as breeding, finance, and staffing. Overall, the experts encourage proactive development and regular updating of herd health plans, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and continued learning for the long-term success of cattle operations.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health
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Cattlemen & Veterinarians Managing Cattle in Winter Temperatures
Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, Kade and Dr. Peterman discuss some techniques to help take care of your cattle in cold weather. 
The conversation highlights the paramount importance of adequate shelters and bedding for cattle as winter sets in. Dr. Peterman outlines how structures such as barns, three-sided sheds, and even simple windbreaks from natural or man-made materials can help shield herds from biting winds and cold. Good bedding, particularly straw, not only provides insulation but also helps prevent cold-related injuries like frostbite in vulnerable animals. Bed maintenance is discussed, with frequency largely depending on the number of cattle and how rapidly the bedding gets soiled—sometimes daily or weekly.
Nutrition is emphasized as a crucial aspect not to be compromised. Dr. Peterman stresses that cattle should enter winter with an appropriate body condition score, and as the temperature drops, high-energy feeds become vital. She explains that cold stress increases animals’ energy needs, and gradual dietary adjustments should accommodate these demands. Clean, unfrozen water is another critical need, calling for vigilance with ice and heating devices.
The episode further covers health monitoring, spotlighting signs of cold stress and reinforcing the importance of timely vaccinations, particularly for disease prevention in newborn calves. Listeners’ questions lead to advice on managing breed-specific genetic issues in Wagyu cattle, the careful acclimation required when moving cattle from warm to cold climates, and the comparative merits of dry lot wintering versus winter grazing systems. Dr. Peterman recommends nutritional testing and gradual feed changes for supplements like alfalfa and dried distillers grains. She concludes with tips for managing hazards like frozen ground to safeguard cattle health.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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A.N. Martin Systems with Lydell Martin
Welcome back to the American Dairymen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he’s the host of the American Dairymen Podcast and he chats with Lydell Martin with A.N. Martin Systems. 
Lydell shares his background, starting on a dairy farm and progressing into grain equipment and automation, ultimately leading him to develop innovative roasting systems for A.N. Martin Systems. Though he now works independently, he continues to consult and provide technical support for A.N. Martin Systems, focusing on serving the unique needs of dairy, crop, and feed producers.
The conversation delves into the evolution of soybean roasting in the dairy sector, emphasizing how motivations for roasting have shifted from primarily reducing protein costs to myriad benefits including lowering fat expenses and enhancing milk component production. Lydell highlights the significance of high oleic soybeans, which are notably different from standard varieties due to their lower linoleic acid and higher good fat content, making them more suitable and digestible for dairy herds.
Martin describes various roasting technologies, comparing the advantages and pitfalls of flame, hot air, and auger-type roasters. He explains the development of an advanced system that uses a mixing auger to ensure even roasting and longer retention times at lower temperatures, minimizing fire hazards while maximizing automation and labor efficiency. The system incorporates cooling and milling processes, with a preference for hammer mills over roller mills, allowing for customized grind sizes according to each farm’s requirements and feeding programs. Martin stresses the system’s adaptability and reliability, offering consistent quality while easing operational burdens on producers.
The episode concludes with the recognition that effective automation, safety, and flexibility are driving innovations in grain roasting and dairy nutrition, equipping producers to make more efficient and cost-effective feed choices for their herds.
A.N. Martin
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CRV with Dan Hushon and Michele Liston
Welcome back to another episode of the American Dairymen Podcast. Join us as Dustin sits down with Dan Hushon and Michele Liston, two leading experts from CRV, an organization renowned for its forward-thinking approach to dairy herd genetics and management. 
Michele brings over two decades of expertise working with large herds and driving reproductive success across progressive dairies, especially in the Texas Panhandle, sharing her experience in customizing breeding programs that yield long-term results. Dan, with a lifelong background in the dairy industry and years as a genetics consultant across the Mid-Atlantic, shares invaluable stories from his hands-on work with farmers and his deep-rooted commitment to improving herd profitability and sustainability.
This episode dives deep into what sets CRV apart—a unique blend of personalized service for U.S. producers and an unrivaled database of genetic and health information built over more than 150 years in the Netherlands. Listeners will learn how CRV harnesses comprehensive, meticulously documented data to help farmers make informed breeding and management decisions, using proven Dutch genetics to address challenges such as hoof health, locomotion, udder quality, and even specific issues like short teats. Dan and Michele break down the science and the practicalities, illustrating how outcross pedigrees and targeted genetic strategies can improve herd longevity and productivity while reducing health-related downtime.
Whether you’re a dairy professional looking for actionable takeaways, or simply interested in the evolving science of herd management, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how tradition, innovation, and global expertise are shaping the next generation of dairy operations.
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