Episode 309 - From the Fair to the Farm: Dairy Research Updates with Brad - UMN Extension's The Moos Room

Abstract

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares updates from a busy summer and fall kickoff at the Minnesota State Fair, where his kids showed cows and he helped with 4-H dairy programming. After reflecting on the fair, he dives into the latest research and extension projects happening at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.Brad covers a wide range of studies, including: Virtual fencing trials with heifers, lessons learned from training, and future plans to test with milking cows; Horn fly vaccine research, tracking fly counts across hundreds of cows to evaluate effectiveness; Agrovoltaics and portable solar shade, examining how cows use shade structures to reduce heat stress and the impact on pasture regrowth; Parasite monitoring and exploring connections between genetics and parasite load; Heifer feed efficiency, using precision feeders and methane collectors to measure intake, weight gain, and greenhouse gas output; Mastitis management, including trials with alternatives to antibiotics; Genetics-focused projects on inbreeding effects in Holsteins and the potential of polled genetics; Milk processing exploration, with plans to begin producing value-added products like ice cream and butter from the university herd. From innovative technology like virtual fencing to on-farm challenges like mastitis, Brad shares insights into ongoing research aimed at helping dairy farmers improve efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.