Episode 293 - Spring Catch-Up: Virtual Fencing, Safety, and Self-Care - UMN Extension's The Moos Room

Abstract

Spring Catch-Up: Virtual Fencing, Safety, and Self-Care. Emily returns to the podcast after a travel-heavy spring focused on farm safety and farm stress programming. She shares highlights of her outreach work, including training Extension colleagues in the Northeast on ambiguous loss and farming. Meanwhile, Brad has been experimenting with virtual fencing for dairy heifers, a new and evolving technology typically used with beef cattle. He shares how the system works, its benefits for rotational grazing, and amusing quirks like a Norwegian lullaby for escaped animals. Brad also previews his packed summer research agenda, which includes agrivoltaics, fly and parasite control, and student intern supervision. He promotes an upcoming agrivoltaics field day (June 27) and webinar series. The episode also emphasizes farm safety as planting ramps up, including ATV safety and roadway precautions. Both hosts reflect on the importance of self-care, taking breaks, and setting realistic expectations—reminding listeners, “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”Agrivoltaic Cattle Grazing Webinar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82QHoj2g5F0).