Episode 284 - Cows, Conferences, and Crazy Ideas: Brad & Emily Catch Up - UMN Extension's The Moos Room

Abstract

The Moos Room Podcast: Catching Up with Brad and Emily. in this episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Brad reunite after a busy stretch of research, extension work, and conference travel. They reflect on where they’ve been, what they’ve been working on, and exciting projects on the horizon. Brad celebrates his birthday while attending the Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference, where he discusses agrivoltaics—the integration of solar panels and grazing systems. He shares updates on his upcoming webinars, field days, and research efforts related to grazing livestock under solar panels. Meanwhile, Emily has been deeply involved in organizing multiple conferences, including the Women in Ag Network Conference, the upcoming Ag for All Conference for LGBTQ+ agriculturalists and allies, and the Women's Ag Leadership Conference. She emphasizes the rewarding experience of conference planning and the importance of fostering inclusive, educational spaces for agricultural professionals. The duo also touches on upcoming extension events, including farm safety programs and Farm Fest, where the University of Minnesota will showcase its latest agricultural innovations. Looking ahead, Brad shares his enthusiasm for virtual fencing, a technology he plans to test on dairy heifers to manage grazing without traditional fences. He also teases new research into growing wine grapes, tomatoes, and peppers under solar panels to explore the potential of agrivoltaic systems beyond livestock. As spring approaches, they discuss pasture conditions, concerns over moisture levels, and the importance of easing into the grazing season to ensure sustainable forage growth. Brad hints at more exciting research projects, including heat stress studies on cattle. They wrap up with a preview of upcoming podcast episodes featuring discussions on animal welfare, cow movement technology, and nutrition. With so much on the horizon, The Moos Room remains the go-to source for insights into dairy and livestock management, agrivoltaics, and agricultural innovation. Stay tuned!