Episode 297 - Johne’s Disease: What We’re Learning From Herd Testing - UMN Extension's The Moos Room
In this solo episode, Brad dives deep into Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis), a chronic intestinal illness affecting ruminants, with a particular focus on dairy cattle. Prompted by recent whole-herd milk ELISA testing at the University of Minnesota’s Morris dairy, Brad shares results, trends, and lessons learned from managing Johne’s over the years.Key topics include:Clinical signs and long-term impact of Johne’s on milk production and cow longevityInterpretation of milk ELISA results and testing protocolsManagement decisions around culling, beef breeding, and calf-rearing practicesSurprising trends in calf infection sources—including group housing and dam-rearingInsights from genetic studies showing heritability of Johne’s susceptibilityPractical prevention strategies and the importance of annual testingWhether you're dealing with Johne’s in your own herd or want to improve your disease prevention approach, this episode is packed with data, reflections, and takeaways to help guide on-farm decisions.Johnes Disease - APHISMN DHIA Johnes TestingDHIA Laboratories - Johnes TestingCentral Star Johnes TestingQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory
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Episode 296 - Calf Scours Case Study: Diagnosing and Managing Rotavirus - UMN Extension's The Moos Room
In this episode, Brad shares a recent case study from the University of Minnesota's dairy research center, where a group of spring-born calves experienced widespread scours. He walks through the onset of symptoms, including diarrhea, depression, and reduced milk intake, primarily in calves on an automatic feeder. Diagnostic testing confirmed rotavirus A as the culprit, ruling out other common pathogens like salmonella, cryptosporidium, and coronavirus.Brad explains the importance of prompt treatment with electrolytes and continued milk feeding, emphasizing that hydration—not antibiotics—is key to recovery from viral scours. He also discusses how CT values from lab results helped indicate viral load and severity. While no calves were lost, the outbreak highlighted the critical role of sanitation, consistency in protocols, and whole-system prevention strategies including vaccination and colostrum quality.Listeners will gain practical tips on treating and preventing scours, especially from rotavirus, and hear an honest account of real-world challenges in calf health management.Causes and prevention of dairy calf scoursQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory
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Episode 295 - Lyme Disease and the Long Road to Recovery: Brad’s Story - UMN Extension's The Moos Room
Lyme Disease and the Long Road to Recovery: Brad’s Story In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares his powerful personal journey through a long and challenging battle with Lyme disease. Starting with a seemingly harmless bite in July 2023, his symptoms progressed from fatigue to severe neurological issues, misdiagnoses, and multiple rounds of antibiotic treatments over the span of nearly two years. Brad also discusses the co-infections he faced, the impact on his mental health, and how Lyme changed his approach to life and work. Emily and Brad wrap up the episode with practical, actionable tick safety tips for anyone spending time outdoors—especially farmers and pasture-based livestock producers. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and this episode is a vital listen.Farm Safety Check: Tick-borne DiseaseTick-Borne DiseasesQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory
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Episode 294 -Mental Health Awareness Month: Tackling Anticipatory Stress Together - UMN Extension's The Moos Room
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Emily returns for a second week in a row to join Brad in discussing a common but often overlooked type of stress: anticipatory stress. They explain what it is, how it manifests both physically and mentally, and offer practical strategies to manage it—like reframing your thoughts and using deep breathing for biofeedback. Emily and Brad also share personal experiences and remind listeners that it's okay to struggle, and it's even more important to seek help when needed. Resources from UMN Extension and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are highlighted throughout.Resources mentioned:UMN Extension – Managing Farm StressMinnesota Farm & Rural Helpline and resourcesanticipatory stress webpageMDA farm stress resourcesNorth Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center resources pageQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory
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Episode 293 - Spring Catch-Up: Virtual Fencing, Safety, and Self-Care - UMN Extension's The Moos Room
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 WebinarQuestions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory
Hosted by members of the University of Minnesota Extension Beef and Dairy Teams, The Moos Room discusses relevant topics to help beef and dairy producers be more successful. The information is evidence-based and presented as an informal conversation between the hosts and guests.
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