Martin Folkema: Rubber Flooring and Dairy Cow Comfort | Ep. 187

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, John Gerbitz from Cow Corner Robotic Milking Consulting shares practical insights on managing robotic milking systems in the dairy cattle industry. He explains why cow comfort, feeding consistency, reproduction, and basic management fundamentals matter as much in robotic barns as in conventional parlors. The conversation also covers stocking density, guided versus free flow systems, and realistic expectations when transitioning to robots. Listen now on all major platforms."The fundamentals that support successful conventional dairies are the same fundamentals that support efficient robotic milking systems when managed with discipline and consistency."Meet the guest: John Gerbitz is the owner and consultant at Cow Corner Robotic Milking Consulting, where he helps dairy farms improve robotic milking performance and profitability. With over 40 years in the dairy cattle industry, including roles as a dairy farmer, advisor, and industry consultant, his work focuses on cow comfort, feeding systems, and efficient robot management. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(03:41) Cow comfort(07:21) Feed management(10:16) Reproduction impact(17:11) Robot planning(28:49) Stocking density(33:24) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Adisseo* Afimilk* CowManager* Evonik* Priority IAC* Agri-Comfort- BoviSync- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- Natural Biologics- AHV- DietForge- Agrarian Solutions𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Martin Folkema, Product Manager at Agri-Comfort in Canada, explains how flooring design influences dairy cow mobility, health, and longevity. Discussion covers lameness prevalence, biological impacts of concrete surfaces, and how rubber flooring can support traction, hoof health, and cow comfort. Practical insights include installation priorities and return on investment considerations for dairy operations. Listen now on all major platforms!"Rubber flooring provides shock absorption similar to pasture conditions, allowing dairy cattle to walk with improved stride length and greater confidence on barn surfaces."Meet the guest: Martin Folkema is Product Manager at Agri-Comfort, a division of the Agri-Plastic Group of Companies in Canada. With more than two decades of experience in rubber flooring solutions for livestock facilities, work focuses on improving cow comfort, hoof health, and barn design efficiency. Industry experience includes farm management, sales, and product development supporting dairy production systems. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:34) Introduction(05:16) Lameness prevalence(06:34) Concrete impact(08:56) Rubber shock absorption(15:07) Rubber research(17:52) Cow longevity(26:21) Final QuestionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Adisseo* Afimilk* CowManager* Evonik* Priority IAC- Agrarian Solutions- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- Natural Biologics- AHV- DietForge𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Samantha Reighard, Dairy Nutrition and Management Consultant at Standard Dairy Consultants, shares how data-driven tools improve cow health, transition management, and feed consistency. She explains how activity monitoring, rumination trends, and proactive nutrition strategies help reduce variation and prevent health issues. Samantha also discusses dry-off management and heat-stress strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!“Data is superior to experience, and decisions should be based on measurable facts rather than assumptions.”Meet the guest: Samantha Reighard earned her B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Spanish from Iowa State University. She serves as a Dairy Nutrition and Management Consultant at Standard Dairy Consultants, focusing on feed consistency, transition management, herd monitoring, and data-driven decision making. Samantha works closely with producers to improve cow longevity, productivity, and operational efficiency.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(05:50) Data-driven nutrition(10:36) Activity monitoring tools(13:55) Transition cow management(15:26) Dry off strategies(17:41) Heat stress nutrition(25:34) Final QuestionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* CowManager* Evonik* Priority IAC* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Adisseo* Afimilk- Agrarian Solutions- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- Natural Biologics- AHV- DietForge𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this special re-run episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, marking International Women's Day, we bring back our conversation with Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist, who discusses the critical issues surrounding sustainability in dairy farming. Tara shares her unique journey from environmental consulting to podcasting, highlighting water use, sustainability practices, and how dairy farmers can balance environmental concerns with production. Learn about the latest challenges in water conservation, the importance of educating consumers, and how small management changes can make a big impact. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!"Water use in dairy is not just about big projects. Sometimes it's the small management changes that make a big difference."Meet the guest: Tara Vander Dussen is an environmental scientist and fifth-generation dairy farmer in eastern New Mexico, with a B.S. in Soil Water and Environmental Science from the University of Arizona. Her work has focused on dairy environmental compliance, water use, and manure management, while also translating complex sustainability topics for broader audiences through digital media. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:44) Introduction(05:04) Environmental science(07:19) Water conservation(15:53) Educating consumers(23:23) Consumer-driven in dairy(27:59) Digital media(28:59) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Afimilk* CowManager* Evonik* Priority IAC* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- AHV- DietForge- Agrarian Solutions- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- dsm-firmenich- Protekta𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Joey Bray from Jones-Hamilton Co.  Animal Nutrition & Health explains why ammonia is a major challenge in dairy facilities and how pH influences pathogen pressure and infection risk. He introduces sodium bisulfate as a practical tool for lowering pH, sharing calf research results and broader dairy applications, including calf housing and footbath systems. Learn practical strategies to improve air quality, animal welfare, and productivity in dairy operations. Listen now on all major platforms!"When ammonia stays consistent in the environment, it leads to respiratory issues and damage to respiratory tissues."Meet the guest: Dr. Joey Bray earned his BS and MS in Animal Sciences from Stephen F. Austin State University and his PhD in Poultry Management from Texas A&M University. After more than a decade in academia as a professor and department chair, he transitioned into industry. He currently serves as a Technical Support Representative at Jones-Hamilton Co.  Animal Nutrition & Health, focusing on environmental pH management, ammonia control, and practical solutions for animal health.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:49) Introduction(03:55) Ammonia formation(07:56) pH and moisture(10:55) Sodium bisulfate(16:12) Calf research(23:10) Footbath use(32:07) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Lallemand* CowManager* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Agri-Comfort- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- DietForge- BoviSync- Berg + Schmidt- Natural Biologics- Agrarian Solutions- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Alex Benoit, PhD student at Cornell University, discusses research evaluating the interactions between amino acids and fatty acids on milk production and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. She explains current knowledge on how these nutrients influence milk fat, milk protein, and energetic efficiency, and why balancing them matters for modern dairy systems. Alex also shares why this research is critical for supporting future nutrition strategies and outlines the next steps in her research program. Listen now on all major platforms!"The mammary gland is full of protein, and one of the hypotheses is that amino acids may support synthetic activity, enzyme structures, signaling mechanisms that direct nutrients, or act as an energy source through oxidation."Meet the guest: Alex Benoit is a PhD student in Animal Sciences at Cornell University, with an MS from Michigan State University and a strong background in dairy cattle nutrition research. Her work focuses on interactions between amino acids and fatty acids and their role in milk fat and protein synthesis. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Charlie Elrod: Viral Combat Strategies | Ep. 99Dr. Adrian Barragan: Managing Transition Period Inflammation | Ep. 106Dr. Chris Chase: Gut Health’s Impact on Cattle | Ep. 114What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(02:02) Introduction(03:09) Research focus(05:39) Milk components insights(08:32) Economics and balance(14:19) Energetic efficiency(20:50) Industry impact(24:47) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Natural Biologics* Adisseo* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Lallemand* CowManager* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC- Agrarian Solutions- AHV- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- DietForge- BoviSync- Berg + Schmidt𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Karun Kaniyamattam from Texas A&M University breaks down how decision modeling and artificial intelligence can support real-world dairy management. He shares practical examples of how data streams, genetic indices, and modeling tools can improve disease control, labor efficiency, and long-term profitability without adding unnecessary complexity. Listen now on all major platforms."Decision modeling helps evaluate trade-offs that occur when balancing animal health, productivity, environmental responsibility, and farm profitability."Meet the guest: Dr. Karun Kaniyamattam is an Assistant Professor of Livestock Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Trained as a veterinarian, he focuses his work on decision modeling, artificial intelligence, and sustainable dairy cattle systems. His research integrates animal health, economics, and production to support better farm-level decisions. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:43) Introduction(12:16) Decision modeling(14:45) Systems thinking(17:43) Computing power(19:50) AI definition(23:47) Surprising insights(28:01) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Lallemand* CowManager* Afimilk* Evonik- BoviSync- Berg + Schmidt- Natural Biologics- Agrarian Solutions- AHV- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- DietForge𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tara Bohnert, CowManager Performance Specialist, explains how ear sensor technology supports labor efficiency, herd health, and proactive dairy management. She discusses rumination monitoring, early disease detection, dry cow insights, calf monitoring, and team adoption strategies. Tara highlights how data-driven decisions improve consistency and scalability across dairy operations and adds real-world experiences. Learn practical insights to strengthen health, nutrition, and production outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!“Rumination and activity data allow earlier identification of health challenges, shifting dairy management from visual detection toward proactive, consistent decision making.”Meet the guest: Tara Bohnert is a CowManager Performance Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in dairy technology, herd management, and on-farm efficiency. With a background in animal sciences and extensive work across U.S. dairy systems, she focuses on translating ear sensor data into actionable insights that support health, nutrition, and production teams. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:53) Introduction(04:04) Labor challenges(05:29) Health detection(06:34) Sensor features(08:49) Sort gate use(10:52) Dry cows(15:27) Data insights(28:15) Final QuestionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* CowManager* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Lallemand- DietForge- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- Agrarian Solutions- AHV- dsm-firmenich- Protekta- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jennifer Spencer and Dr. Juan Piñeiro from Texas A&M AgriLife discuss how highly pathogenic avian influenza may affect dairy cattle reproduction. They explain why disease-related inflammation can reduce conception rates and increase services per conception in cows and heifers. The conversation explores early research findings, data challenges, and the importance of biosecurity in dairy operations. Learn how reproductive performance may lag even after recovery from disease. Listen now on all major podcast platforms!"When cows experience systemic illness, energy is redirected toward immune defense, which reduces the biological resources available for normal reproductive function."Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Spencer is an Associate Professor and Extension and Research Dairy Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife, focusing on dairy reproduction, endocrinology, and herd management strategies. Dr. Juan Piñeiro is an Associate Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist at Texas A&M University with expertise in disease prevention, biosecurity, and applied dairy research. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:50) Introduction(05:46) Reproduction concerns(09:20) Early findings(11:52) Impact on the heifer(17:05) Inflammation link(25:10) Practical takeaways(31:07) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Afimilk* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.* Evonik* CowManager- Protekta- DietForge- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- Natural Biologics- AHV- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Nicole Reisinger from dsm-firmenich breaks down how phytogenic feed additives fit into practical dairy nutrition. She shares how these plant-based compounds can influence rumen function, gut integrity, inflammation, and overall cow comfort, and highlights how biomarkers and modern in vitro tools help fine-tune their use on farm. Hear how phytogenics can support cows facing heat stress, subacute acidosis, and other common herd challenges. Listen now on all major platforms!"Phytogenic feed additives support rumen function, strengthen gut barrier function, and moderate inflammatory activity during critical challenges."Meet the guest: Dr. Nicole Reisinger is a Senior Scientist at the dsm-firmenich Animal Health and Nutrition Center in Tulln, Austria, with a PhD in biotechnology and advanced training in behavior, neurobiology, and cognition. Her research focuses on biomarkers in ruminants, endotoxins, gut health, and complex host-based in vitro and organ chip models, with applications in dairy cattle nutrition, welfare, and precision solutions. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Andy Mueller: Sugar in Dairy Diets | Ep. 105Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann: Mycotoxins & Dairy Feed | Ep. 125Ignacio Artavia: Vitamin D & Dairy Cows | Ep. 132What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:25) Introduction(02:03) Career path(07:32) What are phytogenics(09:31) Testing plant compounds(14:55) Findings in cow challenges(19:15) Evaluating payback(24:12) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- dsm-firmenich* Evonik* CowManager* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Afimilk* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.- SmaXtec- Protekta- DietForge- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- Natural Biologics- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show