Jason Smith of Texas A&M joins host Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to discuss all things beef-on-dairy. An associate professor and extension beef cattle specialist at Texas A&M with an extensive beef background, Smith shares his knowledge and advice for dairy producers looking to capitalize with beef semen. 

Here is the episode breakdown:

~1:11 – Smith’s background and current position

~4:00 – How beef-on-dairy calves benefit the beef industry

~6:50 – The importance of a healthy beef-on-dairy calf

~13:50 – Smith explains what it means to sell cattle “on grid.”

~16:00 – Yield grade vs. quality grade

~21:00 – Consider market fluctuation in retaining ownership

~22:40 – Communicate with buyers to leverage a fair price.

~24:45 – The importance of sire selection during mating

~32:00 – Expected progeny differences (EPDs): Birthweight and Calving Ease Direct

~34:30 – Keeping records can benefit operations down the road.

~35:30 – Liver abscesses

~42:00 – Importance of feeding colostrum to beef-on-dairy calves

~44:30 – How beef-on-dairy calves add value to the supply chain

~49:00 – Rapid-fire questions