The Hoard's Dairyman Podcast

In Part 2 of our conversation with David Elliott of Drumgoon Dairy, we discuss dairy genetics, advice for the next generation, and the lessons learned from 20 years of farming in South Dakota. Elliott shares what keeps him connected to the industry and the importance of holding on to the spark that started it all.

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In this episode, Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-approved article, "Take a look at transition milk," by Mike Hutchens, professor emeritus of animal sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management, or FARM, Program, created by the National Milk Producers Federation in partnership with Dairy Management, Inc, helps ensure the success of U.S. dairy farmers by providing assurances to dairy customers and consumers. The FARM Animal Care Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers’ commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk.

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Sponsored by: IFF Animal Nutrition & Health

In this episode, we sit down with David Elliott of Drumgoon Dairy to hear about his family’s journey from Northern Ireland to South Dakota and the growth of their dairy operation to 12,000 cows. David shares insights on herd management, transitioning from robotic milking to a parlor system, and raising calves in Kansas. We also discuss his passion for technology, including how he’s using AI and developing custom apps to improve farm communication, data collection, and day-to-day dairy management.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-approved article, "Always use enough gun," by Paul R. Biagiotti, DVM.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management, or FARM, Program, created by the National Milk Producers Federation in partnership with Dairy Management, Inc, helps ensure the success of U.S. dairy farmers by providing assurances to dairy customers and consumers. The FARM Animal Care Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers’ commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk.

👉 Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

Farm accidents can happen in an instant — and when you’re working in a field, around equipment, or miles from the farm, help may not arrive for 20 minutes or more. In those critical first few minutes, knowing what to do and having the right supplies within reach can make a difference.

In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, Jenna Byrne talks with Katie Hammock, an ER nurse, dairy farmer’s wife, and founder of The Dairy Wife, about preparing for serious farm emergencies. Katie shares what she has seen in the emergency department, why uncontrolled bleeding is such a critical concern, what should be available in tractors and other work areas, and why simply having an emergency kit isn’t enough if no one knows how to use it.

They also discuss common farm injuries, the importance of knowing your location when calling 911, and how training and preparation can help people take action before professional help arrives.

The question is simple: If a serious accident happened today, would you know what to do?

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads an article exploring the benefits and limitations of storing frozen colostrum for dairy calves. Research shows that while frozen colostrum remains a valuable backup when fresh colostrum is unavailable, some important components decline during extended storage. Learn why researchers now recommend using frozen colostrum within eight months and discover best practices for freezing and thawing it safely.

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Website: https://hoards.com/

Sponsored by: Zoetis

What does it take to operate a dairy in Southern California, just outside one of the nation's largest population centers? Fourth-generation dairy farmer Brad Scott joins us to share his family's remarkable journey, which began with six Guernsey cows in 1913.

Scott discusses the challenges and opportunities of farming near Los Angeles, including urban growth, water management, sustainability, and connecting with consumers. He also shares how his family's dairy and creamery have evolved over four generations and why he's optimistic about the future of the dairy industry.

From new technology and changing consumer perceptions to a lifelong passion for cows and agriculture, this episode explores what it takes to keep a family dairy moving forward for generations to come.

Subscribe for more conversations with dairy leaders and farm families.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

This episode explores the lasting impact early-life respiratory disease can have on beef-on-dairy calves. Hoard’s Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller discusses research from Penn State’s Melissa Cantor showing that calves with lung consolidation at weaning experienced reduced growth and were more likely to receive lower carcass grades later in life. The findings highlight how respiratory disease may have economic consequences that extend well beyond the calf stage and why keeping beef-on-dairy calves healthy from the start matters.

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This webinar took place on Monday, August 10, at noon (Central Time). Victor E. Cabrera from the University of Wisconsin-Madison presented: Introducing RuFaS: A Digital Twin for a Sustainable Dairy Future.

RuFaS (Ruminant Farm System model) is an integrated simulation platform designed to capture how decisions in one part of the dairy farm affect the whole system. This webinar will provide a high-level introduction to the model, include a visual walkthrough, and highlight published applications that show how RuFaS can be used to evaluate economics, performance, and sustainability together.
If you would like to watch the complete webinar presentation click here.
Don't miss our next free webinar. Sign up here.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/

In this episode, Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads “A barn-building plan for animal welfare,” which she also wrote. This episode explores a vision for the dairy barn of the future centered on animal welfare. Jessica highlights a proposed housing system designed to support natural cow behavior, stable herd structures, indoor and outdoor access, cow-calf bonding, and greater animal autonomy while incorporating technology and automation.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/