Winter is here, and calf care is top of mind for dairy farmers everywhere. In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, Managing Editor Kylene Anderson sits down with Bethany Dado-Senn — Calf and Heifer Specialist at Vita Plus and part of her family’s dairy — for a practical, honest look at what really works when raising calves through cold snaps and heat waves.

Bethany draws on both research and real-world experience to break down the essentials:
• What a strong colostrum program actually looks like
• Why that second (and even third) colostrum feeding matters more than many think
• When to use calf jackets — and the simple temperature rule Bethany swears by
• How small management details can throw off average daily gain
• The real benefits (and limitations) of pair housing in different seasons
• Steps producers can take now to prepare for next summer’s heat
• Tips for ventilation, auto feeders, and building or upgrading calf facilities

If you work with calves — or simply want to raise healthier replacements — this conversation is full of practical takeaways you can put to use right away.

If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like it and pass it along to someone else who’d appreciate the insights.

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

Website: https://hoards.com/

Before the recipes,
before the gathering,
before the holiday traditions —
there are the people behind every serving,
at every meal,
and every moment shared.

This Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a moment to thank the men and women in every corner of agriculture that make our celebration of this holiday and the enjoyment of every meal possible.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Hoard's Dairyman.

Music credit: Aleksey Chistilin, Inspiring Cinematic Ambient

Thank you for listening to the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast.

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/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Cut the wait times for robotic milking," by Abby Bauer.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more.

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/

Today's episode is powered by Specialty Sales. 

In this Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast episode, Associate Editor Jenna Byrne chats with Nate Ranallo (“Nate the Hoof Guy”), a seasoned bovine hoof-trimmer who has gained unexpected internet fame. They discuss his journey from farm work in Wisconsin to documenting hoof-care work on social media, how he creates videos, and how his content resonates far beyond the dairy-industry audience. Nate walks through his approach to hoof anatomy, animal care, and the mechanics of trimming, while Jenna draws out his experiences and insights for dairy producers, hoof-trimmers, and curious viewers alike. The conversation touches on topics such as how to recognize hoof‐health issues, the impact of good trimming on cow welfare and herd performance, and how sharing his work with a broader audience has opened doors for education and outreach.

Follow the Hoard's Dairyman Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can find more Hoard's Dairyman Podcasts on the Hoard's Dairyman website: https://hoards.com/articles.sec-244-1-the-hoards-dairyman-podcast.html

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/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Time is money for the dairy cow," by Abby Bauer.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more.

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/

Today's podcast originally aired as the Hoard's Dairyman monthly webinar in March of 2025. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University presented, “Managing through droughts and floods by optimizing low-forage rations.”

High-quality forages are the cornerstone of efficient dairy production, but droughts and floods makes quality forages scarce and expensive. This presentation will discuss getting the most from your cows when quality forages are lacking.

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/

In this episode, Managing Editor at Hoard’s Dairyman, Kylene Anderson, interviews Jeremy Brown of Twin Birch Dairy. Jeremy shares his story of growing his own dairy herd, being a charter member of the FARM program, and much more.  

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/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor Jessica Miller reads the FARM-accredited article from our INTEL e-Newsletter titled, "Diagonal lying is the symptom, not the culprit," by Maggie Gilles, Kansas dairy farmer.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more.

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/

In this episode, Kylene Anderson, Managing Editor of Hoard's Dairyman, interviews the CEO and CMO of MilkPEP, Yin Woon Rani. Yin worked on many campaigns promoting dairy, including the famous Got Milk? campaign. 

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/

In this episode, Hoard's Dairyman Associate Editor, Jessica Miller, reads the FARM-accredited article from the magazine titled, "Less stress benefits both cows and caretakers," by Meagan King.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program helps to demonstrate dairy farmers' commitment to providing excellent care of their dairy cattle and producing safe, wholesome milk. Supported by Dairy Management, Inc. and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation, the FARM program details animal care guidelines using the latest science and the best management practices. FARM Animal Care standards outline annual continuing education requirements for family and non-family employees. Listening to these podcasts meets the continuing education standards. Farms can document their continuing education by using templates found on FARM's website. Visit nationaldairyfarm.com to learn more.

The Hoard's Dairyman Podcast brings you trusted, science-based information you can use on your dairy. Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

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

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/