Best University Of Minnesota Extension Podcasts (2025)

1
Why understanding the nitrogen cycle is key to managing soil fertility 39:49

11h ago39:49

39:49

Today on Advancing Nitrogen Smart we’re talking about the nitrogen cycle and managing soil fertility. What does 'the nitrogen cycle' mean, and how does it affect your management strategy? In what ways do temperature and moisture slow down or speed up nitrogen's window of usability? What are nitrification, denitrification, volatilization, mineraliza…

1
Episode 292 - Breeding for the Future: Polled Genetics in Dairy - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:55

1d ago22:55

22:55

In this episode, Brad dives into the topic of polled genetics — cattle that are naturally hornless — and why it's becoming more important in both the dairy and beef industries. He explains what polled genetics are, how the trait is inherited, and how farmers can use homozygous or heterozygous polled bulls to reduce the need for dehorning. Brad disc…

1
Unique conditions lead to winter burn on some area evergreens 34:24

5d ago34:24

34:24

Unique conditions can lead to winter burn on some area evergreens. In this episode, Don and John discuss what winter burn is, how it can happen and steps to prevent it.

1
Cation exchange capacity & nutrient management: What does the data say? 33:22

7d ago33:22

33:22

Cation exchange capacity and cation balancing are the topics of the day in this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the definitions of cation exchange capacity and cation balancing? How is CEC measured, and are those estimates reliable? What does the research say about CEC and CB and their role in a nutrient management strategy? Wh…

1
Episode 291 - Decoding A2 Milk: Genetics, Health, and Herd Management Strategies - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 27:16

9d ago27:16

27:16

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives deep into A2 genetics and what dairy producers need to know. Brad shares his experience genotyping over 1,500 dairy animals, highlighting how A2 genetics have progressed in his herd and across the industry. He explains the science behind A2 milk, distinguishing it clearly from lactose intolerance, and di…

1
It's time to get your yard and garden set for spring planting 52:31

12d ago52:31

52:31

The snow is gone and the days are getting longer and warmer, and while we're not quite ready to plant, the time has come to get everything set for the growing season. In this episode, Don and John talk about the tasks you should be doing right now to get your yard and garden ready for spring planting. They also discuss Easter lillies and a ... man/…

1
Episode 290 - Feeding the Future: Lessons from Our Auto Feeder Journey - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:58

16d ago22:58

22:58

Experience with Our Automated Calf Feeder In this episode, Brad goes solo to talk about the ups and downs of using an automatic calf feeder at the U of M dairy. He shares why they made the switch, how the setup has changed over the years, and what they’ve learned—like how ad lib feeding boosts growth and why cleanliness is everything. The feeder’s …

1
New garden tools to try this season 51:01

19d ago51:01

51:01

Maybe your trusty garden tools are getting a little rusty, or maybe you're just itching for some new gear this season. Either way, this show's for you. In this episode, Don and John highlight some new garden tools currently on the market as we count down the days before outdoor work can begin in earnest.…

1
Episode 289 - Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: What It Means for Farms - UMN Extension's Moos Room 23:11

23d ago23:11

23:11

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad is back from sunny Florida (and into a snowy Minnesota) to dive into the world of AI in agriculture—and no, we're not talking about artificial insemination. Brad shares his recent experience experimenting with AI-generated audio content and how tools like Google’s NotebookLM are changing the way we interact wi…

1
Amend your soil for optimal early-season performance 56:37

25d ago56:37

56:37

Before you know it, it'll be time to get outside and start getting your hands dirty in the garden. Before you plant, though, you probably want to get that dirt into shape. In this episode, Don and John talk about amending your soil so your garden can start the season with gusto.

1
Nitrogen fertilizer management & surface water: Context, successes and challenges 28:06

26d ago28:06

28:06

Today on the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast we discuss nitrogen fertilizer management and surface water issues. When did we first become aware of nitrates appearing in surface water? What are some of the effects, and who is being affected? What are Minnesota's current nitrate-reduction strategy benchmarks - and are we on target to meet them? What…

1
Episode 288 - Dairy Culling Deep Dive: The Hidden Value of Your Cows - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 20:45

30d ago20:45

20:45

Dairy Cow Culling Research Insights In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad takes a break while guest hosts Emily and Joe dive into a recent research study from the University of Minnesota on dairy cow culling. The study, spanning 14 years of data, compares Holstein and crossbred cows, uncovering key insights about the reasons for culling and its ec…

1
How do the plants in local gardening centers survive our region's winters? 47:33

1M ago47:33

47:33

How can gardeners be sure that the plants, shrubs and trees they buy in local gardening centers will survive our region's winters? In this episode, Don and John talk with Charles Elhard, plant protection officer with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture about nursery laws and inspections.

1
2025 Spring Fertilizer Outlook: What should MN farmers consider, avoid? 34:26

1M ago34:26

34:26

It's the end of March, which means it's time for the annual Spring Fertilizer Outlook. What are field conditions like throughout Minnesota? What early fertilizer application options might MN growers want to consider? Which early fertilizer application practices might MN growers want to avoid, and why? What are growers excited - or hesitant - about?…

1
Episode 287 - Optimizing Dairy Cow Nutrition and Gut Health with Kirby Krogstad - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 24:09

1M ago24:09

24:09

Gut Check: Optimizing Rumen Health with Dr. Kirby Krogstad In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad welcomes Dr. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University to discuss his research on dairy cow nutrition and gut health. Dr. Krogstad shares his journey through various academic institutions and how a personal experience with cow health sparked his in…

1
The basics of making cuttings from your houseplants 41:52

1M ago41:52

41:52

It's still a bit too early to get out into the lawn or garden, but with our increasing sunlight it's a perfect time to start cuttings of your houseplants. But how do you go about it? In this episode, Don and John talk about the process of taking cuttings (or "slips") from your houseplants, including the best candidates for cuttings and good practic…

1
Episode 286 - More Milk, Less Methane? The Science Behind Red Seaweed & Agolin - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:38

1M ago25:38

25:38

Reducing Methane with Red Seaweed: New Research Findings In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad dives into a groundbreaking research study on feeding red seaweed to dairy cows to reduce methane emissions. Conducted at the University of Minnesota’s research center, this six-month study demonstrated a 30% reduction in methane emissions without negati…

1
Deep-fake plants? How AI-generated photos are used to sell varieties that don't exist 36:45

2M ago36:45

36:45

It's a sad truth nowadays, but it seems like anything you see online is too good to be true, and that's true for gardeners, too. In this episode, Don and John talk about the disturbing new phenomenon of using images generated by artificial intelligence to sell plant varieties that don't exist. But if you've been duped by one of these, don't fear: t…

1
Nitrogen management & groundwater: What to know 23:33

2M ago23:33

23:33

A lot of the conversation about nitrogen management centers around environmental issues, and in particular, nitrate levels in groundwater and surface water in Minnesota. Today we’ll discuss N management and nitrate levels in groundwater. What are some effects of elevated nitrate levels in both infants and adults? When were elevated levels first dis…

1
Bonus Episode: Family Pod 18:33

2M ago18:33

18:33

In this special bonus episode, Ellen takes a break from working on season two to chat with her siblings, Megan and Keith, about their experiences growing up in rural Montana and North Dakota and their journey to urban spaces. Megan, Ellen, and Keith reminisce about their unique childhood from being the only girl in fifth grade to walking home from …

1
Episode 285 - Mooving Cows: A Game-Changer for Dairy Training - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 26:05

2M ago26:05

26:05

Mooving Cows: A Game-Changer for Dairy Training In this episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Bradley welcome Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin Extension to discuss an innovative training tool—Mooving Cows, a free mobile game designed to teach proper dairy cattle handling techniques. The app provides an interactive and engaging way…

1
Early spring tasks to get you out into your yard and garden 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

If you're a regular listener to this podcast, then we know you're chomping at the bit to get out into the yard and start work on your garden. In this episode, Don and John go over some of the gardening tasks you could be doing right now as we get our first sings of spring.

1
Episode 44: Surveillance of African and Classical Swine Fevers in the U.S. 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

In the podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Rachel Schambow who is a researcher with the UMN Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Rachel speaks about the analysis her and her colleagues did of USDA’s Sick Pig Surveillance component at Iowa State University and the University o…

1
Episode 284 - Cows, Conferences, and Crazy Ideas: Brad & Emily Catch Up - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:32

2M ago25:32

25:32

The Moos Room Podcast: Catching Up with Brad and Emily In this episode of The Moos Room, Emily and Brad reunite after a busy stretch of research, extension work, and conference travel. They reflect on where they’ve been, what they’ve been working on, and exciting projects on the horizon. Brad celebrates his birthday while attending the Southwest Mi…

1
How this Fargo company grows and sells fresh greens all year round 33:47

2M ago33:47

33:47

Our cold Northern Plains winters don't seem like they're friendly toward year-round growing of fresh greens, but they're actually a positive for the team at Great Plains Greens. In this episode, Don and (guest host) Kris talk with Dylan Kallman, founder of Great Plains Greens. Kallman and his team use a converted shipping container to grow fresh pr…

1
Nutrient management & cover crops: A research update across Minnesota 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

Today we talk with four panelists throughout Minnesota about nutrient management and cover crops. What are some results of new research looking into incorporating covers into a nutrient management strategy? What are some of the specific rotations being measured, and why? What do farmers need to know about new manure management regulations and cover…

1
Episode 283 - Beef on Dairy: Unlocking Genomics, Genetics, and Sire Secrets - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:46

2M ago22:46

22:46

Beef on Dairy: Genomics, Genetics, and Sire Selection In this final episode of The Moos Room’s three-part Beef on Dairy series, Brad dives into the genetics and genomics of beef-on-dairy crosses. He breaks down the results of genomic testing on 50 crossbred animals, highlighting how breed composition influences carcass traits, marbling, and growth …

1
A bouquet of gardening tips to celebrate our 100th episode 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

This is our 100th episode of Growing Together! That's 100 episodes of gardening tips from Don, John, and plenty of guests who share our love of gardening. In this episode, Don and John present 50 quick-fire gardening tips to commemorate this milestone and get you all caught up for the next 100 episodes.…

1
Nitrogen-fixing biologicals: What farmers should know 22:07

2M ago22:07

22:07

Today we’re talking all about nitrogen-fixing biologicals. What's the best definition of a biological or biostimulant? Are they fertilizers, pesticides - or neither? In what ways do they interact with nitrogen in the field? Where and how are biological products tested? Which environmental factors might impact biologicals? How should they be properl…

1
Episode 282 - Beef on Dairy: Which Breed Performs Best? Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Insights - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 29:28

2M ago29:28

29:28

Beef on Dairy Research: Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Data In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad continues the deep dive into beef-on-dairy research, focusing on data collected in Minnesota. This is the second installment of a three-part series, where we examine how different beef breeds perform when crossed with dairy cattle. Key highlights inc…

1
Jazz up your gardening vocabulary with these terms 59:06

2M ago59:06

59:06

Like all good pursuits, gardening is filled with a rich variety of terms and word usage, but it might not always make sense, especially to newer gardeners. For instance, what is "deadheading," and what does it do? In this episode, Don and (guest host) Kris go over some of the head-scratching terms that gardeners might come across. What does it mean…

1
Episode 281 - Beef-on-Dairy Crossbreeding: What Every Dairy Farmer Should Know (Part 1) - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 35:21

3M ago35:21

35:21

Beef on Dairy: Trends, Economics, and Genetics (Part 1) Brad takes the mic solo this week to dive into a hot topic in dairy farming—beef on dairy crossbreeding. In this first part of a two-part series, he breaks down current market trends, semen sales data, and recent research on how beef genetics are being used in dairy herds. Key highlights inclu…

1
Find a wealth of knowledge in 'The Prairie Garden' 35:00

3M ago35:00

35:00

The growing season is still a ways off, so now is the time to plan and learn new gardening techniques—maybe saving a buck or two in the process. In this episode, Don and John go over the 2025 issue of "The Prairie Garden," a periodical put together with help from Don himself. This year's edition is all about gardening on a budget. Plus, they open u…

1
Variable rate nitrogen: What farmers should know 24:25

3M ago24:25

24:25

Today we’re talking all about variable rate nitrogen. What underlying information do we need to make decisions about VRN? What areas in the field might be prone to N loss? Should you only add extra N to high-yielding areas, or could a low-yielding zone also show positive responses? What effect could your overall management strategy have on a variab…

1
Episode 280 - Navigating H5N1: What Dairy Farmers Need to Know About Upcoming Milk Testing - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

In this episode of The Moos Room, hosts Emily and Brad tackle the latest updates on H5N1 (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) and its impact on the dairy industry. With raw milk testing set to begin in Minnesota, they break down what dairy producers need to know about the testing process, quarantine protocols, and potential impacts on farm operation…

1
What to think about before giving the gift of a houseplant 41:24

3M ago41:24

41:24

Cut flowers in a lovely bouquet make a great Valentine's Day gift, but what if you'd like to give someone a houseplant instead? In this episode, Don and John are joined again by Audrey Gilbraith of Fargo's Baker Garden and Gift. Audrey has some helpful tips for giving the gift of a houseplant, like thinking about the space and skill level of your g…

1
Episode 279 - Cracking the Code: Dairy Genetics, Net Merit Updates, and Cold-Weather Cows with Katie Schmitt - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 32:56

3M ago32:56

32:56

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad and Emily are joined by Katie Schmitt from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) to discuss the organization's role in managing genetic evaluations and the National Cooperator Database. Katie, a Minnesota native, shares insights into the CDCB's work, including their transition from USDA oversight to an i…

1
New plants to try in your garden this year 1:00:02

3M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Each winter, every gardener has a decision to make when planning for the growing season: stick with the varieties that worked last year or take a chance on something new. In this episode, Don and John go over some new plants and vareties that you should consider if you're looking to shake things up a bit.…

1
25 Years of nutrient management: How have practices changed and evolved? 53:36

3M ago53:36

53:36

Here we are in 2025. Today on the Nutrient Management Podcast, our panelists talk about how the practice of nutrient management has changed over the last quarter century. How have precipitation levels - and perceptions about precipitation - changed? What came before the current Maximum Return To Nitrogen management model, and what did the change ad…

1
Nitrogen conservation and water quality, Part 1: Tech, edge-of-field, & proactive management solutions 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

Nitrogen conservation and water quality are the subject of today's Advancing Nitrogen Smart episode. There's lots to cover so we're splitting the episode up into two parts. Today in Part 1, Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch unpack different conservation solutions, and what might be achieved from their adoption. In what situations might buffer strips, co…

1
Nitrogen conservation and water quality, Part 2: Precision conservation, and future efficiencies 29:17

3M ago29:17

29:17

We continue our conversation about nitrogen conservation and water quality on Advancing Nitrogen Smart. Today in Part 2, Brad Carlson and Jeff Vetsch continue discussing new technologies that may help address nitrogen loss, such as passive sensors and crop modeling systems. How might future tools such as AI play a part? How is precision testing aff…

1
Episode 278 - Frozen but Focused: Staying Safe on the Farm This Winter - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 13:09

3M ago13:09

13:09

In this solo episode of The Moos Room, Emily discusses essential cold weather safety tips for farmers and agricultural workers. With below-zero temperatures in Minnesota, Emily emphasizes the importance of recognizing cold stress symptoms like hypothermia and frostbite, dressing in proper moisture-wicking layers, and using safe heating practices. S…

1
Is your garden your happy place? It's shaping up to be a trend in 2025 47:44

3M ago47:44

47:44

Many of us get out into our gardens as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life, like it's our own little retreat. In fact, it's shaping up to be a key trend in the coming year. In this episode, Don and John look at this and a few more trends that 2025 might have in store, like finding a way to bring music into the garden and focusing m…

1
Episode 277 - Cold Weather, Hot Risks: Winter Barn Fire Safety - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 23:56

4M ago23:56

23:56

In this episode, Emily and Brad discuss winter barn fire prevention, highlighting common causes such as outdated wiring and heating equipment. They share real-life stories, practical tips for maintaining safety, and the importance of annual inspections, clean barns, fire extinguishers, and emergency action plans. Don’t let a preventable fire impact…

1
Repot your houseplants and keep your green thumbs in shape 55:10

4M ago55:10

55:10

Sure, your green thumbs have been busy the last few weeks thumbing through seed catalogs, but if anything, that's just making you more excited to get your hands dirty working on actual plants. In this episode, Don and John talk about repotting your houseplants as a way to ease your cabin fever, with plenty of tips on keeping your beloved plant homi…

1
Episode 43: Feeding hybrid rye to organic growing-finishing pigs. 16:06

4M ago16:06

16:06

In the podcast, Extension Swine Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Gabriella Lima who recently finished her Master of Science degree in the Department of Animal Science. Gabriella speaks about a research project she worked on. The research project was very comprehensive in what it all looked at, but specifically, Gabriella looked at the effe…

1
Episode 276 - Cracking the Coccidiosis Code: A Calf’s Story and What We Learned - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 22:36

4M ago22:36

22:36

In the first episode of 2025, Brad dives into a real-life case study of a calf that succumbed to coccidiosis at the University of Minnesota's research center. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and prevention of this parasitic disease, along with insights on how early detection and better management practices can make all the difference. This episod…

1
Episode 275 - Cows, Chaos, and Chuckles: 2024 in Review - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 27:11

4M ago27:11

27:11

Join us for The Moos Room's epic year-end wrap-up! We’re looking back at 2024’s biggest highlights, revisiting key episodes, and sharing what’s ahead for the world of agriculture. From exciting research on dairy-beef crossbreeding and agrivoltaics to breakthroughs in calf and heifer feed efficiency, methane emissions, and fatty acid profiles, we’ve…

1
At Hope Blooms, joy spreads to those who need it most, one flower at a time 44:41

4M ago44:41

44:41

It's the holidays, a time when we all could use a little bit of joy along with a reminder that there's always more we can do to spread that joy even further. In this episode, Don and John talk with Kelly Krenzel, founder of the nonprofit organization Hope Blooms, whose mission it is to repurpose flowers into arrangements that are then distributed t…

1
Episode 274 - Chillin' Through the Holidays: Beating Winter Blues and Stress on the Farm - UMN Extension's The Moos Room 25:03

4M ago25:03

25:03

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it also brings unique challenges for farmers managing livestock and family life in the depths of winter. In this episode of The Moos Room, we tackle the stress and winter blues that often accompany shorter days, colder temperatures, and holiday demands. Join us as we share practical tips for staying resi…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

University Of Minnesota Extension Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen