The Beef Podcast Show

Don Scarrow: Potato Waste for Finishing Cattle | Ep. 163

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Don Scarrow, a feedlot owner and operator, shares how he finishes cattle while using potato waste as his main starch source. He explains the challenges he faced early on with bloat and acidosis-related losses and the strategies that helped stabilize rumen health and improve consistency. Don also discusses diet structure, carcass results, and practical management insights from his operation. Listen now on all major platforms! "The manure looked almost boiling with acidic bubbles, and the high potato diet stayed on a razor edge until the added support product restored firmer manure and calmer rumen activity." Meet the guest: Don Scarrow is a feedlot owner and operator from Idaho who finishes cattle and sells to a beef packer as part of an all-natural feeding and marketing program. His experience centers on using potato waste as a primary starch source while managing acidosis, bloat, feed efficiency, and carcass grading outcomes.  Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+beef+podcast+show] What you will learn: * (00:00) Highlight * (01:59) Introduction * (05:49) Potato feeding * (13:05) Acidosis insights * (17:35) Product benefits * (19:19) Feeding management * (23:49) Operational strategies * (29:59) Final three questions The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Pro Earth Animal Health [https://proearthanimalhealth.com/] * Applied Biotechnologies [https://applied-biotechnologies.com/] * Lallemand [https://chooselevucellsc.com/] - DietForge [https://dietforge.ai/] - dsm-firmenich [https://dsm-firmenich.com/VictusTransition] - Virbac [https://vet-us.virbac.com/cattle] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/beefpodcast] Instagram: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/beefpodcast/] LinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/86453620/admin/feed/posts/]

Dr. Gastón Alfaro: Improving Knowledge Transfer | Ep. 162

In this episode, we close the year with a special conversation featuring Dr. Gastón Alfaro from the National University of Córdoba, bringing insights to plan the year ahead with stronger strategies by overcoming challenges of knowledge transfer in beef production. He explains the key barriers in sharing information, how learning is shifting across generations, and what truly improves communication on beef operations. A timely wrap up to finish the year with clarity and start the next one prepared. Listen now on all major platforms! "Hands on exposure to cattle and production environments remains essential for building real understanding of beef systems." Meet the guest: Dr. Gastón Alfaro [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaston-federico-alfaro/] is an Assistant Professor of Beef Production at the National University of Córdoba in Argentina, where he leads teaching and research in ruminant nutrition, physiology, and behavior. He also consults for more than 20 beef operations, optimizing diets and management strategies to improve productivity and efficiency. His work focuses on practical, science-based solutions that strengthen decision making across beef production systems. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+beef+podcast+show] What you will learn: * (00:00) Highlight * (01:33) Introduction * (05:20) Knowledge transfer barriers * (12:03) Engaging young professionals * (16:10) Adapting teaching methods * (18:57) Value of hands on * (27:19) Practical adoption examples * (40:01) Final three questions The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Applied Biotechnologies [https://applied-biotechnologies.com/] * Lallemand [https://chooselevucellsc.com/] * Pro Earth Animal Health [https://proearthanimalhealth.com/] - Virbac [https://vet-us.virbac.com/cattle] - dsm-firmenich [https://dsm-firmenich.com/VictusTransition] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/beefpodcast] Instagram: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/beefpodcast/] LinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/86453620/admin/feed/posts/]

Dr. Megan Van Emon: Winter Nutrition for Cattle | Ep. 161

In this special Christmas episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Megan Van Emon from Montana State University shares timely winter nutrition strategies for beef herds as producers enter the coldest months of the year. She discusses forage quality, smart supplementation planning, body condition scoring, snow use in grazing systems, and how cold stress shifts nutrient needs during late gestation. Get practical guidance to keep your herd productive and well-prepared through the holiday season and the winter ahead. Listen now on all major platforms! "Cold exposure during northern winters sharply increases energy needs, making strategic planning essential for maintaining adequate nutrition." Meet the guest: Dr. Megan Van Emon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-van-emon-4a633266/] serves as the Extension Beef Cattle Specialist and Associate Professor at Montana State University. With expertise in ruminant nutrition, mineral management, and applied beef cattle production, her work supports producers across Montana through research and outreach. She focuses on practical winter nutrition, supplementation decisions, and herd management challenges in harsh climates.  Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+beef+podcast+show] What you will learn: * (00:00) Highlight * (01:47) Introduction * (04:32) Winter nutrition * (06:15) Supplementation options * (14:22) Body condition * (19:15) Grazing management * (22:37) Drinking patterns * (28:26) Final three questions The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Pro Earth Animal Health [https://proearthanimalhealth.com/] * Applied Biotechnologies [https://applied-biotechnologies.com/] * Lallemand [https://chooselevucellsc.com/] - Virbac [https://vet-us.virbac.com/cattle] - dsm-firmenich [https://dsm-firmenich.com/VictusTransition] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/beefpodcast] Instagram: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/beefpodcast/] LinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/86453620/admin/feed/posts/]

Dr. Cecilia Rocha: Artificial Intelligence and Estrus Detection | Ep. 160

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Cecilia Rocha from the University of Missouri unpacks strategies for improving reproductive success in beef cattle operations. She explains the critical role of estrus detection, precision breeding, and the use of artificial intelligence tools, such as accelerometers and pedometers. Learn how early heat detection and synchronization protocols can significantly impact pregnancy rates. Tune in on all major platforms to enhance your reproductive management strategies. "60% of your cows that show heat will become pregnant, and 20% of your cows that don't show heat will become pregnant." Meet the guest: Dr. Cecilia Rocha [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-constantino-rocha-075065117/?originalSubdomain=br] is an Assistant Research Professor in livestock systems at the University of Missouri. She earned her DVM from Santa Catarina Federal University, her M.S. from the University of Sao Paulo, and completed her Ph.D. at the University of Florida. Her current research focus is on artificial intelligence for estrus detection in beef operations, puberty attainment in beef heifers, and artificial insemination using gene-edited semen to optimize calf development. Click here to learn more: MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center  [https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestREEC/] Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+beef+podcast+show] What you will learn: * (00:00) Highlight * (01:50) Introduction * (13:20) Estrus detection precision * (16:58) Heat expression importance * (23:00) AI breeding technologies * (27:50) Synchronization protocol insights * (33:25) Artificial intelligence tools * (37:10) Final three questions The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Lallemand [https://chooselevucellsc.com/] * Pro Earth Animal Health [https://proearthanimalhealth.com/] * Applied Biotechnologies [https://applied-biotechnologies.com/] - dsm-firmenich [https://dsm-firmenich.com/VictusTransition] - Virbac [https://vet-us.virbac.com/cattle] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/beefpodcast] Instagram: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/beefpodcast/] LinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/86453620/admin/feed/posts/]

Dr. Blaine Ellison: 21-Day Cortisol Surge | Ep. 159

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Blaine Ellison from Applied Biotechnologies explains the origin of the 21-day cortisol surge and why it remains a major challenge for beef cattle health and performance. He breaks down how this stress response disrupts glucose use, masks early illness, and drives setbacks for high-risk cattle. Dr. Ellison also shares insights from five years of research that led to a nutritional tool designed to neutralize this surge and support meaningful paybacks for producers. Listen now on all major platforms. "Neutralizing the cortisol surge allows cattle to maintain positive performance instead of losing ground during the first weeks." Meet the guest: Dr. Blaine Ellison is president of Applied Biotechnologies and has served the cattle industry as a veterinarian for 45 years. His background spans dairy and beef consulting, technical service, and decades of work with cattle metabolism and stress physiology. His recent focus centers on understanding and managing the 21-day cortisol surge in high-risk beef and dairy cattle. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! [https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+beef+podcast+show] What you will learn: * (00:00) Highlight * (01:49) Introduction * (04:44) Cortisol surge basics * (12:19) Glucose use shift * (16:54) Managing stress events * (22:49) QFA feeding approach * (32:39) Payback outcomes * (39:31) Final three questions The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Applied Biotechnologies [https://applied-biotechnologies.com/] * Lallemand [https://chooselevucellsc.com/] * Pro Earth Animal Health [https://proearthanimalhealth.com/] - dsm-firmenich [https://dsm-firmenich.com/VictusTransition] - Virbac [https://vet-us.virbac.com/cattle] 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.wisenetix.com/beefpodcast] Instagram: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.instagram.com/beefpodcast/] LinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/86453620/admin/feed/posts/]