Ruminate This | Agrarian Solutions

Hosted by Scott Zehr

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Ruminate This by Agrarian Solutions is your trusted source for insights on safeguarding ruminant health for a lifetime. From tackling the hidden threats of mycotoxins to optimizing gut health, immune function, and nutrition, we break down the biggest challenges impacting animal performance and producer profitability. But it’s not just about the science—we also explore workplace culture, leadership, and people development, because a strong team drives success. Tune in the second and fourth Monday for insights, research, and real-world strategies to keep your herd and team thriving. Follow Ruminate This on your favorite podcast platform today, because healthier herds start with smarter solutions.

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60 recent

August 10, 2026Episode 7828 min

78: Rethinking Transition Cow Health

When dairy producers think about improving profitability, they often focus on the cow. But what if the biggest opportunity starts much earlier? We're excited to share this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show , where host Dr. Barry Bradford sits down with John Lawlor , dairy industry consultant, to discuss why forage quality, feed management, and system-wide thinking have a greater impact on profitability than many producers realize. From harvest decisions to feed efficiency and long-term herd performance, this conversation explores how seemingly small management choices can influence milk production, feed costs, and overall business success. In this episode: Why profitability begins before feed reaches the ration How forage quality drives feed efficiency The hidden costs of poor feed management Why system thinking improves dairy performance The importance of measuring what matters Common management decisions that quietly reduce profitability Building a more resilient dairy operation Practical ways to improve long-term return 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

July 27, 2026Episode 7743 min

77: Corn Silage Season Is Asset Management Season

Corn silage harvest is about more than filling the bunker. It is one of the biggest opportunities to protect profitability on the dairy and set the herd up for success over the coming year. In this episode of Ruminate This, Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, explains why corn silage should be managed like one of the farm's most valuable assets. He discusses how harvest timing, kernel processing, packing density, dry matter testing, storage management, and feedout strategy all influence forage quality, shrink, mycotoxin risk, feed efficiency, milk production, and components. Whether you're managing the dairy or helping producers build feeding programs, you'll gain practical insights to improve forage management, protect the value of every ton harvested, and support healthier cows, stronger performance, and better returns. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

July 13, 2026Episode 7627 min

76: Where Did the Protein Go?

A simple question from a nutritionist sparked one of the most thought-provoking conversations we've had on Ruminate This . If DON mycotoxins interfere with protein synthesis, how much milk protein could dairy cows be losing before clinical signs ever appear? In this Letters from the Field episode, Dr. Larry Roth explores the hidden cost of nutrient chaos. How mycotoxins can redirect nutrients away from production and toward defense, affecting rumen function, liver health, reproduction, immune function, and overall performance. If nutrients are being diverted from production to defense, what could that be costing your herd? 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

June 22, 2026Episode 7539 min

75: Dairy Reproduction & Mycotoxins: Hidden Threats to Pregnancy Success

How much are mycotoxins costing your dairy operation? Our own Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions and frequent guest of the Ruminate This podcast recently presented at the Wisenetix Dairy Feed Additive Summit. In the webinar, Dr. Larry Roth and host Dr. Todd Callaway discuss how the impact of mycotoxins extends far beyond feed quality concerns. From gut integrity and immune function to nutrient allocation, follicle development, and conception rates, they examine the biological and economic consequences mycotoxins can have on dairy operations. Key topics covered include: • What mycotoxins are and how they develop in feedstuffs • The most common mycotoxins affecting North American dairies, including DON, Zearalenone, T-2, Fumonisin, and Aflatoxin • Why multiple mycotoxins are increasingly common in modern dairy production • How mycotoxins damage gut integrity and increase nutrient demands on the immune system • The relationship between nutrient allocation, follicular development, and reproductive success • Research evaluating traditional mycotoxin binders and their limitations • Independent field trial results demonstrating improved pregnancy rates when using DTX™ technology from Agrarian Solutions • Practical recommendations for mycotoxin testing and mitigation strategies Dr. Roth also reviews data from a large commercial dairy trial involving more than 900 cows, highlighting significant improvements in pregnancies per service for both artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs. Whether you're a dairy producer, nutritionist, veterinarian, or consultant, this presentation provides valuable insights into protecting herd performance and maximizing reproductive efficiency in the face of mycotoxin challenges. 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

June 8, 2026Episode 7412 min

74: Why is burnout so prevalent in dairy?

After reading yet another tragic story in agriculture, Ruminate This host Scott Zehr found himself wrestling with a question he couldn't shake: Is burnout really caused by long hours, labor shortages, milk prices, and financial pressure, or is it something deeper? In this solo episode, Scott explores burnout, resilience, leadership, and the weight many dairy producers carry every day. It's a thought-provoking look at one of the dairy industry's most important challenges. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

May 25, 2026Episode 7329 min

73: Heat Stress and Inflammation in Dairy Cows

Summer heat stress in dairy cattle is about far more than fans and sprinklers. In this episode of Ruminate This , Scott Zehr and Dr. Larry Roth discuss the hidden biological effects of heat stress in dairy cows, including inflammation, leaky gut, oxidative stress, altered blood flow, and immune disruption. They also explain why heat stress should be viewed as an inflammation challenge rather than simply a temperature problem. The episode also explores how DTX™ with Livox uses probiotic technology and plant actives like curcumin, naringen, and carnosic acid to support dairy cows during periods of heat stress. Learn how internal biological support may help cows better withstand the stacked environmental insults of summer while supporting health, performance, and resilience. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

May 19, 202629 min

[Bonus Interview] The Dairy Podcast Show - Dr. Larry Roth: Mycotoxins and Dairy Gut Health

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, explains how mycotoxins affect dairy cow health, performance, and nutrient use. He outlines risk factors, testing strategies, and emerging technologies like IgY and probiotics to defend gut integrity and liver function. Get practical insights that help manage contaminated feeds and improve herd resilience. Listen now on all major platforms! What you'll learn: - Mycotoxin risk factors - Gut integrity impact - Testing strategies importance - Multiple toxins interaction - Nutrient reallocation effects 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com. 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Stay in Touch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

May 11, 2026Episode 7217 min

72: Heat Stress in Dairy Cows Isn’t Just the Problem. It’s the Multiplier

Most dairy conversations treat heat stress in dairy cows as the primary problem. But what if it is not the root cause. What if it is the multiplier? In episode 72 of Ruminate This, Scott and Dr. Larry Roth explore a different way to think about dairy heat stress. Not as an isolated challenge, but as something that amplifies underlying issues like mycotoxins, reduced dry matter intake, and marginal nutrition. They walk through how stacked stress impacts gut health, liver function, and milk production, often long before you see changes in the tank. If you are a dairy producer, nutritionist, or consultant, this episode will help you better understand how to manage heat stress and protect cow performance during high-risk periods. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

April 27, 2026Episode 7145 min

71: Forage Quality ROI: Stop Losing Money in the Bunk

In this episode of Ruminate This with Agrarian Solutions, host Scott Zehr continues the conversation with Joe Lawrence of Cornell Pro-Dairy, shifting from forage strategy to what matters most right now: return on investment. With milk prices under pressure and input costs still elevated, the margin for error is slim. This episode explores the real economics behind forage decisions—and how small missteps can erode profitability. Scott and Joe discuss: Why short-term decisions often come at a long-term cost The difference between growing tons and feeding usable tons How forage shrink can act like someone stealing 25% of your bank account if left unmanaged Why securing high-quality forage for lactating cows beats scrambling to replace it later The risk of “busy” decisions that don’t deliver financial returns This conversation redefines forage management as one of the most controllable and impactful financial levers on a dairy operation. If you're looking to navigate tight margins, reduce purchased feed, and make more confident decisions under pressure, this is a must-listen. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

April 13, 2026Episode 7042 min

70: Forage Quality Decisions That Drive Dairy Profitability

In this episode of Ruminate This with Agrarian Solutions, host Scott Zehr sits down with Joe Lawrence of Cornell Pro-Dairy to discuss one of the most critical and often underestimated drivers of dairy profitability: forage quality. As first cutting approaches, this conversation focuses on the real-world decisions dairy producers are making right now that will impact milk production, feed efficiency, and herd performance for the entire year. From harvest timing and equipment readiness to storage management and crop strategy, Scott and Joe go beyond theory and into practical application. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why first cutting can account for 40–50% of total forage yield How harvest timing, not hybrid or variety, drives forage quality The hidden cost of shrink and poor storage management on milk production Why small grains and cover crops should be strategic tools, not backup plans The difference between maximizing tons harvested vs. tons fed They also challenge assumptions around continuous corn systems, double cropping, and aligning agronomic decisions with labor and logistics on today’s dairy farms. Whether you're a dairy producer, nutritionist, agronomist, or industry professional, this episode delivers value to help you get more from your forage program. Because what goes into the bunk today determines what ends up in the tank tomorrow. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email podcast@agrsol.com . 🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcast Social Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThis YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutions Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/ Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/ Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!