Ruminate This | Agrarian Solutions

Hosted by Scott Zehr

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Latest episode

Jun 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

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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram 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/podcastStay in Touch:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram 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 costThe difference between growing tons and feeding usable tonsHow forage shrink can act like someone stealing 25% of your bank account if left unmanagedWhy securing high-quality forage for lactating cows beats scrambling to replace it laterThe risk of “busy” decisions that don’t deliver financial returnsThis 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram 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 yieldHow harvest timing, not hybrid or variety, drives forage qualityThe hidden cost of shrink and poor storage management on milk productionWhy small grains and cover crops should be strategic tools, not backup plansThe difference between maximizing tons harvested vs. tons fedThey 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

March 23, 2026Episode 6913 min

69: Cow Reproduction Is Improving… So Why Aren’t Heifers?

Dairy cow reproduction has improved significantly over the past decade, but virgin heifer reproduction has remained relatively flat. Why?In this episode of Ruminate This, Scott Zehr explores whether mycotoxins in virgin heifer TMRs could be quietly influencing heifer conception rates and dairy fertility. While dairies have made major advances in reproductive protocols, genetics, and technology, heifers may represent one of the biggest remaining opportunities for improvement.Scott explores why heifer diets are often among the least-tested rations on the farm, how multiple mycotoxins can affect immune function and hormone signaling, and why young animals may actually have less margin for error than many assume.If heifer fertility has plateaued, maybe it isn’t a protocol problem at all, maybe it’s a fundamentals problem.🎧 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

March 18, 2026Episode 6820 min

68: Why Multiple Mycotoxins in the TMR Increase Dairy Herd Risk

Multiple mycotoxins in the TMR do not just add up. They multiply damage in dairy cows.In this episode of Ruminate This, Scott Zehr and Vice President of Nutrition Dr. Larry Roth connect their previous episode discussions and explain why multiple mycotoxins in the TMR create a multiplying negative effect in dairy cows rather than a simple additive one.They discuss how common toxins such as DON, fumonisin, T-2/HT-2, and zearalenone each remove a critical layer of biological protection. Even when individual toxin levels appear “safe,” combinations can lower the cow’s ability to defend herself, regulate intake, maintain rumen integrity, and support reproduction.The episode explores high-risk toxin pairings, early warning signs such as inconsistent intake, erratic manure, milk production plateaus, and reproductive challenges, and why multiple low-level mycotoxins are often more dangerous than a single high-level exposure.📈 Get the Guide for Mycotoxins Free🎧 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

February 23, 2026Episode 6725 min

67: T-2 Exposure and Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome in Dairy

T-2 mycotoxin, often called the assassin toxin, is one of the most aggressive and overlooked feed risks in dairy production. In this episode of Ruminate This, Dr. Larry Roth explains how T-2 disrupts protein synthesis, damages the rumen and intestines, and creates serious health challenges at levels as low as 75 ppb.They connect T-2 exposure to Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS), gut integrity breakdown, and increased risk from Clostridium perfringens. The discussion also covers feed risks, including refusal management, TMR variability, and why passing down feed can increase mycotoxin exposure.🎧 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!

February 9, 2026Episode 6627 min

66: Inconsistent Herd Performance? Take A Closer Look at Fumonisin

Fumonisin is one of the most overlooked mycotoxins in dairy production, and its impact goes beyond immune suppression. In this episode, Dr. Larry Roth explains how fumonisin disrupts cell-to-cell communication in the gut (often called quorum sensing), which plays a critical role in gut integrity, immune function, liver health, and respiratory resilience. Learn why this mycotoxin is increasingly more common, why many binders fall short, and how targeted testing and smarter mitigation can help explain inconsistent herd performance.🎧 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/podcastSocial Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!