- Dr. Keith Johnson: Combining Sensory and Laboratory Forage Analysis | Ep. 15
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Keith Johnson, Professor Emeritus in Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy, explains how sensory and chemical forage analysis can support cattle nutrition and health. He covers forage maturity, moisture evaluation, storage identification, undesirable plants, mold, and mycotoxin risks. Learn how practical forage assessment can reveal important factors that laboratory results alone may miss. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Sensory forage analysis combines sight, smell, and touch with laboratory testing to create a more complete assessment of forage quality and suitability."
Meet the guest: Dr. Keith Johnson is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University, where he served as a forage specialist from 1981 to 2024. He collaborated with agricultural scientists on research involving forages, taught a dual-level forage course during the last 12 years of his career, and led the development of the Purdue Forage Field Guide. He has also received multiple awards from the American Forage and Grassland Council. Learn more from Dr. Keith Johnson on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:19) Introduction
- (02:34) Sensory analysis
- (04:57) Sensory appraisal worksheet
- (06:29) Silage moisture
- (07:35) Chemical analysis
- (09:47) Canada thistle case
- (14:19) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E15 - 14m - Sep 17, 2026 - Dr. Ron Lemenager: Heat Stress in Beef Cattle | Ep. 14
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ron Lemenager, Professor and Beef Extension Specialist at Purdue University, explains how heat stress affects beef cattle performance and reproduction. He discusses the thermal comfort zone, the four pathways of heat exchange, the cattle most vulnerable to heat stress, and critical reproductive risks for cows, embryos, and bulls. Learn how producers can reduce heat load and protect cattle during challenging conditions. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Heat exposure around follicle development, breeding, and early embryo development creates vulnerable reproductive periods that can influence conception and early embryo survival."
Meet the guest: Dr. Ron Lemenager is a Professor and Beef Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal Sciences at Purdue University. His work supports beef cattle producers through extension education focused on practical nutrition and management challenges. Learn more from Dr. Ron Lemenager on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:08) Introduction
- (01:55) Thermal comfort
- (02:54) Heat exchange
- (05:38) Vulnerable cattle
- (07:24) Reproductive effects
- (10:33) Heat mitigation
- (13:19) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E14 - 13m - Sep 10, 2026 - Dr. Lisa Baxter: Harvest Timing Drives Forage Quality | Ep. 13
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Lisa Baxter from the University of Georgia explains how harvest timing shapes hay quality and feeding value. She covers optimal cutting intervals, forage testing, representative hay sampling, and matching forage quality with cattle requirements. Learn how practical forage management can improve hay production while controlling input costs. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to learn more!
"Harvest timing is the single biggest driver of forage quality, regardless of species or location."
Meet the guest: Dr. Lisa Baxter is an Associate Professor and State Forage Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia’s Tifton campus. Her work focuses on forage production and management, with an emphasis on reducing input costs, refining management strategies, and improving hay production for cattle systems. Her research and Extension efforts help producers make practical forage management decisions. Listen to Dr. Baxter on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:02) Introduction
- (02:27) Producer priorities
- (04:15) Harvest timing
- (05:37) Feeding strategy
- (07:42) Hay sampling
- (09:41) Forage testing
- (13:00) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E13 - 13m - Sep 3, 2026 - Dr. Stephen Smith: The Future of Beef Marbling - Part 2 | Ep. 12
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen Smith, retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow, continues the discussion by reflecting on nearly five decades of beef research. He explains how genetics, nutrition, and time on feed have transformed marbling, shares lessons from a career studying beef quality, and discusses why biological understanding remains essential for meaningful scientific discoveries. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Time on feed, improved nutrition, and stronger genetics remain the major drivers behind continued improvements in beef marbling and carcass quality."
Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Smith is a retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M. His work documented the development, composition, and nutritional value of marbling adipose tissue in beef cattle, including links among diet, oleic acid, and beef quality. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Smith on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:01) Introduction
- (02:01) Prime growth
- (04:33) Carcass weights
- (05:21) Research philosophy
- (06:30) Gene meaning
- (08:01) Teaching impact
- (10:56) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E12 - 11m - Aug 27, 2026 - Dr. Stephen Smith: The Impact of Finishing Diet on Beef's Nutritional Benefits - Part 1 | Ep. 11
In this episode, Dr. Stephen Smith, retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow, explains how marbling adipose tissue shapes beef quality, value, and nutritional research. He discusses the science behind fat composition, the role of glucose in marbling development, and explains why more research is needed to connect beef production strategies with human nutrition outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Longer corn feeding increases oleic acid and marbling, connecting diet strategy with beef quality, soft fat, and product value."
Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Smith is a retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M. His work documented the development, composition, and nutritional value of marbling adipose tissue in beef cattle, including links among diet, oleic acid, and beef quality. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Smith on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:02) Introduction
- (01:53) Japanese beef
- (03:22) Corn feeding
- (05:22) Marbling substrates
- (08:36) Human nutrition
- (11:00) Beef studies
- (13:02) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E11 - 12m - Aug 20, 2026 - Dr. Patrick Davis: Winter Cow Nutrition | Ep. 10
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Patrick Davis from the University of Missouri explains how cow-calf producers can prepare cows nutritionally for winter, calving, and rebreeding. He discusses body condition targets, stockpiled fescue, weaning timing, and practical strategies to help improve herd performance while making efficient use of available feed resources. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Mature cows should be around body condition score five to six at calving so they can enter breeding in good energy status."
Meet the guest: Dr. Patrick Davis is Assistant Extension Professional, Livestock Specialist, and Cedar County Program Director at the University of Missouri. He holds a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his work supports livestock producers across southwest and west central Missouri, with a focus on beef cattle nutrition, reproduction, forage management, and practical cow-calf operations. Learn more from Dr. Patrick Davis on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:15) Introduction
- (01:57) Winter preparation
- (02:35) Body condition
- (03:15) Forage resources
- (04:21) Calving targets
- (05:28) Weaning decisions
- (08:33) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E10 - 8m - Aug 13, 2026 - Dr. Jay Nair: Feed-Efficient Bulls | Ep. 09
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jay Nair, Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, explains how feed efficiency selection may affect young breeding bulls. He discusses residual feed intake, smart feed systems, feeding behavior, sperm motility, breeding soundness evaluations, and ongoing research evaluating whether efficient bulls can improve herd performance without compromising fertility. Listen now on all major platforms.
"Selecting feed-efficient bulls can reduce feed use while maintaining growth, but reproductive performance must remain a priority during breeding decisions."
Meet the guest: Dr. Jayakrishnan Nair is an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His background spans ruminant nutrition, cattle research, and veterinary practice, with a PhD and MS from the University of Saskatchewan. Learn more from Dr. Nair on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (02:10) Introduction
- (03:01) Feed efficiency
- (04:35) Bull impact
- (07:17) Smart feed
- (09:32) Intake behavior
- (11:46) Breeding soundness
- (15:02) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
- Elevate
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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E9 - 14m - Aug 6, 2026 - Dr. Stephen Boyles: Beef Cow Nutrition in the Third Trimester | Ep. 08
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen Boyles, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, explains why nutrition during the final trimester matters in cow-calf systems. He discusses fetal growth, colostrum quality, postpartum interval, body condition score, calving distribution, and practical supplementation strategies. Dr. Boyles also explains why excess corn can reduce forage digestibility and why fiber or protein supplements may better support forage-based systems. Listen now on all major platforms!
"About two-thirds of fetal growth occurs in the last trimester, so nutrition affects calf growth, colostrum quality, and postpartum interval."
Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Boyles is Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University. His extension work focuses on Beef Quality Assurance, animal handling, facility design, environmental assessments, and animal welfare audits. He received the 2021 National Beef Quality Assurance Educator of the Year award and holds a PhD from Kansas State University. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Boyles on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:54) Introduction
- (02:42) Late gestation
- (02:43) Fetal growth
- (03:21) Postpartum interval
- (05:09) Cow economics
- (07:06) Body condition
- (10:44) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
- WiseVAs
- Elevate
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E8 - 9m - Jul 30, 2026 - Hunter Perez: E. coli Shedding and Forage | Ep. 07
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Hunter Perez, PhD student and Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Georgia, discusses research on reducing E.coli shedding in beef cattle through abrupt dietary changes before harvest. He explains how forage quality influences outcomes, highlights potential food safety benefits for local beef production, and shares future research on hair shedding genetics and cattle performance. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to learn more!
"Low-quality forage decreased E. coli shedding the most, but practical nutrition strategies still need to identify which forage characteristics drive that response."
Meet the guest: Hunter Perez is a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia. His work focuses on ruminant nutrition, rumen microbiology, cattle production, and dietary strategies that influence animal health, microbial dynamics, and production efficiency. Learn more from Hunter Perez on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:56) Introduction
- (02:37) Research relevance
- (03:01) E. coli shedding
- (03:58) Shift timing
- (04:37) Forage quality
- (05:18) Rumen response
- (09:33) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
- WiseVAs
- Elevate
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E7 - 8m - Jul 23, 2026 - Dr. Jordan Adams: Feed Management for Beef Sustainability | Ep. 06
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jordan Adams, from Texas A&M University, explains how feed management connects nutrient use, profitability, and environmental stewardship in beef systems. She discusses practical strategies, forage testing, precision technologies, and the USDA NRCS feed management initiative to support more efficient beef cattle operations. Listen now on all major platforms!
“The easiest thing that producers can do is test their feed and forages. You can't manage what you don't measure.”
Meet the guest: Dr. Jordan Adams earned a B.S. from Texas A&M University, an M.S. in Animal Sciences from Oklahoma State University, and a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from Texas A&M University. She is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M AgriLife, focusing on beef cattle nutrition and feed management. Listen to Dr. Jordan Adams on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:30) Introduction
- (02:04) Feed management
- (03:28) Nutrient goals
- (04:05) Sustainability impact
- (05:15) Practical strategies
- (06:35) Precision management
- (07:51) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
- Elevate
- WiseVAs
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E6 - 7m - Jul 16, 2026 - Dr. Clint Krehbiel: Receiving Calf Health and Feedlot Performance | Ep. 05
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Clint Krehbiel, from Texas Tech University, explains why high-risk calves still challenge receiving programs. He discusses transportation, commingling, feed familiarity, high-quality roughage, preconditioning, and the need for continued research on morbidity and performance. Dr. Krehbiel also explains how early management decisions can help calves adapt after weaning and shipping. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Rest after transportation and high-quality roughage can help high-risk calves find water, relax, and move toward the feed bunk sooner."
Meet the guest: Dr. Clint Krehbiel is Dean of the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University. He earned a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has dedicated his career to beef cattle nutrition, calf health, nutrient utilization, and receiving cattle management. Learn more from Dr. Clint Krehbiel on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:41) Introduction
- (02:45) Career path
- (03:56) Transportation stress
- (05:55) Risk factors
- (07:16) Receiving nutrition
- (09:10) Preconditioning value
- (12:48) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
- Elevate
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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E5 - 12m - Jul 9, 2026 - Dr. Amanda Grev: Integrating Annual Forages into Grazing Systems | Ep. 04
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Amanda Grev from the University of Maryland explains how annual forages can improve grazing systems by increasing pasture productivity, supporting animal performance, and extending grazing seasons. She discusses managing summer slump, renovating underperforming pastures, improving forage quality, and using annuals to maintain forage availability during dry periods while giving perennial stands time to recover. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to read the full research article!
"Annual forages can produce a lot of forage in a short amount of time while maintaining strong protein and energy values."
Meet the guest: Dr. Amanda Grev is the Forage Extension Specialist at the University of Maryland. Her work supports forage producers, livestock owners, and industry professionals through research and Extension programming in forage production and pasture management. She holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota. Learn more from Dr. Amanda Grev on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:21) Introduction
- (02:31) Annual forages
- (03:05) Forage benefits
- (04:11) Pasture renovation
- (05:27) Animal performance
- (07:56) Grazing days
- (09:30) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E4 - 9m - Jul 2, 2026 - Dr. John Richeson: Managing Stress in Feedlot Calves | Ep. 03
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. John Richeson from West Texas A&M University explores the impact of stress on the health and performance of beef cattle. He explains how stress affects feed intake, immune function, cattle adaptation, and BRD persistence in high-risk calves. Dr. Richeson also discusses the role of commingling and chronic stress in shaping health and performance outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Pro-inflammatory cytokines produced during stress have a massive impact on intake because they directly promote anorexia in stressed animals."
Meet the guest: Dr. John Richeson is the Paul Engler Professor of Beef Cattle Feedlot Management and Professor of Animal Science at West Texas A&M University. His work focuses on cattle health, performance, welfare, feedlot management, and stress-related immune responses in newly received cattle. He holds a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Arkansas. Learn more about cattle stress management with Dr. John Richeson on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:21) Introduction
- (02:06) Stress definition
- (02:42) Commingling stress
- (05:12) Intake suppression
- (07:57) BRD persistence
- (09:32) Vaccination response
- (12:37) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E3 - 12m - Jun 25, 2026 - Dr. Ron Lemenager: Smarter Fly Control Strategies | Ep. 02
In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ron Lemenager, Professor and Extension Beef Specialist at Purdue University, explains practical fly control for beef cattle. He discusses horn flies, face flies, premise sanitation, insecticide resistance, feed-through products, ear tags, and emerging vaccine and genetic approaches. Dr. Lemenager also discusses how climate and management practices affect fly pressure across different production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to read the full research article!
"Horn flies create major economic pressure because blood feeding occurs many times daily, reducing cattle comfort and overall production efficiency across beef cattle systems."
Meet the guest: Dr. Ron Lemenager is a Professor and Extension Beef Specialist at Purdue University, where he conducts applied research and creates education programs for the beef industry. He has more than 40 years of experience in beef cattle management and production systems. Research and extension efforts have focused on practical solutions for cattle health, nutrition, and production efficiency across diverse operations. Learn more about fly control strategies with Dr. Ron Lemenager on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:26) Introduction
- (02:38) Types of flies
- (04:18) Horn flies
- (04:45) Control methods
- (06:52) Ear tag rotation
- (08:46) Other fly control options
- (11:10) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E2 - 11m - Jun 18, 2026 - Dr. Dale Blasi: Program Feeding Beef Calves | Ep. 01
Welcome to the very first episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, your go-to source for practical, science-based conversations about beef cattle nutrition. I'm Dr. Travis Mulliniks, your host, and the goal is to bring clear, straight-to-the-point discussions with leading nutrition researchers and industry professionals, translating the latest nutrition science into practical feeding decisions.
In this episode, Dr. Dale Blasi, Professor and Extension Beef Specialist at Kansas State University, shares the latest research on limit feeding strategies for post-weaning cattle management. He discusses program feeding, co-product use, diet composition, bunk management, and practical applications to reduce feed waste and improve beef cattle performance. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to read the full research article!
"Program feeding allows cattle growth targets to align with changing market conditions while improving feed efficiency and reducing unnecessary feed use."
Meet the guest: Dr. Dale Blasi is a Professor and Extension Beef Specialist at Kansas State University and serves as Faculty Coordinator for the KSU Beef Stocker Unit and Doug Laue Feedyard. His work focuses on beef cattle nutrition, post-weaning management, feed efficiency, and practical production systems that support performance under changing environmental and market conditions. He holds a PhD in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Learn more about limit feeding strategies with Dr. Dale Blasi on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!
What will you learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:21) Introduction
- (01:57) Stocker unit
- (03:06) Program feeding
- (05:43) Drought planning
- (10:18) Feed efficiency
- (11:40) Feeding requirements
- (16:02) Closing thoughts
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E1 - 16m - Jun 11, 2026 - Welcome to Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast!
What if just 9 minutes could change the way you think about beef cattle nutrition? Top expert insights, no fluff.
The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is almost here. Are you ready to level up?
Subscribe now and don’t miss a single episode.
S1 - 0m - Jun 4, 2026
