The BreedCast - innovative dairy breeding in your ears

Jersey cow populations across the world are booming. Their cost-effectiveness, feed efficiency, good fertility, and high solids production make them highly desirable. In effect, it’s a cow built for the dairy industry of tomorrow.But what makes Jersey milk so desirable for cheese and ice cream production? And what do Nordic genetics have to offer for American dairy farmers?To learn more and get tips on how to get the most out of your Jersey cows, we invited a Jersey breeding expert and an American dairy farmer to the studio. They share their knowledge and explain why VikingJersey milk is favoured by American cheese and ice cream producers.Guests:Peter Larson, Senior Breeding Manager for VikingJersey at VikingGeneticsTom Seals, Owner of Legendairy Farms, Oregon, and Board Director at Tillamook County CreameryHost: Tomás De La Rosa

Daughter-proven bulls have been a staple in cattle breeding for generations; they have bred many world-class bloodlines. However, with technological development, more reliable tools have become available. Today, more and more farmers use genomic solutions to fully understand their herd’s potential.So, is this why farmers are transitioning away from daughter-proven bulls toward genomic sires? And do these bulls differ in their breeding values and roles in cattle breeding?To take a deep dive into the cattle breeding of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we invited a dairy farmer and a genetics expert to share their knowledge and experiences with breeding bulls.Guests: Casper Koldkjær Pedersen, Owner and Manager at Tronsmark Holstein, DenmarkLars Nielsen, Chief Breeding & Production Officer at VikingGeneticsHost: Tomás De La Rosa

The Nordic countries have the world’s healthiest cows, supported by high production and the lowest use of antibiotics and hormones. Since the 1980s, they have focused on balancing health with production traits. The goal? Breeding long-lasting cows to make dairy farming more profitable and easier.So, how can dairy farmers effectively breed for health to improve fertility, longevity, and production? And how can better animal welfare improve your herd’s efficiency and profitability?To take a deep dive into the importance of naturally healthy cattle and get management tips for improving animal welfare on your farm, we invited two expert veterinaries to share their experience and insights on the value of breeding healthy dairy cows. Guests: Peter Raundal, Senior Specialist and Veterinary Team Leader at SEGES InnovationKasper Werner Johanssen, Supervising Veterinary at VikingGenetics.Host: Tomás De La Rosa

Holstein Friesian cows are one of the symbols of dairy farming; nearly 75% of dairy cows worldwide belong to this breed. However, many Holstein farmers who used to select traits to boost production now struggle with herd health, fertility, and cows too large to be efficient.So, how can dairy farmers effectively balance health, fertility, and longevity with milk production? And what can you do to make your Holstein herd more profitable and efficient?To take a deep dive into the breed and get management tips for having healthier, more fertile Holstein cows, we invited a dairy farmer and a breeding expert to share their experience and knowledge on all things Holstein cattle.Guests:Leo Hansen, Dairy Manager at Härjanurme Mõis, EstoniaHanna Driscoll, Product Manager for VikingHolstein at VikingGenetics.Host:Tomás De La Rosa

The world has put dairy farmers and cows under a magnifying glass. How our food is produced has never been under so much scrutiny from governments, media, and consumers.But what is the best way to inform everyday people about dairy farming? And how can journalists help by promoting the efforts of farmers?To learn more and hear great stories about dairy farmers worldwide, we invited two journalists with over 20 years of experience to share their knowledge of the press’s role in bridging the gap with consumers and boosting support for dairy farming in times of pressure.Guests:Christian Friis Hansen, Director and Senior Editor at LandbrugsMedierneChris McCullough, Freelance International Agri-journalistHost:Tomás De La Rosa