AK Podcast

In this episode, Mike Donaldson talks with Vance Crowe about the role communication plays in leadership, relationships, and agriculture.Vance explains how interest-based communication helps people better understand motivations, reduce unnecessary conflict, and improve conversations in both professional and personal settings. The discussion covers listening skills, negotiation strategies, and the importance of curiosity when navigating disagreements.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

What should producers be doing differently in 2026? In this episode, a panel of Agri-King experts cuts through the noise on spring planting, livestock management, and market trends. From smarter crop rotations to nutrition strategies and emerging market opportunities, this is a grounded, real-world look at what’s working—and what’s not—across the U.S.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson and Jason Alsum, delve into the critical aspects of livestock nutrition and forage management. They discuss the importance of timely harvesting, the balance between quality and quantity in forage production, and the impact of digestibility on livestock health and productivity. The conversation emphasizes the financial implications of forage management decisions, highlighting how proper techniques can lead to significant cost savings and improved profitability for dairy farmers. The episode concludes with actionable insights for producers to enhance their forage management practices.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

This episode explores the physiological effects of heat stress on dairy cattle, its long-term impacts, and nutritional strategies to mitigate these effects. Dr. Marcus Kehrli shares insights on managing heat stress to improve animal health and productivity.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

This episode explores the groundbreaking research on the long-term and multi-generational impacts of heat stress on dairy cows, focusing on epigenetic changes and their economic implications. Dr. Marcus Kehrli shares insights into how heat stress affects gene expression, fetal development, and future productivity, emphasizing the importance of mitigation strategies.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the intricacies of calf and heifer management with Dr. Adam Geiger. They delve into the critical aspects of the weaning process, feeding strategies, and the importance of monitoring calf health and growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper nutrition, the balance between grain and hay, and the significance of water intake during weaning. Dr. Geiger shares insights on how to effectively manage calves post-weaning to ensure their health and productivity in the future.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the critical aspects of calf care and management with Dr. Adam Geiger. They explore the importance of early calf care, feeding consistency, and the role of environment in calf health. The conversation delves into the nutritional needs of calves, the significance of water quality, and the transition from milk to solid feed. They also address the impact of housing and socialization on calf development, emphasizing the need for proper management practices to ensure healthy growth and development.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson and Dr. Adam Geiger discuss the critical aspects of dairy nutrition and calf management, focusing on the first 48 hours of a calf's life. They emphasize the importance of colostrum management, including testing water quality, dipping navels, and ensuring a clean environment. The conversation also introduces the five cues of colostrum management, which are essential for ensuring the health and productivity of calves.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson engages with Dr. Marcus Kehrli, who shares his extensive background in veterinary medicine and animal agriculture. The discussion focuses on the increasing prevalence of mycotoxins in livestock feed, their impact on animal health, and strategies for prevention and management. Dr. Kehrli emphasizes the importance of understanding the signs of mycotoxin exposure, the need for testing feedstuffs, and the role of proper agricultural practices in mitigating risks. The conversation highlights the complexity of mycotoxin issues and the necessity for ongoing research and awareness in the field.Dr. Kehrli references an article by Cathryn A Bandyke: | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590286524001204?via%3Dihub🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson, Brett Mortensen, and Jason Alsum discuss the forage year of 2025, exploring the challenges and successes in hay production, corn silage trends, and innovations in livestock nutrition. The conversation highlights the resilience of farmers, the impact of global markets on the hay industry, and the importance of adapting to changing agricultural practices. The guests share insights on the current state of the dairy market, the effects of winter kill on alfalfa, and the advancements in Silo-King products that aim to improve efficiency and reduce carbon loss in farming.To get in contact with either Jason or Bret here are their emails:Jason Alsum: [email protected] Mortensen: [email protected]🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson and guest Kory Lauridsen from Performance Livestock Analytics discuss the evolution of livestock management, focusing on the importance of data and technology in modern farming. They explore the features and benefits of Performance Beef, a cloud-based software that automates operational records for cattle feeding, health, and financials. The conversation highlights real-time data tracking, success stories from producers, and the integration of financial insights to enhance decision-making in cattle operations. Kory also introduces additional tools like Cattle Krush, which aids in market analysis for cattle purchases. The episode concludes with insights on how technology is transforming the livestock industry and the importance of collaboration between producers and advisors.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses dairy nutrition and forage management with Joe Sparrow, a nutrition consultant at Agri-King. They explore the shift from traditional alfalfa to small grains in dairy diets, the advantages of using small grains, and the importance of digestible fiber. Joe shares insights on creating the ideal dairy diet, the unique challenges faced by dairymen in the southern U.S., and Agri-King's innovative approach to nutrition. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability in dairy farming and the pursuit of optimal cow comfort and nutrition.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

Mike Donaldson and Dr. Dave Jones discuss the critical aspects of livestock care management, focusing on the nutritional and environmental factors that contribute to animal stress. They explore how stress impacts dairy cows, the long-term effects of maternal stress on offspring, and the role of antioxidants in combating stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, social interactions, and environmental conditions in maintaining animal welfare and productivity.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson and Fredy Urquia delve into the intricacies of dairy nutrition and management. They discuss various approaches to nutrition programs based on geographical differences, focusing on corn silage and alfalfa as key components of dairy rations. Fredy shares his extensive experience in the dairy industry, particularly in Idaho and Mexico, highlighting the challenges of sourcing quality forage and the importance of adapting nutrition strategies to available resources. The conversation also touches on the implications of using BMR corn silage and the unique challenges faced by dairymen in Mexico, where water scarcity and high feed costs complicate operations. The episode concludes with insights into creating ideal rations for dairy cows, emphasizing the need for quality over quantity in forage production.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

Mike Donaldson discusses the essential preparations for corn silage harvest with Justin Monson. They cover topics such as determining when corn is ready for harvest, the importance of community engagement through chipper days, safety considerations, equipment maintenance, and the significance of kernel processing for feed quality. The conversation highlights the importance of thorough planning and meticulous execution to ensure a successful harvest and high-quality livestock feed.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson discusses the advancements in dairy farming with Hannah Lansing. They explore the importance of data and technology in managing dairy farms, the key performance indicators that determine farm success, and the future trends in dairy technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for accurate record-keeping and the role of nutrition consulting in improving farm productivity. Hannah shares her experiences and insights on how data can transform dairy farming practices, leading to healthier cows and more profitable operations.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discuss the critical importance of cow comfort in dairy farming with expert Chris Keane from Promat (www.promatinc.com/). They explore the design and management of dairy barns, the impact of cow comfort on milk production, and innovative solutions for improving cow welfare. Chris shares real-life success stories and emphasizes the need for proper barn design to ensure cows can lie down comfortably and get up naturally. The conversation highlights the economic benefits of investing in cow comfort and the various mattress options available for dairy farmers.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the importance of goal setting with Shawn Mennenga, who shares his unique perspective on achieving goals through S.M.A.R.T. criteria and the impact of daily habits. They explore the role of coaching, the significance of neutral thinking in overcoming setbacks, and the mindset required for success. Shawn provides practical examples from sports and agriculture, emphasizing the need for small, actionable steps to reach larger goals. The conversation highlights the importance of evaluating progress and focusing on daily tasks to achieve long-term success.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this conversation, Mike and Parker Snider delve into the intricacies of robotic milking systems, discussing the differences between free flow and controlled flow setups, the challenges and considerations of retrofitting existing barns versus new constructions, and the importance of cow comfort and data utilization in managing robotic systems. They also explore feeding strategies and the future of robotics in dairy farming, emphasizing the need for careful planning and adaptation to ensure success in this evolving industry.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

 In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the critical issue of heat stress in dairy cows with expert Don Sanders. They explore the signs of heat stress, effective cooling strategies, and the importance of adjusting rations to ensure cow health and productivity during the hot summer months. The conversation emphasizes the long-term impacts of heat stress on dairy cows and their offspring, highlighting the need for proactive management to maintain animal welfare and farm profitability.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the advancements in robotic milking technology with Parker Snider from Agri-King. They explore the evolution of robotic milking, its adoption trends in the U.S., and the benefits of automation in dairy farming. Parker shares insights on how robotic systems can improve cow management and the importance of data in making informed decisions. The conversation also touches on the return on investment for farmers considering robotic systems and Parker's personal journey into the world of robotics.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson engages with Brett Mortenson, a Regional Manager at Agri-King, to discuss the intricacies of commercial hay growing. They explore the evolution of hay production, the dynamics of the export market, and the innovative Silo-King Hay product that enhances hay quality. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by hay producers, the importance of quality versus quantity, and the future outlook for the hay market amidst changing economic conditions.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the importance of effective forage management with Jason Alsum, Agri-King's Director of Silo King. They explore the significance of corn silage, the need for proper planning and equipment readiness, and the impact of timing and quality on forage harvesting. Jason emphasizes the importance of digestibility in feed and how it directly affects dairy profitability. The conversation highlights the necessity of continuous improvement in farming practices and the financial benefits of managing forage effectively. 🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, Mike Donaldson discusses the challenges of managing flies and worms in livestock care with Dr. Adrian Baker. They explore the economic impact of these pests, effective deworming strategies, and the importance of pasture management. The conversation also covers innovative fly control methods, the significance of maintaining a clean environment, and the necessity of consistent treatment for livestock health. The episode emphasizes the collaborative effort required in livestock management to ensure optimal animal health and productivity.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of AK Podcasts, Mike Donaldson discuss the critical role of fats in dairy cattle nutrition with Dr. Dave Jones. They explore the significance of fats as a concentrated energy source, the differences between bypass and non-bypass fats, and the innovative use of Plenish soybeans in enhancing milk fat production. The conversation also delves into the impact of enzymes on fat digestion and the practical considerations for managing fats in dairy rations.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson and Grace Thomas discuss the intricacies of ruminant nutrition, focusing on the role of carbohydrates in livestock diets. Grace, an Agri-King Nutritionist from the UK, joins Mike to explore how different carbohydrate sources—such as grains and forages—impact animal health and diet balancing.Their conversation delves into the importance of processing grains for optimal digestion, managing carbohydrate levels to prevent acidosis, and the role of enzymes in enhancing nutrient availability. They also touch on emerging trends in carbohydrate sources for livestock feed and what the future may hold for ruminant nutrition.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson and Dr. Dan Schauff discuss the critical role of nutrition in livestock management, focusing on the importance of energy and fiber in ruminant diets. They elaborate on the energy needs of dairy cows, the significance of fiber, and the impact of forage quality on overall animal health and production. The conversation also touches on non-forage fiber sources and the evolution of nutritional strategies in livestock care.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, host Mike Donaldson is joined by Dr. Luke Koester and Dr. Adrian Baker from Agri-King to explore the fascinating world of ruminants. They discuss the unique digestive system of ruminants, including the four compartments of their stomach, the crucial role of microbes in digestion, and the importance of forage quality. The conversation also touches on the innovative use of artificial rumen technology to analyze feed and improve livestock nutrition. The episode concludes with reflections on the significance of ruminants in agriculture and their ability to convert low-quality feed into valuable nutrients.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson discuss the current state of avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain affecting cattle, with expert Dr. Marcus Kehrli. The conversation covers Dr. Kehrli's extensive background in animal health, the history and evolution of avian influenza, its implications for cattle health, and the importance of biosecurity measures for dairy farmers. The episode emphasizes the need for ongoing research and vigilance in preventing the spread of this virus among livestock.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson is again with Don Sanders to discuss the critical aspects of improving component efficiency in dairy farming. They explore the importance of cow comfort, forage quality, and genetics, emphasizing how these factors contribute to better milk production and profitability. The conversation also delves into the significance of soil health and the role of enzymes in enhancing digestion. Listeners will learn how to calculate component efficiency and identify common challenges faced by dairy farmers. The episode concludes with actionable advice for improving efficiency and the importance of teamwork in achieving success in dairy management.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson and Don Sanders delve into the evolving metrics of dairy farming, focusing on the importance of feed efficiency and component efficiency. They discuss the significant shift in the dairy market, where the demand for milk components like butterfat and protein has become more critical than the volume of milk produced. The conversation highlights the economic advantages of optimizing dairy operations and the potential for carbon credits as a byproduct of improved efficiencies. Don shares his extensive experience in the industry, emphasizing the need for dairy farmers to adapt to these changes for better profitability and sustainability.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK podcast, Chris Radke and Mike Donaldson discuss the often-overlooked importance of water in livestock nutrition with Dr. Dave Jones. They explore various aspects of water management, including daily practices, the significance of water temperature, quality issues, and the impact of pH and minerals. The conversation emphasizes the need for regular water testing and monitoring to ensure the health and productivity of livestock. 🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode of the AK Podcast, Mike Donaldson and guest Dr. James Coomer discuss the increasing concern over toxins, specifically mycotoxins, in livestock nutrition. They explore the sources of these toxins, their impact on animal health, and the importance of testing for their presence in feed. Dr. Coomer shares insights on the symptoms of toxin exposure in livestock, the differences in toxin effects between dairy and beef cattle, and strategies for managing these toxins in feed. The conversation also highlights the role of Agri-King's AKMC product in addressing mycotoxin challenges and offers a future outlook on the ongoing issues related to toxins in livestock nutrition.TakeawaysToxins, specifically mycotoxins, are a growing concern in livestock nutrition.Mycotoxins are produced by molds and fungi as a protective mechanism.The ability to detect and test for mycotoxins has significantly improved.Mold growth requires moisture, appropriate temperatures, and oxygen.Stress on molds can lead to toxin production.Symptoms of toxin exposure include reproductive issues and reduced immune response.Testing for mycotoxins should start with the Total Mixed Ration (TMR).Dairy cows are more susceptible to toxins due to higher stress levels.AKMC is a product designed to help manage mycotoxins in livestock feed.Future solutions may involve developing fungicides that target mycotoxin-producing molds.🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, we chat with Jason Alsum, a member of Agri-King's Sales Management Team and Director of Silo-King Business.  Jason shares insights on the 2024 forage year and offers a glimpse into what's ahead for 2025.  🎙️ AK Podcast Insights 🔍 Exploring the latest in livestock nutrition, science and beyond with the best and the brightest in the business.  Brought to you by Agri-King, an animal nutrition company based in Fulton, Illinois.💬 Follow us for more!📸 Instagram and facebook | X | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌐 agriking.com/📧 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at [email protected].