Dairy Good Dawgs

In this episode of The Dairy Good Dawgs, host Sophie Dupont is joined by Cristy Christie, founder and former owner of Black Diamond Vermicompost on California’s Central Coast. They explore the science behind vermicomposting, from the partnership between worms and microbes to the critical role of pre-composting dairy solids. Cristy discusses how this process can transform manure into a biologically active soil amendment while supporting soil health, crop production, and nutrient availability. She also shares what it takes to successfully manage a commercial system, including proper feedstock preparation, environmental control, system design, and business planning. Throughout the conversation, Cristy highlights the opportunities for collaboration between dairy producers and vermicomposters, creating new possibilities for manure management, agricultural research, and locally produced soil amendments. From understanding the biology beneath our feet to building a scalable vermicomposting operation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how worms can help turn dairy solids into a valuable agricultural resource.

In this episode of The Dairy Good Dawgs, co-hosts Dr. Jillian Bohlen and Sophie Dupont are joined by Dr. Jason Lombard, veterinarian, veterinary epidemiologist, and Dairy Systems Specialist at Colorado State University. Dr. Lombard shares his unique perspective from years of dairy practice, national animal health research, and his current work studying highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. Together, they discuss disease transmission, farm-specific biosecurity planning, and the practical challenges producers face when implementing prevention strategies. They also explore common misconceptions surrounding biosecurity, lessons learned from recent disease outbreaks, and why preparedness starts long before an outbreak occurs. Whether you're a producer, veterinarian, student, or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into protecting herd health, improving disease preparedness, and building more resilient dairy operations.

In this episode of Dairy Good Dawgs, host Sophie Dupont sat down with Farrah Newberry, the CEO of the Dairy Alliance, to discuss the organization's role in supporting dairy farmers across the Southeast and strengthening consumer confidence in dairy. Farrah shares her journey to becoming CEO and offers insight into the Dairy Alliance's mission, from nutrition education to consumer outreach and farmer promotion. We also explored how the dairy industry is evolving, the importance of effective communication, and the opportunities ahead for producers and dairy advocates alike. Whether you're involved in the dairy industry or simply interested in where your food comes from, this conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the people and programs working to advance dairy every day.  

In this episode of Dairy Good Dawgs, hosts Dr. Jillian Bohlen and Sophie Dupont sit down with Jing Gao, a Ph.D. student in the Animal and Dairy Science Department at the University of Georgia. Jing shares her journey into dairy science, what led her to pursue graduate school, and the research she is conducting as part of her doctoral program. We also discuss some of the most interesting lessons she has learned along the way, the challenges and rewards of graduate school, and her goals as she prepares for the next step in her career. Join us for a conversation highlighting the people and passion behind the research helping shape the future of the dairy industry.

In this episode of Dairy Good Dawgs, host Sophie Dupont sits down with Greg Kowalewski, manager of Aurora-Oakwood Dairy, to discuss how Nedap SmartSight camera technology is transforming hoof health monitoring and on-farm decision-making. Greg highlights how integrating data-driven tools with practical management strategies can enhance operational efficiency, improve labor utilization, and elevate animal care. He also shares his perspective on the evolving role of technology in dairy production, including the advancement of artificial intelligence and the potential shift away from reliance on wearable devices.

In this episode of Dairy Good Dawgs, co-hosts Sophie Dupont and Dr. Jillian Bohlen sit down with Ken McCarty, co-owner of McCarty Family Farms, a fourth-generation dairy farming operation. Ken shares the history of his family’s farms, discusses the role technology plays in their operation, and explains how sustainability practices can be implemented with support to remain economical. He also offers insight into how innovation continues to shape the future of their farm and the dairy industry as a whole. This episode provides an experienced-based perspective on balancing technological innovation with mindful, long-term sustainability in today's industry.

Dairy Good Dawgs co-hosts Dr. Jillian Bohlen and Sophie Dupont sat down with Animal and Dairy Science senior Kayleigh Smith to share how she found community and purpose in the University of Georgia dairy program. From student activities and competitions to defining her career path, Kayleigh reflects on the experiences that shaped her college journey. She also offers thoughtful advice for incoming students about stepping outside your comfort zone, saying yes to opportunities, and discovering your place in dairy.

Dairy Good Dawgs host Sophie Dupont sits down with Jacqi Coleman and Bridgett Hilshey from Dairy Management Inc. to dig into how DMI is supporting dairy farmers today—and preparing for what’s next. This episode explores their roles at DMI, the visions and intentions behind DMI's Dairy Navigator Platform, and upcoming tools, initiatives, and priorities DMI has planned for 2026. Whether you’re a dairy producer, or part of an allied industry working to support farmers, this conversation promotes practical resources that are all designed to strengthen the dairy community and drive long-term success.   Jacqi Coleman - [email protected] Bridgett Hilshey - [email protected]

Preparing a heifer for the show ring is a dedicated and immersive effort. Part of that is learning how nutrition, consistency, and daily care shape healthy, productive animals. In this episode of Dairy Good Dawgs, host Dr. Jillian Bohlen is joined by dairy nutritionist and dairyman Matt Mitchell for a practical, down-to-earth conversation focused on helping youth exhibitors understand the “why” behind feeding decisions. Together, they discuss age-appropriate nutrition, managing body condition, maintaining hair coat health, and creating routines that support both show readiness and long-term success. Whether you’re raising your first project calf or looking to sharpen your heifer raising skills, this episode offers valuable lessons that extend well beyond show day.   

In this episode of Dairy Good Dawgs, co-hosts Dr. Jillian Bohlen and Sophie Dupont sit down with Dr. Emmanuel Rollin from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine for an in-depth conversation on mastitis management and the judicious use of antibiotics in dairy cattle. Drawing on his experience in milk quality diagnostics and herd health, Dr. Rollins breaks down the most common mastitis pathogens seen in the Southeast, explains why antibiotics aren’t always the right first response, and walks through practical, decision-based approaches producers can use to determine when to treat and when to wait. This episode offers science-based insight and practical takeaways for producers, veterinarians, and anyone interested in responsible antibiotic use and improving udder health on today’s dairy farms.

In this episode of Dairy Good Dawgs, host Dr. Jillian Bohlen sits down with Ansley Roper, a UT Extension Specialist, for an inside look at the SDBII grant program. Ansley shares her experience working closely with producers, discusses emerging trends in agricultural investment, provides insight on the SDBII program timeline, and highlights potential pitfalls in the grant writing process. Whether you’re actively preparing to apply, or just curious about funding possibilities, this episode is packed with insight on how dairy producers can leverage SDBII funding to innovate, grow, and move their operations forward.   Ansley Roper's Contact Information:  [email protected] (770) 878-0307   https://sdbii.tennessee.edu/sdbii/    

Welcome to the Dairy Good Dawgs Podcast, a new series from the UGA Dairy Team. In this episode, Dr. Jillian Bohlen talks with her co-host Sophie Dupont, a master's student from the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia, about her journey into the dairy industry. Coming from a non-farm background, Sophie shares her experiences finding her place in agriculture, offering insight into how students like her fit into the dairy industry and how their perspectives are helping shape its future. Join our channel for this great conversation, and many more episodes to come!