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:

aroper2@utk.edu

(770) 878-0307

https://sdbii.tennessee.edu/sdbii/