Gail Carpenter: You can’t outfeed bad management

Gail Carpenter: You can’t outfeed bad management

Author: Progressive Dairy editors September 9, 2025 Duration: 57:46

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, Gail Carpenter, who is an assistant professor and state dairy specialist at Iowa State University, and host Kimmi Devaney discuss a variety of topics ranging from dairy nutrition, reproduction, silage management and advice for dairy youth.

Visit the Iowa State Extension Dairy Team website for resources.

Here is an episode overview:

  1. [~0:55] Meet Gail Carpenter
  2. [~2:45] “You can’t outfeed bad management” and back to basics on stocking density, cow comfort, water trough management and more
  3. [~10:30] Research: the impact of molasses supplementation on sorting with transition cows 
  4. [~13:45] Strategies to improve fiber digestion
  5. [~15:05] Silage: disease pressure and silage inventory 
  6. [~17:35] Considerations for silage season
  7. [~19:30] Planning for the 2026 silage season 
  8. [~20:35] Heifer performance strategies 
  9. [~24:20] Tips to reduce involuntary culling 
  10. [~28:00] Top challenges Carpenter is hearing from producers 
  11. [~31:50] Greatest opportunities for dairy producers right now 
  12. [~36:35] What Carpenter is most excited about with the next generation of the dairy industry 
  13. [~39:15] The collegiate dairy activities that had the greatest impact on her and set her up for success in her career 
  14. [~34:10] Carpenter’s advice for students and young people interested in a dairy career
  15. [~50:55] Rapid-fire questions

For those who live and work in the world of milk production, the day doesn’t stop for a deep dive into industry news. That’s where the Progressive Dairy Podcast comes in, extending the trusted editorial voice of the magazine into an audio format you can take anywhere. Hosted by the Progressive Dairy editors, this series is crafted specifically for U.S. dairy producers and the network of professionals who support them. Think of it as a conversation with well-informed colleagues, breaking down the latest trends, operational strategies, and business insights that matter at the farm gate and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward discussions that translate complex topics into actionable advice, whether the subject is herd health, market dynamics, sustainability practices, or technology adoption. Released every other Tuesday, each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, providing a dose of relevant information during a morning commute or an afternoon walk. It’s more than just a business podcast; it’s a practical resource built on the same foundation of reliability that readers have come to expect, now available for your ears instead of your eyes. Tune in to stay informed and connected to the pulse of the dairy industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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