Winter is here, and calf care is top of mind for dairy farmers everywhere. In this episode of the Hoard’s Dairyman Podcast, Managing Editor Kylene Anderson sits down with Bethany Dado-Senn — Calf and Heifer Specialist at Vita Plus and part of her family’s dairy — for a practical, honest look at what really works when raising calves through cold snaps and heat waves.

Bethany draws on both research and real-world experience to break down the essentials:
• What a strong colostrum program actually looks like
• Why that second (and even third) colostrum feeding matters more than many think
• When to use calf jackets — and the simple temperature rule Bethany swears by
• How small management details can throw off average daily gain
• The real benefits (and limitations) of pair housing in different seasons
• Steps producers can take now to prepare for next summer’s heat
• Tips for ventilation, auto feeders, and building or upgrading calf facilities

If you work with calves — or simply want to raise healthier replacements — this conversation is full of practical takeaways you can put to use right away.

If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like it and pass it along to someone else who’d appreciate the insights.

Please follow us on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HoardsDairyman1

Website: https://hoards.com/