Do you think zero treatments and zero death loss among your calves is possible? In this episode, you’ll hear from someone who’s done it – for four consecutive years on her farm. Canadian dairy veterinarian and dairy producer Jodi Wallace of Silverstream Holsteins joins the program. She talks about zero-zero calf care and what it takes to make it obtainable and what ultimately broke her farm’s four year zero-zero streak. During this interview, she also explains how her farm used their COVID-19 lockdown time productively.

Knowing she is a vet, you would guess that she’s always telling her producer clients to follow label instructions, but she talks about one label she’d actually like to see producers disregard until it gets changed. And by the end of the interview, you’ll be hungry for pancakes as she talks about her farm’s diversification into the maple sap harvesting business.

 

This podcast is brought to you by Zoetis:

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Learn more about the one-of-a-kind Dairy Wellness Profit Index® (DWP$®) and validated critical Zoetis fertility and wellness traits that will help drive profitability for your dairy.

 

Season 3, Episode 26

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Here is a breakdown of the episode:

  • Tell us about your farm and veterinary practice. [~1:45]
  • What unique perspective do you have as both a dairy producer and a veterinarian? [~4:10]
  • What is zero-zero calf care? [~5:15]
  • What is the key to making zero-zero calf care possible? [~7:00]
  • What broke your farm’s zero-zero streak? [~8:30]
  • How do you start implementing zero-zero with your dairy clients? [~9:45]
  • You were one of the first to pair raise calves. Why did you decide to do it? [~10:30]
  • What have you learned about pair housing that you could share as advice for others? [~11:15]
  • You also use cuddle boxes. What are those? [~12:00]
  • What approach do you take to help clients improve milk quality? [~14:45]
  • Where does milk quality start for you? [~16:30]
  • What was your worst day ever as a vet? [~17:30]
  • What’s a decision you need to make that you haven’t made up your mind about yet? [~21:00]
  • Tell me about the most meaningful conversation you’ve had recently. [~23:00]
  • How did you identify your family farm’s values? [~25:15]
  • What is the worst advice you see being dispensed in the industry right now? [~26:15]
  • How would you spend $10,000 on your farm right now? [~27:30]
  • Explain your farm’s maple syrup production. [~30:15]

 

Follow Jodi Wallace online:

www.instagram.com/jwalla02

 

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