The BreedCast - innovative breeding in your ears

Arla has opened its first innovation farm in Denmark to accelerate the development and demonstrations of new solutions for animal welfare, biodiversity, and the transition to more sustainable farming. VikingGenetics is collaborating in this, helping identify and breed more climate-friendly cows with fewer emissions.

But does an Arla innovation farm do differently from other dairy farms? What opportunities will this offer to future-friendly farming?

To learn what innovative dairy farming looks like and what developments are critical for a transition to be more sustainable, we are joined by an organic dairy farmer with over 25 years of experience and two innovation experts in the studio.

Guests:

Tatiani Bula Sundgaard, Agriculture Innovation Manager at Arla Foods
Torben Sønderby, dairy farmer, owner of Klink Økologi
Jan Lassen, PhD, Senior Project Manager at VikingGenetics

Host:

Tomás De La Rosa

The number of Jersey cows across the world is growing; more dairy farmers are switching from traditional breeds to Jerseys. As larger cows require more space and management costs increase, the smaller yet high-performance Jerseys provide a sustainable alternative.

But how can switching breeds be beneficial for your dairy business? And what makes Jersey the ideal breed for this purpose?

To learn more and get tips on making the transition go smoothly, we invited two Jersey cow experts to share their experience and knowledge on how to breed healthy and profitable Jersey cows.

Guests:

Peter Larson, Senior Breeding Manager for VikingJersey at VikingGenetics

Lauge Jakobsen, Herd Manager at Gram & Nybøl Estates

Host:

Tomás De La Rosa

The world has put dairy farmers and cows under a magnifying glass. How our food is produced has never been under so much scrutiny from governments, media, and consumers.

But what is the best way to inform everyday people about dairy farming? And how can journalists help by promoting the efforts of farmers?

To learn more and hear great stories about dairy farmers worldwide, we invited two journalists with over 20 years of experience to share their knowledge of the press’s role in bridging the gap with consumers and boosting support for dairy farming in times of pressure.

Guests:

Christian Friis Hansen, Director and Senior Editor at LandbrugsMedierne

Chris McCullough, Freelance International Agri-journalist

Host:

Tomás De La Rosa

Holstein Friesian cows are one of the symbols of dairy farming; nearly 75% of dairy cows worldwide belong to this breed. However, many Holstein farmers who used to select traits to boost production now struggle with herd health, fertility, and cows too large to be efficient.
So, how can dairy farmers effectively balance health, fertility, and longevity with milk production? And what can you do to make your Holstein herd more profitable and efficient?

To take a deep dive into the breed and get management tips for having healthier, more fertile Holstein cows, we invited a dairy farmer and a breeding expert to share their experience and knowledge on all things Holstein cattle.

Guests:
Leo Hansen, Dairy Manager at Härjanurme Mõis, Estonia
Hanna Driscoll, Product Manager for VikingHolstein at VikingGenetics.

Host:
Tomás De La Rosa

The Nordic countries have the world’s healthiest cows, supported by high production and the lowest use of antibiotics and hormones. Since the 1980s, they have focused on balancing health with production traits. The goal? Breeding long-lasting cows to make dairy farming more profitable and easier.

So, how can dairy farmers effectively breed for health to improve fertility, longevity, and production? And how can better animal welfare improve your herd’s efficiency and profitability?

To take a deep dive into the importance of naturally healthy cattle and get management tips for improving animal welfare on your farm, we invited two expert veterinaries to share their experience and insights on the value of breeding healthy dairy cows. 

Guests: 
Peter Raundal, Senior Specialist and Veterinary Team Leader at SEGES Innovation
Kasper Werner Johanssen, Supervising Veterinary at VikingGenetics.

Host: 
Tomás De La Rosa

Daughter-proven bulls have been a staple in cattle breeding for generations; they have bred many world-class bloodlines. However, with technological development, more reliable tools have become available. Today, more and more farmers use genomic solutions to fully understand their herd’s potential.

So, is this why farmers are transitioning away from daughter-proven bulls toward genomic sires? And do these bulls differ in their breeding values and roles in cattle breeding?

To take a deep dive into the cattle breeding of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we invited a dairy farmer and a genetics expert to share their knowledge and experiences with breeding bulls.

Guests:
Casper Koldkjær Pedersen, Owner and Manager at Tronsmark Holstein, Denmark

Lars Nielsen, Chief Breeding & Production Officer at VikingGenetics

Host:
Tomás De La Rosa

We're facing a serious situation with food supply and food security around the world. How can you be prepared for the new demands as a dairy or beef farmer? What tools are available to strengthen your milk and beef production in a new, uncertain world? We've invited a Senior Breeding Manager and a dairy farmer, who's also a member of the EU Parliament, to share their perspectives. They also share their predictions of what challenges might be next.

Guests:
Jakob Lykke Voergaard, Senior Breeding Manager for VikingRed at VikingGenetics
Asger Christensen, Member of the EU Parliament and dairy farmer

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

Inbreeding can give high, hidden costs in your dairy herd — and be quite difficult to spot. How can you manage inbreeding well? How can you ensure a healthy herd with sufficient genetic variety?

In this episode, you get to hear from a Breeding Specialist who's doing a PhD on inbreeding. We're also joined by a Breeding Manager with decades of experience in breeding for health and performance. Both of them share their best tips on how to manage inbreeding in your herd — and reveal why some inbreeding can actually be good.

Guests:
Saija Tenhunen, Ph.D. student and Breeding Specialist at VikingGenetics
Peter Larson, Product Manager for VikingJersey, at VikingGenetics

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

Polled genetics in cattle production is on the rise. Consumers, retailers and other parties are asking for better animal welfare. They're questioning the ethics surrounding the dehorning of beef and dairy cattle.
But what is polledness in a cow or a bull? How can you use polled genetics in your breeding strategy — and be on the forefront of the future demands in the dairy industry?

In this episode, a Senior Breeding Manager will share his extensive knowledge on polledness and dehorning. The focus is to get you equipped to make the best decisions with polled genetics.

Guests:
Jakob Lykke Voergaard, Senior Breeding Manager for VikingRed at VikingGenetics

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

Seasonal calving is growing in popularity. In some parts of the world, up to 80% of dairy farmers are using this farming system but challenges with fertility and health can significantly impact their profits.

How do you manage seasonal calving well? How do you get the optimum production and profit as a pasture-based farmer?

We're joined by a seasonal calving expert from the UK who shares his perspectives. He also reveals why seasonal calving can be a smart farming system for the future.

Guests:
Chris Stone, Senior Account Manager for VikingGenetics UK

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

Introducing beef genes to boost low genetic parts of dairy herds is a growing trend in the cattle industry. This benefits farmers, consumers, and cows alike, as it optimizes profitability, minimizes climate impact, improves animal welfare, and more.

How does the Nordic Beef on Dairy Index (NBDI) use data tell us what preferable breeding values provide these benefits? And why is Danish Blue a top-performing breed in this index?

In this episode, we’re joined by two experts on beef-on-dairy. They give us detailed insights into its benefits and why it is a leading solution toward more sustainable future-friendly farming.

Guests:
Reni Hvam Nielsen, Product Manager for VikingBeef at VikingGenetics
Anders Fogh, Manager for Genetic Evaluation at SEGES

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

Inbreeding herds with insufficient genetic variety can hinder cow health and fertility. Crossbreeding is increasingly becoming a solution to this problem, as the right mix of breeds can lead to significant improvements and profits.

How does crossbreeding lead to healthier cows with better fertility and longer lifespans? What are some of the problems that come with inbreeding?

To learn more, we invited one of the world’s most knowledgeable dairy crossbreeding experts. She tells us about the potential of crossbreeding, the limitations of inbreeding – especially among Holstein cows, and the benefits of the ProCROSS solution.

Guests:
Amy Hazel Loeschke, Ph.D in Dairy Crossbreeding, Product Consultant at ProCROSS

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

A new study shows that cattle emissions in the Nordics can be reduced by approximately 20% by 2050 by investing in feed efficiency. To support this, VikingGenetics is installing the CFIT system in more dairy farms and investing in the Saved Feed Index.

But what opportunities does this bring to you as a farmer? How does having access to more feed efficiency data benefit you financially and environmentally? 

To learn how to breed more feed-efficient, future-friendly cows, we invited two experts on feed efficiency and sustainable farming into the studio.

Guests:
Coralia Manzanilla-Pech, Pd.D. in Animal Breeding & Genetics, Assistant Professor at Aarhus University

Jan Lassen, Ph.D. in Agronomy and Crop Science, Senior Project Manager at VikingGenetics

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

Farmers in Europe are under pressure. Governments begin to introduce plans to reduce livestock numbers to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

This has led to protests by farmers in The Netherlands and highlighted the conflict between environmental policy and the needs of agriculture and food production.

But how do farmers adapt to these new policies? Could choosing smaller, more feed-efficient breeds be the solution?

To discuss this, we’ll be talking to a cattle breeding expert and farmer from the Netherlands, and a senior breeder and product manager with more than 30 years of experience with Jersey cows.

Guests:
Walter Liebregts, CEO and Owner of Koole & Liebregts
Peter Larson, Product Manager for VikingJersey, at VikingGenetics

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

Consumer trends are constantly changing. What consumers think and want impacts the food supply chain and, as a result, your farm and cattle breeding.

But how will societal and consumer trends affect cattle breeding in the future? What will farming look like in 2040?

To discuss the trends and technologies that will define the farming of tomorrow, we invited an expert geneticist and cattle breeder and an international, award-winning journalist specialising in all aspects of agriculture.

Guests:
Lars Nielsen, Chief Breeding & Production Officer, at VikingGenetics
Chris McCollough, Freelance International Agri-journalist

Host:
Hielke Wiersma

When it comes to dairy farming in the Nordic countries, we are always talking about the NTM – the Nordic Total Merit Index.

But what makes the NTM one of the most progressive breeding value systems in the world? How can using the index boost the health and profit of your dairy herd?

To explain the index simply and practically, we’re joined by a leading veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience and an expert Holstein cattle breeder.

Guests:
Kaj Abrahamsen, Chief Veterinarian, at VikingGenetics
Hanna Driscoll, Product Manager for VikingHolstein, at VikingGenetics

Host:
Hielke Wiersma
 

The majority of dairy cows in New Zealand are crossbred. This “national herd” consists primarily of Friesian x Jerseys. However, over the last four years, VikingRed has become the number one option for farmers looking to boost their crossbreeding with healthier, more robust genetics.

But why is crossbreeding dominant in New Zealand? And what are the main traits farmers aim for?

To learn more, we sat down for an informal, improvised chat with a local expert on New Zealand’s unique dairy farming industry, crossbreeding and genetic trends, and other things Kiwi farmers should be on the lookout for.

Guests:

Jim Bruce, Country Manager for Australia & New Zealand at VikingGenetics

Host:

Hielke Wiersma

More than 20% of all cow cullings are due to poor fertility and reproductional issues. How can you overcome this in your dairy herd?
Two breeding experts share their experiences from helping farmers with fertility issues around the world. They update you on the latest solutions for better fertility and reproduction—and give you a sneak peek into future genetic technologies in innovative cattle breeding.

Guests:
Peter Larson, Senior Breeding Manager VikingJersey, VikingGenetics
Claus Langdahl, Senior Breeding Manager VikingHolstein, VikingGenetics

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

Get tips for best practices on reproduction

The use of sexed semen in dairy farming is growing exponentially around the world. You may be already using sexed semen in your herd. But are you making the most of it?
We've invited two breeding experts to share their best tips on how you can optimise your dairy business with sexed semen. They present the latest tools for a better breeding strategy—and predict an interesting future for the sexed semen technology.

Guests:
Claus Langdahl, Senior Breeding Manager VikingHolstein, VikingGenetics
Peter Larson, Senior Breeding Manager VikingJersey, VikingGenetics

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

The number of Jersey cows are growing around the world. But why are modern dairy farmers switching to Jersey? And why should you consider this smaller breed for your farm?
We've invited a leading Jersey expert to share from his 30+ years of experience of working with Jersey famers around the world. Peter Larson gives you his best tips on how to breed healthy and profitable Jersey cows. A setup that can be a solution to new climate regulations and sustainability goals.

Guests:
Peter Larson, Senior Breeding Manager VikingJersey, VikingGenetics, and Executive Secretary of the European Jersey Association.

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

Organic farming can be a lucrative business due to higher milk prices. But because sick organic cows are often more time consuming and costly to treat, you want your organic herd to be as healthy as possible.
In this episode, two breeding experts share their best tips on how you can breed healthy and profitable organic cows. They share insights from advising organic farmers around the world—and also present the latest trends and solutions in organic farming.

Guests:
Jakob Lykke Voergaard, Senior Breeding Manager for VikingRed, VikingGenetics
Peter Larson, Senior Breeding Manager VikingJersey, VikingGenetics

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

Are you struggling with Holstein cows that are too big, too hard to get pregnant or too inefficient? Or you might be facing new demands and requirements that can be difficult to navigate?

To help guide you to a future-proof Holstein herd, two experts will share their perspective. They will guide you through how you can meet what the consumers, retailers and governments are asking for — and run a profitable dairy business all at the same time.

Guests:
Claus Langdahl, Senior Breeding Manager for Holstein, VikingGenetics
Matthew Stott, Country Manager UK and Ireland, VikingGenetics

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

Estimates show that up to 60% of all dairy cows will be inseminated with beef semen by 2030. But how do you make the most of Beef on Dairy in your herd? How do you generate the highest profit and run the most sustainable business?

Two experts on the subject will help you navigate the new Beef on Dairy world. They’ll guide you through how to get started and what beef breeds to consider.

Guests:
Reni Hvam Nielsen, Product Manager for VikingBeef, VikingGenetics
Sébastien Clairand, Beef Manager, Evolution-XY

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

Crossing different dairy breeds can give you an up to 9% higher daily profit. You get healthier, more fertile cows and a higher lifetime production. But what do you need to watch out for before and after you start crossbreeding?

In this episode, you get to hear from two breeding experts as they share their experiences and tips from helping farmers crossbreed around the world.

Guests:
Jakob Lykke Voergaard, Senior Product Manager VikingRed, VikingGenetics
Hielke Wiersma, Product Manager Cross, VikingGenetics

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

Feed-efficiency is one of the hottest topics is cattle breeding right now. But how do you actually become more feed-efficient as a farmer? How do you save feed costs, reduce climate impact and improve the welfare of your animals?

A high-tech farmer and a feed-efficiency expert will give you latest news on feed efficiency. They will tell you all about the new CFIT Technology and Saved Feed Index — and how these tools can help you breed for a more sustainable future.

Guests:
Jan Lassen, PhD and Senior Project Manager, VikingGenetics
Anders Levring, Chairman of the Board, VikingDanmark and owner of two dairy farms

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

VikingRed is one of the fastest growing breeds for crossbreeding around the world. But why has it become the secret ingredient in successful crossbreeding today?

In this episode, you get to hear from dairy farmer Hayden Ferriman who recently added VikingRed to his herd in New Zealand. We're also joined by two breeding experts who will tell you more about VikingRed and how this breed can help you breed healthy, fertility and long-living cows.

Guests:
Hayden Ferriman, dairy farmer, Three Leaf Farm, New Zealand
Jakob Lykke Voergaard, Senior Product Manager for VikingRed, VikingGenetics
Jim Bruce, Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, VikingGenetics

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

As many other dairy farmers, you may have experienced mixed results with artificial insemination of your cows. A successful pregnancy depends on a number of variables, so what can you do to get the best possible results?
We've invited an insemination expert and a vet to share their best tips — before, during and after an insemination. Learn about the cow, the heat, the environment, the semen, the equipment and the timing.

Guests:
Niels Haulrik Kristiansen, Head of Training Division for Artificial Insemination Technicians, VikingDanmark
Kaj Abrahamsen, Chief Veterinarian, VikingGenetics. Also a member of RepVet, an advisor to the European Union.

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane

When one of your cows is struggling with poor hoof health, it impacts not only the cow's well-being, fertility and milk production. It also has great consequences for the bottom line of your business. So how can you maintain good hoof health and spot the signs early?
In this episode, you get to hear from a vet and a breeding advisor on how you can improve the hoof health in your herd.

Guests:
Kaj Abrahamsen, Chief Veterinarian, VikingGenetics. Also a member of RepVet, an advisor to the European Union.
Jim Bruce, Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, VikingGenetics

Host:
Louise Rønn Svane