Roadside Ruminations

Steve Martin and Macey Brown

Roadside Ruminations is where dairy nutrition talk hits the open road. We cover current trends, industry insights, and the lighter side of dairy life—mixing practical knowledge with candid conversation from the DNMC team.

  1. Jul 7

    Episode 13 - Justin Axman Joins as a Guest

    The podcast episode features a discussion about a World Cup game experience, dairy nutrition and management consulting, and the journey of a dairy nutritionist. The conversation also delves into the transition of farms to the panhandle, the role of data in dairy nutrition, and the career path of the guest, Justin. The conversation covers a range of topics including the relocation of the business, the dynamics between the beef and dairy industry, the challenges of feeding beef on dairy crosses, and the role of feed mill consulting. It also delves into the changing landscape of the feed industry and the impact of weather on cattle production. Takeaways World Cup game experienceDairy nutrition and management consultingTransition of farms to the panhandleRole of data in dairy nutritionCareer path of the guest, Justin Business relocation challengesFeeding beef on dairy crossesChanging landscape of the feed industry Chapters 00:00 Career Path of the Guest, Justin33:45 Impact of Weather on Cattle Production

  2. Jul 1

    Episode 12 - What to do with all of these forage analyses?

    This week Steve share's a recent article he has written for Hoard's Dairyman. The article is What to do with all of these forage analyses? See more articles from the DNMC team here: https://www.dnmcmilk.com/articles Takeaways Passion is key in the dairy industryBalancing automation and human expertise is crucial in dairy nutrition

  3. Jun 23

    Episode 11

    The podcast episode covers a wide range of topics related to the dairy industry, including global dairy industry insights, international dairy farm visits, and the impact of forage systems on dairy operations. The hosts also discuss the significance of multiple perspectives in understanding different dairy farming practices around the world. Takeaways Global Dairy InsightsInternational Dairy Farm Visits Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DNMC Podcast and World Cup Buzz06:02 Dairy Visits in Europe and China

  4. Jun 16

    Episode 10

    The conversation covers a range of topics related to cow cooling, heat stress mitigation, smart soaker technology, shade and heat stress management, mineral adjustments for summer, and the implications of these factors on cow health and productivity. The speakers share insights and experiences related to these topics, providing valuable information for dairy nutrition and management consulting. Takeaways Cow cooling technology plays a crucial role in mitigating heat stress and maintaining cow health and productivity.Shade and heat stress management are essential considerations for dairy operations, especially during the summer months. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Roadside Ruminations Podcast05:05 Smart Soaker Technology11:05 Cow Cooling Technology and Water Usage17:44 Shade and Heat Stress Mitigation28:59 Mineral Adjustments for Summer

  5. Jun 9

    Episode 9

    The podcast episode features a discussion on agronomy, forage growing, and crop planning, with a focus on the role of agronomists in advising farmers on crop selection and planting decisions. The conversation also delves into the challenges of water utilization, variety selection, and the impact of technology on agriculture. The speakers share insights on long-term farming practices and soil health, highlighting the importance of sustainable crop planning and irrigation management. The conversation covers crop rotation strategies, dryland farming techniques, harvest strategies for forage, technology in agriculture, and personal and professional perspectives. It delves into the challenges of irrigation, three-year rotation plans, weed control, and soil health. It also explores the use of technology in harvest management, spraying, and weed control, as well as the role of AI and technology in agronomy. Additionally, it discusses the differences in farming and dairy goals, the use of technology in farming and dairy, and the importance of closing the gap between growers and dairies. Takeaways Agronomists play a crucial role in advising farmers on crop selection and planting decisions.The shift to sorghum and the balance between quality and tonnage in crop planning are key considerations for farmers and agronomists. Crop rotation is essential for soil health and weed controlUtilizing rain and snow is crucial for dryland farmingTechnology plays a significant role in harvest management and weed control Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview05:23 Data Gathering and Technology in Agriculture10:23 Water Utilization and Crop Planning15:27 Dryland Farming Techniques23:37 Technology in Agriculture

  6. Jun 3

    Episode 8

    The podcast episode covers a range of topics related to the dairy industry, including challenges, market sentiment, feed cost management, and dairy economics. The hosts discuss their motivation for the podcast, an upcoming Alaska trip, and insights from dairy visits. They also delve into the technical details of the podcast and introduce Macey Brown and DNMC. The conversation explores dairy margins, market sentiment, milk pricing, and strategies for managing feed costs in the dairy industry. The conversation delves into the complexities of forage and feed economics, highlighting the impact of milk pricing on investment risk and the management of feed costs. Takeaways Dairy Industry ChallengesFeed Cost Management Feed cost managementImpact of milk pricing on investment risk Chapters 00:00 Strategies for Managing Feed Costs

  7. May 25

    Episode 7

    The podcast episode features a discussion with Laura, the newest employee at DNMC. The conversation covers Laura's background, transition from academia to industry, and the collaborative nature of the team at DNMC. It also highlights the importance of learning and collaboration in the industry. Takeaways Collaborative TeamworkTransition from Academia to Industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome26:28 Learning and Collaboration in the Industry

  8. May 19

    Episode 6

    The podcast episode delves into the heritage and transition of the dairy industry, exploring the generational impact and the experiences of a dairy farming family. It also highlights the transition from dairy farming to consulting, shedding light on the personal and professional journeys of the guests. The conversation provides insights into the challenges and decisions involved in exiting the dairy farming business, as well as the lasting impact of dairy farming on individuals and families. The conversation explores the diversity of dairy environments, the location of the next milk plant, variations in rations across dairy environments, and the adaptation and innovation in the dairy industry. It highlights the importance of adaptation and creativity in dairy operations, as well as the industry's ability to thrive in different environments. Takeaways Dairy industry heritageTransition from dairy farming to consultingGenerational impact on the dairy industry Adaptation to different dairy environmentsInnovation and creativity in dairy operations Chapters 00:00 Exit from Dairy Farming24:52 The Next Milk Plant Location30:45 Ration Variations and Dairy Environments

See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Roadside Ruminations is where dairy nutrition talk hits the open road. We cover current trends, industry insights, and the lighter side of dairy life—mixing practical knowledge with candid conversation from the DNMC team.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Martin and Macey Brown
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Steve Martin and Macey Brown
  • Show Website
    Roadside Ruminations

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