The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

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Learn beef nutrition from the brightest minds of the global beef industry – in 9 minutes. If you are a beef nutritionist who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place. The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.

  1. 2d ago

    Dr. Keith Johnson: Combining Sensory and Laboratory Forage Analysis | Ep. 15

    In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Keith Johnson, Professor Emeritus in Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy, explains how sensory and chemical forage analysis can support cattle nutrition and health. He covers forage maturity, moisture evaluation, storage identification, undesirable plants, mold, and mycotoxin risks. Learn how practical forage assessment can reveal important factors that laboratory results alone may miss. Listen now on all major platforms! "Sensory forage analysis combines sight, smell, and touch with laboratory testing to create a more complete assessment of forage quality and suitability." Meet the guest: Dr. Keith Johnson is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University, where he served as a forage specialist from 1981 to 2024. He collaborated with agricultural scientists on research involving forages, taught a dual-level forage course during the last 12 years of his career, and led the development of the Purdue Forage Field Guide. He has also received multiple awards from the American Forage and Grassland Council. Learn more from Dr. Keith Johnson on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:19) Introduction(02:34) Sensory analysis(04:57) Sensory appraisal worksheet(06:29) Silage moisture(07:35) Chemical analysis(09:47) Canada thistle case(14:19) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Keith Johnson: Combining Sensory and Laboratory Forage Analysis | Ep. 15
  2. Sep 10

    Dr. Ron Lemenager: Heat Stress in Beef Cattle | Ep. 14

    In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ron Lemenager, Professor and Beef Extension Specialist at Purdue University, explains how heat stress affects beef cattle performance and reproduction. He discusses the thermal comfort zone, the four pathways of heat exchange, the cattle most vulnerable to heat stress, and critical reproductive risks for cows, embryos, and bulls. Learn how producers can reduce heat load and protect cattle during challenging conditions. Listen now on all major platforms! "Heat exposure around follicle development, breeding, and early embryo development creates vulnerable reproductive periods that can influence conception and early embryo survival." Meet the guest: Dr. Ron Lemenager is a Professor and Beef Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal Sciences at Purdue University. His work supports beef cattle producers through extension education focused on practical nutrition and management challenges. Learn more from Dr. Ron Lemenager on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:08) Introduction(01:55) Thermal comfort(02:54) Heat exchange(05:38) Vulnerable cattle(07:24) Reproductive effects(10:33) Heat mitigation(13:19) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Ron Lemenager: Heat Stress in Beef Cattle | Ep. 14
  3. Sep 3

    Dr. Lisa Baxter: Harvest Timing Drives Forage Quality | Ep. 13

    In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Lisa Baxter from the University of Georgia explains how harvest timing shapes hay quality and feeding value. She covers optimal cutting intervals, forage testing, representative hay sampling, and matching forage quality with cattle requirements. Learn how practical forage management can improve hay production while controlling input costs. Listen now on all major platforms! Click here to learn more! "Harvest timing is the single biggest driver of forage quality, regardless of species or location." Meet the guest: Dr. Lisa Baxter is an Associate Professor and State Forage Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia’s Tifton campus. Her work focuses on forage production and management, with an emphasis on reducing input costs, refining management strategies, and improving hay production for cattle systems. Her research and Extension efforts help producers make practical forage management decisions. Listen to Dr. Baxter on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:02) Introduction(02:27) Producer priorities(04:15) Harvest timing(05:37) Feeding strategy(07:42) Hay sampling(09:41) Forage testing(13:00) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Lisa Baxter: Harvest Timing Drives Forage Quality | Ep. 13
  4. Aug 27

    Dr. Stephen Smith: The Future of Beef Marbling - Part 2 | Ep. 12

    In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen Smith, retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow, continues the discussion by reflecting on nearly five decades of beef research. He explains how genetics, nutrition, and time on feed have transformed marbling, shares lessons from a career studying beef quality, and discusses why biological understanding remains essential for meaningful scientific discoveries. Listen now on all major platforms! "Time on feed, improved nutrition, and stronger genetics remain the major drivers behind continued improvements in beef marbling and carcass quality." Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Smith is a retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M. His work documented the development, composition, and nutritional value of marbling adipose tissue in beef cattle, including links among diet, oleic acid, and beef quality. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Smith on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:01) Introduction(02:01) Prime growth(04:33) Carcass weights(05:21) Research philosophy(06:30) Gene meaning(08:01) Teaching impact(10:56) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Stephen Smith: The Future of Beef Marbling - Part 2 | Ep. 12
  5. Aug 20

    Dr. Stephen Smith: The Impact of Finishing Diet on Beef's Nutritional Benefits - Part 1 | Ep. 11

    In this episode, Dr. Stephen Smith, retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow, explains how marbling adipose tissue shapes beef quality, value, and nutritional research. He discusses the science behind fat composition, the role of glucose in marbling development, and explains why more research is needed to connect beef production strategies with human nutrition outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms! "Longer corn feeding increases oleic acid and marbling, connecting diet strategy with beef quality, soft fat, and product value." Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Smith is a retired Regents Professor and Emeritus Senior Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M. His work documented the development, composition, and nutritional value of marbling adipose tissue in beef cattle, including links among diet, oleic acid, and beef quality. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Smith on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:02) Introduction(01:53) Japanese beef(03:22) Corn feeding(05:22) Marbling substrates(08:36) Human nutrition(11:00) Beef studies(13:02) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Stephen Smith: The Impact of Finishing Diet on Beef's Nutritional Benefits - Part 1 | Ep. 11
  6. Aug 13

    Dr. Patrick Davis: Winter Cow Nutrition | Ep. 10

    In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Patrick Davis from the University of Missouri explains how cow-calf producers can prepare cows nutritionally for winter, calving, and rebreeding. He discusses body condition targets, stockpiled fescue, weaning timing, and practical strategies to help improve herd performance while making efficient use of available feed resources. Listen now on all major platforms! "Mature cows should be around body condition score five to six at calving so they can enter breeding in good energy status." Meet the guest: Dr. Patrick Davis is Assistant Extension Professional, Livestock Specialist, and Cedar County Program Director at the University of Missouri.  He holds a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his work supports livestock producers across southwest and west central Missouri, with a focus on beef cattle nutrition, reproduction, forage management, and practical cow-calf operations. Learn more from Dr. Patrick Davis on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:15) Introduction(01:57) Winter preparation(02:35) Body condition(03:15) Forage resources(04:21) Calving targets(05:28) Weaning decisions(08:33) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Patrick Davis: Winter Cow Nutrition | Ep. 10
  7. Aug 6

    Dr. Jay Nair: Feed-Efficient Bulls | Ep. 09

    In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jay Nair, Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, explains how feed efficiency selection may affect young breeding bulls. He discusses residual feed intake, smart feed systems, feeding behavior, sperm motility, breeding soundness evaluations, and ongoing research evaluating whether efficient bulls can improve herd performance without compromising fertility. Listen now on all major platforms. "Selecting feed-efficient bulls can reduce feed use while maintaining growth, but reproductive performance must remain a priority during breeding decisions." Meet the guest: Dr. Jayakrishnan Nair is an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His background spans ruminant nutrition, cattle research, and veterinary practice, with a PhD and MS from the University of Saskatchewan. Learn more from Dr. Nair on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(02:10) Introduction(03:01) Feed efficiency(04:35) Bull impact(07:17) Smart feed(09:32) Intake behavior(11:46) Breeding soundness(15:02) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - Elevate - The Owner's Box - ZentrixOS - Zentrix Insights - WiseVAs - DietForge 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Jay Nair: Feed-Efficient Bulls | Ep. 09
  8. Jul 30

    Dr. Stephen Boyles: Beef Cow Nutrition in the Third Trimester | Ep. 08

    In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen Boyles, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, explains why nutrition during the final trimester matters in cow-calf systems. He discusses fetal growth, colostrum quality, postpartum interval, body condition score, calving distribution, and practical supplementation strategies. Dr. Boyles also explains why excess corn can reduce forage digestibility and why fiber or protein supplements may better support forage-based systems. Listen now on all major platforms! "About two-thirds of fetal growth occurs in the last trimester, so nutrition affects calf growth, colostrum quality, and postpartum interval." Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Boyles is Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University. His extension work focuses on Beef Quality Assurance, animal handling, facility design, environmental assessments, and animal welfare audits. He received the 2021 National Beef Quality Assurance Educator of the Year award and holds a PhD from Kansas State University. Learn more from Dr. Stephen Boyles on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! What will you learn:  (00:00) Highlight(01:54) Introduction(02:42) Late gestation(02:43) Fetal growth(03:21) Postpartum interval(05:09) Cow economics(07:06) Body condition(10:44) Closing thoughts The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: * Pro Earth Animal Health - WiseVAs - DietForge - Elevate - The Owner's Box - ZentrixOS - Zentrix Insights 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast LinkedIn: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Instagram: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast Facebook: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast TikTok: Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

    Dr. Stephen Boyles: Beef Cow Nutrition in the Third Trimester | Ep. 08

About

Learn beef nutrition from the brightest minds of the global beef industry – in 9 minutes. If you are a beef nutritionist who wants to stay up to date with all that is working in the industry, but doesn’t know how to start, doesn’t have the time, or feel most courses out there don’t deliver, then you have come to the right place. The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is specially designed by and for professionals just like yourself. With it, you can effortlessly have access to the thoughts of the most brilliant minds in our industry – all while going about your routine and saving your time.

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