316 | Global Insights and Practices for Raising Strong Dairy and Beef Calves
This Uplevel Dairy Podcast episode features Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) board members Jim Van Patter and Rodolfo Nava, as they discuss key practices for raising high-performing dairy replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy calves. Both emphasize that success starts with excellent colostrum management in the first 24 hours, followed by a high plane of nutrition, sanitation, ventilation, and calf comfort.
Jim and Rodolfo compare calf-raising strategies that focus on nutrition, consistency, and labor efficiency. Both emphasize the value of strong colostrum and transition programs, with three-times-a-day feeding improving daily gain, reducing scours, and supporting better lung health—even with a modest added cost per calf. They discuss how automation, data tracking, and cleaner, well-ventilated hutch systems have lowered mortality and labor demands, while environmental regulations and day-to-day crew consistency remain ongoing challenges. The conversation also highlights team retention, clear communication with suppliers, and building pride in calf care. Looking ahead to 2026, Jim plans to continue refining nutrition and monitoring, while Rodolfo aims to shorten the time in hutches without sacrificing performance.
Make sure to save the date for the annual DCHA Conference, April 7–9 in Tucson, Arizona.
The episode is brought to you in partnership with the DCHA and is sponsored by First Defense.
00:00 Raising Elite Calves: What This Episode Covers + DCHA Conference Preview
01:39 Meet Jim Van Patter: Wisconsin Calf Program & Global Consulting Experience
03:43 Meet Rodolfo Nava: Beef-on-Dairy Calf Ranch in New Mexico + Why DCHA Matters
05:21 The Universal Non-Negotiables: Colostrum, Nutrition, Comfort & Ventilation
07:48 Sanitation, Automation & Scaling Calf Care Without Losing Quality
09:54 Transition Milk Deep Dive: Products, Ratios, and What Changes in the Calves
12:54 Jim’s On-Farm Results: Implementing Transition Milk + Gains, Scours, Lung Scores
16:48 What’s Changed Over Decades: Consistency, Hutch Housing, and Survival Rates
20:01 Today’s Biggest Challenges: Regulations, Labor, Weather, and Data Feedback Loops
23:56 Building a Winning Calf Team: Motivation, Retention, Pride, and First Impressions
27:55 2026 Goals + Where to Focus First: Colostrum, 3x Feeding, Data, and Team Development
32:32 Why DCHA Helps Producers Win: Speakers, Gold Standards, Learning Library & Networking
37:21 Final Takeaways + Invitation to Tucson (Tours, Spanish Sessions) + Wrap-Up
