In this episode, Brad and Emily welcome a special guest: Dr. Angie Varnum, the University of Minnesota Extension’s new livestock veterinarian. After some banter about Minnesota winters—and a classic round of The Moos Room’s “super-secret” cattle breed questions—the crew dives into Angie’s unique path to Extension.
Angie shares how she went from growing up in suburban Maple Grove to studying Spanish education, teaching in schools, and eventually being inspired to pursue veterinary medicine. Her training and work took her across the western U.S., where she gained experience in beef and dairy systems before returning to Minnesota to practice large-animal medicine. Her love for both animals and education ultimately led her to Extension.
The conversation explores:
- How Angie’s Spanish language background shapes her work and the opportunities it creates for better outreach and training with Spanish-speaking livestock employees.
- Current and emerging livestock health concerns, and the importance of distinguishing real risks from media frenzy—while still preparing producers with good information.
- The evolving role of veterinarians in dairy and beef systems, from herd health and data-driven decision-making to the value of strong producer–vet relationships.
- Animal behavior and welfare science, an area Angie is especially passionate about integrating into herd health discussions.
Angie also highlights upcoming Extension programs she’ll be involved in, including the new Artificial Insemination School, Beef Quality Assurance certification sessions, Cow/Calf Days, and several small ruminant programs—from webinars to hands-on lambing and kidding workshops.
It's a fun, thoughtful conversation introducing a new member of the Extension livestock team and setting the stage for exciting work ahead.
Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!
Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
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