Maine Farmcast
The Maine Farmcast features weekly conversations with experts from across the country sharing insights and advice for both new and seasoned farmers running operations of any size. Hosted by three livestock specialists from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the show brings you world-class expertise paired with practical advice about how to apply cutting-edge research to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your farming operation.
Hosts
- Colt Knight, Ph.D., Associate Extension Professor and State Livestock Specialist
- Glenda Pereira, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Professor and Dairy Specialist
- Rachel White, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock
To contact us about this podcast, email extension.farmcast@maine.edu.
Latest Episode
All Episodes
- Episode 01:
Ventilation with Dr. Morgan Hayes
Colt Knight interviews Dr. Morgan Hayes, an assistant extension professor and extension agent from the University of Kentucky, who shares expertise on livestock facilities, ventilation in barns, and sustainable farming practices. She provides valuable insights on creating conducive environments for livestock and practical tips and expert advice about enhancing livestock health and improving farming practices. - Episode 02:
Swine Industry with Dr. Brett Kaysen
Colt Knight interviews Dr. Brett Kaysen, senior vice president for the National Pork Board, during the National Swine Education and Outreach Professionals conference in Minneapolis. They discuss Dr. Kaysen’s journey from academia to industry, his current role, and the Pork Board’s initiatives, focusing on research, education, and sustainability within the pork industry. Dr. Kaysen also highlights resources available for producers and the importance of diverse production systems across the U.S. - Episode 03:
Western Beef Cattle with Scott Jensen
Colt Knight chats with Scott Jensen, a beef cattle extension specialist from Idaho, about the differences in cattle farming across the U.S., focusing on forage and herd management. Scott shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, including the use of artificial insemination and managing large rangeland pastures. Their conversation highlights the unique challenges and techniques in cattle farming between the eastern and western states. - Episode 04:
Agriculture Mediation and Farm Mental Health with Lucy Wess, Esq. and Leslie Forstadt, Ph.D.
Colt Knight talks with Lucy Wess and Leslie Forstadt about their work in agricultural mediation and mental health support for farmers. They discuss how the program assists farmers in resolving conflicts and planning farm succession with a focus on proactive communication and highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and financial coaching to support overall farmer well-being. - Episode 05:
2023 Maine Dairy Farm of the Year with Heath Miller
Glenda Pereira interviews Heath Miller, co-owner of GreenValle Farm in Newburgh, Maine, which was named the 2023 Maine Dairy Farm of the Year. They discuss the history and evolution of the farm, its diversification into beef and manure compost sales, and the broader Maine dairy industry, highlighting the importance of adaptability and hard work in farming. - Episode 06:
Precision Livestock Management with Dr. Derek Bailey and Dr. Colin Tobin
Colt Knight interviews Dr. Derek Bailey from New Mexico State University and Dr. Colin Tobin from North Dakota State University, and delve into the latest advancements in precision livestock technology, including GPS tracking, real-time sensors, machine learning, and the future of AI in agriculture. - Episode 07:
Backyard Chickens with Ashley Wright
Colt Knight interviews Ashley Wright, an area assistant livestock agent with the University of Arizona, about her recent visit to Maine to deliver seminars on getting started with poultry. Ashley shares insights from her extensive work in livestock production and management, including tips for raising healthy chicks, poultry diseases, and urban chicken keeping. - Episode 08:
Meat Processing with Dr. Gregg Rentfrow
Colt Knight sits down with Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, a renowned meat science specialist from the University of Kentucky, to explore the essentials of setting up a commercial meat processing facility. Drawing from his extensive experience in both the retail and academic sectors, Gregg shares invaluable insights for those looking to start processing meat for commercial purposes or for personal use. - Episode 09:
Resources for Succession Planning with Kate Turcotte
Glenda Pereira sits down with Kate Turcotte, the education coordinator for the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship and Maine Field Agent for Land For Good. Together, they discuss Kate’s journey from Maine to Vermont and back, her work in farm succession planning, and the valuable resources available to new and transitioning farmers. - Episode 10:
Sire Selection Strategies to Maximize Beef on Dairy with Dr. Bailey Basiel
Glenda Pereira welcomes Dr. Bailey Basiel to discuss sire selection strategies for maximizing beef on dairy. Dr. Basiel, who recently completed her Ph.D. at Penn State University, shares insights from her research on beef on dairy genetics, growth performance, and carcass quality. - Episode 11:
Low Stress Handling and Stockmanship with Dr. Dean Fish (Part 1)
Colt Knight sits down with Dr. Dean Fish to discuss his background in beef ranching in Arizona, how cattle can serve as a therapeutic tool, and his journey into stockmanship and stewardship. - Episode 12:
Low Stress Handling and Stockmanship with Dr. Dean Fish (Part 2)
Colt Knight is joined by Dr. Dean Fish. After editing the Low-Stress Handling and Stockmanship video, they sat down in the new podcast studio on campus to discuss the topic in more detail. - Episode 13:
Heat Stress Considerations for Dairy Farms with Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn
Glenda Pereira welcomes Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn, a calf and heifer specialist, to discuss the impact of heat stress on dairy cows and calves. They explore practical solutions for mitigating heat stress and the importance of water access, providing valuable insights for farmers in various climates. - Episode 14:
Dairy Financials and Breakeven Milk Price with Joanna Lidback
Glenda Pereira discuss dairy financials and cost of production with Joanna Lidback of Adirondack Farms. She shares her extensive experience in dairy farming, offering valuable insights on managing finances, maximizing efficiency, and sustaining profitability in the dairy industry. - Episode 15:
Shades of Green: Cows, Agrivoltaics, and Climate Resilience with Dr. Brad Heins
Glenda Pereira interviews Dr. Brad Heins, her former adviser and professor of animal science at the University of Minnesota. They discuss Dr. Heins’ research on pasture-based dairy systems, agrivoltaics, and methane reduction strategies, exploring how these innovations are helping dairy farmers reduce their environmental impact. - Episode 16:
Updates in Internal Parasite Research with Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
Colt Knight interviews Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler from the University of Kentucky. Jeff discusses his diverse background in agriculture and some pertinent research results from his recent research in accessing the efficacy of different types and routes of administration of common cattle dewormers on the market. - Episode 17:
Pasture Health and Regenerative Practices with Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
Colt Knight interviews Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler from the University of Kentucky. He discusses the basic principles of pasture health and regenerative agriculture. This episode hits on cattle intake, forage utilization, stocking densities, soil health, how regenerative agriculture can reduce inputs and carbon emissions. - Episode 18:
Tractor Safety with Jason Lilley and Caragh Fitzgerald
Glenda Pereira interviews Jason Lilley and Caragh Fitzgerald to discuss the crucial topic of tractor safety. They explore the importance of safety practices on the farm, sharing personal experiences and advice to prevent injuries and ensure the sustainability of farm operations. - Episode 19:
Best Management Practices for Harvesting Corn Silage with Dr. Juan Romero
Glenda Pereira and Colt Knight interview Dr. Juan Romero from the University of Maine. He discusses best management practices for harvesting corn silage. - Episode 20:
Online Marketing with Dan Kaplan
Colt is joined again by Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Extension Professor and Beef Specialist for the University of Kentucky and Mr. Dan Kaplan, owner/operator of Heartstone Farm in Charleston, Maine. - Episode 21:
Biosecurity with Carol Delaney
Glenda interviews Carol Delaney from the Maine Department of Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. They discuss general livestock biosecurity practices. - Episode 22:
Beef Sustainability with Dr. Sebastian Mejia Turcios
Glenda interviews Dr. Sebastian Mejia Turcios about his work on beef sustainability conducted at the clear center at UC Davis, much of which pertains to finding new strategies to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. - Episode 23:
Preparing Your Pastures for Overwintering with Dr. Jaime Garzon
Glenda Pereira interviews Dr. Jaime Garzon about how to get your pastures ready for overwintering. Dr. Garzon is an Assistant Extension Professor and Forage Educator at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and conducts educational outreach and applied research with emphasis on forage production and regenerative pasture management. - Episode 24:
Winter Watering Tips with Drs. Pereira and Knight
Drs. Pereira and Knight sit down to discuss some winter care, especially, winter watering tips for livestock producers. - Episode 25:
Swine Genetics with Randy Shipley
Colt interviews Randy Shipley of Shipley Swine Genetics, a top Boar Stud operation that provides high quality semen, bred gilts, and boars to producers across the nation. - Episode 26:
Journey into Agriculture with Dr. Kendall Samuelson
Colt interviews Dr. Kendall Samuelson, Associate Professor of Animal Science at West Texas A&M University, about her journey into agriculture despite not growing up on a farm. She shares insights on her career, research with feedlot cattle, and how anyone can make a difference in agriculture. - Episode 27:
Calf Chronicles: Cow and Calf Rearing with Dr. Brad Heins
Glenda interviews Dr. Brad Heins, Professor of Dairy Management at the University of Minnesota, about pre-weaned calf rearing options for dairy producers. - Episode 28:
Winter Care of Livestock with Dr. Pereira and Dr. Knight
Glenda and Colt have a conversation about winter care considerations for livestock. - Episode 29:
The Last of the Cowboy Scholars with Dr. Derek Bailey
Colt interviews Dr. Derek Bailey, Professor Emeritus at New Mexico State University and current Director of Research and Outreach at Deep Well Ranch in Prescott, Arizona. He discusses his research into livestock behavior and genetics. - Episode 30:
Getting to Know the Youth with Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors
Colt hosted a group of Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors at the Maine Grazing Behavior Lab on the University of Maine campus. The program is intended for youth ages 14-18 to provide an opportunity to connect to local agriculture, build relationships with industry professionals, develop professional and advocacy skills, and explore careers in agriculture. - Episode 31:
Livestock Business Planning with JJ Jones
Colt sits down with JJ Jones to discuss business planning for farms. JJ discusses how you can set yourself up for success, key aspects of a business plan, and the reasons for owning a farm. - Episode 32:
Calf Chronicles: The 5 Cs of Dairy Calf Care with Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn
Glenda has a conversation with a return guest, Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn about the 5 Cs of dairy calf care. - Episode 33:
Prevention and Mitigation of Meningeal Worm in Small Ruminants with Dr. Rachel White
Glenda has a conversation with Dr. Rachel White about meningeal worms in small ruminants. Dr. White develops and conducts educational outreach and applied research with emphasis on small ruminants and equine. - Episode 34:
H5N1 Bird Flu in Dairy Updates with Dr. Sarah Allen
Glenda talks with Dr. Sarah Allen about the ongoing Avian Flu (H5N1) situation in dairy (recorded December 19, 2024). - Episode 35:
Maine AgrAbility with Bella Russo and Brie Weisman
Glenda and Colt are joined by Bella Russo, Director of Maine AgrAbility, and Brie Weisman, occupational therapist, to discuss Maine AgrAbility. - Episode 36:
Small Swine Producers and Veterinarians Grant Update with Casey
Colt visited the National Swine Education and Outreach Conference in Kansas City, Missouri where he got the chance to sit down with fellow swine enthusiast, Casey Zangaro, Swine Extension Educator for Michigan State University.
Show Credits
Original music written and performed by Colt Knight. AI-generated artwork provided by Colt Knight and edited by UMaine Extension, Melissa Arndt.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).