Maine Farmcast

Maine Farmcast podcast artwork

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

To contact us about this podcast, email extension.farmcast@maine.edu.

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Episode 46:
Cracking the Cost of Eggs and a Beginners Guide to Raising Chicks
March 19, 2025
Glenda and Colt explore the rising cost of eggs and discuss the impact of the concurrent bird flu epidemic, which has led to the loss of 166 million poultry. They also provide practical advice for those considering raising their own poultry, emphasizing proper brooder setup and predator control.

Episode 45:
Maine Dairy Workforce with Dr. Ashley Marshall
March 12, 2025
Glenda chats with Ashley Marshall, Dairy Industry Workforce Specialist with Eastern Maine Development Corporation, about bolstering the Maine dairy workforce.

Episode 44:
Farm Service Agency with Lucia Brown and Amanda May

March 5, 2025
Colt is joined by Lucia Brown, Deputy State Executive Director and Acting Farm Loan Chief for FSA and Amanda May, Agricultural Program Chief to discuss some of the programs and loans that FSA offers farmers.

Episode 43:
Getting to Know Your Hosts Part 2 with Dr. Colt Knight

February 26, 2025
Glenda chats with Colt about his background growing up and working in rural West Virginia , and his journey into higher education.

Episode 42:
Dairy Nutrition for Small Scale Dairies with Dr. Sarah Allen

February 19, 2025
Glenda has a conversation with University of New Hampshire Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Sarah Allen about dairy nutrition considerations for small scale dairy farmers.

Episode 41:
Getting to Know your Hosts Part 1 with Dr. Glenda Pereira

February 12, 2025
Colt visits with Glenda about her background in dairy, education, and research. As the Extension Dairy Specialist, she conducts applied research and develop educational programs for dairy and livestock producers across the state of Maine and New England.

Episode 40:
Highlights on Solar Powered Watering Systems and Grazing with Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler

February 5, 2025
Colt interviews Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler and attends the Heart of America Grazing Conference and Pasture Ecology Workshop. They took part in a presentation where pastoralists discussed pros and cons of the different electric fencing wires, temporary posts, fence storage solutions, and chargers.

Episode 39:
Cover Crops with Eduardo Stern

January 29, 2025
Colt interviews Eduardo Stern, Director of Tropical Seeds LLC, and Dr. Jaime Garzon, Assistant Extension Professor and Forage Educator, about new cover crop research.

Episode 38:
The Maine Ag Trades Show with Kevin Woltemath

January 22, 2025
Colt and Glenda set up shop on the main stage of the the Maine Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta, Maine on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 to record a live show with Kevin Woltemath of Pineland Natural Meats.

Episode 37:
A Journey from Agricultural Education to Vocation with Madison Philbrick

January 15, 2025
Colt sits down with Madison Philbrick, Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator for Animal and Veterinary Sciences in the College of Earth, Health, and Life Sciences at the University of Maine.

Episode 36:
Small Swine Producers and Veterinarians Grant Update with Casey

January 8, 2025
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.

Episode 35:
Maine AgrAbility with Bella Russo and Brie Weisman

January 1, 2025
Glenda and Colt are joined by Bella Russo, Director of Maine AgrAbility, and Brie Weisman, occupational therapist, to discuss Maine AgrAbility.

Episode 34:
H5N1 Bird Flu in Dairy Updates with Dr. Sarah Allen

December 25, 2024
Glenda talks with Dr. Sarah Allen about the ongoing Avian Flu (H5N1) situation in dairy (recorded December 19, 2024).

Episode 33:
Prevention and Mitigation of Meningeal Worm in Small Ruminants with Dr. Rachel White

December 18, 2024
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 32:
Calf Chronicles: The 5 Cs of Dairy Calf Care with Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn

December 11, 2024
Glenda has a conversation with a return guest, Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn about the 5 Cs of dairy calf care.

Episode 31:
Livestock Business Planning with JJ Jones

December 4, 2024
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 30:
Getting to Know the Youth with Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors

November 27, 2024
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 29:
The Last of the Cowboy Scholars with Dr. Derek Bailey

November 20, 2024
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 28:
Winter Care of Livestock with Dr. Pereira and Dr. Knight

November 13, 2024
Glenda and Colt have a conversation about winter care considerations for livestock.

Episode 27:
Calf Chronicles: Cow and Calf Rearing with Dr. Brad Heins

November 6, 2024
Glenda interviews Dr. Brad Heins, Professor of Dairy Management at the University of Minnesota, about pre-weaned calf rearing options for dairy producers.

Episode 26:
Journey into Agriculture with Dr. Kendall Samuelson

October 30, 2024
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 25:
Swine Genetics with Randy Shipley

October 23, 2024
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 24:
Winter Watering Tips with Drs. Pereira and Knight

October 16, 2024
Drs. Pereira and Knight sit down to discuss some winter care, especially, winter watering tips for livestock producers.

Episode 23:
Preparing Your Pastures for Overwintering with Dr. Jaime Garzon

October 9, 2024
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 22:
Beef Sustainability with Dr. Sebastian Mejia Turcios

October 2, 2024
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 21:
Biosecurity with Carol Delaney

September 25, 2024
Glenda interviews Carol Delaney from the Maine Department of Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. They discuss general livestock biosecurity practices.

Episode 20:
Online Marketing with Dan Kaplan

September 17, 2024
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 19:
Best Management Practices for Harvesting Corn Silage with Dr. Juan Romero

September 11, 2024
Glenda Pereira and Colt Knight interview Dr. Juan Romero from the University of Maine. He discusses best management practices for harvesting corn silage.

Episode 18:
Tractor Safety with Jason Lilley and Caragh Fitzgerald

September 4, 2024
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 17:
Pasture Health and Regenerative Practices with Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler

August 28, 2024
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 16:
Updates in Internal Parasite Research with Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler

August 21, 2024
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 15:
Shades of Green: Cows, Agrivoltaics, and Climate Resilience with Dr. Brad Heins

August 14, 2024
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 14:
Dairy Financials and Breakeven Milk Price with Joanna Lidback

August 7, 2024
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 13:
Heat Stress Considerations for Dairy Farms with Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn

July 31, 2024
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 12:
Low Stress Handling and Stockmanship with Dr. Dean Fish (Part 2)

July 24, 2024
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 11:
Low Stress Handling and Stockmanship with Dr. Dean Fish (Part 1)

July 17, 2024
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 10:
Sire Selection Strategies to Maximize Beef on Dairy with Dr. Bailey Basiel

July 10, 2024
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 09:
Resources for Succession Planning with Kate Turcotte

July 3, 2024
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 08:
Meat Processing with Dr. Gregg Rentfrow

June 26, 2024
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 07:
Backyard Chickens with Ashley Wright

June 20, 2024
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 06:
Precision Livestock Management with Dr. Derek Bailey and Dr. Colin Tobin

June 12, 2024
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 05:
2023 Maine Dairy Farm of the Year with Heath Miller

June 5, 2024
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 04:
Agriculture Mediation and Farm Mental Health with Lucy Wess, Esq. and Leslie Forstadt, Ph.D.

May 29, 2024
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 03:
Western Beef Cattle with Scott Jensen

May 14, 2024
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 02:
Swine Industry with Dr. Brett Kaysen

May 14, 2024
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 01:
Ventilation with Dr. Morgan Hayes

May 8, 2024
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.


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).