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.
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).