Maine Farmcast

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant Extension professor and state dairy specialist for University of Maine Cooperative Extension, talks with Dr. Alicyn Smart, a doctor of plant medicine and plant pathologist and director of the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Maine. Dr. Smart also is the executive director of the National Plant Diagnostic Network. One goal of the network is to strengthen U.S. agricultural biodefense and enable rapid communication and response to new pathogens.The UMaine Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has seen an increase in an emerging garlic pathogen, fusarium. Her team has sought funding to address major unknowns about fusarium and hopes to develop resistant garlic, improve diagnostic detection tools and identify cultural practices to reduce the disease in garlic plants.Submit a plant sample to the UMaine Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab: https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/plant-disease/Listen to the previous episode with Dr. Alicyn Smart https://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-91/University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

After 100 episodes of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight and Dr. Glenda Pereira take a moment to reflect on the journey. What started as a leap into the unknown has grown into a weekly podcast connecting farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals across the country. Guided by the simple mindset of “just do it,” this milestone episode looks back at the early days, the evolution of the show, and how conversations with guests have influenced both the podcast and their Extension work.Along the way, Colt and Glenda revisit some of their favorite moments, from meaningful discussions on sustainability and calf care to unforgettable stories and lighthearted debates, including the ongoing chocolate milk conversation. Blending humor, insight, and gratitude, this episode captures the heart of the Maine Farmcast: real conversations, practical knowledge, and the people who shape agriculture every day. Whether you’ve been listening since Episode 1 or are just tuning in, this episode celebrates 100 episodes and looks ahead to what’s next.Featured Maine Farmcast EpisodesEpisode 1 – Ventilation with Dr. Morgan Hayeshttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-01/Episode 13 - Heat Stress Considerations for Dairy Farms with Dr. Bethany Dado-Sennhttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-13/Episode 15 – Shades of Green: Cows, Agrivoltaics, and Climate Resilience with Dr. Brad Heinshttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-15/Episode 22 – Beef Sustainability with Dr. Sebastian Mejia Turcioshttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-22/Episode 25 – Swine Genetics with Randy Shipley (Shipley Swine Genetics)https://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-25/Episode 32 – Calf Chronicles: The 5 Cs of Dairy Calf Care with Bethany Dado-Sennhttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-32/Episode 41 – Getting to Know your Hosts Part 1 with Dr. Glenda Pereirahttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-41/Episode 43- Getting to Know your Hosts Part II with Dr. Colt W. Knighthttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-43/Episode 52 – Oink if you are Ready to Get Started Raising Pigs!https://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-52/Episode 68 – Brains, Bears and Butchery: Tall Tales from Extension Life with Dr. Gregg Rentfrowhttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-68/The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, hosts Colt Knight and Glenda Pereira are joined by Dr. Erin Percival Carter, associate professor of marketing at the University of Maine, to examine one of the biggest challenges facing Maine farmers today: making farm businesses profitable while competing outside the commodity system. Drawing on her background in agriculture, consumer behavior research and farming experience, Carter explains why simply being a good farmer is not enough and why marketing, pricing and understanding target customers are critical to long-term success. From the realities of Maine’s higher production costs to the limits of “if you build it, they will come” thinking, the conversation reframes marketing as a necessary business tool rather than an afterthought.Learn more about Dr. Carter's research programhttps://umaine.edu/business/people/erin-percival-carter/Looking to write your own positioning statement? Here is a resourcehttps://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/brand-positioning-statementThe University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant extension professor and state dairy specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, speaks with Joe Lawrence, dairy forage systems specialist with the Cornell PRO-DAIRY team. Lawrence works with the New York dairy industry as a private-sector certified crop adviser and as a field crops educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension. They discuss the annual Commercial Corn Silage Hybrid Evaluation Program in New York and Vermont and its application to the Northeast and dairy farms.Learn more about Joe Lawrence2025 New York and Vermont Corn Silage Hybrid Trial ResultsUnderstanding Growing Degree DaysThe University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, hosts Colt and Glenda are joined by Dr. Tom Rounsville, an applied molecular genetics specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, for an engaging, wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, science and real-world problem-solving. What starts as a spirited debate about bald eagles, hawks and other wildlife quickly transitions into Dr. Rounsville's work applying molecular tools and DNA technologies to challenges facing Maine residents, producers and natural resources. He explains how genetic testing and molecular diagnostics are used across Extension programs, from veterinary and plant disease diagnostics to aquaculture and wildlife research, highlighting how these tools help identify pathogens, species and emerging risks.Learn more about Dr. Thomas RounsvilleLearn more about Tom's bobcat researchThe University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Glenda and Colt are joined by returning guest Tom Hodgman. The conversation includes the origin story of the Katahdin sheep, a breed developed right here in Maine that has gone on to become one of the most influential sheep breeds in North America. Tom explains how the Katahdin breed came about from a decades-long vision by Maine breeder Michael Piel.The conversation spans everything from breed development and record-keeping to genetics, hybrid vigor, parasite resistance, and why Katahdins are uniquely suited for modern production systems such as intensive grazing and solar grazing. Along the way, we discuss what makes this hair sheep breed so adaptable, why data-driven selection matters, and how Maine quietly played a major role in shaping a national livestock success story. Whether you are a sheep producer, a genetics nerd, or just love a good agricultural origin story, this episode offers insight, perspective and plenty of appreciation for a breed whose time has truly come.More information about the Katahdin breed:Katahdin Breed Origin and HistoryThe University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, an assistant Extension professor and state dairy specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, talks with Brett Johnson, an assistant Extension professor and the sustainable agriculture and farm business management educator. The episode focuses on Johnson’s programming, including learning about and addressing agricultural needs in Midcoast Maine, as well as potato varieties and products.Learn more about Brett Johnson:https://extension.umaine.edu/about/staff-directory/brett-johnson/ UMaine Extension events in Waldo County:https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/events/The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Glenda and Colt sit down with Patricia Henderson, farm superintendent of the J.F. Witter Center at the University of Maine. Henderson shares her journey from growing up on a diversified livestock farm in Aroostook County to becoming a UMaine alum and helping develop the university’s robotic milking facility. The conversation highlights student learning, faculty research and livestock programs, along with a spirited and surprisingly passionate debate about the best chocolate milk.Learn about the UMaine J. Franklin Witter Teaching & Research Centerhttps://umaine.edu/wittercenter/Video of new Dairy Barn at the J. F. Witter Centerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kElRe70mNkgThe University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant Extension professor and state dairy specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, has a conversation with Maddy Philbrick, a UMaine graduate who is now attending veterinary school. This is a two-part series in which Maddy discusses her journey in applying to and getting accepted to veterinary school. During this second episode, Maddy discusses choosing your school and doing research, interviewing for vet school, paying for vet school, and other tips and tricks.The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)https://vmcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/loginResources for UMaine Animal and Veterinary Science studentsUMaine Health Professions Planning Guide (PDF)https://umaine.edu/healthcareers/wp-content/uploads/sites/97/2017/02/Health-Professions-Guide.pdfUMaine Foundation Charles E. Gilbert Loan Programhttps://umainefoundation.org/types-of-gifts/charles-e-gilbert-loan-program/The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant Extension professor and state dairy specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, talks with Maddy Philbrick, a UMaine graduate who is now attending veterinary school. This two-part series follows Philbrick’s journey through the veterinary school application and acceptance process. In part one, she discusses application timelines, letters of recommendation, and crafting a personal statement. Tune in next week for part two.The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)https://vmcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/loginResources for UMaine Animal and Veterinary Science studentshttps://go.umaine.edu/find-a-major/animal-and-veterinary-sciences/https://umaine.edu/career/The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant extension professor and state dairy specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, has a conversation with Dr. Alicyn Smart, a doctor of plant medicine and the plant pathologist and director of the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Maine. As a plant pathologist, Dr. Smart helps her clients diagnose plant pathogen issues with a goal of minimizing and preventing plant health diseases. Dr. Smart is also the executive director of the National Plant Diagnostic Network.Submit a plant sample to the UMaine Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab:https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/plant-disease/Ready to learn more? Checkout the micro-credential offered by the UMaine Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab and earn pesticide credits! https://extension.umaine.edu/micro-credentials/Interested in seeing plant disease imageshttps://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/plant-disease-images/The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Recorded live from the 2026 Maine Agricultural Trades Show, this special episode of the Maine Farmcast features an in-depth conversation with Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Amanda Beal. Commissioner Beal joins hosts Dr. Glenda Pereira and Dr. Colt Knight to reflect on her agricultural roots, career path, and current role leading one of Maine’s most vital agencies. From growing up on a dairy farm to serving as President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Beal shares insights on leadership, collaboration, and the importance of saying “yes” to hard opportunities.The discussion also explores what makes Maine agriculture unique, including its diversity of farms and commodities and the strength of its agricultural community, and looks ahead to the future. Commissioner Beal highlights key initiatives focused on climate resilience, healthy soils, drought preparedness, market access, and youth and women in agriculture, including Maine’s recognition of 2026 as the Year of Women in Agriculture. This live episode captures both the energy of the Trade Show floor and a thoughtful conversation about where Maine agriculture has been and where it is headed.The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.