Maine Farmcast

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. Jaime Garzon about how to get your pastures ready for overwintering. Dr. Jaime Garzon is an Assistant Extension Professor and Forage Educator at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. His extension program seeks to develop and conduct educational outreach and applied research with emphasis on forage production and regenerative pasture management.Learn more about Dr. Jaime Garzon’s program:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jaime-Garzon-4View Dr. Garzon’s video on Sustainable Pasture Management:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLToKPmh1Dc&t=386sIn 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).

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. Sebastian Mejia Turcios about his work on beef sustainability conducted at the clear center at UC Davis. The Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research Center – or CLEAR Center – is using research and extension to advance sustainability in animal agriculture. Dr. Mejia Turcios is actively involved with members of the industry, and is also heavily involved in research much of which pertains to finding new strategies to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production.To learn more about Dr. Sebastian Turcios:https://clear.ucdavis.edu/people/sebastian-mejia-turcios 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).

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 Carol Delaney about general livestock biosecurity practices. Carol Delaney is the Livestock Specialist for the Animal Health group at the Maine Department of Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The Animal Health group focuses on helping to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases among poultry and livestock, promote public health and food safety as it relates to zoonotic disease, to enhance the quality and health of livestock, and to maintain fair practices in the buying and selling of poultry and livestock.Learn more about Carol DelaneyLearn more about Secure Food Supply (SFS) PlansLearn more about Healthy Farms Healthy AgricultureIn 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).

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast 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. Dan moved to Maine and started a beef farm about 10 years ago. He shares his story on coming to Maine, and how he utilized the skills of his past career to create a vibrant online market for his beef, and how he has diversified into other products along the way. Be sure to listen in to Dan’s insights on marketing, customer acquisition, repeat business, and managing your marketing along with your livestock. To learn more about Heartstone Farm, please visit:https://heartstonefarm.comIn 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).

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira and Dr. Colt Knight have a conversation with University of Maine professor Dr. Juan Romero about best management practices for harvesting corn silage. Dr. Romero is an Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition and conducts research on: forage quality and conservation, ruminant nutrition, and PFAS. He also teaches forage science and range management as well as animal nutrition within the School of Food and Agriculture. You can reach him at [email protected] or 207.581.2925.Learn more about Dr. Juan Romero and his lab:https://umaine.edu/animal-pfas/ To learn more about the research Dr. Romero conducted with inoculant Lactobacillus buchneri:https://m.jtmtg.org/abs/t/64681 To learn more about Forage Conservation: Troubleshooting Hay and Silage Production: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/forage-conservation-troubleshooting-hay-and-silage-production 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).

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 UMaine Extension professors and educators Jason Lilley and Caragh Fitzgerald about tractor safety.Jason Lilley is an Assistant Extension Professor of Maine Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator, whose focus is on improving the overall environmental and economic sustainability of commercial farm operations. Caragh Fitzgerald is an Associate Extension Professor of Agriculture working primarily in Kennebec and Oxford Counties in production of vegetables, corn silage, and other forages as well as season extension and soil health.To learn more about UMaine farm safety programs:https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/farm-safety/ To sign up for the Maine farm newsletter:https://extension.umaine.edu/new-farmers/sign-up-for-email-notifications/ Learn more about Caragh and Jason:https://extension.umaine.edu/about/staff-directory/caragh-fitzgerald/ https://extension.umaine.edu/about/staff-directory/jason-lilley/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).

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, I am joined by Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Extension Professor and Beef Specialist for the University of Kentucky, and we are going to discuss 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. Join in and learn why these practices can make a difference without the politics to get in the way. Dr. Jeffrey W. Lehmkuhler was raised in southern Indiana. He attended Purdue University and obtained his M.S. in silvopastoral systems and Ph.D. in beef cattle nutrition from the University of Missouri. Jeff continued his career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001 and was hired by the University of Kentucky in 2008 where he now holds the title of Extension Professor. His internationally recognized programming has spanned five countries and covered a diverse range of ruminant production from dairy steers to yaks. Jeff’s external funding exceeds $6M dollars and he authored more than 125 newsletter and popular press articles, 66 abstracts and journal articles, and 46 proceedings and extension publications. A key to his success has been forging relations with colleagues to work as a team. Jeff received the Agri-Communicator award in 2004, Southern Region ASAS Extension award in 2016 and M.D. Whiteker Excellence in Extension award in 2021. Jeff and his wife, Gwen, have three children.If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lehmkuhler, visit:https://afs.ca.uky.edu/person/jeffrey-lehmkuhlerIn 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).

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, I am joined by Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Extension Professor and Beef Specialist for 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. Stay tuned for next week’s episode when we discuss pasture health and regenerative practices of grazing livestock. Dr. Jeffrey W. Lehmkuhler was raised in southern Indiana. He attended Purdue University and obtained his M.S. in silvopastoral systems and Ph.D. in beef cattle nutrition from the University of Missouri. Jeff continued his career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001 and was hired by the University of Kentucky in 2008 where he now holds the title of Extension Professor. His internationally recognized programming has spanned five countries and covered a diverse range of ruminant production from dairy steers to yaks. Jeff’s external funding exceeds $6M dollars and he authored more than 125 newsletter and popular press articles, 66 abstracts and journal articles, and 46 proceedings and extension publications. A key to his success has been forging relations with colleagues to work as a team. Jeff received the Agri-Communicator award in 2004, Southern Region ASAS Extension award in 2016 and M.D. Whiteker Excellence in Extension award in 2021. Jeff and his wife, Gwen, have three children.If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lehmkuhler please visit:https://afs.ca.uky.edu/person/jeffrey-lehmkuhlerIn 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).

On the 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. Brad Heins, Professor of Dairy Management at the University of Minnesota. The conversation focuses on the dairy research that is being conducted at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Minnesota. Dr. Heins grew up in Minnesota and obtained his Animal Science degrees at the University of Minnesota. Based in West Central Minnesota, Dr. Heins conducts research on topics including organic dairy production, crossbreeding in dairy cattle, calf rearing, precision technology, and renewable energy systems.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).

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 Joanna Lidback, CFO for Adirondack Farms and the principal consultant for Adirondack Management Services. Joanna is a Certified Agricultural Consultant and has over 20 years of experience in dairy financial analysis with a background in agricultural credit and consulting. She holds an MBA from the F.W. Olin School of Management and a B.S. from Cornell University. Joanna and her husband Adam started their own dairy farm in Northern Vermont, and are raising their three children there.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).

In 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. Bethany Dado-Senn about heat stress on dairy farms. Dr. Dado-Senn grew up on a 500-cow dairy farm with her family in northwest Wisconsin. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her bachelor's and Ph.D. and the University of Florida where she earned her master's. Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn is a calf and heifer technical specialist for Vita Plus, providing technical expertise to help producers raise the next generation of their milking herd. She resides in Northwest Wisconsin with her husband and daughters, and is the calf manager for her family dairy farm. Learn more about Dr. Bethany Dado-SennLearn more about Heat Abatement and Ventilation of Adult Cow Facilities from the Wisconsin Dairyland InitiativeIn 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).

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. 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.R. Dean Fish, Ph.D. is the Ranch Manager for the Santa Fe Ranch and a member of the NCBA Stockmanship and Stewardship Team. As the Ranch Manager for the Santa Fe Ranch Foundation, he works to develop problem solving research for his fellow beef producers. The foundation also works to get kids out of doors through agricultural literacy, hiking, camping and learning about the environment. Fish also raises commercial Angus cattle and club calves. Prior to managing the ranch, he was an extension livestock specialist for the University of Arizona. He has served on the Arizona Beef Council and is the past president of the Southern Arizona Cattlemen’s Protective Association. Fish has served in a leadership role for many livestock and service organizations. In addition, he has worked with Todd McCartney, Dr. Ron Gill and Curt Pate planning and delivering Stockmanship and Stewardship at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Conference and Trade Show. Fish is passionate about spreading the stockmanship and stewardship message, as he has seen the benefits in his own and other operations where the principles are implemented.This podcast was made possible by the generous support of:Maine New Farmers ProjectMaine Beef Producers AssociationNational Cattlemen's Beef AssociationMaine Grazing Behavior LabOther Links:Santa Fe Ranch MissionNational Cattlemen's’Beef Association Stockmanship and Stewardship programWhile Dr. Fish was in Maine, we recorded a 4K video highlighting the principals of Low Stress Handling and Stockmanship:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBmACbsAE8kTo learn more about the Maine Farmcast, visithttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/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).

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight is joined by Dr. Dean Fish from Arizona to discuss his background in beef ranching in Arizona, how cattle can serve as a therapeutic tool, and his journey into stockmanship and stewardship.R. Dean Fish, Ph.D. is the Ranch Manager for the Santa Fe Ranch and a member of the NCBA Stockmanship and Stewardship Team. As the Ranch Manager for the Santa Fe Ranch Foundation, he works to develop problem solving research for his fellow beef producers. The foundation also works to get kids out of doors through agricultural literacy, hiking, camping and learning about the environment. Fish also raises commercial Angus cattle and club calves. Prior to managing the ranch, he was an extension livestock specialist for the University of Arizona. He has served on the Arizona Beef Council and is the past president of the Southern Arizona Cattlemen’s Protective Association. Fish has served in a leadership role for many livestock and service organizations. In addition, he has worked with Todd McCartney, Dr. Ron Gill and Curt Pate planning and delivering Stockmanship and Stewardship at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Conference and Trade Show. Fish is passionate about spreading the stockmanship and stewardship message, as he has seen the benefits in his own and other operations where the principles are implemented.This podcast was made possible by the generous support of:Maine New Farmers ProjectMaine Beef Producers AssociationNational Cattlemen's Beef AssociationMaine Grazing Behavior LabOther Links:Santa Fe Ranch MissionNational Cattlemen's’Beef Association Stockmanship and Stewardship programWhile Dr. Fish was in Maine, we recorded a 4K video highlighting the principals of Low Stress Handling and Stockmanship:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBmACbsAE8kTo learn more about the Maine Farmcast, visithttps://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/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).

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. Bailey Basiel, who is currently a postdoctoral student at the Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory (AGIL). Dr. Basiel grew up in Connecticut and obtained her Bachelors in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire. Most recently, she obtained her Ph.D. from Penn State University, where she conducted beef on dairy research with a focus on genetics. To learn more about Dr. Bailey Basiel:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bailey-Basiel To learn more about AGIL:https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/agil/To learn more about the Premium Beef on Dairy Program from the University of Wisconsin:https://dairymgt.cals.wisc.edu/tools.phpIn 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).

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 Kate Turcotte, Maine Field Agent for Land For Good and the Maine Education Coordinator for the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship. Kate has returned to Maine with her family after farming and making cheese in Vermont. The conversation today highlights resources for farmers looking to navigate succession planning, as well as change in land ownership. Kate and her team will be offering a succession planning school in Maine during the Fall of 2024 so be sure to check that out when dates are released.Land For GoodDairy Grazing Apprenticeship ProgramIn 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).

Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, University of Kentucky Meat Science Specialist, visited Maine to help with the Maine Meat Cutting School. While he was here, Dr. Colt Knight sat down to discuss what it takes to set up a commercial meat processing facility and what it takes to get setup processing animals for yourself and family. Gregg started out as a retail meat cutter, then entered academia earning a B.S., and M.S. in Animal and Meat Science from the University of Illinois and Ph.D. in Meat Science and Muscle Biology from the University of Missouri while coaching the meats judging team and serving as the interim meat lab manager. He joined the University of Kentucky as the Extension Meats Specialist in 2006, with an extension/teaching appointment. Dr. Rentfrow received the university’s highest extension award, the M.D. Whiteker Award for Extension Excellence, in 2017. Rentfrow recently received the prestigious Animal Industry Innovation Award from the American Society of Animal Science. He lives in northern Madison County, Kentucky.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight interviews Ashley Wright, an area assistant livestock agent with the University of Arizona. Ashley joined us in Maine for a week to help deliver a series of in-person seminars on getting started with poultry. As a Livestock Area Agent with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, she provides leadership in extension programs focusing on livestock production and management across both large and small-scale operations in Cochise, Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties. Her programs cover a diverse array of topics crucial to the livestock industry, including herd health and management, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and marketing. While much of her program focuses on cow-calf operations, she also work extensively with Arizona's growing population of backyard chicken enthusiasts, especially those in areas who have recently relaxed zoning regulations to allow for urban chicken keeping. The educational content she produces covers an array of topics such as raising health chicks, poultry diseases, coop design, heat stress, nutrition, egg production, and egg safety. She lives in Vail, Arizona, just outside of Tucson and maintains a small backyard flock of laying hens.Ashley WrightLearn more about raising poultry in MaineOriginal music by Colt Knight.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).

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight, Associate Extension Professor and State Livestock Specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, meets up with Dr. Derek Bailey, Professor Emeritus for New Mexico State University, and Dr. Colin Tobin, Research Animal Scientist at the Carrington Research Station for North Dakota State University, to discuss some of the new technology emerging in livestock behavior and precision grazing including sensors to pick up location and activity, virtual fencing, and cameras that measure and weigh livestock in near real time. I attended the Society for Range Management (SRM) National Meeting in Sparks, Nevada this January where Dr. Bailey received the SRM Sustained Lifetime Achievement Award to take part in the Precision Livestock Management and Virtual Fencing Symposia. I was able to corner Dr. Bailey and Dr. Tobin to discuss their research and visions for the future of livestock production. To learn more about Dr. Derek Bailey’s research visit:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Derek-Bailey-2To Learn more about Dr. Colin Tobin please visit – https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-home/directory/colin-tobinOriginal music by Colt Knight.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).

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, Assistant Extension Professor & State Dairy Specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, has an on-farm conversation with Heath Miller. Heath and his family were awarded the 2023 Maine Dairy farm of the year and New England Green Pastures Winner for the state of Maine. The Green Pastures program began in 1947, when New Hampshire’s then-governor Charles Dale bet that his state had greener pastures than anywhere else in New England. For 76 years, the Green Pastures program has recognized one extraordinary dairy farm in each state. The GreenValle Farm began when the Miller’s settled in Newburgh, Maine, in the mid-1850s.To learn more about the GreenValle farm please visit their social media page– https://www.facebook.com/p/Green-Valle-Farm-100057627752266/To learn more about the New England Green Pastures program– https://agriculture.vermont.gov/new-england-green-pastures-recognizes-outstanding-dairy-farms-year

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight (Associate Extension Professor and State Livestock Specialist) has a serious conversation with Lucy Wess, Esq. (Program Director) and Dr. Leslie Forstadt (UMaine Cooperative Extension Faculty, Human Development Specialist, and Program Grant Administrator) about Farmer Mental Health and Agricultural Mediation in January 2024. More information on Ag Mediation: https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/agricultural-mediation/Maine Resilience Building Network:https://maineresilience.org16 Hour Course on Ag Mediation Training:https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/agricultural-mediation/training/Leslie Forstadt, Ph.D.:https://extension.umaine.edu/about/staff-directory/leslie-forstadt/When in Crisis, Call or Text:The phone number for theSuicide and Crisis Lifeline:988The current Lifeline phone number1.800.273.8255 (para Español, call 1.888.628.9454) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally. For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 7-1-1 then 1.800.273.8255.Original music by Colt Knight.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).

On the third episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight, Associate Extension Professor & State Livestock Specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, has a late-night conversation with Scott Jensen, Extension Educator at the University of Idaho. Scott conducts applied research and extension programs in beef cattle, range and pasture management. He co-coordinates the Idaho Beef Quality Assurance program and conducts the longstanding Lost Rivers Grazing Academy. In addition, Mr. Jensen is the President-elect for National Association of County Agricultural Agents(NACAA) and works diligently with Extension Agents across the country and its territories offering professional development opportunities to those of in the field. I got a chance to sit down with Scott at the Winter Board Meeting for the NACAA in Dallas, Texas in December 2023 to talk about some of the differences in Western vs. North Eastern Beef production. To learn more about Mr. Scott Jensen please visit:https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/our-people/i-k/scott-jensenOriginal music by Colt Knight.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).

On the second episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight, Associate Extension Professor & State Livestock Specialist for UMaine Cooperative Extension, sits down with Dr. Brett Kaysen, the Senior Vice President of Producer and State Engagement for the National Pork Board. I met up with Brett at the national Pork Board Swine Educators and Outreach Professionals Conference held in October, 2023 at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Kaysen earned his PhD from Colorado State University, and served as an Animal Science Faculty member there for many years prior to going to work with the National Pork Board. Brett now resides in Iowa, and has a swine farm to keep him busy in his off time. Learn more about Brett Kaysen, Ph.D.:https://porkcheckoff.org/author/brett-kaysen-ph-d/If you would like more information on the Pork Check Off, please visit: https://porkcheckoff.orgOriginal music by Colt Knight.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).

On the very first episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight, Associate Extension Professor and State Livestock Specialist for University of Maine Cooperative Extension, sits down with one of the University of Kentucky’s Agricultural Engineers, Dr. Morgan Hayes. Dr. Hayes is a professional engineer and serves as an Assistant Extension Professor in Livestock Systems in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to Morgan’s impressive academic background, she is co-owner of a multigenerational cattle and hay farm, Fallen Barn Farm, in Central Kentucky. In this episode we discuss proper barn ventilation in colder climates. Dr. Hayes podcast “Have you herd? Conversations with Josh Jackson and Morgan Hayes” is available on both Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3vEg38RYlJB7d0siEqgglyAnd YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJG-tVLUcaWjKh072oxDIrOkGanhr5JekTo learn more about Morgan Hayes, PhD, P.E. please visit her University Website:https://www.engr.uky.edu/directory/hayes-morganIf you would like more information on the University of Kentucky – Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering please check out the link:https://engr.uky.edu/research-faculty/departments/biosystems-agricultural-engineeringOriginal music by Colt Knight.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).