Maine Farmcast

Horses have an incredible ability to find trouble, even in places you would never expect! From dangerous fencing and hidden barn hazards to colic, laminitis, parasites and common health problems, keeping horses healthy takes more than a little horse sense.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight welcomes back equine veterinarian Dr. Robert Causey to discuss the everyday challenges of horse ownership. Drawing on decades of veterinary experience and firsthand stories from the horse barn, they explore proper nutrition, the importance of consistent feeding routines, vaccinations, deworming, hoof care and how simple management decisions...

In this episode of Maine Farmcast, host Dr. Glenda Pereira talks with Devon Ouellette, a dairy farmer in Hermon, Maine, about a project they have been working on together to implement SenseHub monitoring technology on her farm. The project was funded by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center.

Listeners will learn about applying for grant funding, how monitoring technology can improve dairy farm operations and what goes into grant reporting.

Episode Resources

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to...

Things are getting a little spooky on the Maine Farmcast!

In this special Halloween episode, Dr. Colt Knight and Dr. Glenda Pereira trade their usual livestock discussions for something a little more sinister: witches, vampires, werewolves, and the surprisingly strange connections between monster folklore and animal science.

From haunted trails in the Appalachian Mountains and the Salem witch trials to hallucination-inducing fungi and the science behind vampire legends, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns before arriving in 18th-century France.

There, Colt recounts the terrifying true history of the Beast of Gévaudan, a...

What happens when you combine three animal species, two knives, a handsaw, 600 GB of video footage and five years of editing? Apparently, you get Carcass to Cut: The Maine Meat Cutting School.

In this episode of Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira turns the tables and interviews co-host Dr. Colt W. Knight about the new 27-video Carcass to Cut series. Colt shares how a pandemic-era meat-cutting school turned into a massive video project featuring beef, pork and lamb breakdowns, from whole carcasses to retail cuts, using equipment that ordinary people can actually afford.

Along the way...

In this episode of Maine Farmcast, host Dr. Glenda Pereira talks with University of Maine doctoral candidate Kyle Brennan about his research on sea scallops and aquaculture in Maine. Brennan works in Dr. Tim Bowden's lab, which focuses on disease resistance in oysters and other shellfish, treatments for shellfish diseases and fish immune function. Listeners will learn about the challenges of farming sea scallops, ongoing research at UMaine and Maine's aquaculture industry.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

This week on Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight takes the podcast on the road for a visit with returning guest Mark King, better known to listeners for his expertise in composting but also a lifelong bat enthusiast and researcher. King shares how one charismatic biology professor changed the direction of his career, eventually leading him to graduate research studying little brown bats and more than three decades of working with bats in Maine.

Together they explore why bats are so important to Maine’s ecosystems, the challenges posed by white-nose syndrome and practical ways homeowners can co...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Glenda Pereira sits down with Owen Cortner to discuss his background and how it informs his work as a livestock specialist. Cortner is a livestock specialist with the Division of Animal and Plant Health at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Listeners will learn about silvopasture, animal health, biosecurity and farming in different parts of the world.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

Colt W. Knight sits down with longtime friend and colleague Robert Causey for what was supposed to be a conversation about equine veterinary medicine. But, as often happens when two longtime horse people get talking, things quickly head down a few rabbit holes.

Colt and Robert talk about Secretariat and equine physiology, growing up with horses, cavalry and war horses throughout history, the human connection with horses, wild mustangs in the American West, boys’ ranches and even why working with donkeys and mules can require an entirely different mindset. Along the way, they swap stories about riding, tr...

In this episode of Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight sits down with author, professional speaker, educator, former college lacrosse coach and custom hatter John Brubaker, better known to many as Coach Brew, for a conversation about communication, leadership, youth development and the value of simply being yourself.

John shares how a chance encounter with Maine agricultural youth led him to the Northeast Livestock Expo, where he helped young people strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills. Colt and John discuss why agricultural youth often develop responsibility, work ethic and interpersonal skills through working with livestock, and...

This week on the Maine Farmcast, we head to Hemond Farms in Minot, Maine, for the Buckles and Banners Jackpot Show and sit down with Brittany and Sierra Hemond to talk about livestock, leadership, entrepreneurship and what it takes to build a farm for the next generation.

Sierra shares how she got hooked on showing livestock, her experiences in 4-H and FFA, competing in livestock judging at the National FFA Convention and the work that went into organizing a jackpot show. That included recruiting a nationally recognized judge, ordering buckles, managing entries, promoting the event and handling...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Glenda Pereira sits down with Jacki Martinez Perkins to discuss management practices that can help maintain hoof health in livestock and horses and prevent lameness. Martinez Perkins serves as the organic dairy and livestock specialist for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and is a valuable resource for farmers across Maine.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Dr. Glenda Pereira sits down with Amber Blodgett to learn about the Ben and Jerry's Low Carbon Dairy Pilot Project. Amber is the Dairy Research & Outreach Specialist for the UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team. Listeners will learn about different the project, and the specific intervention opportunities to potentially decrease greenhouse gas emissions. You can reach Amber at [email protected].

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine...

Recorded outdoors around a table at Knight Family Farm in Garland, Maine, this episode features plenty of fresh air, farm sounds, barbecue and a conversation about things that are not always quite so fresh. Dr. Colt Knight is joined by longtime friend Mark King, organics management specialist with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and one of Maine’s leading composting experts. Mark explains how anything from kitchen scraps and horse manure to livestock mortalities and food-processing waste can be transformed into a valuable soil amendment.

Mark and Colt discuss the basics of building and managing a co...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Glenda Pereira sits down with Jacki Martinez Perkins to discuss the role the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) plays in promoting organic agriculture through education, advocacy and connection. Jacki serves as MOFGA’s organic dairy and livestock specialist and is a valuable resource for farmers across Maine.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Dr. Glenda Pereira talks with Dr. Owen Cortner about biosecurity, heat stress and other animal health considerations when exhibiting animals at fairs. Cortner is a livestock specialist in the Division of Animal and Plant Health at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider...

How do farmers help shape USDA programs in their communities?

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Glenda Pereira and Colt Knight welcome Tommy Higgins, Maine state executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, for a conversation about the important role FSA county committees play in supporting agriculture.

Higgins shares his journey from military service to leading Maine’s Farm Service Agency. He also explains how local producers help guide FSA programs through county committees. The discussion covers who can serve, how committee members are nominated and elected and why...

How much forage do your cattle really need, and how much grass is actually available in your pasture?

This week, Dr. Colt Knight welcomes Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler back to the Maine Farmcast for a practical conversation about the numbers behind successful grazing management. They explain how estimating forage inventory, calculating dry matter intake and using simple tools such as grazing sticks and plate meters can help producers make better stocking and rotation decisions before pasture problems develop.

The conversation goes beyond the math to explore pasture health, drought planning, grazing efficiency, animal nutrition and the...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Dr. Glenda Pereira sits down with Annie Leahy, a recent University of Maine zoology graduate and incoming Clemson University DVM student, to discuss her honors thesis on emerging pathogens affecting ruminant livestock in Maine. Leahy’s research analyzed cases submitted to UMaine’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab between September 2022 and January 2025, covering 633 ruminant cases across cattle, goats, sheep and alpacas.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nond...

A pest that many producers thought was confined to the history books is making headlines again. In this episode, Dr. Colt Knight sits down with Ashley Wright of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to discuss New World screwworm, a devastating livestock pest that has reemerged in North America. They explain what screwworm is, how it differs from ordinary fly strike and why veterinarians and livestock producers are taking the threat so seriously.

The conversation covers the history of screwworm eradication, recent cases detected in the southern United States, impacts on cattle markets and cross-border livestock movement...

This Independence Day week, Dr. Colt Knight is joined by Dr. Dean Fish of Arizona’s Anchor F Cattle Co. to explore one of America’s most recognizable symbols: the cowboy hat. From John B. Stetson’s original design in the 1860s to today’s custom-crafted masterpieces, Colt and Dean trace the history, function and cultural significance of the hat that helped shape the American West. Along the way, they discuss cowboy etiquette, hat-making traditions, regional styles and why a good hat is much more than a fashion statement.

Whether you’re a lifelong cowboy, a weekend horse owne...

Why does a ribeye cost so much more than it did a few years ago?

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight sits down with Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, meat science specialist at the University of Kentucky, while attending North Carolina State University’s BBQ Camp. Together, they break down the many factors driving today’s record-high meat prices, including historically low cattle inventories, rising feed and fertilizer costs, inflation, avian influenza, drought, international trade disruptions and livestock disease concerns.

From beef and pork to poultry, the conversation explores why consumers continue to p...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Colt W. Knight sits down with Sue Ishaq, associate professor and microbiome researcher at the University of Maine, to explore the fascinating world of microbes and their role in animal and human health. From her nonfarm upbringing and path through animal science to building a dynamic research lab, Ishaq shares how curiosity and a few career pivots led her into the rapidly evolving field of microbiome science.

The conversation dives into cutting-edge research on how microbes interact with diet, including the surprising health benefits of foods such as broccoli...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira celebrates June Dairy Month with a solo episode on how robotics are shaping dairy farm management. She discusses the benefits and considerations of milking robots, including milk production, labor, cow traffic, facility design and the importance of consistency in daily routines.

Dr. Pereira also takes a closer look at manure robots and how they can support cleaner walkways, improved hoof and udder hygiene, reduced labor needs and fewer disruptions to cow behavior, especially in robotic milking systems. Listeners will hear about practical considerations such as floor type...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Colt W. Knight is once again joined by Richard Brzozowski, professor emeritus and former Extension livestock specialist, for a practical and story-driven discussion on common mistakes new farmers make and how to avoid them. Drawing from decades of experience in Extension and agriculture, Brzozowski shares insights from working with beginning farmers, along with reflections from his travels observing agricultural systems around the world.

The conversation covers critical topics such as starting too big, failing to keep records, making poor equipment decisions and relying on a single market outlet. Listeners...

Raising kids on a farm comes with a unique mix of challenges, responsibilities and rewards. In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, we dive into what it really means to parent in an agricultural setting. From chore schedules and safety considerations to balancing farm work with family life, our conversation explores how farm families pass along values such as work ethic, resilience and stewardship while navigating the realities of modern agriculture.

We discuss the benefits of growing up around livestock and land, the lessons children learn through hands-on experiences, and how farm parents adapt as operations, expectations...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Glenda and Colt sit down with Rick Linscott, a retired senior scientist from IDEXX Laboratories, based in Westbrook, Maine. Rick reflects on his 35-year career with the Maine-based diagnostics company, tracing its evolution from early livestock and poultry testing to its global work in companion animal, water quality and biomedical diagnostics. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how diagnostic tools are developed, why livestock testing remains critical despite representing a smaller share of the market, and how Maine has become a hub for biotech innovation.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant Extension professor and state dairy specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, talks with Dr. Erin Percival Carter, associate professor of marketing at the University of Maine. Although Carter is a UMaine professor, the conversation focuses on her role as a diversified farmer, including her naturally colored Corriedale sheep flock, hand-spinning wool and the Maine Fiber Frolic.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Colt W. Knight sits down with longtime colleague, mentor and former Extension administrator Richard Brzozowski to reflect on a lifetime in agriculture and the realities of raising livestock. From early 4-H experiences and dairy farm work to decades of Extension service, Brzozowski shares stories that highlight how a passion for animals develops and why not everyone is naturally suited for livestock production. The conversation blends humor and hard-earned wisdom, offering listeners a candid look at what it truly means to work with animals.

The discussion dives into the benefits...

On 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 key tips farmers should consider as they prepare for the spring planting and harvesting season.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight talks with Dana Brown, a dairy nutritionist, former president of the Maine Beef Producers Association and livestock producer, about the revival and impact of the Northeast Livestock Expo, known as NELE. They discuss how the long-running Maine event has evolved into a multi-species educational experience that brings together youth, producers and industry partners. From its roots in livestock shows and sales, NELE now emphasizes hands-on learning and continues to connect young people with agriculture.

The conversation highlights a renewed focus on youth development through beef judging clinics...

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Colt W. Knight sits down with Courtney Morse of Robinson Insurance Agency to discuss a topic many farmers avoid until it is too late: farm insurance. From hobby farms to full-scale agribusinesses, Morse shares practical insights on how insurance needs evolve as operations grow and diversify. The conversation highlights common misconceptions, including the risks of relying solely on homeowners policies and the importance of clearly communicating farm activities, side businesses and livestock ownership to an insurance provider.

Listeners will gain a better understanding of how to protect their farms...

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...

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 s...

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 y...

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.

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...

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...

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.

The University of Maine System (the...

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.

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.