Maine Farmcast

University of Maine Cooperative Extension
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

The Maine Farmcast features weekly conversations with experts from across the country sharing insights and advice for both new and seasoned farmers running operations of any size. Hosted by three livestock specialists from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the show brings you world-class expertise paired with practical advice about how to apply cutting-edge research to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your farming operation.

  1. 16h ago

    Pile It On with the King of Compost: From the Backyard to the Farm

    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 compost pile, small-scale composting with lobster-trap wire bins, compost-bedded livestock packs, carcass composting, food waste recovery and anaerobic digesters. Mark also shares information about the five-day Maine Compost School and the new Maine Master Community Composter program, which is designed to help communities prepare for Maine’s changing approach to food waste disposal. Whether you manage a farm, keep a backyard garden or simply want to keep food scraps out of the landfill, this episode offers practical advice for turning waste into a useful resource. Maine Compost SchoolMaine Compost School Sessions and CalendarMRRA Food Recovery Council and Maine Master Community Composter ProgramMaine DEP Composting InformationUniversity of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

  2. Aug 12

    MOFGA: From Certification to Community With Jacki Martinez Perkins

    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. Contact Jacki50th annual Common Ground Country Fair, Sept. 25-27, 2026Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

  3. Aug 5

    Fair Season: Biosecurity and Animal Health Considerations with Owen Cortner

    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. Contact the Maine DACF animal health teamMaine DACF Heat Stress Best Practices at Events and Fairs (PDF)Maine DACF Animal Exhibition Recommendations (PDF)Watch: Biosecurity practices for livestock at fairs, shows and exhibitionsUniversity of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

  4. Jul 29

    Serving Those Who Feed Us: Tommy Higgins Explains FSA County Committees

    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 producer participation is essential to ensuring local voices are heard. The conversation also highlights several FSA programs available to producers, including farm ownership and operating loans, Dairy Margin Coverage, farm storage facility loans, specialty crop assistance and disaster programs that help farmers recover from drought, severe weather, livestock losses and other unexpected challenges. Whether you are a beginning farmer, an established producer or simply want to better understand the resources available through USDA, this episode offers practical information about how FSA serves Maine agriculture and how you can become involved. Listen to our previous episode, “Episode 44: Farm Service Agency with Lucia Brown and Amanda May”County Committee Elections (nomination deadline Aug. 3, 2026)Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program (enrollment deadline Aug. 7, 2026)University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

  5. Jul 22

    Don't Graze by Guesswork: The Math Behind Better Pastures with Jeff Lehmkuhler

    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 reasons adaptive management consistently outperforms guesswork. Whether you are grazing a few cows or managing hundreds of acres, this episode offers practical strategies to protect your pastures, improve livestock performance and get more value from every acre of forage. Northeast Grazing GuideMaine Pasture Management CourseMaine Farmcast Episode 49: Grazing Plans with Dr. Jaime GarzonSustainable Pasture Management videoUniversity of Kentucky grazing management websiteUniversity of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

  6. Jul 15

    Emerging Pathogens Affecting Ruminant Livestock in Maine with Annie Leahy

    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. UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic LabUMaine Extension small ruminant programmingUniversity of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

  7. Jul 8

    Screwworm: Small Pest, Massive Consequences

    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, and practical steps producers can take to protect their animals. From wound management and biosecurity to sterile fly control programs, this episode provides timely information every livestock owner should know as the industry works to prevent another major outbreak. University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

  8. Jul 1

    Stars, Stripes and Stetsons: The Story Behind America’s Most Iconic Hat with Dean Fish

    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 owner or someone who has never worn a hat, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the traditions, values and craftsmanship that continue to influence rural America. Pull up a chair, grab a slice of apple pie and join us as we celebrate Independence Day with a story that is uniquely American.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Maine Farmcast features weekly conversations with experts from across the country sharing insights and advice for both new and seasoned farmers running operations of any size. Hosted by three livestock specialists from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the show brings you world-class expertise paired with practical advice about how to apply cutting-edge research to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your farming operation.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Maine Cooperative Extension
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 University of Maine Cooperative Extension
  • Show Website
    Maine Farmcast

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