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 coexist with bats, including the use of bat houses and alternative roosting sites. They also put some common bat myths to the test: Are bats blind? Do they get tangled in your hair? Are they all carrying rabies? Do they really want to suck your blood?

Along the way, King shares stories from years of studying bat behavior, working with homeowners and helping people better understand these often-misunderstood nighttime neighbors. If bats make you nervous, this episode might just turn you into a bat fan.

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 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.

• Contact Maine DACF animal health team

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