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.

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, training, veterinary work and the experiences that turned horses into a lifelong passion.

They never quite make it to the horse health discussion they planned, which means Causey will be back for Part 2. If you enjoy horses, history, veterinary stories or simply listening to two horse people wander enthusiastically down a rabbit hole, this episode is for you.

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 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 how those experiences can translate into leadership later in life. They also explore the importance of eye contact, first impressions, practice, making real human connections and learning to speak without sounding overly rehearsed.

Along the way, John tells the story of his transition from college professor and lacrosse coach to professional speaker and author. Colt and John trade stories about podcasting, traveling for speaking engagements, learning from mistakes and resisting the pressure to make everything perfect. And, naturally, no conversation with John would be complete without talking about custom hats.

Whether you are a parent, educator, FFA member, 4-H member, agricultural professional or simply someone who wants to communicate with more confidence, this episode is a reminder that authenticity, practice and a willingness to make a few mistakes can take you a long way.

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 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 all the last-minute problems that come with putting on a livestock show.

We also talk with Brittany about the bigger picture at Hemond Farms. The multigenerational operation has found ways to diversify far beyond traditional livestock production, incorporating motocross events, weddings and special events, food service, game processing, hay production and other enterprises while continually reinvesting in the farm.

It is a conversation about raising livestock, developing young agricultural leaders, trying new ideas and creating a farm business strong enough to pass on to the fifth generation.

Along the way, we get into pigs, artificial insemination, Brahman cattle, public speaking, farm diversification and why sometimes keeping a farm alive means being willing to do a little bit of everything.

Follow the Hemond family and their operations on Facebook:

• Hemond Farms:
  https://www.facebook.com/HemondFarms/
• Hemond Show Stock:
  https://www.facebook.com/61588994458345/
• Hemond’s MX & Offroad Park:
  https://www.facebook.com/HemondsMXPark/

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 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.

• Zinpro locomotion scoring (PDF)
• Contact Jacki Martinez Perkins

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 amber.blodgett@uvm.edu.

• Monthly Tri-State Webinar Recording (YouTube)

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