On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Knight sits down with Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, Professor of Meat Science and State Meat Specialist for the University of Kentucky, to discuss one of my favorite topics, barbecue.

My BBQ journey began when I was a teenager showing horses in the South with my parents and going on road trips across the country with my dad. We got to experience the old school “mom and pop” BBQ stands and shops before BBQ became a national phenomenon. Back then, BBQ was less pretentious. There were no frills or fancy restaurants. Usually just a shack with folding tables and prepackaged hamburger buns. I started learning how to BBQ when I was in grad school, which led me down a rabbit hole I still haven’t escaped.

This week, Dr. Rentfrow and I are going to discuss some tips and tricks to level up your BBQ game. If you would like to learn more about BBQ, contact your local extension office and ask if they can offer in person classes!

• Learn more about Dr. Gregg Rentfrow
• North Carolina State University BBQ Camp (YouTube)

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 and Title IX Services, 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, Drs. Glenda Pereira and Colt Knight sit down with Donna Coffin, Professor Emerita, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. She was a professor at the University of Maine, and served in the role of extension educator in Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties. In this conversation we talk about all things including her program "So You Want to Farm in Maine," being the first female agricultural extension agent in Ohio, and her passion for spinning and fiber products. Her dog, Raymond, joined us in the studio and was featured as a co-host. The episode starts off discussing some of Dr. Knight’s coal mining days shenanigans, goes through Donna’s days as an extension educator, and we end up discussing wool production.

• Mainely Spinners - Back to Back Wool Challenge
• Sarah’s House Maine Charity
• Windsor Fair of Maine

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 and Title IX Services, 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, Drs. Glenda Pereira and Colt Knight discuss the basics of raising pigs. Dr. Knight owns a 14-acre registered Berkshire Farm in Garland, Maine with the distinct honor of being the top Berkshire breeder since 2023. Dr. Knight also serves on the National Pork Board Swine Education and Outreach Advisory Board where he helps plan the annual Swine Educators conference and reviews grant applications for swine education and research funded by the Pork Checkoff. Your hosts will discuss basic swine husbandry and few tips and tricks to making raising pigs successful.

• If you would like to know more about raising pigs, check out the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Swine Resources:
  Swine - Cooperative Extension: Livestock - University of Maine Cooperative Extension

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 and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).