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.

• The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)
  https://vmcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login
• Resources for UMaine Animal and Veterinary Science students
  • UMaine Health Professions Planning Guide (PDF)
    https://umaine.edu/healthcareers/wp-content/uploads/sites/97/2017/02/Health-Professions-Guide.pdf
  • UMaine Foundation Charles E. Gilbert Loan Program
    https://umainefoundation.org/types-of-gifts/charles-e-gilbert-loan-program/

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant Extension professor and state dairy specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, talks with Maddy Philbrick, a UMaine graduate who is now attending veterinary school. This two-part series follows Philbrick’s journey through the veterinary school application and acceptance process. In part one, she discusses application timelines, letters of recommendation, and crafting a personal statement. Tune in next week for part two.

• The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)
  https://vmcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login
• Resources for UMaine Animal and Veterinary Science students
  https://go.umaine.edu/find-a-major/animal-and-veterinary-sciences/
  https://umaine.edu/career/

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

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 Dr. Alicyn Smart, a doctor of plant medicine and the plant pathologist and director of the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Maine. As a plant pathologist, Dr. Smart helps her clients diagnose plant pathogen issues with a goal of minimizing and preventing plant health diseases. Dr. Smart is also the executive director of the National Plant Diagnostic Network.

• Submit a plant sample to the UMaine Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab:
  https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/plant-disease/
• Ready to learn more? Checkout the micro-credential offered by the UMaine Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab and earn pesticide credits!
  https://extension.umaine.edu/micro-credentials/
• Interested in seeing plant disease images
  https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/plant-disease-images/

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Recorded live from the 2026 Maine Agricultural Trades Show, this special episode of the Maine Farmcast features an in-depth conversation with Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Amanda Beal. Commissioner Beal joins hosts Dr. Glenda Pereira and Dr. Colt Knight to reflect on her agricultural roots, career path, and current role leading one of Maine’s most vital agencies. From growing up on a dairy farm to serving as President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Beal shares insights on leadership, collaboration, and the importance of saying “yes” to hard opportunities.

The discussion also explores what makes Maine agriculture unique, including its diversity of farms and commodities and the strength of its agricultural community, and looks ahead to the future. Commissioner Beal highlights key initiatives focused on climate resilience, healthy soils, drought preparedness, market access, and youth and women in agriculture, including Maine’s recognition of 2026 as the Year of Women in Agriculture. This live episode captures both the energy of the Trade Show floor and a thoughtful conversation about where Maine agriculture has been and where it is headed.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, Assistant Extension Professor and State Dairy Specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, records an episode on the road. During October 2025, Glenda traveled to Wooster, Ohio for the 2025 Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge where 88 students participated in a farm evaluation competition. At the competition, there were many dairy experts present who provided mentorship and support to students at the competition. This was an opportunity to speak with experts; Doug Benedict from Dairy one Integrated Farming Solutions discussed network and IT on dairy farms and Dr. Philip Schroeder who is a Professor and Department Chair at Alfred State College in NY, discussed his knowledge of soil properties. The dairy challenge is a great place to network and learn from the dairy industries leading experts.

• Learn about the dairy challenge contest
  https://www.dairychallenge.org/contests/
• Learn about Dairy One's Integrated Farming Solutions
  https://dairyone.com/services/integrated-farming-solutions/farm-it/
• Philip Schroeder, Professor and Department Chair at Alfred State
  https://www.alfredstate.edu/directory/schroepd

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, we head to Waldoview Farm in Winterport, Maine, to sit down with longtime sheep producer Tom Hodgman for a deep, practical conversation on lambing season preparation and small ruminant management. With decades of experience raising Katahdin sheep, Tom shares what really matters when lambing time approaches—from body condition scoring and breeding management to stocking the medicine cabinet, setting up a lambing space, and knowing when preparation can make the difference between losing and saving lambs. This is a boots-on-the-ground discussion rooted in real-world experience, not theory.

Tom and his team are hosting a hands-on workshop this upcoming February 2026. Be sure to follow the link below if you would like to sign up and attend this workshop.

Contact Tom Hodgman:
https://www.katahdinsforsale.com/lambing-workshop/
https://www.facebook.com/waldoviewkatahdins/

Recommended books and resources:
Managing Your Ewe And Her Newborn Lambs by Laura Lawson
https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/managing-your-ewe-and-her-newborn-lambs-9780963392312

Small Ruminant:Production Medicine and Management
Cody W. Faerber, DVM,Lyle G. McNeal, Ph.D,Robert L. Harding, DVM,Kevin L. Hill, DVM,J. D. Bobb, DVM,Scott Horner,Jonathan Merriam,S. Mario Durrant, DVM
Animal Health Publications, 2004 - Goats
https://www.abebooks.com/9780970115959/Small-Ruminant-Production-Medicine-Management-0970115954/plp

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight sits down with Dr. Jaime Garzon of UMaine Extension and Dr. Leandro Vieira from Louisiana State University to dig into what really makes soil healthy. The trio explores the critical relationship between soil fertility, structure, and biology, from pH and organic matter to microbial diversity and grazing management. Dr. Vieira shares his journey from a ranching family in southern Brazil to soil science research in the U.S., while Dr. Garzon explains how Maine’s acidic soils and high organic matter present both challenges and opportunities for producers.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why soil testing is the foundation of any fertility plan, how overgrazing affects both root structure and soil integrity, and why balancing nutrients is essential for forage production. With practical examples, lively discussion, and even a few Florida field stories involving hurricanes, gators, and raccoons, this episode blends science and humor to help farmers manage their land more effectively, one soil sample at a time.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, Assistant Extension Professor and State Dairy Specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, speaks with Brett Johnson, Assistant Extension Professor and Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator. They have a cheerful conversation about Maine Christmas tree production, and Brett shares tips on how to keep a live tree healthy for a longer period of time. You can contact Brett at 207.832.0343 or brett.w.johnson@maine.edu.

• Learn more about Brett Johnson
  https://extension.umaine.edu/about/staff-directory/brett-johnson/
• Learn more about the Maine Christmas Tree Association
  https://www.mainechristmastree.com/

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.