In this episode of The Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Nolting, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Biosecurity at The Ohio State University, to discuss one of the most critical threats facing agriculture today, African Swine Fever (ASF). Dr. Nolting shares her journey from growing up on a small Ohio hobby farm to leading national education and preparedness efforts for the U.S. swine industry. Together, they explore the origins of her innovative Swientist Program, a nationwide youth initiative that uses hands-on education to teach disease prevention, animal handling, and real-world biosecurity practices.

Listeners will gain practical insight into how to prevent the spread of disease, from safe quarantine and disinfection protocols to responsible livestock exhibition and international travel precautions. Dr. Knight and Dr. Nolting break down the science behind ASF and why proactive education is the key to protecting herds both large and small. Whether you raise one pig or one thousand, this episode delivers the essential knowledge every producer needs to help keep our pigs healthy, our farms strong, and our bacon safe.

• Learn more about Dr. Nolting
  https://vet.osu.edu/people/jacqueline-nolting
• Learn more about the Swientist Program
  https://vet.osu.edu/departments-offices/veterinary-preventive-medicine/swientist
• Learn more about disease transmission in show pigs
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6749708/
• Learn more about African Swine Fever
  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-disease/swine/protect-pigs

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 Maddy Philbrick who is the Animal Health Livestock Specialist for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. Maddy recently attended the Maine Cattle Health Assurance Program (MeCHAP) meeting in November of 2025 and during this episode we highlight what was shared at the meeting. MeCHAP provides livestock and dairy producers with assistance in addressing key animal health risk areas important to their farm, through an objective assessment of on farm conditions and practices, herd risk management plan development and diagnostic testing. Contact Maddy Philbrick by emailing Madison.Philbrick@maine.gov.

• Poultry Education for Backyard Producers (December 15, 2025)
• Learn more about the MeCHAP 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/.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Dr. Colt W. Knight sits down with Dr. Jessica C. Lemos Motta, a new faculty member in the University of Maine’s School of Food and Agriculture. Dr. Motta shares her inspiring journey from growing up on small farms in Brazil to becoming a veterinarian, researcher, and now reproductive physiologist in Maine. She reflects on her hands-on experiences with cattle reproduction, her passion for teaching courses like reproductive physiology and dairy management, and her cutting-edge research focused on improving embryo production in dairy cattle.

Listeners will also hear about Dr. Motta’s path through rigorous international training, her perspective on agricultural education, and how Maine farmers can collaborate with her on reproduction-focused research projects. Whether you’re a student, producer, or simply curious about the future of livestock reproduction, this conversation offers unique insights into both the science and the people driving agricultural innovation in Maine.

• Learn more about Dr. Jessica C. Lemos Motta
• Register for Maine Cattlemen’s College
• Learn more about the Maine Beef Producers Association

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 Alex Gayton who is the Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) delivers interactive food and nutrition education. You can contact Alex Gayton at 207.581.3872 and alexandria.gayton@maine.edu

Learn more about the UMaine EFNEP program:

https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/efnep/

Want to try a new recipe? Watch Mainely Dish recipe videos

Follow UMaine EFNEP on social media

https://www.facebook.com/UMaineEFNEP

https://www.instagram.com/umaineefnep/

https://www.tiktok.com/@umaineefnep

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 W. Knight sits down with Ashton Caron, vice president of the Maine Beef Producers Association, to talk about youth leadership, livestock shows, and the future of Maine’s beef industry. From his early 4-H days in Corinna to his success in UMaine’s GPS Cows program and beyond, Ashton’s journey reflects the power of hands-on agricultural education. Together, they discuss the differences between New England’s fair-based livestock shows and the large-scale jackpot competitions of the Midwest, and how these experiences have shaped his perspective on breeding, business, and community.

The conversation also dives into the Maine Beef Producers Association’s programs, including Cows for Kids, youth scholarships, and the upcoming Maine Cattlemen’s College, which this year focuses on reproductive technologies like artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Ashton and Dr. Knight highlight how local producers can get involved, improve herd management, and strengthen Maine’s beef network through collaboration, education, and shared experience. Whether you’re a 4-H alum, a new producer, or a seasoned cattleman, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight into Maine’s growing beef community.

• Register for Maine Cattlemen’s College
  https://extension.umaine.edu/livestock/cattlemens-college/
• Learn more about the Maine Beef Producers Association
  https://www.mainebeefproducersassociation.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/.

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. Gülsün Akdemir Evrendilek who is an Associate Extension Professor and Seafood Technology and Food Safety Specialist at UMaine. Today's topic touches on aspects of food safety from the processing side, as this is one of the many areas of which she has expertise. In her role, Dr. Evrendilek supports seafood producers.

• Learn more about Dr. Evrendilek and her programs
  https://extension.umaine.edu/about/staff-directory/gulsun-akdemir-evrendilek/
• Contact Dr. Evrendilek at gulsun.akdemir@maine.edu or (207) 581-1378.

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 W. Knight sits down with Chris Howard, project manager for the University of Maine’s Crop Insurance and Risk Management Program, and longtime Extension Specialist Dr. David Handley to unpack the essential—but often overlooked—topic of managing risk on the farm. From weather disasters and market swings to labor shortages and legal liabilities, they discuss how every farm, no matter the size or experience level, faces a unique mix of risks that can make or break long-term success.

Chris and David share practical advice on business planning, farm recordkeeping, and the real value of programs like the USDA’s Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance, Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, and disaster assistance through the Farm Service Agency. Whether you’re a beginning farmer looking to secure your first enterprise or a seasoned producer facing drought, this episode offers tools and stories to help you protect your farm’s future.

• UMaine Extension’s crop insurance and risk management programs

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 and Dr. Glenda Pereira take listeners behind the scenes of the Maine Meat Cutting School, a hands-on program that has become one of the most in-demand educational opportunities offered by UMaine Cooperative Extension. Born out of a need to address Maine’s limited meat processing capacity, the school has evolved into a three-day immersive experience that blends classroom learning with practical carcass breakdown, food safety training, and even composting instruction. Listeners will hear about the origins of the program, the challenges of sourcing animals and facilities, and how the course was refined to maximize student engagement and hands-on time at the cutting table.

The conversation also highlights the school’s remarkable impact and popularity, with waitlists stretching years long and participants traveling from across the U.S. to attend. From homesteaders and aspiring processors to professional chefs and meat industry employees, the course attracts a diverse audience eager to gain skills and insights. The hosts also discuss new digital resources, including upcoming 4K instructional videos, and the school’s role in fostering collaboration with meat scientists nationwide. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how Maine is carving out sustainable, innovative solutions for its livestock and processing industries while educating the next generation of meat professionals.

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/.