Cow Talks

Crop insurance is an increasingly important tool for managing the production and price risks facing farmers and ranchers. In this episode, Dr. Hunter Biram of the University of Arkansas breaks down how federal crop insurance works and how it complements Farm Service Agency programs. The episode dives into discussion about what producers should know about coverage options. The conversation also explores Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance, livestock risk protection, basis risk, and how cattle producers can use these programs to manage production challenges. The links to the workbook and Hunter's podcast can be found below: The Fundamentals of Federal Crop Insurance: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/MP576.pdf Morning Coffee and Ag Markets Podcast: https://fryar-risk-center.uada.edu/podcast/

Hannah Baker speaks with Dr. Marcelo Wallau about the latest pressures facing the U.S. beef cattle industry, from the announcement of increased beef imports to the reopening of the Mexican border and recent beef packing plant closures. They discuss how these developments are affecting cattle prices and decisions about herd rebuilding. Given the market turmoil, producers are left navigating a great deal of uncertainty, which this episode aims to clarify.

Pasture mealybug continues to spread across Florida, with new detections raising questions about how the pest is moving and why damage is appearing in some pastures but not others. In this update, Dr. Brent Sellers and Dr. Isaac Esquivel discuss the latest field observations, early detection, insecticide use, and strategies for managing affected pastures during the stockpiling season. They also share emerging findings and highlight the many questions researchers are still working to answer.

In this presentation, Dr. Mary Beth Hall explores how Florida's unique growing conditions shape forage quality and availability. She discusses the importance of balancing digestibility and effective fiber to support rumen function, while considering how forage type, maturity, processing and environmental conditions affect animal performance. The presentation also examines practical considerations for both dairy and beef cattle producers.

How can producers reduce winter feeding costs while maintaining forage quality? In this episode of Our Research in Perspective , UF graduate researcher Olivia Centanni shares findings from her master's research on fall forage stockpiling, rumen digestibility, and silage production in warm-season grasses. Learn which forage species perform best and why fertilization timing matters. Olivia also draws on her data findings, and how these management decisions can improve both cattle nutrition and profitability.

In this special joint episode with Grazing the Facts, host Dale Sandlin sits down with Marcelo for an in-depth conversation about the future of forage management in Florida.Marcelo shares his journey from growing up on a cattle ranch in southern Brazil to leading statewide forage extension and research programs in Florida. The discussion explores practical strategies for improving pasture productivity while also increasing forage diversity, and building resilient grazing systems in the face changing weather conditions across the state.The episode also highlights research supported by the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board, including forage variety trials and the importance of helping producers make science-based management decisions that improve both profitability and sustainability.

On July 17th 2026, UF IFAS Forages joined FDACS and the Everglades Research and Education center for an informative webinar on pasture mealybug science, management, and what we know so far.For more information, please visit: https://go.ufl.edu/pasturemealybugs

Recorded live at the 2026 Florida Cattlemen's Convention in Marco Island, this special episode features Dr. Marcelo Wallau's presentation on his firsthand experience growing up with New World screwworm in southern Brazil. He shares practical lessons on proactive management that can help Florida producers. He also provides an update on the recently detected pasture mealybug, discussing what researchers know so far about its spread and the ongoing efforts to develop effective management strategies. Whether you're a cattle producer, forage manager, or simply interested in invasive species, tune in for timely insights into Florida agriculture.

As New World screwworm continues spreading north through Mexico toward the U.S., entomologist Dr. Andrew Short joins Cow Talks during the Florida Cattlemen's Convention in Marco Island, FL, with Dale Sandlin and Marcelo Wallau to explain what the latest detections mean for Florida and the Southeast. The conversation covers how the pest spreads and why increased surveillance and rapid reporting are critical to protecting livestock. Dr. Short also discusses ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies and producer outreach to ensure the region is prepared should screwworm reach producers. Relevant links: More on Dale and AGNet here: https://southeastagnet.com/author/dsandlin/ Listen to Grazing the Facts here: https://southeastagnet.com/grazing-the-facts-podcast/ New World Screwworm from FDACS here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Animal-Pests-and-Diseases/New-World-Screwworm

In Part 2 of Rethinking Forage Systems , Dr. Mary Beth Hall joins Marcelo Wallau for a deeper discussion on balancing starch, sugars, protein, and fiber to support healthier cows and more resilient dairy systems. The conversation explores practical nutrition strategies for managing heat stress and making better use of locally available feed resources. They also take a broader look at the future of animal agriculture, discussing the essential role ruminants play in feeding a growing world.

Recorded just after the Corn Silage and Forage Field Day in late May, this episode features Dr. Mary Beth Hall, consultant with The Cows Are Always Right and former USDA/UF researcher, joining hosts Marcelo Wallau and Diwakar Vyas for a deep dive into dairy forage systems. Dr. Hall challenges the idea of a single "best" forage, instead encouraging producers to ask what role each forage should play — digestibility versus physical effectiveness — within the diet. The conversation covers Florida's forage-deficit dairy environment, how low-forage rations should be formulated differently than northern U.S. recommendations, and current shifts to protect rumen health.

Dr. Erin Powell, scale insect taxonomist with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry (FDACS DPI), joins Cow Talks to discuss the pasture mealybug ( Heliococcus summervillei ), a new invasive pest now confirmed in 14 Florida counties and expanding. Erin breaks down the insect's biology, life cycle, and likely origins, along with how it's spreading through shared equipment, sprigging practices, and roadside mowing. The episode also covers what producers and the public can do to slow its spread, the importance of reporting suspected infestations, and why caution is needed with insecticide use to protect natural enemies. To report a suspected mealybug or learn how to submit a sample, visit this link: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Plant-Pests-and-Diseases/How-to-Submit-a-Sample-for-Identification or reach out to your local extension office or forages@ifas.ufl.edu .

Bermuda grass stem maggot can silently strip between 30-50% of your forage yield during peak growing season. Dr. Lisa Baxter, UGA forage specialist, breaks down how to stay ahead of this pest through variety selection, cultural practices, and timely pyrethroid applications — plus where fall armyworm management overlaps. For more information, check out UGA's EDIS equivalent: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/B1484/managing-bermudagrass-stem-maggots/ Updated recommendations: https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cft2.20269

The invasive pasture mealybug has made its way to Florida. Isaac Esquivel and Texas integrated pest management specialist Stephen Biles discuss the recent detection of pasture mealybug in Florida and what it means for forage producers across the Southeast. Drawing on Texas' experience with the invasive pest, Biles explains how pasture mealybug spreads and the warning signs producers should watch for, including red or yellowing leaves and rapid pasture decline. The conversation highlights the insect's movement through equipment and livestock as well as the challenges of detecting infestations before significant damage occurs. Tune in for some practical recommendations of how to prevent its spread and contraction. Relevant links: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/pasture-mealybug/

Many forage systems are unprepared for climate volatility, yet smart diversification and management can turn these challenges into opportunities. In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Liliane Silva from Clemson University reveals how integrating warm-season annuals like pearl millet, sorghum, and legumes can fill forage gaps during droughts and extreme weather events. With recent setbacks caused by drought, hurricanes, and unseasonal cold, these insights on resilient forage mixes and strategic planning might just be the game-changer to secure livestock security this season. Links: Clemson Extension: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/livestock/programs/ Forage Drops Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2fj2-Vnat-_GR6rFmLz8Ag https://www.instagram.com/foragedrops/

If you're feeling the squeeze from drought, freeze, or hurricane season, this episode is your essential guide to unlocking assistance tips. Discover how the USDA Farm Services Agency assesses and declares disasters, and why timely reporting from producers is crucial for accessing relief programs before the crisis hits. Marcelo Wallau sits down with Marcinda Kessler, executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to break down the complex process of disaster declarations — from the drought monitor to local county reports, and how these trigger funding that can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy. You’ll learn specific strategies for navigating both emergency disaster relief loans and non-insurable crop assistance, including how to maximize benefits without unnecessary delays. For more information: General Farmers.gov site: https://www.farmers.gov/ How to find your local FSA office: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator How to sign-up for USDA updates and our monthly newsletter: farmers.gov/subscribe USDA FSA Livestock Forage Disaster Program: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/disaster-recovery/livestock-forage-disaster-program-lfp FSA program factsheets: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/tools/informational/fact-sheets Doing business online with FSA: https://www.farmers.gov/account

In this episode, Marcelo speaks with Jennifer Bearden and Andrea Albertin about CHEERS, specifically, how farmers across generations can engage with the opportunities offered across the Southeast. Tune in to find out how you can get involved and gain access to a plethora of educational (and financial) resources to secure your spot in a supportive and collaborative network of agriculturalists. For more on CHEERS: https://cheers-hub.org/ CONTACT: https://cheers-hub.org/contact-page/ Other organizations to keep an eye on: https://flaffa.org/ Listen to our previous episode with Ernie Shea: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4U8JGT06NQ1nfc9VOQbjzR?si=9e4d84a6eb594c5d

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau interviews Dr. Nicolas DeLorenzo about strategies for feeding cattle during severe drought conditions, focusing on byproducts, forage management, and innovative feeding solutions to both sustain performance and reduce costs.

A widespread and intensifying drought across the Southeastern United States is forcing livestock producers to make difficult management decisions. In this episode, Drs. Marcelo Wallau and Bruno Pedreira break down what led to the current conditions, why recovery may take months, and how producers can respond—from reducing herd size to protecting stressed pastures. The conversation also explores feed strategies, hay shortages, and the risks of overgrazing during critical growth periods. Looking ahead, the suggestions are to diversify pastures.

In this episode of Cow Talks, host Marcelo Wallau sits down with Ernie Shea, President of Solutions from the Land, to explore a transformative approach to modern agriculture — one that puts farmers and ranchers at the center of problem-solving rather than treating them as recipients of top-down policy. Ernie shares his decades of experience bridging the gap between government, academia, industry, and producers, and how that journey led to the creation of a farmer-scientist co-design model now taking root in Florida. Listeners will learn about the CHEERS project — redefining how we value farmland, from commodity production to ecosystem service delivery. Whether you're a producer, researcher, or ag enthusiast, this conversation will challenge the way you think about the future of sustainable agriculture. For more on CHEERS, check out the following resources: https://cheers-hub.org/about-page/ Contact: https://cheers-hub.org/contact-page/