UMaine Extension launches new podcast featuring farm experts
University of Maine Cooperative Extension launched the Maine Farmcast, a podcast that features weekly conversations with experts from across the country who share insights and advice for both new and seasoned farmers running operations of any size.
“This is a way to share conversations around the livestock industry that relate to research, production, nutrition, reproduction, diseases, husbandry and economics,” said Colt Knight, an associate Extension professor and livestock educator.
Knight started the podcast with his colleagues Glenda Pereira, an assistant Extension professor and UMaine assistant professor of animal science, and Rachel White, an assistant Extension professor and Maine sustainable agriculture and livestock educator.
Pereira said the goal of the Maine Farmcast is to provide expertise and practical advice about how to improve farming operations, efficiency and sustainability by applying cutting-edge research.
“One unique aspect of the services Extension provides is the large number of local connections our staff make with people in communities all across the state,” said Hannah Carter, dean of UMaine Extension and associate provost for online and continuing education. “As the world relies more and more on digital technologies, especially for communication, we need to embrace new and evolving opportunities to reach out to the people who benefit most from our work. The Maine Farmcast will do just that.”
Topics discussed on the podcast will include results of the latest research and ongoing projects; practical information about day-to-day operations; and guidance for emerging issues such as H5N1 outbreaks — a strain of bird flu known to infect humans. Maine Farmcast hosts will interview fellow Cooperative Extension educators from across the country, industry professionals, researchers and farmers.
“Farmers are busy folks who don’t always have time to check emails, read scientific journals or go to educational seminars,” said Knight. “Podcasts are a way for farmers to listen to up-to-date information on the go while working, driving or operating equipment.”
Although a primary focus of the Maine Farmcast is to reach livestock farmers, conversations will offer diverse information and relate to anyone wanting to learn more about livestock production, including other UMaine Extension agents, educators, agricultural service providers and the general public.
Share ideas for future episodes or direct other questions to the team by emailing extension.farmcast@maine.edu.
To learn more or listen to all available episodes, visit the podcast website. Maine Farmcast is also available on most major podcast players, including Apple and Spotify.