Cow Talks

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,...

In this episode of our research in perspective, we speak with William Piwowarek who shares revolutionary insights on mole cricket management. Discover how understanding biology and seasonal patterns can lead to eco-friendly pest control solutions. William explains innovative biocontrol methods, like using the Larra wasp and nematodes, to transform pasture management.

Cows don't actually talk, despite our podcast name. But we brought someone who can speak out for them! In this episode of Cow Talks , livestock extension agent Bridget Stice shares an inside look at beef cattle production in South Florida, where the majority of the state’s herd is raised. She discusses the structure of the industry—from large, multi-generational ranches to smaller, part-time opera...

In Part 2 of this Cow Talks series, host Marcelo Wallau and guests expand the conversation beyond immediate disaster impacts to explore long-term resilience in agriculture. The episode highlights the nationwide role of Extension networks in disaster response and the importance of thinking beyond preparedness to include recovery and adaptation. Listeners will also hear why producer input and data s...

In this episode of Cow Talks, host Marcelo Wallau is joined by disaster and economics experts Drs. Christa Court and Angela Lindsey to examine the far-reaching impacts of Florida’s recent winter freeze events. From crop losses and disrupted market windows to long-term effects on livestock systems, the conversation explores how a rare combination of cold temperatures and drought led to billions in...

In this episode of Cow Talks , Marcelo Wallau sits down with Tom Bryant to unpack the realities of tax planning for cattle producers. Moving beyond the April 15 deadline, they explore why effective tax strategy must happen year-round and how it can determine whether an operation is profitable or not. The conversation dives into key issues like hobby loss rules, small herd economics, and the import...

In our episode of Cow Bites, host Dr. Marcelo Wallau unlocks the secrets to maximizing your pasture productivity this spring without risking long-term damage. If you're eager to turn your cows out now but unsure if your forage is ready, this episode reveals the critical management steps to take to ensure lush, sustainable pastures all year round in the face of fluctuating weather. Mentioned ar...

In this episode of Cow Talks , Marcelo Wallau speaks with University of Florida veterinary extension specialist João Bittar about two research projects affecting beef cattle producers across Florida. This conversation is part of our Research in Perspective series . The discussion explores the widespread presence of liver flukes in Florida herds and research testing new strategies to manage them. T...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau is joined by soil scientist Cheryl Mackowiak and Florida State Climatologist David Zierden to unpack one of Florida’s most challenging seasons in decades. From extreme drought and disrupted hurricane patterns to prolonged Arctic outbreaks linked to La Niña, the discussion explores how unusual weather patterns affected forages, fertility management, graz...

Recorded live at the 41st annual Northwest Florida Beef Cattle Conference and Trade Show, this episode of Cow Talks features Marcelo Wallau of the University of Florida breaking down the fundamentals of effective pasture management in today’s volatile production landscape. With strong cattle prices but rising input costs and persistent drought, producers face a critical question: how can they rema...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau interviews Dr. Cecilia Rocha, a Research Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist in Livestock Systems, about improving reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. They discuss pregnancy loss, estrus detection innovations, and how accelerometers can support herd management. Dr. Rocha also highlights the value of pregnancy checks and herd organizat...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau discusses the recent outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) with expert Dr. Sally Donata,  and extension agents Jennifer Bearden and Amanda Masholie. They explore how EHV is transmitted and the importance of biosecurity measures in equestrian events. The conversation also covers post-event protocols for horse owners to reduce the risk of exposure on farm...

In this episode of  Cow Talks , University of Florida specialists Dr. Marcelo Wallau and Dr. Mario Binelli break down why understanding heifer maturity is one of the most powerful levers for improving reproductive and economic efficiency in Southeastern beef systems. Drawing on UF’s statewide “Know Your Heifer” project and data from over 5,000 heifers, the conversation explores how tools like repr...

In our first episode of 2026, host Marcelo Wallau welcomes Dr. Peter Ballerstedt, an advocate for forage and livestock agriculture around the world. Peter travels the world to connect with people from all areas, from farmers to physicians, from agronomist to dietitians, and educate the public about the importance livestock agriculture has in feeding a healthier and more sustainable world. Peter ha...

Join Marcelo Wallau as he wraps up an incredible year for Cow Talks, thanking listeners and guests alike for the best season yet. Tune in for insights and a look ahead to more engaging content in the new year.

In this episode, Marcelo Wallau, Chris Prevatt, and Hannah Baker reflect on 2025 as a pivotal year for the beef cattle industry. They look back on how market trends, rising production costs, shifting consumer demand, and pressures from imports shaped the year, while examining the consequences of historically low cattle inventories. The discussion also revisits the challenges posed by screwworm and...

Join us in this episode from our sister podcast, Forage Nexus, where we delve into the world of grasslands and their pivotal role in sustainable agriculture. We bring in Dr. Lynn Sollenberger, a renowned expert in forage systems. Hosted by Marcelo Wallau, Lilian Silva, and Bruno Pedreira, this episode features insights about the vast scale of grasslands, their impact on ecosystems, and the unique...

In this episode of  Our Research in Perspective , host Marcelo Wallau speaks with Renan Pedro Becker, a Master's degree student at the University of Florida. Renan is working with new tetraploid (Argentine-type) bahiagrass materials. This conversation focuses on management strategies to increase seed production. Becker explains how short mowing height in late spring, at the beginning of the re...

In this episode of Research in Perspective, host Marcelo Wallau speaks with Dr. Nicolas Caram, a recent PhD graduate from our Agronomy Department. The conversation is about the balance of legumes and grasses in pasture systems. They delve into the productive, environmental and economic impacts of legume integration, exploring how different proportions of legumes in pasture can affect animal perfor...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Marcelo Wallau speaks with Jim Malooley, director for Agrivoltaic Operations at Silicon Ranch, and Bill Johnson, 7th generation farmer, now at Silicon Ranch. This interview was part of the 4th Small Ruminant Short Course hosted at the University of Florida in 2025, and was recorded live during that event. Dr. Wallau and his guests explore the concepts of agrivolta...

In this episode of  Cow Talks , host Marcelo Wallau speaks with entomologists Dr. Norman Leppla and graduate researcher William Piwowarek about the reemergence of mole crickets in Florida’s pastures. The conversation digs into the pest’s South American origins, the history of insecticide and biological control efforts, and how sustainable management practices can prevent infestations. Wilhelm shar...

In this first episode of  Our   Research in Perspective,  Dr.   Marcelo Wallau speaks with Dr. Hannah Rush —agronomist and agroecologist researcher in sustainable cropping with the University of Minnesota— to discuss her research on sustainable cropping practices. Their conversation explores strategies for establishing cool-season forages, the value of species diversity in forage systems, and prac...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Marcelo Wallau brings Marshall Sewell, founder of Mind your Melon, an organization dedicated to addressing mental health stigmas in agriculture. Together, they explore the unique stressors faced by farmers that stem from generational and current economic pressures. Marshall shares his personal story of loss and the founding of the Mind Your Melon Foundation, which...

In this episode of Cow Talks, host Dr. Marcelo Wallau and Dr. Shelby Gruss discuss nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning in livestock, particularly in relation to forage production. They explore the causes and management strategies for these two distinct problems. The conversation highlights the significance of educating producers about these issues to ensure the safety and health of livesto...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Brett Bultmeier, director of the University of Florida / IFAS Pesticide Information Office, discusses significant changes in pesticide licensing, and some new regulations that are coming up. The discussion explores the transition to new testing procedures, the implications of new labeling requirements, and the expected impact on farmers. The conversation also high...