Cow Talks

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...

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...

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 s...

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...

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://fieldrepor...

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 wat...

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 d...

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 U...

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...

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 fe...

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...