Cow Talks

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau and David Zierden discuss the recent weather patterns in Florida and the impact it may have on farmers, focusing on the summer's unusual dryness and the impact of La Niña on upcoming winter conditions. They explore the implications of hurricane activity and the importance of planning ahead for farmers during this fall season 2025. For more informati...

In this conversation, we revisited two old episodes from Forage Nexus, our sister podcast with Drs. Lilian Silva, from Clemson University, and Bruno Pedreira, from the University of Tennessee. We invited two distinguished colleagues, Drs. Jim Muir and Jamie Foster discuss the importance of legumes in forage and livestock production systems. We explored ways to increase forage productivity and resi...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Marcelo Wallau hosts his colleagues Dr. Diwakar Vyas and Dr. Adesogan Adegbola (Gbola), to discuss the recent XX International Silage Conference held at the University of Florida in July 2025. The conference brought 330 researchers and allied industry from  37 different countries, representing 141 organizations, institutions and companies. . They explore the origi...

This conversation takes listeners back to 2021 with expert Dr. Cheryl Mackowiak, who delves into the intricacies of fertilization strategies in livestock management, focusing on both cool and warm season pastures. The discussion highlights the importance of nitrogen management, the role of legumes in enhancing soil fertility, and the challenges faced in seed production, particularly with Bahia gra...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Marcelo Wallau discusses the intricacies of cool season variety trials with Henry Jordan and Maria Elena Mailhos. They delve into the importance of variety trials in forage production with a specific focus on the impact of cool seasons on crop yield across the southeast, specifically, in Florida and Alabama. The conversation also covers seeding rates, seed availab...

Join us on Cow Talks as we delve into the pressing issue of New World Screwworms with Dr. Diane Kitchen, a veterinary manager with FDACS and state epidemiologist. As a continuation of our conversation with Drs. Andrew Short and Edwin Burgess, we discuss the history, current threats, and the critical importance of surveillance and reporting in preventing the spread of this potentially devastating p...

In this episode of  Cow Talks , Steve Smith, Chief of Field Services at Florida’s Office of Agricultural Water Policy, joins host Marcelo Wallau to unpack the role of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in sustainable farming. They discuss how BMPs support both environmental protection and agricultural efficiency, the benefits of enrolling in the program, and how Florida producers can access cost-sha...

Screwworms were things of past nightmare for livestock and wildlife in US. Are they coming back? In recent months, this old threat has reemerged in previously eradicated areas in Central America, making its way to Mexico and getting closer to US borders ( https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm/outbreak-central-america ). While not here yet, many people are in h...

This presentation with Dr. Monte Rouquette as part of the 75th Beef Cattle Short Course delves into the intricacies of forage research and its critical role in sustainable pasture management and livestock production. He discusses various aspects of forage science including, nutrient cycling, and the importance of genetics in livestock performance. The necessity for team collaboration is discussed,...

This conversation explores the evolution and advancements in forage research, particularly in Florida, highlighting successful long-term projects and effective grazing management practices. Dr. Lynn Sollenberger shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, research, and sustainable practices in enhancing livestock nutrition and forage pro...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the health challenges facing farmed white-tailed deer in Florida, focusing on how to manage and prevent diseases like epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue virus. Dr. Campos shares insights into new rapid field diagnostics that can speed up outbreak response and explains how land use and environmental shifts are shaping disease risks.    The C...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. John Lednicky discusses the One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. He shares success stories from research on deer and viral diseases, highlighting the importance of incorporating interconnectedness in understanding emerging viruses. The conversation also covers the role of citizen science in monitoring...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. João Vendramini discusses the unique forage systems and beef cattle production in South Florida. He highlights the challenges posed by the region's soil and climate, the importance of rangelands for environmental conservation, and the various types of forages used in beef production. The conversation also covers alternative forages, the role of legumes, and th...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Drs. Marcelo Wallau and Kim Mullenix from Auburn University discuss the integration of cattle into cropping systems. By exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by ICLS, they emphasize the importance of relationships. Whether this is regarding relationships between farmers or systems, the benefits of stocker cattle management and replacement heifers is dis...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Marcelo Wallau speaks with Dr. Audrey Gamble about the integration of crop and livestock systems, focusing on the importance of soil health, the benefits of cover crops, and the historical context of crop rotation. They discuss the long-term improvements in soil organic matter as well as the nitrogen credits from legume cover crops. Among this, the decision-making...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Marcelo Wallau speaks with Colleen Larson about the implications of the H5N1 avian flu on the dairy industry. Adding onto last episode’s conversation with Dr. Anderson and Dr. Cindy Bassett, they discuss the virus's impact on dairy farms, biosecurity measures being implemented, and the importance of consumer safety regarding milk production. The conversation h...

In this episode of Cow Talks, host Dr. Marcelo Wallau discusses the critical topic of H5N1, or bird flu, with experts Dr. Ben Anderson and Dr. Cindy Sanders. They delve into the epidemiology of H5N1, its impact on livestock and poultry, and the importance of biosecurity measures. The conversation also covers the role of fairs in disease spread, providing insight into how to best prevent contaminat...

In this episode of Cow Talks, host Dr. Marcelo Wallau speaks with Hannah Baker, a State Specialized Extension Agent in Beef and Forage Economics. Hannah’s background and transition to South Florida’s cattle industry is discussed in conjunction with the importance of pasture rangeland forage insurance (PRF) for cattle producers. Hannah highlights the importance of succession planning and risk manag...

In this episode of Cow Talks, hosts Dr. Marcelo Wallau and Chris Prevatt engage with Dr. Brent Sellers and Dr. David Russell to discuss the complexities of weed management in agricultural systems. They explore integrated pest management strategies, the importance of healthy forage stands, and the various sources of weed encroachment. The conversation delves into specific weeds of concern and the c...

In this episode of Cow Talks, hosts Dr. Marcelo Wallau and Dr. Jose Dubeux dive deep into the world of integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS), featuring guest expert Dr. Pedro Alburquerque from Brazil. Drawing parallels between Florida and southern Brazil's similar climates and agricultural practices, the episode explores the benefits and challenges of ICLS adoption. Listeners will gain insights...

In this episode of Cow Talks, host Marcelo Wallau converses with Dr. Bill Mahanna, a seasoned expert in corn silage selection. The conversation delves into the critical factors influencing corn selection for silage, emphasizing the importance of agronomy, late season plant health, and the role of data models. Dr. Mahanna addresses common misconceptions about fiber digestibility and the significanc...

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau hosts Dr. José Dubeux and Dr. Sheeja George to discuss sustainable agriculture strategies in Florida, focusing on sod-based rotation systems and integrated crop livestock systems. They explore the benefits of these systems, including improved soil health, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. The conversation also addresses the challenge...

Join Dr. Marcelo Wallau, UF/IFAS Forage Extension Specialist and Chris Prevatt, Beef Cattle and Forage Commodity Director for the Alabama Farmers Federation with special guests Dr. Rocky Lemus, Mississippi State Extension/Research Professor and Scott Jenkins, Mississippi Dairy Goat Farmer at Cole Ridge Farms.

Join Dr. Marcelo Wallau, UF/IFAS Forage Extension Specialist and Chris Prevatt, Beef Cattle and Forage Commodity Director for the Alabama Farmers Federation with special guests Henry Jordan, Variety Trial Coordinator at Auburn University and Dr. Cheryl Mackowiak, Associate Professor of Soil and Water Sciences.

Join Dr. Marcelo Wallau, UF/IFAS Forage Extension Specialist and Chris Prevatt, Beef Cattle and Forage Commodity Director for the Alabama Farmers Federation with special guests Beaver Yoder, North FL Stocker Producer and Dr. Jose Dubeux, UF/IFAS Professor of Forage Management