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 pest. Stay informed and vigilant to protect both livestock and wildlife in the Southeastern United States while tuning in for expert insights on safeguarding forage communities.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm

https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Animal-Pests-and-Diseases/New-World-Screwworm

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-share opportunities and technical support. A must-listen for anyone involved in or curious about the future of integrated crop-livestock systems in the Southeast.

Florida BMP Manuals Where to access Best Management Practice (BMP) manuals for different commodities.

FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP)General info, contact, and enrollment resources.

Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) Info on which regions are within BMAP boundaries and associated requirements.

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 high alert. In this episode of Cow Talks, we talk to Drs. Andrew Short and Ted Burges from the University of Florida Entomology department will understand more about this pest, its biology, how it was eradicated, and its potential to come back. For more information or if you suspect any case of screwworm, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture immediately through (850) 410-0900 or [email protected]. More information can be found at https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Animal-Pests-and-Diseases/New-World-Screwworm

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, along with future directions in forage and livestock research.

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 production. 

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 Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) offers necropsy and diagnostic services free of charge to Florida Deer Farmers. Out of state ranchers: please call for pricing. 
352-562-DEER 
https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/cheri/ 
 
Dr. Juan Campos  https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/campos-krauer-juan/ 

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 animal health and the challenges faced in H5N1 surveillance. Dr. Lednicky stresses the need for preventive measures and ongoing research to tackle viral threats effectively. 

For more information, check out the links below: 

CHeRI at the University of Florida 

UF One Health Initiative 

What to know about the outrbreak in Florida  

Dr. John Lednicky Faculty Profile 

UF H5N1 Research Breakthrough 

FDACS H5N1 Information 

USDA Avian Influenza Detection Data 

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 the management of annual forages, providing insights into the complexities of cattle farming in this distinctive environment. 

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 discussed. The conversation also covers practical challenges in implementing integrated systems, grazing management techniques, and the long-term benefits for soil quality and crop production. #CowTalksPodcast #ICLS #CropLivestockIntegration

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 process for choosing cover crop species is discussed. The conversation also covers economic advantages of diversified farming systems.