Cow Talks

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 drought, hurricanes, and unseasonal cold, these insights on resilient forage mixes and strategic planning might just be the game-changer to secure livestock security this season.Links:Clemson Extension: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/livestock/programs/Forage Drops Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2fj2-Vnat-_GR6rFmLz8Aghttps://www.instagram.com/foragedrops/

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 more on CHEERS:https://cheers-hub.org/CONTACT: https://cheers-hub.org/contact-page/Other organizations to keep an eye on:https://flaffa.org/Listen to our previous episode with Ernie Shea:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4U8JGT06NQ1nfc9VOQbjzR?si=9e4d84a6eb594c5d

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 feed strategies, hay shortages, and the risks of overgrazing during critical growth periods. Looking ahead, the suggestions are to diversify pastures.

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.

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 sharing remain critical to shaping effective disaster response and future policy.

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 importance of treating farming as a true business. They also break down recent policy changes and what they mean for producers today. Whether you run 10 cows or 1,000, this episode offers practical insights on planning, recordkeeping, and building a financially resilient operation.

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. The episode also examines vaccination timing in pregnant heifers and how it may improve calf health through stronger colostrum.

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 remain profitable without degrading their forage base? Wallau outlines how overgrazing, skipped fertilization, and lack of system diversity quietly erode productivity and increase long-term costs.

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 farms. The experts emphasize the significance of industry response and the need for ongoing vigilance in maintaining equine health. We also discussed the emerging threat of New World Screwworm, and explained the recent news of screwworm in an imported animal, which is not related to the large issue of the expansion of the flies in Mexico, close to the Texas border.

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 has been a strong advocate for animal protein-based diets as a way to combat malnourishment and metabolic disorders. Here, he shares with us a bit of his trajectory and his thoughts about how we, as farmers and educators, can engage with the public to tell our story, and share the relevance of the work we do.

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 what they revealed about industry preparedness and risk management. Together, the hosts consider what 2025 taught producers and what those lessons may mean as the industry moves into 2026 and beyond.

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 reproductive phase, can increase tillering and, therefore, seed production. His work is part of an effort with the Forage Breeding team to develop and evaluate new bahiagrass materials for future cultivar release.

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 agrivoltaics, where we merge agricultural and energy production to improve land use efficiency. In the discussion panel, Jim and Bill address the benefits and shortcomings using sheep for grazing under the solar panels, and offer practical recommendations those interested in venturing in those partnerships.