Maine Farmcast

Why does a ribeye cost so much more than it did a few years ago?In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight sits down with Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, meat science specialist at the University of Kentucky, while attending North Carolina State University’s BBQ Camp. Together, they break down the many factors driving today’s record-high meat prices, including historically low cattle inventories, rising feed and fertilizer costs, inflation, avian influenza, drought, international trade disruptions and livestock disease concerns.From beef and pork to poultry, the conversation explores why consumers continue to pay premium prices and what that means for farmers, processors and families at the grocery store. The discussion also takes a broader look at changing protein consumption trends in the United States and around the world. Colt and Gregg examine the rise of chicken as America’s most-consumed protein, the resurgence of animal-based protein demand, the challenges facing local meat processors and the future of plant-based meat alternatives.Along the way, they share insights into pork production, food processing, consumer perceptions and why predicting future food prices may be harder than ever. Whether you’re a farmer, food enthusiast or simply wondering why your grocery bill keeps growing, this episode provides valuable context on the forces shaping today’s food system.University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

Glenda and Colt sit down with Patricia Henderson, farm superintendent of the J.F. Witter Center at the University of Maine. Henderson shares her journey from growing up on a diversified livestock farm in Aroostook County to becoming a UMaine alum and helping develop the university’s robotic milking facility. The conversation highlights student learning, faculty research and livestock programs, along with a spirited and surprisingly passionate debate about the best chocolate milk.Learn about the UMaine J. Franklin Witter Teaching & Research Centerhttps://umaine.edu/wittercenter/Video of new Dairy Barn at the J. F. Witter Centerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kElRe70mNkgThe University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant Extension professor and state dairy specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, talks with Maddy Philbrick, a UMaine graduate who is now attending veterinary school. This two-part series follows Philbrick’s journey through the veterinary school application and acceptance process. In part one, she discusses application timelines, letters of recommendation, and crafting a personal statement. Tune in next week for part two.The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)https://vmcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/loginResources for UMaine Animal and Veterinary Science studentshttps://go.umaine.edu/find-a-major/animal-and-veterinary-sciences/https://umaine.edu/career/The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Recorded live from the 2026 Maine Agricultural Trades Show, this special episode of the Maine Farmcast features an in-depth conversation with Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Amanda Beal. Commissioner Beal joins hosts Dr. Glenda Pereira and Dr. Colt Knight to reflect on her agricultural roots, career path, and current role leading one of Maine’s most vital agencies. From growing up on a dairy farm to serving as President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Beal shares insights on leadership, collaboration, and the importance of saying “yes” to hard opportunities.The discussion also explores what makes Maine agriculture unique, including its diversity of farms and commodities and the strength of its agricultural community, and looks ahead to the future. Commissioner Beal highlights key initiatives focused on climate resilience, healthy soils, drought preparedness, market access, and youth and women in agriculture, including Maine’s recognition of 2026 as the Year of Women in Agriculture. This live episode captures both the energy of the Trade Show floor and a thoughtful conversation about where Maine agriculture has been and where it is headed.The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, we head to Waldoview Farm in Winterport, Maine, to sit down with longtime sheep producer Tom Hodgman for a deep, practical conversation on lambing season preparation and small ruminant management. With decades of experience raising Katahdin sheep, Tom shares what really matters when lambing time approaches—from body condition scoring and breeding management to stocking the medicine cabinet, setting up a lambing space, and knowing when preparation can make the difference between losing and saving lambs. This is a boots-on-the-ground discussion rooted in real-world experience, not theory.Tom and his team are hosting a hands-on workshop this upcoming February 2026. Be sure to follow the link below if you would like to sign up and attend this workshop.Contact Tom Hodgman: https://www.katahdinsforsale.com/lambing-workshop/ https://www.facebook.com/waldoviewkatahdins/Recommended books and resources: Managing Your Ewe And Her Newborn Lambs by Laura Lawsonhttps://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/managing-your-ewe-and-her-newborn-lambs-9780963392312 Small Ruminant:Production Medicine and ManagementCody W. Faerber, DVM,Lyle G. McNeal, Ph.D,Robert L. Harding, DVM,Kevin L. Hill, DVM,J. D. Bobb, DVM,Scott Horner,Jonathan Merriam,S. Mario Durrant, DVMAnimal Health Publications, 2004 - Goatshttps://www.abebooks.com/9780970115959/Small-Ruminant-Production-Medicine-Management-0970115954/plpThe University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.