Cow Talks – Details, episodes & analysis

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 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 reproductive tract scoring and progesterone-based protocols can dramatically improve pregnancy rates. The episode connects physiology and management offering producers practical insight into how earlier cycling and targeted reproductive technologies can lead to more resilient production systems in Florida’s environment. For more on Know Your Heifer, check out the following link: https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/beef/kyh/

In this first episode of Our Research in Perspective, Dr. Marcelo Wallau speaks with Dr. Hannah Rush —agronomist and agroecologist researcher in sustainable cropping with the University of Minnesota— to discuss her research on sustainable cropping practices. Their conversation explores strategies for establishing cool-season forages, the value of species diversity in forage systems, and practical approaches to nitrogen fertilization and legume integration. Together, they highlight how functional diversity and thoughtful management can boost overall forage performance and discuss the aspects to consider when putting together forage mixes.

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Marcelo Wallau brings Marshall Sewell, founder of Mind your Melon, an organization dedicated to addressing mental health stigmas in agriculture. Together, they explore the unique stressors faced by farmers that stem from generational and current economic pressures. Marshall shares his personal story of loss and the founding of the Mind Your Melon Foundation, which aims to raise awareness and provide resources for mental health in the agricultural community. The conversation emphasizes the need for introspection and proactive approaches to mental wellbeing.

Resources: https://mindyourmelon.org/Mind your Melon podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1VhSquap7tq2N0hOg69POV?si=16f4641a6bdb4be6

In this episode of Cow Talks, host Dr. Marcelo Wallau and Dr. Shelby Gruss discuss nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning in livestock, particularly in relation to forage production. They explore the causes and management strategies for these two distinct problems. The conversation highlights the significance of educating producers about these issues to ensure the safety and health of livestock.

In this episode of Cow Talks, Dr. Brett Bultmeier, director of the University of Florida / IFAS Pesticide Information Office, discusses significant changes in pesticide licensing, and some new regulations that are coming up. The discussion explores the transition to new testing procedures, the implications of new labeling requirements, and the expected impact on farmers. The conversation also highlights the importance of keeping up with regulatory changes within federal agencies like the EPA and the future of training materials in the field of pesticide safety.

For more information, visit https://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/

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 information, check out https://climatecenter.fsu.edu/.

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 resilience through legumes, and discussed the challenges of adopting legumes at the farm scale. Those episodes were recorded during the National Forage Week, an initiative of the American Grass and Forage Council to promote the role of grasslands in food production.

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 origins of the conference, its impact on global networking, key takeaways from presentations, and the role of silage in addressing food insecurity, poverty and animal production. The conversation also highlights the future of silage research, culminating in the announcement of the next conference to be held in Nigeria in 2028. To learn more about the conference, check https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/silage/index.php.

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 grass. The hosts share insights from their experiences and research, providing practical advice for producers looking to optimize their pasture systems.