The Maine Farmcast features weekly conversations with experts from across the country sharing insights and advice for both new and seasoned farmers running operations of any size. Hosted by three livestock specialists from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the show brings you world-class expertise paired with practical advice about how to apply cutting-edge research to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your farming operation.
Going Batty: Myths, Misconceptions and Maine’s Bats
This week on Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt W. Knight takes the podcast on the road for a visit with returning guest Mark King, better known to listeners for his expertise in composting but also a lifelong bat enthusiast and researcher. King shares how one charismatic biology professor changed the direction of his career, eventually leading him to graduate research studying little brown bats and more than three decades of working with bats in Maine.
Together they explore why bats are so important to Maine’s ecosystems, the challenges posed by white-nose syndrome and practical ways homeowners can coexist with bats, including the use of bat houses and alternative roosting sites. They also put some common bat myths to the test: Are bats blind? Do they get tangled in your hair? Are they all carrying rabies? Do they really want to suck your blood?
Along the way, King shares stories from years of studying bat behavior, working with homeowners and helping people better understand these often-misunderstood nighttime neighbors. If bats make you nervous, this episode might just turn you into a bat fan.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination (https://extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination).
30 Sept 2026
Meet Maine DACF Livestock Specialist Owen Cortner: Animal Health, Soil and Biosecurity
In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Glenda Pereira sits down with Owen Cortner to discuss his background and how it informs his work as a livestock specialist. Cortner is a livestock specialist with the Division of Animal and Plant Health at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Listeners will learn about silvopasture, animal health, biosecurity and farming in different parts of the world.
Contact Maine DACF animal health team (https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/aboutus.shtml%20)
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination (https://extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination).
23 Sept 2026
Horses, History and a Few Good Rabbit Holes with Robert Causey
Colt W. Knight sits down with longtime friend and colleague Robert Causey for what was supposed to be a conversation about equine veterinary medicine. But, as often happens when two longtime horse people get talking, things quickly head down a few rabbit holes.
Colt and Robert talk about Secretariat and equine physiology, growing up with horses, cavalry and war horses throughout history, the human connection with horses, wild mustangs in the American West, boys’ ranches and even why working with donkeys and mules can require an entirely different mindset. Along the way, they swap stories about riding, training, veterinary work and the experiences that turned horses into a lifelong passion.
They never quite make it to the horse health discussion they planned, which means Causey will be back for Part 2. If you enjoy horses, history, veterinary stories or simply listening to two horse people wander enthusiastically down a rabbit hole, this episode is for you.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination (https://extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination).
Who has been a guest on Maine Farmcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Dean Fish
Helder Ponte
Dr Gregg Rentfrow
Dr Juan Romero
Sarah Littlefield
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
98
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Maine Farmcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Maine Farmcast
Who hosts Maine Farmcast?
Dr Glenda Pereira host the show. Published by University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
Does Maine Farmcast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Maine Farmcast?
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