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© Marcelo Wallau and Chris Prevatt
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Cow Talks with Dr. Marcelo Wallau, UF/IFAS Forage Extension Specialist and Chris Prevatt, Beef Cattle and Forage Commodity Director for the Alabama Farmers Federation. This podcast is tailored towards producers and extension agents in Florida.
For more information and transcripts of the episodes, visit https://www.wallauforages.com/ under the Extension tab.
66 Episodes
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In our episode of Cow Bites, host Dr. Marcelo Wallau unlocks the secrets to maximizing your pasture productivity this spring without risking long-term damage. If you're eager to turn your cows out now but unsure if your forage is ready, this episode reveals the critical management steps to take to ensure lush, sustainable pastures all year round in the face of fluctuating weather.Mentioned article: https://share.google/jiuc5HTgBOXjDkxbF
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.
In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau is joined by soil scientist Cheryl Mackowiak and Florida State Climatologist David Zierden to unpack one of Florida’s most challenging seasons in decades. From extreme drought and disrupted hurricane patterns to prolonged Arctic outbreaks linked to La Niña, the discussion explores how unusual weather patterns affected forages, fertility management, grazing decisions, and wildfire risk this winter in Florida.
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 interviews Dr. Cecilia Rocha, a Research Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist in Livestock Systems, about improving reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. They discuss pregnancy loss, estrus detection innovations, and how accelerometers can support herd management. Dr. Rocha also highlights the value of pregnancy checks and herd organization for producer profitability, along with emerging research and technologies for the future.
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 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.
Join Marcelo Wallau as he wraps up an incredible year for Cow Talks, thanking listeners and guests alike for the best season yet. Tune in for insights and a look ahead to more engaging content in the new year.
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.
Join us in this episode from our sister podcast, Forage Nexus, where we delve into the world of grasslands and their pivotal role in sustainable agriculture. We bring in Dr. Lynn Sollenberger, a renowned expert in forage systems. Hosted by Marcelo Wallau, Lilian Silva, and Bruno Pedreira, this episode features insights about the vast scale of grasslands, their impact on ecosystems, and the unique benefits they offer to our society and environment.
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 Research in Perspective, host Marcelo Wallau speaks with Dr. Nicolas Caram, a recent PhD graduate from our Agronomy Department. The conversation is about the balance of legumes and grasses in pasture systems. They delve into the productive, environmental and economic impacts of legume integration, exploring how different proportions of legumes in pasture can affect animal performance and pasture productivity. Nico shares insights from his research on the importance of legumes in grass-based pastures and discusses the challenges and benefits of establishing perennial peanut.
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.
In this episode of Cow Talks, host Marcelo Wallau speaks with entomologists Dr. Norman Leppla and graduate researcher William Piwowarek about the reemergence of mole crickets in Florida’s pastures. The conversation digs into the pest’s South American origins, the history of insecticide and biological control efforts, and how sustainable management practices can prevent infestations. Wilhelm shares his ongoing fieldwork and surveys across the state to understand why some farms are seeing renewed problems while others aren’t. To contribute to his research, fill out the following survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/mz9kb8jd
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/.
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