Dr. Erin Powell, scale insect taxonomist with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry (FDACS DPI), joins Cow Talks to discuss the pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei), a new invasive pest now confirmed in 14 Florida counties and expanding. Erin breaks down the insect's biology, life cycle, and likely origins, along with how it's spreading through shared equipment, sprigging practices, and roadside mowing. The episode also covers what producers and the public can do to slow its spread, the importance of reporting suspected infestations, and why caution is needed with insecticide use to protect natural enemies. To report a suspected mealybug or learn how to submit a sample, visit this link: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Plant-Pests-and-Diseases/How-to-Submit-a-Sample-for-Identification or reach out to your local extension office or forages@ifas.ufl.edu.

Bermuda grass stem maggot can silently strip between 30-50% of your forage yield during peak growing season. Dr. Lisa Baxter, UGA forage specialist, breaks down how to stay ahead of this pest through variety selection, cultural practices, and timely pyrethroid applications — plus where fall armyworm management overlaps.

For more information, check out UGA's EDIS equivalent: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/B1484/managing-bermudagrass-stem-maggots/

Updated recommendations: https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cft2.20269

The invasive pasture mealybug has made its way to Florida. Isaac Esquivel and Texas integrated pest management specialist Stephen Biles discuss the recent detection of pasture mealybug in Florida and what it means for forage producers across the Southeast.

Drawing on Texas' experience with the invasive pest, Biles explains how pasture mealybug spreads and the warning signs producers should watch for, including red or yellowing leaves and rapid pasture decline. The conversation highlights the insect's movement through equipment and livestock as well as the challenges of detecting infestations before significant damage occurs.

Tune in for some practical recommendations of how to prevent its spread and contraction.

Relevant links:

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/pasture-mealybug/

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/

If you're feeling the squeeze from drought, freeze, or hurricane season, this episode is your essential guide to unlocking assistance tips. Discover how the USDA Farm Services Agency assesses and declares disasters, and why timely reporting from producers is crucial for accessing relief programs before the crisis hits. Marcelo Wallau sits down with Marcinda Kessler, executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to break down the complex process of disaster declarations — from the drought monitor to local county reports, and how these trigger funding that can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy. You’ll learn specific strategies for navigating both emergency disaster relief loans and non-insurable crop assistance, including how to maximize benefits without unnecessary delays.

For more information:

General Farmers.gov site: https://www.farmers.gov/

How to find your local FSA office: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

How to sign-up for USDA updates and our monthly newsletter: farmers.gov/subscribe

USDA FSA Livestock Forage Disaster Program: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/disaster-recovery/livestock-forage-disaster-program-lfp

FSA program factsheets: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/tools/informational/fact-sheets

Doing business online with FSA: https://www.farmers.gov/account

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

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau interviews Dr. Nicolas DeLorenzo about strategies for feeding cattle during severe drought conditions, focusing on byproducts, forage management, and innovative feeding solutions to both sustain performance and reduce costs.

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.