Livestock Wala'au

Mele and Shannon provide an update on essential concerns for producers and upcoming livestock events in Hawaii and Nebraska. • Three-day poultry basics webinar series (September 17-19) covering health, food safety, and environmental management with Dr. Gregory Archer from Texas A&M • Small ruminant health workshop in Hilo (September 20) featuring parasite control, grazing management, and hands-on emergency care training • Safeguarding Hawaii’s Swine: Building Biosecurity and FAD Preparedness: a program focused on biosecurity and foreign animal disease preparedness through a five-part webinar series • Hawaii Cattlemen's Council convention on Maui (November 13-15) including hands-on workshops at Ulupalakua Ranch • Critical reminder to re-register livestock brands between September 1 and December 31, 2025 • Alert about two-line spittlebug spread to new areas of Hawaii Island, affecting approximately 180,000 acres • "Returning to the Ranch" workshop in Nebraska (September 12-13) to facilitate family farm transition planning with professional mediators • Free livestock risk insurance webinars, Ag Budget Calculator, and online farm finance courses now available through the Center for Ag Profitability Email us at walaau@hawaii.edu with questions or comments about these topics. Follow us on social media and visit the UH-CTAHR Extension website for additional resources. Stay tuned for our next episode! Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

Elizabeth Pickett of Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization shares her 17-year journey from marine conservation to wildfire prevention, explaining how post-fire erosion damages coastal ecosystems and the organization's evolution to address this connection. After decades developing resources with limited public engagement, the devastating 2023 Lahaina fire dramatically increased awareness and demand for HWMO's wildfire prevention and mitigation materials. • HWMO started 25 years ago when ranchers, farmers, and firefighters noticed increasing fires but found no existing organizations addressing the issue • Organization offers comprehensive resources from tracking fire patterns and community wildfire protection plans to residential safety measures and land management strategies • Provides different levels of support, from free workshops to affordable consultation services that help develop mitigation plans • Post-fire resources emphasize soil stabilization before replanting, honoring community safety and proper recovery sequence • Collaborative programs like Firewise Communities and Wildfire Resilient Landscapes encourage neighbors and adjacent landowners to work together • Fire management requires cross-boundary coordination across diverse groups rather than siloed approaches • Hawaii-specific resources address unique island challenges including limited native seed availability for post-fire restoration For more information and resources on wildfire prevention and mitigation in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization website or the Pacific Fire Exchange, a collaborative project with the University of Hawaii. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

Dr. Lyda Garcia, Associate Professor and Extension Meat Specialist with The Ohio State University, shares her expertise on the science behind meat quality and how proper livestock management impacts the final product consumers enjoy. Quality means different things to different people - from marbling content and color to freshness and safety - but understanding the factors that influence it can help producers deliver better products. • Three types of stress affect meat quality: physiological, psychological, and nutritional • Bruising causes significant economic losses, especially in beef cattle and cull cows • Dark cutters (from long-term stress) and PSE meat (from short-term stress) are major quality issues • Show animals often experience more quality issues due to handling and environmental stress • Home processors should implement food safety practices including three-bucket cleaning systems • Use a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water as a final antimicrobial intervention • Proper cooling and temperature control are essential for both quality and safety • Common sense practices prevent cross-contamination during processing • Food safety shouldn't be compromised, especially considering vulnerable populations Reach out to your extension program with questions - that's what they're there for! Follow Livestock Wala'au and Livestock Extension Group on social media for more information. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

We share exciting updates from Hawaii and Nebraska in this quick mini-episode covering upcoming workshops, tax information, and educational opportunities for livestock stakeholders. • April 12: Calving Management and Grazing Management Field Workshop at Mealani Research Station in Kamuela, Big Island • All-day hands-on outdoor field workshop with no PowerPoint presentations • Registration required - email for more information or follow on Eventbrite • Preliminary information on the Ag Land Survey now available for Nebraska • Nebraska Department of Agriculture tax credit course available online through UNL • Grain marketing webinar series continuing through April and May • Dr. Lida Garcia from Ohio State University speaking next month about meat quality Show some love for your favorite podcast by leaving us a review wherever you listen to this, and stay tuned for next month's episode. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

Yunuen Bustamante is Oahu's newest extension agent, bringing a fresh perspective to Hawaii's livestock industry. Originally from Puebla, Mexico, her journey blends traditional wisdom with modern agricultural science. With a bachelor's in agronomy and a master's in agroforestry, in addition to her practical experience working as a veterinary technician and livestock specialist at a local ranch, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our Livestock Extension team. She aims to develop tailored guidance for local producers, focusing on sustainable practices in swine, poultry, and land management using sheep and goats while honoring Hawaiian cultural values. As Hawaii imports most of its food, she sees livestock production as key to food security. Currently connecting with industry groups, Bustamante is planning educational initiatives to help build a more sustainable, self-sufficient Hawaii. Follow her work @LivestockExtensionOahu on Instagram. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

Dive into this episode of Livestock Wala'au, where we uncover exciting updates, workshops, and insights to support your livestock management practices. Our hosts, Mele Oshiro and Shannon Sand, will be discussing upcoming workshops focused on beef cattle management, ranging from on-farm food animal processing to grazing management strategies. Shannon shared about exploring the significance of succession planning, an essential element for family-operated farms. We highlight the upcoming "Returning to the Farm" workshop, designed to help families develop estate plans and management transitions. With expert guidance from attorneys and industry specialists, participants will engage in meaningful discussions aimed at confronting the challenges of inheritance and management. We will also introduce our new livestock extension agent, Yunuen Bustamante, who is set to enrich the extension programming on Oahu. Her initiatives promise to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the community, focusing on the specific needs of livestock producers in the region. Whether you're a seasoned livestock producer or just starting, there's something valuable in our conversation for everyone. We invite you to stay engaged and informed by following us on our social media platforms, where you can connect with the broader livestock community and contribute to ongoing discussions. Remember to subscribe to our podcast to stay updated with our latest episodes, filled with insights, tips, and resources for success in agriculture. Join us and take part in this exciting journey of livestock management! Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

Councilmember Heather Kimball details Hawaii County's agricultural tax program changes designed to prevent land speculation while supporting legitimate farmers and ranchers through targeted tax benefits. • New requirements for non-dedicated agricultural land programs include upfront documentation of legitimate farming activities • The current non-dedicated ag program is sunsetting in 2026, with two replacement options: a 10-year program (lowest tax rates) or 3-year program (more flexibility) • Farmers must submit documentation like organic certifications, farm plans, or NRCS agreements • Qualifying agricultural activities must generate $2,000 annual income or follow standard industry practices • New programs allow farmers who live on their land to receive both ag land valuation benefits AND homeowner tax class benefits (including 3% valuation cap) • Property owners must apply by September 1st each year for the following tax year • Application forms and information available on the Real Property Tax website • County is exploring creating a curated list connecting landowners with farmers seeking land to lease • Future initiatives aim to convert small subdivision ag lots to rural designation while maintaining tax benefits for those farming smaller parcels For questions about Hawaii County's agricultural tax programs, contact the Real Property Tax Department or email Councilmember Heather Kimball at heatherkimball@hawaiicounty.gov. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

What if there were simple steps you could take to safeguard your herd and secure food supplies from devastating diseases? Join us as Dr. Julia Herman, a respected beef cattle specialist veterinarian from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, shares her wealth of knowledge on livestock biosecurity. Dr. Herman's journey through the world of veterinary outreach and education reveals the importance of effective communication with producers and the creation of dynamic biosecurity plans tailored to the ever-changing landscape of agricultural operations. Discover the invaluable lessons Dr. Herman learned from her experience managing foot and mouth disease in Uganda, which highlight the power of straightforward yet effective biosecurity measures. We explore how continuous evaluation of biosecurity plans—accounting for factors like animal movement, visitor tracking, and environmental changes—can make a significant difference in preventing disease outbreaks. The critical role of biosecurity managers is underscored, along with the importance of leveraging external resources such as veterinarians and extension specialists for a comprehensive approach to disease prevention. Tune in to learn practical strategies for livestock producers, from cleaning and disinfecting equipment to protective gear usage and understanding the risks of common diseases like salmonella and E. coli. Dr. Herman emphasizes the necessity of controlling interactions between wild and domestic animals to mitigate disease spread, especially in the face of challenges like avian influenza. By focusing on proactive biosecurity measures, you can ensure the health of your herds and the safety of our food supply, one step at a time. Resources Mentioned: https://www.bqa.org/resources/biosecurity-resourceshttps://extension.umn.edu/poultry-health/avian-influenza-basics-noncommercial-poultry-flock-ownershttps://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/fs-manage-wildlife-prevent-ai.508.pdfhttps://www.bqa.org/beef-quality-assurance-certificationThanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

What if a name change could redefine a mission? Join us on this episode of Livestock Walaʻau, where hosts Mele Oshiro and Shannon Sand share the exciting news about the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience's fresh new identity. Delve into the latest from Hawaii's livestock community, including details on the Livestock Forage Disaster Program applications for Honolulu and Kauai counties. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to agriculture, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and actionable advice. For listeners in Nebraska and beyond, there's no shortage of resources and opportunities to enhance your agricultural expertise. Explore the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's online Quicken course and the newly approved FSA borrower training program. Plus, get involved with the livestock custom rates survey and mark your calendars for a series of informative workshops on livestock risk management and landlord-tenant cash rent discussions. Each event is designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed in today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Episode Resources: https://cap.unl.edu/customrates/livestockhttps://cap.unl.edu/webinars https://cap.unl.edu/https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Hawaii/programsThanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

Curious about the hidden dynamics of Hawaii’s grasslands? Join us as we speak with Kevin Basienda, a passionate graduate researcher from the University of Hawaii, who has embarked on a mission to map out the lush yet invasive grass species across the islands. Intrigued by the complexities of these plant invaders, Kevin's journey led him to create the Hawaii Grass Atlas, a treasure trove of information featuring over 280 grass species. Through innovative data collection methods, including roadside surveys and the invaluable input from citizen scientists on platforms like iNaturalist, Kevin sheds light on the importance of making this wealth of information accessible to landowners and producers striving to manage their landscapes more effectively. Ever wondered how fire-promoting grasses could alter the Hawaiian ecosystem? In this conversation, Kevin unveils the significant efforts behind documenting these fiery culprits using GIS data and enriched historical records. He introduces us to some captivating hybrids, such as Kentris paragrinus and a unique Chloris species hybrid found in Oahu, exploring their potential impacts on the environment. Through this engaging episode, we also delve into how iNaturalist serves as a powerful tool for community engagement, transforming nature exploration into a collective endeavor. Whether you’re a botanist at heart or simply intrigued by the natural world, this episode promises an insightful look into the challenges and beauty of managing Hawaii’s grass species. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

What if you could transform your livestock management strategies with the latest updates and resources tailored just for you? Join us as Mele Oshiro and Shannon Sand bring a treasure trove of information for livestock stakeholders in Hawaii and across the Western U.S. Discover the newly accessible small ruminant nutrition and management webinar videos, vital insurance coverage updates for Hawaii’s Big Island pastures. Get ready to mark your calendars for the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council Convention and Annual Meeting in Waikoloa, promising to be an event packed with opportunities and insights. But that's not all—we're extending our reach beyond Hawaii with exciting chances for Nebraska and the broader West. Shannon reveals exclusive updates, including an online Quicken course, and valuable FSA borrower training opportunities. Gain foresight with the Heifer Replacement Forecast webinar and make the most of Ag Smart Money Week, brimming with financial workshops. From livestock risk insurance meetings to land leasing workshops and even a unique event on what to do after inheriting a farm, we've got you covered with all the essential details to bolster your livestock management game plan. Tune in and let us guide you to smarter, more efficient agricultural practices! Resources: Social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/livestockwalaau?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f89d9d23-85bf-4456-aee7-47f9f960378a Livestock extension group: https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ce/Livestock Center for Ag Profitability: www.cap.unl.edu Ag SmartMoney week: https://cap.unl.edu/smartmoney Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

Ever wondered how integrating trees into pasture systems could revolutionize sustainable agriculture? Join us as we discuss this innovative practice with Travis Idol from the University of Hawaii. Discover how the Lucena tree, a nitrogen-fixing powerhouse with high protein content, is transforming silvopasture systems across tropical and subtropical regions. Our conversation highlights successful implementations in Queensland, Australia, and South America, and explores the potential of this remarkable tree to enhance livestock nutrition and pasture productivity. Travis Idol shares insights into the practicalities and challenges of silvopasture, focusing on manual harvesting techniques from Southeast Asia and the impact of mechanical mastication on Lucena's nutritional value. Get a glimpse into the promising results from a pilot project at Waimanalo, where Lucena trees have shown impressive growth, facilitating intensive grazing cycles. We also address the unique opportunities and obstacles presented by topography and soil conditions in adapting silvopasture practices. The potential of drought-tolerant trees to sustain pasture systems during dry spells is another compelling aspect of our discussion. We explore propagation methods, collaborations with commercial nurseries, and carbon sequestration efforts that align with NRCS conservation programs. Hear about exciting updates on a project in Hawaii, involving seedless Lucena hybrids for pasture-finished beef cattle, as we share plans for disseminating findings and presenting at the Hawaii Agriculture Conference. Uncover the strategies behind balancing tree and grass growth for optimal agricultural output, while reducing costs and enhancing sustainability. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!

What if you could safeguard your livestock from the unpredictable whims of nature? Join Mele Oshiro and Shannon Sand on the Livestock Wala'au podcast as we unravel vital updates and resources for livestock stakeholders in Hawaii and beyond. We're excited to announce the newly released Small Ruminant Nutrition and Management webinar videos on our Livestock Extension Group YouTube channel. Plus, learn about the USDA Risk Management Agency's expansion of forage insurance in Hawaii County—a game-changer for protecting your livestock from forage loss due to less-than-ideal precipitation. We provide the insights you need to stay ahead with critical deadlines looming for programs like PRF insurance and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Get ready for a lineup of events and educational opportunities! The Hawaii Cattlemen's Convention and Annual Meeting promises a day full of education, networking, and industry updates that you won't want to miss. Whether in Hawaii or Nebraska, we have resources tailored just for you—from our online Quicken course to a webinar on heifer replacement cost forecasting in Nebraska. Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in livestock management. All the links and details will be available in the show notes, ensuring you have everything you need. Thanks for listening! Check out our other social media platforms!