UF IFAS Forages

New invasive pest alert! Dr. Erin Powell (FDACS DPI scale insect taxonomist) joins Cow Talks to break down the pasture mealybug — where it came from, how fast it's spreading across Florida, and what you can do to help. Tune in now, and if you spot signs of mealybug in your pastures, report it! Your eyes in the field help us track and slow this pest before it spreads further.

Listen to the episode now:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Adr6FI2tN3yOd3oPHFkcT?si=9NNi8xq0RHOGYvuvrvNmgg
https://youtu.be/nbTf3XOrHaM

Resist the urge to turn cattle back out too soon! This pasture comparison with Dr. Marcelo Wallau shows why removing animals during spring green-up matters — rested paddocks bounce back strong, while continuously grazed ones struggle with stunted growth and bare patches.

What are you doing on your pasture? Comment below!

Seen some tip burn in bermudagrass? It might be stem maggots. Check out what Dr. Marcelo Wallau has to say, and our newest episode on Cow Talks with Dr. Lisa Baxter with UGA Extension on what you can do to prevent the spread.

Have you encountered this issue? Drop a comment below!

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

And our newest episode out on Cow Talks:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XLwRNeAeNztMlobDS033G?si=9yK4WjkaQVanc2EZ1Yp1_g
https://youtu.be/o_bXMZk8Ktc

Pasture mealybug has now been confirmed in Florida.

Watch to the end of this reel to unlock the question some farmers have had to ask... and listen to our newest episode of Cow Talks to find out the answer!

In this episode of Cow Talks, Marcelo Wallau, Isaac Esquivel, and Stephen Biles discuss what producers should know about identifying the pest and responding to its impacts on pasture systems.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4DUAlBvcvmfMLgIOj7AKRy?si=qBT550AxQm21BdPBtzejDg

New pasture pest identified in Florida 👀 A quick look at the current situation with pasture mealybug

New episode featuring Forage Drops out now!

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Liliane Silva about this year’s drought, which has left many producers with a real need for resilient solutions across the Southeast.

We discuss how warm-season annuals like pearl millet, sorghum-Sudan crosses, and forages like crabgrass can fill that gap while improving pasture diversity.

What’s your biggest challenge in managing forage during extreme weather? Comment below!

Link to episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/48jMHEg8UJGXA2NdRiCmUy?si=MKkHl-cHRCWL01lG8UJpLA
YouTube: https://youtu.be/v-EYNyoTxGQ

Are you already thinking about summer forages?

We got just 2 inches of rain recently, and soil moisture still isn’t fully replenished. That’s why considering planting sorghum sudan now could be a good strategy for fall and winter feed.

What’s your go-to forage recovery plan? Would love to hear your tips below.

New episode on disaster relief featuring Marcinda Kester, executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Florida!

In Florida, we’re facing severe droughts and freezes that has impacted our forages and livestock. When a disaster hits, local and state boards quickly assess the damage and escalate to federal authorities if needed. This process is what unlocks vital emergency loans.

Tune in to find out how you can access resources for disaster relief, and comment RELIEF for a list of resources you can check out to learn more.

Listen on Spotify, Apple and YouTube, and be sure to give us a follow so you never miss an episode!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2A1MSJ3K4j67OQ1QTHon95?si=MZG8UqAZRUuV7kRHzcg-PQ

Corn Silage Day is coming up on May 28th... that's soon! Register by May 21st for a day full of learning and engagement.

Register at the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-corn-silage-and-forage-field-day-tickets-1919170774449?aff=oddtdtcreator