Livestock Wala'au

Jamie Miller from OISC explains why early detection beats eradication and how biocontrol could change the game. We learn about practical ways to protect Hawaii’s ranches and farms from devilweed on Oahu and the two-line spittlebug on Hawaiʻi Island, with clear ID tips, reporting tools, and prevention steps. Visit OISC website at https://www.oahuisc.org/ for more information!

• Defining invasive species and why funding targ...

Quick updates on Hawaii and Western ag: WIRED and BQA in Hawaii, grazing for fuel reduction, Nebraska workshops on leases, budgeting, and Women in Ag, plus a preview of an invasive species guest. We share dates, links, and how each event can boost animal care, pasture health, and ranch profits.

• WIRED and ANCW Region VI meeting in Hawaii - April 27-29, 2026
• Grazing workshop on fuel load reduction with Kailapa Commun...

Shade that actually pays for itself—this conversation digs into how silvopasture blends trees, forage, and livestock to reduce heat stress, build healthier soils, and diversify income in grazing systems. With Oahu Livestock Extension Agent Yunuen Bustamante, we unpack the nuts and bolts: how to pick the right tree for your goal, how wide to space rows to protect forage, and what it takes to guard young plantings from goats, cattle,...

A fast January briefing on what matters now: PQA training in Honolulu, Nebraska land lease workshops, a weaned calf risk webinar, and a preview of silvopasture with our Oahu livestock agent. We share links, dates, and how each step builds animal care, market trust, and resilience.

• PQA training on Oahu with date, time, and location
• why pork quality assurance strengthens consumer trust and market access
• Nebrask...

We talk with Franny Brewer of the Big Island Invasive Species Committee about how prevention, early detection, and community reporting protect Hawaii’s farms, forests, and neighborhoods. From port monitoring to nematode injections, we map the tools anyone can use to slow the spread.

• Role of BIISC across prevention, detection, response, and education
• Port monitoring for CRB, RIFA, mosquitoes, and Japanese beetle

A quick tour of the month’s livestock calendar spans Hawaii’s backyard poultry workshop, a statewide brand re-registration reminder, and Nebraska’s lineup of ag outlooks, tax updates, land lease sessions, captive insurance training, and ranch succession planning. We point to the tools, dates, and choices that help producers manage risk and prepare for the next year.

• Backyard poultry basics workshop in Waimanalo with live...

We lay out a practical, year-round plan to manage internal parasites in sheep and goats using selective treatment, better pasture use, and simple records that prevent resistance. Barber pole worm takes center stage as we share tools that cut losses and keep flocks productive.

• why barber pole worm is the primary threat
• signs like anemia and bottle jaw to watch
• selective treatment using the FAMACHA scoring syst...

We examine why hiring feels harder across agriculture and share a practical system to recruit, onboard, and retain employees on farms and ranches. We compare labor signals in Hawaii, Nebraska, and the U.S., then turn data into day-one checklists, mentorship, and culture that lasts.

• Hawaii, Nebraska, and U.S. labor snapshots and trends
• Why applications rise while qualified fits fall
• Writing job titles, summari...

We share fast, practical updates producers can use now, from poultry health recordings and a five-part swine biosecurity series to finance tools, risk webinars, and a simple system to organize vital documents. Hawaiʻi and Nebraska resources align to protect herds, tighten budgets, and keep families prepared.

• Poultry basics webinar recap with Dr Gregory Archer and YouTube recordings
• 5-part webinar series: Safeguardi...

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 tra...

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 pr...

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...

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...

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 e...

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 wealt...

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 opt...

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 communica...

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 c...

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 ...