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, and poultry without breaking the budget.

We start with the why: in a warming climate, shade and windbreaks create a cooler microclimate that keeps animals grazing and lowers stress. Then we move to the how: selecting native species like milo, ulu, kukui, and hala for resilience, and layering in productive options such as citrus, cacao, or banana for extra revenue.

Yunuen also share about upcoming workshops, field days, and hands-on support so you can see silvopasture in action and tailor it to your site, herd, and rainfall. Ready to turn heat into an advantage and make your pasture do more? Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow producer, and leave a review to help more graziers find these tools.

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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
• Nebraska land lease workshops and what good clauses look like
• weaned calf risk protection webinar and core tools to manage price risk
• preview of silvopasture benefits and design considerations
• links, email, and social accounts for updates
• request for listener topic ideas and feedback

Resource Links:

• Pork Quality Assurance Training - January 23, 2026 - Oahu Island
• Center for Ag Profitability - University of Nebraska

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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
• Early detection using iNaturalist and formal plant ID
• Prioritizing threats with Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment
• Widespread pests education via Hawaii Ant Lab methods
• Two line spittle bug impacts on pasture and spread
• Queensland longhorn beetle damage to kukui, cacao, ulu, citrus
• Nematode trunk injections as a targeted control
• Devil weed toxicity to cattle and pasture takeover risk
• Outreach in communities and training for frontline workers
• Choosing non-invasive plants with PlantPono.org
• How to report sightings with clear photos and samples

Links: https://www.biisc.org/

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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 demos
• Hawaii brand re-registration deadline and five-year cycle
• Nebraska Ag Outlook meetings on markets, risk, and policy
• Tax changes affecting deductions and planning for 2025
• ARC and PLC decisions and program updates
• Land lease rate workshops and negotiation guidance
• Captive insurance workshop to clarify benefits and risks
• “Returning to the ranch” webinar on succession and ownership

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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 system
• how the five-point check guides quick triage
• using fecal egg counts and reduction tests
• rotating by drug classes and safe combinations
• withdrawal times for meat and milk compliance
• record keeping that protects fertility and growth
• rotational and multi-species grazing to lower exposure
• supportive options like copper oxide and tannin-rich forages
• building a farm-fit program with targeted deworming

Check out past episodes about sheep & goat managment:

• S3 Ep. 6: Small Ruminant Herd Health w/ Randy Saner
• S2 Ep 05 Small Ruminant Parasite Management w/Susan Schoenian

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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, summaries, and clear duty lists
• Separating required vs preferred skills for better fit
• Building pipelines with schools and internships
• Onboarding steps that speed productivity and trust
• Safety as care: PPE, hazards, and procedures
• Mentorship and monthly check-ins to reduce turnover
• Seasonal expectations for overtime and schedules
• Retention through culture, skills ladders, and flexibility

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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: Safeguarding Hawaii’s Swine: Building Biosecurity and FAD Preparedness - Part 2 Registration Link
• Safeguarding Hawaii’s Swine - Producer participation details.
• Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council Convention
• Brand re-registration window and five-year renewal reminder
• Ag Smart Money Week dates, topics, and free recordings
• Livestock risk management webinars, including Weaned Calf protection
• Ag Budget Calculator access and October 20 how-to session
• Online record-keeping options for Quicken and QuickBooks
• Policy replay on federal ag issues with Dr Brad Lubben

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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!

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