303 | He Studies Flies for a Living — And It’s Changing the Future of Dairy
From a childhood farm in the Philippines to dairy operations worldwide with Dr. Mike Catangui.
In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy interviews Dr. Mike Catangui, the first entomologist and parasitologist to feature on the show. Dr. Mike discusses the critical role of entomology and parasitology in the dairy industry, highlighting the impact of insects like stable flies on dairy cattle health and milk production. He shares his professional journey from growing up on a farm in the Philippines to achieving advanced degrees and conducting significant research in the U.S. The conversation delves into the economic impacts of pests, the benefits of natural insecticides, and ongoing efforts to discover sustainable, effective solutions for pest control in agriculture. Dr. Mike also touches on his personal experiences and enduring passion for agricultural research.
This episode is sponsored by MWI Animal Health
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00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mike
00:15 The Role of Entomology and Parasitology in Dairy
02:03 Dr. Mike's Journey from the Philippines to the US
03:33 Research on Stable Flies and Their Impact
09:36 Transition to Dairy and Natural Solutions
15:53 Global Perspective on Insect Control
19:09 Future Directions in Entomology
23:41 Balancing Work and Life in Agriculture
25:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts