Join us for three exciting days of hands-on learning, skill-building, and fun at the North East Livestock Expo (NELE). This youth-focused event brings together families, students, and industry professionals to explore the world of livestock and agriculture in an engaging and supportive environment.
Agenda
Friday, May 15, 2026 – Kid’s Day
4:00 p.m. Kids day closes and arrival begins for weekend participants
Saturday, May 16, 2026
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Participant registration
9:00 a.m. Working Steer Demonstration
9:30 a.m. Boer Goat Show
9:30 a.m. Beef Judging
12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:30 pm No Bull- The secret Skill Every Ag Kid Needs to Know
1:00 p.m. Boer Goat Show Continues
1:00 p.m. Working Steer Demonstration Continued
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Pork Cuts Workshop
2:00 p.m. Judging Results Presented
3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. AI Clinic – Youth only (open to youth of all livestock projects, limited to 20 participants) FULL
3:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Public Speaking – Educational component and contest
3:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Sales Talk – Educational component and contest
Sunday, May 17, 2026
9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Dairy Clinic
9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Sheep Clinic- Market Lambs
12:00 p.m. Sheep Clinic – Wool Sheep
*Youth are encouraged to bring their animals and equipment for use in the clinics on Sunday.
Afternoon demonstrations from Maine Sheep Breeders Association and Coop’s ArrowQuipp Equipment – Chute Demonstration.
Instructors
- Dr. Colt W. Knight is a State Livestock Specialist and Extension Professor with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. He directs the Maine Grazing Behavior Lab and teaches Introduction to Animal Science on campus. Dr. Knight works closely with livestock producers across Maine, focusing on practical, research-based education in beef production, grazing management, and meat science. He also co-hosts the Maine Farmcast podcast and operates Knight Family Farms with his family, raising registered Berkshire hogs.
- Dr. Zach McFarlane is an Assistant Professor and Beef Cattle Specialist for California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. Raised in a cattle and rodeo family in California, he developed his passion for the beef industry working on ranches in the western U.S. He earned his Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where his research focused on practical, low-input beef production systems. At Cal Poly, Dr. McFarlane teaches beef production courses and conducts applied research to improve efficiency and profitability for cattle producers, while mentoring students through hands-on programs like the Cal Poly Bull Test.
If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Melissa Libby-Babcock, 207-581-2788, melissa.libby1@maine.edu by May 8, 2026.
