ELLSWORTH, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host the annual Wild Blueberry Conference on Wednesday, February 7, from 8:15 a.m.–3:45 p.m. at the Moore Community Center, 125 State St., Ellsworth. A virtual attendance option is also available. The conference theme is “Moving Toward Profitability Using Collaboration and Science.” The full-day event brings together […]

ORONO, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire and University of Vermont Extension, will offer a 2026 Tri-State Dairy Exchange monthly webinar series beginning Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The series continues on the last Wednesday of each month and is held live online. The […]

Orono, Maine – University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host a webinar focused on identifying and managing weeds in greenhouse ornamental production from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026. “Effective Weed Management in Greenhouse Ornamentals” will be led by Manjot Sidhu, assistant Extension professor of horticulture and ornamental horticulture specialist at UMaine. […]

The first three years of a child’s life are critical for growth and development. Early identification of developmental delays and subsequent referrals to early intervention services are essential to reduce long-term impacts. In 2024, Extension’s Maine Families home visiting programs served 233 families with 215 children through 2,146 home visits. Parent educators work from two […]

The Maine Farm Wellness and Maine Agricultural Mediation Program address mental health and conflict resolution in Maine’s agricultural sector. These initiatives offer resources, education, and support to farmers, fostering a culture of mental health awareness and community resilience. In addition to training 23 new mediators, the mediation program served 55 clients through mediation, personal financial […]

Extension’s ServSafe course provides state-required training to reduce foodborne illnesses and support the success of Maine’s food service industry. Food establishments are crucial to Maine’s economy, generating $3.6 billion in sales and supporting 62,800 jobs in 2022. Extension certified instructors and proctors conducted eleven in-person ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager Course and Exams statewide. The […]

Rising food costs have motivated more Mainers to start gardening and consider food preservation, but they need current information on methods like as pressure canning for low-acid foods and water-bath canning for high-acid foods, to prevent risks like botulism. In 2024, 57 Master Food Preserver volunteers completed over 489 hours of food preservation education, community […]

From birthing stalls to shearing stands, Maine producers are sharpening their small-ruminant skills with UMaine Extension. A 2024 needs assessment showed farmers highly value education on animal health and best practices, and most producer inquiries center on sheep and goats. In 2024, Extension delivered six events across four counties—the Maine Sheep and Goat School, Shearing […]

Extension’s Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) and Home Horticulture program make research-based gardening guidance accessible across Maine. MGVs complete 64 hours of training and serve on community projects that promote sustainable practices, food security, and environmental stewardship. In 2024, 655 volunteers contributed 26,801 hours of service—an estimated $818,776 in value—while Extension staff and volunteers answered 1,929 […]

Maine Horticulture Apprentice Training is closing a critical workforce gap by pairing industry-aligned coursework with a micro-credential and mentored experience. Built from the Master Gardener Volunteer program and employer input, the curriculum delivers 18 weeks of virtual, self-paced training plus a 200-hour apprenticeship validating skills and career readiness across Maine’s green industry. Demand is strong: […]