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: […]

Maine ranks third nationally for beginning producer–operated farms (35.9%), yet new farmers face steep hurdles—accessing capital, navigating regulations, and proving financial viability. The Business Planning for Producers course equips aspiring and early-stage farmers with the skills to launch and grow sustainable enterprises through comprehensive business planning. Since 2023, the program has run as ten two-hour […]

Extension’s tractor safety courses provide critical skills and certification, enhancing job opportunities for youth and contributing to the economic health of Maine’s agricultural sector by promoting safer farming practices. Injuries and fatalities in agriculture lead to significant economic losses and can cause farms to go out of business. Labor shortages, including qualified equipment operators, exacerbate […]

In 2022, Maine had at least 457 farms producing potatoes on over 54,000 acres, with the value of sales of Maine-grown potatoes reaching over $200 million, according to the Census of Agriculture. Among these farms, 317 (69%) were small acreages of less than 5 acres, primarily producing for direct-to-consumer channels such as on-farm markets, farm […]

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Maine helps combat nutrition insecurity and childhood obesity by educating low-income children on diet quality, physical activity, and food resource management. In 2024, 3140 youth participated in Maine EFNEP, almost doubling the previous year’s enrollment. Youth participated in an average of six educational lessons over three […]

UMaine Extension 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide year-round nature-based programs for youth ages 4-17, fostering positive social and emotional learning experiences. Using evidence-based practices, these experiences develop a sense of place, belonging, and confidence outdoors, and offer educational pathways to post-secondary success in Maine’s rural areas. Programs include day and residential camps, Outdoor School, […]

The 4-H Ocean Xplorers program, offered by UMaine Extension and the Belfast Free Library, introduced over 70 mid-coast Maine youth to marine-related career opportunities through hands-on activities. This initiative aims to address labor shortages and foster environmental stewardship by sparking interest in ocean sciences and providing local career pathways. Monthly activities included designing aquaponics systems, […]

Maine’s 4-H Aquaculture programs expanded to include Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) in 2024, connecting youth globally with industry experts and sustainable aquaculture practices. These immersive experiences, accessible via web browsers and virtual reality tools, connect youth with industry experts, showcase cutting-edge technologies and offer a deep understanding of sustainable aquaculture’s role in Maine’s food systems. […]