As Covid-19 makes its way through our community, we acknowledge that farmers are faced with unique challenges in an unpredictable market. The following survey was made in collaboration with agricultural organizations agencies across the state to better assess the impact this virus is having on Maine farms. This will provide a sense of how we can […]

The University of Vermont Extension has put together some helpful information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how vegetable and fruit farmers can address the issue on their farms and within their markets. See the link below: https://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/2020/03/13/considerations-for-fruit-and-vegetable-growers-related-to-coronavirus-covid-19/

The University of Vermont Extension is offering a FREE Webinar Series! This webinar series will discuss current research on cover crops and conservation in various cropping systems, interesting findings, and common obstacles to implementing a successful cover crop and no-till program. Each webinar will be 30 minutes and will end with a 15 minute Q&A session. Dates & Topics […]

Farmers and ranchers may apply to enroll grasslands in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands signup beginning March 16. The signup runs through May 15. Through CRP Grasslands, participants retain the right to conduct common grazing practices, such as haying, mowing or harvesting seed from the enrolled land. Timing of some activities may be restricted […]

The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) is launching a new grant program to help young and beginning farmers and ranchers start-up and grow their businesses. In 2020 Young Farmers will provide 50 farmers and ranchers $5,000 grants. Grant recipients will also receive a one-year membership to the National Young Farmers Coalition. Funds, once awarded, […]

UMaine Wild Blueberry Conference Date: February 22, 2020 (Snow date Feb 29) Location: Hollywood Casino, 500 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401 Time: 8:30 am – 4:15 pm Registration Deadline: February 16, 2020, register here Register early, space is limited to 200.

Interest in hemp production has increased significantly with the passage of the 2018 farm bill. Hemp can be grown to produce grain, fiber, and medicinal products. “Growing Hemp in Maine” will be offered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm at Jeff’s Catering, Littlefield […]

The New England Farmer Microgrant Program (NEFMP) from American Farmland Trust is designed to provide between $500-$5,000 to assist farmers in New England with financial barriers to land access, expanding onto new land, and farm succession planning.  The goal of NEFMP is to fund farmers in two primary categories: professional services and infrastructure costs related to assuring […]

Researchers at the University of Maine are looking for farmers to participate in a focus group on climate adaptation resources as part of a USDA-AFRI funded project. This focus group will be held from 2:00-4:00pm on Tuesday, March 31st at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties Office in Lisbon Falls, ME.  Participants will […]

Are you a veteran farmer? The 2020 Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is now open! Since the program began in 2011, more than $2 million has been awarded to over 170 farmer veterans across the nation. The funds are used to purchase vital equipment, supporting the launch of veteran owned farm businesses. Please see the program […]