{"id":3562,"date":"2019-01-03T08:47:15","date_gmt":"2019-01-03T13:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/maine-farmer-resource-network\/?page_id=3562"},"modified":"2020-01-09T11:02:54","modified_gmt":"2020-01-09T16:02:54","slug":"2019-beginning-farmer-workshops-at-the-ag-trades-show","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/maine-farmer-resource-network\/2019-beginning-farmer-workshops-at-the-ag-trades-show\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 Beginning Farmer Workshops at the Ag Trades Show"},"content":{"rendered":"

State of Maine Agricultural Trades Show<\/strong><\/h3>\n

AUGUSTA \u2014 The Beginning Farmer Resource Network (BFRN), a coalition of agricultural agencies in Maine, will host free workshops and offer consultation services to Maine\u2019s newest farmers January 14\u201316, 2020 during the Maine Agricultural Trades Show at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta.<\/p>\n

Two January 15, 2020 workshops will focus on multiple aspects of farm labor. Four January 16, 2020 workshops will examine cybersecurity of electronic sales, farming in a changing climate, working with municipalities on local farm policy, and collaborating with national partners. All workshops feature current farmers and service providers.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeginning farmers know better than anyone that there is no instruction manual for the first decade in agriculture,\u201d says Tori Lee Jackson, University of Maine Cooperative Extension associate professor of agriculture and natural resources, and BFRN member. \u201cAs a coalition, the Beginning Farmer Resource Network works to help aspiring and beginning farmers find their \u2018farm business success\u2019 in an easy and practical manner.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a beginning farmer is someone who has operated a farm for 10 years or fewer. The most recent USDA Agricultural Census indicated nearly one-third of farmers in Maine reported 10 years\u2019 or fewer of experience on their present farm.<\/p>\n

Registration is not necessary. For more information, visit the UMaine Extension BFRN website<\/a>, or contact Tori Jackson, 207.353.5500,\u00a0tori.jackson@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 11:00am-12:30pm<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Increasing your Scale and Efficiency with Mechanization<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Learn about the decision-making process when taking the plunge towards mechanization. Farmers will discuss tools and equipment that have reduced their need for labor, reduced the wear and tear on their bodies, and increased their productivity. We will also focus on techniques used to ensure return on that investment. Speakers: Jason Lilley, Lani Carlson, others TBA.<\/p>\n

Speakers:<\/strong><\/h4>\n