News

UMaine Extension 4-H virtual exhibit hall open through Sept. 15

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Maine Cooperative Extension created a virtual exhibit hall for Maine 4-H members in lieu of traditional exhibits normally shown during fair season.  UMaine Extension 4-H members from across the state have entered over 180 projects to this inaugural Maine State Virtual Fair, ranging from art to building […]

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4-H News in Washington County – August 2020

Dates to Remember August 15-September 15: Maine 4-H Virtual Fun Run     COVID-19 Update University of Maine Cooperative Extension buildings are still CLOSED in an effort to ensure the health and safety of the community, and to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. However, please note that UMaine Extension is operating and staff are working remotely from […]

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UMaine Extension offers free cover crop planning webinar

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a free webinar about key considerations for planning a cover cropping system 6–7 p.m. Aug. 12. Adding diversity to a cover cropping system creates healthier soil and can benefit crop production and a farm’s ecosystem. UMaine Extension sustainable agriculture professional Jason Lilley will discuss several versatile cover crop […]

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UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to mentor gardeners

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is starting a new program that matches Maine gardeners of all experience levels — from novice to seasoned pro — with a garden mentor for the growing season.  The Garden Mentorship Program will match UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers with gardeners to provide virtual technical assistance and coaching. Garden mentor […]

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UMaine Extension 4-H virtual fun run along the Maine coast

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is hosting a virtual fun run along the Maine coastline Aug. 15–Sept. 15. The event is open to the public. Help ME Conquer the Maine Coastline is a virtual run, walk and bike along all 3,478 miles of Maine’s coastline. The event includes an interactive map to follow as […]

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Maine AgrAbility offers farmers guidance on hiring workers with disabilities

Maine AgrAbility has a new resource for farmers who hire workers with disabilities.  “Tips for Farmers Who Hire Individuals with Disabilities” offers guidance throughout the process, including identifying goals and expectations, understanding limitations, safety and health considerations, and developing adaptations for workers for successful outcomes.  UMaine Extension bulletins may be ordered or downloaded from the publications […]

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New UMaine Extension publication on managing woodchucks in Maine

University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a new publication in response to a common issue — how to manage woodchucks (Marmota monax) on lawns and in gardens in Maine. “Managing Woodchucks on Your Maine Property” includes recommendations to help protect vegetable gardens and prevent destructive tunneling, as well as techniques to avoid based on the biology […]

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UMaine Extension updates hay directory, recommends sourcing winter feed now

Hay and forage producers in Maine have experienced some major swings in weather over the past two years. Excessive rain delayed harvests last season, reducing quality, and this year excessively dry conditions in some parts of the state are reducing yields for second and third cuttings. University of Maine Cooperative Extension hosts a hay and […]

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UMaine Extension offers fruit, vegetable preservation webinars in August 

August yields some favorite fruits and vegetables for preserving. Learn how to savor summer flavors all year with four new live University of Maine Cooperative Extension food preservation webinars.  Freezing fruit is the topic 2–2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. Topics at the same time on subsequent Tuesdays in August include steam canning, freezing tomatoes and […]

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UMaine Extension hosts free livestock nutrition webinar series

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host a free, five-part livestock nutrition webinar series beginning 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. The series continues Thursdays through Sept. 3. Topics include basic nutrition needs of beef cattle, small ruminants, pigs and poultry, as well as processing expectations. Colt Knight, UMaine Extension assistant professor and state livestock specialist, […]

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