York County Farmers’ Network Speaker Series 2026
Upcoming Workshops and Programs
- Thursday, January 08, 2026 Composting and Its Utilization
- Thursday, February 19, 2026 Protecting What Matters: A Practical Look at Farm Insurance and Risk Management
- Thursday, February 26, 2026 Basics of Greenhouse Technology
- Thursday, March 05, 2026 Non-Thermal Seed Treatment Solutions for Organic Farming Systems
- Thursday, March 19, 2026 Build a Better Business Workshops – York County
- Thursday, April 09, 2026 How to Develop a Marketing Strategy for Your Farm Business
- Saturday, April 11, 2026 Tree Pruning Workshop
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Staying Safe and Working Strong: Practical Injury Prevention and Adaptive Tools for Farmers
- Thursday, May 07, 2026 Maine Agricultural Mediation Program: “A Healthy Farm Is Nothing Without a Healthy Farmer”
- Monday, June 15, 2026 York County Farmers’ Network Social
Registration is required, with a sliding scale fee ($0-$15) per session.
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Title: Composting and Its Utilization
Speaker: Nicholas Rowley, nicholas.rowley@maine.edu
Register Here: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000004fVVN
Information:
Compost is a popular soil amendment that supports healthier crops, stronger soils, and more resilient growing systems. By transforming everyday organic materials into a nutrient-rich resource, composting reduces waste while closing the loop on the farm and in the home garden. This workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of the composting process—from understanding the science behind decomposition to identifying the right mix of materials for successful composting. Attendees will explore practical methods for managing compost, troubleshooting common issues, and incorporating finished compost into soils for maximum agronomic benefit. This session is valuable for both commercial producers seeking to improve soil structure and yields, and home gardeners interested in sustainable practices.
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Title: Protecting What Matters: A Practical Look at Farm Insurance and Risk Management
Speaker: Thea Champlin, Thea.Champlin@american-national.com
REGISTER HERE: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000004il2X
Information:
Join local Farm Family agent, Thea Champlin, for a down-to-earth look at farm insurance and risk management. With years of experience working on horse farms, Thea—owner of The Champlin Agency—shares real-life stories and simple, practical strategies to help farmers protect what matters most and keep their operations resilient.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Title: Basics of Greenhouse Technology
Speaker: Ankit K. Singh, ankit.singh@maine.edu
REGISTER HERE: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000004ilIf
Information:
A beginner-friendly workshop introducing the fundamentals of greenhouse technology for Maine growers. Topics include:
- Types of greenhouse structures and materials
- Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
- Basic automation and environmental controls
- Common challenges and low-cost solutions for small and mid-size farms
The session also covers how greenhouse systems can extend the growing season, improve crop quality, and support farm profitability.
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Title: Non-Thermal Seed Treatment Solutions for Organic Farming Systems
Speaker: Gulsun Akdemir, gulsun.akdemir@maine.edu
Register Here: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000004ilXB
Information:
Ensuring high-quality, pathogen-free seed is essential for organic crop production, yet organic standards limit conventional chemical treatments. This seminar highlights emerging non-thermal, non-chemical sanitation methods—particularly pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ozone-based technologies. Participants will learn how PEF disrupts microbial cells through electroporation, and how ozone provides rapid microbial inactivation without harmful residues. Both approaches show promise in reducing bacterial and fungal pathogens while maintaining seed vigor and improving germination. This session equips organic growers with scientific insights and actionable guidance for implementing innovative seed-treatment solutions that align with organic certification.
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Title: Build a Better Business Workshops – York County
Speaker: Dr. Jason Entsminger, jason.entsminger@maine.edu
Information:
A hands-on workshop series for business owners seeking practical tools and new insights to strengthen and grow their operations. Content includes financial modeling, business strategy mapping, resilience planning, and cultivating a growth mindset. Offered in York County beginning at 1:00 PM, with refreshments and an early dinner included. Participants may choose a half-day or full-day format. Thanks to York County Executive Committee funding, this $100 workshop is subsidized to $25. Attendees will leave with actionable steps, meaningful connections, and a clearer path to business growth.
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Title: How to Develop a Marketing Strategy for Your Farm Business
Speaker: Brett Johnson, brett.w.johnson@maine.edu
Register Here: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000004ilovv
Information:
A practical workshop led by Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator Brett Johnson. Participants will explore best practices in farm marketing, including market research, developing a customer profile, and creating a marketing strategy that captures more value and supports long-term profitability. Content is appropriate for both beginning and experienced producers, with the goal of helping participants build a functional marketing plan.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Title: Tree Pruning Workshop
Speaker: Renae Moran, rmoran@maine.edu
Information:
Tree Pruning Workshop. Location Snell’s Farm
Snow date: April 12, 2026.
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Title: Staying Safe and Working Strong: Practical Injury Prevention and Adaptive Tools for Farmers
Speaker: Bella Russo (Maine AgrAbility), isabella.russo1@maine.edu
Register HERE: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000004ilyb
Information:
Maine AgrAbility will present and demonstrate assistive technologies and adaptive tools for use on small-scale farms and in gardens. Participants will learn about tools and ergonomic practices that increase productivity, reduce pain, and support mobility. Physical tools will be available for demonstration, and participants are encouraged to ask questions. Information about the Maine AgrAbility program will also be shared.
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Title: Maine Agricultural Mediation Program: “A Healthy Farm Is Nothing Without a Healthy Farmer”
Speaker: Lucy Wess, lucille.wess@maine.edu
Register Here: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy000004im53
Information:
The Maine Agricultural Mediation Program (MAMP), part of UMaine Extension’s Health & Wellness Programs, supports farmers, fishermen, food system workers, teams, and families through difficult conversations and conflict resolution. MAMP assists with interpersonal and business-related conflicts, navigation of USDA-related issues, and building confidence with personal finances. The program focuses on sustainable, self-built solutions to strengthen farm operations and wellbeing.
Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
Title: YCFN Social
Speaker: —
Speaker Contact: —
Information:
Final date and location TBD.