The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Gov. Janet Mills launched Dairy Month on June 6 at the University of Maine’s Witter Farm, uniting dairy farmers, 4-H students, researchers, state and local leaders and industry partners. Together, and with a celebratory milk toast, they highlighted the vital role of dairy in Maine’s agricultural […]
Read more
By studying the Damariscotta and Medomak River estuaries, University of Maine researchers have formally documented shifts in shellfish populations, from soft shell clams to oysters. Because Maine’s intertidal mudflats, such as those found in these estuaries, are difficult to study, this work filled an important gap in information about shellfish harvesting. Research documented how tidal […]
Read more
University of Maine researchers have released a guide on how to promote the natural beauty of cemeteries statewide while conserving the local flora that populate them. “Constellation of Living Memorials’ Guide to Intentional Native Landscaping in Maine,” available through Fogler Library’s Digital Commons, offers strategies on landscaping with native plants — identifying what plants reside […]
Read more
Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) have awarded Dr. Ling Li and Dr. Ellen Mallory polyfluoroalkyl substances (e.g., PFAS, PFOA, etc.) research grants. The intent of the DACF’s research grant program is to fund research that helps farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on […]
Read more
A new study from the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and Darling Marine Center is helping to refine best practices for growing Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), a species of increasing interest to Maine’s aquaculture sector. Published in the academic journal Aquaculture, the research compares two scallop farming methods, ear-hanging and lantern net […]
Read more
OLD TOWN, Maine — The University of Maine unveiled its new robotic milking barn — the third of its kind in Maine and a new resource for bolstering the agricultural workforce and pursuing research activities — at Witter Farm in a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, April 2. Featuring the latest technology in the dairy […]
Read more
Check out this video of what it’s like to be an Animal and Veterinary Science Major in the School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine.
Read more
Scarce snowpack hindered snowmobile recreation in Maine last winter, squeezing businesses that count on the sport to draw tourists. The University of Maine released an updated report on the economic contribution of snowmobiling in Maine, revealing a significant decline in impact for the 2023-24 season. According to the study, snowmobiling generated an estimated $582 million […]
Read more
Ask anyone who frequents the forests of New England and they will likely speak of unwelcome companions — ticks. Blacklegged ticks are expanding their range and rising in numbers, infecting people with pathogens that cause conditions like Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change is frequently blamed, but researchers have noticed another man-made problem may be […]
Read more
Leaders Augusta– Governor Janet Mills, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) and Maine Department of Education (DOE), has proclaimed 2025 as the “Year of Youth in Agriculture” in Maine. The Year of Youth in Agriculture will provide opportunities to spotlight and elevate young adult voices in agriculture by leveraging […]
Read more