UMaine Cooperative Extension and Partners Help Host Pasture Walks and Conference Via the Maine Grass Farmers Network
Contact: Rick Kersbergen at 1-800-287-1426 or Dee Potter at 1-800-287-1421
The Maine Grass Farmers Network (MGFN) is hosting a series of workshops at various farms around the state. Started with the support of a grant from the Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the MGFN is a cooperative effort among the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Maine Department of Agriculture and some Maine livestock farmers. The coordinators have scheduled these workshops for both experienced and novice livestock producers who want to learn more about grazing and pasture management.
Many livestock farmers in Maine are learning about potential advantages of growing grass as carefully managed pasture for their livestock. Growing grass in Maine takes advantage of our short growing season & cool climate. Keeping land in pasture reduces soil erosion caused by row crops. Grass farming and pasture-raised livestock utilize pasture land effectively, while improving animal health, product quality, and market advantage. Pasture milk, meat, poultry, and eggs have the potential for high nutritional content and higher market prices. Grass farming can increase profitability, helping to keep farms and farmland viable and maintaining the rural character of our communities.
The MGFN coordinators held a series of pasture walks last summer, and a first annual conference in October. This summer’s calendar lists a huge variety of interesting topics for graziers of all types. A conference is scheduled for August 27th. Call 1-800-287-1426 for information. Farmer-consultants will be available to provide technical information and support to a network of grass-based farmers in Maine.
MGFN PASTURE WALKS SUMMER 2005
(For directions, call the farms directly or email mgfn@prexar.com.)
JUNE 27 6-8 PM
Monday. Rotational grazing old and new pastures. Dennis Wilk, Industry. 778-0154.
JULY 6 10AM – 12 PM
Wednesday. Integrated farming and pasture systems. King Hill Farm, Penobscot. 326-9701.
JULY 10 2-5 PM
Sunday. FAMACHA training. Crystal Springs Farm, Brunswick. Help for parasite control by seeing level of infection in sheep & goats. $30/farm, Send to MOFGA, PO Box 170, Unity ME 04988. Diane Schivera, 568-4142
JULY 18 6-8 PM
Monday. Reclaiming worn out pastures and Multi-species. Izzy McKay & Rick Thompson, Stantial Brook Farm, Brooks. 722-3430.
JULY 19 10AM-12 PM
Tuesday. Pasture Layout & Road Crossings. Jeff Bragg, Sydney. Cosponsored by MOMP. 547-3814
JULY 23-24
Saturday & Sunday. Border Collie Training Clinic with Denise Leonard of Tanstaafl Farm at Nanney Kennedy’s Meadowcroft Farm, Hopkins Rd, off RT 17, Washington, ME. Fees: Participants (dog and handler) $85 per day or $150.00 for both days Observer: (person-no dog) $40.00 per day.
For more info, call Nanney Kennedy, 845-2587
JULY 26 10 AM – 1 PM
Tuesday. Watering Systems & Nose Pumps. Doaks, Clements & Roberts, Monroe & Swanville. Call Paula Roberts at 338-1265
JULY 28 6-8 PM
Pasturing Horses. Jim Jaeger, Vienna Farm, Gorham. 839-4495
AUGUST 9 6-8 PM
Tuesday. Backgrounding Beef & Summer Grazing of Winter Grains. Margesons Farm, Westmanland. 896-3081.
AUGUST 10 6-8 PM
Wednesday. Multi-species, stock dogs and more. David Craven, Bucks Harbor. 255-4224.
AUGUST 17 6-8 PM
Wednesday. Developing Watering Systems. Fred Sherburne, Dexter. 924-3057
SEPTEMBER 14 6-8 PM
Wednesday. Managing water & wildlife areas in the pasture, & also Marketing Grassfed Beef. John O’Donnell’s, Monmouth. 933-3052
MGFN also is creating a database and email network of livestock farmers and professionals who wish to be part of the network. Fact sheets for professionals and farmers will be created with topics to include: forage identification, fencing methods, watering systems, pasture management (reclamation, set-up, evaluation), predator control, & genetics.
For more information and registration materials, contact:
Diane Schivera, Project Coordinator at MOFGA – 568-4142
Rick Kersbergen at 1-800-287-1426 or Dee Potter at 1-800-287-1421 from UMaine Extension
Paula Roberts of Meadowsweet Farm at 338-1265.