Modern Farmer profiles Kersbergen in feature on Extension faculty
Richard Kersbergen, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension professor in Waldo County, was profiled in the Modern Farmer magazine article, “Extension agents: The unsung heroes of the agricultural world.” The approximately 14,000 experts who make up the USDA’s Cooperative Extension System work tirelessly to assist farmers and gardeners from coast to coast, yet rarely receive recognition, according to the article. Kersbergen, who holds a master’s degree in animal nutrition, was mentioned for his many contributions to Maine agriculture, particularly in organic dairy. When Kersbergen joined UMaine Extension 29 years ago, the state had 900 dairy farms, today only 260 remain in operation, the article states. “I’d like to see these farms become financially viable again,” Kersbergen said. “Perhaps by switching to organic methods, improving forage quality, or introducing robotic milking systems.” To learn about the latter, he took a sabbatical in 2014 and traveled around the Netherlands to see how small dairies use the machinery, blogging to share the details with others at home, Modern Farmer reported.