UMaine Cooperative Extension Program Cited for Award
Contact: Richard Kersbergen, Cooperative Extension (207) 581-3188
Joe Carr, UMaine Public Affairs (207) 581-3571
ORONO — The University of Maine Comprehensive Nutrient Management Education Program has been honored as one of three programs to receive the 2003 Award of Excellence from the Northeast Cooperative Extension Directors. The award was announced in Washington D.C. at the annual meeting of that group on Jan. 29. Sixteen programs were nominated in the region, which includes states from Maine to West Virginia, including Washington D.C.
Under the leadership of Extension Educator Richard Kersbergen, a team of educators, regulators, agency personnel and farmers worked to develop a comprehensive strategy for nutrient management on Maine farms. As regulatory agencies shifted their focus from point sources of pollution to nonpoint sources, Maine agricultural producers realized that they need to learn how to manage manure in a more environmentally sound manner. Cooperative Extension developed competency requirements for Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, certified planners, training materials for farmers, planners and agency staff, and software and record-keeping materials. Educational programs were delivered to farmers, certified crop advisors and regulators.
In the program’s most recent legislative report, 411 certified nutrient management plans had been prepared, representing 92,005 acres of crop land and 61,736 animal units. Fifty-nine of Maine’s dairy farmers have written and certified their own plans by passing an exam that demonstrated their competency in nutrient management planning. Additionally, $2.5 million have been appropriated by the Maine Legislature and a $3 million bond issue approved by Maine voters to support the construction of manure facilities for Maine farmers.