Cooperative Extension Assists with New Farm Network
Contact: Rick Kersbergen, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 1-800-287-1426 (In Maine), or 207-342-5971; Diane Schivera, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), 207-568-4142
ORONO, Maine — Many livestock farmers are showing interest in the effective utilization of pasture for raising and finishing livestock. In response, the Maine Grass Farmers Network is being created to provide information and support to interested farmers. The first in a series of educational events is scheduled for July 20th at the Guistra farm in Union.
Many livestock farmers in Maine are learning about potential advantages of growing grass as carefully managed pasture for their livestock, says Rick Kersbergen of University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Growing grass in Maine takes advantage of our short growing season and cool climate. Keeping land in pasture reduces soil erosion caused by row crops. Currently there is a huge potential resource of underutilized pasture and grass ground in Maine, he says.
Grass farming and pasture raised livestock utilize pastureland effectively, while improving animal health, product quality and market advantage. Pasture raised 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.
With the support of a grant from SARE, the Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the coordinators have scheduled a series of pasture walks this summer and fall. They also plan to arrange several workshops, produce information to help farmers and create a core group of trained professionals in Cooperative Extension, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Maine Department of Agriculture and National Resources Conservation Service.
Farmer consultants also will be available to provide technical information and support to a network of grass-based farmers in Maine. A database of livestock farmers and an email network of farmers who wish to be part of the network are being developed.
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, and genetics.
An initial study group/pasture walk pilot project is being implemented in the Waldo County area in coordination with Unity Barn Raisers. UBR aims to “serve more local needs locally,” and has been the leading force behind the following projects: community-led farmers’ market, community meals program organized around local meats and produce, farmland protection initiative working to permanently protect 1000 acres of prime farmland in the region. From this initial project, the project will gradually branch out to cover the state in the next two years.
The first in a series of pasture walks will be held on July 20th from 6-8 pm at the farm of Clint Guistra’s on the Carroll Rd in Union. On July 27th, from 6-8 pm, there will be a pasture walk at the Healy farm in Thorndike. The pasture walks are free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Diane Schivera, project coordinator, at MOFGA at 568-4142, or Rick Kersbergen of University of Maine Cooperative Extension at 1-800-287-1426 or Paula Roberts of Meadowsweet Farm at 338-1265 or by email at mgfn@prexar.com.