UMaine Specialists to Discuss Energy Forages and Oilseed Crops
Contact: Rick Kersbergen, 207-342-5971
ALBION–University of Maine Cooperative Extension will co-sponsor the 2005
Fall Forage Conference in the Besse Building (Town Office) in Albion on
Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The conference will include an on-farm
demonstration of soybean harvesting, drying and processing.
UMaine Extension Dairy Specialist Gary Anderson will explain the energy
components of forage or grain analysis. Anderson will talk about TDN, NEL
NSC, fats and oils and what they mean to cows, their rations and related
economic issues. UMaine Extension Crops Specialist Peter Sexton from
Presque Isle will host a discussion on growing oilseed crops in
Maine–soybeans and canola. There has been a lot of interest in these
crops, both as a feed source and as a fuel alternative. Pesticide
recertification credit is anticipated for this session.
In the afternoon, participants will travel to Henry Perkins’ farm to
witness organic soybeans being harvested and examine some grain
harvesting, drying and processing equipment that Perkins has recently
installed. The grain drying system is part of a Conservation Partnership
Initiative and Community Food Project being led by the Unity Barn Raisers.
This conference is cosponsored by University of Maine Cooperative
Extension, the Maine Organic Milk Producers (MOMP) and the Unity Barn
Raisers, through a NRCS/Conservation Partnership Initiative Grant.
Pre-registration is requested and there is an $8 cost per person for
lunch. Lunch will include a going-away party for Chris Reberg-Horton,
UMaine Extension