Cooperative Extension

Making use of fresh strawberries, peas with UMaine Extension 

Freezing berries in season, and putting up homemade jams and jellies are some of the ways to increase access to a year-round supply of local foods, cut back on sugar, and reduce the grocery bill.  University of Maine Cooperative Extension publishes information to help find, grow, use and store in-season fruits and vegetables. Discover ways […]

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Press Herald speaks with Carter about turning to local food during pandemic

The Portland Press Herald spoke with Hannah Carter, dean of University of Maine Cooperative Extension, about turning to local food to fill supply chain gaps during the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. national food system is under strain that has been exposed by the pandemic, including producers being undervalued because Americans generally believe food should be […]

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Turner Publishing previews Extension food preservation webinar series

Turner Publishing previewed University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s “Preserving the Maine Harvest” food preservation webinar series beginning at 2 p.m. May 26 and continuing through Oct. 27. The 45-minute sessions will include discussion and demonstration of research-based preserving methods by UMaine Extension food preservation staff, the release states. A $5 donation is suggested for each […]

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Arthritis and agriculture webinar June 2

Maine AgrAbility and the Maine CITE Coordinating Center will host a free webinar on the prevalence of arthritis in agriculture from 1–2 p.m. EDT June 2.  Webinar topics include the ways arthritis can affect farmers, and how small changes in routines and using assistive technology can help reduce its impact. The webinar is free; registration […]

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UMaine Extension hosts update for Maine farmers with Commissioner Beal

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host an update for farmers online 10–11 a.m., May 29, with Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal, and Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Nancy McBrady.   Topics will focus on the department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on Maine’s agricultural […]

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BDN speaks with Coffin, Knight about farm animal stereotypes

The Bangor Daily News interviewed Donna Coffin, a professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Colt Knight, UMaine extension assistant professor and state livestock specialist, for the article “These farm animal stereotypes are debunked by science.” Contrary to the stereotype that pigs are dirty, they actually are among the cleanest farm animals, according to […]

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Centralmaine.com advances UMaine Extension 4-H professional development for adults working with youth

Centralmaine.com advanced University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H professional development sessions to be offered online for adults working with youth from 9 to 11:30 a.m. starting Wednesday, May 27. Sessions continue Monday, June 1, Wednesday, June 3, and Thursdays, June 4 and 11. Virtual 4-H Quarantine Professional Development is designed for after-school providers, 4-H volunteers, […]

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BDN interviews Garland about hardening off seedlings before transplanting

The Bangor Daily News interviewed Kate Garland, a horticulture specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, about hardening off, the process of gradually bringing seedlings outside to adapt them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden. Seedlings that aren’t hardened off before planting will suffer from transplant shock, displaying wilting or discolored leaves […]

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UMaine Extension offers COVID-19 resources for pick-your-own farms

University of Maine Cooperative Extension compiled resources into a new webpage dedicated to Best Management Practices for U-Pick Farms During COVID-19.  The site offers guidance and practical tips on topics including proper sanitation, maintaining social distancing, safe handwashing systems, and access to a recorded webinar featuring in-depth discussion about best pick-your-own practices for Maine farms. […]

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Morning Ag Clips highlights Extension’s sessions for adults working with youth

Morning Ag Clips highlighted the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s online professional development sessions for adults working with youth. The free Virtual 4-H Quarantine Professional Development is designed for after-school providers, 4-H volunteers, teachers — any adult working directly with youth. Session topics include making and tinkering, supporting social and emotional learning, observing the natural […]

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