The first checklist of bees in Maine, compiled using wild blueberry research records from the 1800s to present, as well as private and public collections, and citizen science observations, has documented a total of 278 species — all but eight of which are native, according to a scientific team led by University of Maine bee […]
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Renae Moran, a tree fruit specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and an associate professor of pomology for UMaine’s School of Food and Agriculture, spoke with the Bangor Daily News for an article about pruning fruit trees. “This is the time of year when the temperature starts to warm up and there’s less […]
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The Piscataquis Observer reported about 700 elementary students in Piscataquis County will complete an assortment of agricultural projects as part of the GrowME program. The initiative is a collaboration among the Valley Grange, University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Piscataquis County, and Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District, according to the article. Walter Boomsma, […]
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Morning Ag Clips published a University of Maine Cooperative Extension news release about an April 14 workshop that will focus on keeping sheep, goats, alpacas and other small ruminants healthy. The workshop will be held 1–3 p.m. at the Foxcroft Veterinary Clinic in Dover-Foxcroft. Sponsored by UMaine Extension, topics will include what is considered normal […]
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a new bulletin on how a smartphone can serve as a business tool for farmers. The publication includes topics such as ways to market farm products, manage finances, improve efficiencies and access needed information on demand. “Using Your Smartphone to Enhance Your Farm Business in Maine” was developed by […]
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Learn more about the science of cheesemaking at the next University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H Science Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. March 17 at UMaine’s Hitchner Hall Commercial Kitchen. Led by UMaine Extension food science specialist Rob Machado, participants will learn how to make two kinds of cheese and about the importance of sensory food […]
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The Associated Press advanced the Maine Grass Farmers Network’s (MGFN) annual grazing conference March 16 at Kennebec Valley Community College in Hinckley. The event includes grazing and livestock experts who will lead sessions for graziers of varying skill levels, according to the article. The keynote address will be provided by Jeremy Engh, owner of Lakota […]
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The Sun Journal reported second- and third-year building construction technology students at Oxford Hills Technical School were involved with the construction of a building for environmental classes at Agnes Gray Elementary School in West Paris. The 16- by 20-foot timber-framed structure will serve about 100 students as part of the Outdoor Classroom Initiative, according to […]
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Rick Kersbergen, a sustainable dairy and forage systems expert with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with the Bangor Daily News for the article, “Declining dairy prices spur concerns about farmer suicides.” The Associated Press reported that farmers are facing their fourth year of milk payments that are well below the cost of production, […]
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WVII (Channel 7) interviewed Griffin Dill, an integrated pest management specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, about the return of tick activity in Maine. “An earlier spring will certainly mean earlier tick activity,” said Dill, who adds a typical tick season usually starts when temperatures begin to rise throughout March and into April. […]
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