Maine Grass Farmers Network Workshops Scheduled
The Maine Grass Farmers Network (MGFN) is hosting a series of workshops at various farms around the State. Started with the support of a grant from the Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the MGFN is a cooperative effort among the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Offices, the Maine Department of Agriculture and a couple of Maine livestock farmers. The coordinators have scheduled these workshops for both experienced and novice livestock producers who want to learn more about grazing and pasture management.
The following workshops have been scheduled:
March 26 (Saturday) - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Calf Care and Grain Growing. Logan and Phyllis Johnston will show their calves and talk about their grain & backgrounding operation.
Oaklands Farm, Gardiner. 582-2136.
April 2 (Saturday) - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Many Breed Pasturing. Aaron Bell and Carly DelSignore will show their place and, we hope, some little piglets.
Tide Mill Farm, Edmunds, 733-2551.
April 9 (Saturday) - 10:00 - 12:00 pm
Freezer Beef and Sharing. Ed and Eric Margeson will share their methods and discuss the grazing network.
Margeson Organic Farm, Westmanland. 896-3081.
April 9 (Saturday) - 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Expanding the Maine Grass Farmers Network to Northern Maine. Dee Potter of UMCE will lead the discussion.
Agricultural Museum in Littleton. 1-800-287-1421
April 12 (Tuesday) - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Supporting the Maine Grass Farmers Network. Donna Lamb of UMCE will lead the discussion.
Piscataquis County Extension office, 165 Main St, Dover-Foxcroft, 1-800-287-1479.
Many livestock farmers in Maine are learning about potential advantages of growing grass as carefully managed pasture for their livestock. Growing grass in Maine takes advantage of our short growing season & cool climate. Keeping land in pasture reduces soil erosion caused by row crops.
Grass farming and pasture raised livestock utilize pasture land effectively, while improving animal health, product quality, and market advantage. Pasture milk, meat, poultry, & eggs have the potential for high nutritional content and higher market prices. Grass farming can increase profitability, helping to keep farms & farmland viable and maintaining the rural character of our communities.
For more information and registration materials, contact MOFGA, PO Box 170, Unity, ME, 04988, 207-568-4142. Email requests can be sent to Diane Schivera at dianes@mofga.org.