Jake Bragg, of Rainbow Valley Farm, didn't want to spend all his energy fencing. He decided to invest in a better kind of fence post to allow himself some peace of mind around infrastructure costs and injuries to cattle. Join us for this pasture walk to discuss the practical application of this kind of fencing, […]
Pregnancy and the demands of birthing and lactating for livestock come with special challenges around feed changes, monitoring for issues, and supportive care to maintain healthy dams and their young. In this webinar, Jacki Martinez-Perkins, MOFGA's Livestock and Dairy Specialist, will discuss some of the most important mineral balances and energy requirements for each stage […]
FREE! Many backyard gardeners & homesteaders begin dabbling in raising livestock by getting laying hens. Another great starting point for adding animals to your homestead is with broilers - or chickens being raised specifically for meat. Broilers are small and easy to handle, they stay on your farm for just a short period of time, […]
Knowing proper handling and first-aid techniques can save lots of money and grief when raising livestock on your farm. Jacki Martinez Perkins, a long-time homesteader and MOFGA's dairy specialist, will demonstrate livestock handling with an interactive Q&A at Misty Brook Farm. Please wear footwear that can be bleached for biosecurity purposes. REGISTER HERE.MOFGA’s Farm Training Project […]
Well-managed pasture leads to healthier, more productive animals and healthier soils. At the same time, poorly handled manure can be a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria and pathogens and can increase fly populations. One creature that ought to come up more during conversations about manure management & pasturing animals is the scarab beetle, commonly known as […]
For nearly a decade Graham and Emily Mallory have been working to reclaim farmland and develop silvopastures at their land in Jackson to create a biodiverse landscape supporting livestock and wildlife. Wood harvests large and small, forestry mulching, pastured broilers, hog tillage, frost seeding, bale grazing and both intensive and extensively managed ruminant grazing have […]
Becoming a licensed dairy producer can be a daunting task. Please join Grace Pond Farm and MOFGA’s dairy specialist Jacki Perkins for a farm tour and lively discussion of dairy production, and its counterpart, the value added market. Grace Pond Farm's organically certified dairy herd spends long, happy, grass-fed days chewing the cud. Their dairy […]
Logan Higger of Sowbelly Butchery and Jacki Martinez Perkins, MOFGA's Dairy & Livestock Specialist, will lead this workshop about processing chickens at home or on your small farm.In this workshop you will be guided through a safe and humane process for turning live birds into oven-ready roasters. We will have small-scale processing equipment (plucker, cones, […]
General Information About the ConferenceMOFGA’s Farmer to Farmer Conference is known for its intimacy, in-depth treatment of topics and profound discussions. The conference offerings are based on the idea that farmers learn best from their peers and other practitioners. Conference speakers include prominent and accessible university faculty, extension educators and other agricultural professionals. Our unique […]
MOFGA’s Farmer to Farmer Conference is known for its intimacy, in-depth treatment of topics and profound discussions. The conference offerings are based on the idea that farmers learn best from their peers and other practitioners. Conference speakers include prominent and accessible university faculty, extension educators and other agricultural professionals. Our unique workshop session format presents […]
Save the date for a virtual cook along event with chefs Robert Dumas and Robin Kerber on Wednesday, December 21 from 5:30-7 p.m.This winter solstice, celebrate the return of the light while learning how to make several new recipes featuring organic dairy products. Organic dairy farmers in Maine are facing unprecedented challenges due to increased […]
This workshop is being offered at MOFGA's Education Center in Unity, Maine.Lambing or kidding tends to be a stressful time, especially for people who are new to raising sheep or goats. These animals tend to have multiple offspring and are small in stature, which tends to put some sheep and goat owners on edge leading […]
Are you wondering how to raise rabbits outside? What kind of fencing to use in rotating some sheep through pasture? The best way to expand your flock of laying hens, deal with a sick goat or start milking a family cow?If so, log into this FREE webinar with MOFGA's Livestock & Dairy Specialist, Jack Martinez-Perkins, […]
Join MOFGA at South Paw Farm on April 11 at 6pm for the Milk with Dignity campaign as part of Migrant Justice. No registration needed, come to learn and stay for a potluck. Immigrant dairy workers are traveling across the northeast this spring to connect with supporters and take action for Milk with Dignity. Farmworker […]
Many backyard gardeners & homesteaders begin with livestock by getting laying hens. Another great starting place with livestock animals can be broilers - chickens being raised specifically for meat. Broilers are small and easy to handle, they stay on your farm for just a short period of time, and start-up costs can be pretty low. […]
Parasite fecal monitoring is a tried and true tool for analyzing livestock and pasture health in organic systems. This workshop will allow participants to learn the process of setting up fecal cultures and will give you an opportunity to evaluate your own animals' health. We will discuss various internal parasites and the livestock life stages […]
MOFGA’s Farm Training Project (FTP) workshops are designed for apprentices, Journeypeople, farmworkers and other beginning farmers. They follow an informal format including a farm tour and conversation on the topic of the day. All events are free but require registration.Knowing proper handling and first-aid techniques can save lots of money and grief when raising livestock […]
This event is hosted by Morning Glory Farm in Bethel, Maine.Management Intensive Grazing (MIG), also known as ‘rational grazing’, is a form of grazing management that can improve pasture forage yields, improve feed quality, increase plant species diversity, improve livestock performance, build soil organic matter and soil nutrient levels, and increase the biological life in […]
MOFGA’s Farm Training Project (FTP) workshops are designed for apprentices, Journeypeople, farmworkers and other beginning farmers. They follow an informal format including a farm tour and conversation on the topic of the day. All events are free but require registration.Come walk through the pastures of Apple Creek Farm with the farmers and MOFGA’s livestock specialist. […]
The Common Ground Country Fair will be held at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine on September 22, 23, and 24, 2023. MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living features 1000+ exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizes vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture. Learn more here. Advance tickets are on sale […]
This is an informative, casual opportunity to connect and learn about sound breeding principles for many breeds and management styles. An approved analyzer from aAa Weeks will give a brief presentation on aAa Analysis and analyze the Wolfe's Neck Dairy herd. Different breeds and age groups will be present to provide a variety of examples. The analysis […]
Increasingly employees entering the Maine job market are also in need of housing. Offering a housing option can help to keep a dairy farm competitive in the job market as well as increase the value of the overall real estate, and potentially, allow a diversification in one’s business model. Melissa Harvey, state equal opportunity officer […]
Matt Dow of Sweetland Farm in Albion has worked extensively on land he purchased in 2017 to boost fertility and increase yields. Faced with challenging markets, and the costs of starting a dairy, Dow has worked to find cost-effective ways to achieve his land fertility goals. Please join us for a field walk and conversation […]
MOFGA’s Farm Training Project (FTP) workshops are designed for apprentices, Journeypeople, farmworkers and other beginning farmers. They follow an informal format including a farm tour and conversation on the topic of the day. All events are free but require registration.Knowing proper handling and first-aid techniques can save lots of money and grief when raising livestock […]
Are you finally getting that backyard chicken flock you've long dreamed of? Join us for this introductory workshop on keeping backyard chickens, with MOFGA's Organic Dairy & Livestock Specialist, Jacki Martinez Perkins. This workshop will cover topics such as: the basics of chicken care over the seasons; site preparation; and troubleshooting common issues. Participants will […]
Spencer Aitel of Two Loons Farm has been growing a small amount of organic grains for years. He has many tips and tricks for both planting and harvest of immature forages and fully mature grain crops. Please join us for a tour of his current planting and to ask questions around all aspects of organic […]
Solar-powered Moorit Hill Farm & Fiber is home to a small-scale fiber mill, a flock of Icelandic sheep, gorgeous pasture, laying hens, and two adorable livestock guardian dogs. Owners/operators Elizabeth and Josh started Moorit Hill with just 4 sheep in 2017, and have continued to expand their flock, as well as their sustainable agriculture and fiber […]
*Registration is free for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community members, as well as members of the MOFGA Journeyperson program.Join Jacki Martinez Perkins, MOFGA’s Dairy & Livestock Specialist, to learn how to safely and humanely process chickens at the home or small farm scale. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be involved in each […]
MOFGA’s Farm Training Project (FTP) workshops are designed for apprentices, Journeypeople, farmworkers and other beginning farmers. They follow an informal format including a farm tour and conversation on the topic of the day. All events are free but require registration.Rainbow Farm is a diversified pasture based farm specializing in poultry including layers, broilers and turkeys. […]
The Dostie Farm and their family have generations of knowledge on feeding dairy cows, and the equipment to harvest and store high quality fermented forages, including high moisture ear corn, which can be valuable in helping to balance rations looking to move away from imported concentrates. While they no longer milk cows, they have maintained […]
If you're planning to welcome a small group of into your life, you'll want to be prepared! Join us for this introductory workshop on small-scale shepherding, with MOFGA’s Organic Dairy & Livestock Specialist, Jacki Martinez Perkins. This hands-on workshop will cover topics such as: ensuring appropriate space and resources for your flock; grazing; herding; seasonal care tasks; troubleshooting […]
The Common Ground Country Fair will be held at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity, Maine on September 20, 21, and 22, 2024. MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living features 1000+ exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizes vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture. Learn more here.Advance tickets are on sale […]
Get in touch with MOFGA at the 2025 Agricultural Trades Show! Join us for the following slate of events: 9-10 a.m. — Coffee Hour Crop Conversation Caleb Goossen, MOFGA Crop Specialist; Jason Lilley, University of Maine Extension; and others Join extension, technical assistance providers, and your peers for a round table discussion on vegetable production. […]
Do you have farm animals? Do they have hooves? Do they get their hooves trimmed? Why not?Overlooking the hoof health of our farm animals has economic and welfare consequences. While it can be a valid choice to hire someone to maintain the integrity of hooves on our farms and homesteads, as caretakers we are obligated […]
Learn how to support your livestock animals’ health by examining their fecal samples for parasites and general markers of gut health. Fecal monitoring is one important way to measure the well-being of your animals, and some fecal monitoring can be done at home with the right knowledge and equipment. In this class, Jacki Martinez Perkins, […]
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