Mohamed Abukar, Jabril Abdi, Seynab Ali and Batula Ismail are Somali refugees who created a farming co-op in Maine. Photo courtesy of the Cooperative Development Institute
by Catie Joyce-Bulay
In many ways, New Roots Cooperative Farm in Lewiston is like most small farms in Maine. Its CSA makes up the largest part of farm revenue, (more…)
Andrew Rodgers uses a small tractor to help when it’s time to harvest his carrots. Photo courtesy of Clark Farm
by Sally Colby
Sometimes timing is everything. Andrew Rodgers had been successfully managing an organic farm, but that farm was slated for development. (more…)
A Cinara aphid colony on a Christmas tree. Photo courtesy of NYSIPM
by Courtney Llewellyn
Pest management is an ongoing battle for all growers, but Christmas tree growers have their own war to wage. Fortunately, in New York State they have researchers at Cornell University and NYSIPM (more…)
Research assistant Caleb Slemmons helps to set up one of a network of weather stations used to monitor conditions to help blueberry growers across Maine. Photo courtesy of University of Maine
by Enrico Villamaino
The University of Maine’s School of Biology and Ecology was recently endowed with a grant from the USDA to enable pomologists to research (more…)
by Sally Colby
Organic farmers will say that weed management is one of their biggest challenges. A variety of weed management methods are acceptable for organic certification – some more effective than others. Many organic farmers use cover crops to add organic matter and keep weeds down, and if managed properly, cover crops can eliminate the need for tillage. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
The hemp industry needs a Checkoff. That’s what Patrick Atagi, board chair of the National Industrial Hemp Council believes, and that’s what an online survey illustrated too.
The NIHC, along with the Hemp Industries Association, hosted a survey (more…)
Vermont vegetable farmer and writer Kate Spring.
by Sonja Heyck-Merlin
“I really love marketing,” said Vermont vegetable farmer and writer Kate Spring during her presentation at the 2020 Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Farmer to Farmer online conference. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Branding may sound like a difficult job for savvy social media whizzes. But Dahlia Dill, owner of Chandler Pond Farm in Wheelock, VT, believes that any farmer can develop effective branding with just a few ideas. She presented “Social Media Tips & Tricks” as part of the New England Women in Livestock Virtual Winter Conference recently. (more…)
Chad Rosen, founder and CEO of Victory Hemp Foods, sees opportunity for growers of hemp to sell their crop to food producers in the near future. Photo courtesy of Access Ventures
by Enrico Villamaino
“Hemp Seed Ingredients & What You Need to Know About the Hemp-Based Food Market” was led by Chad Rosen, interacted with participants (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Anyone who uses irrigation knows there are myriad ways an irrigation system can have issues – clogs, leaks, pressure issues and more. But what are the real costs of irrigation problems on yield, efficiency, quality and your bottom line? That’s what John Bourne, vice president of Ceres Imaging, addressed with his “Low Hanging Fruit: The Surprisingly Huge Impact of Acute Irrigation Issues” (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Hemp is hot. There’s no doubt many growers are excited about the possibilities surrounding the commodity, whether for fiber or oil. But farmers need to consider the regulations and expenses attached to growing hemp. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
High tunnels can provide growers with an economical approach to extending the growing season, starting seedlings and controlling more aspects of growing; however, they can be susceptible to damage if farmers do not take the right precautions. Adam Montri, owner of Ten Hens Farm in Bath, MI, (more…)
