Maine Grass Farmers Network

The MGFN is not accepting membership applications for the 2022 season. We will resume our membership-based benefits in 2023. In the meantime, you can still access the community on facebook and if you need help connecting to resources or technical support email Alex Gulachenski .

In response to an increased interest by many livestock farmers in the effective utilization of pasture for raising and finishing livestock, the Maine Grass Farmers Network was created to gather and provide information and support to interested farmers.

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 and cool climate. Keeping land in pasture reduces soil erosion caused by row crops.

Grass farming and pasture raised livestock utilize pastureland effectively, while improving animal health, product quality, and market advantage. Pasture raised milk, meat, poultry, and eggs have the potential for high nutritional content and higher market prices. Grass farming can increase profitability, helping to keep farms and farmland viable and maintaining the rural character of our communities.

With the support of a grant from SARE, the Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the coordinators held a series of pasture walks and a first annual conference in October 2004. They also produced information to help farmers, and created a core group of trained professionals in University of Maine Cooperative Extension, MOFGA, Maine Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Farmer-consultants are now available to provide technical information and support to a network of grass-based farmers in Maine. A database and e-mail network of livestock farmers and professionals who wish to be part of the network has been developed. Fact sheets for professionals and farmers were created with topics that include: forage identification, fencing methods, watering systems, pasture management (reclamation, set-up, evaluation), predator control, and genetics.

Membership

The Maine Grass Farmers Network became a membership organization in January 2008. Membership is $25 annually, and the membership year runs from January 1 through December. We realize that there are many organizations that want your support, and we know that in order for you to want to become a dues-paying member of the Maine Grass Farmers Network, there has to be some value to you for being a member.

The benefits of membership include:

  • Maine Grass Farmers Network newsletter
  • Participation in pasture walks, winter meetings, seminars
  • Discount off conference registration
  • Technical support
  • Use of the organization’s equipment: A Great Plains 605NT no-till drill (depending on topography approximately a 40hp tractor needed to operate). To rent the no-till drill, please contact Jacki Perkins at MOFGA jperkins@mofga.org. Rental of the drill to members requires a payment of $100 for each use payable to MOFGA

For more information: Email Leah Puro at lpuro@wolfesneck.org.

Board of Directors

Gabe Clark: gclark004@yahoo.com

Richard Kersbergen: richard.kersbergen@maine.edu

Jacki Perkins: jperkins@mofga.org

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