Researchers in the Departments of Entomology at Purdue University and Penn State received a USDA-funded grant to study the influence of vegetable crop diversity in space and time on insect-pest populations. As part of this effort, we would like to gather some feedback from commercial vegetable growers to understand the reasoning behind current practices. Specifically, we want to know what factors commercial vegetable growers consider when organizing or laying out crop species across a farm within a year (i.e., diversity in space) or in a rotation across years (i.e., diversity in time).

by Howla nd Farmers' and Artisans' Market        

Thu, April 12, 2018  

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Come enjoy a complete meal made with foods which are all sourced in Maine, most within a 40 mile radius! The menu

Lily Calderwood is the the new University of Maine Cooperative Extension wild blueberry specialist and assistant professor of horticulture.

Calderwood most recently worked with Cornell Cooperative Extension as a commercial horticulture educator. Her research interests include sustainable agriculture, soil health and integrated pest management, and farmer-to-farmer learning.

In her first year with UMaine Extension, Calderwood will collaborate with David Yarborough, the current wild blueberry specialist, as he transitions to retirement in early 2019. Like Yarborough, she holds a joint appointment with UMaine Extension and the UMaine School of Food and Agriculture. "I appreciate this unique opportunity to learn from my predecessor for a year, and look forward to identifying the needs of growers in our changing environment and economy," Calderwood says.

Calderwood grew up in Harvard, Massachusetts. She received a doctorate in plant and soil science from the University of Vermont, where she researched hops, grains and oilseeds.

More information about the UMaine Extension wild blueberry program is available online( extension.umaine.edu/blueberries) or by calling 207.581.3188. Lily's email address is 

Participants will learn how to handle tractors and equipment safely, how to identify hazards, and how to minimize the chances of accidents. The course is open to all adults and youth interested, but priority will be given to youth ages 14 to 16. This course is required for 14 and 15 year olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own. A Federal Certificate of Training will be issued at the completion of the course after successful completion of the written test and driving course and with attendance requirements met.

Cumberland County: Tuesdays, starting early May, 2018, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Maine . Registration coming soon, visit the UMaine Extension Cumberland County events and workshops page for updates.

Kennebec County:  Mondays, starting April 2, 2018, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Kramer Tractor in Sidney.  For more information, visit the   UMaine Extension Kennebec County tractor safety web page.

Knox and Lincoln Counties: Wednesdays, starting April 4, 2018, 6:00PM - 8:00PM, Union Farm Equipment, Route 17, Union Maine. For more information, contact Pamela Doherty at 207.832.0343, 800.244.2104 (in Maine), or [email protected].  For more information about agricultural educational programs and the Farm Tractor Safety course, visit our  website.

Penobscot County: Monday's, starting April 16, 2018, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Rogers Farm, 914 Bennoch Road, Old Town. For more information and to register, visit the UMaine Extension Penobscot County tractor safety web page.

Waldo County: Tuesdays, starting April 10, 2018, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Ingraham's Equipment in Knox. For more information, visit the UMaine Extension Waldo County tractor safety web page.