On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Glenda Pereira, assistant extension professor and state dairy specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, speaks with Joe Lawrence, dairy forage systems specialist with the Cornell PRO-DAIRY team. Lawrence works with the New York dairy industry as a private-sector certified crop adviser and as a field crops educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension. They discuss key tips farmers should consider as they prepare for the spring planting and harvesting season.

• Learn more about Joe Lawrence
• Dynamic Harvest Schedules
• Strategic Forage Storage Planning

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Dr. Colt Knight talks with Dana Brown, a dairy nutritionist, former president of the Maine Beef Producers Association and livestock producer, about the revival and impact of the Northeast Livestock Expo, known as NELE. They discuss how the long-running Maine event has evolved into a multi-species educational experience that brings together youth, producers and industry partners. From its roots in livestock shows and sales, NELE now emphasizes hands-on learning and continues to connect young people with agriculture.

The conversation highlights a renewed focus on youth development through beef judging clinics, livestock handling demonstrations, public speaking training and marketing competitions. Knight and Brown also discuss the challenges of rebuilding in-person programming after the COVID-19 pandemic and how NELE is adapting to meet the needs of today’s agricultural community. With free admission for youth, interactive learning opportunities and an emphasis on building confidence and communication skills, the episode underscores the importance of investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.

• Northeast Livestock Expo
• Northeast Livestock Expo Facebook

The Northeast Livestock Expo wouldn’t be possible without these sponsors:

United Ag and Turf - Northeast Chapter, Fairfield, Maine.

Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs

Rolleston Veterinary Services

Maine Dairy Industry Association

Maine Fair Foundation

Pineland Farms

Express Electric EEC, INC

Central Maine Dairy Equipment

Brookside Plumbing INC

County Line Electric INC

Frontier Trailers

Alcom LLC

3D Equipment

Coops Trailer - ArrowQuip

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Colt W. Knight sits down with Courtney Morse of Robinson Insurance Agency to discuss a topic many farmers avoid until it is too late: farm insurance. From hobby farms to full-scale agribusinesses, Morse shares practical insights on how insurance needs evolve as operations grow and diversify. The conversation highlights common misconceptions, including the risks of relying solely on homeowners policies and the importance of clearly communicating farm activities, side businesses and livestock ownership to an insurance provider.

Listeners will gain a better understanding of how to protect their farms through comprehensive coverage options that combine property, liability, livestock and business assets into a single farm package. The episode explores real-world scenarios, including storm damage, equipment losses, agritourism risks and livestock liability, while emphasizing the value of proactive planning and honest conversations with an insurance agent. Whether starting out or expanding into farm stands, events or direct sales, the episode offers guidance to help safeguard operations and avoid costly surprises.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity institution and provider committed to nondiscrimination. For more information, visit extension.umaine.edu/nondiscrimination.