Augusta Civic Center, Hancock Room
Organized by the University of Maine Climate & Agriculture Network
Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society (MESAS)
2017 Maine Agricultural Trades Show Program
Moderator – Ellen Mallory, University of Maine
1 pesticide credit will be offered for this session
1:50 – 2:00 Welcome and Introduction to MESAS
2:00 – 2:10 Introduction to Session and the Farmer Panel
2:10 – 2:40 Farmer Panel
Panelists will describe how changes in weather patterns or extremes have affected their operation, how they have responded, what changes they have implemented as a result, and what would help them cope better in the future.
- Jesse O’Brien, turf
- Nanne Kennedy, sheep
- Bill Truesdell, honeybees
- Marilyn Meyerhans, apples
- to be determined, vegetables
2:50 – 3:20 Open Discussion
A facilitated discussion will address topics such as, What other impacts have farmers experienced due to changes in weather patterns and how have they responded? What issues do farmers anticipate arising in the future? What weather-forecasting resources do people currently use? What other resources are helpful, or currently lacking?
3:20 – 3:40 Resources and Strategies in Maine
Participants from different organizations, agencies, and institutions will describe what resources and strategies are currently available in Maine to help farmers manage issues related to weather.
3:40 – 3:45 5-Minute Feedback
3:45 – 4:00 Networking (as time permits)