The Maine Grass Farmers Network is purchasing a no-till drill and a manure spreader to loan to farmers. A cooperative effort of University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the network's mission is to help farmers improve nutrient management, pasture productivity and overall grazing animal performance of grazing animals.

The equipment will be available for MGFN members that attend an equipment training session and pay a $25 maintenance fee. To become a member or to sign up for a training session, contact Gabe Clark at 207-340-0098 or e-mail [email protected].  

The equipment comes courtesy of a USDA Conservation Innovation Grants program. A no-till drill can help improve the desirable species in pastures without expensive tillage and re-seeding. The spreader is a tool that can help revitalize old, neglected pastures.

Upcoming training sessions

At the training sessions, MGFN coordinators will go over proper use and calibration, and how to apply best management practices when using the equipment. The first session will be this Thursday, April 24, at 5 p.m., in North New Portland at Cold Springs Ranch on Gilman Pond Road.

A second training will be April 27 at 2 p.m. at the MOFGA fairgrounds in Unity, Maine. A fall training is tentatively scheduled for August 31.

Learn more about MFGN newsletters, articles and educational events at the Web site: www.umaine.edu/umext/mgfn.