University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host the annual Maine Forage Conference on Monday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Governor's Ballroom, 376 Main Street, Waterville. The event is an opportunity for producers to gain expert insights into forage management, soil health and pest challenges through presentations as well as a trade show. Winners of the 2025 Maine Hay Contest will also be recognized.  

This year's agenda features research and practical applications for producers from local and national experts. Leandro Vieira, assistant professor and soil fertility specialist at Louisiana State University, will lead two sessions, “Bayou to Boreal: Bridging Soil Health in Louisiana and Maine” and “Fertility by the Numbers: From Soil Sample to Smart Application.” 

Other key presentations include Caragh Fitzgerald, associate Extension professor at UMaine, discussing “Enemies New and Old: Pest Challenges in Pastures, Hay, and Corn.” Farmer Larry Paul of Back River Farm will share his experience with equipment and Tom Hodgman of Waldoview Farm will discuss “Observations from High-Density Short-Duration Grazing with Sheep.” Additionally, Kate Turcotte of Wolfe's Neck Center will present “From Soil to Science: Unearthing What's New at the Wolfe's Neck Center.” 

The event is designed for members of the dairy, equine, beef cattle, small ruminant, and other livestock industries. Attendees will earn one pesticide applicator credit for their participation. 

The cost to attend the conference is $20 per participant, which includes lunch and refreshments. Trade show booths are available for $50, which includes a booth space and registration for two participants. Registration closes on October 20, 2025. 

To register, please visit the conference website. Individuals requiring a reasonable accommodation should contact Melissa Libby Babcock at melissa.libby1@maine.edu as soon as possible to ensure arrangements can be made. 

The conference and the Maine Hay Contest are made possible through the generous contributions of major sponsors including the New England Grazing Network and King’s Agriseeds, with additional support from Organic Valley, Maine Farmland Trust, Stonyfield and Farm Credit East. 

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.