Project Overview
Maine dairy farmers have struggled for economic survival for several years. Numbers of conventional farms have dropped significantl, while the number of organic farms has risen to the highest percentage in the nation (18%). Even with a premium price and incentive programs, a study published by the University of Maine demonstrated that in 2004, organic dairy farms were not profitable with a negative return on assets (-2.9%).
This project focused on risk management education for conventional, organic and transitioning farmers. Workshops on organic transition introduced producers to economic performance data (2004 and 2005) to allow them to evaluate the risks of transition. These same workshops introduced new and existing producers to health management strategies and the legal aspects of organic certification. Additional workshops and conferences were focused on ways conventional and organic producers can produce milk more profitably (managed grazing systems, forage quality). Finally, workshops and field days introduced a growing number of organic producers to the risks of adding a grain enterprise to their operation. Several of these workshops were held in conjunction with other research projects funded by SARE and USDA CSREES Integrated Organic Program. Finally, this project focused on supporting a producer-driven organization called the Maine Grass Farmers Network (MGFN). This group held conferences and pasture walks to educate producers and consumers.
Number of Participants: 65
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.