Aroostook County Farm Bureau to host speakers at Farm Fest

MAPLETON, Maine — The Aroostook County Farm Bureau will host four presentations at this weekend’s Farm Fest to be held at Maple Meadow Farms in Mapleton.
On Saturday, June 28, Jason Johnston of Aroostook Hops will share his experience growing hops in Westfield. Aroostook Hops has been used in many distinguished craft brews in Maine and across the country, including Gritty’s and Dogfish Head. “Maine Hops for Maine Beers” will be held twice Saturday, first at 2 p.m. and again at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, June 29 at 11 a.m., the Farm Bureau will host a presentation on beekeeping by the Maine State Beekeepers Association (MSBA), “Beekeeping: Tips for Beginners to Advanced.” MSBA represents more than 500 members who have all levels of beekeeping experience and expertise, from single-colony hobbyists to professional beekeepers and commercial pollinators.
Later that day, at 2 p.m., Mark Hews, executive director of the Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society (MESAS), will lead a presentation on “Year Round Agriculture.” Last year, the MESAS launched the Sustainable Year Round Agriculture Initiative to explore ways to increase year-round production by demonstrating high-potential technologies and production techniques to Maine’s major agriculture sectors, including vegetable production, ornamental horticulture, protein production, storage, aquaculture and aquaponics. Hews will lead discussions about growing plants, raising animals and producing food 12 months a year in a way that respects economic and environmental realities.
All presentations will be held in the Aroostook County Farm Bureau tent and are free and open to the public. People attending the Farm Fest can take advantage of a $20 discount off Maine Farm Bureau’s $75 annual membership fee, as well as free membership to new members under 35 years of age.
Maine Farm Bureau has also partnered with three other statewide agricultural organizations to provide a special combined membership discount during this two-day event. This combined membership will allow farmers and those interested in agriculture to gain information and resources from Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Maine Farmland Trust, Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society, as well as Maine Farm Bureau.