February 24, 2020
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Ellen Sabina
On February 19, over 70 farmers gathered in Presque Isle to learn from peers and experts how healthy soils practices can improve a farm operation. The day-long event included a plenary session with Brendon Rockey of Rockey Farms in Center, CO, who shared his experience implementing healthy soils practices on his 500-acre farm, where he raises specialty potatoes and quinoa. Through companion crops, animals, cover crops and flowers, Rockey's farm sustains yields, has greater water efficiency and supports a flourishing ecosystem. Rockey shared the science behind his approach, and how his farming system supports not only soil health, but the overall farm's health.
Watch the full video recording of the day (playlist of 3 videos):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlYGPQnU9oo&list=PLlbo5BZvQGR6BFQLc3E2WTarQcyr5Ni9a
Special thanks to all of our presenters:
Ellen Griswold, Policy & Research Director, MFT
Adam Daigneault, E.L. Giddings Assistant Professor of Forest, Conservation, and Recreation Policy, University of Maine
John Jemison, Extension Professor of Soil and Water Quality, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Ellen Mallory, Extension Specialist & Professor of Sustainable Agriculture,University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Matt Ramsay, Farmer, Oyster Cove Farms, PEI
Rick Kersbergen, Extension Professor of Sustainable Dairy and Forage Systems, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Sean O'Donnell, Farmer, Rusted Rooster Farm, ME
This event was co-presented by:
Maine Farmland Trust
Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District
Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District