Automated farming equipment dealers are sharing floor space with old-time horse loggers in the Augusta Civic Center this week at an event that’s drawing farmers from around the state.
Maine’s 84th annual agricultural trade show started Tuesday morning and runs through Thursday, hosting more than 70 presentations, organizations, businesses and educators. Panel discussions, talks and meetings range from a maple syrup judging contest to strategies for managing weeds in pastures.
Though it’s called a trade show, exhibitors said they also see gardeners and aspiring new farmers visiting to learn about the many ways to farm in Maine today, as the event shows, from cutting hay with scythes to brand new high-tech tractors.
With the rare opportunity to meet in person, they can discuss what’s happening in the world of farming and what might be next.
The annual event organized by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry billed itself this year as a way to “discover the future of agriculture.”
Chris Howard, who manages the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s new farmer programming, said she sees the most interest in starting to farm from two groups of people: those in their 20s and 30s who want to move to Maine to start, and others approaching retirement who want second careers growing produce to donate.
Meeting in person at the trade show is a good way to learn, especially for new farmers, said Don Lyon, a lavender farmer from the Midcoast town of Alna who was exhibiting on Tuesday in search of fellow veterans who farm or want to start.
For people like him with niche farming specialties, the show is a rare opportunity to see new equipment, meet fellow farmers and learn in person.
“You can read pamphlets all day, but a pamphlet can’t answer questions,” he said.
The free event continues from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 15 and 16. Some sessions and presentations are available to watch on the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s YouTube channel.
