Industry leaders and health care professionals say help is available for farmers, foresters and fishermen who face changing industries and tight finances.
agriculture
Mercer turkey farmer suing state officials says lawyers blindsided him
Scott Greaney, who challenged racial diversity requirements on a state board, said he did not realize he was signing on to be the plaintiff in a federal lawsuit.
Feds declare Maine’s drought a natural disaster, unlocking relief for farmers
Maine farms can now apply for emergency loans from the USDA to cover costs of replacing property, equipment and livestock or to pay essential expenses.
Third annual Pumpkin Destruction Day rains down on Falmouth
Hurricane Meadows Farm in Falmouth celebrated the last moments of fall by dropping pumpkins from a helicopter on Saturday.
Maine offers free medical tests for residents exposed to PFAS
Covering the cost of blood tests for more than 600 households in areas where farms used sludge to fertilize their fields represents a turning point in the state’s response to the crisis, from tracking to direct medical intervention.
Persistent drought takes toll on Maine farmers
After a wet spring, farmers hoped for blue summer skies, but also got a drought that caused crop losses and may last through winter.
Despite challenges, Maine’s apple crop looks ‘excellent’
Orchardists say this year’s harvest is providing high-quality fruit despite uneven yields caused by a host of factors. However, there are worries for next year.
Is cash still king at Maine’s agricultural fairs?
More fairs are accepting digital payments, but processing fees and shoddy internet access make some vendors hesitant to change cash-only policies that have served them well for decades.
What do ever-hotter summers mean for Maine’s economy?
As the state charts increasingly warm and longer summers, businesses across all industries are planning for more weather extremes.
Dry year cuts into hay crops, leaving Maine farmers to adapt
Maine farmers and experts say the dry summer is part of a larger cycle that the agriculture industry must be ready for.