Maine to host 26th annual Open Farm Day

Jul 20, 2015

Day will take place Sunday, July 26th

Maine’s 26^th annual Open Farm Day will take place Sunday, July 26^th from 10am to about 3pm.

The day-long celebration will see as many as 100 family farms open up their doors to the public so they can visit, learn about and experience life on a farm, and how farmers and farm families contribute to the local community as well as abroad.

“There is a story, even a lesson that surrounds all the food and other farm products that we grow right here in Maine,” said Maine Department of Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “While traveling to Maine farms on Open Farm Day, people will drive by hay fields, potato and grain fields, farm wood lots, orchards and large vegetable patches all growing crops that feed the economy before they fill dinner plates or supply other products that are important to our lives.”

Activities include barn and field tours, hay rides, petting zoos, milking demonstrations, and opportunities to sample fresh farm foods.

“I thank our farmers and producers for their work bringing fresh and natural products to our tables every day,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This is an exciting time for Maine-made products and Maine agriculture.”

Agriculture of Maine at a glance:

There are 8,200 farm operations in Maine, covering more than 1.5 million acres combined
Potatoes are Maine’s highest commodity, producing more than $148 million worth in 2014
Maine tops the United States in wild blueberry production

Video: Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. David Rosero from Iowa State University explores the critical aspects of fat quality and oxidation in swine diets. He discusses how different types of lipids affect pig performance and provides actionable insights on managing lipid oxidation in feed mills. Don’t miss this episode—available on all major platforms.

Highlight quote: "Increasing levels of oxidized fats in swine diets reduced the efficiency of feed utilization, increased mortality, and led to more pigs being classified as culls, reducing the number of full-value pigs entering the finishing barns."

Meet the guest: Dr. David Rosero / davidrosero is an assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University. His research program focuses on conducting applied research on swine nutrition and the practical application of smart farming. He previously served as the technical officer for The Hanor Company, overseeing nutrition, research, and innovation efforts.