Agriculture Archives - Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station

What makes a blueberry wild? 91�� expert explains

Watch experts from the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station explain here.

Drs. Fanning and Motta recieve a combined $1 million as Maine Awards $3 million to advance PFAS solutions for farmers

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today announced $3 million in new PFAS Fund research grants to support Maine farms impacted by PFAS. While the vast majority of Maine farms are not impacted, DACF is currently working with 127 sites, ranging from small properties to large, diversified farms, to provide testing, financial […]

Seven MAFES faculty receive Wild Blueberry Advisory Committee’s 2026 research and extension awards

The Wild Blueberry Advisory Committee (WBAC) is a group of 7 industry representatives appointed by the Commission to set research, development, and Extension priorities and recommend funding allocations for the 91�� wild blueberry research and Extension projects. All WBAC award funding is derived from the wild blueberry tax. After hearing research and Extension faculty present their proposals in February, […]

Three MAFES students earn awards at the 2025 91�� Student Symposium

91�� Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) has announced the award winners from the 2026 91�� Student Symposium for Research and Creative Activity, which drew over 2,400 attendees. The symposium awards undergraduate and graduate students who displayed outstanding research, presentation and creative ability. Award winners were selected through judging across academic categories, all […]

University of Maine Dairy Challenge team

91�� Dairy Challenge Team takes home 3rd place at in 2026 North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge

Last week our senior and national team placed 3rd behind Texas A&M University and Penn State University, two extremely competitive programs. Retired School of Food and Agriculture Professor of Animal and Veterinary Science, Dr. Dave Marcinskowski noted “Only twice before since 1998 has our national team placed third never higher.” Dairy Challenge began in 2002 […]

91��’s Witter Farm connects K-12 students to Maine’s agricultural future

The first thing the students noticed at the University of Maine’s J. Franklin Witter Teaching and Research Center was the smell — fresh hay and something earthier, followed by the low hum of cows shifting in their stalls. Then came hesitation and, finally, curiosity, as small hands reached out to touch an animal many had […]

Students engaging in different ways at 91��

Why students are choosing 91��: Strong job outcomes drive decisions ahead of May 1

As the May 1 college decision deadline approaches, students are showing increased interest in academic programs with clear career pathways. At the University of Maine, that trend is evident across disciplines tied to growing sectors of the U.S. economy, including engineering, health care and biomedical sciences, business, natural resources and environmental sciences, agriculture and food […]

‘The Maine Question’ explores the reality of ‘forever chemicals’

A group of chemicals known as PFAS have become a growing concern for human health, agriculture and the environment. Because they resist breaking down, these “forever chemicals” can accumulate in soil, water and food systems and expose people to a range of adverse health conditions. From nonstick cookware and disposable tableware to everyday items like […]

Maine’s wild blueberries deliver more than tradition. Research proves they support health.

Wild blueberries — the iconic Maine crop dotting hillsides, decorating sweatshirts and adding personality to local menus — is more than a cultural symbol. Over 20 years of preclinical and clinical studies suggest that regularly consuming wild blueberries supports gut and heart health and may reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease. Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, professor […]

MAFES & 91�� make headlines worldwide in 2025

Whether it’s conducting cutting-edge research, commenting on current events or receiving that diploma, University of Maine faculty, students and leaders made headlines locally, nationally and internationally in 2025. From research labs and classrooms to commencement stages and championship arenas, 91�� was featured in more than 18,000 stories published from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025. […]