Dairy Photo courtesy of University of Maine Cooperative Extension

ORONO — University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is offering a new hands-on summer learning series focused on Maine agriculture for those 12-18 years old.

Participants in the four-session “4-H Fridays on the Farm” program will take a tour of each participating farm’s operations, gain hands-on experience and learn what different farms across the state contribute to the Maine food system. This is the first in a planned series of educational programs from the Maine 4-H Agricultural Leadership Ambassador Program.

The first session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon July 16 at Mulberry Farms, 96 North Raymond Road, Raymond. MOFGA-certified Mulberry Farms specializes in organic fruits and vegetables. All sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon.

Others visits include:
• Sustainable vegetable grower Rustic Roots Farm,120 Vipah Lane, Farmington, on July 23.
• Seed potato developer Seed Pro Inc., 21 ME-159, Crystal, on July 30.
• Tenth-generation dairy farm Brigeen Farms, 278 Upper Street, Turner, on Aug. 6.

The series is free and includes materials; current 4-H enrollment is not required. Register for individual sessions online at extension.umaine.edu.

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sara Conant at 207-781-6099 or sara.conant@maine.edu.

Potato heart Photo courtesy of University of Maine Cooperative Extension