University of Maine Cooperative Extension

05/05/2026

Taco Tuesday meets Cinco de Mayo! 🎉🌮

Looking for something a little less messy than tacosbut just as delicious? Try this Mainely Dish Taco Pie from Maine Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

It’s a simple, budget-friendly recipe that combines classic taco flavors into an easy-to-make dish you can slice and serve. You can even customize it with beans, ground meat, or extra veggies to fit your taste.

🌱 Perfect for a weeknight meal or celebrating with family and friends!

👉 Get the recipe:
https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2023/08/07/mainely-dish-taco-pie/

05/05/2026

May Maine Home Garden News is here! 📰🌱

Get your garden growing with the latest tips and seasonal guidance from University of Maine Cooperative Extension. This month’s issue covers what Maine gardeners should be doing now, plus topics like trellising, edible flowers, soil care, and more.

Whether you’re planting, prepping, or planning, there’s something for every gardener this month. 🌼

👉 Read the May issue:
extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2026/05/01/maine-home-garden-newsletter-may

05/04/2026

Why was Yoda so good at gardening?

Because of his green thumb! 🌱

05/03/2026

Meal kits & grocery delivery? Keep food safety in mind!

Meal kits and online grocery delivery make it easier than ever to cook at home but proper handling is key to keeping your food safe.

💡 Quick tips:
• Open packages right away
• Make sure items feel cold (40°F or below)
• Refrigerate or freeze perishables as soon as possible
• When in doubt—throw it out

A few simple steps can help prevent foodborne illness and keep your meals safe and delicious.

👉 Read more: extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2026/04/23/meal-kits/

05/02/2026

New Episode: Maine Farmcast 🌱🎙️

Getting ready for first cutting? Don’t miss Episode 104: Forage Quality: Preparing for a Successful First Cutting

On this episode, Dr. Glenda Pereira of University of Maine Cooperative Extension talks with Joe Lawrence about key strategies for the spring planting and harvesting season.

🌾 Topics include:
• Timing and planning for first cutting
• Forage quality considerations
• Storage strategies for long-term success

Whether you’re managing a dairy operation or looking to fine-tune your forage system, this episode is packed with practical insights.

🎧 Listen now: https://extension.umaine.edu/podcasts/maine-farmcast/episode-104/

05/01/2026

Cooking for Crowds: Food Safety Training for Volunteers 👨‍🍳🍲

Planning a community meal or fundraiser? Cooking for a crowd comes with unique food safety challenges, but we’ve got you covered!

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed specifically for volunteers serving food at events, pantries, and community gatherings.

📅 Wednesday, May 12, 2026
🕐 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
📍 UMaine Extension Penobscot County, Bangor
⏳ Registration deadline: May 5

Learn how to safely prepare, store, and serve food—from proper cooking temperatures to buffet safety and more.

👉 Register here: extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-safety/cooking-for-crowds

05/01/2026

UMaine Extension hallelujah 🌱

04/30/2026

LAST CALL: Master Food Preserver Applications! ⏰🥫

Don’t miss your chance to join the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program!

📅 Application deadline: May 1 (by 4:30 p.m.)
📍 Somerset County (Skowhegan area)

Learn safe, research-based food preservation methods—then share that knowledge to support your community. From canning and freezing to drying and fermenting, this program builds skills you’ll use for a lifetime.

👩‍🍳 Open to Maine residents 18+
⏳ Space is limited—application required

👉 Apply now before it closes:
https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-preservation/master-food-preservers/

Do you enjoy the art and science of food preservation? Would you like to develop expertise in food preservation? Consider becoming a Master Food Preserver Volunteer. What is a Master Food Preserver Volunteer? Master Food Preserver Volunteers serve to extend Extension’s educational programs in food...

04/30/2026

Using Up the Last of Winter’s Preserves ❄️🥫

As we transition into spring, now is a great time to take stock of your pantry and freezer and start using up those home-canned and frozen foods.

Maine Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program shares tips for safely enjoying your preserved foods, reducing waste, and making room for the next harvest season. 🌱

💡 Think soups, casseroles, and creative ways to combine what you already have on hand!

👉 Read more:
extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2026/04/09/the-last-of-winter-using-up-your-home-canned-and-frozen-foods/

04/29/2026

Call for Artists: 2027 Agriculture Calendar 🌾🎨

Have artwork inspired by Maine’s farms, forests, or working waterfronts? The Maine Agricultural Mediation Program (MAMP) at University of Maine Cooperative Extension is now accepting submissions for the 2027 wall calendar and notecards!

🖌️ Theme: Farming and tending to the land and sea throughout the seasons
📅 Deadline: May 20, 2026
🎨 Open to all mediums (except photography)
📩 Submit up to 2 pieces

Selected artists will receive free copies of the calendar and notecards, and all proceeds support MAMP’s work helping Maine farmers navigate challenges and build sustainable solutions.

👉 Learn more & view submission details: extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/agricultural-mediation/

📸 Photo: Artwork from the 2026 calendar, courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension

04/28/2026

2026 Sheep Shearing School ✂️🐑

Ready to learn the art of sheep shearing? Join us for this hands-on, two-day workshop designed for producers and those interested in professional shearing.

📅 May 30–31, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (both days)
📍 North Belgrade Community Center & Sunrise Farm, Belgrade

Participants will learn:
• Crutching & full-body shearing
• Proper handling techniques
• Skills for safe and efficient shearing

💡 Must be 16+ and able to perform physical tasks (lifting, bending)
🥪 Lunch provided both days

👉 Register here: extension.umaine.edu/livestock/event/sheep-shearing-school/