The challenges facing small farms in Maine and the innovation leading to success will be the focus of this year’s annual meeting of the of Knox-Lincoln Counties Extension Association (KLCEA) at 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Sheepscot General Store, 98 Townhouse Road, at Unca’s Farms in Whitefield.

Despite the growth of the "buy local" food movement, Maine’s small farms still struggle to keep afloat financially. Please join us for an evening devoted to the challenges they face and successes achieved through innovation for small farms in their effort to provide healthy, locally sourced food to their community.

Our hosts Ben Marcus and Taryn Hammer, owners of Sheepscot General Store at Unca’s Farm, will present the story of the evolution of their unique business, which includes five acres of MOFGA-certified organic fields for produce, beef, hay, and pick your own strawberries, as well as a one-of-a-kind country store/meeting place that has become an integral part of the local community. Included in their presentation will be a screening of the short film Growing Local, which features Ben and Taryn as well as two other innovative Maine farms.

Please join us at 5:30 p.m. to meet with University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff and Executive Committee members, view Extension displays and enjoy refreshments.

Our main presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Directly following the presentations, there will be a regular KLCEA Business Meeting from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Public comments on KLCEA programs are encouraged — we want to hear from you!

For directions, please contact the Knox-Lincoln Cooperative Extension at 207-832-0343 or 1-800-244-2104 or visit www.extension.umaine.edu/knox-lincoln.