As droughts, downpours, extreme heat and spring frosts become more common, a network of research-grade weather stations, designed specifically for agriculture, is expected to help Maine farmers get forecasts that are more detailed and localized.
The $3.5 million University of Maine project, dubbed Maine Mesonet, will install 26 stations across all 16 counties, prioritizing agricultural hubs.
“Our work follows the rhythm of the weather,” said Lisa Hanscom, co-owner and manager at Welch Farm in Roque Bluffs. “The Jonesboro station helps us know the right time to tend our wild blueberries, and with the Maine Mesonet, we’ll have the real-time data we need to protect our crop and keep our farm thriving.”
The equipment comes from Utah measurement instrumentation firm Campbell Scientific.
Critical measurements
University of Maine Cooperative Extension recently installed the third advanced weather station in Orono. The first two stations were installed at UMaine’s Blueberry Hill Farm in Jonesboro and UMaine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth.
Three stations are planned each for Washington County for the wild blueberry industry, Aroostook County for the potato industry and other areas of high agricultural production, especially where gaps in weather data exist.
A 2020 needs assessment, led by extension wild blueberry specialist Lily Calderwood, found that 34% of surveyed growers reported using weather-based decision tools at the time and 86% said they wanted to.
“A farm-level network will help growers decide when to irrigate, when a spray is justified and when to protect against frost,” said Calderwood, who is leading the project with Maine State Climatologist Sean Birkel. “That improves yields, decreases inputs and saves time during the most stressful parts of the season.”
Existing networks — like the Automated Surface Observing System for aviation, NOAA’s Cooperative Observer Program, Maine Forest Service fire weather sites and personal stations — can offer valuable data. But maintenance can be uneven, data access and quality vary and most lack measurements critical for crop management such as soil temperature, moisture sensors and the ability to detect temperature inversions, according to a news release.
Large amounts of data
Detailed weather and environmental data from the network is accessible on the Maine Climate Office website. Localized measurements are expected to improve short-term forecasting, enhance integrated pest management decision models, guide irrigation and frost protection and sharpen the timing of pesticide applications.
“Additional observations can improve local forecasts, making them more useful to farmers,” said Birkel. “These observations will also help statewide drought monitoring and planning.”
The $3.5 million budget includes funding for 26 stations and software, plus a full-time technician to install, maintain and manage the system and tools. Funding was secured for the University of Maine System in Fiscal Year 2024 through congressionally directed spending.
Maine is collaborating with the New York State Mesonet, operated by the University at Albany, to manage the large amount of data generated by the 26 stations. New York specialists will ensure the quality and accuracy of the data before sending it back to Maine.
