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Piscataquis Farming Newsletter |
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| Volume 8 Number 4 | April 2010 |
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| Goal
The goal of the Piscataquis Farming Newsletter is to provide timely information on the production and marketing of crops and livestock grown in Piscataquis County. Upcoming events and programs of interest will also be included. |
What Do You Think?
Since the first of the year we have been using this new format for the Piscataquis Farming Newsletter and we would like to know what you think of it. Please take a moment to complete our survey.
Thanks. Farming Newsletter Survey |
Mission
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is the major educational outreach program of the University of Maine, with offices statewide. UMaine Extension provides Maine people with research-based educational programs to help them live fuller, more productive lives. |
Ink Saving Font
You may have noticed that we are trying to use the Century Gothic font in this newsletter. The University of Wisconsin found that using Century Gothic font saves money on toner. It actually saves 30% ink then Arial font. |
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Annual Pre-Harvest Checklist for Pick-Your-Own
It's that time again! As harvest approaches, we like to remind you to take a moment and make sure that your farm is prepared to give your customers an enjoyable experience. Take our annual review below to evaluate your customer readiness.
- Signs to the farm are neat and easy to read.
- There is easy access to the fields and plenty of parking.
- Someone is ready to greet customers and offer parking instructions and directions to the field.
- Access to the field is free of hazards.
- Transportation is provided for the elderly and disabled.
- The rules regarding picking are clearly posted.
- Someone is in the field to show customers where to pick and to answer questions.
- There are plenty of picking containers available.
- Clean restroom and hand washing facilities are available.
- Someone is available to help customers carry fruit out of the field.
- The checkouts are fast and efficient.
- Beverages are available.
- Shade and seats are available for customers wanting to rest.
- The help are friendly and knowledgeable.
A friendly, clean, and organized atmosphere will leave a lasting impression on your customers, encouraging them to come back and to recommend your farm to their friends.
Handley, D., Strawberry IPM Newsletter, No.4, June 2009. |
Organic Certification of Vegetable Operations
Are you interested in getting your vegetable operation certified organic, but don't know if you qualify? Are you confused by organic record keeping requirements? What factors should you consider, when choosing a certification agency? In the new publication, "Organic Certification of Vegetable Operations," Jim Riddle explains organic certification requirements in common sense, understandable terms. The publication explains the requirements for organic seeds, seedlings, greenhouses, crop rotations, soil amendments, pest and disease control inputs, harvest, and storage, as well as how to transition your operation to certified organic production. The publication, written for eOrganic, the certification process, and contains examples of record keeping forms used by organic produce growers.
Maine producers wishing to become certified should contact the Maine Farmers and Gardeners Association for necessary forms and Maine guidelines at www.mofga.com or call 568-4142.
Source: Minnesota Organic Ecology Web Site http://organicecology.umn.edu/ |
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Profitability of Sheep
Recently the Leopold Center with Iowa State University developed a Sheep Enterprise Budget with the following assumptions: · 1½ lambs were weaned and sold weighing 130 pounds · Ewes were in dry lot for five months to a year for lambing and the rest on pasture · Lambing crop: 175 percent · Lambing death loss: 10 percent · Ewe replacement rate: 20 percent · Ewe death loss: 5 percent These would be good benchmarks for the shepherd to focus on as they start their enterprise. The price received for lamb is highly variable depending on the time of year and if you are producing for a particular ethnic market.
Interested in learning more about sheep enterprises?
Are You Thinking of Raising Sheep: UMaine Extension
Source: Duffy, M., J. Calvert and D. Morrical, "Enterprise Budget: Sheep", Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Beginning Farmer Center. |
Selling Eggs in Maine
No license or inspection is required by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Quality Assurance and Regulations for producers of eggs with less than 3000 laying hens. However, there are several regulations that sellers of eggs must follow.
When selling eggs in Maine, the size and grade of the eggs must be labeled on the egg carton. The name, address and zip code of the packer must also be on the carton (an address sticker or stamp will suffice). Eggs in the carton must match what is on the carton as labeled (grade, size and color). Cartons must also be labeled to state that refrigeration is required. Eggs must be stored and transported at 45 degrees F or less.
When reusing cartons, the USDA Shield must be obliterated from the carton because this shield suggests that the eggs have been inspected by the USDA. Cartons must be clean and odor free. Some grocery chains do not want their cartons to be reused. Generic cartons can be purchased from a local farm store or online. Keep empty egg cartons in a clean, dry odorless area.
Clean the eggs of any fecal matter as needed. Use a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of warm water to wash any soiled or dirty eggs and use single-use, disposable paper towels. Other egg wash materials designed for this purpose are available for purchase. One such product is Egg Wash Powder from NASCO. The temperature of the water for washing eggs should be at a minimum of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not soak the eggs. Eggs have a natural wax covering. Excessive washing may remove this wax.
Those who sell eggs are encouraged to have product liability insurance. Your homeowner's insurance may not be adequate. Speak to your insurance agent to make certain your product is covered.
The candling of eggs to determine cracks is not required. However, cracked eggs should not be sold because cracks increase the risk of contamination and entry of bacteria. Eggs must meet a minimum of Grade B quality.
For specific questions or additional information about regulations please call (207) 287-6319 or write:
Quality Assurance & Regulations, Dana Finnemore
Maine Department of Agriculture
State House Station 28
Augusta, ME 04333-0028
Email address: dana.finnemore@maine.gov
FYI: The State of Maine Food Code is a manual that lists all regulations related to food. You can request a free copy of the manual from the Maine Department of Agriculture or obtain in on-line at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/01/001/001c331.doc
Information compiled by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator
University of Maine Cooperative Extension - Revised April 2010 |
New! Resource Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry
The Cornell Small Farms Program is pleased to announce the 2010 revised edition of "A Resource Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry". This Guide helps to clarify and explain complex laws in layman terms, discussing slaughtering and processing at the custom, state, and federal levels and guiding farmers through the logistics of the various market channels. While the guide is intended for farmers, it is also helpful to buyers, restaurants, market managers, small processors, extension educators, and many others. The Guide was updated by the Cornell Small Farms Work Team on Livestock Processing Issues, with funding from the Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network (NMPAN) and the New York State Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). The 2010 revised edition has been reviewed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Download the 155pg Guide for free at http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/projects/workteams/LP/livestock.cfmYou may also order CDs at the cost of $3.00 each. Hard copies are available at the cost of $8.00 each. To order, send your name, address and check made payable to Cornell University to Violet Stone, Cornell Small Farms Program. 135C Plant Science. Ithaca, NY 14853. | SARE Publications
"Local Harvest: A Multifarm CSA Handbook" offers straightforward guidance on an innovative practice that is helping Community Supported Agriculture farms stay strong and viable over the long term: cooperative marketing. The 130-page book details how farmers in CSA cooperatives can best work together to market their produce, including advice on staffing, volunteer boards, distribution, legal topics and other practical information. It is available for free here as an online PDF: "Local Harvest: A Multifarm CSA Handbook" or your can order for $3.99 plus shipping & handling from SARE Outreach Publications, PO Box 753, Waldorf, MD 20604-0753, Telephone: (301) 374-9696.
"Building Soils for Better Crops" is a one-of-a-kind, practical guide to ecological soil management, now expanded and in full color. It provides step-by-step information on soil-improving practices as well as in-depth background-from what soil is to the importance of organic matter. Case studies of farmers from across the country provide inspiring examples of how soil and whole farms have been renewed through these techniques. The guide is a must-read for farmers, educators and students alike.
Written by University of Vermont plant and soil science professor emeritus Fred Magdoff and Cornell University soil science professor Harold van Es. Produced by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). It is available here as an online PDF: "Building Soils for Better Crops"or you can order for $19.95 plus shipping and handling from SARE Outreach Publications, PO Box 753, Waldorf, MD 20604-0753, Telephone: (301) 374-9696. |
Featured UMaine Extension Publications
The following agriculture related Extension publications are available or can be ordered at the Extension Office nearest you. You will notice that some publications are free and some have a cost recovery charge. Many other publications are available for free online or may be purchased at our secure publications web site.
- Growing Organic Cereal Grains in New England
Item #2207 Publisher: UMaine Extension
There is increasing demand for organic grains for human consumption as well as dairy feed. However, meeting the higher quality standards for successful production requires planning and attention to detail. Discusses organic certification, soil and site conditions, seed, fertility, planting, fall versus spring crops, and harvest and storage. 6 pages. 2010. Download it for free, or buy a printout $1.00.
- Insecticide Resistance in Colorado Potato Beetles
Item #2424 Publisher: UMaine Extension
Colorado potato beetles have an unusual capacity to develop resistance to a wide range of pesticides. They can cause significant crop loss, quickly defoliating potato fields. University of Maine research has shown that potato growers can prevent or reduce insecticide resistance in Colorado potato beetles by using specific management practices, which are outlined in this publication. Includes color photos and diagrams. 8 pages, 2008. Download it for free or buy a printout $1.00.
Production of Vegetables, Strawberries, and Cut Flowers Using Plasticullture
Item #2183 Publisher: NRAES
Covers plastic mulch, drip irrigation, fertigation, season extension, windbreaks, crop establishment, weed management, soil sanitation, and managing used plastics. Strawberry and cut flower production systems are described in depth. For new/experienced growers, educators, serious gardeners. 156 pp., 2004. $24.00
Starting & Running Your Own Small Farm Business
Item #1035 Publisher: Storey Publishing
Sarah Beth Aubrey. The demand for fresh, local, sustainably produced small-farm products is growing. Aubrey, a seasoned farmer, covers business plans, market research, financing, regulations, asset protection, pricing, selling venues, and growing your business. Includes profiles of successful small farm businesses, as well as checklists and sample contracts and forms. 175 pages, 2007. $19.95 |
Upcoming Events
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April 28, 2010 A round table discussion about the issues that need to be addressed in selling milk and milk products from your farm at 7 pm at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, 165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft. Dr. Gary Anderson from the UMaine Extension will be leading the discussion. This program is sponsored by the Maine Highlands Farmers. Come and learn about selling your milk and milk products. This is a free meeting and the Maine Highlands Farmers will have their regular business meeting after the discussion. All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Donna Coffin at 564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491 or donna.coffin@maine.edu
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April 28, 2010 Rural Maine Small Business Conference and B2B Show, open at 9 am, Penquis Higher Ed Center, 50 Mayo St., Dover-Foxcroft. $40 registration and $45 at the door. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.ruralmainebiz.org or contact Penquis, 50 North St., D-F. 564-7116.
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April 29, May 27 & July 1, 2010 Wild Blueberry Integrated Crop Management Field Training Sessions, 6 pm to 7 pm at G. M. Allen's Freezer on Rt. 15 in Orland. One pesticide recertification credit per session available. For more information contact David Yarborough at 207-581-2923 or 1-800-87-0757 (Maine only).
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April 30, 2010 Open House at the Piscataquis Extension Office to thank Roger Merchant for his work in Piscataquis County. Roger has stepped into a new role as Regional Tourism Economic Development Educator based out of Orono. After almost thirty years of working in the communities of Piscataquis County Roger will miss those day-by-day connections. This is your opportunity to thank him for his service and for him to thank you for sharing his enthusiasm serving the fine people of this county. Please call Amanda to RSVP at 564-3301.
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May 12, 2010 Central Maine Sheep Breeders Association Meeting at 7 pm at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, 165 Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
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May 21 to 23, 2010 4-H @ UMaine 8 am - 5 pm The cost for this year 4-H @ UMaine will be $50.00 per 4-H member and $75.00 per non 4-H member. This includes two nights on campus, five meals, opening and closing ceremonies, workshops, and lots of fun! Starting in mid-April, registration materials will be available online at: http://extension.umaine.edu/4h/events/edge.htm Contact: Kristy Ouellette Telephone: 353-5550. EMail: kmeisner@umext.maine.edu Sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension at University of Maine, Orono.
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May 26, 2010 Maine Agriculture Commissioner, Seth Bradstreet will discuss how farmers can better utilize the Maine Department of Agriculture at Maple Leaf Farm, Charleston. We will also have a tour of the farms new smoker facility. This program is sponsored by the Maine Highlands Farmers. Come and learn about selling your milk and milk products. This is a free meeting and the Maine Highlands Farmers will have their regular business meeting after the discussion and tour. All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Donna Coffin at 564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491 or donna.coffin@maine.edu
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- June 9, 2010 Central Maine Sheep Breeders Association Meeting at 7 pm at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, 165 Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
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Contact Info
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
207-564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status or gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, or veteran's status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University System. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
A member of the University of Maine System
Information in this newsletter is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this newsletter. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.
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