August 2010 Piscataquis & Penobscot Farming News

Some of these recommendations are from word of mouth, some are from consultants. If a consultant recommends these types of materials for pest control, you would be doing your clients a favor by suggesting they get different consultant, preferably one with CCA (certified crop advisor) credentials.

Please bear in mind that the application of these materials for pest control measures constitutes an illegal pesticide application as it violates Federal and State Pesticide laws. In fact anything that does not have an EPA registration number and EPA Establishment number (and host of other requirements) on the label is ILLEGAL TO APPLY AS A PESTICIDE.

As a general rule, you can do what you want to yourself ... but should this illegally treated produce be given away, sold, or anyone other than the applicator consume the produce, potentially a whole can of worms can be opened. Homebrew pesticides are not legal for use in these situations. Legally, you can't make compost tea or Paris green at home or use cider vinegar for pesticide purposes.

I know organic farmers are very concerned the parameters to achieve and maintain organic certification, but there are legal regulatory parameters for pesticide application (virtually EVERY organic operation applies pesticides) worker exposure, personal protective equipment, recordkeeping, and more. The consequences of not following the legal parameters can be severe. Think crop forfeiture and worse.

Remember that pest control materials approved for organic production are pesticides. This means that applicators must adhere to all applicable pesticide application laws. Failure to do so is a violation of pesticide laws. Workers need to be trained under appropriate WPS (worker protection standards). This includes having a decontamination kit available for each worker, a central information display and appropriate records and information and personal protective equipment must be supplied and maintained.

Feel free to call me. Also, Eric Sideman can explain this to your clients as can Gary Fish of the Maine Board of Pesticides Control.

Keep it legal and keep it safe.

Steven B. Johnson, Ph.D.
Crops Specialist and Extension Professor
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
P.O. Box 727, Houlton Road
Presque Isle, Maine 04769
1-207-764-3361                          VOICE
1-207-764-3362                          FAX
stevenj@maine.edu                EMAIL
http://www.umaine.edu/umext/potatoprogram/

Research shows eggs from pastured chickens may be more nutritious
A study conducted by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has shown that eggs produced by chickens allowed to forage in pastures are higher in some beneficial nutrients.
In the research, titled "Vitamins A, E and fatty acid composition of the eggs of caged hens on a commercial diet and pastured hens," which was published online this year in the January issue of Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, researchers examined how moving pastured hens to forage legumes or mixed grasses influenced hen egg omega-3 fatty acids and concentrations of vitamins A and E.
"Compared to eggs of the commercial hens, eggs from pastured hens eggs had twice as much vitamin E and long-chain omega-3 fats, more than double the total omega-3 fatty acids, and less than half the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids," she said. "Vitamin A concentration was 38 percent higher in the pastured hens' eggs than in the commercial hens' eggs, but total vitamin A per egg did not differ."
"The chicken has a short digestive tract and can rapidly assimilate dietary nutrients," said Paul Patterson, professor of poultry science, who was a co-investigator in the project. "Fat-soluble vitamins in the diet are readily transferred to the liver and then the egg yolk. Egg-nutrient levels are responsive to dietary change.
The researchers noted that the hens did not forage to the degree necessary to meet their requirements for energy and protein, when compared to the commercial birds. At the end of the experiment, pastured hens weighed 14 percent less and averaged 15 percent lower egg production than commercial birds.
"Pastured hens were lacking dietary protein and energy to match the intake of the commercial hens," Patterson explained. "We have since estimated that, at the level of voluntary forage consumption of hens in this study, pastured hens would require additional mash feed to sustain body weight and egg production equal to that of the commercial hens. "Supplementing the birds with additional mash, however, would likely result in reduced omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin A and E concentrations in their eggs," he added. "Further research is needed to identify how to optimize pastured poultry feed supplementation for optimum egg production, hen welfare and egg nutritional quality."
For more information visit http://live.psu.edu/story/47514/rss69
Source: Penn State Live, the University's Official News Source, http://live.psu.edu/

USDA Annouces Conservation Reserve Program General Sign-Up

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that a general sign-up for the Conservation Reserv Program (CRP) began August 2nd and will continue through August 27th. Farmers may offer eligible land for CRP's competitive sign-up at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.

CRP is a voluntary program that assists farmers to use their environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolling in CRP plant long-term (10 to 15 years), resource conserving cover crops in exchange for rental payments, cost-share, and technical assistance.

For more infomration, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp or visit your county FSA office.

Thanks for Your Support at the Supper and Silent Auction for the Benefit of Linda Whitten

Linda Whitten has been battling cancer for a number of months. Her friends from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 4-H Clubs, 4-H After School and Milo Rite Aide staff sponsored a benefit spaghetti supper and silent auction to help Linda with her medical bills associated with being a cancer survivor. Through your help we were able to give her a sizable check to help with all the costs she and her family have encurred. She was very thankful for your support.

If you were unable to come to the dinner and auction but want to help Linda an account has been set up at the Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union payee "For the Benefit of Linda Whitten," mailed to Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 507, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.

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 .

Storage Conditions: Fruits and Vegetables
Item #4135, Publisher: UMaine/Kansas Extension
Karen L. B. Gast. This 8-page booklet explains post-harvest management of commercial horticultural crops to minimize loss and maximize storage life and quality. Discusses relative humidity and temperatures; includes chart with storage conditions and storage time periods for 85 fruits and vegetables. 2001. Download it for free or buy a color copy for $1.25.

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.

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 for $1.00.

Upcoming Events
August 18th, 2010 - Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society Twilight Farm Tour At Spear Farm In Nobleboro. Focus on the recently completed, GAP-certified vegetable processing building at this diversified farm that raises dairy animals and mixed vegetables. The farm also has 140 acres of corn silage, 300 acres of hay, 180 acres of mixed vegetables and 15 hoop houses. Also present will be Lauchlin and/or Linda Titus from AgMatters, the local source for learning about GAP standards and certification. Directions from Augusta: Take Rte 17 onto Rte 32 S. Follow Rte 32 S into Jefferson. Just after Damariscotta Lake State Park take a right onto East Pond Road. Travel 4.5 miles to farm. Directions from Route 1 N: Go by Damariscotta. Turn left onto East Pond Road and travel about 1 mile. Turn right onto Upper East Pond Road and travel about 2 miles. Directions from Route 1 S: In Waldoboro, turn right onto Route 32 N and travel about 2 miles. Cross railroad tracks and take left onto North Nobleboro Road. Travel about 2 miles on North Nobleboro Road.
August 20 & 21, 2010 Maine Farm Days, Barker Farm, Leeds. For more information contact: Jane Heikkinen, AVSWCD, 254 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240. 207-753-9400 ext. 400 or e-mail at jane.heikkinen@me.nacdnet.net
August 26th to 29th , 2010 Piscataquis Valley Fair in Dover-Foxcroft.
September 9th, 2010 Maine Farms for the Future Applications due. If you are interested in applying, please contact Kimbalie Lawrence at 287-3491 to request the application packet. Coastal Enterprises, Inc is overseeing this program for the Maine Department of Agriculture. For more information: http://www.ceimaine.org/content/view/112/158/
September 12th, 2010 - Gourmet meal at "Pairings" restaurant, part of the Winterport Winery in Winterport, Me. "A Taste of the Farm," with ingredients provided by the Maine Highlands Farmers, who will be present to discuss their products and farms. An exceptional meal with numerous appetizers and entries to sample in buffet fashion, all prepared by Pairings Chef Lorie. Proceeds go to Maine Highlands Farmers scholarship fund. Attendance by pre-paid ticket, available through Widdershins or Winterport Winery. $50 per ticket/per person. More information: Maine Highlands Farmers
October 15th, 2010 - Kitchen Licensing Workshop. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $35 for MOFGA members, $40 for non-members. Preregister at MOFGA Kitchen Program
November 5th to 7th, 2010 - Farmer to Farmer Conference, MOFGA and UMaine Cooperative Extension, Northport, Maine. www.mofga.org

Contact Info
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator

207-564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491

donna.coffin@maine.edu

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