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Putting knowledge to work with the people of Maine
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Piscataquis & Penobscot
Farming Newsletter |
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| Volume 9 Number 4 | April 2011 |
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| Goal
The goal of the Piscataquis & Penobscot Farming Newsletter is to provide timely information on the production and marketing of crops and livestock grown in central Maine. Upcoming events and programs of interest will also be included. |
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. |
Local Weather Anytime
Many farming activities are driven by the weather. Our local National Weather Service in Caribou has meteorologists on staff 24 hours a day. They are willing to talk with you about rain predictions for your town. Give them a call at 492-0180. Or check out their online detailed maps at Weather |
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Quick Links
Find Piscataquis County on Facebook
Find Penobscot County on Facebook
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Underlined
Please note that underlined words and phrases link to webpages with more information. If you are unable to access these pages contact your local Extension Office for assistance.
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Historic crop yields and prices:
Annually the New England Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) releases the New England Fruits and Vegetables Crop report for the previous year. It includes the acreage, production and wholesale and retail price information on 28 selected crops for the past five years for the five New England states (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.) This is made possible by New England producers who complete surveys via mail, Internet, telephone and personal interviews. This report and many others are available online at www.nass.usda.gov
Here is just a sampling of the information presented for Maine. How does your farm compare to these averages? Remember the prices are an average of wholesale and retail prices.
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Crop |
Year |
Yield/A |
Price | |
Blueberries |
2006 |
3,000# |
1.70/# | |
(Highbush) |
2007 |
2,400# |
1.95/# | |
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2008 |
1,800# |
2.05/# | |
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2009 |
2,100# |
2.50/# | |
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2010 |
2,200# |
2.30/# | |
Raspberries |
2006 |
1,500# |
3.85/# | |
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2007 |
1,100# |
3.75/# | |
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2008 |
1,100# |
4.45/# | |
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2009 |
1,600# |
4.30/# | |
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2010 |
1,500# |
4.90/# | |
Strawberries |
2006 |
4,900# |
1.80/# | |
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2007 |
8,500# |
1.90/# | |
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2008 |
7,000# |
2.00/# | |
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2009 |
3,700# |
2.10/# | |
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2010 |
3,700# |
2.20/# | |
Apples |
2006 |
175 BU |
17.60/BU | |
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2007 |
307 BU |
17.18/BU | |
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2008 |
295 BU |
16.34/BU | |
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2009 |
262 BU |
17.89/BU | |
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2010 |
227 BU |
17.56/BU | |
Beans |
2006 |
2,800 # |
1.25/# | |
(Snap / Pole) |
2007 |
5,300# |
1.40/# | |
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2008 |
2,500# |
1.45/# | |
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2009 |
3,200# |
1.70/# | |
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2010 |
3,700# |
1.40/# | |
Cucumbers |
2006 |
9,300# |
0.85/# | |
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2007 |
4,500# |
0.85/# | |
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2008 |
13,300# |
0.70/# | |
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2009 |
6,600# |
1.00/# | |
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2010 |
20,100# |
0.80/# | |
Sweet Corn |
2006 |
765 dz |
3.27/dz | |
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2007 |
941 dz |
2.85/dz | |
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2008 |
706 dz |
3.66/dz | |
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2009 |
706 dz |
4.00/dz | |
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2010 |
647 dz |
4.17/dz | |
Tomatoes |
2006 |
10,200# |
1.90/# | |
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2007 |
9,100# |
1.85/# | |
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2008 |
2,200# |
2.20/# | |
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2009 |
10,800# |
2.40/# | |
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2010 |
10,600# |
2.30/# |
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Current Price Information
During the production season it is very helpful to find out what the "spot" price is for various commodities. The spot price has to do with the market price for produce or livestock at a specific time. Prices can very greatly and the reported prices can be greatly affected by the number of markets contributing to the price. To help you "discover" what some other farmers are getting for their products there are several places you can visit online.
Fruits and vegetables including ornamental crops (cut flowers), honey, pecans, and truck rates for fruits and vegetables. This is part of the USDA Agriculture Market Service website at Fruit & Vegetable Market News
Livestock & Field Crops, includes information on the sale and purchase of livestock, meat, grain and their related products both nationally and internationally. This is also part of the USDA Agriculture Market Service website at Livestock & Grain Market News
In the state of Maine the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association collects market price information thorughout the season for both retail and wholesale organic prices. Be aware that some prices noted are from very few sources and others have a larger number of sources. They do have an archive of reports that dates back to 2006. MOFGA Organic Price Reports
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Local Food Map Created
The Piscataquis Public Health Council asked a local artist, Bruce Towl, to illustrate a map of the area. You may know Bruce's chalkboard signs at Bob's Hardware in Dover-Foxcroft. This delightful map includes towns in Piscataquis county region, as well as Dexter. The map connects us to our local community food resources by showing us where farm stands, farmers' markets, community gardens, and food cupboards are located. Many of the locations accept EBT cards.
The map shows us where the locations are and lists the address and phone number. The poster sized color map will be displayed in public spaces with smaller travel versions to take with you. For more information contact Elaine at the Piscataquis Public Health Council at 564-4123 or email ebisbee@mayohospital.com |
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News for Apple Growers:
The 2011 copy of the New England Tree Fruit Pest Management Guide have arrived. If you would like a copy, you can collect one at the Highmoor Farm or they can be mailed to you. The cost for the Guide is $16 and the cost of mailing is $5. Please call Renae Moran at (207) 933-2100 or email rmoran@maine.edu with your address and will mail a copy. You can send a check (made out to UMCE) when it arrives. Supplies are limited, so please order early if you need a new one. The cost of the guide is partially subsidized by the USDA Crop Insurance Program.
The Maine State Pomological Society is a local organization of apple growers and enthusiasts who work together to support promotional and educational activities related to apple production. More information about the Society can be found at the website: www.maineapples.org .
Other tree fruit grower organizations:
International Fruit Tree Association http://ifruittree.site-ym.com/
The New England Apple Association http://www.newenglandapples.org/
USApple http://www.usapple.org/
Popular trade journals for fruit tree growers:
The Fruit Grower News http://fruitgrowersnews.com/
The New York Fruit Quarterly http://www.nyshs.org/fq.php
The Good Fruit Grower http://www.goodfruit.com/
Source: Renae Moran, Extension Fruit Tree Specialist, P.O. Box 179, Monmouth, ME 04259, 4/9/11 email |
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Items of Interest:
Greenville Farmers' Market Opportunity: Ken Tolman with the Charles Dean Memorial Hospital is organizing a farmers market in Greenville on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm in July and August. There is no registration fee. The only condition is that farmers need to register and let them know how much space you need. To register and for more information contact Ken at kbtolman@yahoo.com or call 695-5215 and talk with Ken or Jessica Hargrove.
Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets Request: Tom Roberts with the MFFM is trying to set up an email list of farmers' market members statewide. He asks farmers' market managers to send him a list of members and their emails to tom@snakeroot.net They promise not to use the list friviously or share it with anyone else. You may want to check out the Maine Federated Farmers Market webiste. They have alot of valuable information for direct sales farms.
Sign Up for Open Farm Day: On Sunday July 24, 2011 Maine farms will be open to the public. If you would like to participate or need information regarding the 2011 Open Farm Day, please e-mail Judy Blaisdell or call at 287-3702. A Certificate of Insurance is required from every farm that participates in Open Farm Day. Call your insurance company and request a certificate of insurance be sent as soon as possible to: Open Farm Day, Attn: Judy Blaisdell, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 or fax to (207)287-5576. Certificates must be received by May 6th in order for your farm to participate.
New Address for Extension's Online Business Library!
The UMaine Extension Small Business Library has changed websites. Please go to Online Small Business Library
Farm Apprenticeships & Journeypersons
Did you know that MOFGA coordinates a program for farm apprentices and journeypersons? For more information, contact April at 207-568-4142 or go to their Web site.
Reminder of License Requirements
As you get ready for the 2011 direct marketing season remember that as long as you are selling fresh, raw, unprocessed fruits & vegetables you are exempt from state licensing requirements.
If you are selling by the pound, you need to have your scales "sealed" by the Division of Weights and Measures. Contact your town office to see who your sealer is.
You will need a mobile vendors license to sell fruits & vegetables that have been peeled, sliced, husked, canned, baked, dehydrated, refrigerated, frozen, ground, cured, smoked, shelled or otherwise prepared and packaged. Other licenses may also apply.
To learn more about licenses required in Maine to sell processed foods go to the Maine Department of Agriculture Farm Stand and Mobile Market Vendors Guidelines
Note that some towns may also require a Victualers License. Contact your town or the town that you plan to have a tail gate market or farmers' market to inquire about the need for this license.
Software to Organize Online Ordering
Buying Club Software is specifically created for consumers ordering food
as groups who need a simple tool for managing members doing wholesale
purchasing, deliveries and pickups. For the farmers, this tool helps to
manage your own buying clubs if you are selling in wholesale. If it is not
wholesale, Internet Farmer is also offering another software product for
creating online markets that have in-person pickups. Similar to a CSA, but
the customers purchase exactly what they want. The developers have worked with the Portland Food Co-op and Crown of Maine to test their software.
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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.
Direct Marketing of Farm Produce and Home Goods
Item #2300 Publisher: UMaine Extension
This 25-page book was written at the University of Wisconsin and adapted for Maine by UMaine specialists in small fruit, tree fruit, farm management and business. Offers direct marketing alternatives and strategies for beginning and established producers. Covers pick-your-own, roadside markets, farmers markets, CSAs, home delivery, selling to stores and restaurants, and more. 1995. $3.00
Controlling Smooth Bedstraw in Hayfields and Pastures
Forage Facts Series Item #2278 Publisher: UMaine Extension
The perennial smooth bedstraw is a competitive, invasive species that can significantly reduce the yields of hayfields. This publication documents the findings of recent research trials in Maine that evaluated mechanical and chemical control methods, and discusses key management strategies. 6 pages, 2008. Download it for free, or add it to your cart to buy a color printout. $0.50
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Upcoming Events
- April 19th, 2011 Meet and Greet for farmers, fishermen, restaurant owners & chefs serving the Bangor/Orono area. 5 pm to 8 pm at the Seed Dog, 26 Front St., Bangor. Hors D'oevres and a free tasting of the latest Sea Dog beer will be served. cost: FREE
RSVP: Larry Killam, 207-947-8009 or email:larryk@seadogbrewing.com - April 26th, 2011 Piscataquis YMCA Farmers' Market Informational Meeting, 6 pm to 7 pm at the Piscataquis Regional YMCA. For more information and to RSVP by April 21st contact Erika Weidner at 564-7111 or e.weidner@prymca.org
- April 26, 2011, HIGH TUNNEL BERRY PRODUCTION WORKSHOP 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This workshop will provide growers with up-to-date information on producing berry crops in high tunnels, and will provide research and extension personnel with information on growers' needs. Radisson Hotel, Manchester, NH. Cost: $30.00 per person - includes lunch. For more information contact Suzanane Hebert at 603-862-3200 or suzanne.hebert@unh.edu. Registration Deadline: April 19, 2011 Online registration is strongly encouraged. To register online: High Tunnel Registration
- April 27th, 2011 Maine Highlands Farmers 7pm at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, Dover-Foxcroft. Terry Sideling, Farm vehicles, licensing, weight limits, off road fuel, etc. www.mainehighlandsfarmers.com
- April 28th, 2011, UMaine Dairy Sanitation Workshop, 8 am to 4:30 pm Buchanan Alumni Hall, McIntire Rm, UMaine, Orono. Cost $20 with lunch provided ($10 for Cheese Guild Members) To register contact melissa.potts1@maine.edu or call in Maine 1-800-287-7170.
- April 28th, 2011 Wild Blueberry Integrated Crop Management Field Training Sessions, 6 pm to 7 pm, G. M. Allen Freezer on Rt. 15, Orland. 1 recertification credit available. Future sessions will be May 26 and June 30.
- April 29th, 2011 Growing Wheat in Washington County, 8 am to 2:30 pm, Jacksonville Grange, East Machias. $15 per person. Sponsored by Down East RC&D. For more information or to register call 546-2368 or go online Down East RC&D
- April 30th, 2011 Fruit Tree Pruning, 10 am to noon at Olmsted's Orchard, Rt. 15, Charleston. For more information contact Theresa Tilton, 942-7396 or in Maine 1-800-287-1485 or theresa.tilton@maine.edu
- April 30th, 2011 Deadline for Calves 4 Kids Program sponsored by the Maine Beef Producers Association. Youth must provide photos of housing facilities as part of the application this year. Applications will be available on the MBPA website or by contacting the Executive Director at 207-645-2568. info@mainebeefproducersassociation.org
- May 14th, 2011 Livestock 101, 9 am to 4 pm, American Legion Hall, 21 College Ave, Waterville. This day-long session will provide basic livestock production information for small-scale farmers. Pasture, feeding, housing, health, production cycle, recordkeeping, marketing & management. Sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Department of Agriculture and Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Cost: $20 per person (includes lunch & program materials) Scholarships available. For more information contact Melissa Libby Potts, 581-2788 of melissa.potts1@maine.edu or go online to http://umaine.edu/livestock
- May 18, 2011, Recycled Oil Heating Workshop, 10:00-11:30am at Laughingstock Farm
79 Wardtown Road - Freeport, Maine. No registration required. Learn about recycled oil heating systems from farm owner Ralph Turner. Ralph will also explain how subsidies are making it difficult for him to cost-effectively buy used oil for his heating system. For more information, contact Claudia Lowd (cleanenergy@mainerural.org). - May 20, 21, & 22, 2011 Mark your calendars for the 5th annual Northeast Livestock Exposition (NELE) at the Windsor Fairgrounds! Check out our website at www.Northeastlivestockexpo.com and find us on Facebook for all the latest updates: "Northeast Livestock Exposition" and youth activities listed under "NELE Youth Events."
- May 20-22, 2011 Maine Beef Producers Association Purebred Pen Sale at NELE. Contact Ed Carter 207-737-2872 or 207-877-1180 for details
- May 21, 2011 Maine Beef Producers Association Spring Feeder Calf Sale at NELE. This is a preconditioned sale. Consignments must have been weaned a minimum of 35 days prior to the sale or by April 16th. For preconditioning protocol go to Maine Beef Producers Association Website. Contact Pete Dusoe 207-416-5441 or 207-948-3233 to consign or for more information.
Need Pesticide credits? Check out the Maine Board of Pesticide credit calendar, many approved pesticide applicator recertification programs are listed. You can view the calendar on their web site at: Pesticide Recertification Credit Calendar |
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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SURFACE MAIL RECIPIENTS CAN CONTACT THEIR COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION WHEN WEB LINKS ARE INCLUDED IN AN ARTICLE.
Piscataquis County Office 207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491
165 East Main Street Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Penobscot County Office 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485
307 Maine Avenue Bangor, ME 04401 |
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