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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 11
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November 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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Marketing and Promotion Basics for Farmers and Value Added Agriculture Producers
Winter time is a great time to do your farm planning on paper to be ready for next year. Who are your customers? Think about what type of person buys your product, or you expect will buy your product. What is this person like? What is his/her lifestyle? Why do they want to buy your product? Your target market is the collection of people you want to attract or retain as customers. A target market is usually described in terms of demographics and lifestyles. How do we discover details about our target market? By conducting Market Research. This may sound intimidating, but market research, in its simplest form, is a gathering of information to help you learn about your customers (or potential customers). There are basically 2 types of research. Secondary Research, or formal research, is relevant information that already exists. Examples: Demographic data on who is moving to a particular area; Consumption data for a particular product or service; National or global trends in your industry. Primary Research, or street research, is information that you collect for your specific purpose. Examples: Observation of your customers (or other businesses' customers - an excellent way to learn!); Surveys or personal interviews you conduct (these can be informal); Test marketing. After you've done your research, the best way to identify your defined target market is to write a customer profile. Keep in mind that you may have more than one target market- known as a segmented market. Remember, it's important to know your customers. The better you know your customers the more you'll know what they want and how you can sell it to them. Who is your Competition? Competition is represented by the businesses (and other forces) that prevent your prospective customers from choosing your product or service. There are two forms of competition- direct and indirect. Your direct competitors are the ones who are offering the same product or service, to the same people or businesses, in same market area as you.You probably know who they are. Your indirect competitors are the ones offering different products or services to the same people or businesses in the same market area as you. You may not know these folks as well, but don't ignore them. Indirect competition is also represented by the customer's choice not to buy at all. Think about how you compare to your competition. Find something that you do better than the competition AND something your customers actually value. Find that something and highlight it- make that feature or benefit synonymous with your product. So when customers come looking for them (features and benefits)- there's your product, the obvious choice. Source: McPhail, G, Farm Marketing & Image Building, Piscataquis Farming Newsletter, Mar. to April. 2006. |
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 Current Land Use Values Explained at Meeting Farmers and foresters from Piscataquis, Penobscot and Somerset Counties learned about current land use values at a meeting in Dover-Foxcroft sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Highlands Farmers. Landowners from Dover-Foxcroft, St. Albans, Garland, Willimantic, and Guilford attended the session. Jeff Kendall with the Property Division of the Maine Revenue Service explained the differences between the Current Land Use Categories: Farmland, Open Space and Tree Growth. These categories provide for a valuation based on the lands current use rather than its potential fair market value for more intensive uses. They are viewed as a permanent designation for land to help maintain these lands in their current use. Landowners interested in applying for any of these categories can go to Current Land Use Information and Forms for all the bulletins and forms on current land use or we have a supply in the Piscataquis County Extension Office. |
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Roller / Crimpers Knock Down and Kill Cover Crops
The USDA National Soil Dynamics Conservation Systems Research released a factsheet that describes the Roller/Crimper for Walk-Behind Tractors. It has a smooth roller that flattens the standing cover crop and a crimping bar that stamps down onto the stalks to crimp and scarify the crop to kill the crop. These types of tools are used to kill mature cover crops and lay them down as a mulch so a cash crop can be planted. This mulch will protect the soil from erosion, reduce weed germination and growth and conserve water for the following cash crop.
Traditional roller/crimpers were too heavy and wide to be used in small scale vegetable production. The small PTO-powered roller/crimper attached to self-propelled, walk-behind tractors used on small farms. It is much lighter than traditional models and uses springs to provide the crimping bar's force.
Source: A Roller/Crimper for Walk-Behind Tractors, Conservation Systems Fact sheet No. 10, January, 2011. CRS factsheets |
Announcements from Farm Service Agency
- REMINDER COC ELECTION DEAD-LINE: It's that time of the year again and your official county office committee election ballots should have been received earlier this month. The dead-line to complete and return ballots to your local county office is close of business on December 5, 2011. Remember it is crucial that every eligible producer take part in this election because county committees are a direct link between the farm community and the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
- FSA Moving to Electronic Information: The USDA Farm Service Agency offices are moving toward a paperless operation. Producers are asked to enroll in the new GovDelivery system which will provide notices, newsletters and electronic reminders instead of a hard copy through the mail. FSA, like many other organizations, is trying to work smarter and be more efficient. Moving to electronic notifications via email will help conserve resources and save taxpayer dollars. County Committee ballots will continue to be mailed to all eligible producers. Interested producers may subscribe to receive e-mail updates by going to the USDA GovDelivery sign-up page found at the following web address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/subscribe
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Items of Interest
- Best Management Practices for Animal Carcass Composting. Bill Seekins with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources just released the October, 2011 edition of this manual. It includes an accumulation of information about the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for composting techniques that have been found to be environmentally sound, economical to implement and are unlikely to result in significant nuisance problems if carried out properly. Contact: Bill Seekins at 207-287-7531 or bill.seekins@maine.gov for more information.
- Sheep & Goat Producers
Richard J. Brzozowski, Extension Educator, is working with Hillary Knight, a senior animal sciences major at the University of Maine, on an applied research project pertaining to a common disease of sheep and goats - coccidiosis. Hillary has designed a short survey to determine how prevalent coccidiosis is on sheep and goat farms in Maine and what you do to prevent and control the disease on your farm.
The survey is short and will only take a few minutes for you to complete.
Here is the link to the coccidiosis survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JH5HHZX Please complete the survey as soon as you can and before November 30, 2011. All of your responses are confidential. An article featuring the results of this survey will be made available to Maine sheep and/or goat producers in the near future. -
Hunters for the Hungry
A cooperative program between Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and The Food Assistance Program, provides a means for hunters to donate all or a portion of their hunt to a local food pantry.
Those wishing more information on this program may call toll free 1-888-4DEER-ME (433-3763). - Helpful Websites
- Examples of Funded Maine Farmer Grower Grants
Farmers in Maine evaluate innovative production practices with funding provided by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NE-SARE) Program. Information about the NE-SARE grants can be found here: http://nesare.org/
Or contact Tom Molloy, Maine SARE Outreach Coordinator via email thomas.molloy@maine.edu or phone 1 (207) 581-3213. Profiles of recent Maine SARE Farmer Grants:
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Featured UMaine Extension Publications / Store
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.
UMaine Extension tote bag, Item #9102
Two-toned (navy/black) University of Maine Cooperative Extension tote is made of sturdy, water-resistant 600D/PVC polyester material. Roomy bag has wide, gusseted base. 26" long, self-material shoulder straps are comfortably wide. $7.99. To order: email: UMaine Extension Publications (extension.orders@maine.edu), or call 581-3792.
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
Lighting for Small-Scale Flocks... Maine Poultry Facts series, Item #2227
Publisher: UMaine Extension. Day length and light intensity affect growth and reproduction in poultry. Learn about different bulbs and fixtures, as well as specific lighting recommendations for chicks, pullets, laying hens, and meat birds. 6 pages, 2009, 2010. Download it for free, or buy a printout. $0.75
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Upcoming Events
- November 5th, 2011 Maine Beef Producers Fall Feeder Calf Auction, at Dick Brown's Facility in Richmond. This is a preconditioned sale. For more information go to http://www.mainebeefproducersassociation.org If you have questions, please contact Sale Manager, Pete Dusoe at (207) 948-3233 or pdusoe@uninets.net or Dick Brown at (207) 737-8650.
- November 12th & 13th, 2011 Maine Harvest Festival at the Bangor Civic Center in Bangor. They are looking for growers, bakers, cheese makers, vintners, and brewers to show the bounty and variety of Maine foods that are available fresh and prepared here in Maine. For more information including vendor and demonstration information go to http://maineharvestfestival.com/
- November 12, 2011 Reaching Your Customer in the Electronic Age:
Online Farmers Markets and Buying Clubs 10 am to 1 pm at the Maine Harvest Festival, Sponsored by the Western Mountain Alliance. Please RSVP by Nov 7. Seating is limited.
Contact: Tricia Cook at 207-778-3885 or tcook@westernmountainsalliance.org - November 16, 2011 Review of Reaching Customers in the Electronic Age, Donna Coffin, Extension Educator, 7 pm, sponsored by UMaine Extension and the Maine Highlands Farmers. All are welcome to attend this free meeting. Business meeting to follow.
- Nov 29, 2011, Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse Webcast. Winter can be tough for some horses depending on age or the climate that they have been adapted to. This webinar will cover some key points about the care and feeding management of horses to help them have a happy and healthy winter. Sponsored by My Horse University and featuring Dr. Carey Williams, Rutgers University speaker. Register here for this free Webcast
- December 1st, 2011 Maine Farms for the Future application deadline. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Division of Agricultural Resource Development. Paper and electronic copies of the Request for Proposals (RFP) packet and APPLICATION are available from Kimbalie Lawrence, DAFRR- ARD, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0041. Telephone: (207) 287-3491. Email:
kimbalie.lawrence@maine.gov - December 1st, 2011 SARE Farmer Grower Grant Deadline with awards announced in March. Applications and more information is available at NESARE Farmer Grants
- December 2, 2011 Beef Quality Assurance Training contact Cindy Kilgore with the Maine Department of Agriculture to register.
- December 3, 2011 Tractor Supply Grand Opening, Dover-Foxcroft Plaza, plan to visit the UMaine Extension educational display, 4-H bake sale and animal exhibit.
- December 7th, 2011 Kitchen Licensing Workshop. 10:00 to 3:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Designed for farmers and others interested in home-food processing for resale. Licensing requirements, food safety, and liability insurance will be covered by panel members. For more information
- DECEMBER 13, 14, 15 2011, New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference and Trade Show will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH and will include more than 25 educational sessions over 3 days, covering major vegetable, berry and tree fruit crops as well as various special topics. A Farmer to Farmer meeting after each morning and afternoon session will bring speakers and farmers together for informal, in-depth discussion on certain issues. There is also an extensive Trade Show with over 100 exhibitors. The pre-registration fee to attend any part or all of the conference or trade show is $95 for the first member of the farm or business and $65 for each additional member (family or employee) when pre-registered with first member. The pre-registration fee for students (high school or college) is $45 each when pre-registered by the instructor. There is an additional fee of $30 ($20 for students) per person for late registration or walk-ins. You can register online at www.newenglandvfc.org/ or call 207-933-2100 for a brochure.
- January 10 - 12, 2012 Maine Agriculture Trade Show, Augusta Civic Center.
- January 14 - 15, 2012 Northeast Horsemen's Conference & Trade Show, Augusta Civic Center
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January 20-22, 2012, 30th Annual Organic Farming and Gardening Conference, Saratoga Hilton and City Center, Saratoga, NY. United Nations has declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives. Building on this momentum, NOFA-NY has chosen The Cooperative Economy for the theme of their 2012 Winter Conference. For more information go to www.nofanyconference.org For any questions on registration or to register over the phone contact Katie Nagle-Caraluzzo, Membership and Registration Coordinator at (585) 271-1979 ext. 512 or register@nofany.org. Scholarships are available. - March 17, 2012 Grass Farmers Network and Beef Conference, Waterville
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
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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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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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