Putting knowledge to work with the people of Maine

Maine Beef Newsletter

'More Maine Meat' Project to Aid Maine Livestock Producers

The Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society (MESAS), in conjunction with the University of Maine, has initiated a new project, "More Maine Meat," which seeks to improve economic returns for livestock producers in Maine, in addition to growing the meat industry in the state with more forage-based resources. The vision includes Maine farmers satisfying a larger proportion of Maine and New England's demand for meat.  

"More Maine Meat" focuses on red meat production, processing and distribution.

A working group of producers, processors, distributors and commodity group leaders, along with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Department of Agriculture representatives, met recently in Hallowell to outline goals and visions for a prosperous and vibrant livestock industry. Representatives from almost all Maine counties were in attendance, from Aroostook to York.

The group worked through many issues with current problems that limit the potential growth of livestock production, including processing, production and distribution of product to market. While many different opinions and solutions were raised, the group was committed to moving forward, according to Rick Kersbergen, UMaine Extension professor and expert in sustainable dairy and forage systems. 

Under the leadership of MESAS, the working group will develop a plan of action that will draw upon existing resources throughout the Northeast as well as research specific issues that are relevant to Maine. The group will identify bottlenecks, provide information, data and support to entrepreneurs and provide expertise to specific enterprises as appropriate.

Kersbergen, who is working on the project with MESAS executive director and UMaine graduate Andrew Files, estimates a very small percentage of Maine's and New England's demand for meat is satisfied through state or regional producers. Most consumers get their red meat through supermarket chains that purchase meat from national sources.

The project is one of several being brought forward by MESAS, whose mission is to explore, develop and promote agricultural systems and practices that allow Maine farmers to retain a greater share of consumer expenditures for farm products. MESAS is membership-based and is served by a board of volunteer directors, including faculty from the University of Maine and Maine food and fiber producers. Visit www.mesas.org for more information about MESAS.

Contact: Rick Kersbergen, richard.kersbergen@maine.edu, (207) 34225971; or Andrew Files, afiles@mesas.org, (207) 84327581.

Funded in part by a SARE grant, "Beef and Pork Whole Animal Buying Guide" explains buying pork and beef as whole animals (or portions thereof) from local producers. Producers may consider using the publication to help clients make smart decisions and keep coming back. It explains marketing terms, information on storage and handling, meat inspection, meat cut out weight, and includes color photos of common retail beef and pork cuts by primal. This guide brings all the necessary pieces together in one easy-to-use resource. Free PDF available online. Hard copies are available in color ($6.50) and B&W ($1) from Iowa State University Extension at Phone: 515-294-5247.

Did you know that Question 2 on the fall ballot will directly impact Cooperative Extension and our ability to support the Maine Food System and protect human health?

On November 6, 2012, Question 2 will ask Maine voters to decide on an $11.3 million bond for infrastructure projects in the University of Maine System, the Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy. This bond will build a new Animal and Plant Diagnostic Facility for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

A new diagnostic facility would include an 18,000-square-foot building,providing easy access for customers. The proposed facility would feature designated areas for animal and plant diagnostic testing and research,an attached greenhouse, a large animal autopsy room and a secure disposal system.

Currently the Animal and Plant Diagnostic services done at the University of Maine:

• Safeguard Our Food Supply
• Grow Local Jobs
• Protect Maine Citizens
  • From Potential Health Threats such as Salmonella, Lyme Disease and Avian Influenza
  • From Pests, such as Bedbugs and Ticks

If you have questions about the diagnostic work of University of Maine Cooperative Extension or the proposed new facility please contact John Rebar at john.rebar@maine.edu or 207-581-2811.

http://umaine.edu/animal-and-plant-diagnostic-services/

Calendar

• October 13th, 2012 Early Entry for Fall Preconditioned Feeder Calf Sale
• October 17th, 2012 Backyard Beef  6 pm to 9 pm, Penquis Valley High School, Milo. You have some pasture available and are interested in raising your own beef animal to supplement your family food budget. Or you are thinking about finishing a beef calf to sell to supplement your family income. How much space do you need per animal? What will it eat and how much will it eat? What do I do with the manure? How much time will it take? How do I know when the animal is healthy and when it is sick? How much meat can I expect? Donna Coffin, Extension Educator is the instructor. Registration through the Piscataquis Valley Adult Eduction Cooperative, $5 fee. For more information or to register contact PVAEC at (207) 564-6525 or go to http://pvaec.maineadulted.org/courses/course/backyard_beef 
• October 24th, 2012 Sales, Use and Service Provider Tax Symposium, by the Maine Revenue Service, 8 am to 5 pm at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin  Rd., Bangor. Cost $40. Pre-registration is required by mail. Registrations due no later than October 5, 2012. Please use this form and make checks payable to: Treasurer State of Maine. Since an accurate count is necessary for the facility, no walk in registrations will be allowed.  For more information call 624-9693 or go online.    
• October 27th, Pasture Walk - Stockpiling 2 pm Sebago Lake Ranch, Route 237 in Gorham.  This walk will follow-up with another in January demonstrating bale grazing.  
• November 3rd, 2012, Fall Preconditioned Feeder Calf Sale, Dick Brown's facility, Richmond, ME. Preconditioning protocol available at the Maine Beef Producers Association Website or contact Pete Dusoe at (207) 948-3233 or (207) 416-5441 or email pbdusoe@uninets.net.    
• November 10 - 11, 2012 Farmer to Farmer Conference, Point Lookout, Northport. There are several talks of interest to beef farmers. Including: financing the farming dream...earning a leaving wage from livestock; direct marketing livestock products; legalities of employees and liability; balancing farm and family, etc.   
• November 10th & 11th, 2012 Maine Harvest Festival, at the Bangor Auditorium & Civic Center.  Celebration of farm fresh foods. Chefs & authors demonstrations, farmer vendors, seminar "We Can Feed Maine: Why We Should and How We Go About It. Farmers this is a great place to contact potential customers for your products!   
• December 1, 2012 23rd Annual Maine Beef Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor. Focus will be on marketing with Jim Ochterski, Cornell University; Henrietta Beaufait, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry; and Gabe Clark, Cold Spring Beef. For more information contact Melissa Libby at 207-581-2788 or go to    http://umaine.edu/livestock/beef/beef-conference/