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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 10 Number 12
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December 2012
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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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| Need Hay? Got Hay or silage to sell? Maine Hay Directory
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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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 Maine Agricultural Trades Show
The 72nd Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will take place January 8 to 10, 2013 at the Augusta Civic Center. Sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, this show provides an atmosphere to walk through, observe, and educate the public about different areas of agriculture. Many producer groups also sponsor seminars and workshops over the three-day event. This is a wonderful opportunity to network with other farmers, pick up a new tool, or learn a new skill to take back to your farm. FMI visit: Maine Agricultural Trades Show |
 Beginner Farmer Sessions at Ag Trades Show
The Beginner Farmer Resource Network BFRN is a coalition of farm service providers working together to assist aspiring, beginning, and transitioning farmers in Maine. We support the whole farm community including agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry. On Wednesday and Thursday January 9th and 10th of the Ag Trades Show the BFRN will be holding special sessions for people thinking about getting into farming or current farmers thinking about making changes in their farming operations. All sessions are free. To view these sessions and all the programs and meetings at the Ag Trades Show go to Agricultural Trades Show Program |
Certification of Private Applicators of General Use Pesticides - You have until April 1, 2015
To all Maine fruit, vegetable and grain growers who sell edible produce to consumers or to processors to be made into products for human consumption - this new law may require you to be licensed to use over-the-counter pest control products.
In the spring of 2011, the Maine Legislature passed Public Law 2011, Chapter 169: An Act To Require Certification of Private Applicators of General Use Pesticides. The new law requires the Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) to begin licensing growers who use only general-use (over-the-counter) pesticides and annually sell more than $1,000 of plant or plant products intended for human consumption.
To obtain a license, you must pass the BPC "core exam." The BPC and University of Maine Cooperative Extension are offering a three-hour training session to help prepare growers for the core exam at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show on January 9, 2013 at 9:30 am to 12:30 pm with exam at 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Augusta Civic Center in the Arnold/Howard Room (NorthWing). Pre-registration is required. Please call 207-287-2661 or email anne.bills@maine.gov to reserve a seat. Ideally exam candidates should review the Pesticide Education (Core) Manual prior to taking the exam. The Pesticide Education (Core) Manual is available from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension at http://umaine.edu/ipm/pesticide-safety/certification-manual-prices/ or call 1-800-287-0279 in Maine, 207-581-3880 outside Maine.
If you cannot make it to this session the BPC plans to hold many more before the requirement becomes fully enforceable on April 1, 2015. The exam can also be taken at the BPC office in Augusta (207-287-2731) or at County Cooperative Extension offices. Contact the BPC office to have the exam mailed to the Extension office, and then make arrangements with Extension for taking the exam. The three-year license will cost $15. You will need to obtain one hour of continuing education per year in order to maintain your license. |
Be Counted!
The USDA Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to make a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches and those who operate them.
The Census tells the story of U.S. agriculture; that 3 million farmers in the United States, only one percent of our total population, provide feed, fuel, and fiber for the other 99 percent. Your answers to the Census help shape farm programs and boost services for you, your community and your industry.
Census forms will be mailed out in late December. Responses are due by February 4, 2013. Producers also have the option to complete their forms
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 Production Practices for High Tunnels in Maine
A recent study of 52 high tunnels on 31 Maine farms identified areas where additional or continued education with high tunnels for farmers is needed. Comparisons of harvest season length, pests, income and yield between tunnel- and field-grown tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers were also made.
Overall, most farmers in this study reported that having a high tunnel had met their expectations. The most-cited advantages to tunnel production over open-field production were improved quality, timing (including early-season, late-season, and winter production), labor use in poor weather, and yield. Some farmers commented that high tunnels were essential to their business, because of the crops they could now produce or the markets they could supply. Sixty-one percent of farmers reported that they plan to add another high tunnel or other protected structure, and an additional 17% are considering doing so.
High tunnels can provide important production and marketing improvements for farmers, thereby potentially increasing farm profit. However, there are challenges to adopting this technology. Through farmer surveys, this study identified five particular areas where additional education is needed. Site selection and preparation, compost and manure use, soil testing, and awareness of increased labor needs are topics that would be applicable to farmers and Extension programs in all areas of the country. In areas with limited use of trickle irrigation in the field (as in Maine), programs about this particular technology would also be useful for high tunnel farmers. This study's benchmark data about structure type, management, and yield benefits should be applicable in other northern areas.
Source: Fitzgerald, C. B., & M. Hutton, Production Practices and Challenges with High Tunnel Systems in Maine, Journal of the NACAA, Vol. 5, Issue 2, 2012, http://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.php?jid=170Â |
Winter Farmers Markets on the Increase
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that the number of winter markets listed in USDA's National Farmers Market Directory has increased 52 percent, from 1,225 in 2011 to 1,864 in 2012. Winter markets now account for roughly 24 percent of the 7,865 farmers markets listed in the USDA national directory. Markets operating at least once between November and March are considered winter farmers markets.
"Each winter farmers market offers additional opportunities for farmers to generate income year round," said Merrigan. "These investments are a win-win. Farmers have more stability, and consumers have a reliable supply of local food, regardless of the season."
Cost effective options, such as hoop houses and eco-friendly greenhouse energy use, have helped many small and mid-sized farmers expand their growing season while keeping overhead costs down. Many local markets also launch targeted marketing campaigns to raise community awareness of the extended farmers market season and product offerings. According to USDA's most recent National Farmers Market Manager Survey, markets operating seven months or more each year often see a sizable difference in revenue.
Consumers can find a variety of products such as fresh or preserved fruit, root vegetables, hearty greens, tree nuts, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, herbs, handmade soaps, baked goods, pumpkins, ornamental crops like Christmas trees, gourds and other holiday foods or decorative items.
Local Winter Farmers Markets:
- Dover Cove Market Place is a non-profit, online farmer's market, formed to provide farmers, farm producers, and farm consumers, in southern Piscataquis, northern Penobscot, and eastern Somerset counties; with a place to conveniently, buy and sell local farm produce throughout the year. The market is located online, at www.harvesttomarket.com and has information regarding customer policies, and farm/producer rules. For more information, or to join the market as a customer or farm producer, please contact Jackie Robinson at 415-264-4560, or via email at jackieblue750@yahoo.com.
- European Farmers' Market is a year round market with a wide variety of products, South American Food, Greek Food, unique market. Crafts and Jewelry, 10 - 15 Vendors.
Open Saturdays from 8:30 M TO 12:30 PM at Sunnyside Greenhouse, Buck Street in Bangor, ME 04401. FMI contact Rick Gilbert at tel.: 947-8464. - Orono Farmers' Market. The WINTER MARKET is held in the Pine Street Parking lot in downtown Orono (behind the Bear Brew Pub) from December-April on the Second and Fourth Saturdays of the month from 9am-Noon. Orono Winter Farmers' Market
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 New Online Poultry Information Site
A new Web resource on eXtension.org provides research-based, up-to-date information on poultry production for small- to medium-sized production and backyard flocks.
It may seem a new trend to raise chickens in the backyard or purchase locally grown eggs and poultry, but chickens have been raised in this country for eggs and meat since the first English colonists came on the Mayflower in 1620. Egg production on a small scale is one of the oldest animal farming enterprises in recorded history.
Raising poultry is popular in rural, suburban and urban areas throughout the United States. They are suitable for 4-H/classroom projects, backyard flocks as well as small- and medium-sized production flocks. Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience and a great way to teach children about nature, agriculture and the responsibility of caring for animals.
Making informed decisions about management and keeping birds healthy are important whether you raise poultry for your own use, show birds at fairs or are raising a flock as a business.
The Small and Backyard Flock resource on eXtension.org has information on getting started as well as poultry anatomy, behavior, biology and management. The site includes more than 250 frequently asked questions and more than 350 terms in a glossary. And it's not just chickens. There's information on ducks, turkeys, geese and other poultry breeds.
The information on http://www.extension.org/poultry is written by leading university scientists who study and conduct poultry research. All content has undergone rigorous reviews and is trustworthy and easy to understand. University researchers and educators from 18 states contributed and reviewed information.
In addition to the website, the experts at eXtension.org are hosting four free webinars on small and backyard flocks. |
MOFGA Mourns the Death of Russell Libby
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association announces, with great sadness, the death of its beloved leader Russell Libby, following a long struggle with cancer. He passed away peacefully among his family at his home this morning in Mt. Vernon, Maine. He was 56.
Russell lent his extraordinary leadership skills to MOFGA for almost 30 years. He served on the Board of Directors for a decade before becoming its long-serving Executive Director in 1995. He held that position until November 2 of this year, when he assumed the title of Senior Policy Advisor. In that role he continued to guide the organization with his characteristic wisdom, compassion and dedication, even as his health failed. Prudently, he took many steps to ensure that MOFGA's course would remain steady in the time to come. A search for a new Executive Director is set to begin on January 1, 2013. MOFGA is currently under the guidance of Heather Spalding, who has worked closely with Russell at MOFGA since 1997.
A gathering in honor of Russell in the Exhibition Hall at the Common Ground Education in Unity is planned is planned for Sunday, January 6th.
Source: MOFGA.org
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Beginning Women Farmers Classes
This series of classes is sponsored by the Maine Women's Agricultural Network, and funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The Beginning Women Farmers program draws on the work of Allen Savory and others, and is designed to help women farmers to be successful. This innovative program instructs participants on using a holistic approach to decision making on their farms.
Participants will meet for ten sessions on topics such as goal setting, financial, business, and marketing planning, land and infrastructure planning, soil fertility, and planned grazing. Participants are provided with a mentor and are connected with a network of other beginning women farmers throughout the Northeast for additional support.
Two of the classes take place on local farms. Classes will be held in Fairfield, Maine, on Sundays from 9 am - 4 pm. Cost for all sessions is $300.00. Scholarships are available.
Class Subjects and Dates:
- January 6, 2013 Financial Planning 2
- January 20, 2013 Business Planning
- February 3, 2013 Marketing
- March 3, 2013 Leadership and Communication
- April 7, 2013 Land Planning
- May 5, 2013 Soil Fertility
- June 2, 2013 Grazing Planning
For more information, and to request an application, contact: Gail Chase gchase@kvcog.org (207) 453-4258 ext. 218
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Webinars of Interest
- Marketing for Profit: Tools for Success Webinar Series Registration Now Open!
The Farmers Market Federation of NY and the NY Farm Viability Institute have partnered with USDA Northeast SARE to present a series of webinars on marketing, "Marketing for Profits: Tools for Success". These webinars have been designed with the assistance of
regional and national marketing experts to provide critical marketing insights for farmers and farm markets throughout the northeast. The webinars are free, are approximately an hour and a half long, and easy to access with a basic internet connection. Interested
participants are encouraged to register TODAY for the webinars they think they will attend. Each webinar will be repeated twice to maximize opportunity to participate, and are FREE. To register for the webinars, go to http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/work-shop-programs/webinars/registration.html - Break Even Calculator for Poultry Enterprises Webinar - A break even calculator for poultry meat and egg enterprises has recently been revised by its original
developer, Adam Hady of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. Adam has given permission for UMaine Extension to distribute it to producers in New England. Email richard.brzozowski@maine.edu for an electronic copy of the excel spreadsheet. In addition, we plan to have a webinar on using the calculator. - Tennessee Value-Added Beef Webinar Series - These webinars are designed to help TN beef producers interested in marketing live animals for custom harvest or beef cuts directly to consumers understand the risks and gain information and skills to effectively manage this type of operation. Held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from October 2012 to March 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (CST) and 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (EST). To receive a link by email to join each webinar, send an email to cpa@utk.edu and include the following information: name, county, state, email address. All sessions are being archived and can be viewed at https://ag.tennessee.edu/cpa/Pages/VA%20Beef.aspx
- Winter care of small and backyard flocks January 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Most poultry can handle cold weather if they are sheltered from wind and kept dry. To keep hens laying, however, requires light supplementation. Jacquie Jacob, Poultry Extension Associate at the University of Kentucky, will discuss what is involved in keeping poultry productive through the cold winter. https://learn.extension.org/events/797
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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.
- The New American Farmer: Profiles of Agricultural Innovation. After decades of working with farmers and ranchers across the country, University of Missouri economist John Ikerd wanted a way to convince others that what he was seeing-thriving family-run operations making a profit, working in harmony with the environment and helping to improve their communities- was no fluke. Ikerd wanted to share their stories and dreamed of a project where he could plunk a stack of farm profiles in front of every skeptic he encountered and tell them that those farmers were finding ways to make sustainable agriculture work and, more broadly, were redefining the American farm. This book is the realization of Ikerd's vision. "The New American Farmer" is a collection of in-depth interviews and photographs from farmers and ranchers from Hawaii to Maine who have embraced new approaches to agriculture. 160 pages. 2nd edition, 2005. $16.95.
- Weeds of the Northeast Richard H. Uva, Joseph C. Neal, Joseph M. DiTomaso. This lavishly illustrated manual provides ready identification of 299 common and economically important weeds in the region south to Virginia, north to Maine and southern Canada, and west to Wisconsin. Based on vegetative rather than floral characteristics, this practical guide gives anyone who works with plants the ability to identify weeds before they flower. The first comprehensive weed identification manual available for the Northeast, this book will enable appropriate weed management in any horticultural or agronomic cropping system, and will also serve home gardeners and landscape managers, as well as pest management specialists and allergists. 746 color photos, 416 pages, paperback. 1997. $29.95
- Building Soils for Better Crops. Fred Magdoff and Harold van Es. Learn the secret of maintaining a diverse ecosystem below ground to foster healthy crops above. Ecological soil management, as detailed by the soil experts who wrote the book, can raise fertility-and yields- while reducing environmental impacts. Topics explored include increasing soil organic matter, appropriate tillage, animal manures, making and using composts, integrating cover crops into rotations, reducing erosion, and avoiding soil compaction. Also includes practical information such as interpreting soil test results. 240 pages. 3rd edition, 2009. $19.95.
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Upcoming Events
- January 8 to 10, 2013 Maine Agricultural Trades Show, Augusta Civic Center.
- February 27, 2013, Farm Direct Marketing Ideas and Tips, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Piscataquis County Extension Office in Dover-Foxcroft. Sign up through the Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative - YOU CAN series http://pvaec.maineadulted.org/ or call 207-564-6525 or email knormandin@pvaec.org.
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February 27 - 28, 2013, New England Agricultural Marketing Conference & Trade Show at the Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA. The theme of the 2013 conference is Making "Cents" in Today's Marketplace. Attendees will find 26 workshops on topics such as marketing, agri-tourism, social media, financing and more. There will be a panel discussion with the agricultural chiefs from each of the New England states. Don't forget the trade show with a large variety of agricultural vendors and the New England Farmers' Market Managers Workshop. Keynote addresses will feature Roberta MacDonald, Senior VP for Marketing at Cabot Cooperative Creamery. Also providing a keynote address is Bob Burke, Co-Founder of the Natural Products Consulting Group. Early Bird registration is now open. Click here for more information. Program details and lodging options are also available at this site.
- February 28, 2013, Backyard Maple Syrup Production, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Piscataquis County Extension Office in Dover-Foxcroft. Sign up through the Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative http://pvaec.maineadulted.org/ or call 207-564-6525 or email knormandin@pvaec.org.
- March 13, 2013 Maine Vegetable & Fruit School, Bangor Motor Inn. Watch for more details.
- March 20, 2013 Swine Health Meeting, Augusta area, contact Cindy.Kilgore@maine.gov for more information.
- March 23, 2013 Maine Grazing Conference, Fairfield.
- May 17 to 19, 2013 Northeast Livestock Expo, http://www.northeastlivestockexpo.com/
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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