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Piscataquis & Penobscot Farming Newsletter
Putting knowledge to work for the people of Maine
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Volume 11 Number 1
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January 2013 |
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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.
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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 |
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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 Sampling Impacts Purchases at Farmers' Markets
When vendors offered samples at their farmers market booths, they saw an immediate effect on what customers purchased. The 2011 Regional Farm Market Sampling Survey, a Web-based survey conducted by researchers in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, determined that 55 percent of respondents purchased the sampled product the same day, though they had not originally planned to do so.
"Direct marketing opportunities, such as farmers markets, have proved to be a popular way for small- to medium-sized producers to increase revenue," said Tim Woods, UK agricultural economist who directed the study. "Sampling has the potential to increase it further."
Woods and Miranda Hileman, also of UK's Department of Agricultural Economics, have recently written and released Best Practices for Sampling at Farmers Markets: A Practical Guide for Farmers Market Vendors, a manual for farmers and farmers market managers interested in learning the best practices of providing samples to patrons. The manual was funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal State Market Improvement Program.
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FDA announces new rules to strengthen food safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed two significant safety rules aimed at protecting the nation's food supply. The rules will cover most links in the food supply network, from farm to processing facilities, and are part of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act, signed into law two years ago.
The first proposed rule introduces new standards to keep produce grown on farms safe. It focuses on specific "microbiological hazards" such as listeria and E. coli that have long been associated with foodborne illnesses. The rule is aimed at the different ways fruits and vegetables can become contaminated: through tainted water, poor employee hygiene, manure or other materials put into the soil, or from animals that might wander into the growing fields.
The second rule would require domestic and foreign makers of food sold in the United States to develop plans to prevent their products from becoming contaminated. Facilities would also have to have plans in place to correct any problems that might arise.
There will be a 120-day period for comments on the rules. More information
Visit the FDA for more on the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Source: email from Linda Titus, Ag Matters LLC, Safe Food Handling Assistance, Vassalboro, ME 207-873-2108 Cell 631-3303
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 Recipe to Market: Ca$hing in on Value-Added Opportunities
March 21st, 2013 A 5-part workshop series for developing and taking your specialty food product to market. Runs Thursday's through April.
Location: Foster Student Innovation Center (http://foster.target.maine.edu/), Long Road, University of Maine Campus. Orono, Maine
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $50.00 ($25.00 for students; Scholarships available)
Contact: Theresa Tilton at theresa.tilton@maine.edu
Phone: (207) 942-7396 or 800-287-1485 (in Maine) |
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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 online. If you did not receive a form please contact the Ag Census and they will mail one to you.
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USDA Finalizes New Microloan Program
Microloans up to $35,000 aim to assist small farmers, veterans, and disadvantaged producers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to help small and family operations, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000. The new microloan program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations. The microloan program will also provide a less burdensome, more simplified application process in comparison to traditional farm loans.
The new microloans represent how USDA continues to make year-over-year gains in expanding credit opportunities for minority, socially-disadvantaged and young and beginning farmers and ranchers across the United States. The final rule establishing the microloan program will be published in the Jan. 17 issue of the Federal Register.
Administered through USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) Operating Loan Program, the new microloan program offers credit options and solutions to a variety of producers. FSA has a long history of providing agricultural credit to the nation's farmers and ranchers through its Operating Loan Program. In assessing its programs, FSA evaluated the needs of smaller farm operations and any unintended barriers to obtaining financing. For beginning farmers and ranchers, for instance, the new microloan program offers a simplified loan application process. In addition, for those who want to grow niche crops to sell directly to ethnic markets and farmers markets, the microloan program offers a path to obtain financing. For past FSA Rural Youth Loan recipients, the microloan program provides a bridge to successfully transition to larger-scale operations.
Producers can apply for a maximum of $35,000 to pay for initial start-up expenses such as hoop houses to extend the growing season, essential tools, irrigation, delivery vehicles, and annual expenses such as seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, marketing, and distribution expenses. As their financing needs increase, applicants can apply for an operating loan up to the maximum amount of $300,000 or obtain financing from a commercial lender under FSA's Guaranteed Loan Program.
USDA farm loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies, or be to construct buildings or make farm improvements. Small farmers often rely on credit cards or personal loans, which carry high interest rates and have less flexible payment schedules, to finance their operations. Expanding access to credit, USDA's microloan will provide a simple and flexible loan process for small operations.
Producers interested in applying for a microloan may contact their local Farm Service Agency office.Valerie Porter, Piscataquis & Penobscot Executive Director valerie.porter@me.usda.gov
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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 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
- Virtual Tour of Organic Farm Conservation Activity Planning January 31 webinar 1 pm EST presented by Harriet Behar, organic specialist with Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), organic inspector, and approved Technical Service Provider (TSP) with the NRCS. The webinar will be the third in a four-part series providing aid to those who might want to become an NRCS approved TSP. The two previous webinars can be found under the list of webinars at www.attra.ncat.org. The final webinar in the series will be presented Thursday, March 21, at 1 p.m. EST and will be on the topic of how NRCS TSPs can support biodiversity conservation in organic systems. To register: Go online at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/576856170
- Overview of USDA Rural Development Loan Program January 22, 2013 (Tuesday) 2:00 PM - Eastern Time. The webinar will be presented for participants to become more familiar with the Business Programs of USDA Rural Development. There is no registration and no fee for attending this webinar.To join the webinar go to http://connect.msu.edu/ncrcrd , "enter as a guest" is by default already chosen. Type your name into the text box provided, and click on "Enter Room". You are now in the meeting room for the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and archived at http://ncrcrd.msu.edu/ncrcrd/chronological_archive.
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Filing a Schedule F: Federal Tax Preparation for Farmers. February 12, 2013. Learn what you need to know about filing taxes for your farm business. Dennis Kauppila, UVM Extension Agriculture & Farm Business Management Specialist delves into the federal tax code as it applies to farm businesses. Wondering about depreciation, deductions, and Schedule F forms? Do you know where to go to learn more, get the right forms, and find help? This webinar will answer common questions about filing federal income taxes for farmers and help you find the resources you need to file accurately and on time.
- 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 - 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
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Items of Interest
- Sharing the Harvest...A Guide to Bridging the Divide Between Farmers Markets and Low-income Shoppers (PDF) Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and its Local Food Research Center recently produced two resources for communities interested in increasing low-income consumers' access to fresh local food at farmers markets. Sharing the Harvest: A Guide to Bridging the Divide Between Farmers Markets and Low-Income Shoppers is a 12-page PDF resource to help communities build a bridge over the divide between farmers markets and low-income shoppers. The full project report, Farmers Markets for All: Exploring Barriers and Opportunities for Increasing Fresh Food Access by Connecting Low-Income Communities with Farmers Markets, is also available online.
- 2012 University of Maine Organic Spring Wheat Variety Trials This report also contains selected results from the 2010 and 2011 trials for multi-year comparisons, and will be updated later this winter to include results from the University of Vermont. For a copy of this report contact: Ellen Mallory, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist & Asst. Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 495 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04473, 207-581-2942 or 1-800-870-7270 (in Maine only)
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Research Explores Freezing Local Food for K-12 Market The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) has released new research on innovative strategies for freezing locally and regionally grown produce for the K-12 marketplace. Their research explored several small- and mid-scale approaches, including schools freezing on-site in their own kitchens, utilizing multi-use kitchen facilities, contracting small freezing enterprises, and arranging "co-pack" relationships. The IATP report draws insight from the first-hand experience of ventures around the country. Related ATTRA Publication: Tips for Selling to Institutional Markets
- Federal Income Tax on Timber: A Quick Guide for Woodland, Owners Fourth Edition- 2012
by Linda Wang, 2012, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry,FS-1007. This publication provides a quick reference on timber tax laws that are important to woodland owners. It presents concise and easy-to-understand explanations of issues related to woodland owners.
- Basic Accounting...A Guide for Beginning Farmers from ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Free to download. Good bookkeeping is critical to financial well-being for any business. It allows the business owner (the farmer) to see whether the business is profitable, set and monitor progress toward goals, and, above all, plan for the financial stability of the farm. The purpose of this publication is to make basic accounting approachable for people with little or no accounting experience and encourage new farmers to develop good recordkeeping habits at the outset.
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FARM BILL EXTENSION The Farm Bill has an extension through September 30, 2013. Some programs including the FY 2013 funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, the Outreach and Assistance Program for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (2501 Program); the Rural Value Added Program, Specialty Crops Research Initiative, Farmers Market Promotion Program; and NIFA's Organic Agriculture were zeroed out. Go to http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm to check on grant funding status.
- Organic Farmer Loan Fund with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Call 207-568-4142 or send an email to loanfund@mofga.org .
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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.
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 Maine Food Systems Poster - Celebrate farming in Maine with a 24 x 36 color poster illustrated by Michael Mardosa, University of Maine. University of Maine Cooperative Extension is a significant part of the food system in Maine from farm to fork, that includes policy, research, production, processing, commerce, nutrition, and food safety and security. Products include potatoes, milk, poultry and livestock, eggs, greenhouse/nursery, wild blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables. Learn more about the Maine Food System. 24 x 36 inches. 2012. Purchase a copy for $10. - Managing Alternative Pollinators: A Handbook for Beekeepers, Growers, and Conservationists - This is a first-of-its-kind, step-by-step, full-color guide for rearing and managing bumble bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees, and other alternatives to honey bee pollinators. Over 130 color photos, nest construction details, parasite and disease management guidelines and a sample contract. 162 pages, 2010. $23.50
- Bloat Nematode in Maine Garlic The stem and bulb, or "bloat," nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) is a relatively new pest in Maine that has the potential to become a long-term problem that can cause severe damage to garlic grown in backyard gardens as well as on commercial farms. Understanding the garlic bloat nematode and how it is spread will help to minimize the serious and long-lasting effects of this harmful crop pest. 4 pages. 2012. Download it for free or buy a printout $1.00
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Upcoming Events
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January 20, 2013, MOFGA Growers' Meeting by MOFGA's Certification and Agricultural Services Programs from Noon to 4:30 pm at Northern Girl's Aroostook Headquarters, Loring Airforce Base in Limestone, www.mofgacertification.org - January 27, 2013 Agriculture in Maine: Its Promises and its Challenges by John Piotti at the University of Maine at Augusta at 2:00 PM. Piotti is Executive Director of Maine Farmland Trust. The presentation is part of a series "Forum on the Future" sponsored by UMA Senior College and the College of Arts and Sciences. It is free and open to the public.
- January 25 to 26, 2013 Maine Farmers' Market Convention. Point Lookout, Northport. www.whcacap.org/farm-to-market/farmers-market-convention/schedule.php
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January 31, 2013, MOFGA Growers' Meeting by MOFGA's Certification and Agricultural Services Programs from 10 am to 3 pm at Cobscook Community Learning Center in Lubec, www.mofgacertification.org - February 7, 2013, MOFGA Growers' Meeting by MOFGA's Certification and Agricultural Services Programs from 10 am to 3 pm at Royal River Natural Foods, Freeport, www.mofgacertification.org
- February 6th St. John Valley Winter School, 6-7pm Weed Identification in pasture and hay land (1 Pesticide Recertification Credit). 7-8pm Direct marketing techniques and tips for agricultural products, Donna Coffin, UMaine Extension. Contact Andrew Plant or call 207-764-3361 aplant@maine.edu for details.
- February 14, 2013 Scotland Travelog by Wendy Russell, 7 pm at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, Dover-Foxcroft. Maine Highlands Farmers regular meeting will follow. www.mainehighlandsfarmers.com FMI contact Donna Coffin at 207-564-3301 or donna.coffin@maine.edu
- 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.
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.
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March 1, 2013 2013 Maine Grain Conference, Bangor, ME The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is thrilled to have a number of outstanding speakers from neighboring Canada and Maine at this year's conference. Topics will include sourcing, producing, and certifying seed; designing organic cash grain rotations; managing weeds; organic fertility strategies; and more. FMI Ellen Mallory 207-581-2942 or 1-800-870-7270 (in Maine only) - March 2, 2013 Beef Quality Assurance Training Witter Farm, University of Maine, Orono. Topics include: biosecurity, What is BQA and impact on carcass quality, E-coli and other diseaseas you can catch from your animals, overview of drug practices, facilities, flight zone, transportation, recordkeeping and hands-on cattle handline, current diseases and vaccinations. Cost is $25 for adults and $10 for youth age 19 and under (includes lunch.) Bring warm clothes, wear boots that are washable. The afternoon session is outside and all footwear will need to be washed before approaching the barn area. If you plan to come please contact Cindy Kilgore at 215-4968 or cindy.kilgore@maine.gov
- March 9, 2013 MOFGA's Spring Growth Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Unity
- March 13, 2013 Maine Vegetable & Fruit School, Bangor Motor Inn. Watch for more details.
- March 14, 2013 Talking to Customers about Pesticide Use with Lebelle Hicks, MACF State Toxicologist, 7 pm at the Penobscot County Extension Office, Maine Ave, Bangor. (1-hour of pesticide recertification credit available) Maine Highlands Farmers meeting to follow. www.mainehighlandsfarmers.com FMI contact Donna Coffin at 207-564-3301 or donna.coffin@maine.edu
- March 20, 2013 Swine Health Meeting, Augusta area, contact Cindy.Kilgore@maine.gov for more information.
- March 21st, 2013, Recipe to Market: Ca$hing in on Value-Added Opportunities 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. A 5-part workshop series for developing and taking your specialty food product to market. Runs Thursday's through April at the Foster Student Innovation Center (http://foster.target.maine.edu/), Long Road, University of Maine Campus. Orono, Maine. $50.00 ($25.00 for students; Scholarships available)
Contact: Theresa Tilton at theresa.tilton@maine.edu Phone: (207) 942-7396 or 800-287-1485 (in Maine) - March 22 & 23, 2013 New England Meat Conference, Concord, NH. http://www.newenglandmeatconference.org/
- March 23, 2013 Maine Grazing Conference, Fairfield.
- April 11, 2013 Agritourism Options on the Farm with Marc Edwards, UMaine Extension 7 pm, at the Piscataquis County Extension Office, Dover-Foxcroft. Maine Highlands Farmers regular meeting will follow. www.mainehighlandsfarmers.com FMI contact Donna Coffin at 207-564-3301 or donna.coffin@maine.edu
May 9, 2013 Farm to Cafeteria - Food Corps 7 pm at the Penobscot County Extension Office, Maine Ave, Bangor. Maine Highlands Farmers meeting to follow. www.mainehighlandsfarmers.com FMI contact Zoe Hastings at 942-7396 zoe.hastings@foodcorps.org - May 17 to 19, 2013 Northeast Livestock Expo, http://www.northeastlivestockexpo.com/
- May 18, 2013 Spring Preconditioned Feeder Calf Sale at the Northeast Livestock Expo.
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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