Livestock Farm with green barn
   Piscataquis & Penobscot Farming Newsletter
UMaine Cooperative Extension Logo
Putting knowledge to work for the people of Maine
Volume 11 Number 5

 May 2013  

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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Need Hay? Got Hay or silage to sell? Maine Hay Directory 

 

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.
Exemption for Depreciable Machinery and Equipment Expanded for Commercial Agricultural and Commercial Wood Harvesting Effective July 1, 2013 

Certain depreciable machinery and equipment qualifies for a sales tax exemption or refund if used directly and primarily in commercial agricultural production, commercial fishing, or commercial aquacultural production. Effective July 1, 2013, the definition of commercial agricultural production will be expanded and a new category, commercial wood harvesting, will be added to the list of qualifying activities.

Commercial agricultural production will be expanded to include the production of "crops, plants, trees, compost and livestock." The expansion primarily affects machinery and equipment used in greenhouse and nursery products operations.

Commercial wood harvesting will become a qualifying activity. Commercial wood harvesting is defined as the commercial severance and yarding of trees for sale or for processing into logs, pulpwood, bolt wood, wood chips, stud wood, poles, pilings, biomass or fuel wood or other products commonly known as forest products.

Additional information on how to apply for an exemption card will be available in the Spring of 2013. (Chapter 657)

Source: Maine Revenue Service, General Information Bulletin #102, August 2012.   

 
USDA Offers Farm Loans for Beginning Farmers & Socially Disadvantaged Groups

Maine State USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Don Todd III reminds producers that FSA offers specially-targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to Beginning Farmer (BF) and Socially Disadvantaged (SDA) applicants. "Farming and ranching is a capital intensive business and FSA is committed to helping producers start and maintain their agricultural operations said SED Todd."  To date, in fiscal year 2013, Maine FSA has obligated $1.9 million in direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged producers.  

FSA defines Beginning Farmers as those who have not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years, do not own a farm or ranch greater than 30 percent of the median size farm in the county if applying for a farm ownership loan, and who substantially participate in the operation of the farm.  It defines Socially Disadvantaged applicants as a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of the group without regard to their individual qualities.  These groups consist of: American Indians and Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and women.

BF and SDA producers who may not be able to obtain commercial credit from a bank can apply for either FSA direct loans or guaranteed loans. Direct loans are made to applicants by FSA. Guaranteed loans are made by lending institutions who arrange for FSA to guarantee the loan. FSA can guarantee up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. The FSA guarantee allows lenders to make agricultural credit available to producers who do not meet the lender's commercial underwriting criteria.

The direct and guaranteed loan program offers two types of loans:  farm ownership loans and farm operating loans.  Farm ownership loan funds may be used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, purchase easements or rights of way needed in the farm's operation, build or improve buildings such as a dwelling or barn, promote soil and water conservation and development and pay closing costs. Farm operating loan funds may be used to purchase livestock, poultry, farm equipment, fertilizer, and other materials necessary to operate a successful farm. Operating loan funds can also be used for family living expenses, refinancing debts under certain conditions, paying salaries for hired farm laborers, installing or improving water systems for home, livestock, or irrigation use and other similar improvements.

Repayment terms for direct operating loans depend on the collateral securing the loan and usually run from 1 to 7 years. Financing for direct farm ownership loans cannot exceed 40 years. Interest rates for direct loans are set periodically according to the Government's cost of borrowing.  Guaranteed loan terms and interest rates are set by the lender.
For more information on Farm Service Agency Loans contact your county FSA Office. Piscataquis at 207-564-2151 ext. 2 or Penobscot at 207-947-3555 ext. 2 or State Wide at 207-990-9100 ext. 2.  

National Pork Board Statement on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)

The USDA has confirmed that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has been identified in the United States for the first time through testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. This is not a new virus, nor is it a regulatory/reportable disease. Since PEDV is widespread in many countries, it is not a trade-restricting disease, but rather a production-related disease. PEDV may appear clinically to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhea. Producers will need to work with their herd veterinarian if any TGE-like symptoms appear and as always, maintain strict biosecurity protocols.
  • Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a virus similar to transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), another disease only affecting pigs. It is not zoonotic, so therefore it poses no risk to other animals or humans. Also, it poses no risk to food safety.
  • PEDV has been identified in the United States in a small number of herds. (Minnesota, Colorado, Iowa & Indiana) 
  • PEDV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and may appear to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhea within 12 to 36 hours of onset.  
  • Laboratory testing is the only way to diagnose PEDV.
  • As always, producers who see any signs of illness in their pigs should notify their herd veterinarian immediately to address the issue.
  • PEDV does not affect pork safety. Pork remains completely safe to eat. 
Source: Newsrelease from the National Pork Board on the Pork Checkoff at http://www.pork.org 
and Newsrelease from Michigan State University Extension at http://msue.anr.msu.edu 

 

East Sangerville Grange to Host Discussion on Creating a Piscataquis MOFGA Chapter

Members of the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association in Piscataquis County and neighboring towns are invited to the East Sangerville Grange on Sunday, June 9th at 5pm for a discussion about the possibility of creating a Piscataquis County MOFGA chapter.

There are currently four MOFGA chapters in Maine: Cumberland County, Waldo County, Sagadahoc County, and Midcoast. Each chapter engages in its own choice of activities. Creating a local chapter involves sending a proposal to MOFGA stating the geographic area the chapter would serve, the number of potential participants, the frequency of meetings and a description of the chapter's focus or purpose.

One possibility for a Piscataquis County chapter, for example, could be to create easier access to MOFGA's rich knowledge base and pool of experts by providing a local venue for MOFGA demonstrations and educational talks. The Piscataquis MOFGA chapter would serve Piscataquis County and surrounding towns in the Maine Highlands Region.

The purpose of the June 9th meeting is to gauge interest in the idea and to brainstorm about what a Piscataquis County chapter might look like. If there is enough interest in the idea, East Sangerville Grange is willing to prepare a proposal and would consider acting as the Chapter host.

R.S.VP is not required but appreciated. If you have any questions, or just want to let us know you're planning to come send a message to the East Sangerville Grange at esangervillegrange@gmail.com.

Fossa's General Store Seeks Producers
After years of delays and setbacks the Dexter Farm Project is pleased to announce that we expect to open the Fossa's General Store on the corner of Main Street and Route 7 in Dexter soon. We will be offering food products produced primarily within 35 miles of Dexter.  We hope to  be able to offer a wide variety of items ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy products, baked goods, and value-added items.  We aim to offer the consumer the widest variety of products that we can, whether that be certified organic or not. We are currently seeking products that will be available for our opening in April.  Interested producers are welcome to contact either Ernest Rollins at 717-7057 or by email ewrollins@ymail.com
or Judy Wilbur Craig at 924-3067 or by email judy@DexterFarmProject.com  For folks on Facebook we post nearly daily updates on our construction progress at http://www.facebook.com/groups/dexterfarmproject
Red Barn

So You Want to Farm in Maine Webinar  

 

The purpose of this course is to equip participants with the business knowledge and skills to start, adapt, and maintain a profitable land-based business. It is designed for people who want to start a profitable farm or expand their farm hobby to a profitable business.

This multi-session course was offered in March and April 2013 in webinar format. The webinars are free to those who register. If you were unable to attend the live session of the webinar, the archived sessions are available. It is recommended that you have a high-speed, reliable Internet connection.

Course texts can be purchased through the UMaine Extension publications online store:

 Register online to see the archived sessions.

Instructors for the course include Extension Educators Donna Coffin, Caragh Fitzgerald, Rick Kersbergen, Kathy Hopkins, Andrew Plant, and Dr. Jim McConnon, with guest instructors.

Objectives:

  • ­Participants will feel comfortable starting a farm-based business.
  • ­Participants will understand the need for and have a framework for a business plan.
  • ­Participants will select and use a record keeping system.
  • ­Participants will understand how to use Cooperative Extension and other agencies as a resource for their farm-based business.
  • ­Participants will understand the importance of and basics of marketing their products, including customer surveys.
Items of Interest
  • How to Test Forage Quality
    a YouTube Video by Rick Kersbergen, UMaine Extension Educator, Waldo County. 
  •  2013-2014 New England Small Fruit Management Guide are now available at Highmoor Farm. The guide contains the latest information on management control options for the major small fruit pests as well as scouting information. Cost of the guide is $10.00 plus $2.53 postage for a total of $12.53.  
  • 2012-2013 New England Vegetable Management Guide with color pictures of the important pests and diseases are also available at Highmoor Farm. Cost of the guide is $25.00 plus $3.43 postage for a total of $28.43.

    To order either of these guides, please send your check made payable to UMaine Cooperative Extension mailed to:  Highmoor Farm, P.O. Box 179, Monmouth, Maine 04259, atten. Pam St. Peter. For more information, contact Pam St. Peter at 933.2100 or pamela.stpeter@maine.edu. 

    NOTE: Members of the Maine Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers Association (MVSFGA) or the New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association receive free copies of the guides. For MVSFGA membership information, contact Bill Jordan at 799.1040.

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.   

  • Berry Growers Companion #2028 By Barbara L. Bowling. Whether it be the ground cover of strawberry plants, blueberries' colorful autumn foliage, climbing grapevines, or elderberry hedges, berry plants are highly versatile contributors to a range of garden environments. Author Bowling, a researcher and professor, names small fruits as one of her greatest passions. Comprehensive yet easily readable, Bowling's book is appropriate for beginners as well as commercial growers. 308 pages, 40 color photos, 25 illustrations. 2000. $19.95  
  • Ticks #5047 2-page fact sheet describes deer ticks and dog/wood ticks, and suggests management strategies. 1995, 2010. Download it for free, or buy a printout $0.50.
  • Lyme Disease #2357 2-page bulletin explains the spread, symptoms, and prevention of Lyme disease. (Part of the Maine Farm Safety Program, item 2365, page 37.) 2002. Download it for free or  buy a printout. $0.50.
  • Growing Organic Barley in Maine # 1027 Barley is grown in Maine for livestock feed and, to a lesser extent, for malt production. Maine's cool climate and generally uniform rainfall favor spring barley production. Learn about markets, field selection, crop rotation, and much more from the experts. 8 pages. 2013. Download it for free, or buy a printout $1.00.

Upcoming Events        

  • May 28, 2013 - Conservation Farm Tour. 4 p.m., Goranson Farm, Dresden. This year's tour sponsored by MOFGA is focused on soil health and tillage. Each time the soil is disturbed by tillage it damages the soil structure, breaks down organic matter, and increases the risk of soil erosion. In order to prevent these negative impacts, growers are increasingly adopting reduced tillage on their farms. Reduced tillage can be an effective way to enhance soil quality in organic systems, and also has the potential to save fuel and time. Attendees will learn how Rob Johanson and Jan Goranson have adapted zone tillage to their organic vegetable system.  In zone till systems, soil disturbance is limited to the row where crops are planted, leaving undisturbed areas in between rows. This tour will be a chance to view soil health building practices in action and there will be ample time for questions and discussion. RSVP to: kgreen@mofga.org.
  • May 31, June 1 & 2, 2013 Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival will be having a special agricultural section to demonstrate a variety of farm and agriculture related things.  UMaine Extension and 4-H Youth will have a booth and will be doing sessions on container gardening, growing hops, 4H demonstration by the Minute Men, 4-H Parkman Adventurers will talk about care of rabbits & chickens, 4-H Monson After School will talk about Aquaponics. Check the website for days and times.   
  • June 1 & 2, 2013 13th Annual Fiber Frolic, Windsor Fair Grounds. Celebrating fiber, fiber animals & fiber arts. Sponsored by the Maine Alpaca Association. FARMACHA Training and Wool Pool.
  • June 9th, 2013 Discussion on Creating a Piscataquis MOFGA Chapter hosted by the East Sangerville Grange 5 pm FMI esangervillegrange@gmail.com
  • June 8th, 2013 FoodCorps/School Gardens Booth at the Dover Cove Market from 9 am to 1 pm. Zoe Hastings, FoodCorps Service Member, will have an activity for kids (worm bin exploration/herb matching activity/potato stamp art/etc).
  • June 8th, 2013 UMaine Extension and 4-H Youth Booth at the Milo Black Fly Festival in Milo. Stop by to say hi! You can bring a garden plant, insect, etc. for identification. We will also have a display on container gardening. You can learn about 4-H opportunities for youth in the area.  
  • June 15th, 2013 Farm and Homestead Day at MOFGA, a revival of Small Farm Field Day, is a free, volunteer-driven event offering a wide variety of hands-on and interactive sessions on useful skills for new and old homesteaders and farmers. It will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center on Crosby Brook Road in Unity. Bring your family and friends!
  • June 26th, 2013 Rogers Farm Field Day, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Bennoch Road, Stillwater. (near Orono).    
  • June 26th, 2013 Organic Blueberry Growers Field Day 1 pm to 3 pm, Hugh Lassen, Intervale Farm, 199 North Main Street, Route 193, Cherryfield, Maine
  • July 21st, 2013 Open Farm Day at various farms throughout the state. Sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. 
  • July 25 and 26, 2013 - 2013 Kneading Conference and 5th Artisan Bread Fair, Skowhegan, Maine. 30 workshops, talks, and panel discussions for everyone interested in local grains, craft breads, wood-fired ovens, and restoring regional grain networks. $300 includes (delicious!) meals. http://kneadingconference.com/  
  • July 17th, 2013 Maine Wild Blueberry Summer Field Day, 9am to 4 pm, Blueberry Hill Farm, Route 1, Joneboro. 
  • July 31st, 2013 - Highmoor Farm Summer Field Tour, Monmouth.   
  • August 21st and 22nd, 2013 Maine Farm Days, Misty Meadow Farm in Clinton.  

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. 
   

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