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Piscataquis & Penobscot Farming Newsletter
Putting knowledge to work for the people of Maine |
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Volume 12 Number 2
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February 2014
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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
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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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Explore Alternative Farming Fuels
Farmers and others interested in using alternative fuels for transportation and equipment are invited to a program at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb.13, at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Piscataquis County Office, 165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft.
The Maine Highlands Farmers and UMaine Extension are sponsoring the free program titled "Alternative Fuels Available to Farms and the Transportation Industry."
Tim Seymour, a sales representative at Darling's, will talk about advantages and disadvantages of using alternative energy for transportation, as well as sources and supplies of alternative fuels and the future of vehicle fuels.
Following the program, the Maine Highlands Farmers will discuss upcoming group activities. For more information, or to request a disability accommodation, contact Extension Educator Donna Coffin, 207-564-3301, 800-287-1491(in Maine) or donna.coffin@maine.edu.
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 Energy Audits for Greenhouse Workshop
This winter's weather has everyone thinking about energy. If you want to make energy-saving changes to your greenhouse, this energy workshop will help you get started.
Along with a tour of an operating solar panel and geothermal system, this workshop will connect you with both state and federal grant programs that can help you install heat curtains, sidewall insulation, new heating systems, and more.
The place to start is an energy audit, to determine how you can get the highest return on your investment. Claudia Lowd from Maine Rural Partners will present "A Tale of Two Audits". She'll walk you through the energy audit process, explain why an energy audit is the first step if you want to seek grant funds to support your energy project, and show you how you can get an energy audit at a reduced cost.
Register today! Go to: http://umaine.edu/agriculture/programs/greenhouse-energy-workshop/
Place: Cozy Acres Greenhouses, North Yarmouth ME
Host: Jeff Marstaller, Owner, Cozy Acres
Time/date: 9:00 - 3:30, Wednesday, February 19
Cost: $15 (includes lunch)
Sponsors: Cozy Acres, UMaine Cooperative Extension, Maine State Florists' and Growers' Association, Northeast Greenhouse Conference, and Maine's Ornamental Horticulture Council.
Questions? Please email or call Lois Stack: email: lois.stack@maine.edu or phone: 207-581-2949
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So You Want to Farm in Maine?
Spring time is the time that many folks get serious about their goal of getting into farming or changing their farming enterprise. UMaine Extension has many resources available for the new, beginning farmer and for the established farmer thinking about changing their farm enterprise.
In the spring of 2013 Extension Educators in central Maine offered an eight-part webinar called "So You Want to Farm in Maine" to folks for free. Initially we had over 160 people enroll in the class. Live sessions were held in the evening and they were archived for later viewing.
Topics included: Assessing Resources, Developing a Business Plan, Financial Enterprise Budgets, Marketing and Market Research, Production & Regulations, Equipment, Business & Estate Planning, What Other Agencies have to Offer. Speakers included UMaine Extension county staff & specialists, Farm Service Agency staff, banker, insurance agent, and lawyer.
Those who participated reported more confidence in starting a farming enterprise. "This webinar series was just what I was looking for: A Maine-specific, real-time, and relevant source for beginning farmers. I also appreciated that it was on-line and archived." And they implemented or plan to implement the practices discussed during the webinar. 
If you missed this webinar and would like to view the archived sessions you can sign up at bit.ly/FARMME
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More Maine Meat Survey
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society have initiated a project to try to improve opportunities for everyone involved in Maine's meat industry. The More Maine Meat project has a wide array of activities, but its primary goal is to "significantly increase the amount of meat that is produced, processed, distributed, and sold in Maine, and simultaneously increase wealth among those involved in Maine's meat industry."
As part of this broad effort, UMaine Extension Educator Donna Coffin is implementing a survey of producers in order to better understand the needs and opportunities within the industry and to help us establish and implement an appropriate plan of action. We are asking you to supply information that will go towards those ends.
Please, take the time to fill out the survey (about 20 minutes). By doing so, you will be supplying us with much needed information about Maine's meat industry and, if you so choose, will be entering in a random drawing for one of four $50 prizes. Once you complete the survey (you do not have to answer all questions), you will be given instructions on how to enter the drawing. Your responses to the survey will not be linked to your entry in the drawing.
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Pesticide Applicator Exam Training Available for Farmers
The Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and University of Maine Cooperative Extension will sponsor a basic pesticide applicator license training for farmers March 3, 3-6 p.m. at the Penobscot County UMaine Extension office, 307 Maine Ave., Bangor. The exam also can be taken from 6:30-8:30 the same evening.
Pre-registration is required by Feb. 28. The $5 registration fee covers the training and exam administration.
To register or to request a disability accommodation, contact Theresa Tilton, 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485 in Maine; Theresa.tilton@maine.edu. Please let her know if you plan to take the exam at the end of the training.
 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 are now required to be licensed by the Maine BPC. A three-year license costs $15 and requires one hour of continuing education annually. By definition, a pesticide is any naturally or synthetically derived substance used to kill, control or repel undesired insects, weeds, fungi, bacteria, mammals, birds, rodents or other organisms. Organic products are also pesticides if they are used as described above. In addition to this training, Maine BPC and UMaine Extension will be offering additional sessions to help prepare growers for the Private Pesticide Applicator core exam before the requirement becomes fully enforceable April 1, 2015. Exam candidates should review the Pesticide Education (Core) Manual, available from UMaine Extension, prior to taking the exam. The exam can be taken at the BPC office in Augusta or at county Extension office. Call BPC, 207-287-2731, to schedule a time or have the exam mailed to your local Extension office. |
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Livestock Swap Meets
It is that time of year that folks are starting to think about attending livestock swap meets to buy and sell their animals. Be sure to practice good bio-security techniques including isolating animals you bring home from the swap for four weeks before you introduce to the home flock or herd. Feed and water these animals last during chores. For more bio-security information click here.
Be sure to follow state regulations when exchanging / selling your animals.
IT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH VENDOR TO ABIDE BY STATE OF MAINE LAWS AND REGULATIONS; TO PROVIDE ANY REQUIRED LICENSING, ADEQUATE SHELTER, CAGING, WATER AND FOOD FOR THEIR ANIMALS; & TO CLEAN UP THEIR AREAS WHEN LEAVING.
5A. ALL GOATS AND SHEEP NEED TO HAVE SCRAPIE TAGS FOR SALE, TRANSPORT, EXHIBIT, AUCTION OR SLAUGHTER PER MAINE & FEDERAL LAWS.
- All Sheep and Goats (no matter what age) at these swaps should have a Federal ID ear tag in their ear. The people are bringing them to the swap with the intention of selling them, which is change of ownership and the swap is not a slaughter channel. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry do check for these tags when they visit the swaps and give farms with untagged animals the information needed to obtain tags or order the tags for them. Tags can be ordered through the USDA, APHIS Office in Sutton, MA at 508-363-2290 or toll-free at 866-873-2824 or email vsma@aphis.usda.gov The call is free; the tags are free; the applicator is free.
If the animals are crossing State lines, a certificate of veterinary inspection and a permit may be required. They would need to check with the State receiving the animals. 5B. birds do not need to be in the NPIP Program. Its great if your birds are Typhoid & Pollorum tested to keep these diseases out of US. The only time you need to have tested birds is at a fair/show. MAINE RULING ON CHICKS BELOW 8 WEEKS OF AGE MUST BE SOLD PER 6 MINIMUM.
NO PROCESSING OR NEUTERING OF ANIMALS Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, puppies & kittens must be completely weaned and minimum of 8 weeks old. Thanks to Michelle Welsh, MACF State Veterinarian and Cindy Kilgor, MACF Livestock Specialist for the information.
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Items of Interest
- Bingham Farmer looking for a farm sitter, Dick Brzozowski was contacted by a sheep farmer in Bingham who is looking for a reputable farm sitter. If you are interested contact either Donna Coffin or Dick Brzozowski.
- Vegetable and Fruit Guides Available - The 2014 - 2015 New England Vegetable Management Guide and the 2014 Northeast Vegetable and Strawberry Pest Identification Guides are available as a package deal. Members of the Maine Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers Association will have these guides mailed to them. Other can purchase copies for $25 plus postage. Contact Pam St.Peter at 207-933-2100 or pamela.stpeter@maine.edu for current postage rate.
- Bait Dealers License - The Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regulate the taking of live bait from the wild and sale of live bait. There are separate licenses for smelts. For more information click here.
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Cooperative Extension at the University of Maine is determining the educational and research needs of Maine's food-based economy. Maine's Agriculture Industry is an important part of that economy, and as such, Cooperative Extension wants to know what it is doing well and what can be improved. What are your highest priority research and educational needs? How well do Extension members collaborate with your industry? If you could change anything about Extension, what would it be? Your views will be confidential as to source. Please send your thoughts to:
Michael Eckardt, Ph.D. Cooperative Extension 5741 Libby Hall, Room 107, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5741 or (207) 581-3116 or michael.eckardt@maine.edu
- What Hand Weeding Tool is Best? Last year the UMaine Weed Ecolgy Group put up a number of short YouTube Videos on their research on the various manual weeding tools that are available to assist in cultivating vegetable crops. Cobrahead Cultivator, Curved Weeding Sickle, Collinear Hoe, Double Wheel Hoe, Flat Scraper, Original Garden Weasel, Half Moon Hoe, Three-Tine Hoe, Hori-Hori, Nejiri Family, etc. You can view any of their videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/zeroseedrain It also has a number of videos from their work with the Weedmaster. The Weedmaster Field Trial 2:Fisher Farm has had almost 250,000 views!
- Veterinarians for Livestock Farms A list of large animal vets is available on UMaine Extension website.
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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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Upcoming Events
- February 3, 2014 Health Care Reform - Affordable Care Act and How It will Impact Agriculture Businesses 11 am to 2 pm at the Senator Inn & Spa, Augusta, sponsored by Farm Credit. This free clinic will feature attorney, Sheldon Brumling. Reserve your spot by going to www.farmcrediteast.com/HealthcareSeminar
- February 8, 2014 (Snow Date February 15) Invasive Forest Insect Outreach Volunteer Training from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. will be held at University of Maine Cooperative Extension Piscataquis County's office, 165 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft. For registration to this training, e-mail the following information to Lorraine Taft lorraine.taft@gmail.com or call (207) 832-6241: Name, Phone Number, E-mail Address, Affiliation (Organization or employer) or you may register with Amanda Miles at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Piscataquis Office amanda.miles@maine.edu, (207) 564-3301 or 1-800-287-1491.
- February 8, 2014 Piscataquis MOFGA Chapter Meeting noon at the East Sangerville Grange. FMI contact Erin at esangervillegrange@gmail.com
- Feb. 13, 2014 Explore Alternative Farming Fuels, 7 pm, Piscataquis County Extension Office, 165 East Main St, Dover-Foxcroft. The Maine Highlands Farmers and UMaine Extension are sponsoring the free program titled "Alternative Fuels Available to Farms and the Transportation Industry," with Tim Seymour, a sales representative at Darling's. Following the program, the Maine Highlands Farmers will discuss upcoming group activities. For more information, or to request a disability accommodation, contact Extension Educator Donna Coffin,207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491 (in Maine) or donna.coffin@maine.edu.
Need Pesticide credits? Check out the Maine Board of Pesticide credit calendar, many approved pesticide applicator re-certification programs are listed. You can view the calendar on their web site at: Pesticide Re-certification 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
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Penobscot County Office 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485
307 Maine Avenue Bangor, ME 04401
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