Photo: Edwin Remsburg
   Piscataquis & Penobscot Farming Newsletter
UMaine Cooperative Extension Logo
Putting knowledge to work
for the people of Maine
Volume 12 Number 3

March 2014  

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
Quick Links
  
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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.
Explore Alternative Farming Fuels - Rescheduled 
Farmers and others interested in using alternative fuels for transportation and equipment are invited to a program
at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 13, at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Piscataquis County Office, 165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft. (In case of questionable weather, check local television stations or call 207-564-3301.) 
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 [email protected].
Photo Credit: Cathy Roberts.
From Recipe to Market

Your friends and family rave about your homemade chowder, biscotti, blueberry jam, fudge, or other special food product. They say you should sell it and make a fortune. Are they right? Where do you start?

To find answers, University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a 5-part workshop series at the UMaine Extension in Somerset County Office at 7 County Drive, Skowhegan, and Piscataquis County Office at 165 East Main St., in Dover-Foxcroft beginning April 8th and running  Tuesdays from 5:30 pm through May.  

"From Recipe to Market: Cashing in on Value-Added Opportunities" provides an overview of what is involved in taking a specialty food product to market.  Learn about licensing, how to prepare and package food products safely, to assess potential profits and discover resources available to support a developing business. 

You must have a specific food product or recipe in mind and are expected to attend all sessions. This program is for individuals currently operating a value-added business or those seriously considering one.

The program cost is $35 per person (Partial scholarships are available). Registrations must be received by April 1st to reserve a space. For complete info and online registration, visit bit.ly/UMaineR2M or for the Skowhegan site contact us at 207-474-9622 toll free 1-800-287-1495 (in Maine) or email [email protected] or for the Dover-Foxcroft site contact us at 207-564-3301 toll free 1-800-287-1491 (in Maine) or email [email protected] 

UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with programs goals. 

Our key presenters are: Dr. Beth Calder, UMaine Extension Food Science Specialist; Dr. James C. McConnon, UMaine Extension Business and Economics Specialist;Kathy, Hopkins, Debra Kantor and Donna Coffin, UMaine Extension Educators

Topics for the sessions include:

Are You an Entrepreneur?  What is involved in being a food entrepreneur?

Business Realities: market research, business structure, insurance, pricing, promotion and sales options.

Developing Your Product and Process: food safety, labeling, packaging, product development, food regulations and licenses.

Resource Panel - discussion by an insurance agent, banker, attorney and food business entrepreneur.

Individual Business Counseling
University of Maine, Orono Pilot Plant Tour - see the equipment and resources available to assist with food product development research.

For more information or to request a disability accommodation at the

Skowhegan site call 207-474-9622 or in Maine 1-800-287-1495 or for the Dover-Foxcroft site call 564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491.

 

 
Census of Agriculture 2012 Preliminary Report
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a preliminary report on the results of the 2012 Census of Agriculture. This report shows that while the number of farms declined by 4 percent nationally, the number of Maine and New England farms has increased since 2007 when the last census was conducted. In 2012, there were 8,174 Maine farms, up from 8,136 in 2007 and 7,196 in 2002.

The preliminary data includes the number of farms, land in farms (acreage), market value of agricultural products sold including government payments, and demographics for Maine, the nation and for Puerto Rico. USDA will release the full Census results, including data to the county level, later in the spring.

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.

Take the survey

Maine NRCS Accepting Applications for Conservation Innovation Grants

Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has announced that up to $250,000 is available in grants for new technology or approaches through Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG).  NRCS is seeking grant applications from Maine farmers; landowners; State, tribal, and local government entities; and non-governmental organizations to help solve Maine's natural resource challenges.  The deadline for submitting proposals is April 1, 2014.

The grants of up to $75,000 for a project require a 50 percent non-federal match.  Projects may be single or multi-year, not to exceed three years.  Eligible projects must involve at least one agricultural producer who is eligible for the EQIP program.

Applications must be received at the NRCS Maine Headquarters by 4:00 p.m. EST on April 1, 2014.  Additional information and the Announcement of Program Funding can be found on the web at www.me.nrcs.usda.gov or at http://grants.gov.

Items of Interest
  • Milo Farmers' Market? John Maynard is asking farmers who may be interested in participating in a farmers' market in Milo to contact him at 207-943-3342 or [email protected]  
  • New resource about Garlic on Extension's website: http://umaine.edu/agriculture/programs/garlic/. Thanks go to Dave Fuller and Steve Johnson for providing the content, which will be of interest to Maine farmers and home gardeners. On the Garlic web page you'll find links to fact sheets, videos, and more. 
  • Maine Haymaking Webinar Series - Last year this 5-part series was recorded and is available to view the archived versions. Contact Rick Kersbergen for web address for the series.   
  • So You Want to Farm in Maine - Last year this 8-part series for beginning farmers was recorded and is available to view the archived versions. To register go to bit.ly/FARMME 
  • Veterinarians for Livestock Farms A list of large animal vets is available on UMaine Extension website.   
  • Agritourism Safety and Liability Management 2-part webinar offered by multi-state NESARE-funded project

    • March 19, 2014 (1:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET) Promoting Safety on Agritourism Farms, with Bill Bamka, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

    • March 26, 2014 (1:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET) Managing Agritourism Liability

      To participate click here  

  • Vegetable Grower's Guide to Organic Certification was just released by the National Young Farmers Coalition and is for farmers how are using organic methods but are not yet certified. The guide discusses some challenges to certification and helps farmers explore the decision for their own farm. 

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.

  • How to Tap Maple Trees and Make Maple Syrup  #7036 Did you know that it takes about 10 gallons of sap to produce one quart of syrup? Learn the basics of tapping maple trees and making syrup. Includes instructional videos for online viewing. 4 pages, 1991, 2007, 2014. From UMaine Extension  Download it for free or  buy a printout. 
  • Maple Syrup Quality Control Manual #7038 20-page maple syrup producers' manual presents production techniques to ensure high quality maple syrup and syrup products. Discusses equipment care and quality, cleanliness, the sap collection process, sap processing, and packing. Includes appendix with relevant Maine regulations. Sturdy laminated cover. 2002, with 2007 updates. From UMaine Extension. Download it for free:  or buy a printout$3.00.
  • Fusarium Head Blight (Head Scab of Barley) #1028 is a devastating disease of small-grain cereals worldwide. The disease is caused by several fungi in the species Fusarium, most commonly Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae). Learn about its biology, symptoms, and management. 3 pages. 2014. From UMaine Extension. Download for free or buy a printout $0.50.   
Upcoming Events
  • March 7 & 8, 2014 New England Meat Conference, Concord, NH. Bringing together livestock producers, processors and chefs to learn more about raising meat, processing affiances, value added products (sausage, charcuterie, smoking, etc.) Registration is now open, click here.     
  • March 11, 2014, Maine Fruit and Vegetable School, Bangor Motor Inn, Bangor. 8:30 am to 4:00 pm $35 and pre-registration is required. For more information click here.
  • March 12, 2014,Climate Solutions Expo: What We Can Do Now, Working Together for Maine's Future, 9 am to 5 pm, Augusta Civic Center. Free and open to the public will include exhibits and presentations on efficiency, adaptation planning, renewable energy, farming, fisheries, sustainability education, emergency management and more. For more information, go to http://climatesolutionsme.org  or call 207-622-5330.    
  • March 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 [email protected].
  • March 15, 2014 Maine Grazing Conference, 9:15 am to 4:00 pm Kennebec Valley Community College, Fairfield.  Registration $75 includes lunch (discounts available to MGFN & MBPA members. ) Complete details and registration information available at www.umaine.edu/livestock/mgfn 
  • March 15, 2014 Maine Grain Conference. BangorWe are extremely fortunate this year to have as our main speakers Mary-Howell and Klaas Martens of Lakeview Organic Grains, Penn Yan, NY.  The Martens are regional experts in all aspects of organic grain production and handling.  They will discuss crop rotations, fertility and weed management, seed production, and post-harvest grain cleaning, drying, and storage; as well as the topics and questions that you bring. We'll also learn from a panel of Maine grain growers about their successes and lessons learned; and hear about results from UMaine grain research. FMI contact [email protected]    
  • March 23, 2014 Maine Maple Sunday 
  • March 26, 2014 Pesticide Recertification Applicator Training 8 am to 12:15 pm, Jeff's Catering, 15 Littlefield Ave. Brewer. Topics: Bee Health Status, Commercial & Native Bees, Pollinator Protection - How Pesticide Applicators Can Reduce the Risks, Pesticide Selection & Regulation Update, Invasive Insects & Plants. 4-recertification credits available. Pre-registration $20 before March 17th, Registration after March 17th is $30. Space is limited to be sure to pre-register.  Send your name, address, phone and a check payable to Cooperative Extension to UMaine Extension, Pest Management Office, 491 College Ave., Orono, ME 04473-1295 or call 207-581-3880 or in Maine 1-800-287-0279.
  • March 26, 2014 Is Farming for ME? 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Piscataquis County Office of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Dover-Foxcroft. 
    Explore what it takes to be a farmer in Maine, how to assess all your assets that can contribute to a successful farm and where to go for more information to start your farm business plan. $5 course fee. Sign up through the Piscataquis Valley Adult Ed Cooperative.     
  • March 29, 2014 Rural Living Day, Mt. View School, Thorndike. For more information click here. 
  • March 29, 2014 Equine Continuing Education 8 am to noon, Center Theatre, Dover-Foxcroft. Sponsored by Foxcroft Veterinary Services. Free fecal sample analysis. FMI 207-564-2144 or [email protected] 
  • March 29, 2014 Swine Education Seminar, 8:45 am registration, 9 am to 11:30 am, Penobscot County Extension Office, 307 Maine Ave, Bangor. Pork Quality Assurance Certification for pork producers by Cindy Kilgore. Register by contacting [email protected] or call 207-215-4968. 
  • March 29, 2014 Planning session for the Maine Highlands Chapter of MOFGA, East Sangerville Grange. Contact Erin at [email protected]  
  • April 1, 2014 Growing Hops in the Backyard, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm NOMOMIS High School, Newport.  Learn how to grow hops in your home garden. Hops can be grown successfully in Penobscot County. Many home brewers are interested in taking their hobby to the next level by growing their own hops. Learn about the history of hops production in New England, what hops needs to thrive in our area, basics of planting and care, pests that can affect hops, and harvest. Course fee $10 Register through RSU 19 Adult Ed
  • April 5, 2014 Managing Livestock on Pasture Workshop from 9:00AM to noon at the Sangerville Community Room.  Although there is no cost for the workshop, pre-registration is required by Monday, March 31. For more information and to pre-register, please stop by the PCSWCD office at the USDA Service Center, located at the Pine Crest Business Park at 42 Engdahl Drive in Dover-Foxcroft. You may also pre-register by emailing the PCSWCD at [email protected] or by calling 564 - 2321, Extension 3. If you need special accommodations to attend this workshop, please notify the PCSWCD by March 28.
  • April 8, 15, 22, 29, & May 20, 21 From Recipe to Market, 5:30 pm to 9 pm A 5-part workshop series for developing and taking your specialty food product to market. Registration deadline is April 1. Cost is $35 with partial scholarships available. To be held in two locations - Somerset County Extension Office in Skowhegan and Piscataquis County Extension Office in Dover-Foxcroft. For more information go to bit.ly/UMaineR2M   
  • April 9, 2014 Swine Education Seminar, 8:30 am registration, 9 am to 2:45 pm Florian Hall, Dept. of Public Safety, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta, ME National Pork Board Veterinarians will discuss the latest information on swine health, public health, food safety and animal welfare. PQA certification for pork producers. Cost $25 (includes lunch) $20 for Maine Pork Producer Members. Pre-registration through Cindy Kilgore, Dept. of ACF, SHS 28, Augusta, ME 04333-0028 or call 207-215-4968 or [email protected] 
  • April 10, 2014 Hay & Pasture Management 7 pm to 9 pm at the Penobscot County Extension Office, 309 Maine Ave., Bangor. Rick Kersbergen will cover soil fertility, hayfield/pasture species identification and management. Also he will discuss weed control and pasture renovation techniques and the basics of forage quality. FMI Donna Coffin at 207-564-3301.   
  • May 4, 2014 Maine Highlands Chapter of MOFGA Kick Off, at the East Sangerville Grange, contact [email protected] for details. 
  • May 16 to 18, 2014 Northeast Livestock Expo, Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor.  
  • May 17, 2014 MBPA Preconditioned Feeder Calf Sale at Northeast Livestock Expo.  

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 

 

Contact Info
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
207-564-3301 or in Maine 1-800-287-1491
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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

 or

Penobscot County Office 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485

307 Maine Avenue Bangor, ME 04401