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July 2014
Piscataquis and Penobscot
Farming Newsletter

Practical farming information based on university research

Food Value Chains Creating Shared Values to Enhance Marketing Success   
Value-based food supply chains get guidance on effective market access strategies for small and mid-sized food producers and manufacturers from USDA Agriculture Marketing Service and Wallace Center at Winrock International. Some of these enterprises are turning to new types of supply chains to capitalize on growing consumer interest in differentiated food products that embody values related to how, where, or by whom food products are produced.
These values-based food supply chains are strategic alliances between farmers and other supply-chain partners that deal in significant volumes of high-quality, differentiated food products and distribute rewards equitably across the chain.
All participants share in mission values such as farm viability, farmland protection, healthy food access or sustainable production methods. They also share operational values that might include: accountability, long-term commitment, open and ongoing communication and transparency.
The central notion of food value chains is the idea that transparent and trusting relationships between supply-chain partners can produce positive, win-win outcomes for all parties. The gains of producers are not achieved at the expense of distributors or retailers, or vice versa, because the structure of food value chain transactions facilitates the sale of a broader range of well-differentiated food products, prices to reflect the incorporation of both social and private benefits, which are more closely tailored to the preferences of specific consumer segments.
An example of values-based marketing in Maine was Crown O'Maine Organic Cooperative.
To access the full report go to Food Value Chains: Creating Shared Value to Enhance Marketing Success   It includes information on how to get started, benefits as well as cautions, sample memorandums of understanding, branding information, etc. 
Diamond, Adam, Debra Tropp, James Barham, Michelle Frain Muldoon, Stacia Kiraly, and Patty Cantrell. Food Value Chains: Creating Shared Value to Enhance Marketing Success. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, May 2014, Web.
 
Managing Leaf Greens Wash Water to Reduce Food Safety Risks
Multiple washings and/or organic sanitizer treatment can significantly reduce the E. coli levels in leafy greens wash water as well as increase the shelf life and product quality.
Reducing the levels of bacteria in wash water is one way to reduce the risk of cross-contamination where one item can lead to the spread of microbes to other items being washed in the same water.
University of Vermont Extension did a study to determine easy, economical ways to reduce the risk of E. coli contamination in leafy greens. They found that double or triple rinsing system for leafy greens greatly reduced bacteria loads compared to a single rinse without sanitizer. A full rate of sanitizer (Sanidate(TM) 5.0) was effective when added to single, double or triple rinse systems.
The full Produce Safety Report can be viewed here. Also, a 10-minute video is available on YouTube-Leafy Greens
 
Scrapie Information for Goat and Sheep Producers
boar goats As a producer of sheep or goats, you ought to be aware of the latest information about scrapie.  The Scrapie Eradication Program has been fairly successful to date, however, there are still steps to be taken so that the disease might be completely eradicated from the US.  In an effort to keep you posted and with the support of the American Sheep Industry, Dick Brzozowski, Extension Educator assembled a file of information for sheep and goat producers. To get the complete file contact contact Lynne Hazelton at 1-200-287-1471.

 

In addition, below are 3 links to more scrapie-related information. 

  • Here is the link to the USDA Scrapie webpage On that page there is a link to the NIAA's Eradicate Scrapie website-there are free educational materials to order at this site. 
  • Here is the webpage for the voluntary Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP).  (This is the component of the National Scrapie Eradication Program that has changed; all mandatory requirements remain the same.)
  • Here is the  webpage for ordering ear tags

2012 Census of Agriculture - Age and Gender


 
The percent of farms by farm sales varied by sales categories. Numbers less than 100% indicate either fewer farms or less in sales than the previous census. Numbers more than 100% indicate an increase in these figures.
Piscataquis County experienced a 600% increase in the number of farms with sales over $500,000 and a 160% increase in farms with $50,000 to $99,999 in sales.
Penobscot County experiences a 170% increase in the number of farms with sales from $25,000 to $39,999 and 162% increase in farms with $2,500 to $4,999 in sales.
The state of Maine, Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties all had an increase in the number of farms that sold agricultural products directly to individuals for human consumption with 131%, 131% and 166% increases. But while the state of Maine and Penobscot County had increases in sales value with 133% and 135%, Piscataquis County experienced a decrease in sales value between 2007 and 2012 with 88% of sales. 
You can access all the 2012 Census information at  http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/
 
Items of Interest
Tractor Safety on Public Roads
Consider a safety check-in and conversation with your family members or employees regarding operating tractors on public roads.  Here are a few links for information you may find useful. Road Safety for Tractors & Farm Machinery and Operating the Tractor on Public Roads.
Update Hay and Straw Directory
June has been a great month for making hay.  If you have excess or are in the position to sell hay or straw, consider using the Maine Hay and Straw Directory.  It is free to use.  More information is available online, or call Cooperative Extension 1.800.287.1426.
Endophyte Project
Is Endophyte a concern for Maine Livestock Producers? This spring a few beef producers contacted UMaine Extension concerned that Endophyte infected fescue or perennial ryegrass may be adversely affecting their pregnant cattle. In other states Endophyte (fungus) infected pastures can cause abortions and/or poor weight gains in cattle and other livestock that graze these grasses. Donna Coffin, Extension Educator received funding for a research project to try to assess if our fescue or ryegrass pastures or haylands are infected, how wide spread the infected grasses are in Maine and how much of a concern it should be for livestock producers. If you have stands that are predominately fescue or ryegrass and would like to have them tested for free for endophyte please contact her at (207) 564-3301 or [email protected] . Pasture grasses should have the heads intact for the best sample. Dry hay can also be sampled.
Free Excel Software for the Veggie Producer
This is free software to assist mixed small farms to track expenses and revenue.  http://www.veggiecompass.com/
Sweet Corn Moths Active
Corn Borer, Corn Earworm and Fall Armyworm moths are active in sweet corn fields now. Silking corn needs protection. To get the latest on sweet corn pests and management recommendations go to the Sweet Corn IPM Newsletter
IPM Information
The UMaine Extension has a vibrant IPM program for a number of important crops in Maine. You can go to this page to sign up for or view the latest information on the following crops and their pests: Strawberry, Blueberry, Apple, Sweet Corn, Potato, Cranberry and Home & Garden.
Three Rivers Farmers' Market -
Please contact them at the email below for a copy of the application, list of bylaws, rules for market participation and a food sample information sheet. After you have looked through all the information, please let them know if you would like to participate as soon as you have decided. They will follow up with a phone call in a few days. Three Rivers Farmers Market [email protected] 
NRCS Conservation Program Signup Deadline for 2015 The next deadline for the Conservation Program signup is August 15, 2014 for the 2015 Fiscal year. NRCS has a wide variety of programs of interest to farmers including: animal waste mitigation, cropland protection, forestry, seasonal high tunnels, erosion control, etc. Contact your county NRCS office for signup details.   
New USDA Website for Beginning Farmers  New Farm Bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Harden also unveiled
www.usda.gov/newfarmers , a new website that will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where beginning farmers and ranchers can explore the variety of USDA initiatives designed to help them succeed.

Featured Resources
Backyard Production of Meat Rabbits in Maine #1044
The popularity of raising domestic meat rabbits is growing in Maine. The benefits include nutritious food at a relatively low cost, the potential for extra income, and an educational experience for the whole family. This publication provides general and practical information that will help the new producer become a successful producer of meat rabbits as a backyard activity under Maine conditions. 15 pages. � 2014 by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Download it for free or buy a color copy for $1.50 from our online publications catalog.
Mosquito Management #5110 Mosquitoes are a familiar nuisance in Maine during the summer months. This fact sheet discusses the different controls and personal protection. 3 pages. � 2010 by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Download it for free or buy a color copy for $0.75 from our online publications catalog.
Maine Grain and Oilseed Newsletter
latest issue of the newsletter includes an article on tine harrowing for weed control in small grains.  Also included is an announcement from USDA-NRCS for funding and application deadlines for EQIP and AMA conservation programs.  You can access the new newsletter by clicking here for Grains and Oilseeds Newsletter. 
A call to action - Reenvisioning Food to Address Maines Need.
YouTube 4 minutes on the Maine Hunger Dialog and what you can do. 
Scaling Up Your Vegetable Farm
from NCAT. This publication helps farmers decide if they are ready to expand their operations to serve wholesale markets or produce more for direct markets. It describes how organization and planning can help a producer meet the challenges involved in scaling up. This publication addresses important considerations such as land, labor, food safety, marketing, and insurance. 

Newsletter Update 

The Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties Farming Newsletter (PPCFN), now received by over 600 readers, has been offered as an educational resource by University of Maine Cooperative Extension for over 10 years. As of January 1, 2015, the PPCFN will be transitioning to electronic-only delivery. There will still be three ways to receive the PPCFN from your local UMaine Extension:

1) Piscataquis & Penobscot Counties Farming Newsletter is available online for free! You can sign up to receive the newsletter through your email or view the archived issues anytime at  http://bit.ly/PPfarming If you currently do not have an email, you can get one for free from several email hosts. If you do not have a computer, community libraries have computers for you to use to access information on the Internet and to view your email.

2) Those with no email can opt to pay an annual subscription to receive the newsletters monthly for $15/year. More details on how to subscribe later this fall.  

 3) A third option is to come into the Piscataquis or Penobscot County Extension Office and pick up a free printed copy of the newsletter.

       We appreciate our readers referring others to the newsletter, and sharing it with their family and friends.

    Thank you for your continued support of the PPCFN, valuable agricultural information from Extension for folks in the central Maine area since 2003.

 
Events & Announcements

Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District Summer Camps. To register contact [email protected] or phone:  564 - 2321, Extension 3

July 28th to August 1st Youth Summer Camp Natural Resources Week for ages 7-12

August 4th to 8th Youth Summer Camp for Agriculture Week for ages 7-12

  • July 17 - Horse Farming & Work Song Hootenany 5 pm, North Branch Farm, Monroe. Click here for more details  
  • July 22, Tune-Up Your Farm Market Booth to Boost Sales Webinar - click here Mid-Summer is a great time to change up your farm market booth displays to draw in more customers. Join University of Vermont Extension Community Economic Development Specialist Mary Peabody for practical tips on low-cost ways to create eye-catching displays that encourage sales. This 30-minute webinar starts at noon Eastern Time. 
  • July 24-25 Maine Grain Alliance Kneading Conference. Thursday 8 a.m. to Friday 5 p.m. Two-day conference fee is $300. (Includes delicious meals). Many participants arrive on Wednesday, July 23 and stay to attend the free Artisan Bread Fair on Saturday, July 26. Registration.
  • July 26 - Maine Artisan Bread Fair. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Skowhegan State Fairgrounds. Free! Over 60 vendors. Parking $2. Details.

  • July 25 - August 3 - Bangor State Fair, Bangor 
  • August 9th Pasture Walk - 1 pm to 3 pm Widdershins Farm, Dover-Foxcroft.  Widdershins is a licensed Maine Dairy and Farm store offering raw cow milk, free range chicken eggs & maple syrup. Beef & pork is available by side or whole animal by pre-order. Their beef animals are pasture raised or given dry hay during the winter, no GMO grain, hormones or antibiotics. They also offer pasture raised broiler chickens by pre-order. Also available Devon cattle seed stock, Katahdin lambs and Nigerian Dwarf Goats. Pasture walk coordinated and co-sponsored by UMaine Extension, MOFGA, NRCS and Me. Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry.   
  • August 15 NRCS Program Sign-up Deadline. AMA-spinkler & microirrigation and deer fence, CStP Stewardship, EQIP Conservation Activity Plan, EQIP on-farm energy & organic, EQIP Water Quality Initiative, EQIP Beginning Farmer-Soil Health, Socially Disadvantaged, Tribal Projects, Water Conservation/Irrigation, Aquatic Organism Passage, Working Lands for Wildlife. For 2015 Projects. Contact your local NRCS office to sign up.     
  • August 20 - 21 Maine Farm Days, Misty Meadow Farm in Clinton. 8-hours of pesticide recertification credits offered.   
  • August 21 - 24 Piscataquis Valley Fair, Dover-Foxcroft 
  • September 6 Piscataquis County Extension Association Annual Meeting, at the Valley Grange, Butter St., Guilford. A delicious meal (5 pm to 7 pm) to benefit the Penquis Santa Project, Extension Staff displays, keynote speaker at 7 pm. Stay tuned for details.   
  • October 23, 2014 Climate Adaptation & Sustainability (CLAS) Conference...Building a Framework & Platform for CLAS Planning for Communities 8 am to 5 pm at the Wells Conference Center, UMaine, Orono.   
  • November 13 - 16, 2014 Equine Affaire at Eastern States Exposition, W. Springfield, MA. www.equineaffaire.com   
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 http://www.weather.gov/car/.
Need Pesticide credits?  Check out the Maine Board of Pesticide credit calendar.  Many approved pesticide applicator re-certification programs are listed.
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.
Contributors

Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
[email protected]

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.

The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, 207.581.1226.
Surface mail recipients can contact their county Extension office for further information when web links are included in an article.
Penobscot Office 
307 Maine Ave. Bangor, ME  04401  207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485

Piscataquis Office 
165 East Main St. Dover-Foxcroft, ME  04426  207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491 
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