Maine Weather and Climate

The Northeast Drought Early Warning System Dashboard shows that streamflow and groundwater levels are normal or above normal statewide. Three, six, and twelve-month precipitation totals are also near or above normal. Despite a warm onset of winter – the October to December 2022 average temperature ranks warmest in Maine for that interval based on data 1895-present – and late snowfall and ground freezeup, the hydrologic conditions are otherwise favorable. However, snowpack development over the next couple months will be an important factor that will influence spring hydrology heading towards the growing season.

This weekend begins following a storm that brought up to several inches of snow to the southern half of Maine. The NOAA/National Weather Service (NWS) forecast shows temperatures staying below freezing for the northern two-thirds of the state this weekend, and other areas seeing highs in the low to mid 30s °F. An active weather pattern is forecast for next week, with a snowstorm on Monday tracking across the Gulf of Maine such that it will first bring rain across the coastal zone before turning to snow; all snow to the north. Then another storm system could develop mid to late week. Temperatures are forecast to be generally near or above normal for this time of year, with highs staying below freezing in the north, and in the 30s or low 40s south.  As always, check weather.gov for the latest weather forecasts for your area. For winter weather information refer to the NWS Caribou and Gray forecast office pages.

The NOAA/NWS Climate Prediction Center 8–14 day outlook probability maps for January 27 – February 2 (issued January 19) show near normal temperature and precipitation. The three-month seasonal outlook maps for February ­– April (issued January 19) show a leaning toward above normal temperature and equal chance of above or below normal precipitation.

Sean Birkel, Assistant Extension Professor, Maine State Climatologist, Climate Change Institute, Cooperative Extension University of Maine. For climate/weather questions related to agriculture, send Sean e-mail at birkel@maine.edu

UMaine Extension taps former state food safety specialist to fill new associate dean position

State food safety specialist and UMaine alumnus Jason Bolton has been named associate dean at University of Maine Cooperative Extension. This new position will provide leadership for strategic initiatives within the organization and help build capacity to address state needs.

The associate dean position marks a new milestone for Extension as the organization aims to bring innovative university research to individuals and industry across Maine, with a focus on workforce development and new digital learning opportunities.

Associate Dean Bolton, who officially started Jan. 3, will lead new initiatives for Extension, including a statewide needs assessment, an organizational restructuring, and improved systems for financial planning and reporting.

Click here for more

Farm Skills Training Program Available in Mid-Coast Area

"Interested in farm work? The Merrymeeting Food Council is accepting applications for a Farm Skills Training Program (mid March-early June 2023). This paid program will train the skills necessary

to work on farms. Participants will also receive individual training from a Career Advisor.

Training wraps up just in time for the hiring season! Applications due 2/1. Click here for more details and eligibility! Contact Kate Wallace with any questions (mfcfarmskills@gmail.com)

Northeast Cover Crop Council's Annual Conference in Portland

The Northeast Cover Crops Council (NECCC) annual conference will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023. The meeting will take place at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland, Maine, and is open to farmers, students, extension agents, crop consultants, and other agricultural professionals. 

This event will include presentations covering a diversity of topics related to cover crops including economic and financial opportunities in cover crops, how to diversify cover crop species, cover crops in vegetable production, the role of cover crops in climate change mitigation, and highlights from the NECCC and the Precision Sustainable Agriculture (PSA) project. Further, attendees will be able to take part in a poster presentation where students, researchers, and agricultural professionals will share their research. Certified Crop Advisor Recertification Credits will be available.

To see the full schedule and to RSVP, visit https://northeastcovercrops.com/event/northeast-cover-crops-council-annual-conference.

2023 Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge Registration Open

Food Solutions New England will host the 9th version of its food system-oriented 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge from April 3, 2023 to April 23, 2023.

During every morning of the Challenge, you'll receive an email "prompt" with a short reading, video or audio file. You are encouraged to take about ten to fifteen minutes each day with the material in the prompt, though we will provide extra resources in case you want to dig further into the day's topic. Register here.

Organic Certification Applications Open

MOFGA Certification Services (MCS): 2023 application forms are now available and being accepted. MCS is now officially accepting applications and renewals for 2023 certification. All required forms can be found and downloaded from their website, as well as the schedule of submission deadlines; check the certification menu for specific scopes and production categories. For more information, contact the MCS office at certification@mofga.org or 207-568-6030.

Soil Steamer Virtual Workshop

Feb 6, 11 am - 12:30 pm: Virtual presentation and round table discussion on soil steaming: Learn how other farmers are utilizing soil steaming on their farms!

Speakers Include:

• Andy Pressman, NCAT Northeast
• Bruce Wooster, Picadilly Farm
• Amanda Littleton, Cheshire County
• Conservation District
• Jeremy Delisle, UNH Extension
• Rebecca Madden, UVM Extension
• Andre Cantelmo, Heron Pond Farm

Register here. For questions or assistance in registration:

email info@cheshireconservation.org

In-service training offered for Certified Crop Advisors

A two-day training for agriculture service providers in the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) program will be held Jan. 25–26 at the Holiday Inn in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Presentations will be made by experts from schools and businesses across New England, including University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association, Northern Tilth, University of New Hampshire Extension, American Farmland Trust, University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts and University of Vermont.

The program will focus on crop and forage production, soil quality, precision agriculture, pest management and more. Visit the event website for a full agenda and registration information. Continuing Education Units and Pesticide Applicator Recertification credits have been requested. 

For more information contact John Jemison, 207.581.3241; jemison@maine.edu.

On-line Greenhouse Scout School

Cornell University is partnering with the University of Vermont and the University of Maine to offer a 6-week webinar series in scouting for disease, insect and weed pests of greenhouse ornamentals. Learn how to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help. 

Learn to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help. Pesticide credits applied for.

Wednesdays: February 1-March 8

Certificate Program: 6–7:30 p.m.

Webinar Series: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Registration Information

Maine Flower Collective 2023 Applications Now Open!

We are excited to announce that the Maine Flower Collective (MFC) applications are now available! Review essential information about the collective, and then fill out and submit your online application today.

Why Join?

• As an annual user, you have access to buying and/or selling privileges through the Collective, which will operate a virtual marketplace via the Rooted Farmers platform.
• Buyers: You can enjoy increased geographic access to floriculture products and can simultaneously purchase products from multiple farms as a MFC user. This reduces your overall carbon footprint and transit time for orders.
• Specialty cut flower growers: As a member, you spend more time farming with less time dedicated to marketing, invoicing, and delivering your product.
• Be a part of an engaged state-wide network of professional buyers and growers who value local flowers, sustainable practices, and supporting Mainers.

USDA Announced Grants Awarded to Maine Farms and Firms

Maine Farm Receives USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant - assists agricultural producers seeking to establish or expand markets for their value-added agricultural products. Apple Creek Farm LLC will use the working capital grant funds to expand processing, marketing, and sales of their certified organic eggs, beef, chicken, sheep, goats, and sheepskins. This project will allow for an increase in customer base and revenue and will add two employees. Full description of VAPG grant recipients can be accessed here.

The Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program assists currently operational meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities in obtaining a Federal or State Grant of Inspection. Five Maine farms and/or poultry processors received grants under the MPIRG program. Congratulations to Olde Haven Farm LLC, Fork Food Lab, Hatch’s Custom Meat Cutting, Nest and Mullen LLC, Rooney’s Meat Shop. Full description of these grant recipients can be accessed here.

USDA Ag Marketing Service - Local Food Program Grant assists projects that develop, coordinate and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Smithereen Farm received a grant Harnessing Maine’s Local Farming & Fishing Economy through the Minke Kitchen Food Hub, Full description of grant recipients can be accessed here.

Barn Renovations for Raising Sheep and Goats - Ventilation

Facility design for small ruminant enterprises can oftentimes be overlooked. During Barn Renovations for Raising Sheep and Goats - Ventilation, we will discuss how proper site design or renovating existing sites can directly impact animal health, labor input, and production efficiency on Jan. 26, 2023 (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET) Live Online via Zoom

Who is this for?

• New and experienced sheep and goat producers
• Farms looking to expand
• Producers looking to improve animal health and productivity

What will you learn?

• Ventilation requirements for sheep and goats
• Renovating existing structures for healthier animal environments
• Engineering improved performance in small ruminants

Free program but registration is required. Recording will be available.