Maine Weather and Climate

As shown on the Northeast Drought Early Warning System Dashboard, the precipitation drought in Maine has ended, and streamflow and groundwater measurements indicate normal or above normal conditions statewide. However, year-to-date accumulated precipitation deficits remain in southwestern counties. But for the most part, the current hydrologic conditions are favorable as winter sets in and the ground is begins to freeze, albeit later than usual.

The first significant snowstorm of the season has arrived! The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts 8–12” across northern and western Maine, 6–8” across central areas, and a steep snowfall gradient from the immediate coast inland.  Snow consistency will range from moderate to heavy wet. Refer to the NWS Caribou and Gray winter weather pages for additional information. Otherwise, the weather forecast for next week shows above normal temperatures ranging in the mid 20s to low 30s °F through Wednesday, followed by a cold wave that will bring below normal temperatures with highs generally in the teens and lows in the single digits by Friday. As always, check weather.gov for the latest weather forecasts for your area.

The NOAA/National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center 8–14 day outlook probability maps (issued December 14, valid December 22–28) show below normal temperature and above normal precipitation. The three-month seasonal outlook maps for January ­– March (issued December 15) show 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

New agriculture-focused calendar features works by Maine-based artists

The Maine Agricultural Mediation Program’s new 2023 wall calendar features original artwork by Maine-based artists.The program, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Mediation Program, is managed locally by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

The program supports farmers and families in discussions surrounding priorities, goals and decision-making as it relates to changes in the future of the farm, immediate markets and relationships with lenders.

Mediation is voluntary and confidential. It can help resolve conflict around topics that include agricultural loans, conservation programs, wetland determinations, pesticides, family farm transition, lease issues, neighbor disputes and worker/employer disagreements, according to a news release from the Extension.

The calendar, which features a farm and food system-inspired image each month, has a wire binding and measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Copies can be purchased online for $6.50, which includes shipping.

QuickBooks For Farms

SCORE Maine and University of Maine Cooperative Extension are pleased to offer this QuickBooks Online workshop series tailored to small farms and agriculture businesses. This important accounting program can help with your invoicing, tracking sales and expenses, and handling your bookkeeping requirements for tax preparation.

FMI and to Register

What to do About Too Much Water

Online Webinar: Thursday, January 5, 2023, 10:00 am to 12:45 pm 

Are you concerned about heavy rainfall and excess water on your farm or the farms you work with? Join us for this online workshop to learn about how to reduce the risks associated with too much water.

TOPICS

• Assessing a farm’s vulnerability to excess water and heavy rains
• Strategies and practices to cope with too much water
• One farm’s experience developing an adaptation plan
• NRCS programs to address too much water on the farm

REGISTRATION

The webinar is free; registration is required. Register on the event webpage.

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Tom Molloy at University of Maine, thomas.molloy@maine.edu, Phone: 207-581-3213.

Maine Agriculture Trades Show Highlights

January 10 - 12, Augusta Civic Center

This is just a sampling of the programming at this year's show. Pesticide credits available every day. Checkout the full schedule here!

Tuesday:

• Maine Christmas Tree Association Annual Meeting
• Spray Calibration
• Maine Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers Meeting
• Dairy and Forage Updates

Wednesday:

• Agroforestry
• Maine State Pomological Society Meeting
• PFAS update
• Maine Maple Syrup Producers Meeting
• Beef Cooking Demonstration & Education Meetings
• Selling to Schools and Institutions

Thursday:

• Produce Alliance Training
• Maine Farmers Market Association Meeting
• Hemp Updates
• Wild Blueberry Update
• Farm Labor Discussion
• Maine Florists and Flower Growers

Beef Demonstration & Education Sessions at MATS

On Wednesday (Jan. 11) of the Maine Agriculture Trades Show the Maine Beef Producers Association (MBPA) is sponsoring two free events - a cooking with beef demonstration at 10 am at center stage area. And later in the afternoon at 2 pm a Beef Education session will include the following speakers.

• UMaine Extension ME State Climatologist Sean Birkel,
• MDACF State Soil Scientist Matt Boucher
• Dan Kaplan/Percy Lorette of Heartstone Farm

The MBPA Annual Meeting will begin at 3:30 pm

Grass-Fed Dairy Production Course

With increasing organic grain prices, many dairy farms are looking to reduce or even eliminate feeding

grain. Grass-Fed dairy is of growing interest and this ONLINE COURSE will walk you through unique

aspects of this production system and as well as practical considerations before starting a transition.

The online program will include weekly presentation/discussion and online resources.

Integrating Grazing into Cropping Systems: Grazing Cover Crops for Soil Health

Cover crops have been promoted to help improve soil health and reduce soil erosion and nutrient losses from cropland. They cover the land that would otherwise be sitting idle, again mimicking nature. Those cover crops can also be eaten by grazing animals, improving the financial bottom line of the farm.

If done right, grazing cover crops can also help improve soil while maintaining the environmental benefits of the cover crops. If done wrong, however, grazing cover crops can become an environmental liability that can degrade soil. The key is proper cover crop and grazing management.

In this fact sheet from Penn State they discuss management strategies to optimize the soil health benefits of grazing cover crops, while avoiding soil erosion, detrimental soil compaction, and nutrient runoff.

Click here for more information.