Last week’s mild temperatures and a lot of sunshine was pleasant, but unfortunately

contributed to growing precipitation deficits. The U.S. Drought Monitor in turn

estimates that Maine is seeing 42% areal extent of abnormal dryness, and about

18% moderate drought. The impacted areas, mostly in the coastal and central

climate divisions, are seeing below-normal streamflows and groundwater levels,

and need for irrigation. For summary maps and additional information visit the

The most recent 10-day forecast cycles show some potential for an active weather

pattern that could bring rain statewide this weekend and early to midweek. On

Saturday, many areas across the state could see showers delivering 0.1–0.25 inches.

Temperatures are forecast to be cooler than normal for the next several days with.

Local weather forecasts are available from weather.gov.

The NOAA/National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center 8–14 day outlook

(issued July 30, valid July 8–14) shows below normal temperature and near normal

precipitation. The 1-month outlook for July (issued June 30) shows a lean 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. Have any

climate/weather questions related to agriculture? Send Sean an e-mail at

birkel@maine.edu

Datta's office is in Hitchner Hall on the Orono campus. His email is Sumon.Datta@maine.edu phone 581-3222.

Maine farmers seeking conservation planning and financial assistance should contact their local USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office soon for help treating natural resource concerns. Applications for all NRCS programs are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application “cut-off” dates for evaluation and ranking of eligible applications.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

For more details on any of the programs, please contact one of the 14 USDA Service Centers conveniently located throughout Maine.

Click here for Dr. Sumon Datta UMaine Extension Ag Engineer's things to consider with planning an irrigation system for 5-acres of small fruits or vegetables.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s annual wild blueberry field day is scheduled for 9 a.m.–3 p.m. July 14 at UMaine’s Blueberry Hill Farm, 1643 U.S. Route 1, Jonesboro.Blueberry Hill Farm Field Day will feature information sessions on pest and crop management, drought management, fresh pack technology and harvester demonstrations. UMaine Extension educators and UMaine researchers will lead the sessions. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The field day is free; registration is requested. Register on the event webpage. Two pesticide credits are available to eligible participants. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Mary Michaud, 207.581.3175; mary.j.michaud@maine.edu.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service awarded Maine a grant as part of the first round of Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Benefit Delivery Modernization Grants. This investment will help improve equitable access to locally grown fruits and vegetables for participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC.

The grant is being awarded to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WIC Nutrition Program. Funds will be used to purchase mobile-friendly software or web-based services that streamline benefit delivery for participants, farmers and WIC FMNP state agencies and can help increase the use of benefits at farmers' markets.

On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to an easy-to-remember, 3-digit number (988). This represents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.

In advance of the 988 transition in July, the Lifeline suicide & crisis network is looking to bring on new volunteers and paid employees to answer calls, chats, and texts from people in crisis. All employees and volunteers receive training, so if you are a caring person who wants to help those in crisis, apply today. 

Find YOUR opportunity: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/jobs

Read more about 988 at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

Due to another detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Maine in a small, non-commercial group of backyard birds on June 28, Maine Animal Health Officials with the DACF announced the continuation of their advisory recommending cancellation or postponement of competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events encouraging the gathering or comingling of domestic fowl or poultry.

When: Saturday July 9 from 10am -2 pm

Where: Casa Cattle Company 145 Nokomis Rd Corinna Maine 04928

Who: Anyone who wants to learn more about raising sheep with a focus on showing sheep as well. Topics covered will include how to pick lambs, feed and care for lambs, shearing lambs and showing lambs.

What to know: 4-Her’s are welcome to bring a lamb to work with or come to watch and learn. 4-Hers without lambs will be paired up with someone who has one. Lunch will be provided.

Cost: Free to 4-H members; $5 for non-4-H members

RSVP or Questions call 207-249-2191 or email casacattle@live.com