In the past two weeks Maine has rainfall statewide, but with the largest amounts across the Northern climate division. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows persistence of abnormal dryness to the northwest and along much of the coast. Northern Maine has received abundant rainfall in the past month, and reports are that conditions are good. An area of moderate drought has developed in the Penobscot Bay region. Impacts to agriculture have so far been limited, and include some reports of irrigation use along the coast. For summary maps and additional information visit the Northeast Drought Early Warning System Dashboard.

The current 10-day forecast from NOAA again shows potential for rainfall this weekend and towards the end of the week. Temperatures are forecast to be cooler than normal until mid week due to a pattern bringing airflow from interior Canada. Morning temperatures during this period are forecast to be in the 40s and low 50s north to south. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to range from the mid 50s to low 70s north to south and depending on cloud cover. Warmer temperatures into the 80s are forecast toward the end of the week. Local weather forecasts are available from weather.gov.

The NOAA/National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center 8–14 day outlook (issued June 16, valid June 24–30) suggests near normal temperature and near normal precipitation. The 1-month outlook for July (issued June 16) shows likely 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

New website from the Cooperative Extension focuses on Agricultural Wellness and Resilience! 

Featuring resources and tips around crisis support, a hub to share 'resilience resources' for the agricultural community, and upcoming events, training or workshops focused on supporting farmer well-being. The website also houses the information about the Maine Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (Maine FRSAN): a state-wide network supporting farmers, farmworkers and agricultural servicers - of land, forest and sea - with efforts to cultivate wellness and build resilience. Learn more about the Maine FRSAN project partners and take advantage of fully funded opportunities available now for farmers in Maine.

Learn what you can do today.

MOFGA’s common kitchen is seeking donations of organically raised food to support our Fair volunteers this fall and our other educational and planning events during the year. Would you consider planting a row of carrots, cabbage, onions, dry beans, or other veggies you're eager to grow? We are also accepting donations of other local and organic products like honey and maple syrup too. Questions or more info, reach out to common kitchen manager and Fair food liaison, Wendy Watson at wwatson@mofga.org and let us know you are donating and/or growing a row for donation. MOFGA and our volunteers thank you! 

A few updates from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Produce Safety Program, on inspections, On Farm Readiness Reviews, required records for Qualified Exempt farms, and a mass mailing survey.

14 farms will be inspected this year.

On-farm readiness reviews are available (limited number)

If you produced less than $29,245 on average in the last three years, you are exempt, but you still need to maintain a record.

Rooted Farmers, an online marketplace that connects local flower farmers and flower buyers, has partnered with the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire to research improving the sustainability and profitability of farming as a career path for growers in the United States.

They want to understand more about your farm and operation, with the goal of improving outcomes for small farms across the US through a short survey. This survey is meant for diversified farms that grow produce (fruits and vegetables) and non-flower crops. 

Complete the survey to be entered into a raffle for a $20 Duluth Trading Co. gift card! 15 winners will be determined by a random drawing.

Join AgriSafe for Protecting the Safety of Women in Ag Week (June 27-July 1)! Each day during this week AgriSafe will host a different safety and health topic dedicated to protecting women’s safety while working in agriculture! See the list of training topics below, and click on the title of the webinar for more information.

The recent Strawberry IPM Newsletter had the pre-harvest checklist for PYO farms.

Whether you’ve got 200 cattle, or 5, or you’re still dreaming and planning - you’re invited to learn, network, and get fed at Heartstone farm.

They believe there is a real opportunity to grow the reputation and quality of Maine grass-fed beef. And they're happy to share their experience - so perhaps one day Maine grass-fed beef will be as sought-after as Maine lobsters and wild blueberries!

When: Saturday, June 25 10 am - 2 pm

Where: Heartstone Farm, Charleston, Maine

Cost: FREE Heartstone Farm burgers for lunch- but please register for a headcount

Speakers:

BONUS: Colt Knight from Cooperative Extension will offer a 1-hour Beef Quality Assurance Training