Due to limited space, priority will be given to 14- and 15- year olds. However, anyone 14 years old and older who is interested in learning to safely operate a farm tractor should apply. Apply and learn more online.

This is a reminder about the updated Worker Protection Standards (WPS). WPS training is required annually for all those that are "workers" around, or are "handlers" of pesticides, including organic producers. This WPS training must happen before entering a pesticide treated area, or on the first day of employment.

Anyone with a current pesticide applicator’s license can give the training. Find training videos and posters as well as links to the Quick Reference Guide here.

Training video: "Workers" must watch to min. 21:30, while "Handlers" must watch the full video. You must keep a written record of the training, that is dated and signed by the employee.

Read the full details of the EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standards here.

Agricultural organizations, educational institutions, commodity groups, municipalities, producers, and state agencies may download the 2021 SCBG application online. The application deadline is March 30.

USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements (REAP RES/EEI), with an application deadline of March 31, 2021. 

Find the full details and application for the program here.

This program has potential to provide small farms with an infusion of working capital, supporting flexibility, liquidity and resilience during a time of economic uncertainty. Contact your eligible Maine Based lender and apply before the March 31, 2021 application deadline.

Have you been wondering how your worker compensation compares to other farms in the state? UMaine Cooperative Extension has developed The Maine Farm Worker Compensation Survey to provide statewide information regarding common farm worker compensation practices. The survey is open to all Maine farms and will collect wage and benefits information by farm and worker type. All information is submitted anonymously and no identifying information will be recorded or shared in the final report. The data will be made publicly available as soon as it has been summarized. Please complete the survey by March 26, 2021.

Here is the direct link: https://umaine.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9SMIOOfb4NGvG5w

Ag Day in Maine is part of a broader effort to communicate the value and importance of agriculture in our communities. National Ag Week is celebrated across the U.S. each March. Learn more and find resources at: https://www.agday.org/webinars  https://www.agday.org/state-toolkit

Sign ups are live for the Food Solutions New England annual 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge starting on April 5th. In its seventh year, the Challenge is a great way to learn about the history and impacts of racism on our current food system while inspiring participants with resources and tools to build racial equity in their work and lives. It is made up of small daily email prompts delivered each morning from April 5 – 25.

Visit the FSNE Challenge website for more information or to sign up.

In addition to doing the challenge as a staff, MOFGA is hosting a farmer to farmer style meet up for the challenge. (Please note this space is for farmers only):

MOFGA is hosting a drop in space for farmers only to discuss the FSNE 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge, meeting 4 times over the course of the 21 days. If you would like to be a part:

Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and farm and family well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm teams.

First, I made a big list of things I’d like to get done this week (both big and small). I grouped them by what I needed the internet to do, versus no internet. Then, I prioritized each by how good it would feel to get it done. I separated big tasks and noted how much time to allocate. Read more here. . .

Need help in figuring out how to prioritize what’s important to you & how to get it done? The Farm Coaching team can help! 

Wolfe's Neck Center is working to create a course for “management-ready” farm employees.

Purpose of this survey: to collect data from farmers in the state of Maine about the demand, availability, cost and value of skilled labor and experienced personnel for a farm business. Take the survey here.

4 question survey on your interest in the strawberry research at UMaine. Several incentives for survey participants.

Contact for more information: Carol Delaney, carol.delaney@maine.gov