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Maine Weather and Climate Update
Following a late season frost/freeze statewide Thursday morning, May 18, temperatures are forecast to be near or cooler than normal (highs generally 50s to around 70°F) this weekend and the first part of the week. There is potential for morning frost Monday and Tuesday, likely only across northern and western Maine. By Wednesday temperatures are forecast into the mid and high 70s. This weekend will bring rain statewide, with 1–2 inches along the coast and lesser amounts inland. A dry weather pattern then sets in where the 10-day forecast shows only minor rainfall towards next weekend. This follows recent precipitation deficits that have caused streamflow and groundwater declines, and abnormal dryness now being registered across northern and eastern parts of the state by the U.S. Drought Monitor. In addition to possible agricultural impacts, late spring dryness and low humidity also raise wild land fire risk. Precipitation and drought information is available from the Northeast Drought Early Warning System Dashboard. As always, be sure to check weather.gov for the latest weather forecast for your area.
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The NWS Climate Prediction Center 6–10 day outlook probability maps for May 23–27 show above normal temperature and below normal precipitation. The 1-month outlook for June (issued May 18) is likely above normal temperature and equal chance of above or below normal precipitation. Looking further out, the summer seasonal outlook for June–August (issued May 18) is likely above normal temperature and equal chance of above or below normal precipitation. | | |
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Climate Corner- Tools for Predicting Pest and Disease Activity Based on Weather Data
The development of most crop insect pests and diseases are directly related to weather patterns. Pest emergence, development stage to damage crops, and stage at which they are susceptible to control strategies are able to be forecasted by tracking weather data. Many pests are not able to overwinter in Maine, but instead have to travel up from Southern states on weather systems. Using this data can be a big help to prepare for pest control activities, and to be more efficient with those activities, saving your time and money.
The NEWA Integrated Pest Management Tools for Crop Production is a clearing house for easy to use pest prediction models for many different crops. Check out the tools here, and consider plugging these tools into your pest management strategies.
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Safety Series- Tailgate Safety Training for Season Long Safety Mindsets
As a farm supervisor or manager, a top priority should be for the safety of your crew and family. Safety overviews during employee onboarding are a great start, but the focus on safety can easily fade through the season.
Rounding up the crew weekly or daily for quick safety meetings is a great way to keep safety top of mind. The Ohio State University has developed an extensive list of training materials called Tailgate Safety Training for Farm Managers. These materials explain key points to hit on and strategies for discussing a wide variety of safety topics in a short meeting format. There are 85 topics to choose from, so there are many relevant topics to choose from for any farm. Find the materials here.
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Emergency Relief Program Funding Reminder
As many of you are likely aware the USDA has just released additional funding for their Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 2. This program offers payments up to $2,000 initially, but the deadline for applications is June 2nd! Right around the corner! We are trying to get the word out so folks can apply to receive this funding if they are eligible.
RAFI (the Rural Advancement Foundation International) has written a comprehensive blog outlining the program, eligibility, application requirements, payments etc.
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Confident Conversations: Useful Tools to Address Farmer Stress and Difficult Topics
A Webinar Series for Farmers, Waterman, Farm Workers and Service Providers. The focus of this training series is to strengthen skills and confidence in your ability to use proven communication tools to reduce all types of risks and build resilience in your community members and their enterprises.
Participants will:
- Increase knowledge and skills for effective communication techniques that facilitate positive and productive conversations. This will include appreciative inquiry; improv techniques and the impact humor can have on mental wellbeing;
- Increase knowledge about mental health, stress and stigma, and the impact these have on producers and their families;
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Increase knowledge of mental health resources and the Confident Conversations programmatic resources;
- Increase capacity to address mental health and build resilience in operations and the family within their communities.
June 7, 1-2pm: Confident Conversations – Using Improve and Humor to Address Mental Wellbeing and Increase Confidence.
June 14, 1-2pm: Conversations in the Cornfield
June 21, 1-2pm: Super Farmer of Hope
June 28, 1-2pm: WFRSAN Emotional Weather Report
Register Here.
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Farm tours en Español
Venga con otros agricultores y trabajadores agrícolas de habla hispana para una serie de recorridos por granjas sobre diferentes temas de agricultura sostenible. Estos eventos serán totalmente en español. Una comida pot-luck vendrá después del recorrido. No es necesario registrarse.
Join other Spanish speaking farmers and farm workers for a farm tour series on different sustainable agriculture topics. Please note these events will be fully in Spanish. An informal potluck will follow each workshop. No registration needed.
Stonecipher Farm
1186 River Rd, Bowdoinham
Mayo 24 5-7pm
Mario Velázquez Morales, ha trabajado en Stonecipher Farm durante 8 años. En 2020, Stonecipher Farm inició una larga conversión a "compost profundo" "sin labranza". Mario va a discutir las diferencias entre la misma finca practicando labranza versus la finca manejada sin labranza; especialmente, las malas hierbas, el agua y la diferencia en la carga y el estilo de trabajo. Mario explicará el largo arco de prueba y error, y los beneficios para la granja y las personas que trabajan aquí.
Mario Velázquez Morales, has worked at Stonecipher Farm for 8 years. In 2020, Stonecipher Farm began a lengthy conversion to "no-till deep compost". Mario will discuss the differences between the same farm practicing tillage versus the farm managed without tillage, focusing on weeds, water, and work styles. Mario will explain the long trial and error experience, and the benefits to the farm and the people who work here.
Plantas Nativas para la Granja con Bas Rouge Farm & Forge
Junio 21 5-7pm
Girard Farm
Julio 19 5-7pm
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Hannah Carter and Donna Coffin | |
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Parting Message from Donna Coffin
After 43 years with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension I am retiring June 1, 2023. I have enjoyed assisting and working with the thousands of farmers, gardeners, 4-Hers, volunteers, community members, ag service providers, stakeholders, and community members throughout my career.
It only seems like yesterday that I moved back to Maine after being selected to serve Piscataquis County UMaine Extension faculty member.
I have enjoyed my many years of service to UMaine Extension and the people of Maine.
Though the years my position has expanded to include statewide support of programs. Also, I lived through the transition to the digital age with the coming of computers, email, e-newsletters, smart phones, texting, YouTube, and Zoom, to name a few. I have tried to embrace each new challenge and find a way to make it fit into programs for Maine people. There have been many challenges through the years, but in the end, it has been very rewarding. I do appreciate the trust and support I have received during my tenure.
Thanks for all your help and support. I wish you all the best in the future.
This newsletter will be edited by a team of very capable Extension staff. If you have any information that you would like to see incorporated into the newsletter, you can send an email to extension.mainefarmnews@maine.edu
Yours truly, Donna Coffin, UMaine Extension
Photo credit: Roger Merchant
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On behalf of the Maine Farm News team, we want to thank Donna Coffin for all her incredible work, including starting this newsletter! You will be greatly missed. Have a wonderful and well deserved retirement! | |
Meetings - Webinars - Upcoming Events | |
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Sessions preceded by ** are eligible for Pesticide Re-certification Credits.
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May 23: Produce Harvest and Safe Storage for New Farmers, Penobscot
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May 25: Maine Food Convergence, Winthrop
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May 31: Safe Labor Movement, Arundle
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June 1: Wild Blueberry Land Improvement Meeting, Orland
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**June 5: Fine Leaf Sheep Fescue Management and Rakes!!, Jonesport
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June 6: Twilight Meeting at Stevenson's Strawberries, Wayne
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June 7: Safe Labor Movement, Unity
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June 20: Small Scale Veg Production, Soil Health & Reduced Till, Farmington
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June 21: No-Till Farming for New Farmers, Bowdoinham
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June 21: Plantas Nativas para la Granja con Bas Rouge Farm & Forage, Unity
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**June 27: Christmas Tree IPM, Farmington
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June 28: Diversified Farmer Social, Monroe
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July 11: FSA/NRCS Programs, Forage Production & Weed Management, Farmington
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July 18: Small Farm Tools for Veg Production, Farmington
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July 20: Safe Labor Movement, Farmington
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**July 21: Northeast Mechanical Weed Control Field Day, Thorndike
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July 23: Open Farm Day, MDACF
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August 15: Farm Diversification & Agritourism, Starks
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USDA Ag Marketing Service
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Edited by:
Donna Coffin, Extension Professor, donna.coffin@maine.edu
Jason Lilley, Extension Professional, jason.lilley@maine.edu
Rebecca Long, Extension Professional, rebecca.j.long@maine.edu
Brett Johnson, Extension Professional,
brett.w.johnson@maine.edu
Nick Rowley, Extension Professional,
nicholas.rowley@maine.edu
Chris Howard, Maine New Farmers Project, christina.howard@maine.edu
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Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.
Photos by Edwin Remsberg and others.
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Penobscot County
307 Maine Ave Bangor, ME 04401 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Piscataquis County
207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491
Donna Coffin - Voicemail 207-262-7726
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Cumberland County
(207) 781-6099 or 1-800-287-1471
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Oxford County
207.743.6329 or 1.800.287.1482
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Somerset County
207.474.9622 or 1.800.287.1495
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Androscoggin / Sagadahoc Counties
207.353.5550 or 1.800.287.1458
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In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System). 11/22 | | | | |
