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News and events for Maine Beef Producers from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Maine Beef Producers Association and other agricultural organizations in Maine.
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The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Meat Cutting School has been canceled for this spring. Stay tuned for next year's school.
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 MBPA Pen Sale at NELE
The MBPA is offering the opportunity to display, market, and purchase quality breeding stock in a private treaty type format at this year's Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) May 18-20. In addition to the annual feeder auction, this event, which is open to young bulls, heifers and cow/calf combos, will provide another sale option at NELE.
Display pens, located in a barn separate from the feeder sale barn, will be provided including bedding (sawdust) and water. Seller will be responsible for all care of the animals including providing feed/hay. All animals should be preconditioned as per the MBPA protocols. Compliance with interstate health requirements is the responsibility of the seller. Pens will be availa
ble late afternoon on Thursday May 17th. Pricing and all negotiations with buyers is the sole responsibility of the seller. The MBPA reserves the right to screen cattle in advance, to assure high quality.
Cost to the seller is $50 per head (cow/calf count as one) and 2018 MBPA membership is required. Commitment to participate with payment in full must be received by April 15th by sending a check to the MBPA c/o Sally Caverly, 1457 River Rd, Clinton, ME 04927 and by emailing pictures and any pertinent information and contact information to: Russ Florenz at r.jflorenz@gmail.com.
The MBPA will promote the pen sale as it promotes the feeder calf sale. In addition the MBPA will feature pen sale animals on its Facebook page. Check the current offerings on the MBPA Facebook Page.
Sold animals may be loaded for transport at any time that is not in conflict with other activities at NELE. Sellers will have the option of offering their animals for sale by auction after the feeder calf auction on Saturday May 19th at no additional charge. Notice of participation in the auction must be given no less than one hour prior to the start of the feeder cattle sale.
For more information contact:
Pete Dusoe pbdusoe@roadrunner.com 207-416-5441
Kevin Woltemath kwoltemath@pfnmeats.com 207-721-0263
Russ Florenz r.jflorenz@gmail.com 207-743-9019
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MBPA Spring Feeder Cattle Sale
***Attention consignors: as in recent years, a $25/hd. consignment fee will be assessed, but this year that will be the applicable fee only if payment of $25/hd. is made by April 20th. You must mail a check payable to MBPA to:
Sally Caverly, MBPA Treasurer
1457 River Road
Clinton, ME 04927
Please include number of head consigned X $25 on the memo line.
This fee is non-refundable.
After April 20th, consignments will still be accepted up to the event, but a
$50/hd. sale cost will be deducted prior to settlement.
For more information, contact: Peter Dusoe, Cell: 207-416-5441 or Home: 207-473-5441 or email: pbdusoe@roadrunner.com.
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Wait! Wait! Is Your Pasture Ready to Graze?
The leaf stage of grass can help a livestock producer decide when the plant has enough leaf area to best tolerate grazing.
What is "leaf stage"? A simple definition is the number of leaves on a plant's tiller or stem. If you pluck a stem at ground level, you can physically count the leaves. Count mature leaves, or leaves that are collared- the leaf blade goes all the way around the stem, like a collar on a shirt.
Look at this image
As you can see, this grass is in the two-leaf stage, almost to the three-leaf stage. (The middle leaf is immature and has not formed a collar quite yet.
Here is a picture of a 3 leaf stage:
https://go.unl.edu/kzqh
Cool-season grasses can be grazed in the spring, but need to develop 3 leaves before you graze. After the third-leaf stage, the plant has captured enough energy reserves to regrow after the plant has been defoliated. The plant's stores are not quite built up at the two-leaf stage. Grazing at the two-leaf stage could weaken the plant.
Remember, cool-season grasses like warm days and cool nights. Cool-season grasses start growing in the fall and another surge of growth occurs in the spring. Examples of cool-season grasses are Kentucky Blue Grass, Timothy, Orchard Grass, Quack Grass, Tall Fescue, and Smooth Brome. With the unusual temperatures this spring, producers may need to delay turnout until their cool-season grasses reach the third-leaf stage.
Source:Johnston, B., Wait! Wait! Is Your Pasture Ready to Graze?, UNL BeefWatch, May 2018
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Beef Export Value on the Rise
The March beef export value was $693.1 million, up 18 percent year-over-year and topping the previous high set in October 2014. Export volume was 111,994 metric tons (mt), up 6 percent from a year ago. For the first quarter of 2018, exports were 9 percent ahead of last year's pace in volume (318,073 mt) and jumped 19 percent in value ($1.92 billion).
- U.S. beef enjoys a tariff rate advantage in South Korea under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. This has helped push U.S. beef's presence in Korea to new heights as U.S. beef drives Korea's overall consumption growth and especially its soaring appetite for steaks.
- Exports to Mexico were steady with last year in volume at 57,039 mt and climbed 10 percent in value to $250.3 million. Mexico is the leading volume destination for U.S. beef variety meat, including tripe, hearts, kidneys and livers.
- In Taiwan, exports increased 34 percent year-over-year in volume (13,067 mt) and 48 percent in value ($126.7 million). This included a 61 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 5,860 mt, valued at $74.4 million (up 72 percent). The United States holds 74 percent of Taiwan's chilled beef market, the highest of any Asian destination.
- Exports to China/Hong Kong climbed 34 percent in volume (35,060 mt) and 61 percent in value ($269.1 million). Weekly data show that shipments to China cooled in April following China's proposed tariff increase on a number of U.S. products, including beef. Although these tariffs have not been implemented, the threat of a possible increase has added uncertainty to the Chinese market, which reopened to U.S. beef in June 2017.
- Fueled by rapid growth in Indonesia, beef exports to the ASEAN region reached 11,157 mt (up 55 percent year-over-year) valued at $61 million (up 46 percent). Exports also increased to the Philippines and Vietnam.
- Strong performances in Chile and Colombia pushed beef exports to South America 42 percent higher in volume (7,006 mt) and 46 percent higher in value ($34.3 million). Exports to Peru trended lower in volume but still increased in value.
- Beef muscle cuts continue to make inroads in Africa, where first-quarter exports were up 27 percent in volume (4,340 mt) and 88 percent in value ($6.7 million). While last year's exports to Africa were almost entirely beef variety meat, muscle cuts now account for nearly 30 percent of export volume and 60 percent of export value.
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New Tick in Our Region: Livestock Farmers Beware
The USDA ARS has sent out notification of a potential problem brewing in the NorthEast: an exotic tick that was found on sheep in a New Jersey field in late 2017. Please look over the information (includes photos to help you ID the tick) to help raise awareness about this new parasite so we can help reduce the possibility of spread. Please also note that if you find ticks and wonder what species they are, you can send them to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension lab (Click to reach webpage for submitting ticks:
UM tick ID lab). Click to reach information about the exotic tick:
Longhorned tick info 2018
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Farmer' Share of Food Dollar
While direct to consumer sales (CSA, Farmers' Markets & Farm Stands) are increasing the majority of agriculture products in Maine and the U.S. are sold through commodity channels where the price to farmers has been dropping.
For every dollar consumers spend on food, the farmer receives just 14.8 cents, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The figure represents a 5 percent decrease from the previous year's data and the lowest "farm share" since USDA began reporting the figures in 1993.
Off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.
To demonstrate the decline in net farm income over the past five years, National Farmers Union (NFU) produced an
infographic comparing NFU Farmer's Share figures in April 2014 to those in April 2018. The comparisons show the Farmer's Share declining by up to 50 percent for five popular food items, including:
~ Beef producers earning just $0.22 on the retail food dollar in April 2018 compared to $0.44 on the dollar in April 2014.
~ Wheat farmers' share dropping by 25 percent from 2014 to 2018.
~ Dairy farmers receiving just $0.30 on the retail food dollar in April 2018 compared to $0.51 in April 2014.
Source:
Farmers' Share of Retail Food Dollar Hits a New Low, 2018, National Farmers Union newsrelease.
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Items of Interest
- Impacts of soil carbon sequestration on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in Midwestern USA beef finishing systems research suggests that adaptive multi-paddock grazing can contribute to climate change mitigation through soil organic carbon sequestration and challenges existing conclusions that only feedlot-intensification reduces the overall beef greenhouse gas footprint through greater productivity. Stanley, P, et.al. Agricultural Systems, Vol. 162, May 2018, pages 249-258.
- Dry Weather Affecting Grass Yields . . . Again? Crop Insurance Could Help.
- Testing Forage Quality - YouTube video from UMaine Extension discusses the nutritional importance of forage quality and recommended sampling techniques.
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- Jobs at UMaine Extension
- Farm Labor Link Network: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is charged with maintaining an agricultural jobs network linking farms and facilities processing agricultural products grown in the State with available workers who wish to work on a farm or in a local food industry. Whether you are an employer or someone interested in pursuing the rewarding work of farm and food productions, this can be a first step towards meetings your informational needs.
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Featured Resources
Web Site:
Apps:
myFence was commissioned by
Extension Agents and designed for anyone that is interested in building their own fence including homeowners, farmers, ranchers and small businesses. The user provides simple input such as the total length of fencing needed, the number of gates and post spacing and the calculator returns estimates on materials needed and costs. The user can then refine the results by supplying actual material costs. Only available through iTunes for iPhone or iPad.
Video:
Controlling Horn Flies on Cattle - University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Entomology Extension Educator,
David
Boxler, reviews different insecticide options available for use with pastured cattle.
Visit the UMaine Extension Cooperative Extension online
Publications Catalog
for agriculture information, such as:
For many growers, farmers and farm workers in Maine, the task of efficiently connecting to a farm implement or trailer, from the tractor or truck seat, can be frustrating. The difficulty of attaching may be due to poor visibility, bad weather conditions, equipment design, worker strength limitations, or lack of skill.. 4 pages. © 2018 by University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Download it for free or buy a color copy. $0.50.
Space Planning for Small, Multi-purpose Livestock Barns #1021 Are you planning a new barn for your small livestock? The design of barns and other livestock facilities on small-scale farms in Maine depends on the number and types of livestock raised, grain- and feed-storage needs, and production methods used. This publication discusses state of Maine requirements, space recommendations, and more. 6 pages. © 2013 by University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Download it for free or add it to your cart to buy a color copy.
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Upcoming Events
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May 16, 2018 Organic Farming Principles & Practices: Livestock 101 - Basic Handling, Misty Brook Farm, Albion, Maine. Fee: $100; $75 for MOFGA members. When considering value-added endeavors, medium to large livestock are often a valuable addition to an operation. Knowing proper handling and first aid techniques can save lots of money and grief. For more information
MOFGA.ORG
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May 18 to 20, 2018
MBPA Pen Sale at NELE Windsor Fair Grounds, FMI Russ Florenz at r.jflorenz@gmail.com
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May 18 - 19, 2018 4-H@UMaine, Youth spend the weekend on a college campus, Orono. 207.581.3877. 4HatUMaine@maine.edu
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June 2, 2018 GPS Cows Science Fair, Penobscot Extension Office, Bangor.
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Maine Beef Producers Association
Join the Maine Beef Producers Association
The Maine Beef Producers Association is accepting dues for the 2018 year. Annual dues are $35. For an extra $25 you can get a year subscription to County Folks. For more information on this organization and for membership application go to
http://www.mainebeefproducersassociation.com/forms.html
The Maine Beef Producers Association just started a new Facebook page. Like and follow to get the fastest information from Maine Beef Producers Association.
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Newsletter Subscription Information
The Maine Beef Newsletter (MBN) is now received by over 660 readers, has been offered as an educational resource by University of Maine Cooperative Extension since 2011. As of January 1, 2015, the MBN transitioned to electronic-only delivery. There will still be
four
ways to receive the MBN from UMaine Extension:
1) Maine Beef Newsletter remains available online for free! You can sign up to receive the newsletter through your email or view the archived issues anytime at http://bit.ly/PPfarming If you currently do not have an email, you can get one for free from several email hosts. If you do not have a computer, community libraries have computers for you to use to access information on the Internet and to view your email.
2) Those with no email can opt to pay an annual subscription to receive the newsletters monthly for $15/year. If you are interested in subscribing send a $15 check made out to UMaine Extension to Piscataquis County Cooperative Extension, 165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
3) A third option is to come into the Piscataquis or Penobscot County Extension Office and pick up a free printed copy of the newsletter.
4) Maine Beef Producers Association members who do not have an email on file will receive a printed copy of the newsletter as a benefit of their membership.
We appreciate our readers referring others to the newsletter, and sharing it with your family and friends.
Thank you for your continued support of the MBN, providing valuable agricultural information from Extension for beef producers and those interested in the beef industry in Maine since 2011.
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Mission
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is the major educational outreach program of the University of Maine with offices statewide. UMaine Extension provides Maine people with research-based educational programs to help them live fuller, more productive lives.
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Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product, or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.
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Quick Links
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Local Weather Anytime
Many farming activities are driven by the weather. Our local National Weather Service in Caribou has meteorologists on staff 24 hours a day. They are willing to talk with you about rain predictions for your town. Give them a call at 492-0180. Or check out their online detailed maps at
http://www.weather.gov/car/.
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Contributors
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
and
Colt Knight, Extension Livestock Specialist
Goal
The goal of the Maine Beef Newsletter is to provide timely information on the production and marketing of beef grown in Maine.
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The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, 207.581.1226.
Photos by Donna Coffin unless otherwise noted.
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Open Monday - Friday
8 am to 4:30 pm
307 Maine Ave.
Bangor, ME 04401
207.942.7396 or 800.287.1485 (in Maine)
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Open Mon, Thurs, Fri
8 am to 4:30 pm,
Open Appointment on Wed
, Closed Tuesday
165 East Main St.
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 207.564.3301 or 800.287.1491 (in Maine)
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Open Monday - Friday
8 am to 4:30 pm
992 Waterville Road
Waldo, ME 04915-3117
207.342.5971 or 800.287.1426 (in Maine)
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