The position announcement for the UMaine Dean of Cooperative Extension position has been posted. The Dean is the chief executive officer of Cooperative Extension (UMaine Extension.) UMaine Extension is the largest extension program in New England and is comprised of 240 full-time and temporary staff, which includes campus-based specialists/educators/professionals, and faculty and staff at 16 county-based offices, three residential 4-H Camp and Learning Centers, and two research farms of the Maine Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. As a trusted resource for over 100 years, UMaine Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant mission by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. For more information click here.

Farming can be stressful in the best of times. Financial worries, unpredictable weather, plant pests, livestock diseases, and isolation all contribute to farmers’ anxiety. Severe depression and suicidal thoughts can be common in our day and age. If you are concerned about yourself or about somebody else, help is available. Visit UMaine Extension's Helping Farmers Cope with Stress website.

UMaine Process and Product Review offers food testing services and specializes in working with small and start-up food businesses. They typically conduct reviews on shelf-stable, canned foods, fermented foods and water-activity controlled dessert sauces. They do not conduct process reviews on perishable (frozen or refrigerated foods) or meat and poultry products. Food samples that do not typically require a review in Maine are baked goods (without dairy-based fillings/frostings), candy/confections, plain, berry-based jams/jellies and dry mixes.

Kerr Center Cannon Horticulture Project just released a new publication: Farming with Walk-Behind Tractors The report serves as a backgrounder for people trying to decide whether two-wheel tractors are a fit for their own operations. It also works as a basic how-to manual, offering tips on the use of several implements: rototillers, crimper/rollers, hay rakes, and three types each of plows and mowers. The report is extensively illustrated, with diagrams showing plowing patterns and suggested approaches to hitching and unhitching different implements. Cost $5 for pdf and $13 for print version.

Ohio Street Farmers' Market in Bangor is looking for vendors. Contact Rolf Staples at ohiostreetfm@gmail.com or 632-4682.

Wild Blueberry Milk a new flavor introduced by Oakhurst Dairy will be using Maine wild blueberries in the new whole milk product.

Another revenue source for farms could be renting out camp sites on your property through Hipcamp.com. It's like AirBNB for tenting and RVing. Hipcamp links property owners with people who are looking for unique experiences on farms, ranches, nature preserves, vineyards and public campgrounds across the US.

Firewood Scout - Maine is part of this site developed by the USDA Forest Service Wood Education & Resource Center to help residents and visitors to buy and use firewood locally, in an effort to slow the spread of invasive forest pests. You too can get your firewood business listed.

Maine Grass Farmers Network has equipment (manure spreader and no-till drill) that members are able to use. 

Maine Hay Directory  - is available to help farmers with hay to sell and farmers looking for hay to buy. Be cautious of hay scams. 

Agrichemical and Fertilizer Suppliers in Maine  - compiled by David E. Yarborough, Extension Blueberry Specialist.  

Shared Use Farm Equipment - Maine Farmland Trust list.

Maine Sheep Shearers List (pdf) from the Maine Sheep Breeders Association .

Jobs at UMaine Extension:   

Webinar:

Farm Marketing From the Heart: 3 Steps That Will Make Your Farm Profitable  Friday, June 1 at 10 AM PT | 1 PM ET. If you can’t watch live, sign up and receive the replay.

Poultry Behavior and how to ‘read’ a flock June 5 at 3 pm. A discussion will be held on how poultry behave the way they do. From very young to older birds, there are traits that can, at times, work against you. Tips on resolving some issues you can spot in a flock will be discussed. Dr. Gregory Martin, a poultry extension educator from the Pennsylvania State University will be presenting. eXtension.org

Weed Management: An Ecological Approach June 13 at 2 pm. This webinar will focus on integrated organic weed management tools and practices that give crops the edge over weeds, build soil health, and reduce the need for soil disturbance. eXtension.org

Facebook Promotions. June 27 at noon. Not everyone who likes your Facebook page sees your posts on their newsfeeds. Typically only 3-5% of your page fans see your content. That's right! Facebook changed the algorithms. Now, the only way to assure maximum visibility is to promote your page, post or events. The good news...for very little money, you can really pack a punch. We'll review strategic ways of promoting your content including some free techniques! eXtension.org & Mid-Atlantic Women in Agriculture.

Podcasts:

The Our Farms, Our Future podcast series brings together the sustainable agriculture community for thought-provoking conversations about the state of agriculture, how we got here, and where we're headed. Sponsored by SARE.

Video:

Robots in the Field - Online videos illustrate automation from seedling production through harvesting. Compiled by Rick Vanvranken, Rutgers University. Maine's Eliot Coleman is mentioned in the Quick Cut Greens Harvester video.

App:

MyFence provides a fast and easy method for sizing and pricing fencing for farms, homes and businesses. Simply enter a few measurements and get an estimate using default values or customize using your own. Only on Itunes

Publications:

Visit UMaine Extension online Publications Catalog for agricultural publications such as: