Your Monthly News & Updates
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What's New?
- UMaine Extension receives grant to recycle agricultural greenhouse plastic
- Wild Blueberry Conference Feb. 22
- Growing Hemp in Maine March 6th
- Why Study Sustainable Agriculture at UMaine?
- Resources for Managing Farm Stress
- So You Want to Farm in Maine?
- Refreshed Maine Agricultural Marketing Logo
- Sprayer / Spreader Calibration Assistance and Resources
- Crop Insurance
- 2020 Master Gardener Volunteer Training
- Items of Interest - Featured Resources - Upcoming Events
- Newsletter Subscription Information
- Mission and Quick Links - Local Weather Anytime - Need Pesticide Credits?
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UMaine Extension receives grant to recycle agricultural greenhouse plastic
University of Maine Cooperative Extension has been awarded $38,764 by a one-year State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection Waste Diversion Grant to develop a statewide pilot program to recycle agricultural greenhouse plastic.
The grant proposes that a voluntary recycling program can achieve a high percentage of grower participation, and affordably divert and recycle a significant percentage of waste greenhouse plastic.
The target material for recycling, low-density polyethylene (LDPE #4), is a clear film used to cover greenhouses, high tunnels, hoop houses and other agricultural structures. It is estimated that Maine annually disposes of 30.1 tons of this waste greenhouse plastic, primarily destined for landfills, with expectations for an increase in volume due to Maine’s interest in season extension technologies, USDA NRCS funding for new high tunnel construction, and the production of hemp and cannabis.
The program’s goal is to collect at least one-third of Maine’s annual waste greenhouse plastic, and partner with an end-user who can convert the collected plastic into resin feedstock used in the manufacture of new plastic products.
Collection of the waste plastic will run from May through September 2020.
Participation will be free of charge
and open to all growers who register for the project.
Photo: Remsberg
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Wild Blueberry Conference
February 22, 2020 (Snow date Feb 29)
Location: Hollywood Casino Hotel, Lancaster Room, Bangor
Registration
is required. $0.00-$50.00 (Contribute what you can)!
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
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Wild Blueberry Conference Agenda:
- Research and Extension Update, Lily Calderwood
- Insect Pest Management, Phillip Fanning
- Wild Blueberry Disease Research Update, Seanna Annis
- Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine Updates, David Yarborough
- Grower Panel: On-Farm Efficiency
- Fresh-pack Handling, Lily Calderwood and Brogan Tooley
- Cooking with Wild Blueberries; Chef Demo, Rob Dumas
- Wine Production, Bluet Winery
- Sod Production, Shannon Lions
- Speaker Panel: Marketing + Questions
- Tips for Aging Farmers & Their Families, Dick Brzozwski
- Warming Impacts on Wild Blueberry Plants, YongJiang Zhang
- Bee Better Certified, Eric Venturini
- Speaker Panel
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Interest in hemp production has increased significantly with the passage of the 2018 farm bill. Hemp can be grown to produce grain, fiber, and medicinal products. “Growing Hemp in Maine” will be offered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm at Jeff’s Catering, Littlefield Drive, Brewer.
There are specific rules and licensing requirements that affect the production of this crop in the State of Maine. At this conference, we will be discussing newly changed licensing requirements / regulations, production, pest management, harvest, drying and processing of hemp. As well as potential markets and economics of the crop. Come learn the latest on regional research and network with others either currently growing or planning to grow this crop.
Regional and state of Maine experts will be presenting at this program including Dr. Alicyn Smart, UMaine Extension, Plant Pathologist; Dr. John Jemison, UMaine Extension Soil and Water Quality Specialist, Dr. Matt Wallhead, UMaine Extension Horticultural Specialist Dr. Jonathan Malacarne, UMaine School of Economics, Agriculture Economist.
Also, Dr. Heather Darby, UVM Extension Agronomy Specialist who conducts research in hemp cultivars and growing techniques in the northeast; Dr. Scot Waring, Director of eLucidation LLC, a Vermont-based business providing scientific and professional services to the hemp industry; Gary Fish, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, State Horticulturist heading the Hemp Licensing in the state of Maine; and others will be speaking.
Early registration is $50 per person until February 7
th
, 2020 after this date, registration will be $75 per person. Refreshments and lunch is included. To get more information and to register online go to:
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WHY STUDY SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AT UMAINE?
Farmers and consumers around the world seek approaches to food and fiber production that are more closely aligned with the principles of natural ecosystems. This movement has been spurred by widespread erosion, contamination of ground and surface water, decreasing soil fertility, and emerging information about the effects of agricultural chemicals on our bodies and in our landscapes.
UMaine’s program at Orono is also the oldest sustainable agriculture program in the country, and it has been highlighted in the Chronicle of Higher Education.
The sustainable agriculture program at the University of Maine offers a Bachelor of Science and advanced degrees that provide students with the scientific background and hands-on experience to promote farming practices that are both ecologically and economically sound.
HOW DO I APPLY? Visit
go.umaine.edu for an application, as well as information about academics and life at UMaine.
Photo: Remsberg
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There are several programs available to help farmers dealing with high levels of stress and mental health issues. Here is a list of mental health and stress management resources compiled by the Maine AgrAbility program.
The
Maine Agricultural Meditation Program
is available to help farmers work through tough issues like communication and planning with farm family members, neighbor disputes, or credit counseling. Find more info about the program here
211 Maine is a phone call center for Mainers in Crisis. If you or someone you love is in need, call 211 on your phone to speak to a crisis specialist, or go to this online searchable site for local resources. This resource is available 24/7.
Another farm specific source of one-on-one assistance is the Farm Aid Farmer Services team. Their Online Request for Assistance form is here, or, you can call the farmer hotline at 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). Farmer Services staff answer the hotline Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
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So You Want to Farm in Maine
A course to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to start, adapt and maintain a profitable land-based business.
When: Tuesday evenings - March 3 to March 31 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: UMaine Extension Office
Androscoggin & Sagadahoc Counties, 24 Main St., Lisbon Falls, ME 04252
and Live-streamed statewide!
Textbook: "Starting and Running Your Own Small Farm Business" by Sara Aubrey
Cost: $50 per person includes textbook.
It is designed for people who want to start a profitable farm or expand their farm hobby to a profitable business.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Melissa Freeman 207.353.5550 or Melissa.Freeman@maine.edu
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The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced a refresh of its core agricultural marketing program logo that aligns with the Department's updated strategic vision for the branding program.
The new Real Maine logo broadly represents all aspects of Maine agriculture. Real Maine will help promote Maine-grown and produced products and the farmers and value-added processors who grow and make them.
DACF's Real Maine logo will be recognizable in farmers markets and grocery stores, at agricultural events and trade shows, throughout Maine, New England, and nationally. In addition, an updated Real Maine website will be introduced during spring 2020, along with a comprehensive promotional strategy.
WHATS NEW
Inspired by passport stamps, which travelers accumulate on adventures, the Real Maine logo is a symbol representative of how people can explore, experience and connect through the range of agricultural products that are produced in Maine.
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Sprayer/ Spreader Calibration Assistance and Resources
When is the last time you calibrated your boom sprayer? How about a manure spreader or backpack sprayer? Pesticide spray equipment that is not calibrated runs the risk of streaky, or under application, greatly reducing the efficacy of the product and risking build up of pest resistance. You may also be over applying resulting in wasted money and breaking the law (allowable amount of product per application and year - found on the label).
To help growers improve their pest and fertility management programs, UMaine Extension is offering to send a trained professional to your farm to help calibrate your equipment. Participants must 1) be a commercial farmer, 2) be willing to clean and prepare the equipment prior to the visit, and 3) the equipment operator must participate in the calibration.
For more information about the program and to sign up, contact Caragh Fitzgerald (
cfitzgerald@maine.edu
– 207-622-7546).
If you prefer to calibrate your own equipment, there a several resources to help you do that
at this webpage.
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Crop Insurance
Hemp Coverage:
The Multi-Peril Crop Insurance coverage is for hemp grown for fiber, grain or CBD oil for the 2020 crop year. The deadline to enroll for 2020 coverage is March 15, 2020.
Insurable & Non-insurable Crops:
March 15, 2020 is also the deadline to
enroll
,
cancel
, or
change
policy coverage for crop insurance on spring-seeded crops in Maine such as corn, sweet corn, barley, oats, spring wheat, and potato.
Those producing other, “non-insurable” spring-seeded crops such as tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, etc. may seek coverage through the Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) available through the Farm Service Agency. March 15th is also the deadline to enroll in Whole Farm Revenue Protection, a crop insurance policy that protects a farm’s adjusted gross revenue.
A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the
RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at
rma.usda.gov.
Contact Erin Roche with the UMaine Crop Insurance Education Program (
erin.roche@maine.edu — 207.949.2490 ) with questions.
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- 2019 Organic Produce Performance Report (pdf) was just released and shows continued strong sales by value and volume although the rate of growth has slowed.
- Spirit Warriors is an Equine Assisted Activity for veterans based program that seeks to heal the wounded warrior through the Warrior Spirit of the horse. FMI contact Kim at 207 356 4554 or Judy at 207 564 3451
- The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) says Impossible Foods’ new product, Impossible Pork, violates labeling laws. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) define “meat” and “meat food products” and standards of identity.
- Time to renew membership in the Maine Sheep Breeders Association. You can go to their Facebook page for more information.
- Harvest Hosts: New agri-tourism opportunity that invites you to join the Harvest Hosts community, an enterprising group of winemakers, farmers, museums and attractions who invite Harvest Hosts RV Members to visit and park for 24 hours in their self-contained RV in exchange for supporting your business!
- Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) RFP. Deadline March 5th. VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income.
- Maine's Bicentennial is in 2020 and the Bicentennial Commission invites you to become involved in the celebration to honor Maine's 200th year of statehood.
- Northeast Irrigation Supply and Designers (new list)
- Maine Hay Directory - is available to help farmers with hay to sell and farmers looking for hay to buy. Be cautious of hay scams.
- Maine Farm Labor Link Network - MDACF to link potential employers with job seekers.
- Jobs at UMaine Extension: a number positions throughout the state.
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Videos:
The Art and Science of Cultivation
:
Join experienced organic farmer and consultant Gary McDonald in these nine short videos discussing equipment, techniques and adjustments for successful row crop cultivation. Filmed and edited by Anders Gurda for OGRAIN.
Podcasts:
Winter Blanketing Advice
:
Does putting a blanket or sheet in cold weather only flatten the hair and make your horse colder? Dr. Karen Waite offers her thoughts.
Webinar:
Mid-Atlantic Women in Wednesday Webinars -
Offered the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Topics cover all areas of risk management. To see the full listing and to register visit:
http://extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars
Listserv:
Farmer-to-Farmer Communication for
Maine Veg and Berry Growers.
Connect with over 200 other growers for production and business discussions, and buying/ selling equipment and products.
Publications:
Visit UMaine Extension online Publications Catalog for agricultural publications such as:
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- February 6, 2020 Farmers' Markets Contracts: An Attorney's Perspective, Noon to 1:30 pm Free Webinar. Registration required. Sponsored by Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets and Legal Food Hub.
- February 15, 2020 Spin-In sponsored by the Maine Spinners Registry, 10 am to 2 pm, The Commons at Central Hall in Dover-Foxcroft. Bring your spinning wheel, fiber project and lunch. There will be a number of fiber vendors.
- February 22, 2020 Heart of Maine Dairy Goat Association Winter Education Day, (Snow Date: Feb. 29th) 9 am to noon - Fudge Making Fundraiser and Club meeting. Noon to 2 pm Caterina Ruksznis, DVM Meningeal Worm Talk, $5 members, $10 non-members, lunch included. Sheep, llama and alpaca breeders and other interested folks welcome to attend. Contact Kassi to register: lovemoon@gmail.com or 399-8219 (call or text)
- February 22, 2020 UMaine Blueberry Conference, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm Hollywood Slots Casino Motel, Bangor, Register Online or call 207.581.3175 or 1.800.287.0274 (in Maine). If you would like to have a table at this event and/or contribute a donation contact Lily at lily.calderwood@maine.edu.
- February 23, 2020 Soft-Ripened and Washed Rind Cheese Workshop with Laini Fondilier 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Kennebec Cheesery, Sidney. Sponsor Maine Cheese Guild. Registration required. Limited spaces.
- February 28, 2020 Regulatory Considerations for Swine, 6 pm to 8 pm, Witter Center, UMaine, Orono. For more information contact Wendy Robertson at 207-943-7396 or wendy.robertson@maine.edu
- February 29, 2020 4th Annual Farmer & Grower Winter Potluck (pdf), at the MOFGA Exhibit Hall in Unity at 5 pm followed by Farm Dinner Theater: Health & Safety on the Farm (starring local farmers). FMI call 207-342-5971. Snow date March 7th.
- March 6, 2020 Growing Hemp in Maine, 8:30 am to 4:45 pm, Jeff's Catering, Brewer (plus two satellite sites). $50/$75 registration fee includes lunch. Registration required. Sponsored by UMaine Extension. FMI Phone:207.581.3878 or 1.800.287.0279 (in Maine) Email: theresa.eldridge@maine.edu
- March 12, 2020 Growing in a Greenhouse, 1 pm to 3 pm, Piscataquis County Extension Office, 165 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft. contact Anette Moulton at 207-564-3301 or anette.moulton@maine.edu to register.
- March 13, 2020 Maine Grain Conference, 9 am to 3:45 pm, Black Bear Inn, Orono
- March 19, 2020 Selling More Maine Foods Conference, USM Campus Portland. Sponsored by Maine Food Strategy.
- March 24, 2020 Backyard Poultry Care, 6 pm to 8:30 pm NOKOMIS High School. $5 register through NOKOMIS Adult Ed.
- March 25, 2020 Growing in a Greenhouse, 10 am to noon, Penobscot County Extension Office, 307 Maine Ave., Bangor. Contact Wendy Robertson at 207-942-7396 or wendy.robertson@maine.edu to register.
- March 28, 2020 Grazing Conference, KVCC Fairfield
- April 9, 2020 Maine Vegetable and Fruit School, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Bangor Motor Inn, $45/$55 Registration required.
- April 29th, 2020 Fiddleheads 101 with David Fuller, 2 pm to 3 pm, Ellsworth Library
- October 27 to 29, 2020 International Agri-tourism Conference, Burlington, VT.
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Newsletter Subscription Information
The Central Maine Farming Newsletter (CMFN), now received by over 900 readers, has been offered as an educational resource by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for over 15 years. On January 1, 2015 the CMFN transitioned to electronic-only delivery. There is still three ways to receive the CMFN from your local UMaine Extension:
- Central Maine Farming Newsletter remains available online for free! You can sign up to receive the newsletter through your email or view the archived issues anytime at at this website 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.
- Those with no email can opt to pay an annual subscription to receive the newsletters monthly for $15/year by contacting your County office.
- A third option is to come into the Piscataquis or Penobscot County Extension Offices and pick up a free printed copy of the newsletter.
We appreciate our readers referring others to the newsletter, and sharing it with their family and friends. Thank you for your continued support of the CMFN, providing valuable agricultural information from Extension for folks in the central Maine area since 2003.
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Mission
The 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.
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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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/.
Need Pesticide Credits
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Edited by
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
Goal
The goal of the Central Maine Farming Newsletter is to provide timely information on the production and marketing of crops and livestock grown in central Maine.
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: Donna Coffin unless indicated otherwise.
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Piscataquis County Office
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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
Piscataquis County Office -
website
Open Monday, Thursday, Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
Open By-chance on Wednesday, Closed Tuesday
165 East Main St Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491
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