Your monthly news & updates
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News and events for the Maine Beef Producers from the 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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Michigan State University Extension has been conducting a national survey of food animal producers to learn more about the impact of the VFD rules on practices and protocols, on animal health and on antibiotic use. The survey can be accessed at
https://tinyurl.com/VFDSurvey
.
The survey will only be open until August 1 and they would like to hear from more producers. Please take the time to respond about the impact of the VFD rule changes. Michigan State University Extension is cooperating with Extension specialists and educators nationally, including Maine.
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What's New?
- GPS Cows
- Northeast Beef Directory
- Farming as a possible work experience for youth
- Fryeburg Fair Beef and Sheep Barns Burn
- New study finds beef in a Mediterranean style diet supports heart health
- Extension survey on ag leadership
- Items of Interest
- Featured Resources
- Upcoming Events
- Newsletter Subscription Information
- Mission and Quick Links
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GPS Cows 2018 Winners:
1
st Place – Ashton Caron
2
nd Place – Elizabeth Eaton
3
rd Place – Ashley Riggs
Honorable Mention
John Strout
Adam Eaton
Julia Benson
Anthony Benson
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GPS Cows - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education for rural students interested in animal agriculture
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By: Colt W. Knight, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Extension - State Livestock Specialist
University of Maine, Cooperative Extension
A key issue facing rural communities, in both Australia and the United States of America (USA), is the low level of digital literacy among some students. This is particularly the case for students involved in agricultural studies where it is commonly perceived that digital literacy is not relevant to their future occupation. However, this perception is far from the truth, as the reality of farming today means students who intend on entering the agricultural workforce and higher education must have excellent comprehension of technology.
The agricultural industry is changing with the ever-increasing use of technology across the board demanding a workforce with higher degree skills in STEM and digital literacy to improve the industry. The ‘GPS Cows’ project is a collaboration between researchers, industry professionals and educators in both Australia and the USA to engage students using emerging technology to excite them and showcase the higher education and career opportunities available in the agricultural sector.
The University of Maine and 4-H hosted the first GPS Cows Science Fair at the Cooperative Extension Office in Bangor, ME on July 14, 2018. Seven local students and one student from Arizona who joined remotely using video conferencing competed in a science fair designed to teach participants about the use of GPS technology, computer software, public speaking, and the scientific method.
I would like to thank the Dr. Amy Cosby of the Central Queensland University in Rockhampton, Australia for coming up with the idea of GPS Cows; our 4-H leaders and parents for helping the students through the entire process, our judges: Debra Kantor, Donna Coffin, and Barbara Baker; Purina for providing some prizes, the Grazing Behavior Lab for providing funding for the project; and of course our participants.
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Northeast Beef Directory - Only 10 Maine Farms Listed!
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The Beef Checkoff’s Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative works to promote beef and beef demand for all beef, regardless of production practice or labeling claims. We have seen a growing need to help consumers find local sources of beef, as demand for these resources has risen. Through the educational component of this directory, we will supply consumers with Checkoff resources and fact sheets to help them come to their own decisions on beef sourcing.
We would like to invite local beef companies/markets and direct-sell farms to submit their information to be featured on our
Northeast Beef Directory
Farm/Business address information, phone number, email address, and website links will be publicly displayed on our website for consumers to reach out to you directly. Should questions arrive at our office about your company, those questions will be directed back to you. Changes, updates, etc. may be submitted at any time to
cbrown@pabeef.org
and should allow for 10 business days to be reflected on the site.
Please know that we expect those choosing to be listed on this directory to be in good standing with the Beef Checkoff Program. Please visit this website to learn more about being in compliance with the
Beef Checkoff Program
.
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Farming as a Possible Work Experience for Youth
· As a farm owner/operator, would you like the opportunity to introduce interested young people to farming?
· Would you like to try out potential farm employees at
no risk or cost
?
If you answered YES to either of the above, we’d like you to consider completing this
Farming as a Career Exploration Survey
. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension through its AgrAbility Program is partnering with the Maine Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to provide career exploration and possible work experiences for individuals with disabilities. We believe these individuals are employable.
This collaborative project will introduce Maine youth to local agricultural career opportunities. These opportunities for hands-on activities in the agricultural community could include:
· Introductory and informational farm tours
· Farmworker mock interviews
· Farm job shadowing
· Farm work experience/summer work experience (part-time, full-time, or seasonal basis)
For more information about this opportunity, please complete the quick 5-question
Farming as a Career Survey
. Based on your location and interests, we will follow up with you and explore the opportunities!
If you have questions, feel free to call me. Thank you for considering this opportunity.
Lani Carlson, Maine AgrAbility Project Coordinator
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
207-944-1533
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Fryeburg Fair Beef and Sheep Barns Burned
NEWS FROM FRYEBURG FAIR – July 12, 2018 – The Maine State Fire Marshall’s Office ruled July 10 night’s fire a “catastrophic electrical failure.” Two barns were burned to the ground while a few surrounding buildings sustained damage. Three vehicles were lost in the fire as well as 50 new picnic tables, bleacher seating, and many building supplies.
It has been determined that tents will temporarily replace the two destroyed buildings for this year’s Fair. It was noted this will be “just like the old days.” All exhibitors and farmers are being contacted about their spaces and reassured that this year’s plan will be workable and temporary. A complete and thoughtful rebuilding of the barns will take place after the fair.
23 fire departments came to the rescue on Tuesday night and prevented even further damage. A list of those towns will be published as soon as the complete roster is available. The Fair’s immense gratitude goes to each and every one of these skilled and caring firefighters, many of whom are volunteers. Fryeburg Police & Fryeburg Rescue were exceptional as always. Poland Spring delivered three tankers of water during the fire which was put to immediate and critical use.
Friends throughout the country, including leadership from other fairs, the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs and the International Association of Fairs & Expositions have been in touch to offer their support. President of Fryeburg Fair, Roy Andrews, said, “We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support. Everyone is concerned because the Fair belongs to everyone.”
Fryeburg Fair 2018 will go on as usual beginning September 30 and running til October 7th.
The fair is insured and has rainy funds in place for such emergencies.
No donations are requested from the public.
Fryeburg Fair requests that fairgoers show their support by purchasing tickets and enjoying all the Fair has to offer this year. For more information, go to
Fryeburg Fair Website
Thank you.
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New Study Finds Beef in a Mediterranean Style Diet Supports Heart Health
Research released today by Purdue University found that following a Mediterranean-style eating pattern that includes lean red meats like lean beef is just as effective in supporting a healthy heart as a Mediterranean-style diet that limits red meats.
This new research study adds to the growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating lean beef can be part of healthy eating patterns to support heart health and increase flexibility for healthy eating.
Specific findings from the new research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, include:
- Following a Mediterranean-style eating pattern including 7 to 18 ounces of lean, fresh red meat per week was shown to improve cardiometabolic disease risk factor profiles. Fresh meats were defined in the study as requiring no further preservation or processing beyond refrigeration or freezing; they are not cured, salted or smoked or include chemical preservatives.
- Including 18 ounces of lean, fresh red meat per week as part of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern was found to be more effective in lowering LDL cholesterol than a similar eating pattern that only included 7 ounces of lean, fresh red meat. The average American consumes 18 ounces of red meat per week.
- Study participants following a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern including up to 18 ounces of lean, fresh red meat per week saw reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure.
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Extension Survey on Agricultural Leadership
A team from UMaine Extension is considering a revival of the Ag Leadership Training that was conducted throughout the 1990's for farmers and other industry personnel.
In a recent survey conducted at the Maine Ag Trades Show, only 58% of respondents felt that the leaders of their respective local and statewide associations had adequate leadership skills.
We would like to identify leadership needs for your local or statewide association that would help make them more effective. This will help us create future training opportunities to help increase the effectiveness and leadership capacity of ag associations and its members.
As an example of ag leadership, consider the following: There is a bill in the legislature affecting your commodity. Producers in that commodity area would like to get factual information to legislators about your industry and the impact of this bill on your industry. How do you organize your commodity producers to put together an informational packet that provides that factual information, how do you work with individual legislators to answer their questions about the impact of the bill and how do you organize your producer group to provide written and verbal testimony on the bill when it comes up for a public hearing. This is just one broad example of how leadership training can be helpful in getting your message across to policy makers.
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Farmer Engagement Survey
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Several organizations seek your input to create an Agriculture Policy Platform that will truly create farmer profitability and retention. This is an effort to help steer our programs accordingly and inform our next governor and legislature toward what farms need for agriculture to thrive.
Registration of hay wagons - any tractor and equipment that is used on the farm (from farm to field, or fuel or maintenance) is exempt from registration and inspection. But, if you are helping a neighbor, or working for hire on another property, or delivering hay that you are selling, the trailer needs to be registered and inspected and the tractor needs to be registered. In any of these cases, if you are on the road, you should have a slow moving vehicle sign on the tractor and the trailer.
Maine Statute Title 29-A Section 510.
New regulatory guidance on Agriculture Commodities (and livestock) and Personal Conveyance regarding Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) as they pertain to Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV). For detailed information go to
www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
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. Note: Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Maine.
AgFuse
is a free platform for farmers and agricultural professionals to connect, share information, and form valuable associations.
Maine Hay Directory
-
is available to help farmers with hay to sell and farmers looking for hay to buy. Be cautious of hay scams.
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Webinar:
Direct farm marketers are invited to participate in a free “lunch and learn” webinar series. “In a world where, ‘If you aren’t on the web, you aren’t,’ the webinars will help direct farm marketers learn about online marketing tools and strategies to improve the effectiveness of their marketing efforts,” says Megan Bruch Leffew, University of Tennessee. Webinars are held the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December) from June 2018 – June 2019 at noon-1 p.m. Eastern. The series will cover a variety of topics related to marketing through websites, social media and email. A listing of topics and speakers and archived sessions is available on the Center for Profitable Agriculture website:
ag.tennessee.edu/cpa/Pages/webinars.aspx
.
Video:
Watering System Design:
from University of Minnesota. Learn about the different methods for getting water to cattle in a rotational grazing system.
The Law in Action: Introduction
to Farm Commons video series about how farmers can be empowered to take action on legal situations that affect their operations. Strong, resilient farms are build on a solid legal foundation. Visit
farmcommons.org
for free resources.
Website:
Dig Safe®
is a not-for-profit clearinghouse that notifies participating utility companies of your plans to dig. In turn, these utilities (or their contract locating companies) respond to mark out the location of their underground facilities. Dig Safe is a free service, funded entirely by its member utility companies. (Note: Dig Safe does not mark utility lines.) It’s a risk to make faulty assumptions about when to notify Dig Safe. That’s why
state law
requires you to notify Dig Safe for even small projects, like installing a mailbox or planting shrubs. The depth of utility lines vary, and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area.
It’s important to know what’s below. Call 811 to avoid utility service disruption to an entire neighborhood, harm to you and those around you, as well as fines and repair costs.
Publications:
Visit UMaine Extension online Publications Catalog for agricultural publications such as:
- Watering Systems for Livestock #7129 A consistent supply of high-quality water is vital for livestock. This fact sheet includes information on quick-move systems, pasture pumps, ram pumps, sling pumps, and solar pumps. 5 pages. © 2002 ,2010, 2016 by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Download it for free or add it to your cart to buy a color copy.
- Beef Cattle Herd Health Vaccination Guide for Maine #1031 A herd health management plan is vital to profitable beef production. Do not wait until a disease outbreak occurs before implementing a sound herd health program. For cattle to reach their performance potential, they must be healthy. Vaccinations are an approved practice for organic producers. 5 pages. © 2014 by University of Maine Cooperative Extension.Download it for free or buy a color copy $0.75.
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- July 22, 2018 Open Farm Day at farms throughout Maine.
- July 25, 2018 Pasture Walk at Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment, Freeport. 5-7 pm. Come see what is happening at Wolfe's Neck and their dairy program, the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program and the new barn under construction! Call for directions and to RSVP 342-5971.
- July 30, 2018 Pasture Walk at Fred Sherburne heifer grazing facility. Dexter. 3-5 pm. Call for directions and to RSVP at 342-5971
- August 22 - 23, 2018 Maine Farm Days, Misty Meadows Farm, Clinton
- October 5, 2018 Club Calf, Bull & Heifer Sale 1pm at Fryeburg Fair Grounds. The Maine Beef Producers Association is proud to host the annual Club Calf, Bull, and Heifer Show & Sale at the Fryeburg Fair again this year. Entries will be accepted up until the day before the sale. Please contact Ed Carter (Cartersminiacres@gmail.com) for information on consigning, purchasing, and other sale-related matters.
- October 2,9,16, & 23, 2018 So You Want to Farm in Maine, 1 pm to 4 pm at the Penobscot County Extension Office in Bangor, live streamed and archived. FSA borrower training. Watch for more details.
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Maine Beef Producers Association
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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.
Facebook
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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
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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Contributors
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator
Colt Knight, Extension Specialist
Rick Kersbergen, Extension Educator
Goal
The goal of the Maine Beef Newsletter is to provide timely information on the production and marketing of beef 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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Maine Beef Producers Association
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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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