Folks,
Sorry for the resend, I didn't change the subject line to Beef Newsletter. Donna
Volume 6 | June 2018
Your monthly news & updates
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.
What's New?
  • We are trying a new template for the newsletter that will be easier to read on mobil devices.
  • UMaine Dean of Cooperative Extension Position
  • Helping Farmers Cope with Stress
  • Results of Spring Pre-Conditioned Feeder Calf Sale at NELE
  • Pen Sale at NELE
  • Tick of Concern to Beef Producers
  • Walk Through Fly Trap to Control Flies on Cattle
  • FSA Loans: The Ins and Outs of Growing a Farm with Federal Loans
  • How to use social media for your farm business
  • Items of Interest
  • Featured Resources
  • Upcoming Events
  • Newsletter Subscription Information
  • Mission and Quick Links
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.
Results of the Spring Pre-Conditioned Feeder Calf Sale at NELE
The Maine Beef Producers Association (MBPA) sponsored a preconditioned feeder calf sale at the Northeast Livestock Expo in Windsor, ME on Saturday, May 19th. Here are the unofficial sales figures.





Pen Sale at NELE
At this year's Northeast Livestock Expo (NELE) the MBPA offered the opportunity to display, market and purchase quality breeding stock in a private treaty type format. In addition to the annual feeder auction, this event, which was open to young bulls, heifers and cow/calf combos, provided another sale option at NELE. MBPA wishes to thank those farms who participated in this inaugural event and to the buyers of the high quality breeding stock that was offered.
Lone Star Tick from MMCRI
Tick of Concern to Beef Producers

No one really likes to find a tick on their body, nor the body of an animal they care for, but a new condition can result from contact with a particular tick. What tick is on you or your animal? Send it to the UMaine Tick ID Lab to find out.
Lyme disease is making it's rounds throughout Maine and New England riding along in the gut of the Deer Tick. Anaplasmosis is a concern not only in people, but also dogs and horses. To learn more about these diseases go to the Maine Medical Center Research Institute.
The newest tick in town that is causing concern is the Lone Star Tick. It can cause Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, and in a few people, once bitten by this tick, can develop an allergy to red meat.
The Lone Star Tick has found it's way to Maine, but it is still very rare. The adult female is easy to identify with a white spot on it's back. If you suspect this tick, please send the sample to the tick ID lab so it can be confirmed.
Photo: Maine Medical Center Research Institute
Blueprint of walk through fly trap
Walk Through Fly Trap to Control Flies on Cattle

Flies are a major pest of cattle on pasture. Some like face flies can carry diseases such as pink eye that is very contagious (there is a vaccine available.) Stable flies and other biting flies can also cause economic losses due to cattle spending more time bunched together, consuming less feed, and taking longer to get to market weight.
Here is a video from Nebraska Extension that focused on horn flies, face flies and stable flies and their control on pastured cattle includes information on insecticide-impregnated ear tags, dust bags, back rubbers, insect growth regulators & larvicides, pour-on and spray insecticides.
Another option is a walk-through fly trap that was originally developed in the 1930's. University of Missouri updated it in 1991 and the blueprint is available here (pdf).
Farm Service Agency Loans
The Ins and Outs of Growing a Farm with Federal Loans  is written for farmers and ranchers who want to access low interest federal credit options that are aimed at family farmers. National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) has worked with FSA to improve loan options for the young farmers who sometimes struggle to access credit. A historical number of young farmers are accessing microloans, yet 30% of young farmers who took the  2017 National Young Farmer Survey  reported that they were unfamiliar with federal programs. With this guide, we hope to help those farmers understand their options.
This illustrated guidebook provides:
  • Charts of terms and rates
  • Summaries of loan options
  • Suggestions about timing and application
  • An organizational chart to navigate FSA hierarchy
  • Thoughts on how to weigh whether a loan is right for you
  • Case studies of real farmers who received loans 
farmstead with barns and silo
How to Use Social Media for Your Farm Business

If you are trying to sell your agriculture product directly to consumers, you may have realized that utilizing "social media" would help to extend your customer base, retain current customers & keep customers updated on what is currently available on your farm.

The University of Arkansas has developed an interactive social media workbook with the small farmer in mind. The workbook focuses on creating and using, dominate social media platforms; such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Social Media is used to boost businesses and allow for authentic views into small farming.

Utilizing social media is sometimes a daunting task, requiring the use of technology, time and creativity. The workbook is designed for all skill levels, to help make the most of social media marketing, without making the task too difficult, and in turn offers farm benefits through sales, interest, new and repeat customers. Check out the  Social Media Toolbox  and get your free download of this interactive workbook and enhance your business using social media.
Photo: Remsberg
Items of Interest
United Farmer Veterans of Maine has just started a FarmCast Radio broadcast on WDEA 1370 AM on Sunday at 9AM and streamed on facebook. 
Complete the 2017 Census of Agriculture There is still time to fill out your 2017 Census of Agriculture survey. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is making progress every day, but they need to hear from all producers. Help NASS spread the word that farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the  2017 Census of Agriculture. It closes on June 15th.
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.
Northeast SARE is sponsoring a project titled “Nutrition's Role in Sustainable Livestock Production Practices,” includes a workshop series on nutrition and its direct link to the health and well-being of animals. Training sessions are scheduled for farmers and service providers in New England. See the project website for more info:  http://www.meatsystems.uconn.edu
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.
Featured Resources
Webinar:

Using Facebook to Grow Your Farm Business : June 21 at 1 pm EDT This free webinar will teach you how to set up and manage a Facebook page to help you grow your farm business. It will cover the basics of setting up a farm Facebook page from scratch, tips for creating content for your page, engaging with customers, leveraging Facebook advertising, and tools for managing multiple accounts and scheduling posts. ATTRA & University of Arkansas.
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.

Video:
This Farm is Medicine 100+ acres of horse farm was changed over to Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing with a herd of beef cattle. Produced in collaboration with Arizona State University.

Fly Control for Pastured Cattle : The presence of flies on pastured cattle can have a significant impact to cattle health and performance. In this video, Dave Boxler discusses the different species of flies that impact cattle and the control methods available to producers to manage them.
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.
AgFuse a free social media platform specifically for farmers and farm service providers.

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

Upcoming Events
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. Facebook
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.
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.
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

Need Pesticide credits?  Check out the  Maine Board of Pesticide credit calendar.   Many approved pesticide applicator re-certification programs are listed. 

Contributors 
Donna Coffin, Extension Educator

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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Penobscot County Office
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Piscataquis County Office
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Maine Beef Producers Association
Penobscot County Office -  website  
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