Maine Farm News
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Maine Farm News
March 19, 2022
In This Edition
Maine Farm News
Make Your Land Available For Farming
This is a free webinar series for farming and non-farming private landowners and their representatives (real estate agents, etc.) to understand your land's potential for farming, learn what goes into a good farming arrangement, and explore strategies for making any amount of land available to a farmer. Farmers are looking for land, from a small vegetable plot to livestock or crops.

Register for this free, three-part webinar series on March 23, 30 and April 6, 2022 from 12:00-1:00pm. Workshop recordings will be available to all who register. Learn more and register at landforgood.org/events.
trowel in soil
PFAS Farmer Wellness Fund
The PFAS Farmer Wellness Fund is intended to holistically support farmers and farm workers impacted by PFAS contamination and is being jointly administered by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Maine Farmland Trust (MFT), and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE) and is funded by the Farmer and Rancher Stress Assistance Network.

As farmers wellness is broadly defined, there is a wide range of eligible uses for this fund including therapy, childcare, acupuncture, gift cards to purchase uncontaminated food and/or water, massage, traditional healers, and other supports that would help reduce stress at this time.

Eligibility:

-All commercial farms. A farm does not need to have confirmed high PFAS test results though those farms and farm workers will be prioritized
-Farm workers based on a farm affected by PFAS
-Indigenous food and medicine growers providing for community
We cannot pay the applicant directly for or reimburse any expenses, and will instead directly pay for any services or products you have requested. Please take care to verify the contact information for payment for the service or product before submission.
Value-Added Producer Grant Open Now
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Applications are being accepted now.

The FY22 application toolkits have been posted to our website and can be downloaded here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants/me, in the "To Apply" tab, under "Application Toolkits."

Electronic applications that are submitted through grants.gov are due on April 25, 2022. 

Ivana Hernandez Clukey, RD USDA
Phone: (207) 990-9127
What: Annual Bangor / Brewer CSA Fair, hosted by Bangor Greendrinks
When: Sunday, March 20, 2pm-4pm
Where: Parking lot on Harlow St. across from the Bangor Library
How: Reply to nettiefoxfarm@gmail.com or Everett at 745-7865.

UMaine Extension will also have a booth with soil testing information as well as a variety of their publications.
Wiscasset Farmers Market Looking for Vendors
Wiscasset Farmers' Market is looking for new vendors. Specifically, the need baked goods, seafood, beef/pork and prepared food.
The market runs from June through September on Fridays 9 a.m.- noon at the Wiscasset Town Office.
FSMA Produce Safety Training
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF), is offering a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule training. The course will provide a foundation of farm food safety best practices, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.

This opportunity will be online using Zoom. Registration is $20 and covers mailing the manual before the class. Our partnership with the DACF covers the cost of the manual, certificate, and other costs. This is the last class offered under the current partnership, and future classes might cost $150-200. We still have 10 spots, so you should hurry to register!

This class is restricted to Maine farmers, and farms can receive three pesticide credits.

Registration closes in 10 days!

Since sitting in front of the computer for an entire day is tiresome, we will offer the class in two separate half-days. See quick info about them below.

You can find more info and links for registration here.

Online/Virtual, April 14 AND 15, 2022 (Two separate mornings back-to-back)
Apr 14, Thursday: 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Apr 15, Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration closes on March 28.
Waldo County Extension Association offers rural living workshops in April
University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Waldo County Extension Association (WCEA) will offer four online weekly workshops with a rural living theme starting 9–11 a.m. on April 2. Additional dates are April 9, 16 and 23.
 
"Rural Living Month" workshop topics include homestead livestock choices; working with children and teens in the garden; Maine’s invasive forest insects; and home cheesemaking. This series is organized by WCEA in lieu of its annual Rural Living Day event, postponed the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
The fee is $10 per workshop; registration is required. Register on the event webpage. Financial assistance is available. All proceeds go to the WCEA scholarship fund. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.  
Farm Tractor Safety Training Starting April 4th
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer four-session farm tractor safety courses in two locations starting April 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at Gorham Public Works, 80 Huston Road, Gorham. Classes continue April 11 and 25, ending April 30, 9 a.m.–noon. 
 
The course also will be held 4–6 p.m. April 4, 11, and 25, and 5–8 p.m. May 2, at Kramer’s, Inc., 2400 West River Road, Sidney. 
 
The Farm Tractor Safety Course includes classroom lectures, homework and tractor driving time. Designed for adults and youth at least 14 years old, participants will learn how to safely handle tractors and equipment, how to avoid hazards, and minimize chances of accidents. This course is required for 14- and 15-year-olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than those owned by their families. Certificates will be issued after successful completion of the course.
 
The sliding scale fee of $0–$40 includes the course manual. Registration and access to a computer, tablet or smartphone are required. Register and find more information on the program webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jason Lilley, 207.781.6099; Extension.agcumberland@maine.edu.
Would you like to sign up for Open Farm Day?
Now is the time! This annual event happens the fourth Sunday in July (7/24/2022 this year). There is no fee to join promotions, but you must opt in via Real Maine.
The sign up steps differ for those with who currently have a listing, and those who don't. Please, start here:
Dairy Farm Labor Survey
Would you take a few minutes to give your input on the labor needs of Maine’s dairy industry, as it looks on your farm? Please click the link below to learn more about the study and take the survey. https://umaine.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4UwMI4KW2xCywES
woman farmer with lettuce
Beginning Farmer Training Needs Survey
If you have been farming for under 10 years, UMaine Extension needs YOUR input! UMaine Cooperative Extension: Equipping New Farmers with Practical Skills and Knowledge is a newly funded project to help new and developing farmers get trained in agriculture. We are asking for your help in identifying skills and knowledge needs that you have.
Please click the link below to learn more about the study and take the survey. https://umaine.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d50JI2RJeIEillY
Meetings - Webinars - Upcoming Events
Resources
European Environment Agency 2019
Payments, Grants & Loans
USDA Funding Announcements
Information for Animal Keepers
HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA - Maine Update
Current Situation
  • USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in samples taken from two small flocks of non-commercial backyard birds (non-poultry); one in Lincoln County, confirmed Saturday, March 12, and one in York County, Monday, March 14.
  • Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) placed the properties under quarantine, and humane depopulation efforts have been completed. 
  • DACF has implemented additional safety measures, including monitoring properties with domestic flocks within a 10 km radius and notifying bird owners of the importance of proactive safety measures to help prevent disease.
  • The risk for HPAI remains high, and backyard flock and commercial operators are advised to keep birds indoors to prevent the spread of this disease.
Maine Meat Cutting School
Dates/Time: May 9-11, 2022, 9:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.
Location: Dr. Matthew Highlands Pilot Plant, Room 165, Hitchner Hall on the corner of Sebago Road and Portage Road, University of Maine campus, Orono.

The Maine Meat Cutting School has a limited seating capacity (16) to ensure participants have maximum hands-on learning and without overcrowded classroom space. Anyone interested in professional meat processing, especially young professionals interested in a career in meat cutting/processing. However, this is a tremendous opportunity for livestock producers interested in learning more about meat cutting and processing.
Cost: $400
SOLD OUT!
Please contact Melissa Babcock at 207.581.2788 or 1.800.287.7170 (in Maine), if you would like for your name and contact information to be added to a wait list should any seating open up for this class.
Do You Sell Finished Hogs the Summer of 2020?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is delivering a new program to assist hog producers who experienced financial losses on hogs sold through a negotiated sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020.

The Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers.
A spot market sale means hogs are marketed for slaughter to an individual or through a negotiated sale or through an intermediary who interacts with the buyer on behalf of the seller, which may include, but is not limited to, sale barns, brokers, or other intermediaries.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications through April 29, 2022.
Artificial Insemination of Cattle
Dave Marcinkowski has been working with Amy Holbrook of Genex to schedule an Artificial Insemination class to be held at the University of Maine Witter Farm on March 31 and April 1. Exact times will be sent.

If you are interested please contact Dr. Marcinkowski to hold a slot. The cost will be $100. There may be limited space. The fee would be due at the start of the class.
If you have any questions please contact:
David Marcinkowski, Extension Dairy Specialist
Phone: 207-581-2740, Instate toll-free 1-800-287-7170
mixed dairy cows
Surveys
Healthy Kids Healthy Future Survey
Dear Farmers and Producers,
On behalf of Healthy Kids Healthy Future, Hart Consulting is inviting you to participate in a focus group to share your thoughts on connecting childcare sites to farmers and/or producers. These discussions are an opportunity for you to provide your thoughts on future programming and connecting with a new market.
These discussions will take place on zoom and last approximately one hour. We will cap attendance at 10 people per session so that everyone has a chance to participate. To thank you for your participation, you will receive an egift card of $50.
Please click on the link to register and we will send the zoom info. 
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Senechal at KSenechal@HartConsultingInc.com
Commercial Elderberry Grower Survey
You are invited to participate in a research study. The research is being conducted by Tori Lee Jackson, Extension Professor of Agriculture & Natural Resources with UMaine Cooperative Extension, and Rosalie Wilson of Rose Wilson Consulting LLC, two of the authors of the 2016 Elderberry Production Guide published by The University of Vermont.
We are reaching out to commercial elderberry producers across New England to ascertain the overall health of the elderberry industry in our region.

Please click on the link below to learn more about the study and to take the survey
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at tori.jackson@maine.edu or 207.581.8201.
Maine Green Industry Survey
Do you work in a Maine landscape or nursery business? If so, we need to hear from you! Help us assess the value of the green industry by completing the only survey assessing this important economic sector. Business owners and staff are all encouraged to participate. Every voice matters. If everyone responds, the green industry’s voice will carry more weight in future decisions related to funding and educational outreach. More information and review the survey

This survey is a collaborative effort between UMaine Cooperative Extension; Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry; and the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association.
Kelp and Green Crabs as Soil Amendments Survey
The survey seeks to gather information about interest in kelp and green crabs from experienced farmers and fishers in Maine and to identify potential barriers to developing a market for their use as a soil amendment product.

We would greatly appreciate your willingness to participate in a brief survey, which should take about 10 minutes to complete. Link to survey: https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9KNWaCV0C096DDE

More information about the study and your participation is provided at the beginning of the survey. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about the project. dbullock@bowdoin.edu or by phone 802-380-6268.
Penquis Beekeepers Survey
Penquis Beekeepers is a diverse group of mostly backyard beekeepers located in central Maine. Our ever-continuing goal is to foster and promote successful beekeeping in our local communities. The purpose of this survey is to help us determine how best to accomplish that with and for our members, using various online tools for sharing information, fostering discussions, and providing education and assistance.
Edited by:
Donna Coffin, Extension Professor, donna.coffin@maine.edu
Jason Lilley, Extension Professional, jason.lilley@maine.edu
Rebecca Long, Extension Professional, rebecca.j.long@maine.edu 
Tori Jackson, Extension Professor, tori.jackson@maine.edu
Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

Photos by Edwin Remsberg and others.
A message to our stakeholders:
As a valued UMaine Extension stakeholder, we just wanted to let you know that most county offices have reopened following Per University of Maine guidelines, face coverings are required indoors for any visitor or employee who is not fully vaccinated — on University or non-University property, in University administered facilities, or non-University administered facilities.
UMaine Extension is gradually returning to normal operations. Buildings and offices may have different protocols depending on staffing and, with that, we encourage you to call ahead.
Please contact UMaine Extension staff with any questions.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Penobscot County
307 Maine Ave Bangor, ME 04401 207-942-7396 or 800-287-1485

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Piscataquis County
207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491 
Donna Coffin - Voicemail 207-262-7726

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Cumberland County
(207) 781-6099 or 1-800-287-1471

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Oxford County
207.743.6329 or 1.800.287.1482

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Androscoggin / Sagadahoc Counties
207.353.5550 or 1.800.287.1458

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).