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.
Note: underlined words are linked to webpages with more information.
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The MBPA is interested in assisting beef producers in the sale or purchase of animals in any way possible. If enough animals are available we will have a spring sale in May. Contact Pete at pbdusoe@roadrunner.com, for more information or if you have animals to consign. If we have a sale, breeding animals will be included in a separate Pen Sale or in the auction. Regardless of our having a sale we are continuing our policy to post animals for sale on our webpage, membership not required.
If you have an interest in buying or selling animals at a spring sale, please contact Pete Dusoe pbdusoe@roadrunner.com or phone 207-416-5441.
Pictures are not required, but can be included.
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This guide was created and will be updated by the Maine PFAS Cohort, made up of representatives from Northern Tilth, LLC, Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine Cooperative Extension, Winslow Agricultural, LLC, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Maine Farmland Trust, The Mitchell Center, and Sheepscot Valley Farm. This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) project 2019-70028-30464 and 2020-70028-32729. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S Government determination or policy.
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March 15th - 8:30 am
Learn more about the rapidly emerging issue of PFAs contamination of Maine land and well-water. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) and Maine Department of Agriculture (ME DACF) are both spending significant time, energy and resources testing properties for contamination. Join us for a deep dive into what's being done regarding identification, testing, remediation, costs, funding, traceability and the impact on food safety at the consumer and value-added levels.
Featuring presentations from Susanne Miller, Bureau Director, Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, ME DEP and Nancy McBrady, Bureau Director Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, ME DACF.
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MBPA members are listed on the MBPA website. Those who have not renewed membership will be removed from the website April 1st.
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Two Maine 4-H Alums to be National Ag Day Representatives |
Two Maine 4-H alumni, selected by the National 4-H Council in a competitive application process, will represent National 4-H during the 2022 National Agriculture Day Training, part of the National Agriculture Day Student Leadership Program.
Ashton Caron is a nine-year member of the Penobscot Livestock 4-H Club, where he raised cattle and sheep, served as a mentor for younger 4-H members and participated in multiple research projects. Ashton attends the University of Maine School of Food and Agriculture majoring in animal and veterinary sciences.
Elizabeth Eaton, a seven-year member of the Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club, raised and showed Belted Galloway cattle and served as a leader of younger 4-H members. She attends the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, majoring in animal sciences with a pre-veterinary focus.
Along with other students from across the country representing Future Farmers of America; Agriculture Future of America; and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Science, Caron and Eaton will connect with policy influencers at local, state and federal levels, and with industry experts, exploring how to become more effective advocates for agriculture and 4-H.
The training and student leadership programs are annual events leading up to National Agriculture Day, sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America, to be held as a virtual event in March.
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2022 Maine Meat Cutting School |
When : May 9-11th, 2022. 9:00 AM through 7:00 PM
Where: Dr. Matthew Highlands Pilot Plant on the University of Maine Campus in Orono. Located in Rm in Hitchner Hall on the corner of Sebago Rd and Portage Rd.
Who: 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
Description: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will be offering a 3-day course in professional meat cutting/processing in Orono, ME May 9-11th with a 3rd day set aside for any spill over and classroom learning objectives. This course includes both classroom and hands-on training. Participants will learn about: History of US meat production, consumer trends, humane handling and slaughter of livestock, meat quality, food safety, labeling, and customer service. In addition, participants will have hands-on training with swine cutting, as well as, sausage making. Students will have the opportunity to tour professional/commercial meat processing facilities.
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Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program (AIIP) |
The application deadline for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry's Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program (AIIP) closed on February 25, 2022. Please note that the review is expected to take longer than initially anticipated because of the extremely high number of applications. There is not currently an estimated date for award notifications.
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University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer four-session farm tractor safety courses in two locations starting April 4, at Gorham Public Works, 80 Huston Road, Gorham and 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.
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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:
What is REAL MAINE?
MDACF website that supports farmers in their direct to consumer marketing efforts. Also, if provides a way for farmer to farmer marketing.
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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
Associate Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist
5735 Hitchner Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5735
Phone: 207-581-2740, Instate toll-free 1-800-287-7170
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2022 MAINE BEEF PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Applications due
April 1st, 2022
A maximum of two $500 scholarships will be awarded each year by the MBPA.
REQUIREMENTS:
-Applicant must be a family member of MBPA, have been employed by a member of MBPA, or a member of MBPA themselves.
-Student must be a Maine resident.
-Student must provide a transcript of a 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA at the time of application.
-Must submit application and required information.
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Maine Beef Producers Association Calves for Kids
The Maine Beef Producers Association is once again accepting applications for the Calves for Kids program.
The deadline is April 1st, 2022.
Youth applying will be asked to come for an interview before the Calves 4 Kids committee at a later date. This program, started in 2007, has given 28 youth in the State of Maine a heifer calf.
The program gives a youth an opportunity to have a registered beef heifer to show and start a herd. The youth's obligation is to breed the heifer to a registered bull and give back to the program the first heifer calf. If they do not get a heifer calf born after a few years they are obligated to pay the MBPA $1000.
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Equipping New Farmers with Practical Skills and Knowledge
Hello Maine Farmers!
If you have been farming for under 10 years, UMaine Extension needs YOUR input! I’m Chris Howard, Project Manager of a new project here at UMaine Cooperative Extension – Equipping New Farmers with Practical Skills and Knowledge.
I’m inviting you to participate in my research study. We have some new funding to help new and developing farmers get trained in agriculture. We need to know what types of farming you're interested in, your farming goals, and how much experience you have farming so we can tailor our programming to your needs. This is an anonymous survey that will take 10 minutes or less. You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Will you take a few minutes to take the survey and give your input?
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Cooperative Business Models in Beef Production
My name is Elaina Enzien and I’m working on my masters in agricultural sciences at the University of New Hampshire. I am emailing to ask for your help in a research study to help assess cooperative business models of beef production to address harvest capacity constraints in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont (IRB-FY2022-186).
You are being asked to participate in a short online survey that should take you approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is limited to beef producers that reside in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont and sell USDA inspected, State inspected, or Custom processed meat direct to consumers.
The results will be used in reports, presentations, and other publications. All participants identities will not be shared and will remain confidential. Your participation will help contribute to the development of resources, programs, and networks to aid in the expansion and sustainability of beef businesses and harvest facilities in northern New England.
If you’d like to participate in this survey, please click the link below.
Thank you for assisting in this important study.
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Until Mar. 25, Soil Health Course
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Mar. 15: Food for Thought: Discussion about PFAS - Direct from the Directors
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Mar. 11: Woodland Owners NRCS EQIP and CSP Program Information
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Mar. 20: Greater Bangor / Brewer CSA Fair
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Mar. 22: Adapting to Climate Change on the Farm Part 1
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Mar. 22: Improving Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production: The Value of Soil Health: Soil, Plant, and Animal Interactions
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Mar. 23 to Apr 6: Make Your Land Available to Farming
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Mar. 23 : The Spiral of Transformative Change Series for Vermont & Maine Farmers IV: Maine Practical Application
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Mar. 24: Starting a Cooperative Purchasing Program
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Mar. 28: Adapting to Climate Change on the Farm Part 2
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Mar. 31 & Apr 1: Artificial Insemination Class - davidmar@maine.edu or 207-581-2740
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Apr. 1, Deadline MBPA Scholarship
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Apr. 1, Deadline MBPA Calves for Kids
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April 4: Tractor Safety Course - Gorham and Sidney
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Apr. 7, Maine Beef Producers Association Board Meeting 6 pm. All are invited. To get link to meeting info@mainebeefproducersassocation.com
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Apr. 14: Using Seaweed as Feedstock to Reduce Methane Emissions from Cows
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Apr. 19: Improving Pasture Management for Sustainable Livestock Production: Creating Meaningful Soil Health Change
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Apr. 23, 31st Annual Belted Galloway Sale, Fryeburg, ME, Hosted in conjunction with the Fryeburg Youth Show.
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May 9 to 11: 2022 Maine Meat Cutting School
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May 20 -to 22 NELE, Windsor Fair Grounds
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The MBPA website has information about the association, the board of directors, and forms for awards, activities, and sales. Members have the opportunity to have their farm listed with a photo, description of their farm, and a link to their own farm website. You can add this information when you join or send the information and digital photo to Russ Florenz at info@mainebeefproducersassociation.com
The Maine Beef Producers Association has a Facebook page. Like and follow to get the fastest information from Maine Beef Producers Association. Facebook
Join the Maine Beef Producers Association.
The Maine Beef Producers Association is accepting dues for the 2022 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 and online payment go to http://www.mainebeefproducersassociation.com
You can join the association online and pay by credit card on a secure site or by mailing the information to Sally Caverly by either printing off the form from the website, or completing the pdf version of the form and mailing to her at 1457 River Rd., Clinton, ME. |
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National Beef Prices
National Monthly Grass Feb Beef Report - includes wholesale and retail (direct to consumer) prices of cuts of meat as well as small and very small producer carcass prices (wholesale $4.39/# - direct to consumer $7.40/# to $9.21/#.)
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Podcasts:
Contests:
Publications:
Videos:
Websites:
Grants & Loans
Equipment, supplies, etc.
Agriculture Jobs
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Maine Beef Producers Association |
Join the Maine Beef Producers Association.
The Maine Beef Producers Association is accepting dues for the 2021 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 and online payment go to http://www.mainebeefproducersassociation.com
The Maine Beef Producers Association has a 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 730 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
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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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, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm - Closed Tuesday
165 East Main St Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 207-564-3301 or 800-287-1491
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