Build your knowledge of human and equine intestinal anatomy, as well as math, using these simple activities from Cornell University’s “Horse Guts and Math” activity guide. The activities are fun and use materials most folks have around their house. The guide is available as a free download here!
Experts such as parents, teachers, employers and others who work with young people know that communication skills are essential tools for kids’ success. The Communications Toolkit is designed for individuals who work with young people aged 12 and up and who want fun, easy and meaningful communication activities to use with clubs, classrooms, camps, after-school programs and other settings where kids come together. In the toolkit you will find background information for group leaders, skill sheets with tips and basic information, group icebreakers, hands-on activities, handouts and other resources that will help kids build on their skills in several key areas. Follow this link for the toolkit (172 pages, 1999).
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for folks to serve on the Campership/Scholarship Committee. This group will design the standards, criteria and application process for youth to apply. This group will meet 1-2 times for 90 minutes. If you are interested please contact Robin Beck or call 320-2325.
Maine 4-H Days will take place July 18 – 21 at the Windsor Fairgrounds, and the State Dairy Show will be on the 20th & 21st. If you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event, please contact Jessy Brainerd or call 581-3877.
4-Hers raising a steer for the 2013 market steer shows at Windsor or Fryeburg Fairs need to send in an Intent to Participate Form by January 3, 2013. We appreciate you completing your paperwork early. Please enroll or re-enroll as a 4-H member early, and send your completed Intent to Participate form to your county office. The earlier we receive your paperwork, the earlier we can begin tagging animals, and avoiding tagging during the winter months.
The Invention Convention is a statewide competition that promotes important life and work skills for Maine middle school students. Throughout the school year, students work to identify and solve problems by using a systematic approach to innovation. After competing against their peers at a local level, top students will be invited to attend the state conference where they compete for the top invention awards. The competition is open to any school offering grades 6, 7, and/or 8, as well as children who are homeschooled. Find more information about the Maine Invention Convention at their Web site, or contact Angela Marcolini at the UMaine Foster Center for Student Innovation or call 207-581-1454.
The curriculum will teach and lead students through four steps:
Envirothon is a state- and nation-wide environmental competition where high school students test their knowledge of natural resources and current environmental issues. Teams consisting of 3-5 students compete first at a regional level, answering questions and solving hands-on problems at five stations: Wildlife, Water/Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, and a Current Natural Resource Issue. This year’s Issue is ‘Sustainable Forestland Managment: Achieving Balance with Forest Products, Environmental Concerns, Traditional Recreation, Tourism, and Increased Developmental Pressure. The top four teams from each Regional Envirothon then compete at the State Finals. Teams can be formed from schools, home school organizations, and other civic organizations such as 4-H.
Envirothon is an academic program that is aligned with the Maine Learning Results. As well as advising teams for competition, teachers throughout Maine successfully incorporate Envirothon concepts and hands-on activities into their science curricula. The program raises students’ awareness of local and national environmental issues. Envirothon integrates math, language arts, cultural land-use history, and science in ways unique to the field. Students build critical thinking and decision-making skills as they practice solving real environmental problems.
In addition to learning about the environment, applying new knowledge, collaborating to address natural resource issues, and meeting young environmentalists from around the state and nation, Maine participants are eligible for scholarships from the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture at the University of Maine, Orono. Winners of the National Envirothon receive individual college scholarships valued at over $1000. Through this program, students have an opportunity to meet and learn from state soil scientists, biologists, foresters, and other natural resource professionals.
A registration packet is available here as a pdf. More information is available on their Web site.
Nearly 1600 military teens (14-18 years old) will have an opportunity to participate at little to no cost in adventure camps scheduled April 2012 through March 2013. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine and from Colorado to Georgia as well as states in between.
Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow a teen to build leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while participating in activities like backpacking, river rafting, canoeing, wilderness survival, rocketry, rock climbing, GPS use, mountain biking, first aid, winter camping, dog sledding, ropes courses, camp cooking, archery, and other camp activities. Camps for youth with special needs (mental, physical, and emotional) are also planned in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire. For military youth already in the Pacific Rim, two camp dates are available in Hawaii. More information can be found on the Web site.
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by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator, Cumberland County and Tori Jackson, Extension Educator, Androscoggin & Sagadahoc Counties
23rd Annual Maine Beef Conference
December 1, 2012, the Maine Beef Conference will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor. The focus will be on marketing with keynote speaker Dr. Jim Ochterski from Cornell. Dr Ochterski will be talking about whole farm marketing strategy. Dr. Henrettia Beaufait from the ME Department of Agriculture will talk about regulations for selling meat in Maine. Gabe Clark of Cold Spring Ranch in New Portland will talk about the cost of production and what that means for making a profit. Trades show vendors will be available at breaks and during lunch. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Find more information on the day’s schedule, registration fees, and how to register online, or contact Melissa Libby, 134 Hitchner Hall, UMaine Extension, Orono, ME 04469-5735, or call (207) 581-2788 or 1-800-287-7170 (toll-free in Maine).
Free Poultry Break Even Calculator – Webinar for Small Scale Producers
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has arranged for a free webinar on the business side of keeping poultry. In order to stay in business, your business needs to be profitable, no matter what size. The webinar is a product of a SARE grant in applied poultry science coordinated by UMaine Extension.
Learn how to use a spreadsheet for your backyard, small scale or mid-size poultry enterprise at a free, 60-minute webinar scheduled for 7:00 pm (EST) Tuesday, December 4, 2012.
The spreadsheet, known as the “break even calculator,” will help poultry producers better understand their costs and calculate a reasonable price for their product. The spreadsheet, developed by Extension Educator Adam Hady of Wisconsin Extension in Richland County, was designed with tabs for meat producers and egg producers to establish a minimum price for their product. To participate in the webinar, simply connect to the webinar site a few minutes before the scheduled start time. For an electronic copy of the break even calculator for poultry, email Extension Educator, Richard Brzozowski.
Maine Agriculture Trades Show
The 72nd Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will take place January 8-10, 2013, at the Augusta Civic Center. Sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, this show provides an atmosphere to walk through, observe, and educate the public about different areas of agriculture. Many producer groups also sponsor seminars and workshops over the three-day event. This is a wonderful opportunity to network with other farmers, pick up a new tool, or learn a new skill to take back to your farm. Find more information on the event website.
Marketing for Profit: Tools for Success – Webinar Series Registration Now Open!
The Farmers Market Federation of NY and the NY Farm Viability Institute have partnered with USDA Northeast SARE to present “Marketing for Profits: Tools for Success”, a series of webinars on marketing. These webinars have been designed with the assistance of regional and national marketing experts to provide critical marketing insights for farmers and farm markets throughout the northeast. The webinars are free, approximately an hour and a half long, and easy to access with a basic internet connection. Interested participants are encouraged to register online TODAY for the webinars they think they will attend. Each webinar will be repeated twice to maximize opportunity to participate, and are FREE. For more information, detailed descriptions of the sessions or a full 3-year curriculum, please contact Diane Eggert or David Grusenmeyer.
2012 Census of Agriculture
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) urges producers to ensure their farm or ranch is also counted in the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The Census is a crucial tool that provides farmers with a voice in the future of their community and operation. Conducted every five years by NASS, the Census is a complete count of the U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. Results of the Census are used to serve farmers and their communities today, and help benefit the future generations of farmers tomorrow. Legislators at various levels of government use the data when shaping farm policy, and agribusinesses factor it into their planning efforts. Census forms will be mailed out in late December and responses are due by February 4, 2013. Producers have the option to complete their forms online or by mail. After all, the Census is your voice, your future and your responsibility. Call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828).
So, You Want to Farm in Maine
A short course for farmers thinking about starting a new farm or new farm enterprise will be held at the UMaine Extension office in Falmouth in February 2013. More information to follow in January.
2013 Maine Poultry Coop Contest Announced
The Maine Poultry Growers Association has partnered with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in co-sponsoring the 2013 Maine Poultry Coop Contest.
You are invited to enter your poultry coop in this contest with a photo and description. The purpose of the contest is to showcase the many and varied designs used by Maine poultry keepers and enthusiasts. The Maine Poultry Growers Association will provide prizes of $200, $100, and $50 to the top three entries, respectively, and a subscription to Backyard Poultry magazine for the fourth and fifth place entries. Only Maine residents may enter the contest. All entries must include at least one, but not more than three, coop photo and a completed entry form.
The entry form and criteria are available online, or contact Andrea Herr at (207) 781-6099 or 1-800-287-1471 (toll free in Maine only). The deadline for submitting entries is December 31, 2012. Winning entries will be announced at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Augusta Civic Center. One need not be present to win.
Harvest Public Media
Harvest Public Media is a news media outlet that focuses on agricultural issues and related news stories. It is an interesting resource for national agriculture news, and may be helpful when communicating with others about national agricultural policy, weather or markets.
Need Pesticide Recertification Credits?
Check out the Maine Board of Pesticide credit calendar. Many approved pesticide applicator recertification programs are listed. You can view the calendar on their website or call 207-287-273.
Free Grazing Videos
The Cornell Small Farms Program now has a series of twelve YouTube videos covering all aspects of grazing. The series, which is just over 2 hours in total, covers everything from setting up electric fence, water systems and laneways to how to manage weeds or periods of drought. All 12 videos can be viewed here. The “How To” grazing videos were produced by Chenango County Cooperative Extension with funding from a Small Farms Program mini-grant.
by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator, Cumberland County and Tori Jackson, Extension Educator, Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties
Beef Conference
The 23rd Annual Maine Beef Conference, “Becoming a More Successful Marketer,” is being held December 1st, 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor, Maine. The conference is being hosted by the Maine Beef Producers Association, Maine Grass Farmers Network and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. We would like you and your business to be a part of this year’s exciting program. For more information contact Donna Coffin or call 207-942-7396.
Break Even Calculator for Poultry Enterprises
A break even calculator for poultry meat and egg enterprises has recently been revised by its original developer, Adam Hady of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. Adam has given permission for UMaine Extension to distribute it to producers in New England. Email Richard Brzozowski for an electronic copy of the excel spreadsheet. In addition, we plan to have a webinar on using the calculator. This spreadsheet could be a very handy tool in calculating your costs and determining a profitable price of the poultry meat (any poultry species) or eggs that are produced on your farm.
The 60-minute webinar is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 pm. Please contact Colleen Hoyt or call 207-781-6099 for more information.
Soil Sampling Before the Ground Freezes
If you sample your fields now before the ground freezes, you can hold the samples until after January 1, 2013, when there is a window of opportunity for a reduced fee for analysis ($12 instead of the regular $15). Make sure you label your samples for storage. More information on soil analysis and pricing from the Maine Soil Testing Service laboratory in Oronois is available at their Web site.
2013 Cucumber Project
Extension Educator Richard Brzozowski has an idea for a cucumber/pickle project next year. It is limited to farmers and growers in Cumberland County. To find out more about the project, contact Richard Brzozowski or call him at 207-951-7155.
Cull Cows
On average, how many cull cows (dairy or beef) do you send off your farm each month? UMaine Extension is looking into the possibility of helping dairy and beef producers get a better price for those cull cows in good condition by having the cows processed locally and sold as ground meat to institutions in Maine. If you are interested in possibly participating in this project or want to provide some input, please contact Extension Educator Richard Brzozowski or call 1-800-287-1471.
Chainsaw Safety DVD
Do you or those on your farm need a brush-up on safe chainsaw use? UMaine Extension has received a DVD on chainsaw safety from Stihl. This safety video applies to any make of chainsaw. To borrow the DVD, please contact Colleen Hoyt or call 1-800-287-1471.
4-H Eco-Bot Challenge
Throughout the month of October, University of Maine Cooperative Extension will join millions of young people across the nation and in Maine to become scientists for a day during the fifth annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD). As part of 4-H NYSD, youth and volunteers may participate in the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge: the 2012 National Science Experiment in which youngsters explore how robots function and could be used to help clean up hazardous materials spills. The 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge will demonstrate that by utilizing engineering principles, youth can have a positive impact on communities and ecosystems.
To combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and occupations, and to enhance the nation’s contribution to the sciences, 4-H NYSD demonstrates that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and are fun and attainable options for college degrees and future careers. Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H STEM programs.
Find more information on the 4-H NYSD Web site. To register for a local 4-H Youth Science Day activity in Bath, Perry, Windham, Poland, Searsport, Windsor or Topsham, visit the UMaine Extension 4-H Web site.
A Horse of Many Colors is open to new members and is NOT doing animal projects this year. This year’s projects will be:
Equine, Etc is holding a 4-H Food Drive Challenge. Each 4-H club in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties is being challenged to gather as much non-perishable food as possible by November 7, 2012. Bring the items to the Leaders’ meeting scheduled for the evening of November 7, where it will be collected and donated to a local food pantry. The 4-H club that collects the most food will be announced November 18 at Achievement Night. The prize for the winning club is a pizza party hosted by the members of Equine, Etc!
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties 4-H is looking for volunteers to serve on the Campership/Scholarship Committee. This group will design the standards and criteria and application process for youth to apply. This group will meet 1-2 times for 90 minutes. If you are interested please contact Robin Beck or call 207-320-2325.
4-H Science Experiment Series
When: Tuesdays, October 2nd thru November 6th, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Patten Free Library, Bath ME
Fee: None
To Register: Contact Carol at the Library 207-443-5141
The 4-H Science Experiment Series
For more information about the experiment series, contact Sarah Sparks or call (207) 353-5550 or (800) 287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957. You can also find details on the Events Calendar.
UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.
4-H National Youth Science Day Experiment
The 2012 National Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math. Youth will assemble their own Eco-Bot, then discover how the robot functions. Youth will design a set of control surfaces to program the Eco-Bot to perform a simulated environmental clean-up project.
Join in the experiment at one of these sites, or host your own 4-H National Youth Science Day site!
The 2012 4-H National Science Experiment Eco-Bot Challenge
Please register at the hosting library. For more information about the experiment, contact Sarah Sparks or call (207) 353-5550 or (800) 287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957. You can also find details on the Events Calendar.
UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.
Horse owners, care takers and pre-veterinary students will learn about the most serious infectious diseases that can affect their animals and what can be done to improve biosecurity and prevent disease outbreaks on the farm at the upcoming Horse Health Education Conference. The featured speaker is Dr. Mary Rose Paradis, Large Animal Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, New Grafton, MA.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2012
Where: Pineland Equestrian Center, New Gloucester ME
Fee: $15/adult or $10/students for early registrations received by November 9 (a limited number of scholarships are available). Late and walk-in registrations are $25/adult or $20/student.
Register online or send your check made out to UMaine Extension with your name, address, phone, and email to Melissa Libby, 134 Hitchner Hall, UMaine Extension, Orono, ME 04469-5735. Bring your own lunch or purchase lunch ticket at check-in. For more information contact Melissa Libby or call 207-581-2788 or 1-800-287-7170 (in Maine).
UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goals. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Melissa Libby at 207-581-2788 or 1-800-287-7170 (in Maine) to discuss your needs.
Fall Paper Clover Promotion
The Maine 4-H Foundation Paper Clover Promotion runs the month of October at businesses across the state. Clubs are invited to participate and are asked to contact their UMaine Extension office about how they can help promote 4-H!
Jolly 4-H Market
The Jolly Farmers and Jolly Juniors of Coopers Mills would like to invite all 4-Hers and 4-H groups throughout the state of Maine to join us in our first Jolly 4-H Market on October 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Windsor Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building. Crafters may set up at 8:00 a.m. Bring crafts and market items of all kinds to sell: jewelry, ornaments, flowers, pumpkins, etc. No raffles or bake/food sales allowed. All exhibitors must be active members of 4-H
Cost is $10.00 for 8’ space (you provide your own tables and chairs) or $15.00 for 8’ space including 1 table and 2 chairs. The Jolly Farmers and The Jolly Juniors 4-H clubs will have a concession stand with hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and other delectable goodies. For more information contact Darlene Newcombe or call 207-549-4532.
Robotics Expo
You’re invited to join us for a day of fun with robotics and science on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham campus. The event is open to any youth, ages 5-18, participating in or interested in 4-H robotics program. Prior robotics experience is not needed to attend. In the morning, individuals and teams will have the opportunity to share their ideas and creations with judges and other participants in a non-competitive ‘science fair’ format. During the day, youth participate in a workshop and in an on-site challenge event. Pre-registration is required.
More information is available on the program Web site or contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 or if you have any questions.
Maine Innovation Convention Invites 4-H Participants!
The Maine Innovation Convention, hosted by the Foster Center for Student Innovation at the University of Maine, announces an informational meeting for educators/volunteers on October 27, 2012, 8 AM – 4 PM at the Foster Center for Student Innovation, University of Maine, Orono. The goal of the Convention is to provide an opportunity for Maine middle school students to think creatively and practically as they explore, create, and promote innovative solutions to everyday challenges in their world and beyond. Throughout the school year, middle school participants work with their peers to identify and solve problems by using the Innovation Engineering process, developed and taught at the University of Maine.
More information on the Maine Innovation Convention is available on the Web site or contact Angela Marcolini or by phone at (207) 581-1429.
National 4-H Notes Maine Project Success
The National 4-H Council has posted a report on its “Join the Revolution of Responsibility” Web site about a $4,000 grant from the UMaine Extension’s 4-H Engaging Youth, Serving Communities program. The award helped a fundraising effort by students at Sebasticook Valley Middle and Nokomis Regional High schools in Newport to raise $6,000 to build an off-road walkway between the two schools. Less than a half-mile apart, students from the two schools previously walked along the side of the road.
Military Teen Adventure Camps 2012-2013
Nearly 1600 military teens (14-18 years old) have an opportunity to participate (at little to no cost) in adventure camps scheduled April 2012 through March 2013. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine and from Colorado to Georgia as well as states in between.
Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow a teen to build leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while participating in activities like backpacking, river rafting, canoeing, wilderness survival, rocketry, rock climbing, GPS use, mountain biking, first aid, winter camping, dog sledding, ropes courses, camp cooking, archery, and other camp activities. Camps for youth with special needs (mental, physical, and emotional) are also planned in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire. For military youth already in the Pacific Rim, two camp dates are available in Hawaii. More information is available online.
The University of Maine 4-H Shooting Sports Program Update
The University of Maine 4-H Shooting Sports Program has established an account in the MidwayUSA Scholastic Shooting Trust. Donations to this fund are currently being matched 3:1 by the owners of MidwayUSA. We can draw up to 5% annually from this account for program support. Currently, our account balance is over $50,000.00. Additionally, UMaine 4HSS has received donations of equipment from the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance of over $3000.00, and from the NRA Foundation of over $3500.00. For more information contact Scott Olsen or visit the program’s Web page.
Market Steers for Windsor and Fryeburg
4-Hers raising a steer for the 2013 market steer shows at Windsor or Fryeburg Fairs need to send in an Intent to Participate Form by January 3, 2013. We appreciate you completing your paperwork early. Please enroll or re-enroll as a 4-H member early, and send your Intent to Participate form to your county office. The earlier we receive your paperwork, the earlier we can begin tagging animals, and avoiding tagging during the winter months.
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Agritourism 101
An Introduction to Growing Tourism on the Farm
Presented by Marc Edwards, Agritourism Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Developing agritourism on the farm can generate potentially significant supplemental income. This program is intended for new and existing farmers not currently engaging in agritourism activities, but who may be considering developing agritourism on their farms. It will bring awareness of agritourism opportunities and the potential for farmers to benefit from developing agritourism on their farms. After attending this program, participants will have a general understanding of agritourism, and be able to identify at least one potential agritourism activity on their farm. Participants will also be able to identify the first three basic steps towards developing agritourism on their farm.
When: Thursday, November 8, 2012 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Where: UMaine Extension Androscoggin-Sagadahoc Counties Office, 24 Main Street, Lisbon Falls ME 04252
Cost: $25 and includes materials
To register or for more information, or to request special accommodations, contact KymNoelle Sposato or call (207) 353-5550 or (800) 287-1458 (in Maine). You can find full details of all events on the Events Calendar.
University of Maine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. To provide adequate time to respond to your request please provide as much notice as possible.
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Maine Farms for the Future Program – Round 12 – Phase 1 Business Plan Development
The notice for Maine Farms for the Future Program – Round 12 – Phase 1 Business Development grants has been published. All potential applicants must contact Stephanie Gilbert, RFP Coordinator, to request the official RFP. The RFP can, also, be requested by mail to Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine Farms for the Future Program – Room 314, 28 SHS, Augusta, ME, 04333- 0028. The Department encourages all interested vendors to obtain a copy of the RFP and submit a competitive proposal.The deadline for application is 2:00 PM local time, Tuesday October 16th, 2012.
A sample RFP will soon be available on the State of Maine’s Web site. Questions about the process must be submitted to Stephanie Gilbert no later than Thursday, September 27, 5:00 p.m. local time.
by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator, Cumberland County and Tori Jackson, Extension Educator, Androscoggin & Sagadahoc Counties
Soil Course for Farmers
UMaine Extension has developed a five-part series to take an in depth exploration into physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil; management and enhancement of soil organic matter; options and recommendations for soil amendments; cover cropping, and crop rotations. Through this series, farmers will learn management strategies for optimum crop production and long-term soil health.
When: Tuesday Evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, October 23 – November 20
Where: The Anderson Learning Center, 21 Bradeen Street, Springvale, ME in the Nasson Room.
Cost: The cost for the series is $25 per person, or $10 per session
Preregistration is required. Call 1-800-287-1535 or (207) 324-2814 for more information.
Focus on Fiber Seminar
A day-long seminar is planned to help fiber farmers establish or maintain a sound farm enterprise and produce high quality fiber from animals. The practical training is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2012 at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, ME. You can register or find more information on our Web site, or call University of Maine Cooperative Extension at 1-800-287-1471.
Old Pesticides on Your Farm?
Are there old metal pesticide containers hiding in the back of your storage area? If there are, please take action! The metal may be weak, and may be leaking or about to leak. Pack them (container and all) into plastic seal-able pails (5 gallon paint pails work great) and store them in a safe, dry location. If the pesticides are still legal to apply, use them up as soon as possible, following label directions. If they are no longer legal to use, you may be eligible for free disposal through the Maine Board of Pesticide Control (BPC) obsolete pesticide disposal program.
Most metal containers left over from the 1980s have come to the end of their useful life span. Our inspectors have found many containers either leaking product or some that had already leaked out their entire contents. So please check any places where pesticides are stored and take action to prevent a spill. You don’t want to contaminate your storage area or potentially affect the ground water. Just a few minutes of checking could save many hours of cleanup time in the future. For more information or to register, contact Henry Jennings, Director, Maine Board of Pesticides Control, or call (207) 287-7543.
What Can I Do with My Small Farm?
If you a have a small farm, here are two links that might provide some useful information on suitable enterprises.
Supplemental Enterprises for Farmers
While visiting farms in other states this summer, I noticed that several of the farms had enterprises that were not agricultural in nature, but fit nicely on the farm. These enterprises spread the risks of the farmer by generating extra income, and included a dog kennel boarding business, room rental to students attending a local college, storage space rental, and space rental to local schools for gardens/classroom. These are just a few ideas for you to consider if you are thinking about ways to increase income. Find more information on income enhancement strategies for farmers from Purdue University.
Campsites on Your Farm?
Have you ever considered generating extra income by renting campsites on your farm property? Licensing is not required if there are four campsites or fewer on your property. It might be a feasible enterprise for Maine farmers but there are several things to consider. You can get more information by contacting Richard Abare, the Executive Director of the Maine Campground Owners Association, or call 207-782-5874 (office) or 207-754-4408 (cell).
Free Stretching Poster for Farmers
You’ve probably seen sports players stretch before a game as a way to get their bodies ready for the competition. Well, farmers do some pretty strenuous things in their work too. Maine AgrAbility, an outreach of University of Maine Cooperative Extension, has produced a laminated poster with several suggested stretches for farmers. If performed daily, these stretches might help reduce injury. To get a poster, contact Maine AgrAbility or call (207) 844-1533.
Beginning Women Farmers Classes
This series of classes is sponsored by the Maine Women’s Agricultural Network, and funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The Beginning Women Farmers program draws on the work of Allen Savory and others, and is designed to help women farmers to be successful. This innovative program instructs participants on using a holistic approach to decision making on their farms.
Participants will meet for 10 sessions on topics such as goal setting, financial, business, and marketing planning, land and infrastructure planning, soil fertility, and planned grazing. Participants are provided with a mentor and are connected with a network of other beginning women farmers throughout the Northeast for additional support. Two of the classes take place on local farms. Classes will be held in Fairfield, Maine, beginning on Sunday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost for all 10 sessions is $300.00. Scholarships are available.
Class Subjects and Dates:
For more information, and to request an application, contact: Gail Chase or call (207) 453-4258 ext. 218.
Throughout the month of October, University of Maine Cooperative Extension will join millions of young people across the nation and in Maine to become scientists for a day during the fifth annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD).
The annual event seeks to spark an early youth interest in science and future science careers, and to reclaim the nation’s position of leadership in scientific exploration. As part of 4-H NYSD, youth in seven Maine communities will participate in the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge: the 2012 National Science Experiment in which youngsters explore how robots function and could be used to help clean up hazardous materials spills. The 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge will demonstrate that by utilizing engineering principles, youth can have a positive impact on communities and ecosystems.
To combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and occupations, and to enhance the nation’s contribution to the sciences, 4-H National Youth Science Day demonstrates that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are fun and attainable options for college degrees and future careers. Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H STEM programs.
Research has shown that participation in 4-H programs like 4-H NYSD makes a positive difference in the lives of youth. The Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University found in a 4-H study of positive youth development longitudinal study that, when compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are twice as likely to get better grades in school and twice as likely to plan to go to college; and are nearly three times more likely to participate in science, engineering, or computer technology programs and make positive contributions to families and communities.
Register for a local 4-H Youth Science Day activity being held in Bath, Perry, Windham, Poland, Searsport, Windsor or Topsham, on the Extension 4-H Youth Science Day Web site . More information on 4-H NYSD is, also, available online.
Happy Birthday!
Dates to Remember
Activity Corner
As the new 4-H year approaches and we begin to gather our clubs and plan for the coming year, think about including a team building activity during your club meetings. Check out this Web site for some ideas, or feel free to share some of your own!
Volunteers Needed
Blazin’ A Trail for a Cure volunteers needed! For table registration, t-shirts, things that come up with the equine, helping guests settle in, the food table, decorating, and whatever else comes up on that day.
We really need breakfast items (fruit, muffins, donuts, juice, coffee, water etc…) and paper goods.
Thank you very much!
Clubs Needed to Host Activities!
What: Lisbon Harvest Festival
When: Sept 29 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: MTM Center, Lisbon Falls
Looking for 4-H clubs to do kid-friendly activities and talk with people about 4-H. If you are interested in hosting a table please email Ross Cunningham.
4-H Club News
Equine Etc. – Equine Etc. 4-H Club had a fun month in August. Most of the members of Equine Etc. participated in the 4-H horse shows and had a great time learning, riding and helping out.
Our car wash was rained out so we are having a bake sale at Tractor Supply in Brunswick on September 15th. It will be a fun day, please come support us if you can. In September we are, also, having a family day at Rocky Ridge Farm to go apple picking and share a treat.
Pink Spurs 4-H Club Fun Town Trip!
4-H Science Experiment Series 2012
Tuesdays, October 2nd thru November 6th starting at 4:00 p.m. Patten Free Library, Bath ME
Join in the 2012 National Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, exploring how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math.
The 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge is
Register at the library with Carol. For more information about the experiment, contact Sarah Sparks at 207-353-5550 or 1-800-287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957 or by email. See a full schedule of events on the UMaine Extension Events Calendar.
UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goal. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks at 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.
4-H National Youth Science Day Experiment
The 2012 National Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment, while offering a glimpse into the future of science, technology, engineering and math. Youth will assemble their own Eco-Bot, then discover how the robot functions. Youth will, also, design a set of control surfaces to program the Eco-Bot to perform a simulated environmental clean-up project.
Join in the experiment at one of these sites, or host your own 4-H National Youth Science Day site!
The 4-H National Science Experiment Day is
Register at the hosting library. For more information about the experiment, contact Sarah Sparks at 207-353-5550 or 1-800-287-1458 (in Maine), TDD: 1-800-287-8957 or by email. See a full schedule of events on the UMaine Extension Events Calendar.
UMaine Extension programs are open and accessible to all in accordance with program goal. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for this program should contact Sarah Sparks at 1-800-287-1458 to discuss their needs.
4-H News
Registration for the 2012 Northeast Region Volunteer Forum is Still Open!
For the first time, we are offering a virtual forum so that more participants can take advantage of this fabulous opportunity. You will gather at sites within your state on three consecutive Monday evenings to hear from experts in the field, discuss with your colleagues and peers, and interact with those in other states via video technology. Webinar topics include: How to manage a club with youth of all ages and diverse needs; how to deal with difficult people as well as how to include teen leaders; and the final video will focus in on parents, specifically how to handle challenging parents and how best to include them in 4-H programming.
Don’t delay! Register online now! Anyone requiring disability-related accommodations is asked to note that in the box or contact Ellen Rowe at 802-751-8307 or via email no later than October 8 in order to best assist you. The first 100 volunteers and teen leaders to register will be placed into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! And, for those interested in taking something home with them, we’re pleased to offer a virtual auction. Bidding opens October 29 and all proceeds will benefit the Vermont Food Bank and American Red Cross.
New England 4-H Dog and Beef Poster Contests
There are great opportunities for youth in the 4-H Dog Care Project, and the 4-H Beef Project to participate in The Big E, even without going to W. Springfield, MA. 4-Hers of all ages can give their entries to a team member or chaperone headed to The Big E for submission. All entries must be received in time for display September 30, 2012. There are two different contests available:
The New England 4-H Beef Poster, Ad or Logo Contest
The New England 4-H Dog Program Poster Contest
Fall Paper Clover Promotion
The fall Paper Clover promotion at all Tractor Supply Company stores is coming September 19th-30th, 2012. Maine 4-H Paper Clover runs the month of October at businesses across the county. Clubs are invited to participate and contact their UMaine Extension office about how they can help promote 4-H.
Cumberland Fair 4-H Dog Show
The Cumberland Fair 4-H Dog Show will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 3:30 P.M. at the Livestock Arena, Cumberland Fairgrounds, 197 Blanchard Road, Cumberland. The 4-H Dog show will include showmanship, obedience, and a fun obstacle course. Entry forms are due by September 21, 2012. This show is open to 4-H youth in any county. More information and entry forms for the Cumberland Fair 4-H Dog Show are available on the Web site, or email Sara Conant or call 207-892–5855.
Eastern States Bus Trip, September 29, 2012
It’s time to reserve seats for the buses traveling to Eastern States Exposition (ESE aka the “Big E”) in West Springfield, MA, for Maine Day on Saturday, September 29, 2012. This is the day that Maine Dairy Goat, Sheep, and Dog teams will be showing – so come and root for your fellow Maine 4-Hers!!
This one-day trip is sponsored by the Maine Trustees of the ESE to encourage Maine 4-Hers who don’t presently participate in ESE events to see the activities for 4-H youth. Two buses are reserved for us, but seats fill up quickly, so please make your registrations early.
All youth must go with a chaperone but, because this event is primarily for youth, seats are limited to no more than two adults per child. The bus ride and admission to the “Big E” are free, but all individuals on this trip are expected to march in the parade at 5 pm. It works well if you wear a 4-H t-shirt if you have one, and for clubs to bring their club banner to display during the parade.
Items you might want to bring along are: light snacks, water, a good book, Rated G movies (there is a DVD/VCR on the bus), a pillow, and a blanket. There will be rest stops along the way. Other items to consider bringing: clothing to identify your club, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a hat with a visor, sun glasses, sun screen, a back pack, personal spending money, a camera, and a watch. If you have a cell phone, it will be helpful for logistics. Please include your cell phone number when you register.
Please leave valuable items at home. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Bus stops will be determined based on location of riders. Reservations must be made in writing or by email to Jessy Brainerd, 103 Libby Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5741
When you register, please give full name(s), child’s age, address, home phone and cell phone number of each person in your group. Reservations are due by Friday, September 7, 2012 (call after this date to check on seat availability). A confirmation letter will be sent to you two weeks before the trip giving you the time and pick up location. Pick up will be bright and early in the morning, but the return trip will be staggered. One bus will leave right after the parade; the second bus will leave after the evening events. So when you register, let us know if you’d like to return on the early or late bus (we will try to assign you to your preferred bus, however, there are a limited number of seats on each).
Volunteers are needed to serve as Bus Monitors. Bus Monitors will serve as the contact person for other passengers on their bus, and will make sure everyone gets back on the bus at the rest stop. If you’d be willing to serve in this capacity, please let us know when you sign up. If you have questions, please contact Jessy Brainerd or Michaele Bailey at 800-287-0274 or 207-581-3877.
Jolly 4-H Market
The Jolly Farmers and Jolly Juniors of Coopers Mills would like to invite all 4-Hers and/or 4-H groups throughout the state of Maine to join us in our first Jolly 4-H Market. Bring crafts and market items of all kinds to sell. Items might include jewelry, ornaments, flowers, pumpkins, etc. No raffles or bake/food sales allowed. All exhibitors must be active members of 4-H.
The Market will run October 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Windsor Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building. Crafters may set up at 8:00 a.m. Cost: $10.00 for 8’ space (you provide your own tables and chairs) or $15.00 for 8’ space including 1 table and 2 chairs. The Jolly Farmers and The Jolly Juniors 4-H clubs will have a concession stand with hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and other delectable goodies. For more information contact Darlene Newcombe or call 207-549-4532.
Robotics Expo
You’re invited to join us for a day of fun with robotics and science on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus. The event is open to any youth, ages 5-18, participating in or interested in 4-H robotics program. Prior robotics experience is not needed to attend. In the morning, individuals and teams will have the opportunity to share their ideas and creations with judges and other participants in a non-competitive ‘science fair’ format. During the day, youth participate in a workshop and in an on-site challenge event. Pre-registration is required.
More information is available online, or contact Sarah Sparks or call 1-800-287-1458 if you have any questions.
National 4-H Notes Maine Project Success
The National 4-H Council has posted a report on its “Join the Revolution of Responsibility” Web site about a $4,000 grant from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Engaging Youth, Serving Communities program. The grant helped a fundraising effort by students at Sebasticook Valley Middle and Nokomis Regional High schools in Newport to raise $6,000 to build an off-road walkway between the two schools. Located less than a half-mile apart, students from the two schools previously walked along the side of the road.
Military Teen Adventure Camps 2012-2013
Nearly 1600 military teens ages 14-18 will have an opportunity to participate, at little to no cost, in adventure camps scheduled April 2012 through March 2013. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine and from Colorado to Georgia as well as states in between.
Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow a teen to build leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while participating in activities like backpacking, river rafting, canoeing, wilderness survival, rocketry, rock climbing, GPS use, mountain biking, first aid, winter camping, dog sledding, ropes courses, camp cooking, archery, and other camp activities. Camps for youth with special needs are also planned in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire. For military youth already in the Pacific Rim, two camp dates are available in Hawaii. Information may be found at the following Web site.
Image Description: Pink Spurs at Fun Town
Image Description: Pink Spurs at Fun Town Carousel
by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator, Cumberland County and Tori Jackson, Extension Educator, Androscoggin & Sagadahoc Counties
State Sponsors Free Pesticides Disposal
It’s not uncommon for new owners of homes or farms in Maine to discover they have inherited hazardous waste in the form of pesticides, with old chemicals such as DDT, lead arsenate, 2,4,5-T and chlordane left behind in barns, basements or garages. Maine’s Board of Pesticides Control (BPC), the Maine Department of Agriculture, and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are partnering to provide homeowners a free opportunity this fall to dispose of old pesticides that may be stockpiled on their properties. Required registration – the deadline for which is September 28, 2012 – is now open for the disposal day, which gives owners of homes, family farms or greenhouses the opportunity to safely and legally get rid of pesticides that have become caked, frozen, or otherwise unusable, including those that are banned in the state.
Due to safety and regulatory requirements, disposal “drop-ins” are not allowed and registration is necessary. The BPC will contact registrants several weeks prior to that drive to inform them of their local collection date and location. Register, get additional details or information about the temporary storage and transportation of obsolete pesticides online or call Henry Jennings, Director, Maine BPC, at 207-287-2731.
Insuring Specialized, Diversified, and Organic Farms
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) will offer a one-hour webinar on Thursday, September 13, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, to explain Adjusted Gross Revenue Lite (AGR-Lite) – a unique, federally subsidized crop-insurance product that holds great promise to serve the needs of smaller, diverse, specialty crop, organic, and direct-market farmers. Farmers, crop insurance agents, agricultural lenders, and Cooperative Extension agents from states in the Northeast are especially encouraged to attend this webinar, which will be tailored to their needs. The webinar will feature regionally appropriate examples from the Northeast, and there will be ample time for attendees to ask questions about both AGR-Lite and the AGR-Lite Wizard. While most insurance products are tied to a specific crop or commodity, AGR-Lite is based on whole-farm revenue and allows farmers who grow several specialty crops, or diverse crops and livestock products, to insure their production based on their historic revenue. The webinar, “AGR-Lite – Understanding Whole-Farm Insurance for the Specialized, Diversified, and Organic Farms,” will explain how AGR-Lite works; provide a brief overview of crop-insurance limitations for specialized, diversified, and organic smaller farms, as well as demonstrate NCAT’s new AGR-Lite Wizard assessment tool. The presenter of the hour-long webinar will be NCAT Agricultural Economist Jeff Schahczenski. It is funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency. Register for the webinar online.
Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) Applications Due October 15, 2012
USDA Rural Development has announced Value-Added Producers Grants (VAPG) for 2012. The primary objective of the VAPG program is to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain, as defined in the Program Regulation. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis.
The Maximum Grant Amounts are $100,000 for planning grants & $300,000 for working capital grants. There is a cost sharing requirement of cash or eligible in-kind matching funds equal to at least the amount of grant funds requested. Apply or get more information about this grant opportunity online.
Farm Service Agency Provides Assistance to Livestock Producers
Androscoggin-Sagadahoc and Oxford Counties USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director CED Marcia Hall, announced that special provisions will made to the FSA emergency loan program and to the Risk Management Agency (RMA) federal crop insurance program in order to provide greater flexibility for livestock producers facing forage and feed shortages as a result of drought. On August 22, 2012, Secretary Vilsack announced that modifications will be made to the emergency loan program allowing them to be made earlier in the season. Producers will no longer have to wait until the end of the production cycle to obtain a loan. This change will support producers who currently need assistance to help offset high production costs.
Vilsack also announced that a special provision will be made to the federal crop insurance program through RMA that will allow producers to hay or graze cover crops without forfeiting crop insurance eligibility on planted 2013 spring crops. This change is beneficial to livestock producers making forage and feed available this fall and winter. However, before making any plans to plant crop cover, producers should consult with their insurance agent, according to RMA.
More information regarding special provisions to the emergency loan program is available online, or contact the Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County FSA office at 207-753-9400, x2; the Oxford County FSA office at 207-743-5789, x2; or Cumberland & York Counties FSA office at 207-883-0159 x2.
Maine Fiber Resource Guide – It Could Include You!
An online directory profiling Maine’s fiber community – fiber farmers, producers, artists, craftspeople, supply shops, processing mills, spinneries, etc. – is being created by Maine Fiberarts, a statewide nonprofit organization based in Topsham. The group is cooperating with the Maine Department of Agriculture, through a FSMIP grant, to compile this comprehensive, online, consumer-oriented listing of resources. The resource list may, also, include relevant books, websites, residency programs, and annual festivals or retreats. Listings are FREE, and for more information contact Maine Fiberarts at 13 Main Street, Topsham, ME 04086, 207-721-0678.
Focus on Fiber Seminar
UMaine Extension has partnered with several associations to plan and present a day-long Focus on Fiber seminar. The seminar is scheduled 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012, at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, Maine. The purpose of the seminar is to equip Maine sheep, fiber goat, and camelid producers with the skills and knowledge to improve production, handling, and marketing of high quality fiber and fiber products. More information, including registration, is available online or call 1-800-287-1471.
New Guide for Starting Dairy Goat Enterprise
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) recently published a 158-page Guide to Starting a Commercial Goat Dairy. To obtain a copy of the book email UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture or call 802-656-5459.
Small Scale Farmers: Register Now for Fall, Winter and Spring Online Courses – Cornell University
Whether you are a seasoned, new, or aspiring farmer, there’s something for you in the 2012-2013 line-up of online courses presented by the Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension. There are courses covering commercial production topics like raising veggies, berries, and poultry, and many more covering management of a successful farm, including business planning, holistic financial planning, marketing, and getting started in farming. Most courses are 6 weeks long and cost $200 each. Full course descriptions, instructor biographies, course logistics and more can be found at their Web site.
