Farm Scoop – May 2019
USDA presents Summer Soil Health Meetings for female landowners
Free meetings scheduled July 9-11, 2019, in Central Maine
BANGOR (May 29, 2019) – With nearly half of our nation’s farmland currently owned or co-owned by women, their input in the resource conservation process is vital!
Women who own or manage farmland in Maine are invited to participate in free discussions focused on soil health the week of July 9-11, 2019. These programs – sponsored by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)and Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN) – are titled Women Caring for the Land, and will be held in three locations in Central Maine.
Women Caring for the Land is facilitated by women conservationists, and offers a peer-to-peer, informal discussion format to allow women landowners to talk about their farm management goals. The Summer Soil Health Meeting Schedule is:
July 9 – Bar Harbor: College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden St., Turrets Building.
July 10 – Augusta: Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St.
July 11 – Sangerville: Hall’s Christmas Tree Farm, 816 Douty Hill Rd.
Interactive activities and discussion will focus on how local professionals can assist landowners with soil health and conservation planning for their operation. Free lunch is provided. During an afternoon field tour, participants will travel to a nearby farm to observe simple soil tests and interesting management practices.
Pre-registration is required and space is limited! If you are interested in attending one of the sessions, visit wfan.org/maine-2019 or contact Carol Schutte at (641) 430-2540 or carol@wfan.org.
PUBLIC NOTICE
RFP#201904076: Maine Farms for the Future Program: Phase 1 – Business Plan Development grants and Phase 2 – Investment Support grant and low-interest rate for Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF)
The State of Maine, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, is required to offer grants for business plan development (Phase 1) and investment support (Phase 2) as authorized in the Maine Farms for the Future Program (Title7, MRS Chapter 10-B).
For the current 2019 application, and beyond, the RFP, current applications, and Question & Answer Summary and all revisions/amendments related to this RFP can be obtained at the following website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants
Refer to the appropriate application for information pertaining to Pre-Application Conference location, time and date, if applicable.
Applications must be submitted to the State of Maine Division of Procurement Services, via e-mail, to the following email address: Proposals@maine.gov. Application submissions must be received no later than 4:00 pm, local time, on Monday, June 24th, 2019, when they will be opened. Future applications may be submitted per the semi-annual submission deadlines. Applications will be opened at the Burton M. Cross Office Building, 111 Sewall Street – 4th Floor, Augusta, Maine. Applications not submitted to the Division of Procurement Services’ aforementioned email address will not be considered for contract award.
Also see:
Mid-Coast Farmers Alliance Releases
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Photo credit: Dharma Farm, Washington, ME
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PSA: The Mid Coast Farmers Alliance with the support of Maine Farmland Trust invites regional food buyers to complete a survey assessing their needs for local produce. This survey will help connect local food buyers to the products they need and inform marketing decisions for local growers. All commercial Food Buyers from ‘mom and pop’ general stores to restaurants, to grocers and larger institutions like schools and hospitals are encouraged to participate. The Buyers Survey, which launched on March 21st, can be accessed on-line here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7P69FDX and will be open until June 1st. The Mid Coast Farmers Alliance is an informal group of growers and agricultural service providers who have been meeting over the past several years to address common issues for farmers. In 2016 we conducted a preliminary Producer’s Survey completed by 35 growers. Over 50% of respondents were interested in expanding their operations and collaborating with other growers to reach a wider range of markets. On completion of the buyers survey, the Alliance plans to conduct an updated producers survey. The Mid Coast Farmers Alliance buyers survey is co-sponsored by Maine Coast Heritage Trust/Aldermere Farm, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, Time and Tide Resource Conservation & Development. For questions or more information contact Aaron Englander at aenglander@mcht.org; 207-236-2639. The Mid Coast Farmers Alliance with the support of Maine Farmland Trust invites regional food buyers to complete a survey assessing their needs for local produce. This survey will help connect local food buyers to the products they need and inform marketing decisions for local growers. All commercial Food Buyers from ‘mom and pop’ general stores to restaurants, to grocers and larger institutions like schools and hospitals are encouraged to participate. The Buyers Survey, which launched March 21st, can be accessed on-line at http://www.aldermere.org and will be open until June 1st. For questions or more information contact Aaron Englander at aenglander@mcht.org; 207-236-2639. |
2019! Communication Kick-Off! Potluck! Social!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22nd 5:00 PM AT VILLAGESIDE FARM , 122 BELFAST ROAD, FREEDOM, ME 04941
Join Polly and Prentice at Villageside Farm for a farm tour and social gathering to kick off the FTP season. You’ll learn communication skills to improve your experience as an apprentice this season. You will receive an overview of MOFGA’s Apprenticeship Program, opportunities and support resources available to apprentices and new farmers, and what to expect for the season ahead. Most importantly, it’s a great chance to start meeting apprentices from other farms across the state. We look forward to seeing you there! Potluck to follow.
Soil Health and Intensified Vegetable Growing
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12th, 5:00 PM AT FRITH FARM, 61 ASH SWAMP ROAD, SCARBOROUGH, ME 04074
Daniel Mays, farmer at Frith Farm produces diversified vegetables on 14 acres in a no-till system. Come discuss soil health management strategies including cover cropping, tarping, and permanent bed systems. How to produce a bounty of organic produce in compact spaces will also be explored. Potluck to follow.
Northeast Mechanical Weed Control Expo – September 12, 2019
SAVE THE DATE
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
University of Maine Rogers Farm
914 Bennoch Road
Old Town, ME 04468
The University of Maine is hosting a mechanical weed control field day at the Rogers Farm on September 12, 2019. This event will feature tool demonstrations and research results for both vegetable and grain production. Hand-tools, walk-behind tractors/tool carriers, and tractor-mounted equipment will be on display and demonstrated in the field, including equipment from Terrateck® and Johnny’s Selected Seeds, HAK®, Tilmor®, K.U.L.T.-Kress®, Garford®, Trefler® Harrows, and Franklin Robotics. We invite farmers of all levels of experience and production to participate.
- Research presentations and posters
- Field demonstrations of tools for small-, mid- and large-scale growers
- Friendly competition testing your weed knowledge and cultivation skills!
- Connect with fellow growers, researchers, and industry representatives
Stay tuned for more details and information on how to register!
The Northeast Mechanical Weed Control Expo is supported by grants from the USDA-NIFA Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Northeastern IPM Center.
Questions? Equipment vendor interested in participating?
Contact Peyton Ginakes at peyton.ginakes@maine.edu
AgriSafe Webinar: Ergonomic Safety for Farm Women
USDA Announces March Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers Third 2019
Farm Service Agency
1400 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov
Dairy Safety Net Payment
Dairy Margin Coverage Program Sign-Up Begins June 17
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2019 — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the March 2019 income over feed cost margin was $8.85 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the third payment for dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.
DMC, which replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.
“I encourage all dairy operations to sign up for DMC when we begin accepting applications in June,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “Under certain coverage levels, the amount to be paid to dairy farmers for the months of January, February and March already exceed the cost of the premium.”
The signup period for DMC opens June 17, 2019. Dairy producers who elect a DMC coverage level between $9 and $9.50 would be eligible for a payment for January, February and March 2019.
For example, a dairy operation that chooses to enroll an established production history of 3 million pounds (30,000 cwt.) and elects the $9.50 coverage level on 95 percent of production would receive $1,543.75 for March.
Sample calculation:
$9.50 – $8.85 margin = $0.65 difference
$0.65 x 95 percent of production x 2,500 cwt. (30,000 cwt./12) = $1,543.75
DMC premiums are paid annually. The calculated annual premium for coverage at $9.50 on 95 percent of a 3-million-pound production history for this example would be $4,275.
Sample calculation:
3,000,000 x 95 percent = 2,850,000/100 = 28,500 cwt. x 0.150 premium fee = $4,275
The dairy operation in the example calculation will pay $4,275 in total premium payments for all of 2019 and receive $8,170 in DMC payments for January, February and March combined. Additional payments will be made if calculated margins remain below the $9.50/cwt level.
All participants are also required to pay an annual $100 administrative fee in addition to any premium, and payments will be subject to a 6.2 percent reduction to account for federal sequestration.
Operations making a one-time election to participate in DMC through 2023 are eligible to receive a 25 percent discount on their premium for the existing margin coverage rates. For the example above, this would reduce the annual premium by $1,068.75.
About DMC
On December 20, 2018, President Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill, which provides support, certainty and stability to our nation’s farmers, ranchers and land stewards by enhancing farm support programs, improving crop insurance, maintaining disaster programs and promoting and supporting voluntary conservation. FSA is committed to implementing these changes as quickly and effectively as possible, and today’s updates are part of meeting that goal.
Recently, FSA announced the availability of the DMC decision support tool as well as repayment options for producers who were enrolled in MPP-Dairy.
For DMC signup, eligibility and related dairy program information, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Producers’ Costs for Organic Certification
Farm Service Agency
1400 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due Oct. 31, 2019.
“Producers can visit their local FSA county offices to apply for up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “This also gives organic producers an opportunity to learn about other valuable USDA resources, like farm loans and conservation assistance, that can help them succeed. Organic producers can take advantage of a variety of USDA programs from help with field buffers to routine operating expenses to storage and handling equipment.”
OCCSP received continued support through the 2018 Farm Bill. It provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Eligible expenses for cost-share reimbursement include application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage.
Certified producers and handlers are eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 75 percent of certification costs each year, up to a maximum of $750 per certification scope, including crops, livestock, wild crops, handling and state organic program fees.
Opportunities for State Agencies
Today’s announcement also includes the opportunity for state agencies to apply for grant agreements to administer the OCCSP program in fiscal 2019. State agencies that establish agreements for fiscal year 2019 may be able to extend their agreements and receive additional funds to administer the program in future years.
FSA will accept applications from state agencies for fiscal year 2019 funding for cost-share assistance through May 29, 2019.
More Information
To learn more about organic certification cost share, please visit the OCCSP webpage, view the notice of funds availability on the Federal Register, or contact your FSA county office. To learn more about USDA support for organic agriculture, visit usda.gov/organic.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
30th Anniversary of Open Farm Day
Have you received an invite to showcase your farm in the 30th Anniversary of Open Farm Day on Sunday, July 28, 2019?
Here is the link to the online registration form: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/market_promotion/open_farm_day-signup.shtml
Please complete this by May 13, 2019 to be included in the promotions by deadline. J
Additional resources for farmers are here: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/market_promotion/open_farm_day.shtml
If you have questions, or need help, please don’t hesitate to ask. We currently have the greatest number of participating farms in 22 years, and I’m looking forward to helping farmers and the public make connections to support Maine agriculture.
Thanks for your efforts each day, I hope you’ll join us as we aim to promote Maine farms, and help visitors learn about your efforts!
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May 6, 2019 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry RFP#201904076 Maine Farms for the Future Program: Phase 1 – Business Plan Development grants and Phase 2 – Investment Support grant and low-interest rate for Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF) The State of Maine, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, is required to offer grants for business plan development (Phase 1) and investment support (Phase 2) as authorized in the Maine Farms for the Future Program (Title7, MRS Chapter 10-B). For the current 2019 application, and beyond, the RFP, current applications, and Question & Answer Summary and all revisions/amendments related to this RFP can be obtained at the following website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants Refer to the appropriate application for information pertaining to Pre-Application Conference location, time and date, if applicable. Applications must be submitted to the State of Maine Division of Procurement Services, via e-mail, to the following email address: Proposals@maine.gov. Application submissions must be received no later than 4:00 pm, local time, on Monday, June 24, 2019, when they will be opened. Future applications may be submitted per the semi-annual submission deadlines. Applications will be opened at the Burton M. Cross Office Building, 111 Sewall Street – 4thFloor, Augusta, Maine. Applications not submitted to the Division of Procurement Services’ aforementioned email address will not be considered for contract award. Also see: Contact: |