Wild Blueberry Newsletter May 2021
May 2021
Dear Growers, Processors and Stakeholders,
The season is upon on us! Spring is such an exciting time of year. Bloom has begun across the state with fields ranging from 0-20% bloom as of May 12, 2021. Check out the plant development in both crop and prune fields near you on our weekly Phenology Tracker. Bees have arrived to many fields just in time! Cross your fingers for good pollination weather. Dr. Annis reports that the mummy berry season was about average and most likely coming to a close.
Fresh pack growers may be interested in this Cooler Ice Cube as an alternative to purchasing or renting refrigerated vehicles. These mobile cold storage units slide into your existing vehicle and are battery powered. Pricing starts at $9,000 per unit.
UMaine has approved us for in-person events!
You MUST pre-register in order to attend. Masks are encouraged and social distancing is required. For more information please contact Mary Michaud, 207.581.3175 or email mary.j.michaud@maine.edu.
The theme is Climate Resilience and here is the schedule:
Ellsworth
When: Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Time: 3-5 pm
3:00-4:00 IPM Topics: Disease, Weeds, and Gall Midge (1 PA Credit)
4:00-5:00 NRCS Topics: Irrigation and Mulch
Cherryfield
When: Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Time: 2-4 pm
2:00-3:00 IPM Topics: Insects and Weeds (1 PA Credit)
3:00-4:00 NRCS Topics: Irrigation, Mulch, and Wind Breaks
Brunswick
When: Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Time: 3-5 pm
3:00-4:00 Organic Wild Blueberry Pest and Crop Management (Organic, 1 PA Credit)
4:00-5:00 NRCS Topics: Irrigation, Mulch, and Wind Breaks
Rockport
When: Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Time: 8-9 am
8:00-9:00 Dual-Use Solar Construction over Wild Blueberry Tour and Discussion
Stockton Springs
When: Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Time: 3-5 pm
3:00-4:00 Organic Wild Blueberry Pest and Crop Management (Organic, 1 PA Credit)
4:00-5:00 NRCS Topics: Irrigation and Mulch
Blueberry Hill Farm Field Day, Jonesboro
When: Thursday, July 8, 2021
Time: 9 am-Noon
9:00 am-12:00 pm. The field day will take place in the morning this year. You will be able to “choose your own adventure” through a rotation of 3-6 sessions in the morning. All sessions will be outside. A to-go lunch will be provided from Swamp Yankee BBQ!
Topics covered will include but are not limited to IPM, crop management, online marketing, and climate resilience. (2-3 PA Credits)
Wild Blueberry Weekend!
The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine and participating farms have organized the first annual Wild Blueberry Weekend – a two-day event that will take place rain or shine Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8, 2021. The goal of Wild Blueberry Weekend is to encourage locals, visitors, and tourists to visit and connect with participating Maine wild blueberry farms and local businesses in celebration of our state’s iconic fruit – the wild blueberry. There will be lots to do and you will want to map out your adventure for the weekend. You can find out more Wild Blueberry Weekend.
Online Marketing Opportunity
Do you have a website but do not have the ability to sell your blueberries from it? If you fall into this category, Eric Venturini of the Wild Blueberry Commission and Amy McCann of Local Food Marketplace have funding to set up the ability to sell through Local Food Marketplace. Reach out to them at amy@localfoodmarketplace.com or Eric.Venturini@maine.edu for more information.