The Somerset Newsflash, August 2024
Important Dates
- September 9, 2024: Invasive Plant Identification and Management Workshop – Augusta
- September 18, 2024: Recipe to Market
- September 20-22, 2024: Common Ground Country Fair
- October 6, 2024: Pond Construction & Management Workshop
- October 21-24: North American Maple Syrup Conference
- October 25-26: International Maple Grading School
Contents
The News
Join Us in the Exhibition Hall at the Common Ground Country Fair
Start thinking of your entries now!
All farmers and gardeners, new or experienced, young or old, commercial or backyard, are invited to bring the bounty and beauty of their crops and preserved foods to display at the Common Ground Exhibition Hall. Art, photos and crafts are also welcome.
Full article and and Exhibition Hall Guidelines here.
Recipe to Market
For Entrepreneurs and/or Farmers Interested in Starting a Home-based, Specialty Food Business
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s popular three-hour workshop, Recipe to Market, covers the basics to take a favorite recipe or idea and start a food business. This workshop will introduce participants to important topics, such as an overview of the specialty foods industry, business basics to consider, and an overview of the product development process, licensing and regulations, and food safety concerns. This workshop is intended for individuals, entrepreneurs, and/or farmers interested in starting a home-based, specialty food business.
Products that will be discussed, include but are not limited to, canned shelf-stable products (jams/jellies/preserves, baked goods, condiments, salsas, sauces, dessert sauces), dry mixes, and candies/confections. Topics include the business basics, an overview of the product development process, licensing/regulations, and food safety.
*This program does not cover herbal supplements, commercial processing (including dairy, meat, beverage, or juice manufacturing) or pet treats/foods.
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: $45
Register Online for Recipe to Market. Registration deadline is September 16, 2024.
Invasive Plant Identification and Management Workshops
Please join the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) and State partners Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP) and Maine Forest Service (MFS) for an Invasive Plant Educational Workshop. Participants will learn about Invasive plant biology, ecological impacts, identification, fundamental concepts of invasive plant management and related state and federal programs in classroom and field settings. Get ready for an action packed and informative day!
Cost: $10-20 sliding scale, pay what you can (Includes a copy of the Maine Invasive Plants Field Guide & lunch)
Participant Limit: 20 people per session
Dates and Locations:
Viles Arboretum, Augusta – Monday, September 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Register Online
Upcoming Events from Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District
Pond Construction & Management Workshop, October 6
Join us for a pond construction, health, and maintenance workshop in collaboration with Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District. Learn from our two expert speakers Candi Gilpatric an Agricultural Engineer at Natural Resource Conservation Service and Joe Dembeck, a Wildlife Biologist and former executive director of Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District. Learn more.
The News in Agriculture
North American Maple Syrup Conference
65th Annual Conference of the North American Maple Syrup Council
Hosted by Maine Maple Producers Association
Registration is Open!
October 21-24 in Portland, Maine
The schedule includes:
- Tours of innovative Maine farms (October 23)
- Practical skills workshops and research presentations from producers, maple researchers, and extension specialists, and more (October 22 and 24)
- Maple products contest and awards (October 24)
- Trades show and networking opportunities (All 4 days)
- A formal banquet and awards ceremony (October 24)
- and More!!
International Maple Grading School
Two Days of In-Person Lectures and Hands-On Demonstrations
Friday, October 25 and Saturday October 26, 2024
Falmouth, Maine (Directions, Google Maps)
The International Maple Grading School is for maple producers, bulk syrup buyers, state inspectors, and others needing to accurately grade maple syrup or judge maple product entries at fairs and contests. Quality control issues are also addressed. This school provides a strong scientific base combined with intensive hands-on exercises. This approach enables participants to learn how to grade or judge maple products with confidence.
Cost/Registration Fee: $145
- Capacity: 25
- Payment is per person for the two-day class.
- Registration fees are non-refundable; this may be considered on a case by case basis.
This program is supported by:
The International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI) and North American Maple Syrup Council (NAMSC) and Hosted by:
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and University of Vermont Extension.
2024 Maine Hay Contest
Are you producing the best hay in Maine?
Maine has more than 200 hay producers, in which the state’s livestock, horse, and dairy industries highly depend. All producers strive year after year to produce excellent quality hay, and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension firmly believes these efforts should be rewarded and recognized.
Therefore, the first Maine Hay Contest will be hosted in 2024, where you can submit your best quality hay produced in the year. First place will receive $500, second place $250, and third place $100. You also will receive a commemorative plaque that will be presented along with the prizes at the Maine Forage Conference, to be held in Waterville, ME, in November 2024.
Sampling, shipping, and analysis costs will be covered by UMaine Cooperative Extension for the first 15 registrants, so, what are you waiting for?
For more information and registration, click here.
PFAS Navigator Program Launches
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and University of Maine Cooperative Extension announced the launch of the “PFAS Navigators” program, designed to offer dedicated one-on-one assistance to farmers affected by PFAS contamination. Starting July 1, 2024, this confidential, no-cost program aims to provide comprehensive support, ensuring farmers receive the necessary resources and guidance to manage the impacts of PFAS on their farms and families.
Under the leadership of Program Director Lucy Wess, the PFAS Response Coordinator and Navigators will work closely with farmers to identify their unique goals, interests, and needs. Through personalized consultations, Navigators will connect farmers with critical technical, financial, and social assistance programs, serving as a vital touchpoint for any questions and providing hands-on help with navigating forms and applications for PFAS-related assistance.
The PFAS Response Navigator program is funded by DACF’s PFAS Fund and managed by University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Maine Agricultural Mediation Program (MAMP). To connect with a Navigator or learn more about the services offered, please get in touch with Shiela Leonard at um.PFASNavCoord@maine.edu or (207) 955-1977 or visit the Navigator Program website.
The PFAS Fund is currently accepting applications for financial assistance and plans to launch additional programs by the end of 2024. These will include a competitive research grant program, coverage for PFAS blood serum testing costs not covered by insurance, and access to mental health services for eligible individuals.
The News in 4-H
Farewell to Karen
As some of you may already know, Karen Giles, our 4-H Youth Development Professional, has accepted a new position within Cooperative Extension. She will begin her role as the 4-H Youth Development Professional in Waldo County on September 3. While we are sad for this loss to Somerset County, we are happy for Karen and this new opportunity for her career. Congratulations, Karen!
While we work to fill her former position, Karen will continue to be available to answer 4-H questions from Somerset County. If you know someone who may be interested in the position, please have them contact us at extension.somerset@maine.edu or at 207.474.9622.
For more 4-H news, check out 4-H Happenings, our monthly 4-H newsletter for Somerset County.
The News in Homemakers
Extension Homemakers is a volunteer group that develops leadership skills, supports community causes, and promotes UMaine Extension’s educational programs in nine Maine counties. These organized programs are part of the statewide network of Extension Homemakers.
Local group members meet throughout the year to participate in educational programs and identify community projects, such as providing assistance to local food pantries, nursing homes, or veterans groups, or funding educational scholarships or youth camp programs.
Volunteer in Somerset County!
Would you or someone you know like to become more engaged in volunteerism throughout Somerset County? Consider joining Homemakers! The Somerset County Extension Homemakers are always welcoming new members. Please visit the Maine Extension Homemakers website for general information about the program or reach out to the Somerset County Extension Homemakers President, Rita Fortin with any questions or to express interest. Rita can be reached at 207.453.2945 or at ritafortin2@gmail.com. You may also contact the Maine Extension Homemakers Coordinator, Lisa Fishman at 800.287.1421 or at lisa.fishman@maine.edu.