{"id":5552,"date":"2022-04-22T15:02:42","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T19:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/?p=5552"},"modified":"2022-04-22T16:25:41","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T20:25:41","slug":"the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 id=\"dates\"><a id=\"important-dates\"><\/a>Important Dates<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>April 23, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/08\/4-h-happenings-april-2022\/#dairy-judging\">Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Tryouts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>April 25, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to apply for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/03\/17\/the-somerset-newsflash-march-2022\/#value-added-producer-grant\">Value-Added Producer Grant<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>April 29, 2022:<\/strong>\u00a0Deadline to enter\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/08\/4-h-happenings-april-2022\/#lyme-disease-awareness\">Lyme Disease Awareness Poster Contest<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>April 29, 2022: <\/strong><a href=\"#landscape-design-webinar\">Landscape Design Webinar<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>May 1, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to submit 4-H ESE <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/animal-science-resources\/dairy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dairy<\/a>, ESE <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/animal-science-resources\/horse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Horse,<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/animal-science-resources\/working-steer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Working Steer<\/a> intent forms<\/li>\n<li><strong>May 6, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to apply to be a <a href=\"#master-food-preserver\">Master Food Preserver<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>May 15, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to submit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/08\/4-h-happenings-april-2022\/#maine-app-challenge\">Maine App Challenge<\/a>\u00a0application<\/li>\n<li><strong>May 21, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#mehc-spring-meeting\">Maine Extension Homemakers Council Spring Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>June 1, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong>Deadline to submit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/08\/4-h-happenings-april-2022\/#lamb-intent-forms\">Maine 4-H Fryeburg Fair Market Lamb intent form<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>June 30, 2022:<\/strong> Deadline to submit all other 4-H commodity intent forms<\/li>\n<li><strong>July 24, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#open-farm-day\">Open Farm Day<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Contents<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/03\/17\/the-somerset-newsflash-march-2022\/#news\">The News<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/03\/17\/the-somerset-newsflash-march-2022\/#news-in-agriculture\">The News in Agriculture<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/03\/17\/the-somerset-newsflash-march-2022\/#news-in-4h\">The News in 4-H<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/03\/17\/the-somerset-newsflash-march-2022\/#news-in-homemakers\">The News in Homemakers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/03\/17\/the-somerset-newsflash-march-2022\/#news-in-the-county\">The News in the County<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"news\"><\/a>The News<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><b><a id=\"ag-professional-position\"><\/a>Somerset County Extension Seeking to Hire Agriculture and Food Systems Professional<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>We are hiring!<\/p>\n<p>The Agriculture and Food Systems Professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension is a full-time, fiscal-year, continuing contract eligible faculty appointment. This position is responsible for implementing educational programs in support of the over 500 commercial farms in the county, including a vibrant maple production industry. This work will often be done in partnership with county-based colleagues and statewide commodity (potato, dairy, vegetable) or subject specialists (water quality, pest management, food safety) within Cooperative Extension. The professional will also respond to the needs of home gardeners and have overall responsibility for the county Master Gardener Volunteer program.<\/p>\n<p>Please help us spread the word about this opportunity! If you know someone who may be interested in this position, please refer them to the position description on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.hiretouch.com\/job-details?jobID=74039&amp;job=sustainable-agriculture-and-horticulture-professional-somerset-county\">UMaine job site<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"lime-disease-awareness-month\"><\/a>May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Maine<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5517 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg\" alt=\"Blacklegged Tick or Deer Tick (adult female)\" width=\"171\" height=\"117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-1024x703.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-768x527.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-1536x1054.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-2048x1406.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-105x72.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-317x218.jpeg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-423x290.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-634x435.jpeg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-846x581.jpeg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-951x653.jpeg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-1268x870.jpeg 1268w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 171px) 100vw, 171px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With warmer weather on its way, Lyme Disease Awareness Month is here again! Health care providers reported 1,508 cases of Lyme disease in 2021 (as of March 25, 2022). The 2022 Lyme Disease Awareness Month theme this May is \u201cTick Wise.\u201d This reminds us to stop and practice tick prevention measures frequently. The easiest way to avoid tick-borne diseases is preventing tick bites. Please remember to be \u201cTick Wise\u201d and:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Know tick habitat and use caution in areas where ticks may live.<\/li>\n<li>Wear light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs.<\/li>\n<li>Use an EPA-approved repellent such as: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon<br \/>\neucalyptus.<\/li>\n<li>Perform tick checks on yourself, family members, and pets daily and after any outdoor<br \/>\nactivity. Take a shower after exposure to a tick habitat to wash off any crawling ticks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Infected deer ticks can spread the bacterium that causes Lyme disease when they bite. For<br \/>\ntransmission to occur, the deer tick must be attached for 24-48 hours. Use frequent tick checks to find and remove ticks as early as possible.<\/p>\n<p>In Maine, adults over the age of 65 years and children between the ages of 5 and 15 years are at<br \/>\nhighest risk of Lyme disease. People that work or play outside are also at high risk of encountering<br \/>\ninfected ticks.<\/p>\n<p>If a tick bites you or you spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to watch for symptoms for up to 30 days after exposure. Also be sure to call a health care provider if symptoms develop. The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a skin rash. This is better known as the \u201cbull\u2019s-eye\u201d rash. The rash usually appears 3-30 days after the tick bite and can show up at the bite site or anywhere else on the body. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and joint or muscle pain. Lyme disease is treatable, and most people recover fully.<\/p>\n<p>Lyme disease is not the only disease that deer ticks in Maine can carry. Anaplasmosis, babesiosis,<br \/>\nBorrelia miyamotoi disease, and Powassan virus disease are other tickborne infections found in<br \/>\nMaine, which saw record cases of anaplasmosis and babesiosis in 2021 and tied the record number<br \/>\nof Powassan virus disease infections statewide.<\/p>\n<p>The deer tick is the only species of tick in Maine that can pass the bacterium that causes Lyme<br \/>\ndisease. Still, there are several other species of ticks found across the state. Tick identification is<br \/>\nimportant, especially when removing ticks. Free tick identification resources can be ordered at the<br \/>\nMaine CDC website. University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick ID Lab also offers tick<br \/>\nidentification and testing services.<\/p>\n<p>Resources:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lyme disease information available at www.maine.gov\/lyme<\/li>\n<li>Lyme disease data available through the Maine Tracking Network at www.maine.gov\/lyme under \u201cMaine Tracking Network: Tickborne Diseases\u201d on the left-hand side of the page<\/li>\n<li>University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick ID Lab submission instructions found at www.ticks.umaine.edu<\/li>\n<li>For additional questions, please call Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821 or email disease.reporting@maine.gov<\/li>\n<li>Tickborne disease videos found at http:\/\/www.maine.gov\/idepi under \u201cVideos\u201d on the left-hand side of the page<\/li>\n<li>Tick identification resources and other materials available to order at www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/order<\/li>\n<li>To continue getting Lyme updates throughout May, follow Maine CDC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"lyme-disease-awareness\"><\/a>Maine CDC 2022 Lyme Disease Awareness Poster Contest<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Each year, Maine CDC hosts an annual Lyme Disease Awareness Month poster contest for K-8th graders in Maine. The topic of this year\u2019s contest is \u201cTick Wise,\u201d reminding everyone to be \u201ctick wise\u201d and take steps to prevent tick borne diseases, including Lyme disease. The contest rules and release waiver can be found on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dhhs\/mecdc\/infectious-disease\/epi\/vector-borne\/lyme\/month\/\">Lyme Disease Poster Contest webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Posters will be accepted through Friday,\u00a0<strong>April 29<\/strong>. Winners in each category receive a one-day park pass to any Maine State Park for their family and tick removal kits for their classroom or group. One grand prize-winning poster will be chosen to feature as the 2022 Lyme Disease Awareness poster for Maine CDC.<\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"master-food-preserver\"><\/a>Apply to be a Master Food Preserver<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5562 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/food-safety-training-300x200-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"203\" height=\"135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/food-safety-training-300x200-1.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/food-safety-training-300x200-1-105x70.jpeg 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,203px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Applications now available; due<b> May 6th<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you enjoy the art and science of food preservation? Would you like to develop expertise in food preservation? Consider becoming a Master Food Preserver. Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/food-preservation\/master-food-preservers\/\">Master Food Preserver page<\/a> to learn more and apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"landscape-design-webinar\"><\/a>UMaine Extension Landscape Design Webinar<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar for home gardeners about designing welcoming landscapes, noon\u20131:15 p.m. <strong>April 29<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/register\/product\/designing-welcoming-landscapes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Designing Welcoming Landscapes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201d will provide an overview of questions and considerations when evaluating a garden space, with specific examples of ways to make landscapes more fun, comfortable and safe for all ages. Clair Ackroyd, garden designer and author, leads the workshop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Registration is required; a sliding scale fee is optional. Register on the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/register\/product\/designing-welcoming-landscapes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Designing Welcoming Landscapes webpage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to attend live or receive the recording link. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Pamela Hargest, 207.781.6099; extension.gardening@maine.edu.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Dean Hannah Carter Pens Op-ed for BDN About Volunteering<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hannah Carter, dean of University of Maine Cooperative Extension, wrote an opinion column for the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bangordailynews.com\/2022\/04\/17\/opinion\/opinion-contributor\/make-an-impact-on-your-community-and-yourself-volunteer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bangor Daily News<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> about the value of volunteering. \u201cApril is also National Volunteer Month, a time for us to celebrate the thousands of people across the state who give selflessly of their time and talent. Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Without them, UMaine Extension could not fulfill its mission to bring practical, research-based information from the state\u2019s research university to the people of Maine \u2014 work that enriches lives and strengthens communities,\u201d Carter wrote.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Maine Public Interviews Mallory About the Grain Economy in Maine<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ellen Mallory, University of Maine Cooperative Extension professor and a professor in the School of Food and Agriculture, was interviewed by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mainepublic.org\/environment-and-outdoors\/2022-04-15\/climate-change-impacts-farmers-and-global-supply-chains-maines-growing-grain-economy-could-help\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maine Public<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for a story about Maine\u2019s growing grain economy. \u201cPeople really like the idea of eating local. If you develop a local grain economy, with relationships between farmers and processors, then you can stabilize prices and provide some predictability for farmers in terms of a price and in terms of volume [that they can sell],\u201d said Mallory, who is on the board of Maine Grain Alliance and works with farmers to help them meet the new economic opportunities with grain production.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"helpful-gardening-resources\"><\/a>Helpful Gardening Resources<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5563 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Carrots-423x282-1-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"Carrots\" width=\"212\" height=\"141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Carrots-423x282-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Carrots-423x282-1-105x70.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Carrots-423x282-1.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Carrots-423x282-1-317x211.jpeg 317w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,212px\" \/>We want to remind you that Cooperative Extension offers all kinds of helpful resources for Maine gardeners. If you have a garden, you may want to check out some of these:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-sowpMlAY8jubZqgwNtMieBfUnerOGWk3nF7izWVxOmQlpKmAPJveqJhGjBFAyzeXNCFOAq57PSTDvw1jOSJdKU2lsIsshKdOPaLpb21xmJ8OW3bb2U87432_sBdUhKpHAvV7rwLXUI8&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\">On Demand Webinars:<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bundles of three to four prerecorded webinars about starting and maintaining a home orchard, gardening with native plants, composting and soil health, and seed selection and starting. The webinars allow viewers to watch and learn at their own pace and include lists of recommended resources.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The webinar bundles are offered on a sliding scale fee of $0\u2013$30. More information about how to purchase the bundles is available on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-sowpMlAY8jubZqgwNtMieBfUnerOGWk3nF7izWVxOmQlpKmAPJveqJhGjBFAyzeXNCFOAq57PSTDvw1jOSJdKU2lsIsshKdOPaLpb21xmJ8OW3bb2U87432_sBdUhKpHAvV7rwLXUI8&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">gardening webpage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Rebecca Long, 207.743.6329; <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">extension.gardening@maine.edu<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-vxKfyjMtGPVs53ak__p4vsqAzA1PMKMYi3goUAAW7f4x9k3PNY9ae4JO6bGshUypgo58SHe50ozJqllKsTBucmRUo6Gs5fBE7OqGCYHQVsZbtaclhCBgxm_w6hAeAwKFu7RLqQ2aP1AcVNKe57syWt9Cn-yM5ja7OxY5Af83GEnvCq84eCVS5YnOxIuNmDvbQ==&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>Growing Maine Gardeners<\/b><\/a>: An initiative led by UMaine Extension\u2019s Home Horticulture team to address the increased demand for gardening education throughout the state of Maine and to provide additional support for beginner gardeners.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-t_wo4rX9StKJCkluC2u-gnf9XBY95cQHi3dPpLnzazWMFVJLArTohDjlU8ugpgC66lI4RVC_kM3fRFogCe1EwEW8vAJV6CI_RbpXr_zX1XvUGdqWDuo72UP6kh74E5vz7UuaRTjm6xFpr8n1jevjnQ=&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>Garden Mentorship Program<\/b><\/a>: direct technical assistance and encouragement via phone or email throughout the season from trained Master Gardener Volunteers.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-sM7uXtacwv0KY6kL1YPoVQsXeROTEfxZlHTR7L8HqcQf38qMNtuHTzmZ8x_r7xHaepZZMR3gfZcSdkGEMriUlhzNyLJpwQ-kNMYCO6gUEuTrYJEWbRrsQzUN1dfq8QsCFWAu0-WWIFeBYg3xBiLhfqlu_XEJQiIWr-zcBJGwYsZ&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>Maine Farm Products and Pick-Up Directory<\/b><\/a>: The directory provides information on available local farm products and alternative pick-up options developed by farmers statewide to accommodate the recommended social distancing in light of COVID-19.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Identifying insect pests<\/strong>: Charley Armstrong, will identify pest samples via images. See <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-hO8hdwJXH1YOE3IDQPTMlJkvloX7wacNiSdmQQ5uIZZopeoBtsRb_mkbaV8SEkit7x5jKK563jy-m-ZkVZ8SGZMpd0n8tgw43xCpx7zdFjyd7tpyeAlbOGdifeYQ1Ay9Q==&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>instructions<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for submitting an insect specimen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Identifying plant diseases<\/strong>: Dr. Alicyn Smart will identify plant disease samples via images. See <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-hO8hdwJXH1YlZQQ3l4htxmH4bchHS1nJzFBP3D6fbTDExeDg5uSHaafIhG7dOZ8sSe5x-yGBafntgsyu4p9B_gXy4cK0gUTZcRLf0QcnGmkHFPpE_N8w2pNOEGD2uByTg==&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>instructions<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for submitting a sample.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Tick testing<\/strong>: Ticks are being tested on a limited basis. See <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-nl_iw_w1_UIOufmDRfhJMXFl8xF7uXPigqv60_1HV1ZcuyQAsJ0Y23yMAGBF11zWaACY-KEjU2erMolrPQD5lGLZKpJwYWsB80aencyxR-OkjMENCy_UDM=&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>instructions<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for submitting a tick sample.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Publication orders<\/strong>: We are still processing orders from our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-nl_iw_w1_UIR5UHPlS-YP3blPdtuhC1Fyw5o5oVqOTo5UW5Uy5owGWJsit6yh9EL0kAa3D2AFT-xsuGh_SpQJpT65RmVlhsoxBBOOaUyupA&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>publication catalog<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, including pesticide application training materials.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Soil testing<\/strong>: The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-k3HFspZScOJdq64lHrnoNDecJEuXe12cbcH_67fneQVw9kbBmrEinkfbjSRgGhguNVrkuqeV63QWWXOR2IkjiLS9MRnhitcJ7_QrEQdJN7J&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>Analytical Lab and Maine Soil Testing Service<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> remains open and is taking samples with a priority on commercial samples. If you need to drop off a sample, you can place it in the box outside of Deering Hall; do NOT enter the building.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>General gardening questions<\/strong>: Contact your <a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0011w2Pwrh0wIEu1Z-iL9Jhqkku76OiLolMUQ6JJcvGxsFCxJIUm5Bz-u7XU1OhHHQ7Ke65gdPvTnWvQIteBmzoorGK3VXqxuifMJYgHUPYubYmnIBvpVbd-0bTpC-AQon8-Id-jET1HdbKavoK-JO7t_F7pjn3jwG5fCDl4YsFf1fSfUxohnP9iQ==&amp;c=vvZBJjs1ryLYBOwC0Oe-MNjySmQyn8p2pOIb01IuznMEqM55YqLQWA==&amp;ch=YajBNWS2mv7ZsmTr5XZn5OpIlAISQgT3f5l_s2Bz92RJW07Opjts2Q==\"><b>county office<\/b><\/a>. Emails are preferred. If it\u2019s necessary to leave a voicemail, please leave your email address (if available) or a mailing address in addition to your phone number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Greenhouse Plastic Recycling Program Opens April 19<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension expects to open its Greenhouse Plastic Recycling (GPR) program April 19 with drop-off sites available statewide through November 21.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Plastic eligible for recycling is clear, low-density polyethylene #4 (LDPE #4) used to cover greenhouses, high tunnels, hoop houses and other agricultural structures. The program will also accept white overwintering plastic bundled separately from clear plastic. UMaine Extension&#8217;s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/210UvR5q2fU\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> GPR program video<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> explains the process in full.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This will be the third year for the recycling program, begun in 2020 with a one-year Maine Department of Environmental Protection Waste Diversion grant. The program\u2019s goal is to collect at least one-third of Maine\u2019s annual waste greenhouse plastic, diverting that waste for use in new plastic products. To date, the program has collected almost 2,600 pounds of this plastic waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is no program fee; registration is required. Register and find more information on the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/greenhouse-plastic-recycling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> GPR program website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. More information also is available by contacting Matt Wallhead, 207.581.2949; agplasticrecycling@maine.edu.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"news-in-agriculture\"><\/a>The News in Agriculture<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><b>PFAS Farmer Wellness Fund<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0013fyTRqv7aWW_PHiUkBQB93lsR-vrEvZkAU7oVyY1S36zFWA-ErBeQfqUh7xF_kaVb9-JyiBE6nT7sqt6yJTvimzLQsXrPW-PZy-n6yZlbjlcuzSYukSbpusNXqIUsEK3vy8DX2e-0TBbKLZFUHDeiM3wMHyq-Y0cQs1bDivnVVfQV3g5Cte80By1QT9nchBtIF_Z4BLXBgktYGcL-E9bDBkRE7gXtIXMl5g-k4Ws3_nuJanhCN0XFo8hxrPoTe4h&amp;c=PePYzI6Fe5ARgVNlRH_5RizWSlW87zqmO1mjYKmu3Hp95yJn5ClCLg==&amp;ch=ZsGZvHquH9HMsoeY4HH3d4xg4MLQmIkvxFwCPS4-ytasKOOKdpGbTw==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>The PFAS Farmer Wellness Fund <\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">is intended to holistically support farmers and farm workers impacted by PFAS contamination and is being jointly administered by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Maine Farmland Trust (MFT), and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE) and is funded by the Farmer and Rancher Stress Assistance Network.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As farmers wellness is broadly defined, there is a wide range of eligible uses for this fund including therapy, childcare, acupuncture, gift cards to purchase uncontaminated food and\/or water, massage, traditional healers, and other supports that would help reduce stress at this time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eligibility:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All commercial farms. A farm does not need to have confirmed high PFAS test results though those farms and farm workers will be prioritized<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Farm workers based on a farm affected by PFAS<\/li>\n<li>Indigenous food and medicine growers providing for community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We cannot pay the applicant directly for or reimburse any expenses, and will instead directly pay for any services or products you have requested. Please take care to verify the contact information for payment for the service or product before submission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"avian-influenza\"><\/a>Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update<\/b><\/h4>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5564 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-300x201.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"216\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-300x201.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-105x70.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-317x212.jpeg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-423x283.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-634x424.jpeg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-846x565.jpeg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens-951x636.jpeg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/chickens.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,216px\" \/>Dr. Anne Lichtenwalner, Extension Veterinarian and Director of the UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has just completed an update to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2109e\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bulletin #2109 Avian Influenza and Backyard Poultry<\/a>.<\/div>\n<div>Avian Influenza (AI) is a contagious type A influenza (\u201cflu\u201d) virus of birds that occurs worldwide and is not uncommon in wild birds of many types.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>As a flu virus, AI replicates in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, so it is spread via respiratory droplets, saliva, mucus, and manure. It may also be capable of airborne spread if conditions allow (for instance, when very high amounts of virus are being produced). Contaminated surfaces, feed, water, environments, and items such as tools or workers\u2019 boots can also spread the disease. Influenza viruses can survive for extended periods of time in cool, moist environments like wet bedding, manure, and mud. Regular sanitation and disinfection practices can help prevent spread of AI via this route.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><strong>As a small flock owner, how would I know if my birds have Avian Influenza?<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>AI is something to keep in mind, should you notice respiratory disease in birds, but it\u2019s not the only cause of respiratory symptoms or diarrhea in birds. There are several forms of influenza (AI) that can affect poultry: relatively non-pathogenic (low path AI; LPAI) and the more dangerous form (high path AI; HPAI).\u00a0If you see severe illness and sudden death losses in your flock, you should call the regional USDA hotline: 866.536.7593, and also let your farm vet know. If your flock is experiencing losses, but you doubt that they are due to HPAI, then you should have a necropsy conducted; the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/veterinarylab\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">University of Maine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory<\/a> can assist farmers in our region. As well, now is a great time to review your poultry management to ensure the safety of your birds; we call this biosecurity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><strong>Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry HPAI Situation Report<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>Current Situation:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>USDA&#8217;s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in samples taken from nine small flocks of non-commercial backyard birds (non-poultry).\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/aphis\/ourfocus\/animalhealth\/animal-disease-information\/avian\/avian-influenza\/hpai-2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">APHIS website<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) placed the properties under quarantine, and humane depopulation efforts have been completed.<\/li>\n<li>DACF has implemented additional safety measures, including monitoring properties with domestic flocks within a 10 km radius and notifying bird owners of the importance of proactive safety measures to help prevent disease.<\/li>\n<li>The risk for HPAI remains high, and backyard flock and commercial operators are advised to keep birds indoors to prevent the spread of this disease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><strong>HPAI Common Questions<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Q: How long do we have to keep our birds inside?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A: As long as the disease transmission risk is high. Please reference the Maine DACF Animal Health website for up-to-date information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: What are the signs of HPAI in birds?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A: Sudden death without clinical signs; Lack of energy and appetite; Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; Swelling of the head, comb, eyelid, wattles, and hocks; Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs; Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing; Incoordination; or Diarrhea. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/aphis\/ourfocus\/animalhealth\/animal-disease-information\/avian\/defend-the-flock-program\/outbreak-illness\/outbreak-illness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: How do I protect my flock from HPAI?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A: The best approach is to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/aphis\/ourfocus\/animalhealth\/animal-disease-information\/avian\/defend-the-flock-program\/defend-the-flock-program\/!ut\/p\/z1\/lZLNcoIwFIWfxQVLzE1Qwe6AMoBF26pUmk0HFQMtECamOuPTN9pu-qPSbDJJvnPP3HuCKEoQrdNdwVJZ8Dot1fmZDl5CQlyMezjyR0MLHl0D-tMH35hhEy1OQHTfc7EzA7V7Dtje1Bx7XkgAG4j-T_8UDJR-Hs8nFnbCIWmnhzPLhnb6CwC9XH50zUBNkIixO2aINqnM9aLecJSss01Wr3WZZ_qm5Ks3vRGcibS68LJA9OQ1wa4P1tHLu8VgB8PwLjAHAD75As6FMb0GHNP6AfyOo8VAWMmXn3_HrpeGpToXqimRie67UNe5lM32RgMN9vt9l3HOyqy74pUGf0lyvpUo-U6iporjODlEARTha7_cRXan8wGokCNS\/dz\/d5\/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh\/?urile=wcm%3Apath%3A%2Faphis_content_library%2Fsa_our_focus%2Fsa_animal_health%2Fsa_animal_disease_information%2Favian%2Fdefend-the-flock-program%2Fdtf-biosecurity%2Fbiosecurity101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">practice good biosecurity<\/a> &#8211; this means keeping your birds separate from sources of disease, such as infected wild birds and their environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: What should I do if I have sick birds or large mortality in my flock?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A: Report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State\/Federal officials, either through your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/ahw\/animal_health\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">state veterinarian<\/a> or through USDA&#8217;s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Can people contract AI?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A: No cases of this particular strain of the avian influenza virus have been detected in humans in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent detections of this strain of influenza in birds in Maine and several other states <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/avianflu\/spotlights\/2021-2022\/bird-flu-poses-low-risk-public.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">present a low risk to the public<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Does HPAI present a food safety risk?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A: No, poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Is compensation offered to impacted flock owners?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A: Yes. Refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/publications\/animal_health\/2016\/hpai-indemnity.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USDA APHIS website (PDF)<\/a>\u00a0to learn what is covered and how the process works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><strong>Additional Resources<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>According to the USDA, all bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Practice protective security measures to help prevent disease<\/li>\n<li>Prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and<\/li>\n<li>Report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State\/Federal officials, either through your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/ahw\/animal_health\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">state veterinarian<\/a>\u00a0or through USDA&#8217;s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>For backyard and commercial poultry producers:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>USDA has many resources available for commercial poultry producers and backyard bird owners through its\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/aphis\/ourfocus\/animalhealth\/animal-disease-information\/avian\/defend-the-flock-program\/defend-the-flock-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Defend the Flock campaign<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>UMaine Extension\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2109e\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bulletin #2109 Avian Influenza and the Backyard Poultry (March 2022)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/aphis\/ourfocus\/animalhealth\/animal-disease-information\/avian\/defend-the-flock-program\/dtf-resources\/dtf-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Information about this campaign and links to toolkits<\/a>\u00a0containing biosecurity checklists, videos, and more, are available.<\/li>\n<li>Additional information and resources about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iowaagriculture.gov\/animal-industry-bureau\/avian-influenza\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HPAI and foreign animal disease preparedness<\/a>\u00a0are available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>For more information contact Jim Britt at: <a href=\"mailto:Jim.Britt@maine.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jim.Britt@maine.gov<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4><b><a id=\"open-farm-day\"><\/a>Would you like to sign up for Open Farm Day?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Now is the time! Maine&#8217;s annual <a href=\"https:\/\/web.getrealmaine.com\/events\/MaineOpen%20Farm%20Day%20%202022%20Statewide%20Event-13113\/details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Open Farm Day<\/a> happens the fourth Sunday in July (<\/span><b>July 24 <\/b>this year<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">). There is no fee to join promotions, but you must opt in via Real Maine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The sign up steps differ for those with who currently have a listing, and those who don&#8217;t. Please, start here:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Not sure if you have a listing? Take a look &#8211; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0013fyTRqv7aWW_PHiUkBQB93lsR-vrEvZkAU7oVyY1S36zFWA-ErBeQYP1YQdp7Owbh_odJmLzhnBjY7oJnkUyHeciEHkwZWcuzKYLqqaSH7jTABi3e6i8brGX3Q0_C1aa4_9XnaY9zGU6XY3vrMq_OjQP9Ba1BG1b&amp;c=PePYzI6Fe5ARgVNlRH_5RizWSlW87zqmO1mjYKmu3Hp95yJn5ClCLg==&amp;ch=ZsGZvHquH9HMsoeY4HH3d4xg4MLQmIkvxFwCPS4-ytasKOOKdpGbTw==\"><b>search for your farm on RealMaine.Com<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For those who <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0013fyTRqv7aWW_PHiUkBQB93lsR-vrEvZkAU7oVyY1S36zFWA-ErBeQYP1YQdp7OwbyNkunbN6ax8jUPeYuZ7S909dDdY8MB9eSw9HC5ht22YHYDLQC2qeiZ0AGARX8Kat_iL-WxK5nXQSNT4Z2QiVNsXx8zU2jDrJItBuAXvCyPzkKhts4QuCYfADiRbJvVESeDgyp_b8CJ2y1u1OUK6kECUTbEb8_lEw&amp;c=PePYzI6Fe5ARgVNlRH_5RizWSlW87zqmO1mjYKmu3Hp95yJn5ClCLg==&amp;ch=ZsGZvHquH9HMsoeY4HH3d4xg4MLQmIkvxFwCPS4-ytasKOOKdpGbTw==\"><b>already have a member listing<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">For those who <a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=0013fyTRqv7aWW_PHiUkBQB93lsR-vrEvZkAU7oVyY1S36zFWA-ErBeQYP1YQdp7OwbZILXguFr6V4E2Z13YCGAUj8a4SV0xA-xVqLnTQAsp0J5iRrxZxqqJP79Gr0yXbvryZab55owGE70si7pJbdqt5HVh1fuS7MtpuONLurgwnkg2xnZ_BFcLXLgTAmRCry7AySZBf7dr9KluMtAavybb9GheQU5dMnr&amp;c=PePYzI6Fe5ARgVNlRH_5RizWSlW87zqmO1mjYKmu3Hp95yJn5ClCLg==&amp;ch=ZsGZvHquH9HMsoeY4HH3d4xg4MLQmIkvxFwCPS4-ytasKOOKdpGbTw==\"><b>do not have an account or member listing<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"value-added-producer-grant\"><\/a>Value-Added Producer Grant Open Now<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) was published on March 1, 2022.<\/p>\n<p>Here are just a few highlights:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Applicants must be an Agricultural Producer<\/li>\n<li>There are two types of grants: Planning with a maximum award amount of $75,000 and Working Capital with a maximum award amount of $250,000<\/li>\n<li>There is approximately $19.75 million available in program funding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more information and to apply, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.usda.gov\/programs-services\/business-programs\/value-added-producer-grants\/me\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Value-Added Producer Grant webpage<\/a>. Electronic applications that are submitted through grants.gov are due on\u00a0<strong>April 25, <\/strong>2022.<\/p>\n<h4><b>UMaine Team Ranked Third in 2022 North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dairyproducer.com\/umaine-students-compete-in-2022-north-american-intercollegiate-dairy-challenge\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DairyProducer.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> reported that a team of four animal and veterinary sciences students from the University of Maine ranked third among six teams at the 2022 North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge this month. The Dairy Challenge contest is a three-day event when dairy students tour and evaluate a dairy farm based on production, health, breeding, financial data and the business\u2019 short- and long-term goals. This was the first time in two years that dairy students were able to compete in the national Dairy Challenge, held this year in Green Bay, Wisconsin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Dairy Farm Labor Survey<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Would you take a few minutes to give your input on the labor needs of Maine\u2019s dairy industry, as it looks on your farm? You must be 18 years old or older to participate in this anonymous survey that will take 15 minutes or less.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more and to take the survey, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_4UwMI4KW2xCywES\">Dairy Farm Labor Survey form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Beginning Farmer Training Needs Survey<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>If you have been farming for under 10 years, UMaine Extension needs YOUR input! UMaine Cooperative Extension: Equipping New Farmers with Practical Skills and Knowledge is a newly funded project to help new and developing farmers get trained in agriculture. We are asking for your help in identifying the skills and knowledge needs that you have.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more and to take the survey, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_d50JI2RJeIEillY\">Beginning Farmer Training Needs Survey form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"news-in-4h\"><\/a>The News in 4-H<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><strong>Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Tryouts Scheduled for April<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The 2022 Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Contest will be held on\u00a0<strong>April 23<\/strong>\u00a0at Juniper Farms in Gray, ME and Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME. The event is open to all enrolled 4-H dairy members and will serve as the official tryouts for the 2022 Maine 4-H Eastern States Dairy Judging Team. Visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/judging\/\">Dairy Judging Contest webpage<\/a>\u00a0for a complete schedule, contest rules, and directions to the farms. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Sadee Mahuren at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:sadee.mehuren@maine.edu\">sadee.mehuren@maine.edu<\/a>\u00a0or 207.342.5971.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Animal Approval Forms<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to submit your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2018\/08\/Combined-Animal-Approval-with-Lease.pdf\">animal approval forms (pdf)<\/a>\u00a0to your county office. These forms must be submitted by the deadline for your commodity to participate in 4-H shows or other events this summer. If you think you might be interested in going to the Big E this fall, put in your animal approval form by the deadline!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>ESE Dairy:\u00a0<strong>May 1<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>ESE Horse:\u00a0<strong>May 1<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Working Steer:\u00a0<strong>May 1<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Market Lambs:\u00a0<strong>June 1<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>All other sheep classes:\u00a0<strong>June 30<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>All other commodities:\u00a0<strong>June 30<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>The Maine App Challenge<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>Love technology? Here is a chance to put your passion to a purpose and win a scholarship along the way! The Maine App Challenge is an incredible opportunity for Maine middle school and high school students who are 13 years of age and older to create a mobile application with a chance to\u00a0<i>win a scholarship and other valuable rewards<\/i>. A series of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tylertech.com\/maine-app-challenge\/innovation-workshops\">innovation workshops<\/a>\u00a0from the University of Maine Foster Center for Innovation will help you get started! There are three scholarships available for the top mobile apps: $6,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place.<\/p>\n<p>Other awards include $500 to the high school with the highest participation, tablets to the first 50 completed submissions, a guaranteed internship interview for the top 10 submissions following his\/her college sophomore year. Visit the Tyler Technology\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tylertech.com\/maine-app-challenge\">Maine App Challenge website<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"news-in-homemakers\"><\/a>The News in Homemakers<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><strong>Spring Newsletter Published<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Head on over to the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/homemakers\/2022\/04\/06\/maine-extension-homemakers-newsletter-spring-2022\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Homemakers Newsletter page<\/a> to check out the latest issue of the Maine Extension Homemakers Newsletter.<\/p>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"mehc-spring-meeting\"><\/a>Enjoy Some Summer Time Fun at the MEHC State Spring Meeting!<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>At long last, the Maine Extension Homemakers Council will hold a Spring Meeting on <strong>May 21<\/strong>, 2022, in Bangor. Registration packets have already been sent to all County Club Presidents and are also available at each County Extension office by asking the support staff for a copy. This meeting will be the first state-wide gathering of the Extension Homemakers in more than two years. The theme is \u201cSummertime Fun\u201d so members are encouraged to come in their comfortable summertime clothes!<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Help Us Collect Can Tabs<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5423 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/can-tabs.jpg\" alt=\"Can Tabs\" width=\"129\" height=\"129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/can-tabs.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/can-tabs-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/can-tabs-105x105.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/02\/can-tabs-32x32.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 129px) 100vw, 129px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>All Somerset County Homemakers Clubs are collecting can tabs to be recycled for cash that will be donated to the Ronald McDonald house. Anyone is welcome to contribute to the effort and can tabs can be donated by contacting any of the Extension Homemakers or by dropping them off at the Somerset County Extension office.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Volunteer in Somerset County!<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/homemakers\/\">Maine Extension Homemakers website<\/a>\u00a0for 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\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:ritafortin2@gmail.com\">ritafortin2@gmail.com<\/a>. You may also contact the Maine Extension Homemakers Coordinator, Lisa Fishman at 800.287.1421 or at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:lisa.fishman@maine.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lisa.fishman@maine.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"news-in-the-county\"><\/a>The News in the County<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><strong>EFNEP in April<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5565 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Plastic cups with seedlings growing\" width=\"156\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-634x845.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-846x1128.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-951x1268.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders-1268x1691.jpg 1268w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/04\/Bloomfield-MyGarden-MyPlate-seedlings-from-the-3rd-graders.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 156px) 100vw, 156px\" \/>EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) had a busy month in April! EFNEP CEA Alice Cantrell has been working with local schoolchildren and adults teaching a variety of programming about nutrition and gardening:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Three different schools participated in the <em>MyGarden MyPlate<\/em> nutrition and gardening series. Bloomfield Elementary School 3rd graders, Skowhegan Area School Afterschool program, and Forest Hills Consolidated School 4th graders all participated in growing plants from seed and learned about nutrition as they observed a crucial step in the food production process (growing their own!). <\/span><\/li>\n<li>The Skowhegan Area Middle School participated in the <em>Kids in the Kitchen<\/em> series which focuses on cooking skills and food safety that coincide with making healthy lifestyle choices.<\/li>\n<li>The El Rancho De La Vida Addiction Treatment Center finished up the <em>10 Steps to a Healthier You<\/em> series, which went over cooking, food safety, food resource management, meal planning, mindfulness, and getting more movement in the day. Alice will be returning in May and starting a new series called <em>Eating Smart Being Active<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Important Dates April 23, 2022:\u00a0Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Tryouts April 25, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to apply for\u00a0Value-Added Producer Grant April 29, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to enter\u00a0Lyme Disease Awareness Poster Contest April 29, 2022: Landscape Design Webinar May 1, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to submit 4-H ESE Dairy, ESE Horse, and Working Steer intent forms May 6, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to apply to be a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":150,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,116],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-somerset-county-newsflash"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Important Dates April 23, 2022:\u00a0Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Tryouts April 25, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to apply for\u00a0Value-Added Producer Grant April 29, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to enter\u00a0Lyme Disease Awareness Poster Contest April 29, 2022: Landscape Design Webinar May 1, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to submit 4-H ESE Dairy, ESE Horse, and Working Steer intent forms May 6, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to apply to be a [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Cooperative Extension in Somerset County\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-04-22T19:02:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-04-22T20:25:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"ecollins\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"ecollins\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"20 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"ecollins\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/5bd1235132fba45a3c8edcd97d71a910\"},\"headline\":\"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-04-22T19:02:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-04-22T20:25:41+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/\"},\"wordCount\":4048,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Newsletters\",\"The Somerset Newsflash\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/\",\"name\":\"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-04-22T19:02:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-04-22T20:25:41+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/5bd1235132fba45a3c8edcd97d71a910\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1.jpeg\",\"width\":2401,\"height\":1648,\"caption\":\"Deer tick.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/\",\"name\":\"Cooperative Extension in Somerset County\",\"description\":\"Information you can use, research you can trust.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/5bd1235132fba45a3c8edcd97d71a910\",\"name\":\"ecollins\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/98e56eddb71ae933d06ca75632389901a84c1c9edd346305432118934790f03a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/98e56eddb71ae933d06ca75632389901a84c1c9edd346305432118934790f03a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"ecollins\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/author\/ecollins\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","og_description":"Important Dates April 23, 2022:\u00a0Maine 4-H Dairy Judging Tryouts April 25, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to apply for\u00a0Value-Added Producer Grant April 29, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to enter\u00a0Lyme Disease Awareness Poster Contest April 29, 2022: Landscape Design Webinar May 1, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to submit 4-H ESE Dairy, ESE Horse, and Working Steer intent forms May 6, 2022:\u00a0Deadline to apply to be a [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/","og_site_name":"Cooperative Extension in Somerset County","article_published_time":"2022-04-22T19:02:42+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-04-22T20:25:41+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"ecollins","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"ecollins","Est. reading time":"20 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/"},"author":{"name":"ecollins","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/5bd1235132fba45a3c8edcd97d71a910"},"headline":"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022","datePublished":"2022-04-22T19:02:42+00:00","dateModified":"2022-04-22T20:25:41+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/"},"wordCount":4048,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg","articleSection":["Newsletters","The Somerset Newsflash"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/","name":"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1-300x206.jpeg","datePublished":"2022-04-22T19:02:42+00:00","dateModified":"2022-04-22T20:25:41+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/5bd1235132fba45a3c8edcd97d71a910"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/03\/Deer-Tick-1.jpeg","width":2401,"height":1648,"caption":"Deer tick."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/04\/22\/the-somerset-newsflash-april-2022\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Somerset Newsflash, April 2022"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#website","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/","name":"Cooperative Extension in Somerset County","description":"Information you can use, research you can trust.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/5bd1235132fba45a3c8edcd97d71a910","name":"ecollins","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/98e56eddb71ae933d06ca75632389901a84c1c9edd346305432118934790f03a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/98e56eddb71ae933d06ca75632389901a84c1c9edd346305432118934790f03a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"ecollins"},"url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/author\/ecollins\/"}]}},"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":6,"label":"Newsletters"},{"value":116,"label":"The Somerset Newsflash"}]},"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"ecollins","author_link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/author\/ecollins\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":6,"name":"Newsletters","slug":"news","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":6,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":77,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":6,"category_count":77,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Newsletters","category_nicename":"news","category_parent":0},{"term_id":116,"name":"The Somerset Newsflash","slug":"somerset-county-newsflash","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":116,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":116,"category_count":33,"category_description":"","cat_name":"The Somerset Newsflash","category_nicename":"somerset-county-newsflash","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5552","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/150"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5552"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5552\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5575,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5552\/revisions\/5575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5552"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5552"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5552"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}