{"id":5598,"date":"2022-05-23T10:24:36","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T14:24:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/?p=5598"},"modified":"2022-05-25T13:17:42","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T17:17:42","slug":"the-somerset-newsflash-may-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/2022\/05\/23\/the-somerset-newsflash-may-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"The Somerset Newsflash, May 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 id=\"dates\"><a id=\"important-dates\"><\/a>Important Dates<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>June 4, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#brisket-bbq\">Maine Beef Producers Meet &amp; Greet &amp; Brisket BBQ<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>June 10, 2022: <\/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<li><strong>October 9, 2022:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#maine-fiber-tour\">Maine Fiber Tour and Trail<\/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><b><a id=\"plant-sales-map\"><\/a>UMaine Extension Hosts Interactive Plant Sales Map\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">May and early June mark the planting season in Maine gardens, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program is again hosting an interactive plant sales map.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/plant-sales-in-maine\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2022 Spring Plant Sale Fundraisers in Maine<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">map<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> listings are alphabetical by date. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Find more information about the map and how to add a group\u2019s sale to it on the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/plant-sales-in-maine\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">map webpage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Another timely resource is the UMaine Extension publication \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/2518e\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Best Practices for Plant Sale Donors and Buyers in Maine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">,\u201d available for free download. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Being an informed plant sale donor or buyer helps raise funds for organizations, and it means getting the right plant for the right spot in a garden and avoiding future problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">More information is available on the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UMaine Extension Garden and Yard website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, or by contacting 207.581.8211 or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">lynne.holland@maine.edu<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><b>Facts on Maine Foods for May: Fiddleheads, Rhubarb, and More<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers information and workshops to help consumers find, grow, use, preserve, and store in-season fruits and vegetables in Maine. Seasonal favorites for May include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4198e\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Facts on Fiddleheads<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4060e\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Facts on Edible Wild Greens in Maine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4266e\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fruits for Health: Rhubarb<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4033e\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spring Refrigerator Pickles<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UMaine Extension educator Kathy Savoie demonstrates new techniques for cooking, freezing, and pickling fiddleheads in an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JpxNlA3zyvw\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">easy-to-follow video<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Fiddleheads in particular require exact cooking methods \u2014 boiling for at least 15 minutes or steaming for 10\u201312 minutes to reduce the risk for foodborne illness associated with raw and undercooked fiddleheads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get ready for the arrival of Maine\u2019s seasonal foods by attending an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/food-preservation\/hands-on-workshops\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">upcoming food preservation workshop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or sign up for the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/spoonful\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spoonful Blog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to receive bite-sized food and nutrition information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bulletins are available for download or to order on the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Extension publications website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. More information also is available by contacting 207.581.3188, 800.287.0274 (in Maine); <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">extension@maine.edu<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"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==\">instructions<\/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==\">instructions<\/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==\">instructions<\/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==\">publication catalog<\/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==\">Analytical Lab and Maine Soil Testing Service<\/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==\">county office<\/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<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/maine-home-garden-news\/\">Maine Home Garden News:<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consider subscribing to this helpful and inspiring monthly newsletter.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Greenhouse Plastic Recycling Program<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension opened 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<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 transmission 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, Borrelia 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 of 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<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"news-in-agriculture\"><\/a>The News in Agriculture<\/h3>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"brisket-bbq\"><\/a>Maine Beef Producers Meet &amp; Greet &amp; Brisket BBQ<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5612 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/bbq-brisket-2-360x239-1-300x199.jpeg\" alt=\"Brisket\" width=\"202\" height=\"134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/bbq-brisket-2-360x239-1-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/bbq-brisket-2-360x239-1-105x70.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/bbq-brisket-2-360x239-1-317x210.jpeg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/bbq-brisket-2-360x239-1.jpeg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,202px\" \/>Join the Maine Beef Producers Association and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for a Brisket BBQ and meet and greet with fellow beef producers, UMaine Extension, and service providers like USDA Rural Development, NRCS, and FSA to ask informal questions and learn what services are available. Anyone interested in beef production, new or experienced farmers, and anyone wanting to interact with current beef producers is invited to attend.<\/p>\n<p><strong>June 4<\/strong>, 2022, 10:45 &#8211; 2:00 PM<br \/>\nKnight Family Farm<br \/>\n30 Jones Road in Garland, Maine<br \/>\nCost: $10<\/p>\n<p>Schedule:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">10:45-11:00 a.m. \u2014 Registration<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">11:00 a.m.-Noon \u2014Introductions from guests and how they interact with beef producers<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Noon-1:00 p.m. \u2014 Lunch<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">1:00-2:00 p.m. \u2014 Tour of Knight Family Farms, discussions on how to integrate swine production onto your farm to diversify and reach new customers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/register\/product\/maine-beef-producers-meet-and-greet-and-brisket-bbq\/\">Meet &amp; Greet Program Page<\/a> for more information and to register. If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Melissa Babcock at 207.581.2788 or 1.800.287.7170 (in Maine) to discuss your needs. Receiving requests from accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however, all requests will be considered.<\/p>\n<h4><strong><a id=\"maine-fiber-tour\"><\/a>Sign Up for the <a href=\"https:\/\/web.getrealmaine.com\/events\/MaineFiber%20Tour%20%20Trail%20%202022-13114\/details\">Maine Fiber Tour and Trail<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Now is the time! This annual agritourism promotion happens in October (<strong>October 9<\/strong> this year). There is no fee to join promotions, but you must sign up via Real Maine.<\/p>\n<p>This event helps visitors explore Maine&#8217;s fibershed. They may be farms (e.g., fiber animals and plants), and\/or processors (e.g., mills, weavers, dyers), and\/or sell fiber products such as clothing, art, and other non-synthetic textiles (e.g., farms, specialty retail sites).<\/p>\n<p>If you are a Maine farm or fiber processor who would like to participate (or know of a farm who would like to participate), please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realmaine.com\/maine-products\/fiber\/real-maine-fiber-tour-and-trail-2022\/DACFRealMaine@maine.gov\">email Real Maine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"open-farm-day\"><\/a>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>Maine Ranked 5th in Direct Market Sales!<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>In 2020, farmers produced and sold $9 billion of local edible food commodities directly to consumers, retailers, institutions, and intermediaries. Direct farm sales of food increased by 3% from 2015. The number of operations selling locally produced food decreased by 12%. Intermediaries and institutions accounted for 46% of direct food sales while direct-to-consumer sales accounted for 33%. Direct farms sales included both fresh foods and processed or value-added products such as bottled milk, cheese, meat, wine, and jams.<\/p>\n<p>Top States in Direct Farm Sales ($ million)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>California 1,432<\/li>\n<li>Pennsylvania 600<\/li>\n<li>New York 584<\/li>\n<li>Michigan 555<\/li>\n<li>Maine 342<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/r20.rs6.net\/tn.jsp?f=001danqE2gbXA3ABT-z2TxuCJjo5W6rFmy7ItvJomQY8u-zrXyMlgClSTdirYOakUui36DeCG34J82jEuUiuxEnrbBkZNF2kBBl4_h3qXoCajQqH3EFYnB6wiI2j_Lhll7f-wRzdQg8lX1khm-OqLJzMnv6OR01eCo9VvNSIzW47WpXUX4ojfalbnf_Uq58xuUbED_Z--af_HdJJRqX4LZlzg==&amp;c=NpQdvzu82UTKmctuQ6F-wU8CVS_4y_q_Wp2JSyRaZL1dsIM2vDFI4g==&amp;ch=_k374mP3CBsYLBbRCex8C38x5TFWsVi8ENVeIIsO2NgLkQl6yU8i1A==\">Direct Farm Sales of Food, Results from the 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, ACH17-27\/April 2022<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h4><b><a id=\"money-for-pfas-testing\"><\/a>Money for PFAS Testing<\/b><b><\/b><\/h4>\n<p>The PFAS Testing Grants Program is available to all commercial farms throughout the state. The program is administered by MFT and MOFGA to assist farmers who have concerns regarding potential PFAS contamination.<\/p>\n<p>The Program will pay for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Testing of home or irrigation water for contamination with these chemicals.<\/li>\n<li>Testing of products or inputs if a farm has any concerns relating to the purchase of inputs (hay, milk, etc.) from a farm known to have contamination.<\/li>\n<li>A simple application form will assess eligibility for the program and several farms will be selected upon a weekly review to participate in the program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Get full eligibility requirements and program details at this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/pfas\/pfas-emergency-relief-fund\/\">PFAS Emergency Relief Fund webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\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\">The PFAS Farmer Wellness Fund<\/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 recently completed an update to <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><strong>A Farmer&#8217;s Guide for Control of Wildlife Damage to Crops and Livestock<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Wildlife damage to farm crops or livestock is a perennial problem for most Maine farmers. Over the years, many techniques for control have been suggested with varying levels of success. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/ifw\/docs\/A%20farmers%20guide%20for%20control%20of%20wildlife%20damage%20to%20crops%20and%20livestock.pdf\">A Farmer&#8217;s Guide for Control of Wildlife Damage to Crops and Livestock<\/a> (pdf), updated in April 2021, includes contacts for local Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Regional Officers, guidance on legally allowed management strategies, and information on the most effective management strategies for various species of wildlife.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"news-in-4h\"><\/a>The News in 4-H<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><b>UMaine Extension 4-H and UMaine Aquaculture Research Staff Win National Award<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H youth development professional Carla Scocchi is the recipient of the 2021 Denise Miller National 4-H Innovator Award presented by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals. The award <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201crecognizes an individual or team who exemplifies innovation, accomplishment, and commitment in the design and delivery of a unique 4-H program\u201d according to the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nae4hydp.org\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">NAE4-HYDP website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scocchi, along with award team members Melissa Malmstedt, education and outreach coordinator at the University of Maine Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research, and Scarlett Tudor, education and outreach coordinator at the UMaine Aquaculture Research Institute, developed and delivered an at-home aquaponics program to reach youth with interests in fish, home aquaria or modern agricultural technology who were isolated at home during the pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A recent UMaine Today magazine story,\u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/umainetoday.umaine.edu\/features\/2021\/hooked-on-aquaponics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hooked on Aquaponics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">,\u201d describes the journey of one young student who loves fish, aquaponics and learning. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This project illustrates a successful virtual program that sustained a hands-on component on the ground. What defines the 4-H Aquaponics Project as innovative is not only that the experience could be replicated by other 4-H programs, but that it serves as a model for how 4-H can preserve its learn-by-doing approach in the post-pandemic world,\u201d <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scocchi said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tudor added, \u201cMany of the skills that kids learn in this program are highly transferable to careers within and outside of aquaculture, all of which are extremely important to our workforce in Maine.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">More information is available on the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/4h\/aquaponics\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UMaine Extension 4-H Aquaponics Project website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. More information about the 4-H program is available on the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UMaine Extension 4-H website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, or by contacting 207.581.3877; <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">jessica.brainerd@maine.edu<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>UMaine Extension 4-H Introduces Teens to Adulting Concepts in June<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will offer a short-term online 4-H club for youth ages 13\u201318 about basic adult life skills 4\u20135:30 p.m. Wednesdays, <strong>June 22\u2013July 27<\/strong>. Required registration closes June 6.<\/p>\n<p>The \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/virtual-learning-hub\/adulting-101\/\">4-H Adulting 101 Series<\/a>\u201d will introduce basic adult life skills by exploring a different topic each week, including life\/work balance and stress management; saving, spending and credit; nutrition on a budget; resumes and interviews; rent and roommates; and a topic chosen by the participants. UMaine Extension 4-H staff will lead the discussions.<\/p>\n<p>The club is free; limited to 20 participants. Register by June 6 on the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/virtual-learning-hub\/adulting-101\/\">event webpage<\/a> to receive the link and at-home materials. This series is supported in part by the Maine 4-H Foundation. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.324.2814; erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu. Additional information also is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/virtual-learning-hub\/open-registrations\/\">Extension 4-H Virtual Learning webpage<\/a>.<\/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>Market Lambs:\u00a0<strong>June 10<\/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><a id=\"summer-learning-series\"><\/a>4-H Summer Learning Series<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5584 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-300x142.jpeg\" alt=\"2 youth working on a project\" width=\"255\" height=\"121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-300x142.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-768x364.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-105x50.jpeg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-317x150.jpeg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-423x200.jpeg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-634x300.jpeg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-846x401.jpeg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate-951x450.jpeg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/MyGarden-MyPlate.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,255px\" \/><\/b>After an incredibly successful 4-H Summer Learning Series over the past two years, Maine 4-H will once again offer virtual experiential learning workshops and clubs to youth ages 5-18 from\u00a0July 5\u00a0\u2013\u00a0August 5, 2022. Planning is still taking place, but topics in previous years have ranged from engineering, art, science, animals &amp; agriculture, food &amp; nutrition, teen leadership, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Early registration will be available to enrolled 4-H\u2019ers on Friday,\u00a0June 3, 2022 and will open to the public the following Monday,\u00a0June 6. Help us spread the word to your friends and communities \u2013 enrollment in 4-H is not required to participate, this event is open to all! For more information, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/4h\/4-h-summer-learning\/\">4-H Summer Learning Series\u00a0<\/a>webpage.<\/p>\n<h4><b>Summer Camp Opportunities<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>Visit the Summer University Youth Programs\u2019\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/summercamps\/\">Youth Summer Camps page<\/a>\u00a0to learn about a huge variety of camp experiences available to youth. From our traditional 4-H Camp and Learning Centers, to camps that focus on Academics, Art, Music, or Sports \u2013 there is something for everyone.<\/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>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><a id=\"alice-adventures\"><\/a>Alice&#8217;s Adventures: EFNEP Updates for the Month of May<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-5611 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-284x300.jpg\" alt=\"Jars of Pickles\" width=\"175\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-969x1024.jpg 969w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-768x812.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-1453x1536.jpg 1453w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-105x111.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-317x335.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-423x447.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-634x670.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-846x894.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-951x1005.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630-1268x1340.jpg 1268w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/somerset\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/05\/20220516_130630.jpg 1656w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px\" \/>May marks the end of Alice&#8217;s after-school programming and the start of a 4-week nutrition series for youth at the Marti Steven&#8217;s Center in Skowhegan. This series focuses on science and math within healthy food choices and learning to cook new foods, such as the pickles that were made in the second class.<\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Alice also attended the Maine Nutrition Council&#8217;s aquaculture conference in Bar Harbor and got to learn about the nutrition of seafood, seaweed, and sustainable farming within the aquaculture field.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Stay tuned for many exciting programming updates that are planned for the summer months!<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Important Dates June 4, 2022:\u00a0Maine Beef Producers Meet &amp; Greet &amp; Brisket BBQ June 10, 2022: Deadline to submit\u00a0Maine 4-H Fryeburg Fair Market Lamb intent form June 30, 2022: Deadline to submit all other 4-H commodity intent forms July 24, 2022:\u00a0Open Farm Day October 9, 2022:\u00a0Maine Fiber Tour and Trail Contents The News The News [&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-5598","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 v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Somerset Newsflash, May 2022 - Cooperative Extension in Somerset County - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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