Extension Perspectives Newsletter – December 2024

December 18, 2024 News

                         Extension Perspectives Newsletter

Mark your calendar!

Click here for a list of all events, workshops and classes throughout Extension.

Calendar

Jan 9 – Growing and Enjoying Figs in Maine
Jan 14 – ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Course and Exam
Jan 16 – Produce Safety  Alliance Grower Training
Jan 21 – Flowering in the North Conference 2025
Jan 28 – ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Course and Exam
Feb 1 – Backyard Maple Sugaring Workshop
Feb 4 – Intermediate Beekeeping Course
Feb 25 – 2025 UMaine Wild Blueberry Spring Conference

Happening in Waldo County

Jan 12 – Seed Savers Potluck
Mar 30 – Seed Swap and Scion Exchange
April 3 – Soil Health Day – Improving Farm and Garden Productivity through Soil Testing and Nutrient Management.

On Demand Events

In this issue…

WCEA

Maine Families

4-H

Commercial Agriculture

Home Horticulture

Waldo County, Maine icon representing WCEAWaldo County Extension Association (WCEA)

Waldo County Extension Association
Members of the Waldo County Extension Association have had a busy fall. In early September, representatives of the board joined extension staff at the County budget hearings with the County Commissioners and the County’s Budget Committee to support the approval of next year’s budget proposal, which was granted in full.

At September’s Annual Meeting, the board welcomed three new members: Nat Clifford (Belfast), Lauren Beveridge (Lincolnville), and John Thurston (Montville), and celebrated the good work of outgoing president, Darcy Johnson (Searsmont), New officers were also elected: Lindsey Schortz (Belfast), president; Chris

Stanton (Monroe), vice president; Nat Clifford (Belfast), treasurer; and Pat Blakeslee (Belfast), secretary.

Other ongoing work of the board, included planning for the 30th Rural Living Day to be held at Lincolnville School on April 5, 2025, as well as strategic planning for completion of a $30,000 campaign to endow WCEA’s Post-Secondary Scholarship. Any Waldo County student embarking on a career path that aligns with

Cooperative Extension’s mission to “to help Maine people improve their lives through an educational process that uses research-based knowledge” is eligible to apply for the annual award of $1,500. Application materials are available through high school guidance counselors or online. 

To donate towards this scholarship, click here. 

We meet monthly from September-May at the Extension office in Waldo and by Zoom.  Please consider joining us. The board welcomes nominations for new members throughout the year.  You may also fill out the Volunteer Nomination Form at https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/wcea/volunteer-nomination/.

Contact the Extension office at extension.waldo@maine.edu or by phone at 207.342.5971 for more information.  

Maine Families                                                                                                 

Happy December!
As the winter season approaches, it can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring added stress for families. This month, we focus on recognizing and managing family stress during the winter months.. 

Understanding Family Stress
The holiday season can introduce various stressors, such as financial pressures, busy schedules, and expectations for perfection. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and find healthy ways to cope.
Here are some common sources of stress during this time:

  • Financial Strain: Budgeting for gifts, meals, and activities can be overwhelming.
  • Time Constraints: Juggling work, preparations, and commitments can lead to feeling rushed and fatigued.
  • Expectations: The desire to create a perfect holiday experience can lead to unnecessary 

Tips for Reducing Family Stress

  1. Set Realistic Expectations: Remember that it’s okay for things not to be perfect. Focus on what truly matters—time spent together and creating memories.
  2. Create a Budget: Plan your winter spending in advance to alleviate financial stress. 
  3. Practice Self-Care: Encourage all family members to take time for themselves. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, a short walk, or a favorite hobby, self-care is essential.
  4. Incorporate Family Traditions: Share simple family traditions that everyone can participate in, such as baking, or playing games.. These activities can foster connection and joy.
  5. Communicate Openly: Talk about feelings and stressors as a family. Open communication can help everyone feel supported and understood.

Engaging Activities for the Family
To help combat stress, consider engaging in activities that promote relaxation and togetherness:

  • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Try practicing mindfulness exercises or deep breathing as a family. This can help everyone center themselves amidst the chaos.
  • Volunteer Together: Giving back to the community can shift focus from stress to gratitude. Look for local opportunities where your family can volunteer together.
  • Create a Family Gratitude Jar: Encourage each family member to write down things they are grateful for throughout the month and read them together during the holiday celebrations.

As we wrap up the year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the trust you place in us. Together, we can navigate the challenges of family life and celebrate the joys that come with it.
If you have questions about Maine Families Home Visiting in Waldo County or to learn more about our upcoming Group Connections, please call or email us at 207.322.2879 or melanie.l.bryan@maine.edu.

Thank You for Your Trust, Wishing you a peaceful and joyful winter season!

4-H Happenings        UMaine-Cooperative-Extension-4H

Final Reminder, It’s Time to Re-enroll
New youth members can enroll at any time throughout the year in one of two ways:

  1. Enrollment can be done by completing the three enrollment documents linked below.
    • 4-H Enrollment Form for Participants: Word | PDF
      • Para Español presione aquí:  Word | PDF
    • 4-H Program Participation Permission, Agreements, and Photo Release Form: Word| PDF
    • Maine 4-H Health Form: Word | PDF
  2. Enrollment can be done online via 4h.zsuite.org. Go here for instructions on how to enroll in Zsuite. 

Please reach out to Karen Giles, the new Waldo County Extension 4-H Professional, at karen.giles@maine.edu or 207-342-5971, with any questions or concerns, if you have interest in setting up local programs or clubs, or if you would just like more information about the amazing opportunities available for youth and volunteers.

Save the Date: Public Speaking Workshop

There will be a 4-H Public Speaking Workshop on Saturday, January 11, 9am-noon at Knox-Lincoln UMaine Extension (snow date January 12). Come try some fun activities that will get you ready to confidently speak to a group! This workshop, open to all ages and levels of public speaking experience.

Do you plan to participate in a 4-H public speaking tournament and want to hone your skills? New to public speaking? Just want to try it out? This workshop is for you!

Register for this workshop by January 9 using this registration form. Questions? Contact Cindy Rogers cynthia.rogers@maine.edu.

Waldo County 4-H Calendar extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/4-h-calendar/

State 4-H Calendar extension.umaine.edu/4h/events/category/calendar/month/

For more information on how to get involved in Waldo County  4-H, please contact your local UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H professional, Karen Giles at karen.giles@maine.edu or call 207.342.5971.

Commercial Agriculture

Brett’s Bulletin – Timely Information for the Producers of Waldo County
As winter begins in earnest this month, now is the time to pore over business records, begin the long process of assessing your business performance for the previous year, and make informed decisions to improve the personal and financial sustainability of your business. UMaine Extension in Waldo County can help. We offer one-hour fee-free business consultations where we review your business plan, discuss your mission and goals for your business, and help connect you to resources across the state that can help you achieve your vision. To request a consultation contact Brett Johnson at brett.w.johnson@maine.edu, call 207.342.5971 or stop by our office at 992 Waterville Road in Waldo. 

Happy holidays,
Brett Johnson
Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Waldo County

Soil Health Day – Improving Farm and Garden Productivity through Soil Testing and Nutrient Management.
Join UMaine Extension in Waldo County’s Sustainable Agriculture Educator, Brett Johnson for a spring workshop titled: Improving Farm and Garden Productivity through Soil Testing and Nutrient Management. During this 3-hour workshop participants will learn about soil macro- and micro-nutrients, generate strategies for nutrient management in garden vegetables or other row crops, and learn about best practices when taking a soil sample for testing through the UMaine Soil Testing Lab. The event is co-sponsored by RSU3 Adult & Community Education and will take place at 577 Mount View Road in Thorndike on Thursday, April 3rd from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. For more information and to register contact Angel Frost by email at afrost@rsu3.org or by phone at 207.568.3426 ext. 1801. 

2025 Maine Agricultural Trade Show
Join UMaine Extension in Waldo County’s Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator, Brett Johnson at the 2025 Maine Agricultural Trade Show at the Augusta Civic’s Center on January 14, 15, and 16. Come by the UMaine Extension Maine New Farmer’s Project and Farm Business Management table on the tradeshow floor January 15th and 16th. Mr. Johnson will be there to discuss pressing issues facing farm businesses in your town and to schedule a fee-free business consultation for your farm in 2025. 

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA) Seed Swap and Scion Exchange
The Growing and Marketing Specialty Potato Varieties program will be tabling at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA) Seed Swap and Scion Exchange on Sunday, March 30th from noon – 4:00PM at the MOFGA Common Ground Education Center in Unity. UMaine Extension in Waldo County’s Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator, Brett Johnson will be there to showcase 15 unique potato varieties and discuss which varieties stood out in our 2024 variety trials. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a UMaine sponsored consumer preference study to help researchers learn more about what’s important to consumers of organic fresh-market potatoes in Maine. For more information visit https://www.mofga.org/trainings/annual-events/seed-swap-and-scion-exchange/ 

Jumpstart to Farm Food Safety Project for Maine Residents
Cooperative Extension at the University of Maine and the University of New Hampshire have partnered on a three-year grant to assist Fruit and Vegetable farmers in Maine and New Hampshire with farm food safety planning.
The project will fund an Extension Educator, trained in Produce Safety, to work with you one-on-one on your individualized farm food safety plan. Fill out the form below to apply to participate in the project.
Click here to register.

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
Thursday, January 16, 2025 8:30 AM

Who Should Attend: Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, farm food safety best practices, and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course: The trainers will spend approximately seven hours of instruction time covering content contained in these seven modules: Introduction to Produce Safety, Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training, Soil Amendments, Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use, Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Post-harvest Water) Post-harvest Handling and Sanitation and How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan.

For more information or to register, click here. 

Backyard Maple Sugaring Workshop
Saturday, February 1, 2025 (Snow date: February 8, 2025)

Join experienced sugarmakers for demonstrations and discussion on all aspects of making maple syrup, the sweetest gift of nature, in your own backyard! In the morning, learn about identifying and tapping trees, collecting and boiling sap, and more. After a short break, join us at a local maple farm to look at their tubing systems and learn how you can set up this efficient sap collection method.

Morning Session: 9-11:30 a.m. at  York County Extension Office, 45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME 04002 Directions Google Maps
Afternoon Session: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sugarhouse Tour and Discussion at 207 Tappers, 125 Dennett Road, Arundel, ME 04046 Directions Google Maps

Registration includes a copy of Rink Mann’s “Backyard Sugarin’: A Complete How-To Guide.” Register here.

2025 UMaine Wild Blueberry Spring Conference
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 9AM

Join us for the 7th Annual Wild Blueberry Spring Conference! This year’s topics will cover fresh pack and harvesting innovations, the latest pest management tools, nutrient management knowledge to date, burning farmer panels, and more! Three pesticide credits are available for full-day attendance. We know you come for the FOOD! There will be coffee and breakfast items in the morning followed by soups and sandwiches for lunch made by Angie’s Comfort Kitchen. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Registration is found at the event website here. Location: Moore Community Center, 125 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605.

Maine Hay Contest Recognizes Farms and Families that Produced the Best Hay in 2024
At the 2024 Maine Forage Conference in November, University of Maine Cooperative Extension recognized the winning farms of the Maine Hay Contest: Hardy Farm in Farmington, Melody Ridge Farm in Pittsfield and Conant Acres in Canton.

Hardy Farm is an organic dairy operation run by Henry and Teresa Hardy. The well-diversified farm has around 85 registered Ayrshires and 20 Holsteins, including cows and young stock. Michael and Hillary Clewley, owners of Melody Ridge Farm, raise grass-fed lamb, Dorper and Katahdin hair sheep, meat rabbits and ducks. They also sell rough-sawn lumber, cedar fence materials and seasoned firewood. Matthew Sneller is the forage manager at Conant Acres, a fifth-generation family farm that offers farm-fresh milk, cheese, meat, seasonal produce and other specialty Maine products.

With over 100,000 acres, hay is the state’s third largest crop and was valued at $38,988,000 in 2023, second only to blueberries and potatoes. Hay quality is based on factors such as moisture and fiber content, protein concentration and digestibility which together make up the relative feed quality (RFQ) index. For good hay, the RFQ index should be greater than 150. This year’s winners received RFQ scores of 180, 166 and 165, exemplifying the quality hay that can be produced right here in Maine.

The Maine Hay Contest is an annual event that seeks to help producers grow better hay. Extension staff visit each participant’s farm to collect the hay sample and provide guidance on improving growing and management practices. Staff handle the transportation and analysis in a certified laboratory,and follow up by sharing and interpreting the results. Through this process, growers can gain a better understanding of the quality of their hay and how to improve it. Registration for next year will open in June 2025. More information, including contest rules, can be found on the program website.

Home Horticulture

Growing and Enjoying Figs in Maine
Thursday, January 9, 2025 5:00 PM

Join Master Gardener Volunteer, Robert McArdle, for a discussion about the various aspects of growing figs in Maine. In this Zoom presentation, we’ll learn how to procure, cultivate, propagate, prune, store and eat home grown figs. 

Speaker Bio: Robert McArdle, MGV Class of 2017, became interested in gardening in 1990 as a respite from the world of healthcare. His gardening interest moved towards “kitchen gardening” in 2002 when he moved to a condominium complex. He took on the challenge of growing figs in 2018 after being “gifted” a “fruitless” fig by an in-law. Robert is looking forward to retiring from a career in healthcare this February and spending more hours in the garden! For more information or to register, click here. 

ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Course and Exam
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (snow date: Tuesday, January 28) Location: UMaine Cooperative Extension, Penobscot, 307 Maine Ave., Bangor, ME

This 8-hour ServSafe® Course from 9:00am – 5:00pm helps prepare you for the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification exam. The course covers these topics: The Importance of Food Safety, Good Personal Hygiene, Time and Temperature Control, Preventing Cross-Contamination, Cleaning and Sanitizing, Safe Food Preparation, Receiving and Storing Food, Methods of Thawing, Cooking, Cooling, and Reheating Food, And more…

The exam will immediately follow the course. Students will receive the ServSafe® Manager Book 7th Ed. revised, diagnostic exam, and practice exam approximately 2 weeks prior to the course. Registration fees for this class are non-refundable. If companies are registering multiple employees, they need to provide employee-specific registration information such as email, address, and phone number. Register here. 

Seed Savers Potluck
January 12, 2025 4-7PM

Maine Heirloom Seed Working Group is hosting a Seed Savers Potluck on January 12 at the Belfast Cohousing and Ecovillage Common House at 25 Village Rd in Belfast. There is a snow date set for January 19, same time and location. For more information, contact Heron Breen at hbreen@tds.net. 

Flowering in the North Conference 2025
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 8:00 AM

Join us on January 21 and 22 as we bring together flower growers from across the North for an exciting two day conference for learning and sharing fresh ideas, strategies, tips, and resources for growing in colder climates. The Flowering In The North (FITN) conference will be geared towards all flower growers. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or just starting out; whether you’re a sole operator of a small farm or if you’re part of a large-scale operation, you will take away valuable information to help you grow. This is a great opportunity to network as well as explore the vibrant city of Portland, Maine. Let’s build and strengthen our grower community because together, we can continue to raise the profile of locally-grown flowers. To register, go here. 

UMaine Extension Garden and Yard
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Garden and Yard publications are available to download. 

You can find these publications at www.extension.umaine.edu/programs/. 

Topics include:

Beekeeping
Gardening
Garden Angels
Home and Garden Pest Identification and Management
Kids Can Grow
Maine Harvest for Hunger
Maine Home Garden News
Maine Invasive Species Network
Master Gardener Volunteers
Tree Fruit

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