Take Me To The Fair!

 Agriculture, Web Site Information  No Responses »
Jun 132013
 

Blue RibbonFair season approaches and in the words of the Overseer during Fifth Degree instruction, “There is one great duty which I would impress upon your minds at this time. It is to preserve, and bring together for exhibition, at proper seasons, the choicest products of orchard, farm, garden, dairy, and household skill, that we may incite one another to good works. ”

To assist in that endeavor, we’ve posted the Maine State Grange Fair Judging Guidelines on the Program Books and Information Page of this site. We understand that some fairs use different criteria and invite members to submit copies. For example, Piscataquis Pomona adopted different criteria for the Piscataquis Valley Fair in 2005. Those criteria place emphasis on the Grange’s work in the community as well as its agricultural heritage and we’ve posted a copy for your information.

Electronic copies are best, but you can also mail a paper copy to Walter Boomsma, Abbot Village Press, 17 River Road, Abbot ME 04406.

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Ag Committee Report

 Agriculture  No Responses »
Jun 072013
 
Agriculture LogoAgricultural Directors – Robert and Agnes Nelson
From July 2013 Bulletin

Spring has finally arrived!  We have been watching the arrival of the summer birds.  We have had a pair of Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and many more of the more common ones.  Our farmland has been planted with corn for most two weeks now.  Our garden spots are ready to plant but haven’t gotten anything in yet.

The Legislative Luncheon was on Mar. 27th.  We had 158 members of the Legislature and Ag Day vendors including the Commissioner of Agriculture.  We want to thank the many others who donated foods and helped prep, serve lunch and clean up that day.

On Apr. 10th we attended Ingraham’s Open House.  We set up a Grange booth for the Agriculture Committee.  We sold Ag Scholarship raffle tickets and the Grange cookbooks.

We have visited Ag Night at Topsham, Bingham and Dirigo Grange.  We welcome all invitations.  We attended the Fryeburg Fair meeting for Grangers and other fair reps.

Since the revised Grange Judges Rules and Score Sheet has gone out to the Granges over the state we have had a number of questions about the changes.  Hopefully we have helped put some of these questions and concerns at ease to most.  Two of the most asked questions relate to dropping baked goods from the exhibit Domestic or Agriculture and the change of dairy products including butter and cheese from real to substitute product.  These changes relate to using the State Grange Score Sheet only.  This is a recommendation only.  If the baked goods are used in the exhibit they will be included under “Misc. Other Crafted Items”.  If the fair has their own Rules and Score Sheet for the Grange judges to use that has these items listed, the judges will follow the fair rules and fair score sheet.  Grangers with exhibits and judges should be following the fair rules including covering or spraying baked goods, replacing real dairy product items to keep an attractive looking exhibit or using substitute items instead of real.

Another item of concern is eggs.  Unless the fair rule indicates listing egg by other than egg, the judges should accept it by the name egg only.  The fair rule will make the decision of numbers of items in the display if more than one not the judges.

If the fair is using the Grange Rules and Score Sheet, they should be listed in the fair book.  Grange members are encouraged to identify items with a removable tag when donating as points will be taken off items if mislabeled on finished display.  This is especially of concern with domestic items.  Labels should be uniform and readable from outside the display.

We are looking forward to seeing all of the Grange exhibits this summer and visiting the fairs.  Good Luck to All, You are All Winners!!

 

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Memorial Day Thoughts…

 Agriculture  No Responses »
May 252013
 

World PPLby Walter Boomsma, webmaster

Our Grange heritage and what we often refer to as the “work” of our order serves as a constant reminder of the importance and joy found in agriculture. “Since God placed man on the earth, agriculture has existed. There is no occupation that precedes it, no order or association that can rank with the tillers of the soil…”

Earlier this week I happened on a poem that seemed to affirm the connection between mankind and the earth–a poem that offered an interesting perspective as we approach a day of remembrance.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

 Mary Frye – 1932

Perhaps as we take a moment this weekend to remember those who gave so much, we might consider how we all remain so connected–to each other and to the earth. It’s a thought that does not diminish the sacrifice many have made; it is a thought that honors that sacrifice. “There is nothing that blooms with such unfading colors, there is no perfume on earth fraught with such fragrance, as the flowers of good works…”

How appropriate it is that a day of memorial takes place in the spring when we think about rebirth and life. (One theory is that May was chosen because flowers are in bloom in all parts of the country.) It is a day to display the flag of our country. It is a time to purchase a poppy… to shake hands old and young of those who are willing to defend that which we cherish. While we may shed a tear we might also feel a “swift uplifting rush”–that sense that in spite of losses and the many difficulties we face, we can smell the fragrance from the flowers of good works. The good work of some required the ultimate sacrifice, but we all contribute and we each share the world that is ours.

 

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E Sangerville Grange MOFGA Organizational Meeting

 Agriculture, Events, Grange News  No Responses »
May 222013
 

Webmaster’s Note: I decided to post this as news as well as an event, because it is an example of how Grange’s can collaborate with and assist other like-minded organizations.

Members of the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association in Piscataquis County and neighboring towns are invited to the East Sangerville Grange on Sunday, June 9th at 5 pm for a discussion about the possibility of creating a Piscataquis County MOFGA chapter.

There are currently four MOFGA chapters in Maine: Cumberland County, Waldo County, Sagadahoc County, and Midcoast. Each chapter engages in its own choice of activities. Creating a local chapter involves sending a proposal to MOFGA stating the geographic area the chapter would serve, the number of potential participants, the frequency of meetings and a description of the chapter’s focus or purpose.

One possibility for a Piscataquis County chapter, for example, could be to create easier access to MOFGA’s rich knowledge base and pool of experts by providing a local venue for MOFGA demonstrations and educational talks. The Piscataquis MOFGA chapter would serve Piscataquis County and surrounding towns in the Maine Highlands Region.

The purpose of the June 9th meeting is to gauge interest in the idea and to brainstorm about what a Piscataquis County chapter might look like. If there is enough interest in the idea, East Sangerville Grange is willing to prepare a proposal and would consider acting as the Chapter host.

R.S.VP is not required but appreciated. If you have any questions, or just want to let us know you’re planning to come send a message to the East Sangerville Grange at esangervillegrangeatgmaildotcom  (esangervillegrangeatgmaildotcom)  .

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Farm Bill News From Across The Country

 Agriculture  No Responses »
May 112013
 

Webmaster’s note: This was submitted as a comment on a previous post. Since comments tend to get “lost” I’ve created this post… Spencer Creek Grange is across the country in Oregon and the have an impressive website! Check out the map showing the percent of farms engaged in direct sales across the country. Very interesting!

Agriculture LogoFolks might like to check out the Spencer Creek Grange website (http://spencercreekgrange.org) where we are tracking Granges that have passed Farm Bill reform resolutions which we hope will be adopted as State and ultimately National Grange policy.  We’re also tracking the Farm Bill as it snakes its way through Congress.

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Granges Featured in Maine Farm Project

 Agriculture, Grange News, History and Trivia  No Responses »
Apr 262013
 

Image (10)Dear Maine State Grangers:

I have been involved with a volunteer project traveling around the state profiling unique Maine farms.  The project involves a comprehensive website, traveling photo exhibit, a 224-page book, and a slideshow and discussion program. Here is a link to the website: www.uniquemainefarms.com

In my travels I began noticing how the Granges have been an important part of Maine farming.  I decided to create eight webpages on the “Granges in Maine” and include these webpages in my project. You can access these webpages by going to the Home Page of the Unique Maine Farms’ website and looking for the link to “Granges in Maine.”

http://www.uniquemainefarms.com/uniquemainefarms.com/Granges_in_Maine.html

Hopefully, the Maine State Grange will be pleased that the story “Granges is Maine” will be included in the Unique Maine Farms’ project.  I hope that the positive story and photos will prove to be some good complimentary coverage for Granges.

I encourage the various Granges in Maine to send a photo of their Grange building if they would like to see it appear on the webpage that I created that is entitled “Some of the Maine Grange Buildings.”

There are so many beautiful and historic Grange buildings and I think visitors to the Unique Maine Farms’ website might enjoy looking at pictures of them.

The story that I created was based on information that I gleaned from the Maine State Grange website and from various places where I have been and seen a Grange presence such as the Fryeburg Fair.

If you see a need for any corrections with the story that I wrote please let me know.

I realize that the Grange is involved with many very worthy projects and I did not address several of them.  Because the Unique Maine Farms’ project is concentrated on farming in Maine the focus of my discussion on the Granges in Maine was farming-related.  Thanks for your understanding on this.

If you would like to get an idea about many of the over 120 farms that I have visited, here is a link to a recent eight-minute video that I posted online about the Unique Maine Farms’ book project that I have been working on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncQy5ldOJ

I was very impressed with the wonderful work that the Grange has accomplished in Maine.

If anyone knows the name of the lady who is sitting in front of the Grange information table in the photo on the Fryeburg Fair photo page, please let me know.  She was so sweet and I forgot to ask her name and I would like to recognize her properly!

Looking forward to receiving some photos of the Grange buildings and also farm-related Grange news.

With appreciation,

Mary Quinn Doyle
Unique Maine Farms
www.uniquemainefarms.com
mqdoyleatgmaildotcom  (mqdoyleatgmaildotcom)  
207-793-2759
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Turkey Virus in Maine

 Agriculture  No Responses »
Apr 242013
 

Webmaster’s Note: The following information from Maine IFW is offered as an agricultural interest… contact your local Extension Office for additional information if you are raising turkeys.

IFW LogoTurkey hunters should be aware of Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV), which has been found in Maine turkeys. Read below to find out more about the virus and what to do if you shoot or see a turkey that has LPDV.

What is Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV)?

This is a virus that causes minor to extreme lesions on a turkey’s head and legs. It is thought to spread between turkeys by direct skin contact or through mosquito bites. Some turkeys can fend off minor infections and survive while others can develop extreme lesions that inhibit their sight and ability to eat, which ultimately leads to death.

Are there health risks for humans?

The disease poses no risk to human health. However, like all infections, caution is advised while handling a bird with LPDV. There is a potential for secondary bacterial infections if birds are handled improperly. Thoroughly cooking the meat to an internal temperature of a minimum of 165°F is also advised.

What should I do if I shoot a bird that might have the virus?

Although wild turkeys cannot pass this virus on to humans, if you shoot a bird with lesions and you do not want to eat it, do NOT register it and please contact a Wildlife Biologist at one of the offices listed below or call the Department of Public Safety in Augusta at (800) 452-4664 to be connected with a Game Warden. After examining the bird, the Department staff member will determine your eligibility to harvest another turkey.

Where did the virus come from?

Little is known about the origin of LPDV in the United States. LPDV was first detected in domestic turkeys in Europe. The first confirmed case in the United Sates was in wild turkeys in Georgia in 2009.   MDIFW confirmed Maine’s first case of LPDV in April 2012. Since that time, we have confirmed several cases throughout the state. Currently, known cases occur virtually wherever wild turkeys are present. We speculate that a combination of a very good turkey production year in 2011 and the mild winter of 2011-2012 may have contributed to the apparent increase in occurrence recently. It is likely to be encountered in 2013 as well.

If you shoot or see a wild turkey with these lesions, please contact the IFW office closest to you. Visit the IFW website for telephone numbers and additional information.

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Selling Eggs in Maine

 Agriculture  No Responses »
Apr 122013
 

Webmaster’s Note: The following article is reprinted with permission from the Farming Newsletter for Piscataquis & Penobscot Counties, published by the UMaine Cooperative Extension… there’s been a growing interest in keeping backyard poultry throughout the state, so we thought this would be of interest.

No license or inspection is required by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Quality Assurance and Regulations for producers of eggs with less than 3000 laying hens.  However, there are several regulations that sellers of eggs must follow.

When selling eggs in Maine, the size and grade of the eggs must be labeled on the egg carton. The name, address and zip code of the packer must also be on the carton (an address sticker or stamp will suffice).  Eggs in the carton must match what is on the carton as labeled (grade, size and color). Cartons must also be labeled to state that refrigeration is required. Eggs must be stored and transported at 45 degrees F or less.

When reusing cartons, the USDA Shield must be obliterated from the carton because this shield suggests that the eggs have been inspected by the USDA. Cartons must be clean and odor free. Some grocery chains do not want their cartons to be reused. Generic cartons can be purchased from a local farm store or online. Keep empty egg cartons in a clean, dry odorless area.

Clean the eggs of any fecal matter as needed. Use a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of warm water to wash any soiled or dirty eggs and use single-use, disposable paper towels. Other egg wash materials designed for this purpose are available for purchase. One such product is Egg Wash Powder from NASCO. The temperature of the water for washing eggs should be at a minimum of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  Do not soak the eggs. Eggs have a natural wax covering. Excessive washing may remove this wax.

Those who sell eggs are encouraged to have product liability insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance may not be adequate. Speak to your insurance agent to make certain your product is covered.

The candling of eggs to determine cracks is not required. However, cracked eggs should not be sold because cracks increase the risk of contamination and entry of bacteria. Eggs must meet a minimum of Grade B quality.

For specific questions or additional information about regulations please call (207) 287-6319 or write:

Quality Assurance & Regulations, Dana Finnemore
Maine Department of Agriculture
State House Station 28
Augusta, ME 04333-0028
Email address:

danadotfinnemoreatmainedotgov  (danadotfinnemoreatmainedotgov)  

FYI: The State of Maine Food Code is a manual that lists all regulations related to food. You can request a free copy of the manual from the Maine Department of Agriculture or obtain in on-line at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/01/001/001c331.doc

Information compiled by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator
University of Maine Cooperative Extension – Revised April 2010

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Halcyon Grange and Food Sovereignty

 Agriculture, Grange News, Legislative  No Responses »
Apr 082013
 

Webmaster’s note: Please note his is a local (Halcyon Grange) resolution and, as such may not reflect Maine State Grange Policy. For more information visit the Halcyon Grange website. You may also visit the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee’s webpage.

The Halcyon Grange enthusiastically voted to support  legislation being considered in Augusta called LD 475 An Act to Increase Food Sovereignty in Communities. Halcyon Grange Master John Gandy  sent the following letter to the clerk of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee:

Please find attached Halcyon Grange of Blue Hill’s Resolution For Food Sovereignty in support of LD-475. The members of the Blue Hill Grange feel strongly that individuals have the right to consume foods of their choice from sources of their choice and that government does not have the right to take that freedom from us. We value the wholesomeness of locally grown and produced food from our farm neighbors. Therefore, Halcyon Grange #345 of Blue Hill unanimously passed the attached resolution and authorized me as Master of the Grange to forward it to the Committee.

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Highland Lake Grange Hosts Ag Program

 Agriculture, Uncategorized  No Responses »
Apr 022013
 
Highland Lake-Knight_resized

Warren Knight discusses ag with members and guests

Highland Lake Grange No. 87 in Westbrook hosted its first in a series of agricultural programs on March 24th. The evening was very enjoyable with 30 people in attendance, including five farm families.  Dr. Richard Brzowzowski from the Cooperative Extension Office of Cumberland County was the program facilitator.  Each farm discussed their operation and brought a power point presentation. They also pointed out the issues facing local farmers, especially the economic challenges and the creative ways they have found to make their farms economically viable. Farms in attendance were Sebago Lake Ranch of Gorham (grass-fed beef), Smiling Hill Farm of Westbrook (dairy), Jordan Farm of Cape Elizabeth (fruits and vegetables), Winslow Farm of Falmouth (organic fruits, vegetables and eggs) and Idle Knot Farm of Falmouth (vegetables).

The next agricultural night at Highland Lake is April 24th at 7PM with Dr. Brzowsowski presenting a program ways to extend the growing season in Maine. The Grange is at the corner of Rt. 302 and Hardy Road in Westbrook.

FMI – Dave Gowen, 854-5753 or gowenfrmatgwidotnet  (gowenfrmatgwidotnet)  Highland Lake-Hartwell_resized

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