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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Bangor Grange Honors Community Citizens

 Community Service, Grange News  No Responses »
May 062013
 

A family, an individual, and a non-profit organization were honored for their commitment to the community during the recent Community Citizens Night at Bangor Grange #372. The meeting was open to the public. Those honored were the Violette family, Dennis, Holly and Julia; Ellen Fisher; and Food and Medicine, represented by Jack McKay, Director. Certificates of Appreciation were presented by Grange Master, Rolf Staples, Sr. as various members recounted the accomplishments of the recipients. The Violettes and Fisher have donated countless volunteer hours in improving the lives of area citizens. Food and Medicine’s policy is that people should not have to choose between food and medicine. The organization has been instrumental in obtaining funding to support CSA, (Community Supported Agriculture), and the 50% discount available to food stamp users at the local farmers’ markets. Grange Community Service Chairman, Anne Staples told those present about the history of the Grange and its present aims and activities. She emphasized that Bangor Grange and the individual members perform community service, including Make-A-Wish, Relay for Life, Disabled American Veterans, sponsorship of the Ohio Street Farmers’ Market, as well as many other activities. The meeting was followed by music from members of the NEVAH Band and refreshments.

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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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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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Quick Tip: Green Granger Summit!

 Quick Tips, Uncategorized  1 Response »
Feb 142013
 

look_who_has_an_idea_150_clr_7993It’s too bad this “Green Granger Summit” is in Oregon, it sounds like a great program! I thought I’d share it here as a “Quick Tip” as an idea for a program… a scaled down version might be very possible. Another thought would be for several Granges (or a Pomona) to combine resources to sponsor one…

Welcome one and all to Oregon’s 3 Green Granger Summit, March 22-24 at Spencer Creek Grange, just outside of Eugene.  Great speakers, great locally grown food, great entertainment.  We’re even thinking about video conferencing, if we can get the bandwidth.  We’re still working on that.  We’ll find housing for anyone that can make it! More information at Spencercreekgrange.org.

You’ll also want to check their website and some of their other activities–well done!

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National Grange Releases Two More E-Books!

 Grange News, History and Trivia  No Responses »
Nov 132012
 

The National Grange has released two more e-books!

On Nov. 6, the National Grange released its fifth e-book, “First Century of Service and Evolution: The Grange, 1867-1967,” as a Kindle download available through Amazon’s Kindle Store. Written by W.L. Robinson, the book looks at the first 100 years of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. The digital version of the 1967 text has 120 pages, including index, introduction and footnotes.

“‘W.L. Robinson did a great job chronicling the first hundred years of the National Grange of Patrons of Husbandry,” National Grange President Ed Luttrell said. “We have evolved from being a strictly agricultural organization to one that is prevalent with all members of society. It is a fascinating look on how we got to where we are.”

“First Century of Service and Evolution: The Grange, 1867-1967″ is available as an e-book for $4.99, the same price as previously released “Friend of the Farmer,” “Legal and Economic Influence of the Grange,” “Notes and Quotes” and “Proud Heritage.”

On Nov. 9, the National Grange released its sixth e-book, “People, Pride and Progress: 125 Years of the Grange in America,” as a Kindle download available through Amazon’s Kindle Store. The text, written by David H. Howard, is an examination of the first 125 years of the Grange. The digital version of the 1992 text has 219 pages, including index, introduction and footnotes.

“‘People, Pride and Progress’ shows exactly why the Grange has been such a powerful force in American agricultural life for the last hundred years. ” National Grange President Ed Luttrell said. “This book is a must read for anyone interested in the people behind such a storied organization.”

“People, Pride and Progress: 125 Years of the Grange in America” is available as an e-book for $4.99, the same price as “Friend of the Farmer,” “Legal and Economic Influence of the Grange,” “Notes and Quotes,” “Proud Heritage” and “First Century of Service.”

 

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Farmington Grange Opens Winter Farm Market

 Events  No Responses »
Nov 012012
 

Farmington Grange announces the opening of the Winter Farmers Market, November 3, at the grange hall at 124 Bridge Street in West Farmington, from 9am to 12 noon.  Vendors from both Sandy River Farmers Market, and the Farmington Farmers Market plan to be in attendance with their produce, meats, cheeses, honey, jams, baked goods, crafts and other products.  This market will continue every Saturday morning until the first week of May, when the farmers and producers move outside again.  New vendors, with locally produced products are always welcome to apply to join the market, provided they are adhering to the state rules and are properly licensed (for processed foods)  Membership is $30 for the winter with a $5 market day fee.  Vendors should plan on bringing their own table which they can store at the grange.  For more information, call Richard Marble at 778-6968 or Bonnie Clark at 778-6637.

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Farmers’ Markets Updates

 Agriculture  No Responses »
Oct 022012
 

Thanks to Wes Marble for the reminder… it’s probably time to update information regarding farmers’ markets–what dates they start and close, times, etc. Please visit the Farm Market page and send your changes  (webmasteratmainestategrangedotorg)  ! Thanks for your help!

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Meet Some New Members

 Grange News, Membership  No Responses »
Apr 222012
 

by Walter Boomsma

New members are fun! Degree Days are fun! And the recent Degree Day conducted by Bangor Grange was no exception. After taking a group photo for our website I asked for volunteers who would be willing to talk about why they joined the grange and what the day meant to them. A lot of hands shot up! When I mentioned I’d also be photographing them individually a few hands went down… but most were anxious to share. Here are three folks who are very excited and enthusiastic about their grange membership.

Rebecca Wentworth

“The whole thing was… WOW,” according to Rebecca Wentworth, a newly degreed member of Halcyon Grange following the Day at Bangor Grange. “There was this sense of unity… age didn’t matter, what community we were from didn’t matter… we just came together for a common purpose.” Rebecca also explained that her interest in joining the grange was based on her ongoing interest in agriculture. (Halcyon Grange has been very active in farming issues at the local level.) She’s also been involved with the 4-H program and sees grange membership as a way of bringing small farmers together and creating a sense of community.

Devin Kent

Devin Kent was part of a group of six initiates who travelled all the way from Benton Grange to receive their degree instruction. The nineteen year old said that he expected the day to be meaningful, but he “enjoyed it even more than he expected.” For him, an important part of the day’s experience was meeting new friends and how the activities brought people together. Devin is a self-admitted technology geek who said one of the reasons he decided to join the grange is he wants “different views and outlooks.”

Representing Bangor Grange, Denise Sears admitted that her introduction to the grange was a result of her managing an organic farm and selling products at the Bangor Grange Farmers’ Market. Like many of the candidates, Denise was obligated some time ago and actually holds the office of Lady Assistant Steward.

Denise Sears

For her, the degree day was helpful because it “broke everything down” and taught the meaning of the offices and activities. As a farmer, she noted that she especially enjoyed the “meaning and beauty” of the lessons of the four degrees. Denise loves “growing things” and we won’t be surprised if she grows the grange with her enthusiasm.

Bangor Master Rolf Staples eavesdropped on the interviews and summarized with an important point. “If you were to talk to all of these candidates, I’ll bet you’d discover they most of them joined the grange for exactly the same reason—somebody asked them!”

For these twenty people, there were probably at least that many reasons for their interest in joining. And while people join the grange for their own very distinct (and interesting!) reasons, ultimately they join simply because someone asks them.

 

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Spears Farm Update

 Agriculture  No Responses »
Apr 162012
 

Bob Spear

Willow Grange in Jefferson welcomed Bob and Janet Spear of Spear’s Farm to the April 12 meeting. The Spears spoke of their farm operation and Willow members were impressed by the extent of its production. Known for their local vegetable farmstands, Spear’s Farm has expanded in recent years to include wholesale to numerous supermarkets such as Hannaford, sales at farmers’ markets, and sales to local schools. Their vegetable production has continually expanded and supplemented by innovative machinery such as a squash peeler and cutter, and green bean picker and new items such as microgreens.

The Spears have operated their family operation for many years. Bob, who has served as the State Agriculture Commissioner, oversees the much of the daily farm operations while Janet runs the farm stands and farmers markets. Both are members of Meenahga Grange.

Janet Spear

 

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