Tag: ag day in Maine

By Roberta Meserve, MSG Ag Director
(207) 998-3857

The Maine Agricultural Fairs are in full swing; we hope you have the opportunity to visit one or two. 

Upcoming fairs (dates taken from www.mainefairs.net )

August:

• Acton – Aug 22 – 25
• Piscataquis – Aug 22 – 25
• Washington County – Aug 24 – 25
• Windsor – Aug 24 – Sept 2
• Blue Hill Aug 29 – Sept 2
• Harmony Aug 30 – Sept 2

We have received several Grange Exhibit results; congratulations to each of you.

If anyone knows of other Granges exhibiting, please let us know. 

• Pittston Fair — 1st Combined Exhibit — Enterprise #48
• 1st Educational Exhibit — Maine State Junior Grange
• Ossipee Valley Fair — Combined Exhibits — 1st Saco #53; 2nd Waterford #479; 3rd Maple Grove #148
• Union Fair — Combined Exhibits — 1st Evening Star #183; 2nd Medomack Valley #175; 3rd Pioneer #219; 4th Union Harvest #591

By Roberta Meserve, MSG Ag Director
(207) 998-3857

It feels like summer weather has arrived. I hope you all have had a successful planting season and that the weather cooperates to give your seeds and seedlings a good start.

As you planted, did you put in an extra row (or at least a plant or two), to share with others, or for your Grange’s fair exhibit?

If your Grange lacks the people power or items for a full Ag or Domestic fair exhibit, consider an Educational Fair Exhibit. These can give your Grange exposure and presence at the fairs but can be done with fewer items and workers. Check with your local fairs to find out the size and shape of the exhibit space, and get ready to educate the fair visitors about Grange and agriculture.

The MSG Ag Department Handbook, which is available on the MSG website, contains rules, guidelines, suggestions, and scoresheets for all fair exhibits.

Remember to support your local farm stands and Farmers’ Markets, and enjoy all the wonderful, fresh treats that summers in Maine provide us.

By Roberta Meserve, MSG Ag Director
(207) 998-3857

A big Thank-you for those who provided fudge in March for the Legislators. They loved it.

The Agriculture Committee met in Augusta on May 10, 2024 to discuss Agricultural Scholarship applications. We awarded scholarships to these applicants:

• Samantha Bissell, Palmyra, Nokomis H.S.
• Hannah Dean, Ripley, Dexter H.S.
• Cooper Dellarma, Solon, Carrabec H.S.
• June Foyt, Monmouth, Monmouth Academy
• Madison Shaw, Saco, Old Orchard Beach H.S.
• Ryleigh Turgeon, Buxton, Bonny Eagle H.S.

Each recipient will receive $500.00.

Grange Agricultural Enterprise Award   Application deadline date August 1.

Applicants must earn at least a portion of their income from their Agricultural Enterprise.

The application form approved by the Maine State Grange Agriculture Committee must be used. The form is available here.

Awards: The winner will receive $100 cash prize and will be invited to showcase their enterprise at the State Grange Annual Session in October of that year, and share display space with the MSG Agriculture committee at the Agricultural Trade Show the following January at the Augusta Civic Center, at no expense.   The sponsoring Grange will also receive a $100 cash award.     

By Roberta Meserve, MSG Ag Director
(207) 998-3857

The committee met in Augusta in February to make plans and discuss details on upcoming activities and events. We will meet in May to choose this year’s scholarship recipients.

Speaking of scholarships, there’s still time to apply for our Ag Scholarship (due April 23). Keep encouraging high school seniors to send in their applications. This will give us lots of candidates to choose from.

The National Lecturer has some contests related to agriculture. They are the Sarden Design contest and the Weather Watcher contest. Both are open to all ages and have various categories. Check the Lecturer’s Dept. program for more details.

Want a way to get some potential members to visit your Grange and to embrace one of the joys of spring? Consider hosting a plant sale or swap. You could include veggie seedlings, bulbs, house plants, even seeds. Invite your local garden club or other local plant enthusiasts.

I’ve started my first seeds (in the house), couldn’t wait any longer to play in the dirt. Enjoy the early spring!

By Roberta Meserve, MSG Ag Director
(207) 998-3857

Do you know a high school senior who plans to continue their education in an Agricultural-related field? We have a scholarship just for them; please help them connect to it. Information and applications were recently sent to all Granges in the state (ask your secretary), or find them on the MSG Website under program books and information.

Last year, five Maine students were each awarded $500 to help with their costs. Please consider donating to our scholarship fund so we can continue to help worthy students.

The committee will participate in Ag Day at the State Legislature on March 19, 2024, and is asking for fudge that day for those visiting our table. If you have fudge to give, contact State Grange Headquarters or an Ag Committee Member for more information or to arrange pick up.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

The days are getting noticeably longer; can playing in the dirt be far away?