9:10 am Organic Certification Information Session (Androscoggin/Aroostook)
If you market and sell products as ORGANIC, chances are good you need to need to be certified by a USDA-accredited certifier to comply with USDA regulations. MOFGA Certification Services Staff will provide an overview of organic production practices, including processing. Information on how to become certified organic will also be presented. Organic product labels collected from stores will be available for demonstration and discussion. Mary Yurlina, MOFGA Certification Services Director
9:10 am Weather & Climate for Farmers (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
Farmers have a special interest in understanding Maine’s weather and climate,especially since it seems to be becoming increasingly unpredictable. This session will be an overview of basic meteorology with a special emphasis on those phenomena that affect our crops and livestock.
10:10 AM Resources & Services for New & Beginning Farmers (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
This special 2-hour session will feature representatives from organizationsthat provide services to help and support new and beginning farmers.
10:10 AM Reading and Reacting to your Soil Test Results (Androscoggin/Aroostook)
Got questions after you get your soil testingresults back from the University of Maine Soil Testing Service? Eric Sideman, MOFGA’s Crop Specialist and David Colson, MOFGA’s Director of Agricultural Services will be on hand to answer those questions. Come with a copy of your soil test results (or email a copy in advance to Eric).
11:10 AM What You Need to Know About Selling to a Distributor (Androscoggin/Aroostook)
More and more small, diversified farms are exploring options for diversifying their markets beyond selling direct to the consumer. Local foods distribution companies are one option, but you need to understand how this market works and what the distributor needs from you before a successful sales relationship can be established. Come hear from an expert in local foods distribution to prepare yourself for selling to a distributor.
1:30 PM MOFGA Annual Meeting (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
Hear from Executive Director, Russell Libby and from committee chairs about MOFGA’s activities and accomplishments over the past year, and our plans for the future. Participate in elections for MOFGA’s Board of Directors and network with MOFGA staff, members, and certified growers.
3:00 pm Food Policy (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
Join Russell Libby for a look at current federal policies that can impact your farm.
3:00 pm Season Recap (Androscoggin/Aroostook) *
Pests and Diseases had a field day in 2011. Many crops did very well this year, but some were total losses. Now that the farm work is a bit more quiet, take some time to come and see if you can identify your problems and learn about ways to manage them. Eric Sideman, MOFGA’s Crop Specialist will show some pretty pictures of some ugly stuff and make some recommendations.
4:00 pm Pesticide Licensing for Organic Growers (Androscoggin/Aroostook) *
During their last session the Maine State Legislature passed a law that requires anyone producing plants or plant products for human consumption and grossing more than $1,000 per year from those products to obtain a pesticide applicator license. This includes growers that use organic pesticides. A representative from the Maine Board of Pesticides Control will be on hand to discuss the new law, how it will be implemented, and answer questions on the licensing process.
4:00 pm Garlic: An Update on Production and Dealing with Old and New Pests (Piscataquis/Sagadahoc)
Steve Johnson of University of Maine Cooperative Extension Preseason, in-season, and postharvest practices will be discussed and research data presented. Imported pests along with preexisting pests, the problems they cause, and control measures will be discussed.
* These sessions qualify for one pesticide recertification credit. Questions? Contact Gary Fish, Maine Board of Pesticides Control by calling 207-287-7545.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
9:00 am Managing Animals in the Winter Maine Grass Farmers Network, MGFN
A farmer panel will speak about tips for keeping you livestock healthy and happy in winter.
10:00 am Minerals for Pastured Animals MGFN
Jeff Maddocks from the Fertrell Company will speak about the specific mineral requirements and reasons for the requirements of animals on pasture. How to determine the needs will be covered as well.
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm Maine Poultry Grower's Association, MPGA presents Jeff Maddox of the Fertrell Company, Bainbridge, PA
He is a gifted poultry nutritionist and an expert on pastured poultry.