Winter in Maine_Ag_2023

Winter in Maine THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE

YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2024

MAINE AGRICULTURAL TRADES SHOW PLUS...

CELEBRATE MAINE AGRICULTURE ALL YEAR ROUND COOKING WITH CRANBERRIES AND MUCH MORE!

A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, Dec. 15, 2023

Morning Sentinel • Kennebec Journal • Sun Journal Times Record • Portland Press Herald • Bangor Daily News

Inside:

Visit Real Maine Member

Mossy Ledge Spirits

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023

Dear Readers, Welcome to our Winter in Maine publication, where we hope you will be inspired by the agricultural events and businesses profiled and share in the pride and appreciation we have for Maine’s farmers and the work they do all year long. You might think that winter is a quiet time for farmers, but that is rarely the case! For our livestock and dairy farmers, care and feeding of their animals is a 365-day-a-year commitment. And for our crop producers, this is the time of year when they are readying seed orders, maintaining and fixing equipment, updating farm plans, and tending to many other tasks that are hard to get to during the growing season. In addition, many farmers are busy with value-added production, monitoring and caring for storage crops, and marketing their products throughout much of the fall and winter.

Likewise, we also have crop producers operating year-round, whether in low-heat greenhouses or by utilizing hydroponic or aquaponic systems. In short, Maine’s farmers are remarkable for their determination, innovation, and dedication to producing agricultural products that enhance our lives and our economy while bolstering the resilience of our food system. For those and many other reasons, I hope you will seek out opportunities this winter — and in the seasons ahead — to purchase directly from Maine farmers, to encourage local retailers and institutions to support our farms, and to celebrate the bounty of Maine farm products available both in the peak of the growing season and throughout the year.

At the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), we are honored to work each day in support of our agricultural producers. Knowing the challenges they face from market disruptions, rising costs of supplies and inputs, and the impacts of climate change, we have been laying the groundwork to bolster their efforts by providing tools and resources to navigate these and other difficulties. Here are just a few examples:

Healthy Soils: Healthier soils make more resilient farms. DACF staff have been hard at work developing a Healthy Soils Program to support farmers in incorporating practices that build and maintain healthy soils, which helps to increase soil organic matter. Healthier soils fare better in both drought and excessive rain because they hold more water and are less susceptible to erosion. Increased soil health can also help to store nutrients while reducing nutrient input costs and reducing crop vulnerability to pests.

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023 03

Drought Relief: Development of the Maine Farmer Drought Relief Grant Program is underway to support Maine farmers in identifying and accessing new water sources to overcome the adverse effects of drought conditions. We expect to begin making grants in 2024.

Infrastructure Investment: Through Governor Mills’ Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, DACF in partnership with Coastal Enterprises, Inc., worked to distribute nearly $20 million in federal pandemic recovery funds to provide grants to 64 farms and food producers that are poised to increase processing opportunities and shore up our agricultural infrastructure base. Likewise, DACF will soon have the opportunity to put $3.9 million Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program funds to work in Maine, and we are also working to develop a longer-term Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Infrastructure Investment Fund to bolster investments in these sectors in a way that benefits our producers and our economy.

In addition, we are always looking for ways to put the spotlight on Maine’s producers through our Real Maine branding program and the many activities happening around the state and elsewhere that draw attention to the high-quality products available from Maine producers. In the pages ahead, you will undoubtedly find many ways that you, too, can help to champion agriculture and its benefits to all who visit and live in our state, but you can also be reinspired throughout the year by visiting realmaine.com!

With gratitude,

Amanda E. Beal, Commissioner Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Loans and Leases Tax Services Payroll Services Business Consulting Record-keeping Country Home Loans FarmStart for New Businesses Real Estate and Equipment Appraisals Crop Insurance

♦

FARM CREDIT EAST

Committed to Maine Agriculture Farm Credit East remains committed to the success of Maine's agriculture, commercial fishing and forest

products industries, just as we have been for the past 100 years. W hether you' re in need of financing or

business services, our team is equipped with the tools to continue to serve your business needs however you feel

most comfortable. Give us a call today to set up a

virtual or in-person meeting. We look forward to

growing our relationship.

FARMCREDITEAST.COM I 800.831.4230

04

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023

Let Real Maine Be Your Guide to Celebrating Agriculture Year Round Visit www.RealMaine.com for dozens of current events and ways to explore Maine farms, farm products and experiences. Visit the Real Maine event calendar for updates and additions throughout the year!

JANUARY – Maine Agricultural Trades Show MARCH – Maine Maple Sunday® Weekend (statewide)

Scan to visit

RealMaine.com

APRIL – Maine Fiddlehead Festival JUNE – Maine Fiber Frolic, Dairy Month – Real Maine Ice Cream Trail kick-off JULY – Kneading Conference & Maine Bread Fair, Maine Open Farm Day (statewide) AUGUST – Wild Blueberry Weekend (statewide) SEPTEMBER – Maine Cheese Festival, Apple Weekend OCTOBER – Open Creamery Day, Real Maine Fiber Tour & Trail

Shared Love for the Land

Tips for enjoying Maine’s outdoors year-round

P

astures, cropland, woodland, and forests. These working landscapes are beautiful places, important to Maine’s heritage and economy. They are critical to the wellbeing and livelihood of Mainers and its natural beauty.

RESPONSIBILITY: Know before you go: where and if you may walk, drive, travel and tour—and the safe ways to do so. Keep your pets on leash—especially near pasture and farmland.

WHAT DO MAINE’S WORKING LANDSCAPES OFFER?

RIGHT THING: Follow the unwritten rules of Maine land use: ask for permission, say thank you. Set an example for others. Always carry-in and carry-out. See litter and trash? Do the right thing and pick it up.

• Pastures and cropland are local sources of food • Open and wooded areas are homes for thousands of wildlife, bugs, animals, and native plants • Farms, woodland and forests provide local jobs in agriculture, forestry and tourism • Special places to get outside and respectfully appreciate Maine’s beauty year-round Use these tips to stay on the right path to support and appreciate Maine’s working landscapes year-round!

RESPECT: Treat land as the valuable necessity that it is to our state. Your respect helps everyone appreciate Maine’s beauty.

WHY RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY AND “THE RIGHT THING” MATTER: • Respectful, responsible land use helps preserve these special places for the future • Sustains community relationships • Instills and improves our understanding for the value of Maine’s working landscapes

WANT TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT FARMS AND BUSINESSES? In addition to saying thank you, show your thanks and support their businesses. Visit www.RealMaine.com for a list of farm products and farms near you!

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023 05

For as long as we’ve had customers, we’ve supported local family farms.

Organic dairy farmers adhere to rigorous standards for certification to bring you dairy products that are fresh, pure, real and local.

When you purchase locally produced organic dairy, you’re not just helping to preserve farmlands in your community, you’re helping to preserve a way of life for generations to come.

local matters.

choose these great brands to help support organic dairy farmers in your community.

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023

Meet Real Maine Member Mossy Ledge Spirits

W

e spoke recently with Jesse and Kasey Lupo of Real Maine member Mossy Ledge Spirits. With experience in welding and carpentry, Jesse began making his own style of stills and distillery equipment around 15 years ago and selling them across the country. That blossomed into the Lupos starting their own distilling business, complete with tasting room and mobile bar.

YOUR TASTING ROOM OPENED FIVE YEARS AGO, AND SINCE THAT TIME, YOUR OFFERINGS HAVE GROWN FROM A FEW SPIRITS TO MORE THAN 20. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS THAT NEW SPIRITS COME TO BE? Some are what Jesse has always wanted to make — the whiskeys. Some are what Kasey likes — the cordial flavors. Others are from customer requests, such as cherry cordial, pineapple cordial and blood orange cordial. Cinnamon cordial was steeped with fresh cinnamon sticks because we had some laying around, and it came out amazing. That led to the sweet tea cordial, steeped with tea bags. Holy Hell vodka was made when our neighbor and good friend John brought down some extra jalapenos from his garden. We tried to make a white rum and it was too strong on flavor, so we made it into dark rum. Apple brandy came about because our local orchard had a windstorm and lost a

lot of apples to the ground. They made it into cider for us, and we fermented and distilled it into brandy. Our barrel rested gin was made with barely used apple brandy barrels.

WHAT INGREDIENTS FROM MAINE DO YOU USE IN YOUR SPIRITS? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO USE THOSE LOCAL INGREDIENTS?

We have always focused on supporting local businesses.

All our grains come from Maine Malt House in Mapleton.

Our apples for the brandy are from Conant Orchards, right here in Etna. When we don't grow enough jalapenos to get us through the year, we order them from Dennis Food Service, which is in Hampden and employee owned — they also shop local. Our recent batch of jalapenos came from Lewiston. Our pizza dough is made in Auburn.

We get our black strap molasses from Feed Commodities International in Detroit, ME — we’ve learned not to have them try to fill containers on a 35-degree day.

sun on the solar panels. For Jesse, it just made financial sense. It is something that we always forget to mention unless you come for a tour. With the mobile bar, it was a no brainer — a generator would be loud, and the point of the mobile trailer is to take it where there isn’t a bar.

YOUR TASTING ROOM AND MOBILE BAR ARE 100 PERCENT SOLAR POWERED. WHY IS BEING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY A PRIORITY FOR MOSSY LEDGE SPIRITS? Kasey has always been very environmentally conscious — she even hated that a few trees had to be cut to get full

WHAT IS SOMETHING MAINERS MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THE CRAFT DISTILLING BUSINESS? We don’t drink as much as you think, but yes, sometimes we do have an occasional drink. We still work even when we are on vacation or taking time away from the distillery.

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023 07

Maine Winter Farmers’ Markets Follow these markets on social media and through their websites for updates and the latest information! *= Maine Harvest Bucks Market - visitmaineharvestbucks.org/farmersmarkets-1 for full list of MHB markets

Mossy Ledge

Holiday Cocktail Recipes Peppermint Mocha Sombrero • Mossy Ledge Spirits Peppermint Cordial

Market

Address

Details

Augusta Winter Farmers’ Market* Bangor Winter Farmers’ Market*

22 Armory St., Augusta (The Buker Center)

Open every Tuesday, 3pm-5pm, November-April

Abbott Square, Bangor

Open 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, Dec-Apr, 11am-1pm

European Market in Bangor

117 Buck St, Bangor

Open every Saturday, 8:30am-12:30pm, year-round.

Bath Farmers’ Market*

27 Commercial St, Bath

Open every Saturday, 9am-Noon, November-April.

Belfast Winter Farmers’ Market* Berwick Winter Farmers’ Market* Bowdoinham Farmers’ Market - Holiday Market* Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market*

231 Northport Ave, Belfast 11 Sullivan Square, Berwick 13 School St., Bowdoinham 166 Harrison St., Bridgton 14 Maine St. (Fort Andross Brunswick Winter Market* Building), Brunswick Dover Cove Winter Farmers Piscataquis Ice Arena, 1049 Market* W Main St., Dover-Foxcroft Farmington Winter Farmers’ 130 Quebec St., Market* Farmington Greater Gorham Winter 75 South St, Gorham Farmers’ Market Greenwood Winter Farmers’ 270 Main St. (Route 26), Market Greenwood Hampden Winter Farmers’ 177 Cold Brook Road, Market* Hampden

Open every Friday, 9am-Noon, Dec-March 2nd Sunday of the month, 10am to 1:30pm, November through April Saturday, 11/18/23, 8:30am-noon.

Open every Saturday, 9am-noon, Nov-April Open every Saturday, 9am-12:30pm, Nov-Apr Late November-April. Every other Saturday. 9am-1pm.

Open every Saturday, 10am-1pm, November-April Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Nov-April Open every other Friday, 4pm-6pm, Year-round Every Friday in December and every other Friday from January-March, 2pm-5:30pm Every Sunday in November and 12/10/23 (holiday market!).

10am-2pm

Kittery Community Market*

10 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery

• Mossy Ledge Spirits Espresso Infused Vodka

Lewiston Farmers’ Market*

Lewiston

Visit lfmonline.square.site for information

• Splash of half and half

Orono Winter Farmers’ Market

6 Goodridge Dr., Orono

Every Saturday, 9am-noon in December. January-April, 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 9am-Noon. Visit oronofarmersmarket.org.

Portland Winter Farmers’ Market*

631 Stevens Ave., Portland

Open every Saturday, 9am-1pm, Dec-Apr

• Chilled hot chocolate

Rockland Farmers’ Market* 61 Limerock St, Rockland Year-round. Every Saturday, 9am-noon

Double Apple Pie • Mossy Ledge Spirits Cinnamon Cordial • Mossy Ledge Spirits Apple Brandy • Apple juice or apple cider

Rockport Farmers’ Market

310 Commercial St, Rockport

Open every Saturday, 9am-12pm, year-round!

Skowhegan Winter Farmers’ Market*

144 Madison Ave., Skowhegan

Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10am-1pm, Dec-April

Farmers Market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm*

217 Hewett Rd, Somerville

November-February. Sundays: 11/19/23, 12/17/23, 1/14/24 and 2/11/24.11am-2pm.

South Portland Winter Farmers’ Market

496 Ocean St., South Portland

Fourth Sunday of the month except Dec. 17.

10am-1pm, Nov-Apr

Tri-Town Winter Farmers Market*

49 Academy Street, South Berwick

Specific Market dates: 12/18, 1/15/23, 2/5/23, 2/19/23, 3/5/23, 3/19/23, 4/2/23

United Farmers Market of Maine*

18 Spring St, Belfast

Open every Saturday, 9am-2pm, year-round

Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market*

150 Maine St., Waterville

Every Thursday, 2-5pm, Late November-March

Wilton Farmers’ Market

386 Main Street, Wilton

Late Oct-March. First and third Saturdays. 10am-1pm

Yarmouth Farmers’ Market

317 Main Street, Yarmouth

Holidays Markets - November-December. Every Thursday, 3pm-5:30pm

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023

Plan to attend the 2024 Maine Agricultural Trades Show!

This annual tradition brings together Maine’s agricultural community to network, learn and celebrate!

The three-day event at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine features exhibitions, conference sessions, and resource information—all agriculturally focused.

Mark Your Calendar for the 2024 Maine Agricultural Trades Show Tuesday, Jan. 9 (9 AM to 5 PM) • Wednesday, Jan. 10 (9 AM to 6 PM) • Thursday, Jan. 11 (9 AM to 3 PM) The Augusta Civic Center is located at 76 Community Drive, Augusta And mark your calendar for these future Trades Show dates — 2025: January 14, 15, 16 • 2026: January 13, 14, 15

About the Maine Agricultural Trades Show The State of Maine Agricultural Trades Show is sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. It typically takes place every January and is a place for farm, agricultural and related sectors to network and connect around business needs and trends. Producers and consumers alike visit this three-day show to get professional expertise, learn about technologies, and to gather information on the agriculture industry.

The event offers opportunities for agricultural service providers and organizations to exhibit equipment, supplies, and resources on the trade show floor. The show also features conference presentations on current topics, research and business models, certification courses, and meetings focused on agriculture, natural resource management and food systems.

See pages 10-13 for daily conference schedules 

Reserve your Listening Post Business Advising Appointment Today!

You can reserve a time slot in advance or set up a drop-in appointment when you come to the Franklin Room during the show. Appointments are available starting January 9, 2023.

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3: 1. Go to maine.gov/dacf/atsmeet 2. View the service menu and select a service.

Choices include: reviewing a farm biosecurity plan, farmland tax questions, lending and financing, setting up or using a farm’s Real Maine membership account, Maine Senior FarmShare program, and general business questions.

3. Choose your date and time — you will receive a confirmation email.

We look forward to seeing you at the show!

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023 09

Getting Around the Show

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR AN INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE SHOW!

AUDITORIUM

FIRST LEVEL

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITS

MAIN STAGE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS CONFERENCE SESSIONS SEE PAGES 10-13 FOR DAILY CONFERENCE SCHEDULES

LISTENING POST BUSINESS ADVISING, HELPFUL INFO

BUSINESS ADVISING APPOINTMENTS

SECOND LEVEL OVERLOOKS AUDITORIUM FLOOR

OPEN DAILY DURING THE SHOW!

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023

AGRICULTURAL TRADES SHOW SCHEDULE: TUESDAY, JAN. 9 • 9AM-5PM ANDROSCOGGIN/AROOSTOOK ROOMS/ CUMBERLAND ROOM

FRANKLIN ROOM

Listening Post - Hospitality Suite

Listening Post - Round Table

Topics: Sourcing and Distributing Maine Ingredients, Farmer Needs Feedback Activity

1 PM 2 PM

LINCOLN/OXFORD ROOMS

Listening Post Business Advising Appts.

PISCATAQUIS /SAGADAHOC ROOMS MOFGA: Demystifying Organic Certification & Usda’s Transition To Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)

Dairy Session: Fermented Feeds Cost/Benefits Analysis

Maine Cheese Guild Winter Meeting

11 AM 12 PM

KENNEBEC/ PENOBSCOT ROOMS

Maine Women, Infants, Children, And Farmers Market Nutrition Program

9 AM 10 AM

HANCOCK ROOM

Maine Organic Milk Producers Meeting BPC Re-Certifcation Credits

Maine Nutrient Management Program Credits

MOFGA: Pest Management Session MOFGA: Managing Nitrogen With Uncertain Weather MOFGA: Resources For A Climate Resilient Farm

Listening Post - Hospitality Suite

3 PM

MOFGA: Using Cash Flow Projections For Forecasting Risks Of Crop Failure

4 PM

Research Update: OMRI Listed Fungicide Trial, And Sweet Potato Variety Trial (4-4:30)

AGRICULTURAL TRADES SHOW SCHEDULE: WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10 • 9AM-6PM ANDROSCOGGIN/ AROOSTOOK ROOMS

9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM

CUMBERLAND ROOM

FRANKLIN ROOM

MFRN Interactive Discussion: Soil Health 9-10:30 MFRN Interactive Discussion: Get Funding For Your Farm To Address Risk 10:30-12 Explore Exhibits, Lunch on Own - Visit a food truck onsite & continue networking

MFRN Interactive Discussion: Crop Insurance-A Key Risk Mitigation Tool In The Era Of Climate Change 1-2:30

MFRN Interactive Discussion: Ideas And Strategies For Managing Stress And Personal Wellness 2:30-4

Listening Post Hospitality Suite: A space for on-site networking, enjoying your Maine farm ingredients lunch from the local food trucks, and adding input to the farmer survey activities

HANCOCK ROOM

KENNEBEC/ PENOBSCOT ROOMS

LINCOLN/OXFORD ROOMS

Maine Women, Infants, Children, And Farmers Market Nutrition Program

BPC Re-Certifcation Credits USDA Rural Development Business And Cooperative Program Grants

SOMERSET ROOM

Build Your Maine Agricultural Business - Maine DECD Domestic Trade Program

Maine Senior Farmshare Information & Farmer Training

Listening Post Business Advising Appts.

PISCATAQUIS /SAGADAHOC ROOMS

Maine Nutrient Management Program Credits

Maine Office Of Tourism: Agriculture In The Tourism Space And How To Engage With The Maine Office Of Tourism

Maine Beef Producers Presentation And Meeting

Maine Department Of Agriculture, Conservation And Forestry Farm To Institution Success Stories

Merrymeeting Food Council And University Of Maine Cooperative Extension Farm Labor Listening Session

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023 11

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE MAINE.GOV/DACF/ATSCONFERENCES SOMERSET ROOM

WALDO ROOM Blue Seal Feeds/Kent Nutrition: Poultry Feed and Care

9 Am 10

Am

11

Am

Daybreak Growers Alliance: Partnering With Daybreak Growers Alliance

Maine Sheep Breeders Meeting

WASHINGTON/YORK ROOMS Fiscal Sponsorships And Nonprofits By The Legal Food Hub Employee Designations By The Legal Food Hub

FT. WESTERN ROOM Local Food Purchase Assistance Partner Meeting

Before You Sign: Contract Basics By The Legal Food Hub

Christmas Tree Assoc.

(8:30 am Start)

12

Pm

1 Pm

Maine Winery Guild Meeting

2 Pm

ESE Trustees

Maine Farmland Trust Protecting Maine’s Agricultural Resources: Policy Strategies To Advance Farmland Protection

ARNOLD ROOM

USDA Rural Development Business And Cooperative Program Grants

3 Pm 4 Pm

WALDO ROOM

9 Am

Maine Cranberry Growers Assoc.

10

Maine Dept. Of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry: Grant Roundtable Discussion - Drop In

11

Maine Dept. Of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry: Grant Roundtable Discussion - Feedback

Am

12

Pm

1 Pm

WASHINGTON/ FT. WESTERN ARNOLD YORK ROOMS ROOM

Maine Maple Producers Assoc.

Meeting

Maine Vegetable And Small Fruit Growers Assoc.

Winter Meeting

Maine State Pomological Society Winter Meeting

HOWARD

the nation’s largest natural resource agency. Some primary areas of work include: • Food security and safety • Forest management • Funding for farms • Research centers • Data collection and agricultural statistics

• Marketing • Disaster support • State offices • Programs to support rural communities and businesses

MDACF and BAFRR – Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry is the state’s largest natural resource agency. The Bureau of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources is the primary state-level entity to support Maine’s agricultural, food and rural resources infrastructure.

• Food security and safety • Funding for farms • Data collection • Promoting Maine farms, farm products and supporting agricultural awareness • Animal care, disease tracking, and risk management

• Programs to support rural communities and businesses • Disaster support • Education and outreach

AUGUSTA/ CAPITOL

Stay connected with Maine agriculture year round...

Q. I’m a shopper who wants to buy local. Where should I go?

A. Visit www.RealMaine.com. Search a directory of farms, markets, and businesses for everything from fruit, vegetables, meats, eggs, dairy, Christmas trees, plants, fibers, specialty foods, and craft beverages.

RealMaine.com

Maine Farmer Resource Network (MFRN) Learning Session: Thinking Ahead To Manage Risk On The Farm

Q. I’m a farmer who seeks help with business planning. Where should I go?

MFRN: Tax Implications For Farm Transitions

Q. I’m curious about agriculture and learning for youth.

Explore Exhibits, Lunch on Own Visit a food truck on-site & network MFRN: Managing Water - A Case Study

2 Pm

MFRN: Land Access And Climate Change

3 Pm

MFRN: Addressing Risk On Urban And Small Acreage Farms

4 Pm

USDA – Part of the United States Government, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is

Common Inquiries & Where to Find Answers

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE MAINE.GOV/DACF/ATSCONFERENCES

Am

Resources for Agriculture

A. To start, you can reach out to the USDA, SCORE Maine, the Agricultural Resources Development Division at the Maine Department of Agriculture, or the SBA (Small Business Administration). Schedule a meeting with an advisor.

Maine Woodland Owners Forestry Forum

A. Visit a Cooperative Extension county office, local 4-H, or Maine Ag in the Classroom.

On-demand digital learning is available. You can join or volunteer for local 4-H programs.

Q. I need help starting a food business and marketing my products.

A. Help is available from Maine DACF, the Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations, as well as UMaine Cooperative Extension food science staff. SCORE Maine can also help, along with Maine DECD and Real Maine.

Q. I want to talk with other farmers to network and share ideas.

A. Producer associations, mentorship programs, and instructional courses can help.

Visit the Maine Agricultural Trades Show in January!

Q. I’m a hobby gardener in need of help planning and sourcing native plants.

A. Contact the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for planning help. Visit RealMaine.com to find a local garden center to assist with finding native plants and seeds.

12

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023

AGRICULTURAL TRADES SHOW SCHEDULE: THURSDAY, JAN. 11 • 9AM-3PM ANDROSCOGGIN/ AROOSTOOK ROOMS

CUMBERLAND ROOM

FRANKLIN ROOM

9 AM

Listening Post Round Table

11 AM

1 PM

KENNEBEC/ PENOBSCOT ROOMS

Maine Senior FarmShare Information & Farmer Training

10 AM

12 PM

HANCOCK ROOM

Maine Dairy Leadership Cohort Trainin

12 PM Topics: Sourcing and Distributing Maine Ingredients, Farmer Needs Feedback Activity

Listening Post Business Advising Appts.

Maine Women, Infants, Children, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program

LINCOLN/OXFORD ROOMS

Maine Nutrition Council

PISCATAQUIS / SAGADAHOC ROOMS Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition & Maine Farm & Sea to School: Building Bridges Between Farmers and Schools

Maine Food Convergence Project - Maine’s Food Processing: Collaborations for High Impact

BPC Re-certifcation Credits

Maine Ecological Design School Agroforestry and Permaculture Design for Farmers

SOMERSET ROOM

PFAS Fund Public Meeting: Program Updates & Research Priorities

Maine Farm & Sea Cooperative Building a Local Resilient Food System Maine Farm & Sea Cooperative Membership Meeting

2 PM

Farmer Drought Relief Program Listening Session

3 PM

USDA Rural Development Announces Three Rural Energy for America Program Technical Assistance Grant Awards

Bangor, Oct. 25, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson today announced that USDA is awarding three Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grants (REAP TAG). Two businesses and one nonprofit secured grants through a competitive process. They will use the grants to help Maine agricultural producers and rural small businesses apply for energy efficiency grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“Today we’re celebrating a new program designed to help rural Maine farmers and small businesses become more energy efficient,” State Director Hampson said. “We are partnering to provide free technical assistance to help these businesses apply for REAP grants. More rural applicants will

succeed due to this support. And when agricultural producers and businesses win REAP grants and upgrade their energy systems, they save money. These infrastructure improvements also combat climate change. This is a critical program that provides tangible benefits to all Mainers.”

Rural Development’s REAP program provides grants and loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. The program covers up to 50% of the cost for renewable energy systems (wind, geothermal, solar, etc.). REAP funds also may be used to pay for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, lighting, and replacing energy-inefficient equipment. In fiscal year 2023, the Biden-Harris administration invested $3.95 million in Maine businesses through REAP program grants.

The grants announced today will make

it easier for qualified rural small businesses and agricultural producers to apply for REAP funding. The three award recipients in Maine will use the funds to provide free assistance to REAP applicants, focusing their work in distressed or disadvantaged communities. Interested applicants may reach out to these technical service providers directly. The REAP TAG recipients are: • Pecos Wind Power Inc, which manufactures smaller-scale wind turbines for on-site power generation, was awarded $152K. The company will help Maine agricultural producers and rural small businesses that wish to use distributed wind power to apply for REAP grants.

Pecos Inc. will assess the feasibility of potential projects, prepare the necessary technical reports and permitting,

assist the applicants with completing their REAP proposals, and plan construction and implementation. Contact: Josh Groleau, CEO, josh@pecoswindpower.com (207-745-2231).

• The Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC), a nonprofit based in Washington County, was awarded $151K. SCEC will help agricultural producers and small businesses in Washington County that want to explore and implement renewal energy projects. SCEC will offer tailored support including helping applicants secure partners, providing grant-writing assistance, and supporting successful applicants in implementing their projects. Contact: Denise Cilley, Associate Director, dcilley@ sunrisecounty.org (207-259-5103).

• Sustaine Inc., which advises business-

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023 13

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE MAINE.GOV/DACF/ATSCONFERENCES

WASHINGTON/YORK ROOMS

FT. WESTERN ROOM

ARNOLD/HOWARD

Feeds for the Northeast.

9 Am 10

Find the feeds you need with our new feed search tool at poulingrain.com!

AM

11

AM

12

PM

Quality Focused.

Research Driven.

MDACF Agritourism Summit

University of Maine Cooperative Extension: High Bush Blueberry Production Workshop

Produce Safety Rule Training Pre-registration requested

Pre-registration requested

1 PM

Thank you to all Maine drivers with the Agriculture Specialty License Plate!

For supporting Agriculture Education Resources, Grants, Scholarships and teacher workshops impacting over 200,000 students annually!

TO LEARN MORE VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE AGRICULTURE TRADE SHOW

2 PM 3 PM

Resulting aid will help Maine businesses secure grants to improve energy efficiency and save money es on how to improve energy efficiency and implement projects, was awarded $100K. Sustaine Inc. supports a variety of energy solutions like solar photovoltaics and solar thermal systems, lighting efficiency, HVAC controls, combined heat and power, etc. With its REAP TAG funding, Sustaine will help Maine small businesses and agricultural producers assess their energy needs, design suitable improvements, and prepare and submit their REAP grants. Contact: Malcolm Smith, Sustaine Inc., malcolm.smith@ sustaine.com (512-554-5104).

The REAP TAG awards are a result of the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. USDA Rural Development accepts REAP grant applications quarterly. The

poulingrain.com | 800.334.6731

next deadline is December 31, 2023. Please contact Katrina Shaw, RBCS Maine State Energy Coordinator (katrina.shaw@ usda.gov or 207-990-9129) with questions about the REAP program.

(Top photo) Chelsea Gazillo (left) of American Farmland Trust joined USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson (center) and GrowSmart Maine (GSM) CEO Nancy Smith (right) at the GSM Annual Summit in Waterville October 19. At the event Director Hampson announced that USDA is awarding GSM a Rural Community Development Initiative Grant of almost $305K. GSM will use the grant for a new project providing assistance to 10 rural communities including Calais, Houlton, and Machias. Among the services they will provide are advising regarding climate resilience, economic development, farm viability and farmland protection.

(Right photo) USDA Rural Development State Director Rhiannon Hampson recently visited Real Maine member Carrabassett Coffee Company to celebrate the business’s new solar installation. Carrabassett Coffee Company used a USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to fund much of the work. Maine agricultural producers and rural small businesses are eligible for REAP grants to fund up to 50% of energy efficiency improvements for their businesses.

(Pictured L-R are Rhiannon Hampson, Bob Luce, Leanna Targett, Morgan Hotham, Guy Marshall, and John Beaupre.)

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023

4-H Market Animal Series Part 3

Try These Contest Recipes from the Maine 4-H Dairy Team!

By Real Maine

Clara Domin, a Freeport High School junior, let Real Maine follow along this year as she raised lambs as part of 4-H’s Market Animal Program.

Jammin Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese

W

e visited as Clara performed her twice-daily chores of feeding and watering her five lambs, three ewes and one yearling, and cleaning their pens. We were with her as she sheared their wool, and readied their feet, nails, and ears for agricultural fair season.

Clara cared for two market lambs – George and Willow. Her market lambs went to auction at the Cumberland Fair, where they were weighed, shown, run through an obstacle course, and auctioned off in order of what place they finished.

We are proud to report Clara sold both of her lambs at auction. Her lambs placed second and third in the lightweight class and were among the first nine lambs sold. She also received champion of the breed in two classes, won the obstacle course, and received first place for her lead line outfit, which included a hat she knit and a sweater that one her 4-H leaders knit. For her winning outfit, she received a gift certificate to have some of her own wool processed for spinning.

We were also following Clara’s neighbors Molly and Isla York, who are in eighth grade and fifth grade, respectively, raise their lambs. Molly and Isla both won their showmanship classes and had a successful auction.

The 4-H Market Animal Program has been in existence for several decades and applies life skills taught in 4-H, including work ethic, patience, and marketing and business skills. Those that participate prepare their animals to be at their best for showing and as healthy as possible.

For more information about 4-H in Maine and to volunteer, go to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H website.

Tis the Season for Cranberries!

2 slices of panini toasting bread 2-3 slices of maple bacon 1½ slices of Colby Jack cheese 1½ slices of cheddar cheese Raspberry jam BBQ sauce Butter

Garnish with a raspberry kebob!

Blueberry Milkshake 2 cups blueberry milk

2 cups vanilla ice cream 1 cup fresh blueberries Use jam, blueberries, Graham crackers, whipped cream and mint for the rim and garnishes.

Cranberry Applesauce

Isabel’s Cranberry Cake

3½ pounds apples, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped (about 7 to 8 medium apples)

2 eggs

1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

½ cup butter, melted and cooled to room temperature

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ tsp vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup flour

¤ cup brown sugar

½ tsp baking powder

2 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, mixed with 1 tbsp flour

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large (5-quart) saucepan, combine all ingredients with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F 2. Grease and flour 8-inch by 8-inch pan.

2. Cover and cook 20 to 30 minutes

3. In large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until light yellow. Add cooled butter and vanilla and mix until smooth.

INGREDIENTS

3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly 4. Use a potato masher or fork to achieve desired consistency. Serve warm or cold.

5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

From Maine SNAP-Ed program (www.mainesnap-ed.org)

INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar

4. Mix in flour and baking powder. Stir in cranberries.

5. Pour batter into pan and bake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean Note: If cranberries are frozen, let them set a few minutes in a bowl before adding to batter.

From “Maine Community Cookbook – Vol. 2” (copyright 2022) – recipe from Sylvia Trueworthy Pease, Hiram

WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023 15

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WINTER IN MAINE • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 15, 2023