New Farmer

Workshop Series (offered by the Andy Valley SWCD)

This workshop series is designed for new Maine farmers who have been in business fewer than 10 years, or haven’t started yet. A wide variety of topics will be covered including an introduction to the various federal, state, local and non-profit agencies many farmers work with. Plenty of time is built in for questions and interaction with speakers and colleagues. Participants enrolling for all 7 workshops will be given a resource material notebook.

Topics included Dates Scheduled (storm date the next day ,same time)

Farm Business Basics January 31, 2012 9:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Business plans, record keeping, value-added products and an overview of local, state & federal agricultural agency services, programs & resources

Crop Management February 7, 2012 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Soil fertility, pollination and management practices for a variety of crops

Nutrient Management February 14, 2012 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Storage, management practices, record keeping & nutrient management regulations

Pest Management February 21, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Integrated pest management, organic certification & regulations, pesticide applicator licensing.Pesticide Applicator License Exam offered at 2:00 p.m.

Water Management February 28, 2012 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Crop water budgets, irrigation management, chemigation application rates, schedules & regulations

Energy Management March 6, 2012 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Electrical, fossil fuel & alternative energy

Farm Safety March 13, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Agribility, manure pit gasses, chainsaw safety, tractor safety, silo safety, PTO safety & pesticide safety (This will be held at the Barker Farm in Leeds & participants will need to bring a bag lunch and come dressed for weather conditions)

·  Cost: $50.00 for all 7 workshops (maximum of two people/farm), or

·  Individual workshop costs: Full-day workshops cost $15.00 per person and Evening workshops cost $10.00 per person. Food will be provided at all workshops with the exception of the Farm Safety Workshop.

·  Location: Full day workshops will be at Ramada Inn, 490 Pleasant Street, in Lewiston and all evening workshops will be at USDA Service Center, 254 Goddard Road, in Lewiston

·  Register online at: www.androscogginswcd.net or call 753-9400 ext 400

Workshops are open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Please call Jane Heikkinen at 207-753-9400 ext 400 if you have questions or have special needs in order to attend.

AVSWCD, USDA, University of Maine, and Maine Department of Agriculture & Maine Department of Conservation are equal opportunity providers and employers.

Those interested in receiving the Farm Service Agency Newsletter or needing more program information may contact Laurie Thiboutot via email at: laurie.thiboutot@me.usda.gov.or marcia.hall@me.usda.gov.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service News