maine department of agriculture Archives

First cases of avian flu reported in Kennebec County

by Jessica Lowell February 10, 2023February 10, 2023

Both wild birds and a domestic flock in Kennebec County have been found to be infected with highly pathogenic avian flu this year.

Business, Community

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry presents 2023 Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023

AUGUSTA — The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal named Caitlin Hunter of Appleton the recipient of the 2023 Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award. Hunter invested more than 40 years in raising goats and making cheese and has been called the “Bedrock of the Maine Cheese Guild” and “cheesemaker extraordinaire.” The Commissioner’s Distinguished […]

Local & State, Morning Sentinel

PFAS levels in livestock can diminish if contamination source removed, state officials say

by Kaitlyn Budion January 16, 2023January 17, 2023

Research has found that once a contamination source is removed from a farm, PFAS levels in livestock will drop to the point that products derived from the animals can be sold to consumers, officials said at a public forum last week.

Local & State, Morning Sentinel

Initial round of PFAS testing of groundwater finds about 75% of Maine sites within safe levels

by Kaitlyn Budion January 11, 2023January 12, 2023

The state last year tested more than 1,600 private wells seen as high-priority sites, and inspectors this year will test hundreds more for groundwater contamination.

Business, Uncategorized

Infrastructure improvement grant awarded to Black Acres Farm

by Pam Harnden September 8, 2022September 8, 2022

The grant will provide more options for consumers as well as other livestock producers.

Business, Local & State

Flocks at elevated risk for highly infectious avian flu in Maine

by Jordan Andrews April 4, 2022April 4, 2022

Strains of the virus have led the U.S. poultry industry to euthanize more than 15.6 million chickens and 1.3 million turkeys since Jan. 1. One Maine farm has lost 250 birds this year.

Local & State, News

Second case of avian flu detected in backyard birds in Knox County

by Dennis Hoey February 23, 2022February 24, 2022

The first case was confirmed on Sunday and the second on Wednesday; the USDA conducted tests and found the presence of the H5N1 strain in both flocks of birds.

Local & State, Morning Sentinel

State continues testing farmland in Fairfield as another resident told to stop using well water

by Molly Shelly November 15, 2020November 16, 2020

“My right to clean water has been taken away from me and I didn’t have anything to do with it,” Judy Poulin, 77, of Fairfield said. In October, Poulin was told to stop using the water from her well after it was shown to have high levels of toxic chemicals.