Real Maine News and Updates
Greetings from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry!
Welcome to the latest edition of our Real Maine News And Updates. We're here to bring you stories and insights from Maine's farmers and producers, offering a go-to resource for connecting with Real Maine farms, food, and agriculture. Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply looking to savor the tastes of Maine, we've got your covered. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, and don't hesitate to share your news, recipes, and Real Maine photos by emailing DACFRealMaine@maine.gov.
Meet Oakley Parks and her horse “Champ.” Oakley is the ten-year-old daughter of Barrett Parks and Deena Albert Parks, of Woodland.
To meet her, you wouldn’t know that Oakley faces any challenges. She has an infectious smile, drive, a remarkable work ethic, and a heart as big as her horse.
Read more about Oakley and her involvement with 4-H.
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The Maine State Pomological Society will hold the 23rd annual Maine Apple Sunday on September 15, with orchards participating throughout around the state. Maine Apple Sunday starts the peak of the apple harvest. Apple orchards from Wells to Caribou will celebrate by offering special activities and free samples of apple products. |
Whether for fun, education, or community support, agricultural fairs offer something for everyone:
• August 29 Blue Hill Fair
• August 30 Harmony Free Fair
• September 5 Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair
• September 6 Litchfield Fair
• September 11 Oxford County Fair
• September 13 New Portland Lions Fair
• September 15 Farmington Fair
• September 20 Common Ground Fair
• September 22 Cumberland Fair
• September 29 Fryeburg Fair
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From apples and asparagus to zucchini, watermelon to wild Maine blueberries, an abundance of fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables is a feast for the palette; incorporate fresh and vibrant Maine fruits and vegetables into your daily meals.
Bok choy is a sturdy green leafy vegetable that is most widely available in the fall (though it can be found in spring and summer). It is a variety of cabbage, with substantial stalks at the base of the leaves (i.e. it does not form a head). Bok choy has good body and a mild flavor, and is excellent for steaming or braising. Find it at farmers' markets and local groceries, looking for crisp, unblemished leaves. Store it dry in a plastic bag in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for about a week.
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Ricker Hill Orchards has grown apples in Maine since the 1700s and has been in its current location in Turner since 1803. They sell apples and cider year-round directly to their local school district, SAD 52, and Bates College for special events. Their cider and apples are also sold to K-12 schools through Maine food distributors.
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The Fall Fiber Tour & Trail agritourism promotion event returns for the fourth year this October.
Participating businesses offer varying displays, activities and educational insight about everything from caring for fiber animals and crops, and behind-the-scenes looks at textile production, processing, yarns, knitting, felting and fiber arts activities.
Learn more about how you can help promote this year's event.
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Use this trip-building tool and save your next Maine agritourism adventure. Whether you’re a Maine resident looking to travel to a new region of the state, or you’re a visitor planning for a future trip, there is an agritourism activity or event to satisfy all ages and interests.
There are many upcoming events where you can interact with Real Maine members and their farms and businesses. Use the Events Calendar on RealMaine.com to help you plan your Real Maine experiences. And Real Maine members - submit your event for the calendar!
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Real Maine members have access to all Real Maine merchandise, including stickers, flags, hang tags, manager signs, aprons, and more.
We've recently added some new tote bags, which are now available to order online.
Reply to let us know what other items you would like to see available.
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Real Maine was created by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to market Maine agricultural products. If your farm or business grows or produces agricultural products or offers agricultural experiences, sign up to become a member! Members may use the Real Maine logo on their products, may purchase marketing materials (such as stickers, banners, and hang tags), and are listed on www.RealMaine.com. Membership is free!
*Note: Real Maine membership applications are reviewed through a screening process. Products and businesses featuring products containing or related to marijuana, hemp, THC, aquaculture, and seafood are excluded from eligibility.
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