Request For Dairy Production Photos from Gary Anderson

Posted on February 28, 2014February 28, 2014 by President

Many of you attended one of the three raw milk meetings we had across the state the last couple months. We are currently planning to have a meeting of all licensed processors at the Dept of Ag with a tentative date of April 16. We hope that this meeting can answer questions about what testing is done in Augusta (and that is the reason why we are having the meeting in Augusta so that Linda Stahlnecker is able to be with us to answer questions), what type of testing is available in Orono for mastitis and sanitation issues, updated information on food safety issues, open discussion with the milk inspectors and a chance to talk with the person responsible for the milk program. A key part of the day is devoted to answering questions that you have.

My request to you is that I am looking for pictures of animal housing, milking parlors, milking stands, stanchion setups, bulk tank rooms, milk cans, milk storage, cheeserooms, vats and cold storage to answer questions about licensed facilities and how they carry on their milking and processing. If you are willing to provide pictures from your operation and can email me photos from your phone, camera, etc. I would appreciate it very much. I can visit farms, but I am trying to reduce travel costs.

If you have questions/concerns, please let me know.

–Gary Anderson
University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Intro to Cheese Making at Rural Living Days March 29

Posted on February 21, 2014August 30, 2014 by President

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Waldo County is presenting “Rural Living Days” on

Saturday, March 29th between 8:30am and 3pm

Eric Rector, President of the Maine Cheese Guild and cheese maker at Monroe Cheese Studio, will give an introduction to cheese making workshop titled “Queso Presto!” in the early session beginning at 9am:

Cheese making can be quite mysterious because it involves using a few unusual ingredients to turn liquids into solids. Cheese making also can take a lot of time: usually a day of work just to get the initial stage of fresh (but bland) cheese, and then weeks/months/years of aging before that turns into something completely different. Rector will talk about all cheeses and what makes them different, and he will show you how to make a quick and tasty cheese in an hour, and describe milk’s “leap toward immortality”.

To learn more about this session, all of the sessions at Rural Living Days, and to register on-line, follow this link.

ACS Conference Scholarships 2014

Posted on February 12, 2014August 29, 2014 by President

Given the travel distance and current budget level, it’s unlikely that the Maine Cheese Guild will be offering ACS Scholarships in 2014, but the American Cheese Society also offers full and partial scholarships to their conference every year:

“If you’re a cheesemaker, retailer, student, or local chef, don’t miss your chance to apply for a 2014 ACS Conference Scholarship ! Recipients receive a free conference registration and may also receive a travel stipend and hotel accommodations in Sacramento, CA this summer. The application period for 2014 Conference Scholarships ends soon: submit your application by March 31 in order to be considered!

ACS 2014: Celebrating the American Cheese Plate will take place July 29-August 1, 2014 at the Sacramento Convention Center. More than 900 members of the American cheese community will gather for this 31st annual event. With a conference scholarship, you can join them for timely educational sessions and networking events…”