Agriculture Education Survey 2016 The Maine Farm Bureau is partnering with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to conduct a short survey of MFB members. The purpose of this survey is to determine the educational needs of members across the state. Feel free to have other family members and farm employees complete the survey. Participation by several individuals from the same farm is welcomed. Non-members are welcome to complete the survey. Question Title * 1. Are you a Maine Farm Bureau member? Yes No I am not sure. Question Title * 2. In what county do you reside? Androscoggin Aroostook Cumberland Franklin Hancock Kennebec Knox Lincoln Oxford Penobscot Piscataquis Sagadahoc Somerset Waldo Washington York other Question Title * 3. Of the crop-related topics listed below, check the top three (3) for which you are most interested to build skills or knowledge. Select not more than 3 in this category. Ranking your selections is not necessary. If none of these topics is of interest to you, skip this question. Soil science for farmers – soil health, fertilizers, interpreting soil tests, etc. Forages (hay or silage) growing, making, selling, storing Controlling weeds on the farm Pesticide applicator training - safety Sprayer calibration Understanding and applying Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Botany (basic plant science) for farmers Vegetable growing - production, pest management, season extension, post harvest Small fruit growing - production, pest management, post harvest Tree fruit growing - pruning, production, pest management, post harvest Flower growing – production, pest management, sales Herbs growing - production, pest management, sales Mushroom production Nursery establishment and management Greenhouse management Using hoop houses on the farm Cover crop management Conservation tillage practices for Maine Seed production / Seed saving Other (please specify) Question Title * 4. Of the farm animal-related topics listed below, check the top two (2) for which you are most interested to build skills or knowledge. Select no more than 2 in this category. Ranking your selections is not necessary. If none of these topics is of interest to you, skip this question. Livestock (sheep, goat, alpaca, llama, rabbits, horses, beef cattle, equine etc.) feeding & nutrition Livestock (sheep, goat, alpaca, llama, rabbits, horses, beef cattle, equine, etc.) health Livestock (sheep, goat, alpaca, llama, rabbits, horses, beef cattle, equine, etc.) breeding & reproduction Livestock (sheep, goat, alpaca, llama, rabbits, horses, beef cattle, equine, etc.) facilities/housing Dairy (cattle, goats, sheep) feeding, reproduction, health, milking, etc. Pastures – management, maintenance, establishment, weed management Fencing – types, building fence, maintenance, electric fencing, trouble shooting, Biosecurity for the farm Beekeeping Other (please specify) Question Title * 5. Of the farm business-related topics listed below, check the top three (3) for which you are most interested to build skills or knowledge. Select no more than 3 in this category. Ranking your selections is not necessary. If none of these topics is of interest to you, skip this question. Farm business management - basics Estate planning Farm enterprise selection Agritourism Writing a farm business plan Using spreadsheets Grant writing for farmers Tax preparation for farmers Marketing farm produce/products (e-marketing, retailing, wholesaling, etc.) Managing roadside stands Selling at farmers markets Serving and surveying customers effectively Farm record keeping Using computers on the farm Farm Labor - hiring, management, etc. Farm estate planning Farm law Other (please specify) Question Title * 6. Of the miscellaneous farm topics listed below, check the top two (2) for which you are most interested to build skills or knowledge. Select no more than 2 in this category. Ranking your selections is not necessary. If none of these topics is of interest to you, skip this question. Farm machinery selection, maintenance and safety Farm buildings and facilities – planning, construction and maintenance Precision farming 101. Technology (drones, satellites, sensors, etc.) Farm Safety Ecology for farmers Food safety and farm produce Food preservation and storage – canning, freezing, drying, root cellaring Wildlife management (predators, wildlife crop damage, birds, etc.) Maple production and management Christmas tree production and management Farm woodlot management Forest products – harvesting, management, use Composting Other (please specify) Question Title * 7. If not specified above (in questions 3-6), please list specific topic(s) you would like to learn more about. I would like to learn about . . . Question Title * 8. If applicable, please list specific skills you would like to gain as a farmer, grower, worker or manager. I would like to learn how to . . . Question Title * 9. What formats of learning are most effective for you? Check those that are suitable. Live webinars – session offered via the Internet, you connect at your home (on your own) Live webinars – session offered via the Internet, you connect at a central site (as a group) Classroom - In person workshop/class (at a site within 30 miles of your home) Online correspondence course (reading and assignments on your own - via computer) Correspondence course (reading and assignments on your own - via US mail) Hands-on field sessions Farmer/grower discussion group (meeting in person as a group to address specific topics or issues) Other (please specify) Question Title * 10. Generally speaking, in what months would you typically be more likely available to be involved in learning? Check all that apply. January February March April May June July August September October November December Question Title * 11. Generally speaking, on what days of the week would you typically be available for learning? Check all that apply. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Question Title * 12. Generally speaking, what part of the day are you more likely to be available for being involved in learning? morning afternoon evening Question Title * 13. Use this space for any additional comments you wish to make related to gaining knowledge or skills. Done