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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 M AY 2 7 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S L O C A L LY G ROW N aren't having enough of a protective layer over the soil like we've had in the past." While another indicator that climate change is progressing as predicted, the information the map's makers say you should take away from the map is somewhat limited. Daly says it's only designed to tell readers one thing: what on average the coldest mini- mum temperature is in a given area, which he notes will only really impact what you do with overwinter- ing perennial plants. "is map doesn't tell you anything about doesn't tell you how hot it will be in the summer, it doesn't tell you when to plant, when the last freeze is in the spring," he says. "All it tells you about is mid-winter cold." at doesn't stop some viewers from trying to squint at the map until they can gauge other useful plant- ing data, like the last chance of freezing springtime temperatures. For example, Daly points to a "tantaliz- ingly similar pattern" between that temperature and deep winter cold in some zones, but notes there isn't an actual correlation that planters should rely on. He recommends instead asking county exten- sion agents and similar experts to understand the local picture, as "there's not a high-quality, detailed national mapping system that would [provide] information like we have for plant hardiness" because of a lack of consistent federal funding. The cost of change Although the map hasn't been updated in about a decade, Meg Mitchell began noticing signs of a changing climate in Maine back in 2015, when she recalls extended periods of drought seemed more common and signs of spring appeared earlier. While the plant hardiness map update doesn't tell Mainer farmers anything new per se, Mitchell says it's nonetheless important for data to con- firm what many have felt. It "really underscores that feeling of unpredictability" that farmers have been experiencing, says Mitchell, the climate smart specialist of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, or MOFGA. Another benefit of the updated map, Mitchell says, is the reminder it serves for farmers to consider what to plant and how to protect their crops from unpredictable periods of excessive rain or drought. at has meant using protective cultivation meth- ods, like greenhouse growing, to shield crops from capricious conditions. "I think what folks are realizing is protected culture … is one way to hedge your bets about growing these extended season crops or more warm-loving crops," she explains. "Folks are really leaning into having more climate control and moisture control over their crops. What are the more protective ways to take advantage of opportunities of the extended crop season?" However, the cost of taking such steps can be prohibitive for farmers, Mitchell notes. "A lot of times we see agriculture as one of the solu- tions to climate change, and a lot of farmers are expected to do public good at a private cost," she says. "A lot of these adaptation strategies are not cost-effective imme- diately, whether it's changing your style of tillage or installing a windbreak, or ventilation or high tunnels." B r i d g e t R e e d M o r aw s k i , a f r e e l a n c e w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t e d i t o r i a l @ m a i n e b i z . b i z We can help you get the best return on your business. The profitability consulting team at Farm Credit East can assist with all parts of your agribusiness management, including estate planning, grant writing, financial benchmarking, budgeting and accounting. Our specialists combine ag-specific knowledge with personalized, one-on-one service tailored to your goals. Contact Farm Credit East today for a hand in achieving your business goals . farmcrediteast.com/consulting 800.562.2235 Loans & Leases Financial Record-Keeping Payroll Services Profitability Consulting Tax Preparation & Planning Appraisals Estate Planning Beginning Farmer Programs Crop Insurance LET OUR TEAM BE PART OF YOUR TOOLKIT.

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