Kingsburys named McCain Champion Growers

    PRESQUE ISLE – Keith and Shane Kingsbury, of Bridgewater, have been named the 2007-2008 McCain Foods Champion Potato Grower for Aroostook County.
Contributed photo
THE McCAIN TOP 10 POTATO GROWERS were recognized at the annual McCain Grower Barbecue at the Aroostook County Shriners Club in Presque Isle earlier this summer. Pictured are, front row, from left: Michael Landeen, Sheldon Landeen, Gaylen Flewelling, Brent Flewelling, Logan Brewer, Keith Kingsbury, Reginald Edgecomb Sr., Brent Edgecomb, Bobby Edgecomb, Chris Edgecomb and Brian Edgecomb. Back row: Field Rep Brianne OLeary, Plant Manager Dan Paradis, CEO McCain Foods USA Frank VanShaayk, McCain Foods Limited Chairman Allison McCain, Shawn Landeen, Wayne Garrison, Gregg Garrison, Bryan Bell, Tom Good, Dana Wright, Kramer Bell, Vice President Agriculture McCain Foods USA Laurie Jecha-Beard, Gary Bell, Jonathan Wright, Carter Bell, Steve Marr, Robbie Blackstone, Fred Edgecomb, Field Rep Brent Bradley and Field Manager Bart Bradbury.
    The McCain Top 10 potato growers were recognized at the annual McCain Grower Barbecue at the Aroostook County Shriners Club in Presque Isle.
    Champion grower selection is based on the highest standing average of three delivery categories. The categories include delivery field direct, winter storage and refrigerated storage. To attain the position of top grower, Keith and Shane placed first in both the grower storage and grower refrigerated storage contract divisions.
    Keith and grandson Logan Brewer were presented with a personal trophy and a cash award of $4,200.  McCain Foods determines the Top 10 growers by monitoring the processing quality of potatoes delivered to its Easton plant. A sample from each load is tested for quality factors such as size, defect level and color. Delivery date is also assessed and a point value is assigned.
    In the category of delivery field direct, Brent and Reginald Sr. Edgecomb, of Limestone, claimed top spot. This family operation has been growing for McCain’s for many years.
    Second place in this category was Edgecomb Farms LLC, which includes Robert, Fred, Brian, Chris and Bobby. Third place was Double G Farms of Blaine, owned by Wayne and Gregg Garrison.
    The top grower for winter storage delivery went to the Bell Brothers of Mars Hill. This family has a long tradition on the McCain Top 10 list, and accepting the award was Gary, Brian, Carter and Kramer. Second place in this category was Jonathan and Dana Wright of Littleton, and third was Brent and Galen Flewelling of Easton.
    In the refrigerated storage category, top grower was Tom Good of Monticello. This is his fifth time receiving a top grower award. Second place went to Landeen Farms of New Sweden, owned by Michael, Shawn and Sheldon. Placing third in this category was Irving and Marr Farms of Washburn, owned by Steve Marr and Robbie Blackstone.
Contributed photo
KEITH AND SHANE KINGSBURY, of Bridgewater, have been named the 2007-2008 McCain Foods Champion Potato Grower for Aroostook County. To attain the position of top grower, Keith and Shane placed first in both the grower storage and grower refrigerated storage contract divisions. The McCain Top 10 potato growers were recognized at the annual McCain Grower Barbecue at the Aroostook County Shriners Club in Presque Isle. Pictured are, front row, from left: Logan Brewer, grandson, and Keith Kingsbury. Back row: CEO McCain Foods USA Frank VanShaayk, Vice President Agriculture McCain Foods USA Laurie Jecha-Beard, McCain Foods Limited Chairman Allison McCain and Field Manager Bart Bradbury.
    Each Top 10 grower was honored with a cash award of $1,000 and were presented with an engraved plaque in recognition of their accomplishment.
    Among guests invited to the barbecue was Phil Bossie from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ office, Barbara Hayslett from Rep. Michael Michaud’s office, Ned Porter, the deputy commissioner of agriculture; and Agricultural Bargaining Council Executive Director Dana Wright.
    Also attending and performing were Molly Bouchard, the 2008 Maine Potato Queen; Michaela Powers, the 2008 Junior Miss Potato Queen; and Chloe Wheeler, the 2008 Little Miss Maine Potato Queen.
    McCain personnel on hand to congratulate the Top 10 growers were McCain Foods Limited Chairman Allison McCain, Managing Director of McCain Produce Steve McCain, CEO McCain Foods USA Frank VanShaayk, V.P. Agriculture McCain Foods USA Laurie Jecha-Beard, Easton Plant Manager Dan Paradis and Field Department Manager Bart Bradbury, who also served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.