MPB Farmer/Farm Family of the Year nominations sought
PRESQUE ISLE — The Maine Potato Board is looking for nominations within the Maine potato industry for the 2015 Farmer/Farm Family of the Year award. The farmer/farm family will be selected on the following basis:
• Over 40 years of age;
• Outstanding farming practices;
• Growth and advancement in farming operation, to include a willingness to try new methods, technology, and advancements in the potato industry;
• Leadership and involvement in the industry; and
• Involvement in local community, church, and other civic groups.
Anyone wishing to nominate a farmer/farm family should contact the Maine Potato Board by April 3 by calling 769-5061, faxing 764-4148, or emailing jtapley@mainepotatoes.com.
The past farmers/farm families that have been recognized include: 1986, Glenn Barnes of Fort Fairfield; 1987, Gilbert Thibeau of Fort Fairfield; 1988, Willard Doyen of Mapleton; 1989, Richard Shaw of Fort Fairfield; 1990, Herschel Smith of Westfield; 1991, Vaughn Smith of Castle Hill; 1992, Daniel Labrie of St. Agatha; 1993, Anthony Fitzpatrick of Houlton; 1994, Frank Hemphill of Presque Isle; 1995, John Houghton of Fort Fairfield; 1996, Gaylen Flewelling of Easton; 1997, Richard Kneeland of Easton; 1998, Neil Crane of Exeter; 1999, Edwin Pelletier of Frenchville; and 2000, Jack Buck Family of Mapleton.
Also, 2001, County Super Spud, Inc. (Jay and David McCrum) of Mars Hill; 2002, Ned Berce of St. Agatha; 2003, Murray Blackstone of Caribou; 2004, Brian Campbell of Exeter; 2005, Robert Irving of Caribou; 2006, Ronald Moir of Caribou; 2007, Greg Schools of Littleton; 2008, Robert Roope of Presque Isle; 2009, Ward McLaughlin and Trent Lundeen of Mars Hill; 2010, Dominic and Gil LaJoie of Van Buren; 2011, Fred Flewelling of Crouseville; 2012, Rudy Parent of Hamlin; 2013, Wayne and Gregg Garrison of Mars Hill; and 2014, Albert Fitzpatrick Family of Houlton.
