PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Probus Club of Presque Isle recently learned about two organizations working to help Aroostook County’s economy thrive, when guests Robert Dorsey of the Aroostook Partnership and Richard James of Lucerne Farms shared their experiences with members.
At the February meeting, Dorsey, president and CEO of AP, said the organization has $225,000 each year to promote local economic development. Though there are 370,000 jobs in Aroostook County, 700 people leave each year to live elsewhere. The partnership works to seek various ways to secure a local workforce.
Forestry is a large part of the County economy, Dorsey said. His committee meets with high schools to educate students about the industry possibilities for future employment. Presently, he said, Houlton High School is the only school with a forestry program.
Maine presently doesn’t have a competitive edge in forestry due to high energy costs, long distances from the markets, limited workforce and state regulations that hinder growth, said Dorsey. Despite this, there are several positive developments, including:
– Irving’s new Ashland mill with 65 new jobs.
– $37 million in upgrades at Madawaska’s Twin Rivers with more diverse products.
– Ecoshel cedar shingle mill opening in Ashland.
– Reopening of the ReEnergy biomass plant in Ashland.
– A record production year at Easton’s Huber Engineered Woods, with three shifts working 365 days a year.
– The reintroduction of railroad to the region benefits more than 20 companies, which use 450 rail cars to move forest products.
In addition, he explained, the University of Maine at Orono has extensively researched wood products and has developed a material as strong as titanium which will be useful in building construction.
Dorsey concluded he looks forward to seeing continued expansion and new progress in the forest industry, and AP will work toward that end.
During Probus’ March meeting at Northern Maine Community College, James, president of Lucerne Farms in Fort Fairfield, told members his company is a small, family-owned business that prides itself on the quality forage products they manufacture and distribute nationwide. Lucerne Farms, he said, has become a leaders in the small niche market they have created.
There are more than a thousand horses in Aroostook County, said James, with the Amish community adding more. He have a brief history of the role of horses in Roman armies, in early U.S. military forces, in the western expansion of the country and the Pony Express, to name a few.
Lucerne uses 6,500 acres in The County, working closely with area farmers to provide a rotation crop. Timothy and alfalfa are hydrated and mixed with soybean and molasses, he said, which provides an excellent grain supplement, free of disease or toxic material.
Tractor Supply Company and Walmart are national buyers of the farm’s forage products, and they have their own distribution service as well.
James explained Lucerne makes two byproducts, chicken bedding and also garden mulch, which is now one-third of their business and very successful to the tune of 115,000 bags produced each season. Staff show the products at trade shows involving horses, chickens and/or gardening.
Probus member Janet Snow closes the meetings with inspirational readings; she chose Dr. Richard Carlson’s “If Someone Throws You a Ball, You Don’t Have to Catch It” and “Seek First to Understand.”
Any retired professional who wants to learn about the wide range of businesses and activities taking place in Aroostook County is welcome to join Probus. The group meets the third Thursday of each month at NMCC in the Reed Commons Building.
The next meeting will be April 20.
