FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — The Maine Potato Board held its annual Industry Dinner on Thursday in conjunction with the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, where the Farm Family of the Year was recognized.
The John and Tom Qualey families of Three Oak Farms in Sherman Mills were honored. The brothers, along with John’s son Josh, farm 1,000 acres in Benedicta, 350 acres of potatoes and the rest being rotation crops.
Tom and John grew up on a dairy farm that their parents began operating in 1963. Although this was a great experience for them both, they were both happy to focus on the potato industry.
“We’ve been farming for a long time and we’ve been part of the industry in Maine for a long time,” Tom Qualey said. “When we were chosen for this we were just tickled, just honored.”
The Qualeys are happy with how things are currently going, but will face major decisions in the coming years as retirement is inching closer.
“We’re proud to be part of Aroostook, no question about it,” Tom Qualey said.
The Farm Family along with members of the FFA, Maine Potato Board directors and staff, and other special guests enjoyed a hearty supper cooked and provided by the Fort Fairfield Lions Club and local volunteers. Farm Credit East and Maine Potato Growers, Inc. also made this event possible, and the Miss Maine Potato Blossom contestants served dessert.
The dinner was also held at a new location, FARM Park on West Limestone Road. It proved to be a success with the sunny weather and spacious venue.
Other people recognized during the banquet were Agri-Woman of the year, Sue McCrum. She joined the organization in 2001 and currently serves as national president. Outgoing Maine Potato Board director, Greg Schools of Littleon was recognized. Schools served many different positions on the board over the years. Robbie Irving, vice president of Irving Farms in Caribou, was honored as the 2015 Young Farmer of the Year.
