News Release

Contact: Timothy Hobbs

Director of Development/Grower Relations

744 Main Street

Presque Isle, ME  04769

(207) 769-5061

FOR RELEASE: June 13, 2005

Maine Potato Board Announces

Farm Family of the Year

(Presque Isle) – The Maine Potato Board has announced the Robert Irving Family of Caribou has been named the 2005 Farm Family of the Year.

The Irving Family Farm spans several generations.  John Irving began farming in Caribou in the late 1800’s.   His son Roy Irving farmed in Woodland and later in Presque Isle from about 1910.  Roy’s son Kenneth bought the Henry Mitten Farm in Washburn in 1936.  Today the Irving family refers to this farm as the “home farm.”

Ken Irving and his sons, Robert (Bob) and Richard (Dick) farmed potatoes at the Washburn farm, raised dairy cattle, and raised and trained standardbred racehorses.  At one time they had over thirty racehorses. Richard Irving was a past General Manager of Maine Potato Growers.

Bob Irving was raised on the original home farm and has been farming for over 50 years.  Working with his father until 1986, he currently works with his three sons:  Scott, Steve, and Jeff.  Bob has been married to his wife Mavis for 47 years.  In addition to three sons, they have a daughter, Lisa Irving Soderberg, married to husband Carl for 15 years. They have two daughters Emily and Anna.

Bob has been an active participant in the industry, including the National Potato Board where he served three years on the administrative committee.  He has also been active with the Northern Maine Fair Association as a director and past vice president, the Caribou Country Club, and as an Aroostook Trust Co. Bank Director.  He is currently a director and past vice president of Sure Winner Foods Inc.

Maine Potato Board Announces Farm Family of the Year, Page 2

Steven R. Irving was raised on the farm and has been farming full-time since 1980.  Steve has been married to Patti for 25 years.  They have two children: Robbie, who is
currently active in the farming business, and a daughter Hillary Collier.  Steve has served on the Executive Table Stock Committee, and is currently Vice President of Irving Farms Inc.  He is also a Director of Irving Farms Marketing, Inc. and Owner of Farm Country Outfitters.

Scott K. Irving was raised on the farm and has been farming full time since 1990.  Scott has been married to Filomena for 9 years, and the two have four children:  Alexandra, Jonathan, Kenneth, and Kamryn.  Scott has served as Vice President of Sure Winner Foods, Inc. and General Manager of Crown Equipment, Inc.  He is currently Secretary/Treasurer of Irving Farms, Inc., Director of Irving Farms Marketing, Inc., and Director of Sure Winner Foods, Inc.

Jeffrey R. Irving was raised on the farm and has been handling the marketing and sales responsibilities of the Irving Farms crop through Irving Farms Marketing since 1989.  Jeff has been married to Kim for 11 years, and they have a daughter Allissa.  Jeff has served on the Dealers Executive Council, Maine Potato Board, and as Treasurer for the Caribou County Club.  He is currently President, of Irving Farms Marketing, Inc. and Vice President of North State Transportation.

The Irving family farms some 1400 acres in the Washburn – Caribou area, including 700 acres of potatoes and 500 acres of barley.  The family is committed to a high quality product based on the ever-changing needs of the consumer.  They strive to increase yield and quality, while keeping conservation stewardship their highest priority.  Irving Farms was named Conservation Farmer of the year by the Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District in 1998.  

The Irving family ships tablestock to major chains along the east coast.  Packing operations follow stringent guidelines set forth by premium programs.  The American Institute of Baking inspects their facilities annually for cleanliness and sanitation controls and procedures.  The Irvings credit their success to several factors, the most important of which is their human resources.  Robert Bell has been farm manager of Irving Farms since 1987; Bob has been involved in the potato industry for over 45 years.  His experience has been invaluable in the farm’s success.  Deena Belanger, office manager, has been involved in farming all of her life.  Her experience has directed the office operations of Irving Farms and Irving Farms Marketing for the past 17 years.  Lendall Mills Jr. has provided experience to Irving Farms for the past 13 years.

Maine Potato Board Announces Farm Family of the Year, Page 3

Other factors include implementing irrigation to about 80% of their crop; remaining diversified with varieties and markets; creating marketing alliances; and improving crop rotation.  

Donald Flannery, Executive Director of the Maine Potato Board, expressed the Board’s congratulations to the Farm Family of the Year.  “The Irving family has been a credit to the potato industry for generations,” Flannery said.  “The entire family has been active in the industry, constantly working to ensure the future success of the Maine potato industry.  We appreciate their continued hard work and support of the industry.”  The Irving family will be honored at the Industry Dinner during the annual Potato Blossom Festival.