Contact:
Timothy Hobbs, Director of Development/Grower Relations
Maine Potato Board
744 Main Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 769-5061
Maine Potato Board Announces
Young Farmer of the Year
(Presque Isle) – The Maine Potato Board has announced their 2004 Young Farmer of the Year Award. Dominic LaJoie of Van Buren has been named Young Farmer of the Year. Dominic LaJoie and his wife Rachel grow 150 acres of potatoes and 150 acres of grain. Dominic works with his father, Normand LaJoie, along with his brother Gilbert and nephew Jay. Together they grow a total of 350 acres of potatoes and 350 acres of grain.
LaJoie has been a full time grower for about seven years. He transitioned from a full time owner/operator truck driver to a full time farmer. Continuing with a long farming tradition, LaJoie’s goal in changing careers was to be closer to home with his family and to enjoy the freedom of business ownership.
Over the last seven years, LaJoie has purchased additional farmland to provide for better rotation of crops. He has continued to upgrade equipment and increase contracts by raising acreage dedicated to special varieties for niche markets.
LaJoie hopes to be competitive in niche markets, ultimately building a successful farm operation that his children may someday want to continue. He understands the necessity of being able to adapt to ever-changing markets.
In addition to managing a successful farming operation, LaJoie is active in many civic activities. He is a religious education teacher, and is actively involved in the Religious Education Commission and Youth Ministry Commission. LaJoie Currently represents the Tablestock Executive Council, on the Maine Potato Board.
Timothy Hobbs, Director of Development/Grower Relations for the Maine Potato Board, expressed the Board’s congratulations to the family. “Dominic has shown success through attention to detail and sound business practices.” Hobbs said. “The LaJoie family is a fine example of a successful future in the Maine potato industry.”
Dominic LaJoie and his wife Rachel live in Van Buren with their four children: 15 year old Megan; Lindsay, age 13; Nicholas age 9; and 6 year old Thomas.
If you would like more information on Maine’s Young Farmer of the Year, please contact Timothy Hobbs at (207) 769-5061 or visit the Maine Potato Board’s web site at www.mainepotatoes.com.
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