Home Page

Publication and Research

Press Releases

News and Events

Consumer

Young Farmer of the Year 2007

(Presque Isle) – The Maine Potato Board has announced their 2007 Young Farmer of the Year Award. Alan Moir of Woodland has been named Young Farmer of the Year. Alan Moir and his family grow 700 acres of potatoes along with 700 acres of rotation crops, broccoli, and grain crops.

A full-time grower for 16 years, Moir attributes his family’s success to continuing to expand acreage, increasing contracted potatoes, and keeping up with the use of new technology available to today’s farm operations. Alan works with his father and two brothers – together they operate Moir Farms.

Moir has increased acreage by approximately 400 acres over the last five years. In addition, the family put in a man-made pond as a water source for irrigation, with a center pivot in place and readily available when needed. They also removed line fences to facilitate expansion and better utilize farmland.

Moir has high hopes for the future of the Maine agricultural industry. “I would like to see Maine grow in acreage to the way it used to be when Maine was most prosperous. I would also like to see different potato processors or different avenues available to Maine growers,” explained Moir. “My hope, too, is that growers will continue to explore other crops to help turn a profit as well.”

In addition to working in a successful farming operation, Moir is active in several industry-related activities. He is currently a board member and treasurer of the Agricultural Bargaining Council, is a current member and past president of Central Aroostook Young Farmers, and a member of the U.S. Potato Board. In addition, Moir is a recently retired fire fighter and EMT volunteer for the Caribou Fire and Ambulance service after sixteen years of service. Moir also sits on the board of Aroostook Savings and Loan and is a member of the Caribou Snowmobile Advisory Board.

Moir, his wife Stacy, ten-year-old son Corey and six-year-old daughter Amber live in Woodland.

Timothy Hobbs, Director of Development/Grower Relations for the Maine Potato Board, expressed the Board’s congratulations to the family. “Alan and his family have continued to expand acreage and increase contracts in a competitive marketplace,” Hobbs said. “Moir Farms keeps a constant focus on top quality and efficiency. Alan and his family are a credit to the industry.”

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.

###