PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Surrounded by family, friends and members of the potato industry, Trevor Michaud of Limestone was honored last Friday night as the Maine Potato Board’s 2006 Young Farmer of the Year. Michaud and his family grow 1,200 acres of potatoes along with 1,200 acres of grain crops.
A full-time grower for 10 years, Michaud attributes his family’s success to maintaining a top-notch operation and a positive state of mind.
Michaud works with his father, Gil, of Gilles Michaud Farms. The two maintain constant re-investment in land and equipment, and depend on an excellent crew.
The Young Farmer of the Year said he believes his family’s future success depends on continuing work in the processing sector.
“Contributing to products that emphasize quick, easy meals with culinary convenience is the way to go,” said Michaud. “Consumers continue to seek convenience in potato products.”
In addition to working in a successful farming operation, Michaud is active in industry-related endeavors. He is currently the president of the Agricultural Bargaining Council and is active on the negotiating committee.
Michaud attended Limestone High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Husson College before returning to the family farm. He, his wife, Danielle, and 5-year-old daughter, Emily, live in Limestone.
Timothy Hobbs, director of development/grower relations for the Maine Potato Board, expressed the board’s congratulations to Michaud and his family.
“I didn’t know Trevor that well until about six months ago when he was selected to be the Young Farmer of the Year,” he said. “Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know him a bit better, and the more I get to know Trevor, the more I appreciate him and think that the Board did an excellent job in selecting him for this honor.
“Trevor and his family have remained competitive in the marketplace through sound management practices and attention to quality,” said Hobbs. “Trevor is an asset to the industry.”
On hand to congratulate Michaud were members of the Maine delegation – Rep. Bernard Ayotte (R-Caswell), Sen. Roger Sherman (R-Houlton) and Rep. Jacqueline Lundeen (D-Mars Hill).
“The part I like the best [about being a state representative] is recognizing people from Aroostook County for meritorious achievements,” said Ayotte. “That is why I am honored here this evening to present a sentiment from the state Legislature on behalf of the entire Aroostook delegation. Thank you for making the Aroostook County delegation very proud.”
In accepting the award, Michaud thanked his wife, daughter, McCain Foods, and perhaps more importantly, his father.
“He made room for me back in 1996,” said Michaud. “He’s made great strides and investments in his operation. He’s given us all the tools that we need to do the best job that we can. He has a great optimism, and a vision … service to the customers is all important.”
Michaud encouraged those in attendance to become even more active in the potato industry.
“The message I’d like to get across is how important it is to get involved,” he said. “You can just sit on your hands and accept the way things are, but I think if you get out there, there’s always an opportunity to serve this industry. You should embrace it and not avoid it.”
As the Young Farmer of the Year, Michaud attended an Industry Leadership Institute in February in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Potato Council and the United States Potato Board.
The goal of the Institute is to identify, develop and cultivate new leaders within the potato industry. The Institute focuses on leadership development, public policy, marketing, trade, team building, public communication and presentation skills.
“Anybody with a future in leadership should have this kind of training,” said Michaud. “I’ll take what I learned with me, and I appreciate the opportunity.”
