Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Woodland’s Alan Moir proudly accepted the 2007 Young Farmer of the Year award last Friday at the Maine Potato Board’s annual dinner and meeting.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
Alan Moir, right, of Woodland, accepts the 2007 Young Farmer of the Year award from Timothy Hobbs, director of development/grower relations for the Maine Potato Board, at the Board’s annual dinner and meeting held April 11 at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center. A full-time grower for 16 years, Moir and his family grow 700 acres of potatoes along with 700 acres of rotation crops, broccoli, and grain crops.
“It’s an honor to accept the award,” he said. “I’d like to thank the Maine Potato Board – Don Flannery and Tim Hobbs – for all they do for the potato industry of Maine. I’d also like to give thanks to my parents for all they’ve done for me in the past year … if not for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“I would also like to say thanks to my wife for being understanding and supportive during the very busy and stressful time of the year,” he said, “along with my two kids.”
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. He 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 manmade 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,” he said. “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 the Central Aroostook Young Farmers, and a member of the U.S. Potato Board. In addition, Moir is a recently retired firefighter and EMT volunteer for the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Service after 16 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, 10-year-old son, Corey, and 6-year-old daughter, Amber, live in Woodland.
He said he hoped the potato industry would “stick together over the next few years.”
“We’ve got some big challenges facing us down the road with fuel prices and fertilizer prices continuing to rise,” said Moir. “Hopefully the rotation crop will bring in some extra income. I hope everybody has a good spring if the snow ever goes.”
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,” he said. “Moir Farms keeps a constant focus on top quality and efficiency. Alan and his family are a credit to the industry.”
