Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Randy Leavitt, the Maine Potato Board’s 2008 Young Farmer of the Year, remembers planting his first five acres when he was just 15 years old.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
RANDY LEAVITT of Fort Fairfield, a fifth-generation farmer, was honored Friday night as the Maine Potato Board’s 2008 Young Farmer of the Year. He and his family farm in Limestone and in Fort Fairfield, where they grow 1,250 acres of potatoes and 1,250 acres of small grain. Congratulating Leavitt on his accomplishment are, from left: Lori Leavitt, Randy’s wife; Randy Leavitt, his mother, Judy; and father, Lloyd. Leavitt is the vice president of the Central Aroostook Young Farmers, a group he’s belonged to for nearly a decade. He also sits on the Agricultural Bargaining Council.
“I just always knew farming was what I wanted to do,” he said. “I take great pride in continuing my father’s hard work and success, and I hope this trickles down to my kids and grandkids for years to come.”
A fifth-generation farmer, Leavitt was honored Friday night at the 23rd annual Maine Potato Board meeting and dinner. He and his family farm in Limestone and in Fort Fairfield, where they grow 1,250 acres of potatoes and 1,250 acres of small grain.
As the Young Farmer of the Year, Leavitt was invited to attend the Potato Industry Leadership Institute. He and 19 other growers and industry representatives from across the United States participated in training designed to identify, develop and cultivate new leaders within the potato industry. From Feb. 19-26, participants sharpened their skills in the areas of leadership development, public policy, marketing, trade, team building, public communication, presentation skills and more.
The first half of the 2009 Institute was hosted by the Oregon Potato Commission. Participants visited with representatives from the Hermiston Development Corp., Umatilla County/Morrow County Water Recharge Project and were briefed on local irrigation challenges and initiatives. Institute members also went on tours of Stahl Hutterian Farms in Stanfield, Ore., ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston processing plant in Richland, Wash., Balcom and Moe Fresh Shed in Pasco, Wash., and visited a wind farm at Wallula Junction, on the border of Washington and Oregon, where a discussion was held on renewable resources.
The second half of the training was in Washington, D.C. where the focus moved to legislative and regulatory priorities for the U.S. potato industry, as well as skills training. Training sessions included presentation skills, leadership development, media training, and lobby skills. Participants also had the unique opportunity to hear from Secretary of Agriculture Tom J. Vilsack. The program culminated with visits to Capitol Hill where participants put their lobbying training to work.
“Also on my trip, I tried to get an appointment with [President] Obama to get some stimulus money for all of us farmers,” joked Leavitt. “It seems that the car dealers are more important than putting food on the table right now.
“Farming is important to Maine, especially northern Maine, because of the jobs,” he said. “It’s the biggest thing going up here. Not to mention what we do for the land and the fact that we help feed the nation.”
At the awards presentation, Rep. Tyler Clark (R-Easton) presented Leavitt with a legislative sentiment.
“Having grown up in Aroostook and having many close family members involved with farming, I know the impact and the importance this industry has on our community,” said Clark. “Furthermore, I know the importance of a family farm, which is why I am so glad to see Randy continuing on in this family tradition.
“Often it is easier for younger people to get educated and move away. With today’s challenging times, it’s even more important that we have a successful industry here in Aroostook,” he said. “I congratulate Randy for his accomplishments as a farmer and being named the Maine Potato Board’s 2008 Young Farmer of the Year.”
In accepting his award, Leavitt thanked his father, Lloyd, his mother, Judy, his wife, Lori, and his employees for their huge roles in his farm’s success. Having witnessed a lot of change in the industry, Leavitt also credits industry advancements and good, old-fashioned hard work for his ability to keep farming alive and well.
“I want to let all the young farmers out there know what a great experience this has been. I hope that if you get the opportunity that you take it,” he said. “Not only will you learn more about the industry, but you’ll learn a lot more about yourself as I did.”
Leavitt is the vice president of the Central Aroostook Young Farmers, a group he’s belonged to for nearly a decade. He also sits on the Agricultural Bargaining Council. In 2003, Leavitt was among the “Top 10 Growers” for McCain Foods.
