Maine Farm Bureau Association, the non-profit grassroots membership organization advocating for all agriculture in Maine, will be actively represented by its members at the 2019 Maine Agricultural Trades Show, January 15-17.
Pictured: Maine Farm Bureau member and new Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chair Jacob Harris enjoying his time at Maine Farm Bureau table during the 2018 Agricultural Trades Show.
This year marks the return of the “Kitchen Table Conversations” series, where Farm Bureau members will be available to discuss Maine agriculture and the benefits of Farm Bureau membership.
Jim Buckle, President of Maine Farm Bureau, said “Anyone who is at the Trades Show and isn’t a member already should join. Farm Bureau supports all farmers, no matter the size or philosophy of their operation.”
Maine Farm Bureau will be hosting two discussion sessions at the show.
On Tuesday, January 15, Maine Farm Bureau will provide an overview of current policy positions at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show in conjunction with the start of the First Regular Session of the 129th Legislature. The discussion will happen in the Somerset Room of the Augusta Civic Center at 9:00 AM.
Maine Farm Bureau bases its policy positions on the questions, concerns, comments, and ideas of its members. The input of its grassroots membership is vital for the success of Farm Bureau and agriculture in Maine overall.
Julie Ann Smith, Executive Director of Maine Farm Bureau, will lead the discussion and added “There are key issues coming up in the legislature this session. Many of them are directly related to what our members have been talking about and asking for.”
On Wednesday, January 16, Maine Farm Bureau will be hosting a panel discussion on the past, present, and future of the grain industry in the State of Maine. The panel will take place in the Somerset Room at the Augusta Civic Center at 9:00 AM.
Panel participants will include: Tristan Noyes, Executive Director of Maine Grain Alliance; Amber Lambke, Founder and CEO of Maine Grains; Jacob Buck, from Buck Farms and Maine Malt House; and Daniel Kleban, Founder of Maine Beer Company. All four have extensive experience in the grain industry’s recent growth in our state, and will provide key perspectives in understanding where the industry has been, where it is today, and how it can continue to grow.
Julie Ann Smith, Executive Director of Maine Farm Bureau, will moderate the panel and added, “We are thrilled to have Tristan, Amber, Dan, and Jacob joining us for this discussion. Grain provides a good opportunity for Maine agriculture to expand, and Farm Bureau will be at the forefront.”
The Agricultural Trades Show is open to the public. Click here for more info.