By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Central Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District recognized several individuals during the District’s annual meeting, held recently at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
Seth Bradstreet III, of Newport, left, receives the Maine Potato Board’s President’s Award from Brandon Roope at the board’s March 18 annual meeting and dinner that was held in Presque Isle. More recently, Bradstreet was the Maine Department of Agriculture commissioner under Gov. John E. Baldacci, and is now back on the Maine Potato Board.
Earning the honor of 2010 Conservation Farm of the Year was Orchard Hill Farm of Woodland.
“This award is presented by the District to a landowner that does an exemplary job of natural resource conservation on their farm. Stan and Gail Maynard raise Scottish Highland beef cattle — one of the largest herds in the state — on their 160-acre farm in Woodland,” said Ben Lynch, director, CASWCD.
Lynch described the animals as “one of the oldest pure breeds of cattle.”
“It’s perfectly adapted to Maine, needing minimal shelter, even in the cold winters,” he said.
The Maynards were recognized for conservation efforts.
“Their primary focus is on supplying registered breeding stock, but they also sell USDA-inspected and MOFGA-certified organic beef at the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market and at their farm,” said Lynch, noting the Maynards encourage visitors and readily share information with those interested in learning more about Highland cattle.
Information on their farm can be found at www.aroostookhighlands.com.
The couple has worked closely with the USDA.
“They have worked closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implementing conservation practices recommended in their nutrient management plan. Such practices, including constructing a heavy use area, manure storage, diversion ditches, vegetated filters and storage area to filter and treat runoff. They also practice rotational grazing that gives their animals fresh pastures frequently and minimizes nutrient concentration,” Lynch said.
Photo courtesy of Ben Lynch
At left, Orchard Hill Farm, of Woodland, was named 2010 Conservation Farm of the Year during the Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District annual meeting in Presque Isle. Pictured during the event from left are: Leigh Morrow, SWCD Board of Supervisors; Gail and Stan Maynard, the farm’s owners.
A Presque Isle family earned the 2010 Forest Landowners of the Year award.
“The Davis family (Arnold, Joyce, Bob and Kathy) of Presque Isle received the 2010 Forest Landowners of the Year for their stewardship of the Bull Run Tree Farm on the Parsons Road. The original farm was first planted back in the 1920s by the Bull family, for whom the farm is named. Since Arnold and Joyce took over the farm, they have been dedicated to its proper management,” he said.
According to Lynch, Bruce Wilkins, a consulting forester and District Board chair, has been working with Arnold and his son, Bob, for over a decade now.
“He believes that the Davises have done so much, if not more, than any landowners that he has worked with on the management of their woodlot,” said Lynch.
Bob and his son, Mitchell, said Lynch, are now taking the lead role of caring for the farm.
“They have been involved with the NRCS and Bruce writing and implementing a forest management plan. As Bob says, ‘It’s nice to see land stay in the family over multiple generations because it ensures the same care and management will be maintained for years to come,’” said Lynch.
Rounding out the award recipients was Leigh Morrow.
“The 2010 Outstanding Service Award went to Leigh Morrow of Washburn. Leigh has been on the District Board of Supervisors since 1999 and was most recently Board chair. Leigh’s background in agronomy and vast knowledge of Aroostook agriculture were indispensable to the District’s mission during his time on the Board,” said Lynch.
The award presentation was bittersweet, given the fact Morrow will be stepping down after more than a decade of service.
“We regret that he will be stepping down as chair and supervisor but are grateful that he will still be giving his input and sharing his knowledge by remaining an associate supervisor. We wish him luck and thank him for his dedicated service to the District,” said Lynch.
“The District would like to congratulate and thank all of the award winners for their dedication and commitment to conserving and protecting the natural resources that we all share,” Lynch said.
