Board of Agriculture Meeting Minutes, November 10, 2021
- Producers feel some frustration about the ability of the agricultural community to participate in meaningful discussion
- Ag industry would feel more like their voice was heard if there was time build into the agenda to ask questions of the college
- Find a way to discuss in person, maybe take a group excursion to an agricultural setting to promote the free exchange of ideas and information
- Maybe meet again in January, perhaps at a research station. Maybe meet towards the end of the Ag Trade Show, would allow for stakeholders to consolidate more information on their needs and questions for UMaine
- Ralph would like to discuss budgeting with the appropriate administrators, and would like to discuss the needs of the ag community with both administrators and academics employed by the college
- One member asked what the college was doing to further the education of meat cutters, reminded that while production is necessary, so is process before foodstuffs can be available to the end consumers
- Extension just hired a new dairy specialist
- Some seat vacancies, Greenhouse and Growers Association was mentioned.
Ralph Turner’s Presentation
- Presentation over Ag Industry needs survey
- He is trying to coordinate with various commodity groups, several commodity groups are interested in joining the Board of Agriculture (i.e. Maple Produces, Christmas Tree Growers, and Veterinary Medicine Association)
- Need to update Board documents. College needs to update with new extension personnel changes, suggested changing some of the wording present in board documents to better represent the needs of the agricultural community
- Will request industry professional to discuss their needs between now and the Ag Trade Show, asks that they submit documents regarding their needs before mid to late March, in preparation for another BOA meeting
- Asked that we contact him with any questions or concerns, email is ralph@laughingstockfarm.com and phone is 207.831.2182
Board of Agriculture Meeting Minutes, November 10, 2021 (PDF)
