Title
Profile of dairyman Bob Spear, 56, of Nobleboro, and his priorities as the new C
Date
5-27-1999
Pages
16, 17
Abstract
Profile of dairyman Bob Spear, 56, of Nobleboro, and his priorities as the new Commissioner of Agriculture. Spear started Spear Farms as a specialty operation producing milk for commodity markets and uses the manure it produces to fertilize vegetable crops. In the industry, it's known as an "integrated system" and is part of sustainable agriculture. Spear has also served in the Legislature. And now, as Maine's new Commissioner of Agriculture, he believes he can restore Agriculture's status and set it on the right course. He's talking about immediate action on something everyone agrees is critical: marketing. The Department of Agriculture has a $20 million budget, with 90 full-time employees, expanding to 150 during harvest. In 1990, farmers earned $491 million, and Maine was number one in New England. By 1997, Maine was fourth in farm income. Spear intends to put Maine back where it belongs: at the top of New England's list.
Subjects
Agriculture, Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Spear, Robert
Recommended Citation
Austin, Phyllis, "Profile of dairyman Bob Spear, 56, of Nobleboro, and his priorities as the new C" (1999). Maine News Index – Maine Times. 3575.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_times/3575
Source
Maine Times