Title

Profile of dairyman Bob Spear, 56, of Nobleboro, and his priorities as the new C

Authors

Phyllis Austin

Source

Maine Times

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

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