Tag Archives: Agriculture in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation Holds 105th Annual Meeting – New Slate of Officers and Award Winners Announced

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation (NHFB) held its 105th Annual Meeting on November 13th at the Hampshire Hills Event Center in Milford, NH. The all-day event hosted by Hillsborough County Farm Bureau featured a lunch banquet, farm tours of local agricultural operations, Trombly Gardens in Milford and Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, as well as a presentation from American Farm Bureau’s Jessica Cabrera addressing farm stress and mental health resources. Attendees also had the opportunity to watch a video produced by NHFB showcasing Hillsborough County agriculture to go along with the meeting’s theme, “Keeping it Local.”

The culmination of NHFB’s grassroots policy development process occurred at the event during the Meeting of the House of Delegates. Each year, delegates representing their county Farm Bureaus meet to conduct the business of discussing and voting on policy resolutions and updates to the NHFB policy document. A number of issues were taken up this year including: hunting laws, labor, landowner rights, meat inspection, theft & vandalism, and water use reporting. The policy document guides NHFB’s policy work for its members.

The House of Delegates is also tasked with electing a slate of officers each year. With President Denis Ward from Monroe not seeking re-election after six years on the job, the elected slate of officers for 2022 is as follows: President – Joyce Brady of Columbia, 1st Vice President – Bob Cunniff of Langdon, and re-elected were 2nd Vice President – Tom McElroy of Newton, 2nd Vice President – Jay Phinizy of Acworth, and Treasurer – Howard Pearl of Loudon.

Newly elected President, Joyce Brady, owns and operates CJEJ Farm in Columbia, NH, along with her husband Chris. CJEJ Farm is a diversified livestock operation offering cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chevon, chicken, and turkeys and produces their own small grains for feed. The couple also own and operate Colebrook Feeds Farm & Garden Supply in Colebrook, NH. “I’ve been involved with Farm Bureau since I was in college and have held many leadership positions working up from the Coos County Board of Directors through the State Board of Directors and now President of New Hampshire Farm Bureau,” Brady said. “I’m excited to be a leader in this important organization and look forward to working with New Hampshire’s farmers to advocate for agriculture.”

  • (Left to right) NHFB Policy Director Rob Johnson, newly elected President Joyce Brady, outgoing President Denis Ward, Treasurer Howard Pearl, and 2nd Vice President Tom McElroy preside over the Meeting of the House of Delegates. Not pictured, 1st Vice President Bob Cunniff and 2nd Vice President Jay Phinizy.

Other NHFB members were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to agriculture. The following is a list of awards given out this year.

NHFB President’s Award

Outgoing NHFB President Denis Ward recognized the 2021 NHFB President’s Award winners Bob & Elaine Moore of Westmoreland, NH. Bob & Elaine have each served leadership roles in NHFB at the county and state levels. Bob has held the role of Cheshire County Farm Bureau President on multiple occasions, has been given the distinction of lifetime member to Farm Bureau, and is a previous recipient of the NHFB Profile Award. Elaine is currently the Cheshire County Farm Bureau Secretary and served as the Associated Women of NHFB President from 2018 – 2021. The President’s award is handed out annually to acknowledge an individual for their outstanding service to New Hampshire Farm Bureau.

Outgoing NHFB President Denis Ward, President’s Award winners Bob & Elaine Moore, and NHFB President Joyce Brady

Kenneth R. Marshall Memorial Award

The Kenneth R. Marshall Memorial Award was created in honor of long time Farm Bureau member and employee Ken Marshall to recognize current Farm Bureau members who exemplify not only dedication and service to the agricultural community, but those who do it with kindness, generosity, and selflessness. This year’s recipient is Barbara Angevine of Laconia, NH. Barbara has been a Farm Bureau member since 1986 and a member of the Associated Women of NHFB for over 18 years. She has given her time to countless meetings, events, like the Belknap County School to Farm Day, and projects, including the Associated Women’s 100-Year Farm Book.

NHFB Communications Director Josh Marshall presents Barbara Angevine with 2021 Kenneth R. Marshall Memorial Award.

Young Farmer Animal Husbandry Award

Hannah Morrill of Sunshine Pastures in Barnstead, NH, is this year’s recipient of the NHFB Young Farmer Animal Husbandry Award. Hannah demonstrated exceptional livestock practices on her family’s small farm raising beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and more. The Animal Husbandry Award has been developed by the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer program to promote sound animal husbandry. Candidates for this award are nominated by their fellow Young Farmers and the judging is based on a set of criteria, including best management practices.

Outgoing NHFB President Denis Ward, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Trevor Hardy, Animal Husbandry Award winner Hannah Morrill, and NHFB President Joyce Brady.

Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award

The 2021 NHFB Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award was given to Ben Davis of Canterbury, NH. The award acknowledges the efforts of Young Farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from farming, but are actively contributing to agriculture and to their community.

Ben grew up involved in agriculture spending time at his grandparent’s farm in Canterbury while being involved in 4-H and FFA. He followed those pursuits to SUNY Cobleskill where he majored in Agriculture Equipment Technology. Today he owns his own company specializing in forestry mulching, field reclamation, and pasture renovation. He also works at Apple Hill Farm and harvests roughly 50 acres of hay. Ben has been involved with the NHFB Young Farmers Committee for many years serving on their board of directors and volunteering in many community service projects.

Ben will move on to compete with other Excellence in Agriculture Award winners from across the country at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Outgoing NHFB President Denis Ward, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Trevor Hardy, Excellence in Agriculture Award winner Ben Davis, and NHFB President Joyce Brady.

Young Farmer Achievement Award

This year’s NHFB Young Farmer Achievement Award winner is Amy Matarozzo of LorrenJoyce Farm in Barnstead, NH.

The NHFB Young Farmer Achievement Award competition recognizes young people between the ages of 18 to 35 who have excelled in their farming operation and have shown leadership abilities through Farm Bureau and in their community. The ideal candidate for the award is an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with the majority of their income subject to normal production risk.

Amy raises a 60-head herd of registered Jerseys for milking and Hereford beef cattle on approximately 60 acres of farmland in Belknap County. Her love for dairy cows began at Windyhurst Dairy Farm as a young child and continued later at Echo Farm and eventually the University of New Hampshire. Amy and her husband Brian purchased a property in Barnstead in 2014 and started LorrenJoyce Farm from scratch. Today she sells beef cuts, raw milk, raw cream, hard aged cheeses, and raw butter as well as composted manure and cattle. Amy has also been involved with the NHFB Young Farmers Committee for many years spearheading the group’s Pumpkin Festival food booth, summer vegetable donations, and serving as Chair of the committee. Amy and her husband have two children, Hayden and Emerson.

As part of the award, Amy will receive the use of a new Kubota tractor for six months or 250 hours from Pinnacleview Equipment in Walpole. They will also move on to compete in the national Achievement Award competition at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia this January.

2021 Achievement Award winner Amy Matarozzo at her farm in Barnstead.

Profile Award

Each year, NHFB has the honor of presenting the Profile Award to recognize a New Hampshire person or persons for distinguished service to agriculture and rural life. Nominations for this award come from County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and are judged by a panel of past Profile Award winners.

This year’s Profile Award winner is Henry D. Ahern, Jr. of Plymouth, NH. Henry is the third generation to own and farm the property in Plymouth, NH that now supports his Red Deer farm, Bonnie Brae Farms. His first twenty-seven deer arrived in February of 1994 and the farm currently supports approximately 200 deer.

Henry has been heavily involved with several farm organizations and farm activities since the farm’s inception. That includes the NH Farm Bureau and Grafton County Farm Bureau. He served as County president from 2006-2008 and 2013-2015. He is currently chair of the Livestock and Energy committees, and is on the Policy Development and Government Affairs committees. In the past, he has been recognized for excellence in membership recruitment. He has been a Grafton County voting delegate to the NHFB House of Delegates for several years.

Bonnie Brae Farms and its venison have been featured on the Food Network (Food Finds), American Public Television, Chronicle (WMUR), Cooks Corner (WMUR), Outdoors with Bob (L’Heureux), and most recently, “State Plate” with Taylor Hicks.

The Profile Award was first given in 1941 as a tribute to Mary Lee Ware.  Miss Ware was actively involved in agriculture and conservation in New Hampshire. Henry is another deserving winner for his outstanding service to New Hampshire Agriculture and New Hampshire Farm Bureau.

Outgoing NHFB President Denis Ward, 2021 Profile Award Winner Henry Ahern Jr., and NHFB President Joyce Brady.

**Hi-Resolution Photos Available Upon Request

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New Hampshire Farm Bureau (NHFB) is a non-profit federation, established in 1916, of New Hampshire’s 10 county Farm Bureau organizations which consist  of nearly 2,000 NH farm families and over 1,000 supporting members. NHFB is dedicated to advocating for and educating the public about agriculture. NHFB is a general farm organization where the members establish policy and direction through a member driven policy development process.

NH Farm Bureau Celebrates National Dairy Month

It’s the time of year when cows head back out to pastures of plenty and green fields across the state sprout the familiar signs of summer. Appropriately enough, it’s also time to celebrate June as National Dairy Month.

According to the International Dairy Foods Association, National Dairy Month began as National Milk Month way back in 1937 in hopes of promoting milk consumption during a period of surplus. Over the years National Dairy Month has evolved to spotlight all of the dairy industry’s contributions to society. From nutritious and tasty food products to open space conservation and economic activity, the dairy industry has a positive impact on our lives in many ways.

In coordination with National Dairy Month, the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee is again accepting the 10 Gallon Challenge and wants you to follow along as they do. Visit their Facebook page all June long to see Young Farmers crisscross the state purchasing 10 gallons of milk to support the dairy industry and donating it to food pantries and soup kitchens to help fight food insecurity. Last year they completed the challenge in every county in NH and inspired even more people to join in (check out the recap video of last year’s challenge below). This year they hope to triple their donations!

In other dairy-related news, New Hampshire Farm Bureau will have a seat at the table for American Farm Bureau’s Federal Milk Marketing Order Working Group. Coos County dairy farmer Scott Mason will head to Washington, D.C. this month as one of three farmers representing the Northeast Region.

So get a moo-ve on and start celebrating National Dairy Month. Raise a glass of your favorite milk, add an extra slice of cheese to that burger, or just thank your local dairy farmer!

NHFB Young Farmer Committee Connects with Legislators Over Breakfast

NHFB Young Farmer Committee Vice-Chair Nicole Glines speaks at the annual Young Farmer Legislative Breakfast, held this year at Pearl & Sons Farm in Loudon.

The New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer Committee held their annual Legislative Breakfast event at Pearl & Sons Farm in Loudon on Tuesday, March 26. Each spring, the group of agricultural enthusiasts between the ages of 16 and35 invites members of the NH House Environment & Agriculture Committee, federal lawmakers, and other movers and shakers in NH agriculture to join them for a hearty meal and an opportunity to hear concerns facing young farmers across the state.

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NH Farm Bureau 102nd Annual Meeting Recap

New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation Holds
102nd Annual Meeting. New Slate of Officers and
Award Winners Announced

New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation (NHFB) held its 102nd Annual Meeting on November 2nd and 3rd at the Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, NH. The event, hosted by Coos County Farm Bureau, offered tours of local agricultural operations Fuller’s Sugarhouse and Forbes Dairy Farm, workshops, and competitions all in support of the theme “A Harvest of Farming History”

The culmination of NHFB’s grassroots policy development process occurs during the Meeting of the House of Delegates as part of each year’s Annual Meeting. Delegates, elected by their county Farm Bureau, met the morning of November 3rd to vote on the policies that will guide NHFB’s work in the coming year and to elect a slate of officers for 2019. The elected slate of officers is as follows: Denis Ward of Monroe – President, Joyce Brady of Columbia – 1st Vice President, Matt Scruton of Rochester – 2nd Vice President, Rebecca Stevens of Epsom – 2nd Vice President, Howard Pearl of Loudon – Treasurer.

The Annual Meeting Banquet, held the evening of November 2nd, recognized outstanding achievements and contributions to agriculture from NHFB members. To view the full list of awards given out that evening, click here.

  • The 102nd Annual Meeting of New Hampshire Farm Bureau started off with a farm tour of Fuller's Sugarhouse. Here owner David Fuller explains how sap flows throughout the facility while Stan Knecht looks on.

 

New Hampshire Apple Day Kicks Off Season at Sunnycrest Farm

(Right to left) Governor Chris Sununu joins NH Commissioner of Agriculture Shawn Jasper and Dan Hicks, owner of Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry, to mark the official start of apple season in New Hampshire.

Thursday, September 6th marked the beginning of apple season in New Hampshire as Governor Chris Sununu made the ceremonial first pick at Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry alongside Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets & Food Shawn Jasper, Sunnycrest owner Dan Hicks, and UNH Cooperative Extension Fruit & Vegetable Production Field Specialist George Hamilton. Also on hand were members of the New England Apple Association and New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association.

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NH Eat Local Month 2018

Throughout the month of August, New Hampshire Farm Bureau (NHFB) joins with 70+ partners throughout the state to highlight New Hampshire Eat Local Month — a month-long celebration of local food and New Hampshire farmers and producers.

“New Hampshire residents, and visitors alike, are showing unprecedented interest in local food, and this month-long celebration offers a great opportunity to feature New Hampshire grown foods and farms,” said Gail McWilliam Jellie from the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food.

With 70+ partners working together to bring you great NH Eat Local Month festivities, it won’t be hard for you to find a way to get involved!

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Safety Program a Success for New Hampshire Farmers

Editor’s Note: March 4 – 10 is Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week (ASAP). ASAP was created to bring awareness to safety and health issues facing the agriculture industry. The following article can also be found in the March/April Issue of ‘The Communicator’

Reflecting on his chosen profession, Chichester farmer and past Merrimack County Farm Bureau President, Steve MacCleery, paused before declaring, “The biggest thing I can say about farming is that it’s difficult, but I enjoy it.” Steve explained that he and his wife Holly didn’t get rich pursuing agriculture, but they agreed that it was a great way to raise their children and to enjoy earning a living. “Having said that, you have to try to be safe.”

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Bartletts Recognized with NHFB Profile Award

Bill & Heidi Bartlett of Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm in Newport were presented with the prestigious NHFB Profile Award by Seth Wilner at the NHFB 101st Annual Meeting.

Each year, NHFB has the honor of presenting the Profile Award to recognize a New Hampshire person or persons for distinguished service to agriculture and rural life. Nominations for this award come from County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and are judged by a panel of past Profile Award winners.

The 2017 Profile Award was presented to Bill & Heidi Bartlett of Bartlett Blueberry Farm in Newport, NH. Bill & Heidi Bartlett purchased what is now Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm in Newport in 1985 and have continued its growth as a successful farm and business for over 30 years. Beyond that, their contributions to the community have been just as important as their dedication to agriculture.

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NHFB Young Farmer Achievement Award Goes to Jeff Moore

Jeff Moore was presented with the NHFB Young Farmer Achievement Award by Gail McWilliam Jellie at the NHFB 101st Annual Meeting.

This year’s NHFB Young Farmer Achievement Award went to Jeff Moore of Windswept Maples Farm in Loudon, NH.

The NHFB Young Farmer Achievement Award competition recognizes young people between the ages of 18 to 35 who have excelled in their farming operation and have shown leadership abilities through Farm Bureau and in their community. The ideal candidate for the award is an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with the majority of their income subject to normal production risk.

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Bruce & Rebecca Stevens Win NHFB Excellence in Agriculture Award

State Representative Howard Pearl (center) presents the NHFB Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award to Bruce & Rebecca Stevens of Epsom at the NHFB 101st Annual Meeting

The 2017 NHFB Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award was given to Bruce & Rebecca Stevens of Epsom, NH. The award acknowledges the efforts of Young Farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from farming, but are actively contributing to agriculture and to their community.

Bruce & Rebecca Stevens have a small farm in Epsom raising beef cattle and hay. Rebecca became involved with FFA while attending Coe-Brown Northwood Academy winning numerous awards and serving as chapter Vice-President. She was instrumental in the formation of the school’s FFA Alumni Chapter and served two terms as President. Bruce gained experience in agriculture working for local dairy farms and eventually started working for Dairy Farmers of America as a milk truck driver. He now owns his own commercial trucking company. Rebecca has served on the Merrimack County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for many years and is currently serving her first term as President.

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Glen Putnam Takes Home Animal Husbandry Award

Glen Putnam was awarded the 2017 NHFB Young Farmer Animal Husbandry Award by NHFB Executive Director Diane Clary at the organization’s 101st Annual Meeting.

Glen Putnam was awarded this year’s NHFB Young Farmer Animal Husbandry Award. He owns and operates Winsome Farm Organics in Piermont, NH producing organic milk, beef, and more as a sixth generation farmer.

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Amelia Aznive Wins Young Farmer Discussion Meet

Amelia Aznive won the 2017 NHFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet at the organization’s 101st Annual Meeting. She will move on to compete nationally in Nashville, Tennessee in January.

Amelia Aznive of Concord, NH was named the winner of the 2017 NHFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet. Competitors in the Discussion Meet prepare thoughts and opinions on various subjects facing agriculture and cooperatively work towards a solution.

The goal of the Discussion Meet is to develop leaders for effective problem solving through group discussion, similar to the organization’s grassroots policy development process. The competition provides an opportunity for Young Farmers to build basic discussion skills, give and receive criticism in a helpful manner, develop an understanding of important issues, explore and pool knowledge to reach consensus, and solve problems.

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NHFB Holds 101st Annual Meeting

Attendees of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation 101st Annual Meeting in Keene engaged in workshops presented by American Farm Bureau Federation staff.

New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation (NHFB) held its 101st Annual Meeting on November 10th and 11th in Keene, NH. The event, hosted by Cheshire County Farm Bureau, offered farm tours, workshops, and competitions along with a chance to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of NHFB members.

The second day of the meeting focused on the grassroots policy development process where NHFB members craft the policy that guides the organization. The House of Delegates also voted to reelect the current slate of officers as follows: Denis Ward of Monroe – President, Joyce Brady of Columbia – 1st Vice President, Matt Scruton – 2nd Vice President, Thomas McElroy – 2nd Vice President, Howard Pearl – Treasurer, Ruth Scruton – Associated Women of NHFB President, Alicia Pedemonti – Young Farmer Committee Chair.

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County Annual Meeting Season

County Annual Meeting Season: The Meaning of Grassroots!

By Diane Clary; NHFB Executive Director

New Hampshire Farm Bureau Executive Director, Diane Clary

NHFB, The Voice of Agriculture, is a “Grassroots” organization. That means everything we do originates from the individual member. Each voting member has an equal voice and that voice steers Farm Bureau. If you don’t add your “voice,” our message is diminished. New Hampshire Farm Bureau demonstrates its strength through membership and member participation. We are nothing without our members and our member’s voices. “How can I add my voice to our message?” you ask. Attend your County and State Annual Meetings. Not only will you enjoy great fellowship with great people but you will have the opportunity to have YOUR VOICE heard. County and State staff work very hard to make these events worthwhile for attendees and your attendance would show appreciation of these efforts. Change starts with the individual member, share your concerns with the county and begin the process of grassroots policy development. Get your voice heard and make a difference. If you would rather have a more supportive roll and less vocal roll; attend the meeting so that you will be informed on the issues and make your decision of support based on all of the information.

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Glen Putnam Elected Chair of New Hampshire Farm Bureau Veterans in Agriculture Committee, Bruce Cilley Elected as Vice-Chair

Glen Putnam, Grafton County Farm Bureau President, was recently elected Chair of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation Veterans in Agriculture Committee.

Concord, NH – Glen Putnam has been elected Chair of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation (NHFB) Veterans in Agriculture Committee. The Veterans in Agriculture Committee was approved by the NHFB Board of Directors in December and held its first meeting in March. The stated mission of the committee is to recruit, educate, support, and promote veterans and their families in agriculture.

“Growing up I was surrounded by both farmers and veterans,” Putnam said, “I couldn’t decide which one I wanted to be, so I did both. Now to be working with Farm Bureau to bring the two together is both an honor and a privilege.”

Putnam, who is also President of Grafton County Farm Bureau, currently serves in the United States Navy Reserve and is the owner/operator of Winsome Farm Organics in Piermont.

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