2014 Maine Farm Days, August 20 and 21

Misty Meadows Farm in Clinton hosts one of Maine's largest agricultural events

CLINTON, Maine - One of Maine's largest agricultural events will be held this year on August 20 and 21. Maine Farm Days will take place at Misty Meadows Farm on the Hill Road in Clinton. This exciting event, which features activities for both farmers and non-farmers alike, takes place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Admission is free and open to the public.

"This is a time of great promise and opportunity for Maine agriculture," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "While the number of farms in the U.S. has decreased, Maine has added farms and increased the market value of its agricultural products by 24%, for a total of more than $763 million. Maine Farm Days is an excellent opportunity to meet some of the people contributing to this growth and learn how much of our food is produced and where it comes from."

"Maine farmers work hard to bring food to our tables every day and ensure the viability of agriculture," Commissioner Walt Whitcomb said. "This annual event gives the public a chance to experience how farms operate and for farmers to showcase and share innovation. It all is done in a fun and educational atmosphere."

Maine Farms Days has a wide range of agribusiness exhibits, equipment dealers, wagon tours, children's learning center, craft tent, presentations and workshops. It is a virtual cornucopia of animals, farm information, interesting people, equipment, food and entertaining displays. A chicken lunch, prepared by Pine Tree Camp, will be served each day. Proceeds from the lunch will benefit Pine Tree Camp.

Misty Meadows Farm is owned and operated by John and Belinda Stoughton and Thomas and Kimberly Wright of Clinton. The farm currently ships 40,000 pounds of milk daily, with an average of 79 pounds per cow for their herd of 600 cows. The farm has a total of 1,075 dairy animals and over 1,050 acres of cropland to produce feed for its herd.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/acf

2013 Maine Farm Days, August 21 and 22

Misty Meadows Farm in Clinton hosts one of Maine's largest agricultural events
Clinton, Maine - One of Maine's largest agricultural events will be held this year on August 21 and 22. Maine Farm Days will take place at Misty Meadows Farm on the Hill Road in Clinton. This exciting event features activities for both farmers and non-farmers alike, and takes place between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Admission is free and open to the public.

Maine Farms Days has a wide range of agribusiness exhibits, equipment dealers, wagon tours, children's learning center, craft tent, farmers market and educational speakers and presentations. It is a virtual cornucopia of animals, farm information, interesting people, equipment, food and entertaining displays. A chicken lunch, sponsored by Pine Tree Camp, will be served each day.

"I hope you will join me in attending and celebrating Maine Farm Day. Agriculture is a large part of Maine's economy and our shared heritage. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how much of our food is produced and where it comes from," said Governor Paul R. LePage.

"Farms around the state work hard every day to bring food to our tables and ensure the viability of agriculture," Whitcomb said. "This annual event gives the public a chance to experience how farms operate and for farmers to showcase and share innovation. It all is done in a fun educational atmosphere."

Misty Meadows Farm is owned and operated by John and Belinda Stoughton of Clinton. The farm currently ships 38,000 pounds of milk daily to Oakhurst Dairy in Portland, with an average of 87 pounds per cow for their 530 cow herd. The Stoughton's have a total of 850 dairy animals, and manage over 900 acres of cropland to produce feed for their herd.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/acf