Portsmouth Rotary Log for Thursday, October 19, 2017
Guest Speaker – NH Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets & Food, Lorraine S. Merrill
Who thinks about state agriculture today? Do you know anything about this multi-office Agency? It regulates development, animals, pesticide controls, plants, weights and measures, veterinary medicine and conservation.
According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, New Hampshire has 4,391 farms totaling 474,000 acres (average size 108). These farms produce more than $100 million in crop sales and $90 million in livestock sales. Cash receipts are split evenly between milk and greenhouse/nursery sales. Unfortunately, sprawling development threatens the best farmland.
Commissioner Lorraine Merrill is charged with promoting and protecting agriculture, commerce, consumers and the environment of the state. In addition, her role includes advocacy as well as education. The agency cranks out papers relating to production agriculture, the food system and rural life. Merrill is the sixth appointee to hold the position since 1913.
The Stratham resident is co-owner with her husband, John, son Nathan and his wife Judy, of Stuart Farm. The farm is a 370-acre dairy enterprise with 260 milking cows and 200 head of young cattle. You’ll find it all at the edge of the Great Bay Estuary.
The Agriculture Agency’s history began in the mid-19th century. Back then, the Ag Board was composed of one farmer from each of the state’s 10 counties. The primary focus was rebuilding the state’s rural economy. Challenges in those days included devastating national economic turmoil caused in part by heavy losses of men in the Civil War. The state’s weakened economy spurred out-migration to urban areas and the West. As a result, the agency’s mission was broadened to meet the challenges. There were new efforts to control livestock diseases, crop pests and unscrupulous marketers of feeds and fertilizers.
After serving the last 10 years, Lorraine has decided to retire in December. She will return to the farm and continue writing. She has already spoken at conferences, seminars and training programs conducted by USDA, UNH, Cornell University, Texas A&M and EPA.
Distinguished Guests.
Len Rishofski – former Portsmouth Rotarian / Hosted by Aileen Dugan
Louise Richardson / Hosted by Basil
Announcements.
Birthdays: Bill Mortimer, member since 1988, turns 90 this week!
Dave Holden promoted next week’s program, The Annual Poetry Hoot, aka “Not ready for prime-time players.”
Leo Gagnon promised it’s time for Christmas Tree Sign Ups.
President Ben Wheeler reminded members of the District Conference. It’s May 4th-6th at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. Some 12 members have signed up so far. More are welcomed.
50/50 Raffle.
Won yet again by Walter Liff’s table. The payoff was $57. No match for the $350 Bonus.
Respectfully submitted Richard Seery
Photos by Tube Loch
