Maine Farmers Exchange looks for good year
A strong, high-quality potato crop should put the Maine Famers Exchange and its customers in a good position this year, said Bob Davis, vice president of the Presque Isle, Maine-based company.
Harvest began in September and supplies will continue through May, he said.
The firm continues to adjust its varieties based on market demand, he said.
“No new game-changing varieties have emerged, but every year we grow test plots in various acreages of new and existing varieties that show promise,” he said.
“The Caribou russet has become very popular for both tablestock and french fry processing over the past few years and is a result of the University of Maine’s plant breeding program. There is significant acreage grown of this variety now and are available to our customers,” he said.
Trucks are tight in Maine, but Davis said the deal’s proximity to major markets works in its favor.
“We have been able to secure our trucking needs in the past and believe we will find enough as the season progresses,” he said. “That does not mean there won’t be delays; it means you need to plan ahead when ordering.”
This past summer, Dan Peers has become president, CEO and majority stockholder at Maine Farmers Exchange. Peers works with Todd Bradley in the seed department and also handles a large part of the accounting duties.
Davis is now vice president and retains a minority stake in the company.
