In August of 2023 we started a series of Friday Footnotes focused on agricultural education and FFA in the various states. The first state featured was Alabama. We arrived in Louisiana by July of 2024 before taking a short detour. We are now ready to resume our state visits starting with Maine.
Typically our state visits start with the past and move forward through time. However, for Maine, we are going to start with the present and then delve into the past in the following weeks. The reason for this reversal is the breaking news out of Maine.
Breaking News from Maine
On December 18, 2024 Governor Janet Mills signed a proclamation declaring 2025 as the “Year of Youth in Agriculture” in Maine. In early January the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry issued a news release about this proclamation. See Figure 1.
Figure 1. News Release about the Year of Youth in Agriculture
The following information comes from the news release:
“I am pleased to proclaim 2025 as the ‘Year of Youth in Agriculture’ in Maine, celebrating the young people who are shaping the future of Maine’s agricultural sector,” said Governor Janet Mills. “In the coming months, the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine Department of Education will work with partners across the state to ensure Maine’s next generation of farmers and growers have the training, mentorship, and resources necessary to carry forward Maine’s rich agricultural heritage.”
The Year of Youth in Agriculture will focus on integrating youth perspectives into key activities throughout the year, fostering opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing their contributions to the future of farming.
What are the activities planned to celebrate the Year of Youth in Agriculture in Maine?
There was a Youth Panel at the Maine Agricultural Trade Show Commissioner’s luncheon on January 14. This event, held in Augusta, Maine, had a panel of young people speaking about their agricultural experiences. Lane Carmicheal represented the FFA on the panel.
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Figure 2. Lane Carmicheal represented FFA at the Commissioner’s Luncheon panel. He is on the right.
Photo from the Maine FFA Facebook page.
On another youth panel at the trade show we find Jillian McGoffin who spoke about her experience in helping to start an agricultural program and FFA chapter at Lincoln Academy in New Castle, Maine after moving there from Illinois. She was very polished and had an amazing story. She starts speaking at the 38:18 mark on the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXdcowXHU9g.
Figure 3. FFA member Jillian McGoffin speaking at the Maine Ag Trade Show.
Photo from the Maine FFA Facebook page.
The proclamation signed by the governor was proudly on display at the Trade Show in the FFA Display. The text of the proclamation follows the image below.
Figure 4. Maine State FFA Officers with the Proclamation.
WHEREAS, the agricultural industry is a foundational element of Maine’s economy, heritage, and culture, contributing to food security, rural prosperity, and environmental stewardship across our state; and
WHEREAS, Maine’s youth play a crucial role in ensuring the future resilience and innovation of the agricultural sector, with young leaders emerging as advocates for agriculture, conservation, forestry, and local food systems; and
WHEREAS, the average age of Maine’s farmers is increasing, highlighting the need to actively encourage and support the next generation of agriculturalists to maintain and grow Maine’s agricultural legacy; and
WHEREAS, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and other organizations such as the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Farm Bureau, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and Maine Farmland Trust can harness opportunities to provide young people with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to pursue meaningful and successful careers in agriculture; and
WHEREAS, Maine’s Year of Youth in Agriculture in 2025 will highlight opportunities for Maine’s young people to learn about agricultural careers, develop hands-on skills, and participate in initiatives that connect them with mentors, internships, and educational resources across the agricultural sector; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the contributions of Maine’s young people to the fields of agriculture and conservation and recognize their power to shape Maine’s future with new perspectives, sustainability practices, and leadership;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim 2025 as
Maine Year of Youth in Agriculture
throughout the State of Maine, and I encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of young people in agriculture and to support programs that promote their education, engagement, and success.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this eighteenth day of December Two Thousand Twenty-Four.
Other Activities
In March the FFA along with other youth groups will participate in the Engagement on Agriculture Day in the Legislature (March 18). The youth will be invited to gain exposure to the many exhibiting organizations while meeting with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry staff and policymakers to deepen their understanding of agricultural policy and legislative processes and issues.
During the year the involvement of youth in agriculture will be highlighted. Many youth are involved in agricultural fairs, school gardens, and other settings where farming and food and fiber production contribute to their communities. State leaders will look to spotlight these stories, celebrating youth leadership throughout the year, including highlighting their participation at the “Big E” in Springfield, MA, during September. This year’s Big E marks the 100th anniversary of the Maine Building, showcasing youth contributions and achievements in a regional spotlight.
Quotes From State Officials about the Year of Youth in Agriculture
Amand Beal, State Commissioner of Agriculture — “This Year of Youth in Agriculture provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their contributions while strengthening their connection to agriculture and its essential role in our future.”
Pender Makin, Department of Education Commissioner –– “The Department of Education is committed to empowering Maine’s young people by providing opportunities that connect them with real-world experiences, like those in agriculture. Through partnerships with programs like FFA, 4-H, and initiatives like the Year of Youth in Agriculture, we’re ensuring that students understand the role agriculture plays in our communities and see the endless possibilities for their futures.”
Hannah Carter, Dean of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension — “We are excited to help showcase the work and creativity being done by youth across the state on their way to becoming tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. Through programs like our Agriculture Ambassadors, YOUth Have a Voice, and Oh Yea! 4-H Grows True Leaders, hundreds of Maine youth participate in hands-on activities to learn the skills they need to be engaged community members and innovative contributors to the food systems in Maine and beyond.”
Concluding Remarks
It was rewarding to learn about Maine’s Year of Youth in Agriculture. As I researched this initiative, I learned the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has also proclaimed 2025 as the “Year of Youth in Agriculture.” You can see their video of this announcement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX4Zs5JBGFc}. So, perhaps every state should make 2025 the Year of Youth in Agriculture. A copy of the Oklahoma proclamation is below.
With FFA week coming up in February it might not be too late to ask our state government (or even local) officials to proclaim 2025 the Year of Youth in Agriculture. One could modify the wording of the Maine or Oklahoma proclamations. If not this year, think about next year.
In reality, as agricultural educators, every day is the Year of Youth in Agriculture. Let’s not forget what we are all about.
Next week will journey back to the 1910s to learn about Boys and Girls Agricultural Clubs in Maine.
