Maine Beef Producers Association executive director position

Maine Beef Producers Association executive director position

Summary

The financial support from the SARE grant, with additional funding by the Maine Department of Agriculture and an anonymous donor, made it possible for the Maine Beef Producers’ Association to advertise for and hire a part-time Executive Director. The Executive Director began working for the Association on July 1st of this year and is already making a difference. She attended the Beef Basics Seminar and the New England Angus Sale, answered questions asked by visitors to the Agricultural Education tent at Windsor Fair, assisted at the Fryeburg Fair Club Calf Sale, interviewed members of the Maine Junior Angus Association for an article on their Club Calf Sale, helped at the Fall Feeder Calf Sale, compiled notebooks for the Calves 4 Kids Program, developed a display for the Maine Beef Conference, submitted numerous press releases for these activities and assembled information for three newsletters (two were sent out with Department of Agriculture mailings).She has also worked with the MBPA directors, Cooperative Extension’s Beef Specialist and the Maine Department of Agriculture to develop the educational component for the Association’s segment at the Maine Agricultural Trade Show.

In addition, the Executive Director has fielded numerous calls and e-mails from potential and current producers requesting information about sales, events and/or Maine beef production. She has also approached numerous businesses in the Northeast to request partnering or liaisons for members of the Maine Beef Producers’ Association and has had some success. Work on updating the MBPA website has begun and the new site should be available soon.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Support educational programs to help new and experienced producers develop needed skills: The Executive Director has helped develop two workshops at Maine’s Agricultural Trade Show. One is to discuss various software programs that can assist in management decisions; the other is basic feed, shelter and health care needs for beef animals.

Support annual statewide beef conference: The Executive Director developed a display for the Beef Conference, was on hand to answer questions and meet current producers as well as drawing attention to the fact that many Maine restaurants wish to buy local meat but don’t know where to find it. Providing the Restaurant Association with the Maine Department of Agriculture’s farm direct sales listing is the first step towards addressing this dilemma.

Expand youth initiatives/assist with administration of current efforts: The Executive Director attended a number of youth events/youth sponsored activities, wrote press releases about them and also included before and after information in the newsletters. Notebooks with information about the Calves 4 Kids Program have been compiled and will be updated throughout the year.

Ensure the success and viability of MBPA: Increased exposure through press releases and newsletters is already having an impact. Several people have called or e-mailed the Executive Director as a result and have been able to have questions answered or information dispensed to assist them. A discount program has been initiated with one equipment dealer in the state and others are being sought. A number of producers have joined the Association while current members have expressed gratitude for the increase in information being sent them.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Increased awareness of the Maine Beef Producers’ Association and the various programs/events it sponsors has resulted through the number of press releases submitted by the Executive Director in the last 6 months.

The Executive Director has put together two short newsletters and one longer one to update current members as well as potential members about the Maine Beef Producers’ Association, its sales/events, and why joining the Association benefits Maine beef producers.

The Executive Director has interviewed a number of youth about their involvement with the beef industry and submitted press releases to their local newspapers and Country Folks.

One member benefit program has been developed through the Executive Director’s efforts and others are being explored.

Collaborators: