Young Potato Grower Chimes In On Challenges, Future Plans, And More

Sara Corey, the American Vegetable Grower March 2014 cover subject, GenNext Grower, and recipient of the Maine Potato Board’s Young Grower of the Year award, answered a few questions for us in regards to her current challenges, future plans, and she offers up some advice for the next generation of growers.

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  1. Why did you choose agriculture as your career path? 
    I always worked on the farm growing up and loved it. It also brought me home to Monticello, ME, where my family is.
    sara cover
  2. If you weren’t in the farming profession, what would you be doing?
    Something chemistry related, lab position, possibly research based.
  3. What agricultural issues keep you up at night most frequently?
    Weather!
  4. What challenges do you face that the previous generation did not have to negotiate?
    Working with brothers, and making sure everyone has a fit. Also, trying to learn from the previous generations mistakes and not remaking them.
  5. What social media do you personally use most often and why?
    Facebook because everyone has it and it is a great way to communicate. I also use it for the business. It is a great way to get photos and up-to-date information of what is happening on Corey Farms.
  6. Where do you want to take your farm in the next 10 years?
    I want to expand on what my father has built. My biggest challenge would be to fill the greenhouses to their potential.
  7. What is the one piece of advice you would give to the next generation?
    Listen, learn, ask questions, and do not make changes prematurely. There is probably a reason why they have done it a certain way all these years.
  8. The disconnect between farm and fork in the U.S. is greater than ever. What can be done to bridge that gap?
    Education. The consumer needs to be more educated and it is our job as an industry to promote education.

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