Former Agriculture Commissioner Joins 4-H foundation
Contact: Fred Schlutt, Executive Director 4-H Foundation, (207) 581- 1162
ORONO — Robert Spear, former Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, has recently been named a trustee of the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation.
Spear is a third generation dairy and vegetable farmer who lives in Nobleboro with his wife, Janet. He was a state representative for eight years (1990-1998) and held assignments on both the Taxation and Agriculture committees, serving as chair of the latter. Spear is a 4-H leader and State Farm Bureau member, as well as an officer of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts. A 1965 graduate of the University of Maine, Spear has been a long-time supporter of agriculture and University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
As a trustee of the 4-H Foundation, Spear will work with 4-H Foundation staff to provide the resources for Maine 4-H youth to participate in educational activities in Maine, New England and the U.S. These activities include sending the Maine 4-H delegation to Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Mass., sending a Maine 4-H horse judging team to the Eastern Region 4-H Horse Classic in Louisville, Ky., and Maine 4-H Days, being held in 2007 at the Windsor Fairgrounds.
4-H, organized for agricultural education, grew out of boys and girls clubs of the early 20th century. Today’s 4-H is part of the national Cooperative Extension System, which is operated through each state’s land-grant university. In Maine, UMaine Cooperative Extension offers 4-H programs focusing on leadership, citizenship and life skills for young people aged 5 to 18.
“We are excited to have Bob as a Trustee of the 4-H Foundation. Bob brings a great deal of credibility and respect throughout Maine. His knowledge of and contacts within the agricultural community in Maine will help us in our efforts to provide the funds for Maine 4-H members to have a quality experience in 4-H,” said Harold Brown, president of the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation.