MAAF Contests

MAAF Awards

Ag. Challenge

Award Contest

2025 Challenge
Creating An Experience
YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE

2024 Ag Challenge Winners
"MEET OUR FARMERS"

“Meet Our Farmers” was the Ag Challenge theme for the 2024 fair season. So many fairs chose to reach out and invite Maine farmers to be their guests at the fair. Farmers, farm families, young and old - all who farmed the land and the sea were front and center. Fair goers met oyster and lobster farmers, fruit farmers, organic and grass fed farmers, beef, hog and poultry farmers, flower farmers, maple farmers, the list is endless. Videos were on display, Q and A sessions were available, special buildings were constructed to house the farmers and everyone was invited to hear what exactly all these hard working men, women and children actually did in their farm life.

Thank you so much for the creativity displayed through buttons, stickers, signs, displays and community interaction. It was our pleasure to partner with a team of judges representing Hannaford. We all notice how Hannaford stores highlight the names of local farms who sell their produce to Hannaford. It seemed perfect to invite them to see how much our fairs were focusing on farmers this summer.

Windsor Fair was selected as the winner in the large fair (5 days or more) category. Harmony Free Fair was selected as the winner in the small fair (4 days or less) category. There were no entries that focused primarily on programs for children. Fairs selected as winners receive an engraved plaque and a $250.00 award. Photos below.

Previous Recipients

Contest Information

Click on sections below to show details.

Each Year MAAF offers a different ag challenge for fairs to participate in.

Categories & Divisions

Category 1 - Agricultural experiences designed for children and by children. These experiences will include information, demonstrations, and appropriate hands on activities which introduce children to the role of youth in Maine agriculture. *

*Please indicate if your fair has a pre-existing hands-on ag education program designed for children.

Category 2 - Agricultural experiences for ALL fairgoers that educate fairgoers about the role of youth in Maine’s agriculture community . This can be a one day program or on going throughout your fair.

Division 1: Fairs operating for four concurrent days or less.

Division 2: Fairs operating for five concurrent days or more.

Include with App

Please include the following five elements:

1. A brief description of your event(s) and the connection to Maine agriculture. *Specifically, Youth In Agriculture.

2. Who was involved in the planning/funding process? – i.e. individuals, community organizations, agencies, businesses, educators, youth, sponsors, etc. – and the roles they played.

3. What challenges did you face and how did you address them?

4. How did the public react to your event? – i.e. personal feedback, hits on your website, survey monkey results, photos of interaction during your event.

5. How was your event promoted? – i.e. print and social media, posters, school, local radio and promotional programs prior to the event, etc.

*For further information, contact Junia Norris, Contest coordinator or Barry W. Norris

Judging

*Each element will be evaluated on a scale of 1 – 5

1 = No evidence presented

2 = Minimal evidence of involvement presented

3 = Evidence of involvement is presented

4 = Evidence of involvement is thorough and comprehensive

5 = Evidence of in person community involvement during the fair dates – demonstrations , discussions/interviews, hands-on food preparation, availability of farmers, youth and farmers market vendors, etc.