Lance and Greg Smith, of Presque Isle, Maine, are the fifth generation to operate Smith’s Farm, growing 7,000 acres of broccoli, potatoes, wheat, barley and soybeans in the rolling hills of Aroostock County. The Smiths have been agricultural leaders since the 1940s when Greg’s father, Hershel, grew his farming operation into one of the largest in Maine. Greg and Lance have continuted the tradition of leadership and innovation in their farming operation today.

They implemented crop rotation programs with dozens of potato farmers to grow broccoli, and beef producers to grow barley. Sharing land improved rotation and developed the market, making the practice successful. The potato/broccoli rotation resulted in increased yields, improved quality and reduced land expenses. The beef/barley operation produced a market for barley as well as a consistent, affordable feed supply.

In 2001, they began producing broccoli in Florida, adapting their growing techniques to meet the needs of a different climate and ground constitution and providing the opportunity to service customers with multi-season supplies.

The farm has led the industry in food safety, being among the first in the country to establish a written program and participate in independent food safety audits. They continue to produce the purest, healthiest crops for their customers.

Innovation, cutting edge farming, food safety, crop rotation and marketing have made Smith’s Farm one of the premier crop producers in the northeast region and a major economic player in the agriculture industry.