Greetings from the Canterbury Ag Commission! Spring is now in full swing and the memory of snow and cold should be long behind us. 

It is with disappointment that I tell you Mark Stevens has stepped down from his role as chair after filling the void that Wayne Mann left. Mark has not only stepped up and filled this position once, but multiple times in the past, and for that I would like to thank him. As many readers probably know, this is not the only position Mark has held in town and we are very fortunate that he has volunteered numerous hours on behalf of the commission. However, we did not let him venture too far; and he will continue to serve as vice chair for the commission and guide me through my time as chair. Thank you, Mark!

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself as the new chair. My name is Ben Davis and I live in town with my wife, Amy (and soon to be another little Davis!) We grow hay and pumpkins, and my mother and Amy grow cut flowers. All of this is done at Grand View Farm off of Carter Hill Road in Canterbury. The farm has been in the family for four generations, which include my grandparents, Wayne and Ruth Mann. 

I currently serve as the New Hampshire Young Farmer chair as well as volunteer on the Canterbury Fire Department. I know I have large shoes to fill behind Mark, my grandfather and many others in leading the Ag Commission.

I would also like to mention our other newly elected officers. Daimon Meeh has been elected as secretary and Josh Marshall as treasurer. The town is very fortunate to have such a diverse and knowledgeable commission, with representation from many agricultural backgrounds and experiences. As you’re reading this and thinking about planting that flowerbed or vegetable garden, remember we have numerous local greenhouses and garden supply businesses that would appreciate your support.

~ Benjamin Davis, Chair