Award Winner Annie Watson with her Husband Michael Moody and two Sons; Apologies that the Photo of Amanda Beal Got Cut Out Inadvertently!
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal has named Annie Watson, a dairy farmer from Whitefield, as the recipient of the 2026 Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award.
The Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award reconizes individuals whose leadership, service and commitment have made a lasting impact on Maine’s agricultural community.
Annie and her husband, Michael Moody, began dairy farming together in 2013 after purchasing their farm in Whitefield, where they have built a successful organic dairy operation rooted in sewartship, resilience and community.
“Annie Watson represents the best of Maine agriculture — deeply rooted in the land, forward-looking in leadership, and unwavering in commitdment to farmers, families and rural communities,” said Commissioner Beal. “I have great respect for Annie, for her willingness to take on any challenge that comes her way and her ongoing hard work and determination to strengthen Maine’s dairy sector.”
Ms. Watson currently serves as president of the Maine Dairy Industry Assocation and in leadership roles of the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, the Agircultural Council of Maine, the Wolfe’s Neack Farmer Advisory Group and the DACF Maine Geological Survey’s Water Resource Planning Commidttee. Her past service includes participation in state and regional dairy task forces, PFAS and farmer wellness initiatives, as well as leadership roles with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association and the Maine Organic Milk Producers Association. She is a strong advocate for local food systems and the essential role agriculture plays in sustaining Maine’s rural communities and economy.
In her acceptance remarks today, Annie Watson, reflected on the deeper role fams play in Maine and beyond, emphasizing that agriculture is about more than food production:
“Farms don’t just produce food. They hold communities together. They keep the land open and cared for. They teach kits what work looks like, and what responsibility looks like and what it means to be part of soething bigger than yourself,” Watson said, adding: “Maine farms are not just part of our scenery – they are part of our soul.”
Watson and her husband live on and operate Sheepscot Valley Farm with their three sons, Oliver, Henry and Guthrie, as well as their farm dog, Otis. In addition to her work on the farm and in agricultural leadership, Ms. Watson enjoys cooking, reading, photography and exploring Maine’s outdoors.
The Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award was presented during the Commissioner’s Luncheon at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show, Maine’s premier annual gatherine for the agirculture, forestry and food industries.