AUGUSTA – The 60th annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will be held Jan. 9-11 at the Augusta Civic Center. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the show, which is held by the Maine Department of Agriculture.

The annual event has become the place where Maine’s farming community gathers to network, share strategies and learn the newest farm marketing and management methods with topics ranging from dairy issues to heirloom apples.

“This is a great time of year for the various associations to get together, share their thoughts and look to the future,” Maine Agriculture Commissioner Robert Spear said Sunday.

“We think the trade show is quite important,” Spear said. “This year’s theme is the future of marketing, which we believe is key to the future of agriculture in Maine. Through meetings, discussions and exhibits, we will try to get the point across that we can produce things, but we need to get the most value out of our products with aggressive marketing.”

Spear said marketing is the basis for many of the state’s agriculture programs and the trade show will reflect that.

The show will include more than 100 exhibits featuring the latest in agricultural products, equipment and services, as well as dozens of lectures, demonstrations and meetings involving more than 30 major agricultural organizations, committees and agencies.

Promoters say there will be something for everyone at the show, which also will feature an ongoing floral design demonstration and a petting zoo for children.

This year’s commissioner’s luncheon will feature guest speaker John Sauve, executive director of the Wild Blueberry Association of America. He will share information about the successes within the wild blueberry industry in creating its own unique identity.

Spear also will present the first annual Commissioners’ Service Award to an individual who has been instrumental in supporting agricultural industries in Maine.

“Since becoming commissioner, I have seen so many people donate their time to boards, committees and commissions,” he said. “It is time we recognized the individuals that give so much.”

Show hours will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10; and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11.

Some of the organizations that will be represented by trade show exhibits include: Maine Antique Tractor Club, Maine Beef Producers Association, Maine Farm Bureau, Maine Future Farmers of American, Maine Equine Industry Association, Maine Cranberry Growers Association, Maine Dairy Industry, Maine Maple Producers Association, Maine Potato Board, State Grange, and exhibitors representing kelp growers, sheep producers, equipment dealers, financing opportunities, tree farms, apple producers, fencing dealers and elk farms. For information, contact the Maine Department of Agriculture at 287-3491.