Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award

Aurora Mills and Farm Honored with the DACF Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award

Augusta—The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that Aurora Mills and Farm is the recipient of the 2025 DACF Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious recognition honors those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to preserving Maine's agricultural heritage and future.

"I am proud to recognize the Williams and Flewelling families, who own and operate Aurora Mills and Farm, with this year's Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. "Their contributions to Maine agriculture are notable, and together they have built a remarkable multi-generational agricultural business and farm that is vital to the continued growth of our grain sector."
"Over the years, the Williams and Flewelling families have worked to build critical infrastructure in their milling operation that serves numerous farms in Aroostook County and provides high-quality grains throughout Maine and the Northeast region," said Governor Janet Mills. "Through their innovation at Aurora Mills and Farm, these families have shown that family farming is not only part of Maine's heritage – it's at the heart of our state's future."

Aurora Mills and Farm, located in Linneus, specializes in USDA-certified organic grains, legumes, and cover crop seeds. Founded by Matt Williams, a pioneer in Maine's grain economy, the farm's commitment to agriculture has spanned generations.

Award presentation at the Commissioner's Luncheon on day one of the Maine Agricultural Trades Show. Pictured left to right: Maine Governor Janet Mills, Marcus Flewelling, Sara Williams Flewelling, DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal, and Matt and Linda Williams.

Award presentation at the Commissioner's Luncheon on day one of the Maine Agricultural Trades Show. Pictured left to right: Maine Governor Janet Mills, Marcus Flewelling, Sara Williams Flewelling, DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal, and Matt and Linda Williams.

Matt Williams began growing organic wheat in 1998, eventually launching Aurora Mills to meet the demand for local grains. Under his leadership, the farm expanded to include a state-of-the-art stone mill, which preserves nutrients and produces fresh, made-to-order products. His contributions to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension as a grain agronomist for 22 years were foundational in advancing Maine's grain-growing economy.

In 2013, Matt's daughter, Sara, returned to Maine to join the family business. With her horticulture and landscape design expertise, Sara introduced innovative crop rotation and quality control approaches. Alongside her husband, Marcus Flewelling, who brings deep-rooted agricultural knowledge and mechanical skills, the family has continued to grow and diversify their operations.

Aurora Mills has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Maine's grain economy, beginning with early collaborations to grow wheat for Borealis Breads. Today, they supply Borealis Breads with 70,000 pounds of fresh, organic whole-wheat and whole-rye flour annually. Additionally, Aurora Mills now supports over twenty farms by milling and cleaning their grains, fostering a network of local producers dedicated to sustainable, organic practices, including Allagash Brewing Co., Heiwa Tofu, Fedco Seeds, Night Moves Bread, Crown of Maine distributors, and Blue Ox Malthouse.

In 2022, Aurora Mills and Farm received a state Agriculture Infrastructure Investment Program grant, which is supporting their efforts to expand their milling operation and develop a gluten-free processing line.

The Williams and Flewelling families' contributions extend beyond farming. Their collaboration with farmers and businesses throughout the Northeast strengthens regional food systems and supports Maine's reputation for producing high-quality agricultural products. The farm's products are cherished by bakeries, breweries, chefs, families, and institutional food programs alike.

"Aurora Mills and Farm has been a pioneering leader in Maine's regional grain economy, exemplifying the true spirit of collaboration and innovation," said Maine Grain Alliance Executive Director Tristan Noyes. "Under the leadership of the Williams and Flewelling families, Aurora Mills has forged meaningful partnerships that strengthen the farm-to-mill-to-baker connection, reinvigorating the role of local grains in our region."
"Aurora Mills and Farms committed decades ago to bringing small grain processing to Maine and remains a leader in building a small-grain economy," said Blue Ox Malthouse Founder and CEO Joel Alex. "A first mover, they show the tenacity and resilience required to operate in this space–a model for all of us who came after to look up to."

The DACF Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award is the highest recognition in Maine's agricultural sector. It celebrates individuals and entities demonstrating exceptional dedication to preserving Maine's farm culture, heritage, and future.

For more information about Aurora Mills and Farm and their award-winning contributions to Maine agriculture, visit https://auroramillsandfarm.com/.

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Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award Recipients