CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that he will nominate Lorraine Stuart Merrill, a dairy farmer and freelance writer from Stratham, to serve as commissioner of the Department of Agriculture at tomorrow’s Governor and Council meeting in Merrimack. The Executive Council must confirm the nomination.

“As an accomplished dairy farmer, Lorraine Merrill knows firsthand the challenges facing New Hampshire farmers and the importance of agriculture to our economy here in the state of New Hampshire. She has the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the Department of Agriculture into the 21st century, and to help keep New Hampshire’s farming tradition strong,” Gov. Lynch said.

Merrill has been a partner in Stuart Farm in Stratham since 1975. The 270-acre dairy farm has a herd of 240 cows and has served as a partner with University of New Hampshire in agricultural and environmental research and teaching programs. The Stuart Farm has received many awards including the American Farmland Trust Steward of The Land Award, the New Hampshire Outstanding Dairy Farm Award and the New Hampshire Conservation Farm of the Year, among others.

Merrill served as a member of the University System Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2005, and is a former member of the Stratham School Board. She is also a well-known freelance writer, contributing regularly to various local and national agriculture publications.

Current Agriculture Commissioner Steve Taylor is retiring effective Nov. 18 after 25 years of service to the state.

“I want to thank Steve for his tireless service to the state and his dedication to the agrarian community here in New Hampshire. His talents, his passion and commitment will be missed here in state government,” Gov. Lynch said.