Finding the Farm - Part 3

On a long Thanksgiving weekend in 2006 we came back to Downeast Maine.

Our real estate agent took us around to two farm properties that we had picked out. The first had lots of land (mostly swamp), a nice view of the ocean but the house was not really what we were looking for and contrary to the listing - did not have a restorable barn. The second had 36 acres of land that was perfect for raising sheep but the house was close to a busy road. I knew when I stepped into the third house that this was our dream farm that we had talked about for many years. The 200 year old cape was filled with light from the afternoon November sun. Most of the restoration work needed was mainly cosmetic. The huge timber framed barn was still in relatively good condition on the inside and the land was perfect for animals - a long narrow parcel that is nestled between two main roads. The land gently slopes down to a year round stream with many feeder springs nearby. Over 100 heirloom apple trees are on the property. This was the farm we had been waiting for.

Four years later we have settled into our life in Downeast Maine. We are blessed with two healthy children and livestock raised on fresh ocean air and lots of Maine sunshine. The summers are never too hot and the cold winters allow for snow to stick around for longer than a few days. Our farm is slowly growing as we clear land for more pastures for our sheep and poultry. Everything we do here is sustainable from hatching turkeys and chickens from carefully selected breeding stock to raising sheep on 100% pasture and hay. All of our vegetable gardens are fertilized from our own compost and seed is saved from year to year.

This year the farm will go "public" and open our farm store - opening day is May 28, 2010. Our farm store will sell Icelandic fiber, yarn, pelts, chicken, eggs, turkey, produce, cut flowers, forced bulbs, and orchids. We will also be hosting a weekly buying club for products such as dairy, seafood, pork, honey, berries, cheese etc. A large hoophouse will go up this fall so we can grow produce year round. Eventually, time permitting - shepherding classes/workshops will be added in the fall.

We are very excited to bring our products into our local food marketplace. We are very passionate about local agriculture as it provides food security and promotes healthy eating. Hope you enjoy the blog and looking forward to all your comments.