Farming in Maine a Growing Business (Portland, Jackson: co-op, buying, organic)

[virginia farm girl]

Farming in Maine a growing business | Portland Press Herald

[Northern Maine Land Man]

There is even a new grist mill being built in western Maine.

[Maine Writer]

There's a farmers co-op being formed for WaCo farmers. There were 38 farms working together in a co-op in Aroostook county last time I checked in on the project. The days of people believing farmers in Maine raise milk cows or grow potatoes are soon to be over!

I've had a lot of questions about arsenic being fed to chickens lately. I don't know why all of a sudden this is coming to the front because this is not new but I'm glad it's out there.

There's a grains workshop being held in Jacksonville in late July. If you're interested in growing grains it's worth the trip. The soil scientist from Aroostook county is one of the speakers.

[broadbill]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

There's a farmers co-op being formed for WaCo farmers. There were 38 farms working together in a co-op in Aroostook county last time I checked in on the project. The days of people believing farmers in Maine raise milk cows or grow potatoes are soon to be over!

I've had a lot of questions about arsenic being fed to chickens lately. I don't know why all of a sudden this is coming to the front because this is not new but I'm glad it's out there.

There's a grains workshop being held in Jacksonville in late July. If you're interested in growing grains it's worth the trip. The soil scientist from Aroostook county is one of the speakers.

I think this is going to be the way of the next generation of the small farm...if its not this way already for them!

1. Join a co-op where you can negotiate the price what of what you both buy and sell.

2. Develop a niche product (organic, free range, unpasteurized, etc., etc.).
Focus on quality, not quantity.

Used to be farmers would farm as their fathers/grandfathers farmed....those days are gone. Some lament the loss of tradition, but the smart ones refocus and retool.

[Elcarim]

I think it's very good that as the country loses it's confidence in the government and economic system that we've created over the last couple hundred years, we finally figure out that it's much better to get back to the basics. We need to work with nature rather than against it. Mother nature will win every time! ;-)

[boonelsewhere]

thanks MW, i wonder who to call for the date and location.
boon.

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

There's a farmers co-op being formed for WaCo farmers. There were 38 farms working together in a co-op in Aroostook county last time I checked in on the project. The days of people believing farmers in Maine raise milk cows or grow potatoes are soon to be over!

I've had a lot of questions about arsenic being fed to chickens lately. I don't know why all of a sudden this is coming to the front because this is not new but I'm glad it's out there.

There's a grains workshop being held in Jacksonville in late July. If you're interested in growing grains it's worth the trip. The soil scientist from Aroostook county is one of the speakers.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by boonelsewhere

thanks MW, i wonder who to call for the date and location.
boon.

I pulled out my datebook. July 11, Jacksonville. I'll find out the time and where in Jacksonville it will be held.

[boonelsewhere]

i will make a note of this.
thanks.

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

I pulled out my datebook. July 11, Jacksonville. I'll find out the time and where in Jacksonville it will be held.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by boonelsewhere

i will make a note of this.
thanks.

Me too

Thanks

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by broadbill

I think this is going to be the way of the next generation of the small farm...if its not this way already for them!

1. Join a co-op where you can negotiate the price what of what you both buy and sell.

2. Develop a niche product (organic, free range, unpasteurized, etc., etc.).
Focus on quality, not quantity.

Used to be farmers would farm as their fathers/grandfathers farmed....those days are gone. Some lament the loss of tradition, but the smart ones refocus and retool.

ive worked closely and promoted many maine made products, some with good success,,,some not, most folks like the idea of buying locally grown and fresher product,,however, price is still a huge deciding factor, i pushed wolf'sneck farms beef (largest naturally raised beef company in the state)
many retailers across the state tried it,,promoted it,,but had a tough sell to locals,,,more success with touristy areas, came down to price, most primals were 4-5 more per lb, than thier primary out of state source}

some store owners i know allow the farmers market circuit to use thier ,,parking lots

one fellow in hallowell, started making his own bbq sauce, he bottled it, peddled to stores, kept growing and growing,, love the entrepenuer spirit!!