More than 100 farms across Maine opened their doors on Sunday to let non-farmers get a snapshot view of life on a farm. In York County, 16 farms from Saco to Kittery to Bar Mills participated in the event.
Two of these small farms, although very different, have found ways to adapt to the times to make farm life work for them in an age when corporate farming has taken over as the predominant supplier of food for most American tables.
Although Neverdun Farm in Arundel and Harris Farm in Dayton have many differences, one similarity they share is that they are both family-run.
The 100-acre Neverdun Farm, which grows a variety of vegetables and herbs, and fruits and berries, and raises goats, chickens and turkeys, was purchased by the Wentworth family in 1970.
Several years ago, the farm produced enough so that the family sold the excess at the Kennebunk Farmers’ Market, which they helped start, said Noah Wentworth.
They also participated in a community supported agriculture program, where people buy shares and every week or two pick up fresh vegetables and other products from the farm.
Now, however, because most family members work off the farm to support their families, the group produces only enough for their own needs.
“We decided that it was more important to have food for ourselves,” said Leah Wentworth.
Both Leah Wentworth and her brother Noah Wentworth said they hope to find ways that will allow themselves and other family members to work less off the farm.
To help support their families, Noah Wentworth and Leah Wentworth’s husband Mark Simoncic, have a construction business specializing in energy efficiency. They have applied many of these efficiencies to the farm, which has solar panels on some of the buildings, supplementing wood burning stoves in the winter for heat. A solar array on the property provides about 20 percent of the farm’s electricity. Noah Wentworth said they hope to add more panels to the array so eventually they can get 100 percent of their electricity through solar energy.
They even have composting toilets.
“We’re trying to introduce people to self-sufficiency,” said Noah Wentworth.
This applies to both energy and food, he said.
“We’re showing people how you could, if you had the goal of eating totally local,” said Noah Wentworth.
While living and working on the farm – without the need of an off-farm job ”“ is still a goal for the Wentworths, the owners of Harris Farm in Dayton have accomplished that.
Harris Farm, which comprises nearly 500 acres, was purchased in 1944 by John Harris. His son Bill and wife Dixie and their son Clinton and wife Rachel now run the farm together without the need for other jobs. Bill Harris said he and his son had to adapt so that they could support both families on the farm.
One of their ideas that has proved successful was selling their products retail.
“We were selling wholesale and wondering if it was worth it,” said Bill Harris.
But by selling their farm products directly to the public, he said the Saco Farmer’s Market has been an important aspect of their success, and opening the farm to different events, like school tours and pick-your-own pumpkin days, they’ve been able to succeed.
Another brainstorm of the family was opening their land to cross country skiers in the winter. On a busy winter day, more than 500 people – many from out of state – flood to the farm to make use of the snow-covered trails, said Bill Harris.
Fifteen-year-old Jake Harris hopes he will be the fourth generation to live and work on the farm.
“It’s hard to imagine life without the farm,” said Jake Harris. “It’s not only my job, it’s my hobby and my life.”
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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