2017
NEWSLETTER
Nonprofit educational farm in Freeport, Maine
626-Acre Oceanfront Farm Open Free to Visitors Every Day in Freeport, Maine Yankee Magazine: Best Seaside Campground Down East Magazine: Best Place to Picnic & Play
Visiting the Farm Wolfe’s Neck Farm is always open free to the public, and we encourage you to stop by and visit the barnyard animals, hike, picnic and more!
The World Needs More Places Like Wolfe’s Neck Farm
PAID
Freeport, ME 04032 Permit #42
Non-Profit U.S. Postage
By Dave Herring, Executive Director When you turn onto Burnett Road, you know you have arrived at a special place. The long views over pasture to the ocean, the animals, the rocky shoreline and the historic buildings all contribute to the beauty and authenticity that has drawn people to Wolfe’s Neck Farm for many years to get inspired, to enjoy nature, and experience life on a saltwater farm…if only for a few hours. Over the past few years, we have been working to use this incredible resource to make a real impact on food and farming not just in Maine, but regionally and even nationally. Now in its third year, our Organic Dairy Research and Farmer Training Program has five apprentices living and working on the farm. They will become part of the next generation of farmers, bringing with them the knowledge and passion for climate-smart farming that will help to protect the environment. The farm will always be a place for discovery and learning, a place to come relax and enjoy nature. Our visitors kayak in the calm waters of Casco Bay, enjoy a weekend of oceanfront camping, take part in our summer camp, and visit with the animals. Continued on page 9
From Teen Ag Crew Member to Organic Dairy Farmer
Seasonal Activities: • Oceanfront Camping (May-Oct) • Kayak & Canoe Rentals (May-Oct) • Bicycle Rentals (May-Oct) • Weekend Programming (June-Sept) • Farm Café (July-Aug) • Farm Stand (July-Oct) • Pumpkin Hayrides (Sat/Sun in Oct) • Farmer for the Morning (Sept-May) Year-Round Offerings: • Barnyard & Gardens • Miles of Walking Trails • Volunteer Opportunities • Dances, Festivals, Events & Weddings
Visit Our New Wishcamper Livestock Education Barn By Sarah Littlefield, Organic Dairy Director
Traditionally a barn raising was a community event that brought forth members who were invested in the growth and success of a farm. Friends, families, and neighbors all volunteered to build the walls and raise them manually to the upright positions. The idea that many hands made for lighter work encouraged everyone to have a role in the barn raising. Though the new Wishcamper Livestock Education Barn may have taken fewer hands, a little more equipment, and a few more days than a traditional barn raising, we look forward to connecting our community with agriculture in the new space. The farmers, educators, and builders spent many hours planning the size and layout of the new barn before construction began. Attention was paid to animal comfort, visitor experience, education, foot traffic, and materials used to create the barn. Continued on page 9
184 Burnett Road Freeport, ME 04032
By Allison Carrier, Communications & Development Assistant Love cows, become a dairy farmer, right? Our skilled apprentices all share a devotion for the bovine creatures, but are in agreement that there’s much more to dairy farming. From tractor repairs, budgeting, and reviewing pasture grazing data, this group has become a jack-of-all-trades of sorts. One apprentice, Abigial Smith, sheds light on how each For more information visit our website & blog: one has discovered their favorite niche of the trade: “Kelly - www.wolfesneckfarm.org loves milking and being around the cows at any chance she and connect with us through: can get, but Josh is more interested in the equipment and mechanical side. I am trying to learn as much as I can about all the aspects of running a diversified dairy.” Continued on page 8 Wolfe’s Neck Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization open free to the public every day! Visit us at 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, Maine or at wolfesneckfarm.org