Mapleton gears up for really big weekend
Farm Festival celebrates ag’s organic side
Contributed photos
HIGHLAND CATTLE, owned by Stan and Gail Maynard of Orchard Hill Farm in Woodland, will be returning to the Maple Meadow Farm Festival June 26-27. In spite of the dreary and wet conditions last year, children, left, enjoyed pawing through the haystack for buried toys during the Mapleton Daze weekend. Organizers this year are hoping for the same large crowds, but much drier weather conditions!
Maple Meadow Farms is excited to have Chase’s Organic Dairy Farm as part of this year’s Maple Meadow Farm Festival. Chase’s Farm of Mapleton is one of the 10 organic dairy farms that make up Maine’s Organic Milk Co. Part of the mission of the MOOMilk Co. is to educate the consuming public on the value and intrinsic worth of preserving the local family farm. This aligns well with the Gregg family mission of providing an event that helps to educate the public on the importance of Aroostook County’s agricultural heritage.
Gail and Stan Maynard of Orchard Hill Farm in Woodland are returning to the festival with their Highland cattle for the fourth year. These beef cattle are impressive and a favorite of the children. Highlands are hardy, docile, long-horned, shaggy beasts. The Maynard’s cattle are handled frequently; many are halter trained, and some even love being brushed and combed. The Maynards primarily raise Highlands for breeding stock, but are licensed to sell USDA processed and packaged organic beef.
Both the Chases and the Maynards are members of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). This means their farms adhere to the strict standards of certified organic farming. Their cattle are humanely raised without the use of growth stimulants or feed additives. There is plenty of fresh and pasture foraging for these animals. Both farms will be available throughout the festival for people to ask questions and view the animals.
“It’s great to have local farms bringing their animals in for folks to see and enjoy,” said Matt Gregg, co-organizer of the festival.
The Maple Meadow Farm Festival features the best of the past while educating folks about the history and traditions of a rural culture. In addition to the many demonstrations there are wagon rides, antique appraisals, horse farming techniques, and fine crafts and cuisine throughout the two-day family festival being held June 26-27 at 830 Mapleton Road, Mapleton. For more information on the festival, please contact Miriam Gregg at 764-6450 or log onto www.maplemeadowfarms.com.
