HODGDON, Maine – When Erica and Heath Burkhart moved 1,009 miles from North Carolina to Maine four years ago with their five children it was hard to predict where that might lead. But just recently, their Hodgdon farm was certified by the state to accept food stamps.
The Burkharts of Bulrush Farm, as they call themselves, were among those who made rural Maine their home during the pandemic. Leaving a North Carolina home and business behind, Erica admits she never thought she’d be farming, canning, and helping birth pigs.
After an initial rough start, last spring the family found the perfect match at the old O’Donnell 75-acre farm in Hodgdon.
Bulrush Farm now offers fresh beef, pork and lamb, as well as raw dairy products – milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream, cheeses – baked goods like sourdough, sweet breads, granolas and pastries as well as produce, canned goods and handcrafted items.
In addition to their Hodgdon farm store located on Jackins Settlement Road, they have opened Bulrush Mercantile at their embroidery shop on Court Street in downtown Houlton.
Erica Burkhart said that she is happy to be able to accept food stamps so everyone can have access to healthy home grown and made foods.
“The demographics have changed,” she said. “These are families who are working hard and still not breaking the poverty level.”
The Houlton mercantile location is across from the Salvation Army food pantry.
The mercantile offers baked goods, Bulrush Farm meats, beans, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, Bulrush Farm laundry soap, body soaps, hair powder, toothpaste, tallow, homegoods, eggs from their farm and other canned farm goods like peaches and applesauce. However, the farm’s raw milk products cannot be sold at the mercantile in Houlton because of town regulations.
“Our hope is that offering healthy options downtown will help the community and help our small farm at the same time,” she said.
As the Burkharts continue to reach out to include the community in old time and homemade foods, items and experiences, the farm is also offering a Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch at the Hodgdon Community Market every Saturday in October during market hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McIntyre Road ball field.
Erica Burkhart said her son made an old time cider press for people to see and sample, and they will offer activities like stuff a scarecrow, make a corn husk doll and old fashioned games like hoop and stick, cup and ball, ring toss and her favorite, the game of graces.
“If you haven’t been to this market, there are nice public restrooms, plenty of safe fields for kiddos to play, lots of parking, and delightful treats, lunch and drink options from our vendors,” she said. “Pack a blanket, enjoy a picnic, and come make a day of it.”
