November 25, 2015
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Alex Fouliard
The Milkhouse, South Monmouth
While farming in Maine is growing, the dairy industry is in decline. Caitlin Frame, Andy Smith and their son Linus are among the few young dairy farming families that are working against that trend, employing new strategies to make small-scale dairy farming viable.
The cost of starting a dairy operation, which requires more land and infrastructure than the average vegetable farm, is a huge obstacle for young farmers looking to get into the dairy business. Caitlin and Andy spent several years working on farms and establishing a successful yogurt and bottled milk business before finding the perfect farm -- through Maine FarmLink-- to grow their farm business. The 280-acre property included much of the infrastructure they needed, and ample pasture, but was more expensive than they could afford. MFT purchased an easement on the property. This made the land more affordable and reduced the amount of money the couple needed to borrow for their mortgage.
Help MFT close out our Securing a Future for Farming Campaign. Your gift to MFT means that more farmers will be able to access farmland and support services, more local food will get into the hands of Mainers who need it most, and more farmland will be protected for the future as well as available to support the growing local food economy today. Help grow the future of farming. Donate to MFT today!