Tours show farming is thriving in Piscataquis County

On a recent cloudy day, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) farm tour participants visited Piscataquis County farms and could see that farming was thriving, even in late fall.

Photo courtesy of Mary Margaret Ripley

HOW FARMING WORKS — Gene Ripley of the Ripley Farm in Dover-Foxcroft demonstrates his farm processing equipment during a recent tour hosted by the MOFGA and PCSWCD.

Jason and Barbara Kafka of Checkerberry Farm in Parkman and Gene and Mary Margaret Ripley of Ripley Farm in Dover-Foxcroft opened their barn doors, storage facilities, fields, high tunnels and greenhouses to share with over 60 visitors about their farm histories, lessons learned and their successes. The farmers also exhibited their innovative farm equipment that has helped them along the way, even if at times they needed to design or build some of their own farm tools and equipment.

The tours were part of MOFGA’s annual Farmer to Farmer Conference that promotes farmers learning directly from other farmers. The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District co-hosted these tours that were full of excellent information for farmers and others interested in sustainable agriculture.

Photo courtesy of PCSWCD

PLENTY OF CROPS — A peek into a seasonal high tunnel at the Checkerberry Farm in Parkman shows an abundance of fall vegetables.