Moores of Dexter named Grange Farm Family of the Year

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    DEXTER — Cathy and Jerry Moores never dreamed of raising horses in their younger years. But after their son, Jeff, died in an auto accident in 1996, the family was overcome with grief. “Cathy’s dad gave us an old pony and a mare,” Jerry Moores recalled. “He wanted to help us get focused on something positive. And look where we are today.”

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    GRANGE FAMILY FARM — Moor-Gans Farm in Dexter was named Farm Family of the Year by the Maine State Grange at the organization’s annual convention last month. Front row, from left, are sisters Zoe, Emily and Jillian Dill. Back row: Jerry Moores, his wife, Cathy Moores; daughter Elyse Dill and her son, Kody.

    The Moores transformed their love of horses into the Moor-Gans Farm, raising Morgan horses, a few beef cattle and chickens on the site of the old Dexter fairgrounds on Trotting Park Road.
    They also became active in the South Sangerville Grange, an organization that “still believes in strong family values,” Jerry Moores said.
    Last month, they were named the Maine State Grange Farm Family of the Year at the organization’s annual convention. Unfortunately, the Moores couldn’t attend. “One of our pregnant mares became ill, so we had to stay with her over the weekend,” Cathy said. “She’s recovered nicely.”
    The Moores never even considered filling out an application for the award, but Carol Flagg, the South Sangerville Grange secretary, “talked me into it,” Cathy recalled. “I filled it out during one of my overnight shifts. Lo and behold, we won. It almost knocked my socks off.”
    Cathy Moores, who has dual American and Canadian citizenship, is an officer for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in Coburn Gore. “It’s a family tradition. My dad was a customs officer for the Canadian border patrol,” she said.
    Moor-Gans Farm is definitely a family operation with the couple’s daughter, Elyse Dill, and grandchildren Kody, 14; Emily, 10; Jillian, 9; and Zoe, 8 all pitching in to help. And they all have a unique niche in the operation.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    FARM GIRLS — Sisters Jillian, Emily and Zoe Dill tend to the beef cattle on their family farm in Dexter.

    Kody, the “motorhead” of the family, likes to tinker with anything mechanical, Jerry said. Emily is nicknamed the “barn boss,” since she helps with everything from feeding the animals to pitching hay. Jillian takes care of the chickens and anything else that needs attention. And Zoe, who has special needs, likes “muscle work,” according to her mother. “She loves animals, and gets rid of some of her excess energy with the barn chores,” Dill said.
    The Moores got involved with the Grange through a dinner invitation from Graham Nuite several years ago. “We went to their supper, and realized that the Grange was very much of a part of who we are and what we believe in,” Jerry said. “All proceeds from their fundraisers go to worthy causes. But they’re very quiet about what they do.”
    Grangers also help each other. When the Moores’ 1950s-era barn was nearly collapsing, South Sangerville Grange Master Blaine Nuite was instrumental in helping them get a new roof installed and the building shored up, Jerry recalled. “I can’t praise that man enough for what he’s done,” he added.
    Like most other farms in Maine, Moor-Gans struggles at times. They have seven Morgan horses now – one stallion and six mares – three beef steers and several chickens, so there are plenty of fixed expenses. “We didn’t even breed (Morgans) for a couple of years,” Jerry said. “In addition to feed, insurance, fuel and other things, you have marketing expenses. You can’t sell a horse unless you show it to a prospective buyer,” he added. “Frankly, if it hadn’t been for our daughter and grandkids, we wouldn’t make it.”
    Naturally, the Moores are grateful for their recognition by the Maine State Grange, although – like most Grangers – they don’t seek the spotlight. “Farming teaches family values and lets everyone reach their potential,” Jerry said.
    Also, Cathy added, “This farm pulled our family back together.”