A Good Choice

I spoke with another farm on the phone on Sunday evening, January 11. This is one of the farms that I had contacted through the MOFGA program, which I have alluded to in previous posts. I had listed this farm with some hesitancy, as they mentioned that the farm raises meat birds, something that I still feel some hesitancy about. However, after talking to one of the young farmers on the phone, this farm has climbed to the top of my list of potential farms for the season.

The farm is in Hancock County, and the surrounding area receives what must amount to hordes of visitors every summer (according to the farmer, several million). It raises and sells draft horses, which also provide a significant source of traction for its vegetable fields, the fruits of which are sold to local restaurants and shareholders in the farm's "community supported agriculture" program. If the farm included only those two elements, it would be quite a good opportunity. However, the farmers also raise laying hens, meat chickens, sheep, angora goats, and a family cow, making an apprenticeship there an even better learning opportunity.

I found the farmer that I talked to on the phone friendly, enthusiastic, and very willing to answer questions and provide information. He described himself and his wife as "easy going," and I certainly got that sense from my conversation with him. He did not seem to mind that I had not had any serious horse exposure, and he told me that the only qualities that he and his wife required in an apprentice were a willingness to learn and work.

Thus, I would now list this particular Maine farm as a top choice amongst the seven farms that I am seriously considering. During my conversation with the farmer, I got the sense that I was being offered a position, if I wished to take it, something that I am obviously considering. I will certainly keep this encouraging farmer conversation in mind when I start making decisions. As it is, I feel obligated to wait to make any final decisions until other farms start to make their own decisions in February or later this month. In fact, I still need to call another Maine farm, something that may be on the agenda for tomorrow.