Gregg and I have purchased a second farm, and like Nezinscot comes with family and native history. Also, like Nezinscot it was originally owned by Gregg’s grandfather G.W. Varney, who then sold to his son, Paul Varney who then sold to his herdsman Adrian Wadsworth who then sold to Maine Farmland Trust. We are calling it The North Farm as it is north of Nezinscot and makes for ease of identifying where we are at any given time.
Three generations later and thirty years into farming, we are back buying a farm with the same goals and objectives of making something from scratch. Many questioning our sanity; seeing all of the work that needs to be done in order to bring it back to life; the buildings alone needing a great deal of repair in order to be in functional use.
Many, however, are not aware of the extensive goals and objectives list that both Gregg and I have as we continue to be leaders in an industry that, on a weekly basis, gives us twists and turns on a road less traveled whilst opening and closing doors that will allow for new ideas to be formed and considered in order for us to be able to continue what we are doing with the resources provided.
This week, we began work on what will become the farm’s new sheep barn. Giving us the needed space for growth in our expanding wool business.
The barn is not only large enough for the expansive growth of sheep numbers but has the proper space available for shearing and wool storage prior to shipping. One of the goals for the sheep barn at The North Farm is to create a communal area that other fiber producers can bring their animals to for an annual or bi-annual shearing days. Allowing for less travel time for the limited shearers available while opening the doors to the community to learn the actual process of shearing and sorting of wool for fiber.
Stay tuned, for picture updates of the progression and transitions that will take place at the North Farm as well as at Nezinscot.
