Farm ID 1751

The farm is in Gorham Maine, been in my family since 1783.We have always raised hay and beef cattle, used to be many apple trees, they are mostly gone now. The last 10 years have raised hops, we are winding that operation down. Looking for someone to have a farming idea to support local agriculture in this area. What is sustainable for an old farm in Southern Maine?  

George Hamblen bought this farm in 1783 (I have the original deed) and I am the 7th generation to own it. It was declared a Bicentennial farm by the US government as being owned by the same family for over 200 years. One of 3 designated in Cumberland County a number of years ago. When I grew up in Gorham, there were 4,000 people and many dairy farms around. Today there are19,000 people and few farms. My father’s family sold dairy products, strawberries, hay and wood to survive, my grandfather delivered mail by sleigh. Much of my back lot borders Little River which runs into the Presumpscot River. Much of my front property borders Rt 202. There is a housing development across the street and in a far corner of the farm, but my closest neighbor is 1/3 mile away. The farmhouse, barn, shop, tractor storage, hop barn all sit on the topof a slight hill, surrounded by hay fields. I put in 50 taps for syrup eachyear (could easily triple that), kept bees, have a personal garden. I have 4children, one of whom will own the farm eventually, they are not currentlyactive in the farm. I am retired and do my limited farming because I enjoy it.I bale hay each year for sale to local horse owners, helps pay the propertytaxes.  I borrow 3 cows and several goatseach summer to graze, I do enjoy seeing farm animals each day.  We will never sell the farm, however I wouldlike to see it become a real farm again. The location is close to the Portlandmarketplace, yet far enough away to still feel rural.    

 What am I looking for? An idea, some motivated people to make an old farm come alive, grow healthy food and provide an education for those people not lucky enough to grow up on a farm.  My wife and I live on the farm, that will not change.  We need to be able to interact with the new farmers, provide some assistance and enjoy the changes that will occur.

Look forward to hearing back from you.

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