Homesteading in Maine. Doesn’t it just sound right?

I had the utmost privilege of chatting with a local homesteader located in Southern Maine. I knew a fair amount of what homesteading entailed, but I was able to learn on a deeper level on how homesteading impacts communities on a wider scale. 

Harper’s Homestead at Dirigo Ranch was just a mere idea years ago. The two owners met in college, and one night, they were having a conversation about their future. “We both realized we were on the same page: to live a natural lifestyle and be able to raise our food. My husband has always been a gardener and hunter, so he has been used to this type of living before. I fell in love with having a sustainable lifestyle, and it became the beginning of everything.” Years later that dream came true! They just received their permit from Maine to sell their beef to the public, which was a big step for them as a business. They are also beginning to sell to local delis and (potentially) a butcher shop in southern Maine. By having that B2B relationship with local businesses, they will be able to get more recognition of their homestead all over southern Maine! 

I had asked Morgan if she had any second thoughts on opening her homestead. “For sure, and I still do sometimes. It’s not easy, and there’s a lot of work to keep up with: hay, manure, gardening, and taking care of the animals while also taking care of our family and having a full-time job. There are hard days, but at the end of the day, we know that it is worth it.” And by the sound of her voice, I could tell that homesteading isn’t just a job, but it’s a lifestyle, and a lifestyle that she loves living. Although it can be challenging at times, she is able to find ways to unwind and de-stress. She finds that being around her horses is therapeutic, even if she is only around them for a few minutes at a time. She frequently practices yoga as that helps her physical body unwind. Speaking of yoga, she also hosts community yoga nights at the farm for all community members to join. It has had a great turnout every time. She hopes to be hosting another one in the near future! Lastly, she has other ways to help her de-stress during the work week and weekend:“... a good cup of coffee and a glass of wine never hurts either.” Amen to that!

Over the years she has had to overcome obstacles, some more difficult than others. Taking care of the animals is the easy part, she believes. What can be challenging is the maintenance of the grounds and farm, upkeep with the space and equipment in general. “We like doing things right, so sometimes that may take extra time. It can also be expensive to run a homestead, and as every business owner has experienced, money can cause hurdles at times.” But in the end, all of this hard work is worth it for her and her family. 

In addition to hosting community yoga events, they are also looking into having a 4 H program for youth in the community. The goal in this program is to teach youth about livestock and homesteading. I also learned that their cows eat the leftover grain from a local Brewery, Corner Point Brewery. Even the cows eat local!

While perusing through their website, I saw a section titled “Cattle and coffee!” Coffee is a major part of my life and identity, so I was immediately intrigued. Come to find out, this is the name of their new YouTube channel! They will be documenting their life at the homestead, and that way viewers can learn more about the homesteading lifestyle. I also want to mention that they have their own coffee blend that is out now; it is called Cowboy Up! Click here to learn more about how to buy their coffee!

After a charming conversation with Morgan, I asked her what her mantra is, and how she incorporates it into her homestead. “Don’t be afraid to dive in! It’s hard to bite the bullet and take on a project that is intimidating, but you have to power through and have a can-do attitude.”

To learn more about Harper’s Homestead at Dirigo Ranch visit their website or check out their FaceBook page!

https://www.harperhomestead.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DirigoRanch/