THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE
Autumn in Maine
TONS OF FUN & FESTIVE
FIND A LOCAL ORCHARD, TOUR A WINERY, TASTE MAINE CHEESES AND LEARN ABOUT MAINE FIBER PRODUCTS
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKIN SHEEP FARM
Celebrating the Bounty of Maine's Fall Harvest
Asthe days grow shorter and the crisp air signals the arrival of fall, I'm reminded of the tireless efforts of Maine's farmers, who continue to provide us with the highest quality products. It's been a busy year, and our farmers have grown and harvested with dedication and demonstrated the ingenuity and community spirit that make Maine's agricultural sector so special. One of the real strengths of Maine's farming community is how farmers connect, sharing knowledge and resources to sustain their businesses.
Coincidentally, our Agriculture Resource Development team recently started reminding the farming community of the upcoming annual Agricultural Trades Show at the Augusta Civic Center, which will take place between January 14-16. The show offers machinery, supplies, services, and educational opportunities for the agricultural and farming industry. With vendor booths, live demos, and networking opportunities, this show looks toward the future of Maine farms, agriculture, and rural enterprise. Visit www.maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow for details.
This fall, you'll see farmers hard at work, whether planting cover crops to prepare for the dormant months ahead or utilizing season extension tools, such as low tunnels, hoops, greenhouses, and row covers, that allow us to enjoy fresh produce for longer periods. Many farmers will also play a role in connecting Maine's young people to agriculture through local food programs in our schools.
Autumn in Maine is a time of fairs and festivals to celebrate the season and the hardworking people who make it possible. As we close out another successful fair season, we look forward to how Maine farm products grace our tables during celebrations and as gifts for family and friends.
With the season of bounty, gatherings, and gratitude upon us, I'd like to share a special recipe and encourage all of you to do the same. Send your favorite recipes featuring Maine farm ingredients to dacfrealmaine@maine.gov. Our Real Maine farm ingredients blog posts at www.realmaine.com may feature your recipes.
This fall let's unite to celebrate and support the hardworking farmers who keep our tables full and our communities vibrant. Here are ten ideas to support Maine agriculture and rural enterprise this fall and always!
1. Visit a Local Farmers' Market: Experience the freshness of Maine's fall harvest by shopping at local farmers' markets. You'll find everything from apples to pumpkins and fresh greens.
2. Explore Maine Farm Stands and Farmers' Markets: Take a scenic drive to one of Maine's many farm stands and farmers' markets. It's a great way to support local farmers and enjoy the season's bounty directly.
3. Participate in a Fall Agricultural Fair: Although the fair season is winding down, a few events remain. Enjoy the festivities while supporting Maine's agricultural community.
4. Share a Maine-Inspired Recipe: Send your favorite recipes featuring Maine-grown ingredients to dacfrealmaine@ maine.gov. Your culinary creativity could inspire others to enjoy Maine's harvest.
5. Support Maine's School Nutrition Programs: Advocate for and participate in supporting local school food programs that serve Maine-grown ingredients.
6. Visit a Maine Orchard: Fall is apple season in Maine. Spend a day picking apples at a local orchard and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
7. Celebrate with a Farm-to-Table Feast: Host a meal featuring all local ingredients. Not only will it taste amazing, but you’ll also support Maine farmers.
8. Attend a Farm-Based Workshop or Event: Many farms offer workshops or events, such as cooking classes, cidermaking demonstrations, or farm tours. It's a great way to learn new skills and support rural enterprises.
9. Buy Local for the Holidays: Consider purchasing gifts from local farms, whether a jar of honey, a bag of apples, or a handcrafted item. Maine-made products make thoughtful, unique gifts.
10. Get Involved with Agricultural Organizations: Join or support organizations that promote Maine agriculture, which play a vital role in sustaining Maine's farming community.
Amanda Beal, Commissioner Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Fall Fruit Galette
Yield: 8 to 10 Servings
Ingredients
• 1 pie crust dough (my favorite recipe can be found on the Smitten Kitchen website — see “All Butter, Really Flaky Pie Dough”)
For The Filling
Makes approximately 3 cups
• 4 Tbsp fruit preserves
• 3 pears, peeled and sliced
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup berries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
Directions
Combine fruits. Then, stir flour and sugar together and gently toss with fruit.
Form The Galette
Roll the dough into an 11-inch disc. Spoon preserves and spread them onto the dough, then pile the fruit filling in the middle, leaving about 1 ½-2 inches of space between the fruit and the edge of the dough. Fold the edges of the tart over onto the edge of the fruit all the way around.
Slide the galette onto a baking stone or baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees until the edges are light brown and the fruit juices are bubbling. Serve this tart warm or slightly cooled.
NOTE: Savory galettes can also be made with endless combinations of roasted vegetables, herbs, and cheese.
Corinna Farm’s Corn “Maize” Pays Tribute to Peanuts’ 75th Anniversary
Real Maine member Thunder Road Farm in Corinna, like many other farms this season, will offer the public a chance to navigate its corn “maize.”
Fans of the Peanuts comic strip will be happy to know that Thunder Road Farm is one of more than 75 farms in 35 states and provinces in North America selected by Peanuts Worldwide, in collaboration with corn maze consulting company The MAiZE Inc., to create a special Peanuts-themed 75th-anniversary maze.
“We’re thrilled to work with Peanuts Worldwide and The MAiZE to bring Schulz’ characters to life in our corn ‘maize,’” said Barbara Peavey, owner of Thunder Road Farm. "Visitors will love interacting with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock in a hands-on way they may never have experienced before. We're honored to help celebrate the 75th-anniversary events commemorating Charles Schulz and Peanuts."
On October 2, 1950, Peanuts made its debut in just seven U.S. newspapers. In the 75 years since, the Peanuts gang has made an indelible mark on popular culture through shows and specials, thousands of consumer products, amusement park attractions, events, social media, comic strips available in all formats, shows and live experiences,
collaborations, and retail programs around the world.
Thunder Road Farm is a 35-acre, third-generation, family-owned, and family-operated farm that has been opening its six-acre corn “maize” in autumn to the public for 20 years. The farmers are proud to say that Thunder Road Farm is the oldest running customer-based business in the town of Corinna.
The opening date for the Peanuts 75th anniversarythemed corn “maize” at Thunder Hill Farm is September 14, and those who’d like a chance to visit can do so until
November 3. The “maize” will be open on weekends only from 10 am to 6 pm.
Be sure to go to www.RealMaine.com to search for other corn mazes to visit throughout the state.
Real Maine is the state’s official agriculture and agritourism promotions program. From apple cider donuts to pumpkin patches to fresh cranberries, plan your agricultural experience with Real Maine. Visit www.RealMaine.com to connect to farms, food, and agriculture throughout Maine.
A Checklist of Autumn Activities to Celebrate Maine Agriculture
Tours, open houses, and ideas to make the most of agricultural happenings this September, October, and November.
SHOP THE SEASON wherever you find Maine products. Need suggestions for seasonal ingredients? Find ideas: RealMaine.com/whats-in-season.
SEE THE SCENERY. Farms across the state are preparing for the winter season. You may see people or machinery ‘chasing daylight’ to complete harvests of fruits and vegetables and food for farm animals or tending to their cover crops for healthy soil practices.
TASTE THE MAINE FLAVORS. Find local farm products as you meet the farmers and makers. There are many events, fairs and festivals happening this autumn.
MAINE APPLE SUNDAY is Sept. 15, 2024. Orchards across the state invite visitors to learn about Maine apples. Read more: maineapples.org/events.
EXPLORE MAINE CRAFT BEVERAGES including ciders and wine by exploring the Maine Wine Trail! Use the interactive map to guide your exploration of member wineries! Read more: mainewinetrail.com/trail-map.
EXPLORE THE FIBER TOUR & TRAIL. The first two weekends of October are special times to explore Real Maine’s Fiber Tour & Trail! Get cozy and meet farmers, makers, and artisans displaying farm-raised fiber products. Learn more at www.realmaine.com/itinerary.
16TH ANNUAL OPEN CREAMERY DAY is Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine. Discover Maine cheese and the creameries that craft this delicious local food. Read more: mainecheeseguild.org.
MAINE MAPLE FALL FEST is Oct. 12-13. See the sugarbush and its vibrant colors and enjoy pure maple syrup during Maine Maple Fall Fest. Read more: mainemapleproducers.com/events.
MAINE HARVEST FESTIVAL is coming Nov. 23-24. Shop for yourself or find a gift that’s uniquely Maine. Read more: maineharvestfestival.com.
Celebrate Maine Farms and Products with a Real Maine Roadtrip!
t’s easy to search for farm products and experiences across Maine. Simply visit realmaine.com where you can search farms and more — or create a roadtrip of farms and businesses to explore. You can even share your itinerary with friends and family or on social media. And, if you’d like, you can print your customized trip plan to carry with you during your travels. Happy exploring!
1. Visit RealMaine.com/itinerary
2. Select “View All Members” button to locate dozens of Real Maine members.
3. Narrow your choices – use any of these methods for easy filtering:
• Type keyword(s) or location in search fields. Optional: Select a distance. Click “Use My Location” for real-time location settings (requires location access on your browser or device).
• Click an icon for a pre-filtered assortment of business categories.
• Use the checkboxes to “Refine Your Search” by Activity (for example, PYO), Farm Products (for example, Fruit), Ways to Buy (for example, Retail, Farm Stand), etc. Locate “Refine Your Search” on the left side of a computer screen on a PC or the bottom of a mobile device screen.
4. Add a stop to your trip by clicking the add to my trip button on the member profile.
5. Click “View your trip” to see your curated list. You can adjust your list as desired.
6. Optional: Share with others, save or print.
Planning a day of sites?
You can add them to a trip itinerary and save, print or share it with others! It’s easy...
GOOD KARMA YARN AND SOAP
158 MAIN ST, BRIDGTON
ROCKIN’SHEEP FARM
64 RECORD RD, LIVERMORE FALLS
NEZINSCOT FARM
284 TURNER CENTER RD, TURNER
NORTHERN SOLSTICE
ALPACA FARM — MAINE ALPACA EXPERIENCE
40 HORSCENTS LANE, WALDOBORO Refine
141 CROSBY BROOK RD, UNITY
DEAD STREAM ALPACA FARM 67 WINTHROP RD, READFIELD
SEACOLORS YARNERY AT MEADOWCROFT FARM 45 HOPKINS RD, WASHINGTON
GALLIFREYAN FARM 133 CODFISH RIDGE RD, LINNEUS
HILLTOP HANDSPUN 16 LUCY LANE, LOVELL
ELF-PACA MEADOWS LLC
45 LIBBY ROAD, WEST NEWFIELD
SILLANPAA FAMILY FARM
740 ANSON VALLEY RD, NEW VINEYARD
CAPE NEWAGEN ALPACA FARM
1020 HENDRICKS HILL RD, SOUTHPORT
TLC FIBER FARM
Visit an Orchard for Maine Apple Sunday
Mark Your Calendar for September 15, 2024
The Maine State Pomological Society will hold the 24th annual Maine Apple Sunday on September 15, 2024 with participating orchards around the state. Maine Apple Sunday starts the peak of the apple harvest when summer apples are still available, but the main crop is ready for its first pick. Apple orchards from Wells to Caribou will celebrate by offering special activities at their orchards. For a list of additional orchards and more details go to MaineApples.org.
Check out these activities happening on Maine Apple Sunday!
Bailey’s Orchard in Whitefield will have apples available to buy in our barn and apples for you to pick in our orchard. We will be giving out free apple squares and have several apple prize drawings on both Saturday and Sunday. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
Boothby’s Orchard and Farm in Livermore. At the farm and orchard at 366 Boothby Road, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. we will be offering free wagon rides (weather permitting) to the pondside orchard, $5 wine tastings in the orchard, cheese and cider samples while they last, and easy, accessible apple picking! Meet the cows, walk the vineyard and enjoy the day with us.
Bracketts Orchards in Limington is Maine’s oldest family-owned apple orchard dedicated to providing an authentic family apple picking experience. We’ll be offering free balloons & face painting on both Saturday & Sunday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at our scenic pick-your-own location. These activities are in addition to our farm trains, air-powered apple cannons, apple slingshots, cider donuts, pumpkin patch, and wood-fired pizza. We hope to see you there!
Hansel’s Orchard in North Yarmouth will celebrate Maine Apple Sunday with samples of some of our favorite recipes and a raffle for a peck of pick-your-own apples.
Hazel Hill Orchard in Turner will be open for picking. We will be offering special pricing and drawings to win products and your very own apple tree (Tag-A Tree)! Our hours will be 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Kents Hill Orchard in Kents Hill will be celebrating Maine Apple Sunday with pick your own Macs and Honeycrisp apples and The Appleshed Bakery will be providing their famous apple cider donuts and lots of new types of pastries, pies, etc. Come enjoy the views of the western mountains. On Saturday, Sept. 14, we will be hosting the 3rd annual KHO Car Show (rain date on Sunday, Sept. 15) to complete the whole weekend festivities.
Continued on page 8
Bailey’s Orchard
255 North Hunts Meadow Rd., Whitefield www.maineapples.org/baileys-orchard
Berry Fruit Farm
375 Goding Road, Livermore www.berryfruitfarm.com
Boothby’s Orchard and Farm
366 Boothby Rd., Livermore www.boothbysorchard.com
Brackett Orchards
228 Sokokis Ave., Limington www.brackettorchard.com
Cayford Orchards
121 Hilton Hill Rd., Skowhegan www.cayfordorchards.com
Chick’s Apple and Berry Farm
58 Waugan Road, Monmouth www.chicksappleberry.com
Cooper Farms
27 Bethel Rd., West Paris facebook.com/cooper-farms-stand
Doles Orchard
187 Doles Ridge Road, Limington www.dolesorchard.com
Elwell Organic Orchard
50 Elwell Rd., Monroe maineapples.org/elwell-farms
Five Fields Farm
720 So. Bridgton Rd., Bridgton www.fivefieldsski.com
Gile’s Family Farm
139 Waterboro Rd, Alfred facebook.com/gilesfamilyfarm
Greenwood Orchards
129 E. Hebron Rd., Turner facebook/greenwoodorchards
Hansel’s Orchard
44 Sweetser Rd., North Yarmouth www.hanselsorchard.com
Hardy Farms Orchard
16 Beverage Road, Hope www.hardyfarms.com
Hazel Hill Orchard
59 S Livermore Road, Turner www.hazelhillorchard.com
Hope Orchards
434 Camden Rd., Hope www.hopeorchard.com
Kelly Orchards
82 Sanborn Rd, Acton www.kellyorchards.com
Kent’s Hill Orchard
905 Sandy River Road, Mount Vernon www.kentshillorchard.com
Continued on page 8
The Perfect Time to Visit a Maine Orchard
What a difference a year makes. It started raining last Spring and never really stopped (except for a brief stretch in May that included a hard freeze which decimated some crops). Tomatoes didn’t arrive at farmer markets on time and were sad, misshapen and watery-tasting when they did hit the stands.
So far, this year has been (mostly) gloriously average. Orchardists have had fire-blight scares and some have over-thinned canopies. But mostly, it’s been a season with only the usual worries. Will the pollinators get the weather window needed, is it too early to do a thinning spray, did that heavy rainfall knock off too many blossoms? And so on.
Agricultural news is too often dire. Yes, the world is upside down. The people who feed everyone else should be the wealthiest, instead most have off-farm jobs. Farmers are aging out with too few replacements stepping in and Maine loses more farms every year.
And still, there is hope. Maine tree fruit growers continue to adapt to changing markets. The State has a vibrant local food scene, led by Portland restaurants and felt as far away as The County. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Pomological Society, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA), and others provide support to farmers by way of education, research and providing a voice to legislators.
We no longer send ships laden with apples across the pond. It’s hard for us to compete with growers from the West Coast who don’t deal with pest pressures found in this environment.
Some of the larger orchards have wholesale accounts with grocery chains that operate in the State. But even they shift more of their business to experiential activities like tasting rooms or pick-your-own. Many of us added commercial kitchens, not only as a way to use fruit that doesn’t look perfect in baked goods but as a way to increase the amount of the year when the farm can receive income. (Most full-time workers get paid all year long. Very few farmers do.)
We recognize that you could buy apples grown in China or Chile. Every time you make the choice to support local farmers, you make Maine a better place to be. Small farms have always been part of Maine’s history. These family-run farms and orchards contribute to the small towns that make up Maine. It goes way beyond how locally grown foods are better for us and taste better, both true.
Orchards dotting the hillsides contribute to the local economy in myriad ways. They are part of what tourists love about Maine. People come to the State every fall to pick apples and marvel at the way Mother Nature paints tree leaves. The money they bring helps all of us. And because orchards in this State mostly sell products here, that money also stays in the local economy, benefiting even the Mainers who don’t go to their local orchards.
Tree fruit growers provide jobs. Often these are kids, employed for the first time. Whether they return the next season or not, they leave with a solid foundation. People who work at orchards usually wear many hats. They do physical labor in all types of weather, learn how to notice small changes in the plant world and provide some of the best customer service in dynamic environments while interacting with people from many different cultures.
84 farms produce about one million bushels of apples each year in Maine on 2,000 acres
Two apple varieties, Black Oxford and Brock, originated in Maine
So get yourself to an orchard. Some will let you pick your own apples, most will let you walk the property, and all will be glad to see you.
Check out these activities happening on Maine Apple Sunday!
Continued from page 6
Libby & Son U-Picks in Limerick will have a surprise gift in the first (50) ½ bushel apple bags purchased! There will also be Balloon Characters, Live Music and more!
At McDougal Orchards in Sanford you can join us to pick your own apples and raspberries, go on a wagon ride around the orchard, enjoy a bucket-full of hot cider donuts, and explore Fairy Village. We will be donating 10% of all u-pick apple sales from Maine Apple Sunday to the Sanford Backpack Program. This program sends local kids in need home for the weekend with a “backpack full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to ensure they can maintain a balanced diet and return to school on Monday ready to focus on learning.” Join us on Maine Apple Sunday to enjoy a day at the orchard while helping us give back to the community that has supported our family farm for generations! For more information, visit sanfordstrong.org/programs/sanfordbackpackprogram.
Morrison Hill Orchard in Farmington will have PYO apples, orchard tours, games, scavenger hunt, apple sling, cider making demo, wood-fired pizza, fresh & hard cider apple cider donuts on both Saturday and Sunday and live music on Saturday.
Mullis Orchards in Corinna will be participating in Maine Apple Sunday this year. We will have PYO at the orchard on Shaker Road, plus a drawing for 2 fabulous apple gift baskets, plus special door prizes for each customer who stops by — all at the retail stand at 270 Dexter Road. We hope to see all former and new customers drop by for fun and special surprises
North Star Orchards in Madison. A family farm for family fun! Pick your own apples and enjoy spectacular views of the western Maine mountains from our picnic area. Visit our restored 1800’s farmhouse and shop for freshly-picked apples and a unique variety of specialty foods and home accessories. On Maine Apple Sunday, sample our own apple topping on ice cream. We look forward to seeing you!
Ricker Hill in Turner will have U Pick apples and farm activities, corn maze, bounce houses, plus a craft fair, Shut Up and Eat It food truck, and from 12-1 p.m. Jason Tardy kids show on both Saturday and Sunday. Mr Drew will be here Sunday, Sept. 15 at noon.
Romac Orchards in Acton will have PYO apples, corn maze, disc golf, and free hay rides.
Spiller Farm in Wells will do the Maine Apple Weekend with wagon rides in the afternoons to see our corn, pumpkin, and potato crops. Our cows, calves, and bull will be a special stop on the wagon ride. Farmer Bill will talk about the cows and be glad to take any questions about our farm. The ride usually takes 30-40 minutes.
We have many varieties of U PICK Apples, peaches, plums, fall raspberries, veggies and flowers too. Four parking lots (80 vehicles in all) are after you drive onto Spiller Farm Lane. NOT at Spillers’ Farm Store. Thank you. We should have goats and a cow and calf to see at our FREE covered bridge picnic/play area with a retired farm tractor, our corn stalk teepee, and a sand pile all for kids. Please check www.spillerfarm.com for more information on the day you are coming. We hope you will enjoy our farm.
Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards in Cumberland will be open our regular hours, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. We will offer Apple Crisp sampling all day long with our famous “Connie’s Apple Crisp Recipe.”
The Apple Farm in Fairfield will have wagon rides, apple picking, and fiddle music.
Vista of Maine in Auburn will be open Maine Apple Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. We will be giving away one of our Mac carbonated ciders with every $20 purchase. Our tasting room will have farm fresh cider donuts and hard cider tasting. Orchards will be open for you pick.
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Lemieux’s Orchard LLC
210 Priest Hill Rd., Vassalboro facebook/LemieuxOrchard
Libby & Sons U-Picks
86 Sawyer Mountain Rd, Limerick www.libbysonupicks.com
McDougal Orchards LLC
201 Hanson Ridge Rd., Springvale www.mcdougalorchards.com
McElwain’s Strawberry Farm
711 Sweden St., Caribou www.mcelwainstrawberryfarm.com
Morrison Hill Orchard
272 Morrison Hill Rd., Farmington www.MorrisonHillorchard.com
MSAD #1 Ed. Farm
79 Blake St, Suite #3, Presque Isle www.sad1.org/school farm
Mullis Orchard
270 Dexter Rd, Corinna facebook/mullis-orchards
North Star Orchards
97 Orchard Rd., Madison www.northstarorchards.me
Orchard Ridge Farm
236 Sebago Lake Rd., Gorham www.orchardridge.farm
Peaked Hill
West Bethel
www.maineapples.org/peaked-hill
It takes about
36 apples to create one gallon of apple cider
Pleasant Pond Orchard
430 Brunswick Road, Richmond www.pleasantpondorchard.com
Randall Orchard Box 145, Standish facebook/randall-orchards
Ricker Hill Orchards
PO Box 202, Turner www.rickerhill.com
Rocky Ridge Orchard
38 Rocky Ridge Lane, Bowdoin www.rockyridgeorchard.com
Romac Orchard
P.O.Box 266, Acton • Facebook/ pick your own at Romac Orchards
Rowe Orchards
39 Palmer Road, Newport www.roweorchards.com
Seamans Farm
1844 Hollowell Rd., Litchfield Facebook.com/SeamansFarm
Snell Family Farm, Inc
1000 River Road, Buxton www.snellfamilyfarm.com
Sparrowhawk Orchard
684 Grover Hill Road, Bethel
Spiller Farm
85 Spiller Farm Lane, Wells www.spillerfarm.com
Stukas Farm
144 Ferry Rd., Lewiston facebook/stukasfarm
Sullivan’s Orchard
356 Puddle Dock Rd., Charleston facebook/sullivans-orchard
Sweetser’s Apple Barrel
15 Blanchard Rd., Cumberland www.maineapple.com
The Apple Farm
104 Back Road, Fairfield www.applefarm.us
RStudents enjoy apples and cider from Turner Orchard
icker Hill Orchards has grown apples in Maine since the 1700s and has been in its current location in Turner since 1803. They sell apples and cider year-round directly to their local school district, SAD 52, and Bates College for special events. Their cider and apples are also sold to K-12 schools through Maine food distributors.
In addition to supplying local fruit and fruit products to students throughout the year, they also host hundreds of school tours of first graders who often remark on the overwhelming number of apples, to high schoolers, who ask detailed questions about their bottling facility.
The orchard has diversified over the years. According to Ricker Hill’s team, they began supplying apples to Hannaford (then known as Hannaford Brothers, a New England produce supplier) in 1928 and their apples are also in Shaw’s. They make carbonated cider and hard cider and host events, including fireworks displays, craft fairs, fall family events, and weddings.
Ricker Hill recently received funds from the Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program. Their project will expand processing capabilities for their operation and for other Maine fruit producers.
To learn more about Maine’s Local Foods Procurement Program and how to increase farm-to-institution sales, contact Brittany Peats, Maine DACF Institutional Market Development Coordinator, at brittany.peats@maine.gov.
The Lion’s Farm
230 Main St., Corinth www.thelionsfarm.com
The Orchards at Chase Farms
1396 North Berwick Road, Wells theorchardatchasefarms.com
Thompson’s Orchards
276 Gloucester Hill Rd., New Gloucester facebook/thompsons-orchard
Treworgy Family Orchard
3876 Union St., Levant www.treworgyorchards.com
Vista of ME Vinyard & Cider
1080 Perkins Ridge Rd, Auburn www.vistaofmaine.weebly.com
Wallingford’s Orchard
1240 Perkins Ridge Rd, Auburn www.Wallingfordorchard.com
Wallingford Farm
240 Depot Road, Lebanon
Willow Pond Farm
395 Middle Rd., Sabattus www.willowpf.com
Apple trees take from 2 to 10 years to produce their first fruit, depending on the variety and whether they are dwarf or fullsized trees
APPLE FACTS FROM THE MAINE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
McIntosh is the most grown apple variety in New England
There are well over 100 varieties of apples currently grown in Maine, but most farms grow 20 to 30 varieties
Recipes to Celebrate the Fall Harvest
Herbed Ricotta & Delicata Squash Flatbread
Recipe by Andrea Paul, RD. in partnership with Maine Dairy & Nutrition Council Serves: 8 (appetizer), 2-4 (meal)
Ingredients
• 2 pre-made rectangular flatbread or 4 oblong naan
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium delicata squash
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• Zest of ½ lemon (apx. 1 tablespoon)
• ½ cup shaved parmesan, loosely packed
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4-6 leaves fresh sage, chopped (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 F. Lay your flatbread on a baking sheet.
Cut the stem off of delicata squash and
slice the squash lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Slice to make semicircles that are approximately 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Lightly brush the top side of flatbread or naan with garlic oil.
Add the cut squash to leftover oil and toss to coat.
Mix ricotta cheese, lemon zest, dried herbs, black pepper, and remaining salt in a bowl. Set aside.
Divide and sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly over each flatbread.
Arrange squash on flatbreads, leaving space between each slice. Spoon ricotta mixture in dollops, between squash slices. Bake on the middle oven rack for 20-25 minutes, until squash is fork-tender.
Turn oven to broil and cook for 2-4 minutes longer. This step browns and cara-
melizes the squash. Keep a close eye to watch that the corners of the flatbread don’t burn!
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped sage (optional). Cool for a few minutes, slice into triangles, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
If you turn the oven to broil, the edges of the flatbread are already well-done, covering the edges with small pieces of tinfoil to keep them from burning.
Alternatively, you could use another kind of winter squash other than delicata. It would just have to be roasted to al-dente before going on the flatbread.
Brussel Sprout Salad
Adapted from twopeasandtheirpod.com
Ingredients
• 1 pound Brussel sprouts, shaved or thinly sliced
• 1 large (or 2 small) Cortland apples, thinly sliced and cut
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup nuts, roasted pecans, walnuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup parmesan or other hard cheese, shaved or shredded
• Salt and pepper
Dressing
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1T fresh lemon juice
• 2 T apple cider vinegar
• 1T maple syrup
• 2t Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
4-H Student Spotlight: Oakley Parks’ Inspiring Story
Meet Oakley Parks and her horse “Champ.” Oakley is the ten-year-old daughter of Barrett Parks and Deena Albert Parks, of Woodland.
To meet her, you wouldn’t know that Oakley faces any challenges. She has an infectious smile, drive, and work ethic that rivals some adults, and a heart as big as her horse.
Oakley was born with Spina bifida. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Spina bifida is a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly.” In April of this year, Oakley had major spinal surgery, as well as having plates and screws removed from her legs. She then contracted a severe infection. That didn’t slow her down.
In August, she exhibited in both the Western and Hunter horse shows at the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle. This just scratches the surface of Oakley’s story.
This is Oakley’s first year being involved in 4-H. She shows sheep and horses, and works with her parents on their farm, where at any given time you might find sheep, goats, horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and rabbits. Her family and friends will tell you that there is nothing that Oakley cannot do.
At the Northern Fair shows, Oakley knew exactly where and when she needed to be, the perfectly orchestrated outfit she needed to wear at that moment, and exactly when she needed to ask for help to get on Champ.
This isn’t the end of Oakley’s story. She is a young lady who strives to make waves in the world. She aspires to be a Paralympian. Oakley is on the hunt for a miniature horse to help others in need by going into nursing homes and other places.
4-H programs in Maine have been in existence for several decades. For more information about 4-H in Maine and to volunteer, go to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H website at extension.umaine.edu/4h.
