AUGUSTA – More than 80 Maine farms will be open to the public on Sunday, July 23, for the 28th annual Open Farm Day.

Open Farm Day is an opportunity for consumers to learn about Maine food producers and for farms to show the public their products. Participating farms are generally open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Maine’s 8,200 farm operations provide wholesome foods, thousands of jobs and over $740 million in farm receipts,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “The recent success of Maine farms, as well as the hard work that produces locally-grown food, can be experienced firsthand.”

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb urged families to visit local farms on Open Farm Day. “Maine farm families have a history of agricultural productivity and provide a rich diversity of agricultural crops not seen on a commercial scale in the rest of New England,” said Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “Our state is notable for the number of farms, new farmers, artisanal cheesemakers and its support for farmers markets and agricultural fairs.”

There are around 8,200 farms in Maine. Open Farm Day is an annual family event that connects consumers with the men and women who help produce their food. Farms throughout Maine will open their gates to offer the public an opportunity to learn about the business of agriculture. Many farms will have demonstrations, displays, animals, crops and farm-raised products for sale.

Activities may include: Barn and field tours, milking, hay rides, nature trails, beautiful scenery, samples for tasting, refreshments and animals to view.

Local farms participating include:

Androscoggin 

• Berry Fruit Farm, 361 Crash Road, Livermore.

• Boothby’s Orchard and Farm Winery, 366 Boothby Road, Livermore.

• Double Z Land and Livestock, 518 Upper St., Turner.

• From the Country Farm, 23 Austin Road, Leeds.

• Nezinscot Farm, 284 Turner Center Road, Turner.

• Roebucks Angus, 783 Upper St., Turner.

Cumberland

• Acker’s Acres Angoras, 359 Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester.

• Carrageen Suri Alpaca Farm, 82 West Gray Road, Gray.

• Mountain View Farm, 681 Maple Ridge Road, Harrison.

• Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village Shaker Society, 707 Shaker Road, New Gloucester.

Franklin

• Black Acres Farm, 123 Black Road, Wilton.

• Morrison Hill Orchard, 272 Morrison Hill Road, Farmington.

Kennebec

• Applewald Farm, 525 Huntington Hill Road, Litchfield.

• Friends’ Folly Farm, 319 Norris Hill Road, Monmouth.

Oxford

• A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm, 106 Black Mountain Road, Sumner.

• Beech Hill Farm & Bison Ranch, 630 Valley Road, Waterford.

• Hidden Brook Farm, 78 Chatham Road, Stow.

• Pietree Orchard, 803 Waterford Road, Sweden.

FMI: tinyurl.com/yd7drreq.

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