This week, middle and high school students from Piscataquis Community Secondary School’s Homesteader Club and Extended Learning Class experienced an eye-opening visit to Dirigo Farms, a local small farm in Ripley, Maine that generously opened its doors to share the wisdom and skills of Maine agriculture. Students gained a valuable look into the hard work and dedication that goes into running a small farm. The experience allowed them to appreciate how small-scale farms play a key role in preserving traditional agricultural practices in the region.
Autumn and Dan the owners and operators of Dirigo Farms and Dirigo Farms Catering Co., went out of their way to answer questions and offer hands-on experiences as they guided the students through diverse farm tasks, from foraging for wild mushrooms and planting garlic to setting up Hugelkultur beds and exploring the traditional “Three Sisters” method of planting corn, beans, and squash. Students were also thrilled to learn about livestock care, and spending time with the farm’s goats, chickens, and pigs.
The visit was rounded out with a taste of Maine’s homesteading bounty, as students sampled homemade bread and jam, along with unique fermented foods like hot sauce and kimchi. The farm’s dedication to sharing these foods, farming techniques, and knowledge was a highlight, showing the students the range of skills needed for homesteading and self-sufficiency. If you and your family would like to try Dirigo Farms Catering Co. or their produce they can be reached through their Facebook page.
Reflecting on the visit, club members expressed excitement about applying what they learned to their school garden, where they plan to try some of the same planting techniques. The Homesteader Club’s ongoing activities this year are aimed at deepening their understanding of traditional farming and self-sufficiency, with hopes that they, too, can contribute to the preservation of Maine’s agricultural heritage. The field trip was a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with the land and embrace skills that have been part of Maine’s identity for generations.