Daniel Mays Talks About Scarborough’s Frith Farm

(Frith is an English word meaning sanctuary.) He introduced his friend, Sarah whom he just met this year and has been involved with the14 acre farm for 2 months. Feeling burned-out, they both sought refuge in farming after working in their respective technical fields. Dan stated that he wished to use both his hand and mind. In some respects the farm is a work in process of the best practices in organic farming. http://www.frithfarm.net/home.html says it best:

“Our Mission is to build soil, biodiversity, and community through the growing of wholesome food. Toward this end, we base our practices on the following principles:

Biomimicry – farm practices are modeled after the cyclic and resilient examples set by nature

Chemical-Free – synthetic fertilizers and chemicals are strictly avoided in favor of biological and cultural methods

Community – all sales are local, and customers are encouraged to visit the farm to see how their food is grown

Organic Matter – carbon is cherished as the foundation of healthy soil

Respect – farm animals are treated humanely and encouraged to exhibit their species’ natural character

Transparency  – openness and honesty surround all farming practices, and visitors are welcome on the farm at any time

Quality – freshness, taste, and nutrition are our top priorities and are not compromised in the name of volume or profit”

Their produce is sold both in Scarborough and the Portland Farmer’s Market (Monument Square Wednesdays).

Sarah stated that they have 260 laying hens with another 200 on the way. They are allowed to freely graze in a different pasture each day. The pigs are moved once a week followed by the chickens. Their sheep freely roam. They are not fed grain, but eat grass resulting in being ready for the butcher in 10 months.  They have 100 heavy breasted Turkeys (14 – 20 lbs.) that are moved every 5 days. They are seeking additional pasture land.

They operate on a seasonal basis keeping only their breeders through the winter.