Who's Your Farmer? December, 2009

Who's Your Farmer
Essex County
Colby Farm, Bill & Lisa Colby
P.O. Box 297, Scotland Road
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-465-8868 | www.colbyfarms.com

Founded in 1960 by Bill Colby, a Newburyport native, the Colby Farm and Colby Family are diversified farmers. While father Louis raises poultry and Bruce raises a large herd of Holstein dairy cattle, Lisa and Bill run the haying operation, farm stand, and a regionally renowned piglet yard. Colby Farm is home to approximately 25 sows and 2 boars. Each year 300-400 piglets are born and raised at the Colby Farm, offering a state validated herd, certified disease free, with testing done on an annual basis. Be sure to visit Colby Farm piglets at the Pig Barn each fall at the Topsfield Fair!

Lisa Colby is so well-respected within this farming niche that she was successfully recruited and elected as one of 15 Directors to the National Pork Board. In this capacity, Lisa makes decisions that impact pork production throughout the United States. This year, Lisa’s work on the National Pork Board focused on clearing up public misconceptions and reinvigorate consumer confidence after the outbreak of the H1N1 virus.

Colby Farm’s piglet operation caters to a niche market characteristic of the way New England pig farms operate. Colby Farm nurtures piglets for two months, selling the animals when they reach 40-45lbs. The piglets are purchased by other farmers or consumers who complete the care cycle until the pigs reach six months or the prime weight of 210-250lbs. At that time, they can be processed for consumption. Lisa and Bill Colby favor- black breeds such as Poland Chinas and Berkshires, but do not limit their operation to these breeds. They select a variety of animals based on the strength of the stock, buying breedstock from reputable breeders. Their piglets are bred to assure a stockier, meatier product.

Who's Your Farmer?
Middlesex County
Spring Brook Farm
Frank Matheson
591 Great Road, Littleton, MA 01460
978-486-3249 | www.springbrookfarmcountry.com

For 297 years, Spring Brook Farm has been supplying Middlesex County and the surrounding area with quality, flavorful products at affordable prices. Veggies, berries and cut flowers are always in high demand. The highly diversified farm consists of 440 acres in two parcels, with 80 head of beef cattle, chickens and other livestock, fed directly from several hundred acres of grain grown for use and sale on the farm. Livestock are selected based on their sturdy build and health.

Spring Brook Farm is managed and operated by Frank Matheson, Jr., whose family farm has been in continuous operation since 1713, after the King of England rewarded his farm with a land grant for their service during the French & Indian War.

Frank graduated from the UNH Thompson School in 1976, and has been building his farming credentials and practical experience his entire life. He is a member of Farm Bureau, the Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, and the USDA Committee, FSA.

Frank has long been the “go to farmer” to others who seek out his advice and expertise.

In 2010, Spring Brook Farm will open its first CSA program, based on the concept of “freedom shares”. The CSA program is tentatively scheduled to run June 15 through October 31st. Share holders will receive a coupon book and will have the flexibility to use the coupons to obtain the products they need, in the quantities needed, at the time of production. The Matheson philosophy is to encourage share holders to develop a personal relationship with the farm and farmer. They practice environmentally-friendly, sustainable agriculture and use the latest in Integrated Pest Management methods to minimize environmental impact. The Mathesons understand that the great American tradition of family farms does more than put food on the table, it brings together local families and strengthens the community.