Peacemeal Farm

Peacemeal Farm is nestled in the Dixmont hills along the east branch of Martin Stream.  The farm was started in the 1970s by back-to-the-landers and was one of the first farms to be certified organic by MOFGA.  We started farming here in the early 2000s.  The farmhouse and farm buildings sit on a hillside with a view of the fields, stream and surrounding mountains. We have 120 acres of fields, forest and marshland. Dixmont is a rural community where farming, forestry and wildlife define the landscape.  We are a 30 minute drive from Belfast and Bangor and a 20 minute drive from Unity.

Squash fields with a greenhouse in the distance.

May to end of November. We can sometimes accommodate students who only have summers off, with a minimum stay of 3 months.

Peacemeal Farm is nestled in the Dixmont hills along the east branch of Martin Stream. The farmhouse and farm buildings sit on a hillside with a view of the fields, stream and surrounding mountains. There are 120 acres of fields, forest and marshland. Dixmont is a rural community where farming, forestry and wildlife define the landscape. We are a 30 minute drive from Belfast and Bangor and a 20 minute drive from Unity.

We grow a huge variety of MOFGA certified organic vegetables on approximately 10 acres. Field preparation, planting, weeding and harvesting is done with a combination of tractors and by hand. We have a heated greenhouse for starting seedlings and three hoop houses for extending the growing season. The majority of produce is sold at farmers’ markets in Belfast, Bangor and Orono, and at our weekly farmstand.

The season begins in the spring with greenhouse work. Apprentices will learn seed starting techniques and how to grow seedlings on to be transplanted in the field. This time of year we also work in the hoop houses preparing and planting beds for early crops. In summer, the vast majority of our time is spent in the field. We start with transplanting seedlings, followed by lots of weeding and harvesting. Apprentices will learn how to use a variety of hand tools to effectively control weeds, along with pulling weeds by hand. Once harvest season is in full swing, we are picking almost every morning. In the fall, we continue with our weekly harvests for market in the field and hoop houses, along with bringing in all the various crops for storage and managing the hoophouses for late greens. The full farmers’ market schedule continues until Thanksgiving.  Apprentices will also have the opportunity to work at farmers markets.

  • A strong work ethic
  • Dependability
  • Physical and mental endurance for working long hours in all types of weather
  • Ability to maintain an efficient work flow for extended periods
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to work with a group or alone
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude under stressful conditions
  • Good communication skills with the farm crew
  • The burning desire to live an all encompassing vegetable driven existence

40 to 50 hours per week depending on the weather, time of year and weekly market schedule. Monday through Friday, with the potential to work at weekend farmers’ markets. Vegetable farming can be physically and mentally challenging, as well as hard on the body. Apprentices can expect heavy lifting, working on their knees, repetitive hand movements, working in the rain, heat, cold and alongside black flies and mosquitoes.

This is a very hands on learning experience. We explain why and how each job is completed and work along with apprentices to make sure they understand. There is always time for questions, further instruction and discussions on topics of interest. Many projects are accomplished as a group which provides opportunity to talk with returning workers who are also knowledgable in many areas. Skills and techniques are mastered throughout the season by performing tasks with focus and intention.

We work with apprentices to make sure they understand the task at hand. There will be times when apprentices will take the knowledge they have learned to perform these tasks independently, with another apprentice or with the entire crew on a group project.

Starting pay $15/hour, plus a one hour paid lunch break and lots of free veggies.

Yes, on farm. 

We may have on farm housing available this year in two rustic cabins.

Yes, a visit is important to make sure the farm is a good fit and checking in after a few weeks is always a good idea.

We do not have a manual, but we do continually provide feedback to apprentices since many tasks change and evolve as the season progresses. The success of our farm depends on consistent communication among the entire crew. We encourage communication and address any issues as they arise.

Mark has a degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Maine and started farming at Peacemeal in 2000. Marcia has a degree in Engineering from the University of Maryland and moved to the farm in 2002. Prior to becoming full time farmers here, we both apprenticed on several other organic vegetable farms in Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maryland. We have two teenagers and two dogs. Our goal is to provide our family, friends and local communities with fresh organic veggies and a good place to work.

Education and Relationship Building – See above under “Explain how you provide instruction, training and feedback to apprentices.”

Equity and Inclusivity – We believe every person should be empowered to grow their own food and have the opportunity to become farmers. We welcome diversity to our corner of Maine.

Environmental Sustainability – Peacemeal Farm has been certified organic for over 40 years. We are continually looking for ways to improve the environmental sustainability of the farm.

Safe and Fair – Our goal is to pay workers a living wage for our area plus overflow veggies from the farm. We follow labor laws and if anyone feels physically or emotionally unsafe, they are most certainly encouraged to discuss with us so we can resolve the issue.

Lucia Smitherman | former apprentice |[email protected] 

Allie Delgado| former apprentice | [email protected]

Benji Lynch| former farm manager |[email protected]

Peacemeal Farm

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