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Following her interest in rare breeds, Dawn also has French Dewlap Tou-
louse geese, Emery Penciled Runner ducks and a variety of heritage-breed
chickens for organic eggs; meat chickens will be added this year.

Dawn learns a lot from fellow farmers. She does 95 percent of the needed
veterinary care; “my husband manages the rams due to temperament and
strength.” She added that they are far enough from large-animal veterina-
rians that waiting for one might mean it’s too late. This interest began early
in her life; she recalls watching “All Creatures Great and Small” on PBS
as a child. When one of their rams got “terribly sick” and hadn’t eaten for
four days, she remembered an episode in which the vets gave stout to a
sick ram. They tried it, “and he was up in an hour. Now he gets one a
month.” Her worst challenge was a birth where the lamb’s leg was behind
its head. “You have to be brave and stick your hand in places you never
thought you’d stick it,” she said. “It was very scary and I didn’t think
either (ewe or lamb) would make it,” but she was able to reach into the
birth canal and reposition the lamb successfully.

Along with the sheep came an interest in spinning. Babydolls’ wool has
great loft with a high micron count like cashmere. The farm sells mill-spun
yarns, hand-dyed and spun wool, roving and raw fleece.

With a state-licensed kitchen, they produce jams, jellies, and pickles. Soaps
are a side business. They also have blueberry fields and are working with
the Natural Resources Conservation Service to establish a high-tunnel
greenhouse which will extend the growing season for tomatoes and greens.
Deliciously soft farm blend yarn, – Down East Maine “We just keep growing,” she said. “Truly the goal of the farm is preserva-
grown wool tion of the heritage breeds while creating a permaculture model where all
facets contribute in a positive and beneficial way to the environment and
reducing our carbon footprint in the process.

Soap and wool products are available through Dawn’s Etsy shop, Columbia
Falls and Machias River general stores, and Port O’ Call in Bucksport. To
limit contamination, the farm is not open to drop-in guests, but visits can be
arranged in advance. For more information, visit
www.facebook.com/StarboardFarmLLC, www.etsy.com/shop/StarboardFarm,
or email boldcoastme@gmail.com.

Owner/operator pictured with one of her prize ewes

Spinning wool outside in the summer
Oona grazing with Orla her new lamb

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