Maine was once the center of New England grain production. Today, due to infrastructure improvements and collaborative efforts there are emerging opportunities to grow and sell grain throughout the northeast. With an increasing focus on local and organic, burgeoning demand has aligned with artisan bakeries, craft breweries and the local food movement.
The growing of grains in a diversified crop cycle nurtures sustainable land use. Before chemicals were used to kill weeds, cover crops like oats and rye were used to deter weeds on the farm naturally. We believe that grains have a place on the farm- to feed people, animals, and to manage healthy soils so that they can continue to feed us for generations to come.
Outside of commodity pricing and markets, Maine Grains works directly with each of its farmers to create transparent, sustainable, and economically feasible trade relationships. Farmers supplying Maine Grains pledge never to use chemical fertilizers or pesticides on their grain crops. The Maine Grains’ milling facility has organic certification through Maine Organic Farmer and Growers Association.
“The expansion of the regional grain economy has had a very positive impact on our family farming business. Grains have always played a role as a rotation crop on our 4th generation farm but now they are our main focus. We have been producing a variety of grains, pulses, and oilseeds since 2008 all of which are marketed throughout New England. The willingness of the markets to experiment with a variety of grains and other crops has been beneficial from a cropping system standpoint, allowing us as growers, to design and practice diverse rotations that result in quality crops. The resurgence of the New England grain economy has played a pivotal role in allowing us to continue farming our land in Benedicta on a scale that works for our family.” – Jake
For the wider Skowhegan community Maine Grains isn’t just a new employer, it’s an engine of transformation, helping the town take center stage in a statewide grain renaissance. Our mill has created a ripple effect, a zero-waste ecosystem that not only supports bakers and brewers but its by-products are sold to livestock producers and waste is composted. Chaff cleaned from the grains is sold as animal bedding, garden mulch and even as a medium for growing mushrooms. Flour deemed inconsistent in grind or particle size is also sold inexpensively to hunger relief efforts, correctional facilities and schools.
Our farmers are integral to Maine Grains and the local grain community!
