Introducing the People
who Bring Local Foods
& Products to the Co-op
King Hill Farm
Winter is not typically the time to see an abundance of local produce in our Co-op's produce case, but King Hill Farm's turnips, rutabagas, beets, parsnips and carrots continue to nourish all of us through the cold season. The farm is located in Penobscot and was started in the 1970’s by Dennis King and his brother, Ron. Today it is run by Dennis and his wife, Jo Barrett, with the help of seasonal apprentices.
An impressive homestead first and foremost, the 160-acre organic farm includes five types of pasture-raised livestock, a small orchard and vineyard, pasture land, and a woodlot. The farm also produces an enormous array of summer vegetables and root crops, which are stored in its large root cellar and distributed as far as Portland.
This diverse farm strives to create a closed system within itself by recycling farm nutrients into compost and producing its own hay for livestock feed. Since the farm has been in constant operation for so long and has been under the care of this sustainably-minded couple, the soil quality is of the utmost fertility. What is not eaten or canned on site is divided up between the 60 members of the King Hill Farm CSA, or is sold at farmer's markets or through local health food stores and co-ops.
Dennis and Jo also work to educate children by teaching the importance of healthy eating and to show community members where their food comes from. The farm is MOFGA certified and also holds memberships with the Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society and Maine Grass Farmers Network. You can find them on the web at kinghillfarm.com.
