Welcome! We are Larry and Georgene Arbour and we have owned and operated Weskeag Farms since 1984.
In our long search for an existing farm in Maine many years ago, we often drove by and took notice of one particular piece of land. It seemed well suited for our needs but we continued our search for an established farm that was affordable, adaptable and part of the Waldo Tyler Wildlife Management Area. Then on a whim one day, we inquired about “our” piece of land, the one we often drove by, and found out that not only was it part of the Waldo Tyler Wildlife Management Area, but it actually might be up for sale!
With a promise to the land owner that we would farm her childhood home, we began the process of creating a farm from scratch. This, without a doubt, began a labor of love that has lasted twenty-four years. Weskeag Farms, which we named after the Weskeag River that bisects the original farmland, had its beginnings as a sheep farm. As we raised the sheep, we also discovered the love of working the land and growing crops. Then, an opportunity at a local farmer’s market introduced a niche for us to start growing greenhouse crops. Eventually, we phased out the livestock program to concentrate on food production and develop our greenhouses.
We are always evolving, finding this to be the nature of a small family farm. We do what it takes to work the land, grow quality produce and keep our home. Farming certainly has its challenges but it brings with it a deep commitment to the land and an appreciation for things that are greater than ourselves. We welcome you to a glimpse inside the life of the Arbours.
HI! I’m Larry Arbour
I graduated from the University of Conn- Rackcliff Hicks School of Agriculture, with a degree in Animal Science then worked in the agricultural community as service manager for an international poultry company in Connecticut. After several years, an opportunity arose for me in South Carolina as Farm/Processing Plant manager for a company that produced squab. So, Georgene and I moved south. After a two year stint, we moved back north to Maine and began the process of developing what would become one of the Mid-coast’s largest sheep farms. I am, as most farmers, the crop manager, sales manager, equipment repair manager, plumber, electrician, carpenter, etc. I am also a volunteer firefighter and EMT.
Hi! I’m Georgene Arbour
I also graduated from the University of Conn.-Rackcliff Hicks School of Agriculture, with a degree in Animal Science. Upon graduation, I worked in Connecticut in various capacities from hatchery work to egg picking. During my stay in South Carolina with Larry, I joyfully stayed at home to raise our first daughter, Leah. I was the one who held the dream of a sheep farm close to my heart and encouraged Larry to leave South Carolina to pursue the dream with me in 1984. In 1985, our youngest daughter Ashley arrived just in time for lambing season! I too, like most farmers wear many hats but mostly I manage Larry!
Hi! I’m Ashley Groth
I have attended Maine College of Art, the University of Southern Maine and have a business degree from the University of Maine. I recently obtained my professional florist certificate from the Maine State Florist and Growers Association. I have done everything imaginable here on the farm, from picking lettuce as a baby from a backpack on my mom to picking strawberries as I got older at *&#% o’clock in the morning! I manage the farm stand and greenhouses, cut flower production, floral arrangements and bouquets. Together with my mom we design and create the decorated Christmas wreaths and the dried flower arrangements.