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Long Shot Revival Homestead, in Orland, is a family farm owned and run by Joe and Haley Brown. Joe is an Army National Guard veteran and initially thought farming and raising pigs would be a good therapeutic outlet as he transitioned back to civilian life. Starting off with just a few piglets, Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Shannon Byers helped them get organized and explored options for expansion, leading to the addition of poultry to the farm. Joe also gained support through a nonprofit called United Farmer Veterans of Maine, aimed at helping Maine veterans navigate and succeed in agriculture and business success. Throughout this growth, he has continued to show commitment to this community in a variety of ways including a 10% discount to fellow veterans.
This year Covid had a unique impact on the homestead due to the national gridlock in the meat processing industry. Having already begun doing small-batch meat processing this became the focus and business was actually booming! Working hard to stay positive and continue to provide healthy local food, Joe’s dedication and compassion for keeping people healthy transcended eating habits to a real sense of community in a time when many felt very isolated.
Poultry season is now over but they are looking to begin processing deer later this month. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO FOLLOW THIS GROWING BUSINESS, VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK OR YOUTUBE.