Miles Smith Farm facts for kids
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| Industry | Beef producer |
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| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Miles Smith |
| Headquarters | Loudon, New Hampshire, U.S. |
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Area served
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United States |
| Products | Beef |
| Owner | Bruce Dawson Carole Soule |
Miles Smith Farm is a family-owned farm in Loudon, New Hampshire, USA. It's famous for raising special grass-fed beef cattle. The farm covers about 36 acres and has amazing views of the Merrimack Valley.
The farm is home to a herd of Scottish Highland and Angus cows. These breeds are chosen because they are strong and do well in New Hampshire's rugged weather. Miles Smith Farm also teaches local schools and clubs about farming. They show how to use land in a way that helps the environment, the economy, and the local culture. Visitors can walk on trails, see a children's farmyard, and even go on cattle rides!
Contents
About Miles Smith Farm
Farm History
Miles Smith first started farming this land in 1830. He was a stone mason, helping the nearby Shakers with their stone buildings. He also raised animals like dairy cows, goats, and pigs for food. Smith was very familiar with the area and farmed a lot of land. He even held important town jobs like "hog reeve." Miles Smith and other past farmers are buried in a cemetery right on the farm.
In 1918, Sarah Adeline Whitehouse bought the property. She was a midwife who helped deliver over 45 babies! Sarah was also known as the "best shot in Loudon" and decorated her farmhouse with deer antlers.
The current Miles Smith Farm began in 2002 with just two pregnant Scottish Highland cows. By 2005, they started selling beef at a local market. In 2011, they opened a farm store that runs on solar power.
Today, the farm uses over 200 acres of pasture land, including some from St. Paul's School. The school supports local farming by letting farmers use their unused land. This land is also managed by the New Hampshire Audubon. It provides a natural home for grassland birds like grasshopper sparrows and eastern meadowlarks.
Miles Smith Farm is part of a program to let their cattle graze for longer. Instead of four to six months a year, they can graze for up to eight months. This is done by letting the cattle eat turnips during the colder months.
Selling and Sharing Farm Products
Miles Smith Farm works hard to get their beef to people in different ways.
School Programs
In 2011, the farm started selling beef to the Gilford, New Hampshire School District. The schools wanted fresh, locally grown, and healthier food for students and staff. Later, the Concord School District, Oyster River Cooperative School District, and Seabrook schools also began buying beef from the farm in 2013.
Farmers' Markets
Miles Smith Farm sells its beef directly to customers at many farmers' markets across New Hampshire. They have even been featured in New Hampshire Magazine as a great local food supplier. You can also find their products in many Hannaford Brothers Company grocery stores throughout the state.
Farm Store
There is a retail store right on the farm property. It uses a solar energy system to get its heat and power. This solar power system was part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grant helps farmers and businesses become more efficient and reduce their environmental impact.
USDA Grant
In August 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture gave the farm a grant of $127,000. This money helped the farm make and sell local burgers. These burgers are a mix of grass-fed beef and pork. This grant was part of a larger program to help farmers create new products and grow their businesses.
Farm Recognition
Carole Soule, who co-owns Miles Smith Farm, was named one of New Hampshire Magazine's "Remarkable Women" in 2014.
Helping Hospitals
Miles Smith Farm works with the NH Hospital Meat Program. Together, they provide locally raised, grass-fed beef to patients, staff, and visitors at Franklin Regional Hospital and Lakes Region General Hospital. This partnership means people get healthier beef that is free from hormones, antibiotics, and artificial additives.
Children's Book
Carole Soule is also the author of a children's book called The Curious Little Calf Named Bleu. It was published in 2012. ISBN: 9780988729704
Images for kids
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Highland cow with newborn calf
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Mother and calf
