This property has been a working farm since the late 1800s and in 2010 David Rockefeller, Sr., made the generous gift of Peggy Rockefeller Farm (PRF) to the College of the Atlantic (COA) to be used in perpetuity for agriculture, conservation and education. PRF is one of two farms owned by COA, the other being Beech Hill Farm in Mt Desert Maine.
PRF currently manages 125 acres of historic farmland with roughly two-thirds of the property covered in second-growth forest or wetland. Acadia National Park administers conservation easements on the entire property. Today 65 acres of farmland are managed to Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) production standards and the farm is home to numerous wildlife.
Farm Operations
PRF focuses primarily on the production of pastured raised livestock products though the farm does also feature a small orchard and garden space. The farm currently produces grass-fed beef, conventional pork and MOFGA certified organic poultry products and lamb. All of our poultry is slaughtered on site in PRF’s state of Maine licensed poultry processing facility. Our animals are rotationally grazed on our pastures throughout the grazing season (May-Nov) and housed in indoor facilities where they enjoy our organic hay all winter long. Wave hello to our sheep flock the next time you're passing by on Norway Drive!
Student Learning Opportunities
The farm's primary employees are COA students employed during the school year as part of the school's work-study program. Work-study students have the opportunity to learn about animal husbandry, sustainable agriculture and food systems through their work on the farm crew. We aim to have each of our students graduate this program with a better appreciation of where their food comes from, increased confidence in themselves and with plenty of practical life skills to take carry with them throughout their lives post college. COA students also have the opportunity to design and participate in approved independent and group studies, work-study jobs, and final projects that utilize PRF as a base of operations. Numerous COA courses also use the farm as an extension of the classroom.
Farm manager April Nugent discussing pasture species, such as legumes, with professor Susan Letcher's Sheep to Shawl course, spring '24.
Renewable Energy
On the farm, COA has installed over 100 solar panels, generating electricity that is net metered back into the power grid, producing far more than the farm consumes, with the surplus credited toward COA’s overall electricity use. The farm also utilizes solar-powered fencing during the grazing season.
One of our student employees wrangling a loose turkey poult, summer 2024.
Visiting the Farm
Though we are primarily a working farm property, we are open to public visitors Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Check out our COA webpage for more information on visitors hours, special events and to find a list of additional locations where you can purchase our products.