Bulrush Farm Expands to Serve Houlton Community with Affordable, Locally-Sourced Goods

Erica and Heath Burkhart, owners of Bulrush Farm in Hodgdon, Maine, have recently opened a new mercantile location in downtown Houlton, offering a wide range of locally-sourced, healthy food options to the community, including the ability to accept food stamps. This expansion aims to provide accessible, nutritious choices for families in need, while also supporting the growth of their small farm business.

Bringing Farm-Fresh Goodness to the Heart of Houlton

Embracing a New Life in Maine

Four years ago, the Burkharts made the bold decision to leave their home and business in North Carolina behind and embark on a new adventure in rural Maine. With five children in tow, they settled on the 75-acre O'Donnell farm in Hodgdon, determined to start a new chapter as farmers. Erica Burkhart admits that the transition was not without its challenges, as she found herself immersed in the unfamiliar world of farming, canning, and even assisting in the birth of pigs. However, the family's resilience and adaptability have allowed them to thrive in their new environment.

Bulrush Farm: A Cornucopia of Local Goodness

Today, Bulrush Farm is a bustling hub of activity, offering a diverse array of locally-sourced products. Visitors can find fresh beef, pork, and lamb, as well as a wide range of raw dairy products, including milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and an assortment of cheeses. The farm's baked goods, such as sourdough, sweet breads, granolas, and pastries, have also become a local favorite. In addition to these delectable offerings, the farm store showcases a bounty of produce, canned goods, and handcrafted items, all reflecting the Burkharts' commitment to providing high-quality, homegrown and homemade products.

Expanding Reach: Bulrush Mercantile in Houlton

Recognizing the need to make their farm-fresh offerings more accessible to the community, the Burkharts have recently opened Bulrush Mercantile, a new location within their embroidery shop on Court Street in downtown Houlton. This expansion allows them to bring their farm's bounty directly to the heart of the city, making it easier for residents to access healthy, locally-sourced foods. The mercantile offers a wide range of Bulrush Farm products, including baked goods, meats, beans, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, laundry soap, body care items, and even eggs. However, due to local regulations, the raw milk products from the farm cannot be sold at the Houlton location.

Embracing Inclusivity: Accepting Food Stamps

One of the most significant developments at Bulrush Farm is the recent certification by the state of Maine to accept food stamps. Erica Burkhart is thrilled to be able to offer this option, ensuring that everyone in the community, regardless of their financial situation, can access the farm's healthy, homegrown offerings. "The demographics have changed," she explains. "These are families who are working hard and still not breaking the poverty level." By accepting food stamps, the Burkharts are actively working to bridge the gap and provide nutritious choices for those in need.

Fostering Community Connections

As the Burkharts continue to expand their reach and impact, they are also focused on creating meaningful connections with the local community. In addition to their farm store and mercantile, they are hosting a Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch at the Hodgdon Community Market every Saturday in October. This event promises a delightful array of activities, including an old-fashioned cider press demonstration, opportunities to stuff a scarecrow or make a corn husk doll, and classic games like hoop and stick, cup and ball, and ring toss. Erica Burkhart hopes that these community-focused events will not only bring people together but also showcase the farm's commitment to preserving and sharing traditional, homemade experiences.As the Burkharts continue to navigate the challenges and joys of their farming journey, their dedication to providing accessible, healthy, and locally-sourced options to the Houlton community remains unwavering. Through the expansion of Bulrush Farm and the opening of Bulrush Mercantile, they are not only supporting the growth of their small business but also making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.