Stories from the Ridge

A seedling of inspiration

We’d like to say our farm began with a dream, but in fact, it began with a challenge. Our Founder, Judy Carpenter, a national champion in a “man’s sport,” was told to find her own place for competitive clay shooting. So, she did.

Our farm sprouted from this effort, and it evolved from a clay shooting retreat into a peaceful getaway from city life, offering relaxation in nature.

Today, our farm is always growing. And as we welcome everyone to celebrate our third annual and free-to-attend Founder’s Day, I thought we could share a glimpse into what makes Juneberry Ridge truly unique. That of course starts with how we think about growing food and serving our community.

Tapping into nature’s healing power

When our journey began, we had a choice to make: Did we want to simply sustain the land or contribute towards improving and regenerating it?

After much soul-searching, our team was determined to find a solution. We discovered that regenerative agriculture offered us a way to increase biodiversity, nourish our soil, and change the way we grow food. It’s a dance with nature, a partnership where we work with, rather than against, nature’s own rhythm.

The guardians of biodiversity

At Juneberry Ridge, our animals are key players in our farm’s vibrant ecosystem. Each species has a vital role in our regenerative agricultural practices.

As our goats transform overgrown areas into lush pastures, they create space for biodiversity to flourish.  Pictured here is a baby goat born in June, she’s become one of our favorite kids here at Juneberry Ridge.

Our Katahdin sheep mow and maintain our landscape. Their gentle munching not only keeps our grasses trimmed but also stimulates the regeneration of systemic land health, fostering the growth of diverse plant species.

Among our feathery friends, the Pekin ducks are nature’s pest control experts. Their persistent appetite for snails, slugs, and troublesome insects strikes the perfect balance in our pastures, naturally warding off pests without the need for harmful chemicals.

Our Golden Comet and Kosher King chickens diligently turn kitchen scraps and compost into invaluable nourishment for the soil.

Our playful pigs, the true tillers of the ridge, embody the essence of regenerative agriculture. With their snouts rooted deep into the earth, they till and aerate the soil, preparing it for the new beginnings of each farming season. Through their natural fertilization processes, the soil receives essential nutrients, transforming it into fertile, life-giving soil.

Last but not least, our Standard Bronze and Heritage Black turkeys play an instrumental part in fertilizing our land, enriching it with their natural processes. With their contributions, the soil blossoms with life, fueling the growth of wild grasslands in our pastures.  Read more about our Thanksgiving turkey harvest.

Restoring the land

As our farm thrives, so does our passion for regenerative agriculture. Through years of experimentation, careful observation, and guidance from mentors, Juneberry Ridge continues to change and evolve. Our teams are putting action behind theories, our soil is being transformed, and our landscape is changing, too.

This spring, we carried out a prescribed burn on our property. By targeting invasive species and enriching the soil, we fostered growth of native plants and mitigated wildfire threats.

The transformation has only just begun. At Juneberry Ridge, every action we take affirms our commitment to regenerative agriculture and our unwavering belief in the interconnectedness of all living things.

A continual journey

We’ve made it a priority to educate our team on the importance of regenerative agriculture, so we can all understand the “why and how” behind our practices.  It’s this dedication that sets Juneberry Ridge apart as a leader in regenerative farming. We are actively engaged in creating community, hosting workshops, farm-to-fork experiences, and educational programs that empower others to discover regenerative principles. You can stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter, and checking our events for our latest activities.

We’re on a journey to change the way the world grows. Together with you, we’re cultivating a community of conscious farmers, growing food, sharing knowledge, and inviting you to join us along the way. Thank you!

About the Author
Suzanne Durkee

As the CEO of Juneberry Ridge, Suzanne is also our chief connector. She’s in charge of bringing our teams and guests together to regenerate the water, soil, and biodiversity of our land. When she’s not at the farm, you’ll find her creating recipes as well as oil paintings inspired by nature and her edible garden at home.