Maine has a lengthy tradition of homesteading, going back to the state’s founding. We are also the State where the famous back-to-the-land movement got its start in the 1950s with homesteaders Scott and Helen Nearing.
The Nearing’s book, Living the Good Life: How to Live Sanely and Simply in a Troubled World, is a classic on the topic of living off the land in Maine.
Today, a vibrant new crop of homesteaders are looking for land and planning their futures in the great State of Maine.
For many, plans include participating in the current popular wave of eating local, growing organic, local farmers markets, homesteading self-sufficiency, and survival home preparedness.
Are you dreaming of homesteading in the state of Maine?
Building a Homestead in Maine
Maine has much to offer for those with homesteading dreams of all kinds. State property taxes offer significant exemptions for landowners who enroll in the Homestead Exemption Program.
Qualifying is easy for anyone who has lived in the state for more than a year who also owns assessed residential real estate.
Inexpensive Farmland and Homestead-Friendly State Laws
Farmland in Maine is among the least expensive on the east coast, and most commercial farms are small farms under 100 acres in size. Even smaller farms and homesteads with as little as 5 acres of land are common.
The State government of Maine offers loans through the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund for purchasing farmland and building or renovating structures on that land.
The State also has strong laws, such as the Farmland Protection Program, favoring homesteading and protecting existing farms.
An example is a farmland protection program limiting the installation of new wells near farmland to conserve water supplies for farms as small as 5 acres in size, earning as little as $2,000 a year in gross farm receipts.
Many Crops and Livestock Suited for Maine
Weather in the north east falls into the USDA plant hardiness zones of 3 to 6a, and even though there is a short growing season, this climate is ideal for a wide variety of crops.
The Top 10 Crops Grown in Maine are:
- Grapes
- Herbs
- Honey
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Leeks
- Morrel Mushrooms
- Maple syrup
- Spinach
- Oats
Fruit crops and orchards are also plentiful with apples, pears, plums, and blueberries doing exceptionally well.
Surprisingly, no special permits are required by the state to open a commercial farming operation selling fruits and vegetables.
Maine is also an excellent place for raising livestock on a homestead, as long as you have adequate shelter and windbreaks for the animals during cold weather.
Chickens, geese, ducks, lambs, goats, and cattle all thrive on farms here, but check your specific location for possible restrictions on livestock operations in your area.
Let Luther’s Help You Build Your Homestead
Starting a homestead takes a lot of effort and work and involves several different contracting specialties. Not every building contractor is prepared for assisting with homesteads projects.
However, Luther’s Home Building and Excavation Service in Isle au Haut has the expertise, equipment, and know-how to assist you in making your homesteading dream a reality.
Beginning a homestead often involves land clearing. Also, construction of residential and farm buildings. And even the installation of roads and septic systems. Equally important, let’s not forget building off-grid energy systems. Instead of newly constructing living quarters, Luther’s can even help to renovate for instance, an old farmhouse.
Luther’s specializes in all of these construction areas
Not every homesteader has all the skills to accomplish all of these tasks on their own. That’s why working with a building and excavating professional like Luther’s can help you jump-start your new homestead project.
Luther’s is a family-owned general contractor with more than 25 years of experience building in Maine.
From start to finish, Luther’s can get you through the process of establishing a homesteading operation. Sign on with Luther’s & you immediately have all the experience, heavy equipment, & skilled work crew you need.
Contact Luther’s today at 207 610-9159, and let’s talk about how we can work together, building your homesteading dream.
