The Bison Project

Thank you for your interest in The Bison Project at Hackmatack Farm.
Our vision is four fold - let us share it with you:

Sustainability. Our primary vision is to raise 100% grass-fed bison on our 150 acre farm at the Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick, Maine. Our lean, healthy meat will be sold almost entirely on site, giving our customers an opportunity to interact with the animals on the land, and with us, the farmers. We are committed to producing sustainable, local alternatives to industrial food sources.

Conservation. Within three years we see the Bison Project expanding and incorporating other unused and underutilized farmland in Southern Maine. As stewards of our community we conserve and improve our agrarian landscape and encourage others to do so. We expect to lease other pastures as a means of preserving the land from potential development and fallow, while reinvigorating the 'local farm' tradition.

Education. Raising bison is a great way to teach the community about sustainable food production, balanced ecosystems and traditional farming. Our intent is to spread the Bison Project vision through on site learning- interactive classes, school field trips and volunteer oppurtunities. By investing in the education of our community we foster a culture committed to progressive, local ideals.

Community. Ultimately the Bison Project is about relationships. We've already begun hosting our "Jubilee Gatherings", an intentional community, focused on encouraging local culture and local food. Starting with our initial bison launch this April, we envision weekly Jubilee Gatherings at the Hackmatack Farm, with a local goods market, area artists and musicians, co-op exchanges, forest trails and local food pot-lucks. We celebrate and explore our Southern Maine Heritage.

One way to join our vision is by purchasing shares of bison in the form of yearling calves. The yearlings will be harvested after two summers growing up on the pasture, at which time the meat will be made available. This period allows our community time to connect with the farmland, to be present for the raising of the animals and to celebrate with us at the Jubilee Gatherings. Shares can be purchased in any amount and we invite both individuals, groups and families to take part.

While we value business professionalism, we actively resist the impersonal nature of many traditional commercial practices. Instead, we encourage face-to-face interactions. If you are interested in the Bison Project, let us know! We would love to meet with you in person, and we look forward to sharing more of our vision with you.

Thank you,

Christopher Gallot
Conor Guptill
TheBisonProject@Gmail.com
Facebook/Bison Project

ARTICLE: "Grass fed and growing: Berwick farm showcases bison and a theater"