Justin and Rachel Orr always wanted to raise their kids outside with a strong work ethic. So, they bought 10 acres in North Berwick, Maine to make their homesteading dreams a reality. They built their house from the ground up and are currently building out a barn to expand their capabilities.
They currently have 7 Nigerian Dwarf Goats, 30+ Laying Chickens, seasonal meat birds for processing (they just processed 2 dozen), 8 Celadon and Coturnix Quail, 1 American Staffordshire Terrier, and 2 cats. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work to maintain the land, take care of the animals, and continue to build out their dream. But like many homesteaders, Justin and Rachel both have full time jobs. Justin is a machinist by trade, currently is a Supervisory Process Manager of a Production Department. Rachel is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, who conducts evaluations of individuals across the lifespan for developmental, neurological, psychological, and medical conditions. She also oversees the regional assessment services for NH and ME for a large group practice.
The bulk of their non-working hours are spent outside, either taking care of the land or reaping the benefits of it. Justin is an avid hunter, fisher, and loves to hike and play sports. Rachel has been a long-time animal lover, but she didn’t grow up with animals in her home, so is loving the homesteading lifestyle.
The couple has been together for 12 years, married for 6, and have 2 adorable children (Cody and Gianna). “This is our 4th house together. We have known that you can always add to the house but can’t always add to property, so we found a place with some extra land to grow and expand into.”
To help them with their projects, they purchased a Mahindra 1626 Tractor with 1626 Loader from Abbotts Power Equipment. It was their first tractor purchase, and one Justin wishes they would have made years ago. “I was a metal worker for 16 years, which was helpful when choosing the ideal tractor. Mahindra’s construction and capacities are superior to all others in its class, and it has made everything from feeding the animals hay, to digging posts, to moving rocks on the land, so much easier.”
Their top tip for new homesteaders is to enjoy it. “Everyone always says to us, “That’s so much work,” and it is, but we find it so rewarding. It instills responsibility in our children and fosters a sense of accomplishment for all of us when we see the finished products. Our children are learning about the value and consequences of hard work, as well as an immense appreciation and respect for animals and their roles in our lives, both for companionship and products (eggs, meat).”
The Orrs have considered opening an LLC to support some of their farm products and business. They plan on expanding their farm animals once they finish the barn (donkeys, pigs, more goats, and maybe some other animals, such as sheep). They hope to breed the goats one day, and also have intentions of planting an orchard and organizing the hundreds of high bush blueberry plants on the property
To connect with the Orr Family, and follow them on their homesteading journey, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
