Beech Hill Farm

05/06/2024

We hope you will join us!

11/15/2023

10/26/2023

Dear Friends,

The heartbreaking news of the mass shooting in Lewiston has shaken us all to the core. It always does when we learn of one and this time it is at our doorstep, in our own state. Our schools are closed. We question our safety. Our sense of security is riddled with fear. We ask how can this happen here in Maine? And yet, we have always known it could. In the sadness of what has become our reality, we shower this moment with our thoughts and prayers for the victims and all who have been directly touched by this tragedy. These moments for them are beyond words.

Schools have been closed across the state and businesses are shutting their doors. How do parents discuss with their children why school is canceled today? I hold them in my heart this morning – the parents who struggle with finding the right words while not planting fear in the minds of their children. It’s a delicate balance. How do any of us move on with our day in the wake of such tragedy? What words of assurance do we say to ourselves? What comfort can we bring to still our fears?

In contrast to the horror in such times, there is always the depth of humanity’s compassion that takes its place in these raw moments. The collective words of support for the victims and families. The first responders doing their best to address needs and keep us all safe. Messages from around the country sharing in united voices of care and concern. Faith communities lifting up prayers and people everywhere reaching for words and actions in an attempt to express a togetherness, a holding, a support in these dark times.

How inadequate we all feel when things happen that words and our immediate actions cannot fix or change or make better. Yet, may we not underestimate the depth of our interconnectedness that speaks beyond words to hold us in love.

Holding you close in my heart,

Doretta

“Our world and our lives have become increasingly interdependent, so when our neighbor is harmed, it affects us too. Therefore, we have to abandon outdated notions of 'them' and 'us' and think of our world much more in terms of a great 'US', a greater human family.” Dalai Lama

08/22/2023

Dear Friends,

We have decided to move on from the bison business. The remainder of our herd will be moving on to Andover, Maine and we could not be happier with the folks who will be caring and managing them. We want to thank you, our family, friends, and customers who have supported us over the years and enjoyed visits to see the bison. We will remain here on the farm and continue with our regular bread making throughout the year. You can find out more of what we make and how to order by going to beechhillbread.square.site.

We will forever treasure the memories and rich experiences we have had with these remarkable animals who have taught us so much.

With gratitude,

Ted and Doretta

05/15/2022

This morning at sunrise. So rare to see a rainbow in the western sky. A wonderful gift to start the day!

02/16/2022

I wanted to share these images I took on my morning walk around the farm. I never tire of the beauty! This morning I caught another beautiful image on my greenhouse window! I had gone out, in spite of the bitter cold, to watch the full moon set behind the trees while the sun was coming up in the east. I can never resist those moments. I have to say I hardly noticed the cold as my senses all seemed tuned into the wonder and beauty in the stillness. While I took in the awakening of the morning, I ventured up to one of our greenhouses to see what the frost had formed overnight. I have loads of images in my photo file of nature’s etchings on the windows, but none like what I captured today. The pinks and lavenders of the sunrise as a backdrop to the delicate ice drawing were a breath-taking discovery and one that touched upon a sense of gratitude. Everyday and everywhere there are moments of nature’s unlimited beauty unfolding around us – gifts for us to notice and give thanks for. Slowing down throughout our busy lives, even for brief moments, will reward us with a sense of peace that goes a long way in bringing a healthy balance to our lives. I invite you to take time to notice the magnificent beauty nature is revealing to you. You won’t regret it.
With gratitude ...

02/07/2022

We thought you might like to see the bison in the snow. They are definitely built for it. The snow that builds up on them they simply shake off. Close to the hide, they remain warm and dry. Of course, our dog Bentley is a natural in the snow, too. He would much rather this weather than the heat of summer.

03/09/2021

Many have asked us about our weekly bread and scones. The easiest is to order from our square site – beechhillbread.square.site. There you can find the selections.
Bread, scone and bagels are made every Saturday morning to order. Those orders need to be in by Thursday evening and pick up is on Saturday morning between 9-11. Any questions just give us a call 207 583-2515. Enjoy!

02/22/2021

It's been a long while since we posted, but we are still here and busy as ever. Thanks to so many of you, we had a great year in 2020 in spite of the pandemic. We appreciate your support and following our safety protocols. The bison are doing great and enjoying the snow, of course! Their metabolism allows them to retain a steady internal temperature so these cold nights haven't bothered them a bit. Every morning the snow on our farm is dotted with fresh wildlife footprints of many types – coyotes, bobcat, snowshoe hare, squirrels, and fox to name a few and this picture of the recent pileated woodpecker activity shows that our feathered friends are out and about, as well. Enjoy these remaining winter days as the daylight lengthens and we look forward to seeing you when again. Call for hours if you wish to come by. 207 583-2515. Stay well.