Despite the mud and remnants of late March snow, Orchard Ridge Farm on Sebago Lake Rd. (Route 237) is alive with activity. Families from as far as Cape Elizabeth are shopping for eggs and local products in the specialty food store, as many as 15 breeds of chicks are moving from brooders into a greenhouse lined with wood chips, and hundreds of fruit trees are budding in anticipation of a fall crop of apples and pears.

Since 2011, when Steven and Amy Bibula bought 40 acres of farmland in the White Rock area of Gorham, they have worked to make their passion for agriculture into a profitable business. Their farm, originally a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) that sold vegetables to members only, has evolved into a diversified enterprise.

In 2013, they opened the store and started selling directly to the public. By 2014, they had planted 200 apple trees and added blueberry and raspberry bushes, shifting their focus from vegetables to “pick your own” fruit. The trees, on dwarf root stock, were cultivated to bear apples in two years and people came to pick them.

Steven Bibula planted more high bush blueberries as well as raspberries. “Blueberry fields get turned into house lots,” he said, creating a market for “pick your own berries.” People picking fruit wanted donuts, so they decided to put in a commercial kitchen.

“You can’t spend all that money just for donuts,” Amy Bibula shared, “we needed to sell other things.” They enlarged the store, added more products, and began selling take-out food made from mostly local ingredients. They have planted pear trees and hope there will be enough fruit to pick this fall. Because deer naturally discovered all these young, tasty trees, the Bibulas have been busy fencing in the property. Once spring finally comes, they will set out picnic tables for their take-out customers.

About four years ago, Steve Bibula bought 100 Golden Comet chicks. Although he sold eggs here and in Portland, he soon realized there was also a growing market for live chickens. Many people want a variety of breeds for a small flock in a backyard coop. Over the last few years, chicken sales have become a large part of the business. Of the 3,000 chicks Bibula purchased this spring, he will probably sell 60%.

Before buying the Gorham property, Steve Bibula managed farms, but Amy worked full-time as a nurse until last October. They are open seven days a week, selling chickens and food year round. In the summer, they offer PYO blueberries, raspberries, apples, and hopefully Asian pears in September.

Although customers come from all over southern Maine, they hope that more local people will be attracted to Orchard Ridge. Just like any business, successful farming depends on providing the products and services people want, and the Bibulas are dedicated to offering the right combination here in Gorham.

Orchard Ridge is located at 236 Sebago Lake Rd. Hours are 7 am – 7 pm, seven days a week. For more information, please call 239-0442 or visit their Facebook page here.