My name is Carl Hill, and I’ve dedicated my life to farming, animals, and teaching the next generation where real food comes from.

On my small Stratton farm, I’ve watched kids learn to milk goats, train mini-horses, show others how to collect eggs, and connect with animals in ways that genuinely change them.

I’ve seen anxious kids light up, veterans relax for the first time in years, and families reconnect with nature through simple, meaningful experiences.

Now, I have the chance to purchase and protect 360 acres of American farmland in Farmington, Maine—a once-in-a-lifetime property with barns, greenhouses, hay fields, and everything needed to build a true community farm.

But this land must be secured quickly before it’s divided or developed. My plan is to turn this land into a place where kids learn farming and animal care, veterans find healing through horses and gentle miniature livestock, and families enjoy goat walks, farm tours, and hands-on dairy classes.

"Carl Hill has been an invaluable 4-H volunteer in Franklin County for nearly four years. He is a reliable leader, thoughtful mentor, and strong advocate for youth development. Carl has supported our annual 4-H fair with livestock demonstrations, mentored young participants in our small equine program, and created safe, encouraging learning experiences for youth of all backgrounds. He also played a key role in fundraising, helping our program raise $20,000 to support local 4-H initiatives. Carl is dependable, kind, and deeply committed to strengthening our community and expanding opportunities for young people."

— Tara Marble & Kristen Grondin, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Mini-donkeys, mini-horses, cows, goats, pigs, and more will be bred responsibly for therapy and education, and Maine’s farmland will be protected rather than lost forever.

This isn’t just a farm — it’s a place where people come to heal, learn, and belong. A place that preserves Maine’s agricultural future. A place where community is grown, not just food.

But I can’t do it alone. Your support will help secure the land, restore the barns, expand the miniature livestock program, and launch the educational and therapeutic services that our community desperately needs.

Every dollar protects American farmland. Every share helps build a place that changes lives. Every contribution brings this dream closer to reality.

Funds will be used to secure the 360-acre farm property, restore the barns and fencing, expand miniature livestock breeding (mini-donkeys, mini-horses, goats, pigs, and mini-cows), develop educational programs, offer community farm tours, and support hands-on classes in cheese, butter, and dairy making. Your support directly protects Maine farmland and helps build a community farm for children, families, and veterans.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Carl Hill, farmer

Bachelder Lane Farm, Stratton, ME