Krebs Organic Dairy Farm Starks, ME
Pulls You Back
Siblings David Krebs and Darlene Taylor are fourth-generation farmers and, after entertaining a brief dream of owning a motorcycle touring business, David has never wanted to do anything else. His sister says she tried to leave a couple times but is now settled just up the road with her husband and son: “I always end up coming back. It’s family I guess, and I love the animals and being outside.” David’s wife Billie Jo is very involved in the farm along with their four children; David and Darlene’s mother, Marcia, still feeds the calves in the morning and scrapes out the barn every afternoon no matter the weather.
Future Farmer
The next generation’s interest has been declared by David and Billie Jo’s sons Mark and Tommy. When asked why he likes farming, Tommy immediately responds that he likes the cows: “They’re generally nicer than humans, don’t you think, Dad?”
“A simpler way”
Every October, the Krebs open their farm to the surrounding community. They offer tours and hay rides, launch pumpkins across their fields with a catapult, construct a maze and fort from hay, and sample delicious dairy products. “We truly believe that farming is one of the best ways to live,” Billie Jo says. “We love the peace and quiet, and the serenity of working with the animals. Our kids have learned to respect their food; farming teaches them there is more to it than just going to the grocery store. It shows them a simpler way.” And Billie Jo knows food; that’s probably why she’s famous for her mac and cheese. You have to try her recipe.
