About Us
The J.F. Witter Teaching & Research Center, also known as Witter Farm or the Witter Center, is the University of Maine's large animal research facility. The farm is located in Old Town, Maine and is home to a herd of Holstein cattle as well as several Standardbred horses. Much of the animals' feed is raised and harvested on the farm each year.
Formerly, the University had dairy and poultry barns located on the Orono campus. However, as the campus grew, a new facility was constructed in the early 1970's. The facility has grown and changed over the years, and was even briefly closed from 1996-1998 to complete a number of renovations and repairs. Sheep, poultry, and beef cattle herds were part of the facility throughout its history though they are not currently. The farm's main activities these days are operating the dairy herd, re-training retired Standardbred harness racing horses, and growing feed. The farm is also used for faculty and student research projects. Several classes meet at the farm or hold labs there, allowing animal science and other students to get hands on large animal experience. The farm is open to the general public.
Formerly, the University had dairy and poultry barns located on the Orono campus. However, as the campus grew, a new facility was constructed in the early 1970's. The facility has grown and changed over the years, and was even briefly closed from 1996-1998 to complete a number of renovations and repairs. Sheep, poultry, and beef cattle herds were part of the facility throughout its history though they are not currently. The farm's main activities these days are operating the dairy herd, re-training retired Standardbred harness racing horses, and growing feed. The farm is also used for faculty and student research projects. Several classes meet at the farm or hold labs there, allowing animal science and other students to get hands on large animal experience. The farm is open to the general public.
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Give us a call!Patricia: (207) 581-2993
Livestock Herdsperson Josh Hatley: (207) 581-2793 Farm Superintendent Mail us at: 101 Winslow Hall Orono, ME 04469 |
J. Franklin Witter
Witter Farm is named after J.Franklin Witter, DVM, who went by Frank. Born in 1906 in Frederick, Maryland, he received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. He went on to get his veterinary degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. Witter joined the UMaine faculty in 1932. He was the chairman of the Animal Pathology department and taught as a professor. Diseases of cattle, poultry, and wildlife were his specialty, and he did a lot of work to improve and maintain UMaine's agricultural facility. While he was part of the UMaine program, it was one that was prominent in the college community throughout the country. The respected Dr. Witter died in 1982, but we proudly maintain our facility in his name and legacy.
Visiting Witter Farm
The public is welcome to visit Witter Farm Monday through Friday from 8:00AM-4:30PM. Tours for school, camp, and other groups may be arranged by calling the farm office in advance. While visiting Witter, please be aware that you are doing so at your own risk. We ask that you please follow these rules:
*Children must be supervised by an adult.
*Please stay in the marked visitor-friendly areas and out of the restricted areas.
*Please park in the visitor parking lot.
*Stay out of the animal pens and feed.
*Do not feed the animals ANYTHING.
*Please respect the animals. If they act like they do not want to be petted, please back off so that you don't get hurt.
*Don't put your fingers near the horses-they can bite.
*Don't run in the barn.
*Please leave your pets at home.
Thank you and we hope to see you soon!
*Children must be supervised by an adult.
*Please stay in the marked visitor-friendly areas and out of the restricted areas.
*Please park in the visitor parking lot.
*Stay out of the animal pens and feed.
*Do not feed the animals ANYTHING.
*Please respect the animals. If they act like they do not want to be petted, please back off so that you don't get hurt.
*Don't put your fingers near the horses-they can bite.
*Don't run in the barn.
*Please leave your pets at home.
Thank you and we hope to see you soon!
Kassie Moulton - Original Site Creator
My name is Kassie and I created this site as part of my Senior Capstone project, which is based around helping the general public, particularly children, learn more about agriculture and farming. Agriculture, particularly cattle, is my main passion and I can't wait to be a part of Maine farming. I will be graduating in May 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Sustainable Agriculture with a minor in Animal Science. I grew up on my grandparents' dairy farm in Athens, ME, where I participated in the Somerset County 4-H program for ten years. I showed dairy cattle, beef cattle, and goats, and consider showing to be one of my favorite activities. I have worked at Witter since 2008. Working at the farm has been the best part of my college experience and I have learned invaluable, practical things there that will help me in the future. I have made some great friends here that I respect and appreciate for their dedication to the farm and animals. Though I love them all, my favorite cows are Roz and Karamel Corn. After finishing my degree in the spring, I will begin operating my own farm in Athens with my boyfriend Joe. We will be starting with a small herd of grass fed beef, chickens, and a market garden, and plan to sell directly to local customers. I hope that you have enjoyed the site, thanks for visiting!
