Darcie's venture began in July 2011, when she got two Angus/Holstein heifers from the Cowperthwaite family, who owned a dairy farm in Littleton. She was excited to raise them and have them bred. In the fall of 2011, she was invited to join the 4H Baby Beef Club in Presque Isle and got her first Hereford steer, Ribeye, to raise and show the following summer.
In the meantime, she also added a Hereford cross calf to her herd, and took them to the Houlton, Presque Isle and Springfield fairs. With the support of her family and through hard work and dedication, Darcie received Grand Champion with Ribeye in 2012.
After her first year's success, she purchased another steer for 4H from the same farm where she got Ribeye. This time, in addition to a show steer, she purchased her first registered Hereford heifer, which she named Daisy. She broke her to ride with a saddle and bridle, entering her in parades, fundraisers and many other events!
She continued her 4H career though junior high and high school and in those six years, she finished with five Grand Champions and one Reserve Grand Champion. She has received multiple awards for her cattle and work ethic, including the Outstanding Youth Award from the Maine Beef Producers Association and recognition from the 128th State Legislature and the State of Maine for her accomplishments.
Darcie continued to add to her herd and in 2014 reached her goal of having a herd of all purebred Herefords. In 2019, her herd has grown to 35 registered polled Herefords. She has new calves arriving throughout the spring and summer. In addition to her work on the farm, she works at Hotham's Veterinary Service and recently graduated from college with a business degree, which will no doubt serve to further her success with her cows!
