About Benson Farm
Preserving the breed: Conserving the land
Kay-Ben Farm began in 1916 when Edward Young purchased the land in Gorham, Maine and began one of the first herds of registered Holsteins in the state. In 1953, Alton and Katherine (Young) Benson purchased the farm. They continued to genetically improve the herd with their foundation cow, Kay-Ben CR Amanda (Alta) EX-90. Alton and Katherine received the Progessive Breeders award five years in a row from 1958 to 1962, and again in 1964 and '65. Alton was also recognized for his work in conservation. In 1954, he received the New England Green Pastures award and several other awards for protecting the environment.
These values remain the core of the Benson Farm operations. Edward and Rebekah Benson began a small composting facility in the early nineties as a way to diversify the farm. Today, Benson Farm Earth Products has grown into one of the largest composting facilities in the state and continually strives to improve both its livestock and composting operations.
Benson Farm: 2013 Maine Green Pastures Farm of the Year
In 2013, Edward and Rebekah were awarded the 2013 Maine Green Pastures Farm of the Year award for their innovative diversification and commitment to agriculture. The Maine Green Pastures award is given to an exemplary, economically sound, and efficiently managed dairy operation, representative of the best farms in New England. This is the second time in the farm's history to receive the award.
Edward and Rebekah Benson, with their daughter Erica Hale, recieving the Maine Green Pastures award at the Eastern States Exposition.
Featured in October 2013 issue of American Agriculturist
"Hemmed in by subdivisions spreading from nearby Portland, Benson Farm LLC had no way to expand its 75-cow dairy. The Gorham, Maine, business needed a new profitable enterprise to keep the dairy viable, and the Benson family found it: composting."
The Benson Family with 2012 Fryeburg Fair Dairy Show Supreme Champion, Kay-Ben Dolly. (From left to right: Brian King, Kati King, Becki Benson, Katherine Benson, Eben Benson, Eddie Benson, Erica Hale)
2012 Overall Champion: Fryeburg Fair Dairy Show
In 2012, the Benson family won Grand Champion at the Fryeburg Fair Holstein Show with aged cow Kay-Ben Goldwyn Dolly (EX-94). Dolly went on to win Overall Champion of the show - awarded to the best cow of the six breeds represented at the fair.
The Benson Family with 2012 Fryeburg Fair Dairy Show Supreme Champion, Kay-Ben Dolly. (From left to right: Brian King, Kati King, Becki Benson, Eben Benson, Eddie Benson, Erica Hale)