| OUR STORY |
Our land, like much of the land in New Hampshire has an agricultural history. With so much of that history disappearing, we take great pride in preserving our seven acres as open space that is also productive agriculturally. The first blueberries bushes were planted back in 1972 by Mr. Caulkin, a long time Newport resident with a passion for high bush blueberries, The property was originally known as Caulkin's farm. Bill and Heidi Bartlett took over for Mr Caulkin in the early 1980's. Bill grew up on the family dairy farm less than a mile away, and his roots run deep in the area. The farm provided a great environment to raise their family as well as blueberries! Heidi spent the early years tending both the blueberry nursery and their two young sons. As time passed the Bartlett's put more land under cultivation, experimented with different varieties of berries, and increased yields through good farm management practices such as annual pruning, a soil fertility program and netting the entire farm to keep the birds from eating the crop! Their efforts were recognized when the State of New Hampshire named Bartlett Blueberry Farm a New Hampshire Farm of Distinction. An important part of our story includes Jesse Scott, our great friend and neighbor, retired Fish and Game Warden, State Representative, a man of all seasons. The farm is now in a period of transition. As Bill and Heidi prepare for retirement, Mike Snow has come on board and under Bills's watchful eye, is taking responsibility for the day to day operation of the farm. Though not a native, Mike is a graduate of Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute, where he was trained in pomology or the science of fruit growing. Following the Bartlett's tradition of sound farm management and experimentation, Mike located a blueberry cultivar from New Zealand that promises great blueberry flavor and increased yield. The first 100 plants of this variety will be planted 2007. |
Bill & Heidi Bartlett
Jesse Scott