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 protectingthe environment.

These values remain the core of the Benson Farm operations today. The farm's breeding program continues to make strides in genetic improvements to the herd. The composting business, Benson Farm Earth Products, is one of few in the state that produces shellfish compost, a recycled blend of cow manure and oceanic residuals. It is approved by MOFGA for use on certified organic gardens and licensed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.