Maple View Farm originated in Maine in the early 1800s. Bob Nutter was the fifth generation of his family to farm and decided to move to North Carolina, anticipating a better market and longer growing seasons. The family, calves, and equipment arrived in Orange County in 1963, and have been much loved in our region for their glass-bottled milk and homemade ice cream ever since.
Different family members and neighbors manage the herd and pastures, run the on-farm bottling operation, do the office work, and give tours at the Maple View Agricultural Center. The land used for the farming and dairy operations covers 400 acres. In December 1995, a conservation easement was granted to the local Triangle Land Conservancy that designated Maple View Farm land to be used for agricultural purposes or as open land forever. An additional acreage was added to the conservancy after 2005. Placing a conservation easement on the farm reduced the land value for estate taxes. The plan allows continued agricultural use while reserving a few lots for family members in the future. Rural views, natural areas, and prime agricultural soils are preserved. Effort has been made to protect the streams which run through or originate on the farm and to conserve top soils for future generations who work the land and live there.
Learn more about Maple View Farm (http://www.mapleviewfarm.com/) and the Ag Center (http://mapleviewagcenter.com/) online.