Sen. Lawrence presents legislative sentiment to Rustlewood Farm, last operational dairy farm in Kittery

KITTERY — Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, travelled to Rustlewood Farm on Thursday to present a legislative sentiment and celebrate Rustlewood Farm’s 75 years of business.

“This is great recognition for a family that has contributed a lot to Kittery and the Seacoast,” said Sen. Lawrence. “Rustlewood Farm is the only remaining dairy farm in Kittery, holding significant historical importance to the town. I am honored to have been able to present this sentiment to honor the 75 years of hard work that the Johnson family has put in to keep the farm going.”

The farm was purchased by Chester and Elsa Johnson in 1947 after the couple moved to Kittery from Massachusetts. The farm has remained in the Johnson family’s care ever since, and currently is owned and operated by Richard Johnson, the youngest son of Chester and Elsa, and the second youngest of their nine children.

“The farm is a true labor of love,” said Richard Johnson. “It is hard to believe it’s been 75 years since my mother and father moved to start their young family in Kittery and began this legacy. Today, the third generation helps run the farm and the fourth generation is bottle feeding calves and chasing around farm kittens. Dairy farming isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle. There aren’t extended vacations and lavish goods, but there is a richness here that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

Sen. Mark Lawrence (right) and Rep. Michele Meyer (front) present a legislative sentiment to Rustlewood Farm and the Johnson family for 75 years of operation.