Presented by Jesse Bell November 9, 2005 National Training Workshop Burlington, Vermont Farming… with Autism

Sunrise over Cobscook Bay Farming… with Autism

I am Jesse Bell from Edmunds, Maine. I have a developmental disability called Autism. Farming… with Autism

Most people who have autism have trouble with verbal and non- verbal communication and social interaction. Farming… with Autism

I have sensory overload and I cover my ears with my hands; sometimes I hum to calm myself down. I also rub my hands together to help process what is happening. Farming… with Autism

I need to move around a lot and sometimes I don’t like staying still. Farming… with Autism

When I first get up, I bounce on a mini- trampoline to “oldies” music for 15 minutes each morning. This helps me get ready for my day. Farming… with Autism

Tide Mill Farm is our family farm on Cobscook Bay. There have been nine generations on the land. Farming… with Autism

We raise organic chickens, cows, pigs & vegetables. Farming… with Autism

I use my John Deere ‘Gator to get around the farm. I take things to the people that are baling the hay. Farming… with Autism

Each day I carry grain and water with the ‘Gator’ to 600 pasture-raised meat birds. They arrive at our post office as day-old chicks. They live in the greenhouse and then we move them to these movable pens. Farming… with Autism

I get grain for the chickens and pigs from the large bin. The pig feeder holds one ton of organic feed that is delivered from northern Maine. Farming… with Autism

When the round silage bales are brought to the barn area, it is my job to wrap them for storage. My older brother shows me how to hitch the plastic wrap in the twine. Farming… with Autism

I have to be sure that I wind it at an even speed. Farming… with Autism

I mark it with a black marker after it is all wrapped. I have to be sure each one is wrapped two times. Farming… with Autism

Now a tractor will come to move the bale. Farming… with Autism

This is how we heat the greenhouse and my brother’s house. I help split and haul the firewood. Farming… with Autism

We had to get the dry bales in before the rain. I like to drive the diesel ‘Mule. Farming… with Autism

I use walkie-talkies to stay in touch. Farming… with Autism

I can do lots of things. I need clear directions and sometimes I need help to do certain things. Farming… with Autism

I am a member of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department. I go to all the meetings and trainings. Farming… with Autism

A few years ago I bought this 1953 Studebaker pick up truck. I want to restore it. There was one like this on the farm in the 60s. Farming… with Autism

And on the horizon are changes…. Farming… with Autism

… organic dairy cows will soon arrive on Tide Mill Farm … Farming… with Autism

…and there will be many new things for me to learn to do when we start milking cows. Farming… with Autism

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau Farming… with Autism

Thank you for attending this presentation today. Farming… with Autism

Do you have any questions ? Farming… with Autism

Tide Mill Farms ~nine generations on Cobscook Bay~ Jane, Robert, and Jesse Bell