On November 28, the Harbor Theatre premiered “Betting The Farm,” a story about local farmers who get dropped by their national companies and start their own organic milk company despite sluggish sales, mounting debt and personal strife.

In this gripping tale, the Maine dairy farmers encounter misfortune at almost every corner, as their attempt to produce their brand of organic milk (Maine's Our Organic Milk) is at risk of self-destruction. 

Backed by the promises of CEO Bill Eldridge, the farmers must decide to double down on a dubious future that could potentially pay off big, at the cost of losing everything; their farms and families.   

Directed by Cecily Pingree and Jason Mann, “Betting the Farm” blends the American Dream ethos with the hard-working Mainer mentality, and the result is an intimate portrait of the farmers' uphill battle.

The farmers who are upholding their end of the deal are under constant threat of having their electricity cutoff.  Friends turn bitter and families rip apart at the seams because “MooMilk” isn’t selling. The plight of the small dairy farmer becomes the focal point in this riveting take on rural Maine.

However, beyond the politics, there also exists a natural sympathy for the human condition that this film hones in on.

For those without farming knowledge, this film will still draw the viewer in with its captivating characters and objective insight into local farming, that’s being reflected at the national level. “Betting The Farm” will leave a lasting taste that doesn’t expire and might even make you think twice next time in the dairy aisle. 

“Betting the Farm” was the feature finale of the Harbor Theatre’s Food and Farm Series. The film premiered at the Camden International Film Festival, and has gained national attention.
To view a trailer of the movie visit www.bettingthefarmfilm.com.