Little River Farm in Fairfield Welcomes New Farm Manager Mairead Raftery

Little River Farm, a newly created small family farm specializing in growing high-quality vegetables and fruits, as well as producing eggs, poultry and meats, is pleased to announce the addition of an experienced farm manager, Mairead “Mermsie” Raftery, a graduate of the University of Connecticut, to oversee all farm operations on the nine-acre farm at 360 Mine Hill Road in the Town of Fairfield.

Raftery, who honed her interests in agriculture while at UConn, joined the farm this spring as Little River’s production continues to ramp up. She is responsible for all aspects of farm operations and production, as well as overseeing its farm-to-table wholesale operations, on-site farm stand and participation in local area farmers’ markets.

“We are very happy to welcome Mermsie to our team and to have both her enthusiasm and expertise as we continue to expand our offerings,” said Felix Charney, who founded Little River Farm with his wife, Olivia. “With her youthful outlook and know-how, she brings the right blend of energy and spirit to the farm and to the local area community which is continuing to discover us and enjoy naturally good, locally grown produce, eggs, meats and other farm products.”

The farm, which has been created over the last three years, has egg production from 200 hens, plantings of 21 ground crops including beans, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, garlic, kale, flowers, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, strawberries, squash, tomatoes and watermelon. An orchard of 250 apple, pear and peach trees has also been planted.

Little River’s farm stand is open June through November 1, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8am to 5pm. In addition, it participates at the Black Rock Farmers Market at 458 Brewster Street in Bridgeport, and the Fairfield Farmers Market at 1451 Post Road in Fairfield. For more information, follow the Little River Farm o Facebook at facebook.com/Little-River-Farm-415956591938622, visit littleriverfarm.com or call (203) 226-2811.

MEET THE FARMER

Mairead “Mermsie” Raftery

Known for her enthusiastic outlook, Mairead, who is known as “Mermsie,” earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Connecticut majoring in Animal Science. There, she trained cattle for livestock shows and raised chickens in the poultry unit. Being fascinated by all things agricultural, she also minored in Anthropology with a focus on agricultural development and species domestication. She has experience in zoo keeping, animal adoptions and butchery, but has a passion working with soil and providing good, delicious food produced humanely and sustainably.

About Little River Farm

In November 2014, Felix and Oliva Charney purchased the nine acres of land at 360-366 Mine Hill Rd. in Fairfield, Conn. The Charneys saw an opportunity to build a small family farm on the excess land and raise their two children surrounded by plants, animals and an orchard. In the spring of 2015, with permission from the town, they cleared the excess land and planted their first ground crops, 150 apple trees and purchased chickens. Both Olivia and Felix joined the Connecticut Farm Bureau, and attended lectures and seminars produced by the US Department of Agricultural and The University of Connecticut Agricultural School. Produce is sold in season at a farm stand Olivia designed on site and at area farmers’ markets and local stores.