How FFA Shaped Life at Rustling Birches Ranch
Three of the sisters who own Rustling Birches Ranch at the Mars Hill FFA Banquet. Left to right: Charlie Pierce, Julia Pierce and Aubrie Pierce.
Rustling Birches Ranch is a small cattle farm located in Mars Hill, Maine. The farm belongs to four sisters who have put countless hours into working with their cows. Currently, they have 20 head of cattle on their farm, and the herd continues to grow.
They started their beef cattle operation in 2017 with just two heifers, and since then, they have steadily expanded. The dedication they have put into their passion for farming has become evident within their community.
Julia Pierce and Charlie Pierce with their beef cattle.
One of the sisters, Julia Pierce, joined FFA when she was in seventh grade. She remained heavily involved with the National FFA Organization throughout junior high and high school. During that time, she served as the Mars Hill FFA Chapter president, as well as the Maine FFA state reporter.
“My favorite experience as an FFA member has to be attending the 2024 National FFA Convention, where I got the chance to meet so many new people from all across the country, advocate for youth in agriculture and even carry the American flag across the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium during the opening session,” Pierce says.
Julia Pierce holds the American flag on stage during the opening session at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Pierce says that her FFA experience has greatly impacted her work on the ranch. FFA has taught her to think quickly and react just as fast, which is very important when challenges arise. She also adds that FFA has helped her develop strong communication skills, which have been valuable when speaking with customers and suppliers.
Pierce also discussed how working with cattle has influenced her FFA journey. She said that caring for her animals has helped her maintain a consistent schedule and routine.
“I honestly don’t think I can pick just one favorite memory, but I can say that I enjoy the spring weather with new calves running around,” Pierce says. “It gives me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, knowing that we have been able to raise cattle and grow our herd this much after starting with just two heifers.”
Pierce’s experience working on her family’s ranch truly reflects the second line in the FFA motto, “Doing to Learn.”
