About Us

Welcome to my website! Gaines Farm and Kennels is owned and operated by Howard Gaines III, a Delaware resident since 1962. In 1997, I purchased the 35 acre farm and started making many major improvements to it.  The ground was worked from one property line to the next. No hedgerows, no wildlife, nothing! Armed with more money than brains, I started on a small farm pond for pan fishing and waterfowl enjoyment. I then looked into establishing several hedgerows for soil and wildlife conservation. With a growing list of things to do and things which I needed to get done, I shifted gears to planting several stands of retail Christmas trees.

Oh Christmas Trees...

Christmas trees have been an aspect to the farm that I've wanted to do since day one. Growing up as a kid we have always had a live tree for Christmas and oh the smell! I have several types and sizes; Christmas trees for seasonal use and for landscaping purposes. Christmas tree sales start on Thanksgiving weekend and end two days before Christmas. I offer tag now, cut, you dig, and I have some daily pre-cut tree specials. Prices are generally based on the size and  type offered for that year; with most cut trees start at around $20.00.

In addition to the trees, the farm is also used for small grain production (corn, soybeans, and barley) and for the breeding and sale of non-registered Katahdin Hair sheep. Sheep aren't much good without a good dog or two and I own two great Border Collies. I also offer all breed stockdog herding lessons for folks who are interested. This has been a great success...how many farmers want a young dog running wild through their livestock pastures? Lessons are geared towards farm-style herding and weekend shepherd. 

K-9 Training Continues...

The farm is a base training site for the DELMARVA WORKING DOG GROUP, a working dog organization which trains on Sunday morning. The many hedgerows, fields, pond, and outbuildings offer endless training scenarios. This group is comprised of folks from Maryland, Delaware, and Viriginia. Training covers many areas: bite suit and sleeve work, K-9 personal protection, tracking, obedience, herding, carjacking scenarios, and the list goes on. Our group members are family friendly and supportive. If you are interested in working dogs and this style of K-9 training, feel free to contact me.

Goosed!

When I purchased the farm in the winter of 1997, it came with a young winter barley crop. Then one February morning they came, there was an army of thousands of snow geese with their hunger pains! I was watching the crop go fast and needed help. Finding little help on the state end, I soon developed FIRST STATE BORDER PATROL, a goose control service to serve my needs and then the needs of folks who were in a similar position. You can see information about this website by visiting it at www.firststateborderpatrol.com.

First, Last, Always!

 Delaware isn't called "The First State" for nothing! It has many small farms that are unique in the products or services offered and in agricultural history. If you are passing through "The First State" and would like to stop by, I'll make you feel right at home! You can reach me by mail at Howard Gaines III, Gaines Farm and Kennels, 1948 Hopkins Cemetery Road, Harrington, Delaware 19952 or you can call me at (302) 398-0185 or by e-mail at dehgaines@aol.com.