LIVERMORE — The 2018 Town Report is dedicated to Adelard “Ed” and Ruth Castonguay and their family, owners of the only operating dairy farm in town, Town Clerk Renda Guild announced Thursday morning.

“I take great pride in keeping the dedication a secret,” she said at a gathering of family, friends and town officials at the Town Office. “Today we’re recognizing people who have deserved an award for some time.”

Castonguay Ayrshires was established on Richmond Hill Road in 1986, 14 years after they were married. They began with four Ayrshire calves purchased as 4-H projects for their two sons, Chris and Peter.

In 1988, the first shipment of milk was sent to Agri-Mark Cooperative. In 1994 the farm received the Top Quality Producer award from Agri-Mark and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association Northeast.

Peter returned to the farm in 1996 after earning a degree in dairy farm management from Vermont Technical College.

The Castonguays’ third child, Mary, returned in 2002 with a degree in agribusiness management from UMaine. That year, the farm converted to organic production. 

In 2009, farm operations were turned over to Peter and Mary, while Ed and Ruth remain involved.

Castonguay Ayrshires is one of Livermore’s treasures and a testament to hard work and dedication, Guild said.

The honored couple thought their relatives were being presented with the Spirit of America Award.

“You fooled me,” Ruth said.

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The annual town report is dedicated to Adelard “Ed” and Mary Castonguay, owners of Livermore’s only dairy farm. From left, at the Town Office on Thursday, are Administrative Assistant Amy Byron, 2016 Town Report honoree Barry Hammond, Town Clerk Renda Guild, Peter Castonguay’s partner Sarah Littlefield, the Castonguays’ son Peter Castonguay, and Ed’s uncle, Lionel Castonguay. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser)

The family of Adelard “Ed” and Ruth Castonguay of Livermore stand with family at the Town Office on Thursday after being surprised with a copy of the annual Town Report, which is dedicated to them. From left are Ed’s brother Charlie, the couple’s son Peter, Ed, Ruth and their daughter Mary. Son Chris Castonguay was absent. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser)

Adelard “Ed” and Mary Castonguay of Livermore stand with  family and town officials at the dedication of the annual Town Report in the couple’s honor Thursday morning. From left, front row, are Selectperson Megan Dion, Administrative Assistant Amy Byron and Town Clerk Renda Guild; standing, Rep. Tina Riley, D-Jay, “Ed” and Ruth Castonguay, Ed’s brother Charlie, and the couple’s children, Mary and Peter. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser) 

Adelard “Ed” and Ruth Castonguay of Livermore hold a floral bouquet presented to them Thursday morning at the Town Office where they were surprised with a copy of the annual Town Report, which is dedicated to them. Their Castonguay Ayrshires farm on Richmond Hill Road is the only dairy operation in town. The Castonguay family has been farming in Livermore for four generations. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser)