Welcome to My Maryland Farmers Blog
We're glad you're here!Handcrafted Goat’s Milk Soap
In West River, Kimberly Hyland isn’t kid-ding around. She has taken her love of goats and goat’s milk to create her own business, Gray Goat Soaps. Kimberly handcrafts small-batch soaps made with love, care and the special ingredient — fresh goat milk from her farm....
Retired Firefighter’s Dream of a Family Christmas Tree Farm Comes True
The holiday season is all about cozy moments, family fun and making memories. And for a lot of families, that special memory is picking out a Christmas tree together. In West River, there’s a place that brings that holiday magic to life — Holiday Memories Farm....
PG County is Rolling With Soy Tires
The same soybean oil that gives your favorite candle its soothing glow is now helping vehicles roll down highways, too. Tire manufacturers are harnessing the versatility of soybean oil to create eco-friendly, high-performance tires. And it’s not just a novelty; one...
Eat Like a Marylander This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Maryland is more than just a holiday — it’s a celebration of the bountiful local produce, seafood and rich agricultural traditions that define our state. This year, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s marketing program, Maryland’s Best, is...
The A-mazing Use of Cover Crops
By Amber Rozich, Gaver Farm The Gaver Farm 2015 Maryland Pride and Apple Kiddie Corn Mazes were harvested in November 2015, and we then planted winter rye. The photo below was taken in April 2016 of the rye cover crop. Can you see the apple paths in the rye? The...
The Healing Power of Equine Therapy
At Paradise Stables in Mount Airy, healing and hope come together in an unexpected way: through horses. The Common Ground program, a part of this peaceful haven, offers veterans, first responders and other at-risk groups a path to recovery thanks to the unique...
Embracing Agritourism for Fun on the Farm
Redemption Farms is gearing up for its inaugural Fall Fest & Farm Tour this year, and the excitement is growing. The farm, owned by Wayne Cawley and family, has prepared a day filled with family-friendly activities that bring the best of fall to life. From...
A Watermelon Fit for a Queen
The Mar-Del Watermelon Queen Program is a unique, year-long experience designed to promote the watermelon industry throughout Maryland and Delaware. The queen plays a pivotal role in educating the public about the health benefits of watermelon, the importance of...
Celebrating a Decade of Fall Fun and Education on the Farm
Every autumn, as the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, Strohmer’s Farm in Woodstock becomes a lively hub for its annual Fall Festival & Farm Tour. This year is special as the farm celebrates its 10th anniversary of the event. What started in 2014 as a...
A Delicious Solution to an Unsavory Problem
Maryland is facing a challenge in its waterways with the invasion of certain fish species: blue catfish, flathead catfish and Chesapeake Channa (formerly known as snakehead). These invasive species are not just a nuisance; they pose a threat to the Chesapeake Bay’s...
Ag is Where the Heart Is
Lindsey Jacobs is the current Ms. Agvocate USA and a passionate cattle farmer at Church View Farm in Millersville. The Ms. Agvocate program brings together women who are passionate about agriculture, providing a platform to share their stories and advocate for the...
Brews, Bites and Bountiful Harvests
As Brookeville Beer Farm celebrates its eighth anniversary, the passion and dedication of its team shine through. Philip Muth, the farm manager, reflects on the journey with enthusiasm. “Our family had a background in farming. We saw an opportunity with this...
Sunburns Aren’t the Only Hazard of Hot Summer Weather
You wouldn’t head out to the beach or lake without applying sunscreen, right? Just like we need protection from the sun, farms need to gear up against fire hazards when temperatures spike. During hot, dry conditions, like the ones we’ve seen in Maryland the past...
History in Every Delicious Scoop
Running a successful ice cream business while maintaining a dairy farm in today’s world is no small feat. With roots deep in the Long Green Valley, Prigel Family Creamery, established on Bellevale Farm, has been able to uphold traditions while adapting to modern...
Diversity is Key for this Fifth Generation Farm
The story of Forrest Hall Farm is all about resilience and adaptation. This fifth-generation family farm sits in the beautiful Southern Maryland countryside. Since its founding by Joseph A. Wood in 1917, the farm has seen many changes. Initially focused on tobacco...
Market Garden Blooms with Flavor
Ethan Cook and Michael Rochon began their ag adventure as volunteers on organic farms. In 2020, they established Round Stone Farm, a permaculture market garden on just over a quarter acre in Cambridge. Garlic takes center stage in their efforts, followed by an...
The Cream of the Crop
Maryland has been keeping a fantastic tradition alive for over six decades. It’s the Maryland Dairy Princess Program, and it’s been weaving together the best of agriculture, community spirit and youth development for a whopping 62 years. This program is a chance...
A Bird’s Eye View of a Broiler Farm
Holly Porter had always been curious about finding the perfect way to connect consumers with the world of broiler farms. With a welcoming approach, Holly, who is the Executive Director of Delmarva Chicken Association, aimed to demystify the agricultural practices...
Century Farm is Preserving Heritage, Nurturing the Future
Recently recognized as a Maryland Century Farm, Griffith Family Farm stands as a testament to resilience, dedication and a connection to the land. Founded in 1923 by Benjamin F. Griffith, the farm has traversed through generations, embodying the essence of hard...
From Barley to the Brew
Something is brewing at Hutchison Brothers Farm in Cordova. In a move to diversify, Travis Hutchison, a fourth-generation farmer who farms with his family members, has ventured into a relatively untapped market within the agricultural sector — cultivating 100 acres...
Hopping into Spring: Easter Fun with the Farm Animals
Located on a sprawling 450-acre grain farm, Windy Way Horses offers a picturesque setting for horse lovers and nature enthusiasts. Annie Trice, the owner of Windy Way Horses, started her business in 2009 with a vision to create a thriving equestrian hub. What began...
Bundled Up and Busy: Winter on the Farm
During the winter, Linden Hall Farm, an orchard and dairy farm in Washington County, bustles with activity. Things don’t slow down on the farm when the fields lay dormant and the temperatures turn colder. Instead, it becomes a hive of preparation for the seasons...
Don’t Let Their Beauty Fool You — These Bugs Mean Business!
Say hello to the Spotted Lanternfly, a plant-hopping insect causing major concerns for farmers, gardeners and homeowners in multiple states, including Maryland. Don’t be fooled by its vibrant wings and patterns — this little bug is a destructive force that can ruin...
From Farm to Your Holiday Table
Crow Farm in Kennedyville is a third-generation farm that has embraced diversification to pave the way for the future of their land. Originally a dairy farm, Roy and Judy Crow’s 365 acres feature a vibrant vineyard and winery, a bed and breakfast, fields of corn,...
A Journey of Faith, Farming and Philanthropy
Twenty-five years ago, Rick and Carol Bernstein felt a calling. A divine pull toward an incredible journey, one that started small and blossomed into something neither of them could have envisioned. It started as a family project with a mere third of an acre. As...
From Tech to Tea: Maryland’s First Tea Farmers
Embarking on a new and exciting adventure, Lori and Bob Baker traded their tech careers for the world of tea farming. Since planting their first tea plants in Spring 2014, they are now approaching the impressive milestone of the farm’s 10th anniversary. Located in...
The Magic of Mushroom Compost
Chesapeake Gold Farms in North East is a family-owned, sixth-generation dairy farm that found a unique solution to tackle the challenge of heavy clay soil. Their secret weapon? Mushrooms! Like many farms, as well as backyards in Maryland, Chesapeake Gold Farms has...
Soaring to New Heights
McHenry’s Harvest is a family-owned farm that has been a cornerstone of the local community for generations. With a rich history in Kent County since 1925, the farm has seen its fair share of changes. Today, under the stewardship of Joey and Jenell McHenry, the...
Moo-velous Discoveries: Unveiling Six Fascinating Facts About Dairy Cows
When we think of dairy cows, we often picture serene creatures grazing in scenic meadows, contributing to the production of the milk and dairy products we enjoy daily. But beyond their roles as milk producers, these gentle giants are teeming with intriguing...
Creating Fertile Ground Through Inclusivity
Twenty-seven years ago, with zero agriculture experience and just $10,000 in seed funding, Woody Woodroof embarked on a project that would dramatically change the lives of thousands of people in Maryland through care farming. In 1996, Woodroof established Red...
Friendly Farm Animals Add to Enchanted Farm Experience
The Clark family has a rich history in Howard County, farming since 1797. The current farm came into being when James Clark Jr. bought it from his father after returning from World War II. For many years, he ran it not only as a dairy farm but also raised beef...
Nurturing Nature’s Little Heroes
The art of beekeeping is the practice of maintaining honeybee communities to reap the sweet rewards of honey, beeswax and other buzz-worthy benefits. This age-old custom has been buzzing around for centuries and is key for pollination and producing gold-liquid...
The Scoop on Hay vs. Straw: Which is Which?
If you’ve ever been on a “hay ride,” you may be surprised to learn that the seating is made of straw, not hay. Many people have a hard time telling these two farm staples apart, but they are quite different. Hay and straw play very distinct roles in farming and...
The Milkman is Making a Comeback
There's a timeless tradition making a remarkable comeback: dairy delivery. Once a staple of neighborhoods across Maryland, the familiar clink of glass bottles and the early-morning arrival of the milkman became a nostalgic memory for many. Fueled by a growing...
What Everyone Needs to Know about Slow-Moving Vehicles
With Maryland’s rich agricultural industry, it’s not uncommon to drive by a farm and see a tractor or combine working the land. Yet, those same vehicles sometimes need to drive to other locations. “Our fields are in different places and I’m not sure people realize...
Growing Native Trees with a Family Touch
Clear Ridge Nursery is a place where passion for nature and love for family meet. With a rich history of owning the property since 1984, Joe and Sharon Barley have dedicated their efforts toward reviving the farm and turning it into a thriving nursery. “The farm...
Maryland Rye Goes From Grain to Glass
Tennessee may have staked its claim on whiskey, but if this Maryland-based distillery has anything to do with it, that’s going to change. During prohibition, distilleries in the region closed and Maryland began to lose its distinctiveness with the rye whiskey made....
Building a Destination Farm on a Wing and a Prayer
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the furthest thing from Wayne Cawley’s mind was purchasing a farm. But God had other plans. “While having a rough day at work and then being stranded in my car, I was at my wit’s end and ready to have a fit when I...
High School Biology Teacher Finds Her Passion in Produce
More than 15 years ago, Lisa Wheeler Duff packed up her family and moved from Los Angeles back to the East Coast to be closer to family. The former teacher, who taught Biology in South Central LA before giving birth to her first child, never imagined this move in...
Winery’s Heated Igloos Offer Cozy Retreat
While the weather may be chilly, wineries across Maryland offer a cozy retreat — heated igloos. These igloos started popping up a few years ago in response to the pandemic and the necessity to provide outdoor seating and a smaller social bubble. Red Heifer Winery...
Look out pests! Farmers are watching for you.
The mention of pesticides may cause your brow to raise. Yet, it is an important tool in a farmer’s tool box to protect your food supply from pests, weeds and diseases that have the power to destroy entire crops. According to Crop Life International, even with the...
Stoked this Firewood is Made in Maryland
At Braglio Farms in Randallstown, raising livestock occupies most of Roman Braglio’s time. But, back in 2017 when things were slow, he had another idea. “I had the ambition to do more with our farm and produce more off of our land,” he says. “I learned very quickly...
Conservation Practices Run Deep
There’s a new sheriff in town on one of Maryland’s oldest dairy farms. Caleb and Alice Crothers were in their thirties when they left behind law enforcement and healthcare careers in Knoxville, Tennessee, to return to his family’s farm. Caleb took over the 200-cow...
Digging Deep into Farming Soil
Most folks know that Maryland’s state bird is the Baltimore Oriole or that our state flower is the Black-Eyed Susan. But, did you know that Maryland has a state soil? It’s called Sassafras and it covers nearly 500,000 acres in southern, central and eastern regions...
Christmas Tree Farm is ‘Just Like a Hallmark Movie’
Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm stretches 35 acres in Frederick County. On about 8 acres of that land Christmas trees abound. The farm’s owners and first generation tree farmers, Brian and Dawn Riesett, had a dream in mind when they began this niche business in 2004....
Drones are Flying High Above the Fields
A drone from the Big Box store may be on your Christmas list. But, the drones used for farming practices are far from being toys. Maryland farmers are just discovering their potential uses, including spreading cover crop seeds. When farmer Jay McGinnis told Erika...
Let’s Go Apple Picking
In 1902, Esma Milburn purchased a piece of land in Elkton, Maryland, to plant apple trees in the fertile soil of Cecil County. Eyeing the potential, Esma’s son, John, loaded up those apples onto a Model T to make deliveries to a store in Wilmington, Delaware,...
Saddle Up! Maryland’s Horse Trails Await!
JoAnn Dawson’s love of horses began at a young age. “Growing up on a dairy farm, my dad needed help rounding up the cows from a field far from the barn,” she says. “He bought me a pony, put me on bareback (no saddle) and told me to go round-up the cows.” Throughout...
First Responders Prepared for Grain Bin Accidents
The large metal grain bins that dot the rural landscape may look benign, even picturesque. Yet they can pose a serious threat to farmers and grain handlers. In just five seconds a person who falls in a grain bin can become entrapped in the grain unable to free...
Robotic Milking Leads to Happy Cows
The Fry family of Tuscarora, Maryland, has farmed the land of Rocky Point Farm since 1883. Today, the fourth generation of the family milks about 130 Holstein and Jersey cows robotically, and farms 600 acres of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley,...
This Maryland Farm is Wooly Great!
Meredith Null grew up in Olney, Maryland — not a likely place to find sheep. “Originally, I joined the 4-H rabbit club in Montgomery County because I wanted a pet rabbit and my mom insisted I join so I could learn how to take good care of him,” Meredith says. “I...
This Corn is for the Birds
There’s nothing like the taste of fresh sweet corn on the cob topped with butter and a sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning. This familiar variety of corn is grown throughout Maryland and can be found at farmers markets statewide. But, there’s another type of corn more...
Vacationers + Farmers = Busy Roads
It’s that time of year again when Marylanders pack up their vehicles and head to idyllic vacation spots across the state; places like our western mountains or the eastern shore. It’s also when farmers tend to their crops — frequently driving large farm equipment on...
Don’t Mow that Grass! It’s for the Chickens.
Mowing the lawn is a dreaded chore for many of us. But farmers John and Kim Luthy let the grass grow tall on their Dorchester County farm. The grass the Luthys grow is called Miscanthus. It’s a purpose-grown crop that grows to heights of around 12 feet and is being...
Plan Your Next Farm-Stay Camping Trip
Pack up your camping gear for a one-of-a-kind stay at Willet Family Farm in Carroll County. Located in the middle of 200 acres of farmland, it’s completely secluded, providing guests the space to enjoy chasing fireflies and listening to the sounds of bullfrogs at...
Asparagus, the Magical Vegetable of Spring
The following is a guest blog from Erin J. Dingle from the Frederick County Master Gardener Program. Master Gardeners are volunteers who combine their love of plants, people and the environment to help provide solutions in their communities. In 2021, Master...
You Won’t Believe What Soybeans Can Make
With abundantly available soybeans as a base, the uses for this staple product are ever-growing. “Soybeans are incredibly versatile. They’re used in everything from pies to paints,” boasts Joshua Appenzeller, a soybean farmer from Sudlersville, and Chairman of the...
Something’s Brewing on the Farm
Located just five minutes off of I-95, the Hopkins Farm Brewery sits on a 400-acre family farm that makes you feel as though you’re a world away from the bustling traffic of the interstate. The brewery uses the grains that the Hopkins family grow to make their...
An Idea to Grow Arugula on an Apartment Balcony Sprouts into a 25-Acre Farm
Not all farmers come from a background of generations in the field. For farmer and social justice activist, Emma Jagoz, it grew from more maternal roots. “I wanted to be as healthy as I possibly could be during my pregnancy for my baby and for my own body, so I did...
Farming is Closer than You Think
Black Butterfly Urban Farmer Academy launched last year to create an opportunity for locals to farm using organic, sustainable and regenerative practices. This may sound like a typical thing to do out in the country, but what about in Baltimore City?“There are...
It’s a Family Affair in Queen Anne’s County
The Eck family emigrated to Baltimore from Germany in the mid-1800s. Elmer T. Eck and Sons was established in 1952 when the family purchased 750 acres of land in Queen Anne’s County. Carl Eck and his wife, Doris, worked with his sister, Dorothy Eck Higgs, and her...
Farming Beyond the Fields
Jennie Schmidt is a registered dietitian turned farmer. She married into agriculture when she said, “I do” to her husband, Hans. She is now a full-time farmer and advocate for the industry.“I married into the farm and made farming my second career. I developed a...
Oh, Deer! Don’t Eat My Crops!
When people see deer in their yard or when driving by an open field, the usual reaction is, “How cool. Deer!” But, that’s not the response you’ll get from most farmers.“Other than rainfall, deer are the single largest yield-limiting factor on our farm,” says John...
Helping Farmers Manage Their Mental Health
Farming has been referred to as the “most noble employment of man.” So you may be surprised to learn that farmers are 30% more likely to die by suicide than any other profession. A few years ago, Danielle Farace, executive director of the Maryland Soybean Board,...
Conservation Practices Protect Maryland’s Natural Resources
When the Warrings bought their Charles County farm in 2009, they set out to leave it better than they found it. Persistence Creek Farm demonstrates how their farming and forestry practices can benefit Maryland’s natural resources.“We focus on caring for our soil,...
Local Maryland Gifts Make the Season Bright
The Christmas season is upon us. And, no doubt, you’ll be dashing to find the perfect gifts for friends and family. To find something extra special, think beyond the mall and online retailers and shop local. Many farmers markets as well as small businesses, like...
Local Flour Makes Your Holiday Treats More Special
This holiday season, when you pull out your great-grandma’s famous pie recipe, think about where to find the ingredients. Apples, pears, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and other Maryland-grown fruits and vegetables can still be purchased from local farmers markets. But,...
Virtual Competition Showcases Maryland’s Youth
Last year when the onset of COVID-19 caused in-person events to cancel, many organizations scurried to help bring some normalcy to youth programs, like 4-H and National FFA Organization, by holding virtual events.“During the summer of 2020, it was really...
Military Family Turns to Life on a Historic Farm
Marylander Todd Durbin joined the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was later reclassified to wheeled mechanic and medically retired after 15 years of service. As Todd was transitioning from active duty, he and his wife,...
Why Aren’t All Farms Organic?
Growing organic sounds like a no-brainer. But, there are a myriad of challenges for farmers who choose to grow organic crops. The “organic” label refers to a specific production method a farmer uses to produce food that is equally safe and nutritious to...
Farmers Give Back to Those in Need
When Hurricane Ida hit the Louisiana coast this past summer, people across the nation sprang into action to help and donate lifesaving items, like food, water and clothing, to those communities affected by the devastation. That effort included fresh products from...
Back to School on the Farm
Now that summer is over, fewer vacationers are heading to the beach. But that doesn’t mean that our favorite Eastern Shore farm markets, like Wright’s Market in Mardela Springs, are slowing down.Wright’s Market has been a staple on busy Route 50 for decades. “My...
Maryland State Fair Brings Farming to Fairgoers
It’s that time of the year for the state fair! Cotton candy, Ferris wheels and concerts. These are definitely exciting parts of the Maryland State Fair. But, if you look beyond those attractions, you’ll find a world full of agricultural gems — everything from horse...
From Helping Patients to Raising Chickens
About five years ago, Amy Tran came to a realization about her future. “My background is in the medical field, but I wanted to get away from the city life in Baltimore — and not have to wake up in the morning to fight traffic to go to work,” she says.That epiphany...
Get Your Garden Buzzing with Bugs
Whether you’re a master gardener with sprawling flower gardens or a novice with a container garden of vegetables and herbs on your balcony, one thing is certain: You need help from bugs to keep them thriving. Thanks to bug-lovers like Emily Zobel, who works for...
Maryland Farmers Fight Air Pollution with Renewable Fuels
Living within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Maryland’s farmers have long been drivers of sustainability — from soil conservation practices to nutrient and pest management — to help protect our waterways. This also holds true for the air we breathe. That’s why many...
Say Cheese to Maryland Cheesemaking
When Amanda Miller began cheesemaking almost 10 years ago, little did she know it would turn into a hunger for more. “I love cooking and baking and thought this couldn’t be much different. Boy, was I wrong! I fell in love with the challenge of learning and the...
Maryland Farm Welcomes Thousands of “Guests”
It’s pick-your-own strawberry season at Larriland Farm in Howard County. This family-owned farm has been growing strawberries for decades and welcoming guests to enjoy the fruits of their labors. But this year, they have even more “guests” that are not as...
Farmers Use Technology to Grow Crops Right for Consumers and the Environment
For Maryland farmer William (Billy) Jeanes, the goal is not just to get the highest yield of crops, the goal is to protect the land that’s been in his family since the 1700s. The land that Jeanes, along with his father, and generations before them owned is now...
Maryland is an Odds on Favorite for Horses
Every morning, Reisterstown veterinarian Dr. Michael Harrison starts his day by 6:30 a.m. But the day doesn’t begin by him putting on a white doctor’s coat and caring for patients. It starts with him hopping into his John Deer Gator to navigate the family farm’s...
Innovation is Key to Winery’s Success During Pandemic
Right before COVID-19 was on our doorstep, we featured Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery in Vienna, Maryland. Business was booming and the upcoming year looked encouraging. Recently, we caught up with Jennifer Layton to find out how things have been for their...
Fire Won’t Hold Back this Farming Family
Life for the Cosgrove family took a dramatic turn one March afternoon. The family was beginning their normal seasonal field operations on Horsmon Farm, which grows a variety of produce and raises cows and pigs. That day, they were spreading lime on the fields to...
Farmers Drive Food to the Table Safely
It’s so true that food brings everyone to the table. Just look how families come together for a holiday meal or special gathering. Or how people flock to the local farmer’s market to select the freshest produce. That’s why “Food Brings Everyone to the Table” is a...
The Doctor who Makes House Calls
“All Creatures Great and Small,” a Masterpiece series on PBS, provides a look into the fictionalized world of a rural veterinarian in 1930s England. It explores his deep compassion and love of animals while traveling from farm to farm treating animals. That glimpse...
Things are Getting Sappy in Maryland
It’s maple syrup season in Maryland. Did you say Maryland? When most people think where this breakfast staple comes from, New England probably comes to mind. Yet, more local farmers are getting into the action.In Maryland, there are about 25 farms that harvest...
One Farmer’s Journey from Christmas Trees to Hemp
Washington County’s South Mountain MicroFARM is taking a new approach to farming with its aquaponic greenhouse by growing some usual produce, along with a not-so-common crop, hemp. “In 2018, we joined the Maryland Hemp Pilot Program and became the first in the U.S....
New Ways to Reuse Litter to Benefit Maryland’s Environment
One Maryland company is finding a new way to reuse “litter” from poultry farms. And, it’s not the type of litter you’d find on the side of the road. Poultry litter contains manure, spilled feed, feathers, and bedding, like wood shavings, that chickens roam around...
Everything But the Oink
Scrapple, the iconic Maryland breakfast staple, is a hearty loaf that can evoke strong feelings mostly favorable, sometimes not.“I grew up eating scrapple and it brings back great memories,” says Julianne Barclay, a My Maryland Farmers follower. “My dad would make...
What’s the Buzz for Holiday Gifts? Honey, of course!
Visit a local farmers market or farm store and you’re sure to see honey. Peruse the selection and you’ll find jarred honey varieties and products made with honey, like soaps, candles and even lotions. These locally sourced and produced goodies make great holiday...
Soil: The Lifeline of the Farm
Soil has long been important for farmers, but did you know that it is becoming more important than ever for combatting issues like climate change and global warming? Scientifically named “carbon sequestration,” this process allows for carbon to be removed from the...
Gobble Up Some Farm-Fresh Turkey
Ask most folks what they’re serving for their holiday meal, and odds are it will be turkey. In fact, across the U.S., it’s estimated that over 46 million turkeys will be consumed on Thanksgiving, and 22 million more on Christmas. While a frozen bird will do, it’s...
Sweet and Crunchy Apples Ripe for the Picking
Fall is the perfect time of the year to pack up the family and take them apple picking. This activity is fun for people of all ages from the young toddler to the vibrant grandparent. Apple picking gives everyone a chance to be a part of harvesting their own food...
Fun on the Farm with Agritourism
It was almost 40 years ago when Chip Councell, a 10th generation farmer, and his wife Jo Ann started selling their produce from the back of a wagon in Talbot County. Today, that simple venture has grown into Councell Farms, an agritourism destination with a produce...
Rabbits and Robots Lead to a Bright Future for Youth
About six years ago, a young Ana Clemmer of Howard County wanted a rabbit. But her parents wouldn’t let her have one until she learned how to care for the animal. “I found out about 4-H at the Howard County Fair in 2014 when I walked into the activities hall and...
Sensational Seafood Saturdays
It’s a perfect day for seafood! And, Governor Larry Hogan thinks so, too. He recently designated Saturdays in September as “Buy Maryland Seafood Days” to encourage all Marylanders to support the state’s iconic seafood industry — perfect timing for late summer crab...
Your Student’s School Supply List Starts on the Farm
You don’t have to live in a rural area to appreciate how agriculture affects you every day — from a pencil in your hand to the paper in your printer. In Maryland, only a third of our counties have 50% or more rural land. This means that there are a lot of students...
Get the Scoop on Maryland Ice Cream
Nothing says summer treat more than ice cream. And, when you choose an ice cream made in Maryland, the taste just gets sweeter.“I love cooking and I love flavors. I love ice cream way too much!” says Kate Dallam of Broom’s Bloom Dairy in Bel Air. Broom’s Bloom...
Top Three Reasons to Visit a Farmers Market
In recent years, farmers markets have exploded across the nation reaching nearly 8,500 locations. In Maryland, you can visit about 125 farmers markets sprinkled across the state that are open for business with the freshest choices.Even during the pandemic, the...
Local Watermelons are a Sweet Slice of Summer
As Joe-Sam Swann stands over his field of watermelon, he’s looking at his family farm that dates back to the 1850s. A sixth-generation farmer, he worked alongside his father Allen and cousin Jody on their Owings, Maryland, land.“The farm began its journey as a...
Maryland Farming Family Makes Buying Local Easy
North Waldorf’s Shlagel Farm has been growing since the early 1900s. The land was first purchased by Otto Shlagel, an immigrant who was lured to America by advertisements he saw in Germany. Before passing the farm to his son George, Otto left behind this mantra,...
