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 of malted barley expressly for the burgeoning craft beer industry. “With our sandier ground, we can produce barley better than wheat,” Travis says. “When the malting industry came to the area, we wanted to support it so we would have another market for barley.” In addition to malted barley, the farm also grows corn, soybeans, feed ..read more

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 as a small lesson and training facility has now blossomed into a full-fledged operation with two riding arenas, an obstacle course and four miles of scenic trails where visitors can explore the beauty of the countryside. “I have always been involved in the horse industry, I started taking lessons at Windy Way under the instruction ..read more

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 ahead. During these quieter months in the fields, Brian Forsythe’s focus shifts to taking care of the animals as well as the land to ensure it is ready to thrive. “Typically, we start prepping for the winter in late November to early December depending on the temperatures,” says Brian, a fourth-generation farmer whose relatives purcha ..read more

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 trees and harm crops. “It’s big news when the first shows up,” says Phin Deford, vice president at Boordy Vineyards to Baltimore Magazine. “We saw one or two last summer, then in greater numbers by the fall. And we just said, our time has come.”  But don’t worry, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has been actively managin ..read more

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, soybeans and hay, and a herd of about 100 Angus cows. “About 15 years ago, our options were to change or to put the land into land preservation, but we didn’t feel that would help the local economy,” says Judy. “So, my husband, Roy, and I decided to diversify.” What sets Crow Farm apart is their commitment to grass-fed Angus beef. T ..read more

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 interest grew and recognizing a need for more hands to do this work, their church joined the cause, and the seeds of a weekend passion project began to sprout. “We were called to do this knowing God was guiding us and understanding how great of a need there was in the community for fresh produce, hoping to make it more accessible for ..read more

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 Woodbine, Maryland, Heron’s Meadow Farm stands as the state’s first tea farm, boasting approximately four acres of Camellia sinensis — the traditional tea plant. “Neither my husband nor I had any farming experience prior to the purchase of the farm,” Lori says. “I was an electrical engineer for 30 years and my husband, Bob, is in co ..read more

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 to deal with heavy clay soil. This can be tough to work with due to its poor drainage, compaction issues and limited nutrients. However, instead of letting this hinder their farming, Wes and Amanda Miller say that for over 30 years the farm has used a byproduct of mushroom farming known as Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS). “We raise 8 ..read more

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 farm has evolved into a multi-faceted operation that combines tradition with modern farming methods. In 2016, at the age of 18, Joey embarked on a bold venture to diversify the farm. He started a custom harvest business, beginning the farm’s transformation from dairy into a multifaceted agricultural enterprise. This decision allowed hi ..read more

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 characteristics and unique traits that make them even more captivating. Here are some fun bovine facts from Emily and Chuck Fry of Rocky Point Creamery in Tuscarora. 1. Thirsty Work One of the most astonishing facts about dairy cows is their incredible water consumption. These bovine beauties can gulp down an astounding 30 to 50 gallons of ..read more