Homegrown - 2024

Must-see Farm TV | Minority Growers | Supplying Schools and Homes

In partnership with Frederick County Office of Agriculture | Supplement to Frederick Magazine

Supplement to Frederick Magazine

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Dewees

Joseph Silovich

MANAGING EDITOR

Nancy Luse

ART DIRECTOR

Alexandra Werder

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ian Sager

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Turner Photography Studio

FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE OF AGRICULTURE

Katie Stevens, director Becca Tucker, senior business development manager

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Terri Davis tdavis@fredmag.com

Debra Tyson dtyson@fredmag.com

Stephanie Dewees stephdewees@fredmag.com

DISTRIBUTOR

Josh Ensor alloutdist@aol.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Stephanie Dewees subscriptions@fredmag.com

Telephone: 301-662-8171• FAX: 301-662-8399 www.fredmag.com Homegrown Frederick is an annual publication of Diversions Publications, Inc., 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601 (ISSN 006-923). Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, MD 21701 and at additional mailing offices. Subscriptions to Frederick Magazine, $24.95 per year, which includes the Homegrown Frederick and all other annual guides (available through the business office). Back issues w/in the last 12 mo/$3.95. Prior to 12 mos. ago/$7. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Frederick Magazine, 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601. Customer inquiries to same address or call 301-662-8171. Distributed through mail subscriptions, home delivery, and sold at newsstands and other locations in Frederick, Upper Montgomery counties, and throughout the Central Maryland region. Advertising rates available on request. Manuscripts, drawings, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Frederick Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submissions, including letters and e-mail, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to Frederick Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. © DIVERSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC. 2024. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher.

OFFICE OF AGRICULTURE TAKES ROOT

By Katie Stevens Director, Frederick County Office of Agriculture

As Homegrown Frederick commemorates its 11th year, Frederick County’s unwavering commitment to agriculture shines brightly. With the establishment of the Frederick County Office of Agriculture, a new chapter unfolds in the county’s agricultural industry.

The journey to this milestone began with the inauguration of County Executive Jessica Fitzwater in December of 2022, whose administration prioritized inclusion, sustainability and accountability. Over 130 residents and stakeholders convened to form a transition team, tasked with setting goals and gathering community input. It was within the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Transportation workgroup that the idea of the Frederick County Office of Agriculture took root.

Advocacy from organizations like Mobilize Frederick and the Frederick County Farm

Bureau propelled the creation of the office, recognizing the significant economic impact of agriculture in the county, which exceeds $1 billion.

On Oct. 25, 2023, during Fitzwater’s State of the County address, the Frederick County Office of Agriculture was officially announced. This move merged the Ag Business Development Team from the Office of Economic Development and the Ag Preservation staff from the Division of Planning and Permitting, enhancing support for the farming community.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 20, marked the Office of Agriculture’s symbolic beginning, with overwhelming community support underscoring its importance. The office’s first initiative was the update of the Agricultural Strategic Plan, last completed in 2008. Spearheaded by Maryland company ACDS, LLC.,

this plan aims to analyze and strategize the future of the county’s agricultural sector, ensuring its vitality and resilience.

As the Office of Agriculture embarks on this journey, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster a dynamic agricultural ecosystem.  By nurturing and empowering agribusinesses and farms of all sizes and types, implementing strategic support initiatives, providing education resources, and developing innovative programming, the office works to create an environment conducive to the thriving diversification of the industry and economic growth within Frederick County’s agricultural sector.

In pursuit of Frederick County’s 160,000-acre land preservation goal, the office aims to enhance its multifaceted preservation programs, safeguarding Frederick’s robust farming legacy. By preserving agricultural land, ensuring ongoing land and agribusiness productivity and supporting the next generation of farmers, the office contributes to the county’s agricultural sustainability.

Together, with community support, the Office of Agriculture will cultivate a future where agriculture remains integral to the heart of Frederick County.

By Douglas Tallman

More than 48,000 Frederick County Public School students sit down for a meal each day, with local farmers helping the schools with some of the offerings on the kids’ plates.

“Our mission overall is to increase access to locally grown, highly nutritious food,” says Alysia Feuer, executive director of the nonprofit Farm to School Frederick.

Taste-tested in some of the most demanding kitchens—school cafeterias—are turnips, apples spinach, cucumbers and other leafy

greens, carrots, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, broccoli, winter squash, cabbage, radishes, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, grapes and blueberries. As an added enticement, they’re often served alongside ranch dressing.

“We want more children to access nutritious meals,” Feuer says. “We know one in 10 are food insecure.”

School children might potentially be served 8,890 breakfasts, 15,918 lunches, 621 after-school snacks and 150 suppers says Eric Louérs–Phillips, Associate Superintendent of Public Affairs.

According to Louérs-Philips, the school system is spending more than $1.1 million with local farmers, meaning the growth from the ground is helping to grow the county’s economy, helping farms survive and thrive in the 21st century. To Feuer, the money spent by the school system is helping to increase jobs.

It’s not only the schools, but also local restaurants and individuals who may frequent multiple farm markets a week, or belong to a CSA, that are contributing to the livelihoods of farmers.

County government is also working to that end. Through funding generated by the $1 recordation tax increase in 2020, the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program annually awards $250,000 to bolster expansion and diversification efforts for local businesses, says Katie Stevens, director of

the county’s Office of Agriculture. The money, for example, has allowed farmers to build high tunnels or add cold storage for produce, she says.

Agriculture is more than a billion-dollar industry in Frederick County, with the grants contributing to that success. Since 2020, the funds helped create 250 ag jobs, Stevens says. “For us every farm is important. Farms come in all sizes and scales, and we want to provide support to all those operations.”

What the county is seeing is a lot of value-added farming—agritourism, making cheese and milk to sell off their farm, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, or finished meat. You can be a profitable farm in all different sizes, Stevens says. The county also supports farms through the regulatory side of things, such as assistance with zoning and permitting.

In addition to the locally sourced food itself, there’s the benefit of having teachable moments, whether it’s youngsters on a field trip, or even

Alysia Zeyer

adults, about where their food originates, that it’s more than going to the grocery store. You also get to form a relationship with the people growing your food.

Pleasant Hill Produce

Take Ben Sayler who operates Pleasant Hill Produce in Walkersville and loves talking about his operation.

“There’s a lot of moving parts, we’re very diversified in what we grow and we‘re diversified in our sales outlets. Rare that we have a crop we cannot sell. Our goal is to sell 100 percent of what we grow,” Sayler says.

He has four main sales outlets including a Frederick farmers market, plus he sells wholesale, runs a community-supported agriculture operation, and has an on-farm stand.

“What sets our CSA apart is we’re fully customizable, so our customers can choose what they want to get from us,” Sayler says. Through Pleasant Hill’s CSA, customers can receive eggs, sausage, herbs, cheese, beef, chicken and pork.

Pleasant Hill has three greenhouses on six acres. They also operate “high tunnels,” greenhouses that look somewhat like Quonset huts with arched roofs covered in fabric or plastic to extend the growing period.

A longer growing period can be important for farmers, considering the season typically runs until the fall. With high tunnels they can still get a lot of spinach or hydroponic lettuce in the colder months.

Pleasant Hill Produce

Sayler took an unusual route to farming. He didn’t come from a farming family, but always enjoyed gardening, and wanted to be outdoors. He graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University with a master’s in business.

“Farming checked a lot of the boxes,” he says. “I wanted to do something important for society and providing good, safe, healthy food was one of the best things I could do for my community.”

None of his fellow graduates went into farming.

“I betcha I’m happier than all of them,” Sayler says proudly. “I could do something else, making a lot more money, but I wanted something that was mine.”

Moon Valley Farm

There’s also Emma Jagoz.

“I really love farming and working. I love being a business owner,” says Jagoz who runs Moon Valley

Farm in Woodsboro. “Working with people, around food, is a really cool way to spend my life. Especially when healthy food transcends political divides. I provide something that everybody can appreciate.”

For about eight years we’ve been focused on yearround production, she says, considering things such as wanting to pay themselves, customer and staff retention and building up walk-in coolers to facilitate their season.

Like Sayler, Moon Valley does CSA for its customers, which can include potatoes bok choi, ramps, spinach, apples, mushrooms and garlic. Moon Valley also provides produce twice weekly to restaurants. The available produce changes week to week. “We do live by the weather as all farmers do to some degree,” Jagoz says.

Sycamore Spring Farm

Carol Rollman, who goes by “Farmer Carol,” proudly says she’s going to be 70, and is part of the tail end of the hippie generation.

For 20 years, she’s run a CSA at Sycamore Spring Farm on Elmer Derr Road. The CSA follows 40 years of living what she calls “Amish style.”

“It’s in my genes to live sustainably…we try not to hurt the Earth,” she says.

While she doesn’t provide the school system with food, she does offer opportunities for students to learn “no Sycamore Spring Farm

harm” farming. Some of the youngsters even return to the school to grow their own food.

She has 120 customers; half get deliveries and half come to the farm for their own pickup.

“Our goal is to provide eight produce items each week, one herb and one fruit,” Rollman says. Sometimes, it’s a unique item, like persimmons, figs or muscadine grapes. She also has regular customers who come to the farm looking for Blue Hubbard squash, that’s about a foot wide, weighs 15 to 20 pounds and has bumpy skin.

Unlike other farmers who likely have hired hands, Farmer Carol says she does all the work. “I do everything with a wheelbarrow,” she says.

From schools to home kitchens and restaurants, local farmers do indeed provide the goods.

Emma Jagoz

Brandon Rosa, a multi-media producer with the county’s Communications and Public Engagement department, visits a farm as part of a series of videos about the rural aspects of Frederick County.

Seeing Rural Beauty Through City Eyes

By Kristi Johnson

Have you thought lately about the perks of living in Frederick County? From the exciting community events, amazing boutiques and restaurants, plus fun places for kids and families, Frederick County has it all. But when was the last time you drove past a silo, a corn field, or a lush pasture dotted with cows, and thought: Lucky me to be able to soak in all this rural beauty?

Farming Frederick, a series of videos appearing on Frederick County Government Television, Homegrown Frederick’s website and YouTube, reminds us of the beauty and significance of the farms that are integral to our community. Hosted by Yvette Castillo, the show connects viewers with

farming families and landscapes.

A self-professed city dweller and executive assistant at the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Castillo has embraced the show with open arms. Her background as a former reporter for a Frederick cable station, combined with her natural charm and sense

of adventure, makes her the perfect host.

Brandon Rosa, the man responsible for bringing Castillo to Farming Frederick, is a multi-media producer with the county’s Communications and Public Engagement department. When John Mongan, assistant director

Each story shared is like a seed planted in the mind, growing into a deeper understanding and appreciation for the farming community.

of Communications and Public Engagement, brought the idea to him, Rosa admits it would have been easy to jump into the new role himself, but why not put a different spin on it?

“I thought it would be an opportunity to add more diversity and bring someone in with the right personality for the job.” The first person he thought of was Yvette Castillo. According to Rosa, she brings the perfect blend of personality, enthusiasm and curiosity to Farming Frederick.

The show’s goal was to give viewers a chance to visit farms and learn something new about the ag community within three to seven minutes of video. Episodes launch roughly every month and so far, there are nine episodes in just over a year of production.

Farming Frederick is more than just a show; it’s an experience.

As she travels from farm to farm, conducting interviews with young and old farmers, Castillo’s curiosity and genuine enthusiasm shine through. Each story shared is like a seed planted in the mind, growing into a deeper understanding and appreciation for the farming community.

Experiencing Farm Life

For Castillo, Farming Frederick has been a journey of discovery. From feeding baby calves to driving a combine, she

has experienced farm life firsthand. Even tasks as simple as milking a cow or navigating an alpaca through an obstacle course have become unforgettable experiences.

Castillo recounts that on one of her first shoots, the farmer jokingly told Rosa, “If your reporter shows up in heels, this interview is over.” Later, when Castillo asked the farmer how she had done, he said, “Girlfriend, you nailed it.” For Castillo, that was high praise, indeed.

For her part, Castillo feels gratitude in her role. “The farm -

ers allow me into their lives and their work. Sometimes I even meet their families…They’re so open to sharing their stories with me, their history and life on the farm. It’s obvious the love they have for what they do. It’s pretty phenomenal.”

Castillo has a story about every farm visit, including taking an alpaca through an obstacle course. Comically, she couldn’t get the animal to step inside the hula hoop, so she could not move on to the next obstacle. Nonetheless, “I had a blast,” she says.

Castillo and the show are receiving good feedback, with viewers seemingly enchanted by her genuine enthusiasm at seeing farms and animals through the eyes of a newbie. “Each farm I go to, I learn something and have an amazing experience.”

When Rosa first called to propose the idea to her, Castillo had no idea if she could pick it up and just do it. “I thought it was in Downtown Frederick,” she says, “I was going to dress up, then I remembered Brandon had said something about farms, so I

Farming Frederick, hosted by Yvette Castillo, reminds viewers of the beauty and significance of the farms that are integral to the community.

thought, I better call him back,” she laughingly remembers.

“I didn’t know what to wear,” she emphasizes. “I talked to some of my friends, and they said ‘Go to Tractor Supply. They’ll style you!” She lets out that infectious laugh that viewers have come to love. “So, I went to Tractor Supply and had a blast. I got colorful

muck boots with dots all over them, because I still wanted to look cute. Then I borrowed a flannel jacket from a friend.” After pulling together the perfect farm outfit, Castillo was ready to take on the farmers.

What sets Farming Frederick apart is its authenticity. Castillo provides viewers with a fresh

perspective, and her willingness to laugh at herself, whether it is her indecision over what to wear, or her fear of dogs, adds an endearing charm to the show.

Farming Frederick is more than just a show about farms; it’s a celebration of community, heritage and the natural beauty of Frederick County. Through Yvette Castillo being on the scene, whether it’s from the seat of a combine, rhapsodizing over cute chicks, or strolling through rows of blueberry bushes, viewers experience the joy and wonder of farm life, one episode at a time.

When asked if she would like to live on a farm someday, Castillo stops to ponder the question. “I live in a development. I don’t think I’m a farmer, but now I’d like to live on some land.”

Tune in to Farming Frederick

Channel 19 and 1085, Comcast local station HD 1085

On YouTube, search Frederick County government, Farming Frederick www.homegrown frederick.com

Farms Entrusted to Future Generations

By Gina Gallucci-White

Chestnut Hill Farm and Market began more than a century ago in the early 1900s with a mix of livestock and specialty crops. When local canneries began to be phased out, the farm pivoted from produce toward a swine finishing barn.

Now in its sixth generation, the farm has come around full circle to begin offering produce again. Located in the Catoctin Mountains in Smithsburg, the farm has limited acres they can actively work. They continue to run a small 50 herd cow/calf operation as well as finishing 3,000 hogs per year. But with consumers becoming more conscious of where their food is coming from as well as the rise of the farm to table and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) movements, the farm decided several years ago to go back to its produce roots.

Kevin Donnelly notes one of the keys to the farm’s longevity is their ability to diversify and try new things. “Farming is an ever-changing profession and you need to be able to change with it,” he says.

Some of their most popular produce include strawberries,

tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches and apples. As a part of the sixth generation to run the farm, Donnelly believes so many family members have taken on the farming role because it is in their blood. “There is something about it,” he says. “It is hard to explain. If you know it, you know it. That is all you want to do, and you don’t even think about anything else. …It is just something that carries on from family to family. It is a way of life really.”

Frederick County has long been known for its strength in agriculture and the main reason is families like the Donnellys. For centuries, farms have been passed down through the family. This tradition, however, is being threat-

ened as, increasingly, family farms are being developed as more people move to the area. There are several local programs that aim to help farmers pass on their land to the next generation.

Frederick County’s Agriculture Land Preservation Department administers a variety of local, state and federal land preservation programs focused on preserving and protecting agricultural lands. Shannon O’Neil, program administrator, notes one of their biggest programs to help generational farmers is their county Critical Farms program, a no interest loan program that brings funding to the settlement table in exchange for the development rights.

Chestnut Hill Farm and Market is now in its sixth generation, represented in this family portrait.

“We can bring funding to the table to help people buy farms,” she says. “If they accept our offer, they enter into a temporary preservation agreement that lasts five years and during those five years we help them apply to permanent preservation.”

The office has helped close to 70 farms use the program. On average, the office does between about a dozen to 20 transactions a year ranging across multiple programs to help farmers. There is no fee to participate in any of the office’s programs.

“We have the most farms and the most farmers (in Frederick),” O’Neil says. “Frederick has a rich history in farming and so it is very important to us to preserve that. We are very happy that we have all of these different programs operating here in Frederick that we can help people preserve their land and in addition to that the Critical Farms program. There is a state operated program called the Next Generation program that works the same way as our Critical Farms program. It helps people buy farms.

“It is just so important to keep that tradition alive to help these farmers purchase land. It is so hard for them to compete with developers out there. Frederick is a hot and upcoming area, and folks are moving out of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore and coming out here because it is wonderful and beautiful. People want to be here, but we also want to make

sure we have farms to feed the community,” O’Neil says.

O’Neil notes the county has funding to help preserve the land. “The reason why we do this job is because we don’t want to see the land developed,” she says. “We are preserving the land in perpetuity with these programs. …Once the land is gone, it is gone forever.”

The office knows farmers are busy and the programs can be complex. “We will hold their hand throughout this entire process,”

O’Neil says. “It’s not like anyone should feel scared to come talk to us (thinking) ‘Well I don’t understand that.’ We are more than happy to come out, meet people, sit with them, and go through all of their program options. Help them to apply to any and all programs that they qualify for. We will just be there for them throughout the entire process whether it is a county program or if it is one of our state programs that operates here, we are here to help them through the whole process and beyond. After they get into programs, we are here if they have any questions.”

Horizon Farm Credit is another avenue for generational farmers. They offer a number of programs and partnerships with allied agencies to help farmers buy farms, equipment, animals, seeds and more. One program— Young & Beginning farmer loan program—helps younger farmers with rate discounts and fee waivers or discounts to help with transition planning.

They offer educational training such as the Grow Ahead program which teaches young farmers about accessing and building credit.

The loan agency also has some grant opportunities including the JumpStart program which offers money to farmers in the start up phase of business.

“(We want to) make sure that our farms stay farms and the

only way we can do that is to have the next generation come into (the profession),” says Kelli Wilson, loan officer.

Instead of going to big name banks, many farmers turn to Farm Credit as their staff members are also heavily involved in agriculture, including owning farms themselves. “This is why we are in business,” Wilson says, “to promote the agricultural industry. We are really the only bank in town that is just focusing on agricultural and natural resources in our rural communities.”

When contemplating loans, the agency looks at many different factors such as credit score, repayment ability, projections for income stream, farming experience and more. They can also understand the timelines farmers are under. “Farmers pull money out of their line of credit in the spring to plant their crops and then we know that they can only pay interest throughout the summer, but they will be able to pay us back in the fall or early winter when they sell those crops,” she says. “We can set payments up to really meet their income stream.”

Poultry houses usually only have income come in two or three times a year

when they sell a flock. “We can set up payment schedules to match their income stream,” she says. “Not every bank can do that.”

Tulip Pond Farm was started in 1989 and is now in its second generation. Cathleen Wastler was drawn to farming by growing up in the agricultural setting and helping out. “(The experience) just made me

realize that was what I wanted to do,” she says. ”I actually went to college for business and accounting and I worked a couple of office jobs and realized I was meant to be outside.”

The 700-acre farm based in Union Bridge has over 180 dairy cows and grows corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and alfalfa. Wastler

most enjoys getting to work with her parents and the animals as well as being able to watch the sun rise and set every day. “Just being outside, it is a good feeling,” she

Cathleen Wastler stands with her parents, Dave and Carol Doody at Tulip Pond Farm, a second generation family farm.

Cathleen Wastler was drawn to farming by growing up in the agricultural setting and helping with chores. After college and working in offices, she says she “realized I was meant to be outside.”

Horizon Farm Credit offers several programs to help farmers buy land, equipment, seeds and more, all in an effort to keep farms as part of the community. Loan officer Kelli Wilson says, “We are really the only bank in town that is just focusing on agriculture and natural resources in our rural communities.”

says. “I would definitely not want to do anything else.”

One of the biggest challenges with farming today is how prices are continuing to rise on items like feed, seed and fertilizer, according to Wastler. “You do the best you can with what you’ve got,” she says. “You’ve got to be diverse in farming. You can’t just have one income. …You have to be diverse to be able to do what you love nowadays.”

Farming is just something that’s instilled inside of you, according to Wastler. “It is just a love and a passion that you have. You don’t just (say) ‘I want a dairy farm.’ It is a lot of hard work and dedication. You have to have respect for the land and your animals.”

Seeing a field the family has lovingly and painstakingly working producing a bountiful harvest is rewarding for Chestnut Hill’s Donnelly. “I really enjoy it when we put all of the effort and labor into (farming),” he says. “We go out there and pick strawberries and seeing what we did paid off. We got a crop. We see things growing and producing” and that is gratifying.

When asked what Donnelly would like for people to know about generational farming he notes “how tough it is for one thing to keep a farm going every day and produce the food that (customers) are eating. To realize how much pride we take in producing that food for them. At the end of the day — we are

trying to make a profit and we do but nobody is farming for the money. We are doing it because we like it, and we hope that people understand how tough it is and how

much we really enjoy producing food for them.”

One of the biggest challenges his farm faces is one that many share — controlling costs. “It is very expensive to farm in this county today,” he says. There is also the unsaid tension to continue the farming legacy. “There is always that little bit of pressure that we can’t be the last generation here, so you are always striving to do better.”

Filling Plates WITH Local Fare

In the search to find food that hasn’t traveled thousands of miles, Frederick County residents have options ranging from weekly markets held during the growing season or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) enterprises where you share in whatever bounty the farmer produces. The following are resources for fresh-from-the-farm-to-the-table offerings:

Farmers Markets Make Meals Happen

FARMERS MARKETS

Brunswick Main Street

Farmers Market

Martin’s Creek Municipal parking lot, East Potomac and 1st Avenue, April 13 through Oct. 26, second and last Fridays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Downtown Thursday Market

331 N. Market St., Frederick, May 2 through Oct. 31, Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Emmitsburg Farmers Market

302 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, June 7 through Sept. 27, Fridays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Field Fresh Farmers Market

The Frederick Fairgrounds, Lot A, 797 E. Patrick St., April 27 through Nov. 23, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Frederick City Market

331 N. Market St., Frederick, May 12 through Nov. 24, Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Frederick Farmers Market

1215 W. Patrick St., Frederick, April 27 through Nov. 23, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jefferson Farmers Market

4603 Lander Road, Jefferson, May 22 through Aug. 31, Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Middletown Farmers Market

12 S. Church St., Middletown, May 2 through Oct. 17, Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Myersville Farmers Market

301 Main St., Myersville, April 20 through Oct. 26, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Myersville Indoor Market

301 Main St., Myersville, Nov. 16 through April 5, first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Thurmont Main Street Market

21 Frederick Road, Thurmont, May 18 through Sept. 28, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Urbana Library Market

9020 Amelung St., Frederick, May 19 through Oct. 27, Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

YMCA of Frederick Market

1000 N. Market St., Frederick, May 21 through Oct. 29, Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Chocolates and Tomatoes

571-271-2686

www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com

Eaters Acres

301-304-0505

www.eatersacres.com

Fox Haven

240-490-5484

www.foxhavenfarm.org

Good Soil Farm LLC

443-536-1830

www.goodsoilfarmllc.com

House in the Woods Farm

301-607-4048

www.houseinthewoods.com

The Little Red Wagon Produce

240-439-9401 info@thelittleredwagon.us

COMMUNITY

SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)

Chestnut Hill Farm & Market

240-734-2021

www.chestnuthillfarmmarket.com

Moon Valley Farm

240-207-0241

www.moonvalleyfarm.net

Open Book Farm 240-457-2558

www.openbookfarm.com

Pleasant Hill Produce

301-471-2699

www.pleasanthillproduce.com

South Mountain Creamery 301-371-8565

www.southmountaincreamery.com

Sycamore Spring Farm

301-788-6980

www.sycamorespringfarm.org

Thanksgiving Farms

301-662-1291

www.thanksgivingfarm andgarden.com

Catoctin Mountain Orchard

301-271-2737

www.catoctinmountainorchard.com

Country Pleasures

301-371-4814

www.countrypleasuresfarm.com

Gaver Farm

301-865-3515 www.gaverfarm.com

Pryor’s Orchard

301-271-2693

www.pryorsorchards.com

Scenic View Orchards

301-271-2149

www.scenicvieworchards.com

Tree Farm

10120 Clemsonville Road, Union Bridge

410-848-6083 www.clemsonville.com

Darlene’s Christmas Trees 5139 Doubs Road, Adamstown

301-693-3734

www.facebook.com/darlenechristmastrees

Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm

2700 Sumantown Road, Middletown

301-418-5348

www.dreamlandchristmas treefarm.com

Eberle Christmas Farm 13415 Liberty Road, Union Bridge

301-898-4232

www.eberlechristmasfarm.com

Gaver Farm, LLC

5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy 301-865-3515

www.gaverfarm.com

Mayne’s Tree Farm 3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown

301-662-4320

www.maynestreefarm.com

WET YOUR WHISTLE

FREDERICK A BEACON IN THE LIBATION SEARCH

Maryland has more than 1,400 acres of grapes being turned into wine. Frederick County is front and center with many vineyards located here. The county is also home to a growing number of breweries and distilleries, many relying on local growers to provide ingredients to make their products special and in many cases award-winning. Visit www. homegrownfrederick.com to view a map of locations.

ATTABOY BARREL HOUSE

24 S. Wisner St., Frederick www.attaboybarrelhouse.com

ATTABOY BEER CO.

400 Sagner Ave., Suite 400, Frederick www.attaboybeer.com

BLACK ANKLE VINEYARDS

14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy www.blackankle.com

BREWER’S ALLEY

124 N. Market St., Frederick www.brewers-alley.com

CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD

15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont www.catoctinbreeze.com

CELEBRATION CELLARS WINERY

9831 Fox Road, Frederick www.celebrationcellarswinery.com

DRAGON DISTILLERY

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108, Frederick www.dragondistillery.com

ELK RUN VINEYARDS

15113 Liberty Road, Mount Airy www.elkrun.com

FORDHAM LEE DISTILLERY

6776 Burkittsville Road, Middletown www.fordhamleedistillery.com

FREY’S BREWING COMPANY

8601 Mapleville Road, Mount Airy www.freysbrewing.com

HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD

7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick www.hiddenhillsfarmand vineyard.com

IDIOM BREWING CO.

340 E. Patrick St., Suite 104, Frederick www.idiombrewing.com

THE KOMBUCHA LADY

9750 Appolds Road, Rocky Ridge www.thekombuchalady.com

LINGANORE WINECELLARS

13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy www.linganorewines.com

LINKS BRIDGE VINEYARDS

8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont www.linksbridgevineyards.com

Tenth Ward Distilling Co.

LOEW VINEYARDS

14001 Liberty Road, Mount Airy www.loewvineyards.net

MAZZAROTH VINEYARD

8333 Myersville Road, Myersville www.mazzarothvineyard.com

McCLINTOCK DISTILLING

35 S. Carroll St., Frederick www.mcclintockdistilling.com

MIDNIGHT RUN BREWING

912 N. East St., Frederick www.midnightrunbrewing.com

MILKHOUSE BREWERY

AT STILLPOINT FARM

8253 Dollyhyde Road, Mount Airy www.milkhousebrewery.com

MONOCACY BREWING COMPANY

1781 N. Market St., Frederick www.monocacybrewing.com

NEW MARKET PLAINS VINEYARD

11111 W. Baldwin Road, New Market

www.newmarketplains.com

OLDE MOTHER BREWING CO.

526 N. Market St., Frederick www.oldemother.com

ORCHID CELLAR

MEADERY & WINERY

8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown www.orchidcellar.com

PROSPECT POINT BREWERY

5500 Jefferson Pike, Frederick, www.prospectpointbrewing.com

PUERTO RICO DISTILLERY

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Unit 113A, Frederick www.puertoricodistillery.com

RAK BREWING CO.

400 Sagner Ave., Suite 100, Frederick www.rakbrewing.com

RED SHEDMAN FARM BREWERY

13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy www.redshedman.com

ROCKWELL BREWERY EAST

880 N. East St., Suite 201 Frederick www.rockwellbrewery.com

ROCKWELL BREWERY RIVERSIDE 8411 Broadband Drive, Unit K, Frederick www.rockwellbrewery.com

ROSIE CHEEKS DISTILLERY

10229 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville www.rosiecheeksdistilling.com

SIX WICKETS VINEYARDS

10819 Church Hill Road, Myersville www.sixwicketsvineyards.com

SMOKETOWN BREWING STATION

223 W. Potomac St., Brunswick www.smoketownbrewing.com

SPRINGFIELD MANOR WINERY, DISTILLERY & BREWERY

11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont www.springfieldmanor.com

STEINHARDT BREWING CO.

340 E. Patrick St., Suite 102, Frederick www.steinhardtbrewing.com

TENTH WARD DISTILLING CO.

55 E. Patrick St., Frederick www.tenthwarddistilling.com

UNCLE DIRTY’S BREW WORKS

210 N. Church St., Suite 3, Thurmont www.uncledirtysbrewworks.com

WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER

6219 Harley Road, Middletown www.willowoakscraftcider.com

Idiom Brewing Co.

Red Shedman Farm Brewery

Katie Yang

Eastern Paradise Farm

Frederick County’s Minority Farmers Introducing New

Foods and Processes

By Karen Gardner

Frederick County has always been home to changes in farming. Farmers in the early 20th century made the switch to the growing dairy industry, and, as dairy farms consolidated, they began exploring farm-totable and crop farming. In the 21st century, a new breed of farmers, younger and ethnically diverse, are adopting innovative farming methods to grow some not so traditional crops.

Today’s Frederick County farmers include Asian American, Hispanic, Black and female farmers. Today a new group of farmers are introducing new and different types of agriculture.

Ethnic diversity is slow, but it is happening. According to the 2022 Census report, there are 22 Hispanic farmers, 6 Black farmers, 38 Asian farmers, 2 American Indian/Alaska Native, and 4 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander farmers in Frederick County. There are more than 1,000 female farmers, while there are 1,600 male farmers. More than 2,407 farmers are 35 and over, but data also shows 276 farmers younger than 35.

Potomac Sprouts

Chris Yu isn’t your typical young farmer, but these days, almost no new farmer is typical. Yu, 34, is a native of Rockville, graduated from the University of

Maryland with a degree in food science. After receiving his diploma, he worked in food safety at the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup and a similar operation on the Eastern Shore.

“Sprouts were a high-risk category, but I had some ideas on how to improve the process,” he says. In 2014, he began searching for a location for a sprout growing business, finding one in an old horse farm on Black’s Mill Road in Thurmont.

Sprouts are a nutritious, crunchy addition to almost any sandwich or salad, but when eaten raw, they can also be high risk. That’s because the seeds, when planted, can become contaminated from irrigation, animal manure, wild animals, or unsanitary practices of field workers, according to Clemson University Extension. Yu devised a way to address those issues through an indoor growing process.

It took 18 months to convert an indoor riding ring and barn into 10,000 square feet of space to process, grow and package sprouts for markets along the East Coast from Vermont to South Carolina. The rest of the farm’s 40 acres is leased out to farmers for hay and corn.

The process is kept sanitary, and everyone—visitors and employees alike—must don sanitized boots and hairnets before entering the processing area. “We’re fortunate that everything is indoors and controlled,” Yu says.

From seed to packaging, the indoor growing process takes 96 hours. The sprouts

Chris Yu Potomac Sprout Company

Chris Yu Potomac Sprout Company

are grown in three large drums, called sprouters, with each one devoted to a different type of sprout. Potomac Sprout Company grows broccoli, Daikon radish and alfalfa sprouts.

Every four days, the sprouters are filled with 100 pounds of seeds. From these, 1,000 pounds of sprouts emerge. Inside the sprouters, the seeds are cleaned and rotated. Purified well water and light are added to stimulate growth. The finished sprouts are then spun, dried and loaded onto tables in the cold room. Each table contains sprouts of a slightly different shade of green. Alfalfa sprouts have a yellowish-green tint, broccoli sprouts are a traditional green color, while Daikon radish sprouts have a shimmering, deep green hue.

After growth is complete, seed residues rest on the bottom of the sprouters. Seeds will be discarded and each sprouter is thoroughly cleaned before the next round of seeds is loaded into each drum.

“This process helps keep our sprouts free of pathogens,” Yu says. “We have our fingers on the dials. But it’s still hard to get everything right.” Yu keeps on top of new sanitation technologies and works with the Food and Drug Administration to identify potential problems.

Yu’s food safety background is a plus for growing sprouts. He follows International HACCP Alliance food safety certification standards. “It’s a pretty stringent food safety standard,” he says. Once the

sprouts go into cold storage, the temperature is maintained throughout the packaging and distribution process. Sprouts are packed in a room chilled to a specific cold temperature, loaded into a cold truck, and transferred to refrigerated units, he says. “I was able to take practical experience and put it into the design of the factory,” he adds.

His background also helped his operation become certified organic through the Maryland Department of Agriculture. His suppliers also adhere to organic standards.

He’s thinking of adding other varieties of sprouts, but that will take more consideration for ideal growth conditions, temperature and distribution. “It’s not rocket science,” Yu says of his growing operation. “But it is an art.”

Katie Yang

Eastern Paradise Farm

Eastern Paradise Farm

Kate Yang’s journey from a high-tech telecommunications job to the sunlit paths of Eastern Paradise Farm is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Having grown up in China and traveling extensively for her work, Yang found a different kind of calling during the pandemic. Alongside her husband Greg Trexler, a fellow tech professional, she decided to raise produce she’d grown up with but couldn’t find fresh locally.

The story of the farm begins with a plot of Asian waxy corn on the couple’s farm in Middletown. Waxy corn is known for its sticky texture and was a favorite of Yang’s as a child. The corn quickly became a hit among Asian communities from Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland nostalgic for food from their youth.

“People loved it,” she says. She wanted to expand her growing operation, but corn is labor intensive, so she decided to try pick-your-own fruits, vegetables and herbs. Not just your typical produce, either, but hard-to-get Asian varieties.

This initial success planted the seeds of a broader vision: A unique agritourism experience in Frederick County that blended Eastern culture and produce with hands-on agricultural education.

garden will be the heart of the agritourism destination with mulched paths, steppingstones and hooped trellises. Encircling the trellises are cutting flowers, including edible varieties. The perimeter is planted with fruit trees such as jujube, Asian plum, perfume pear and persimmon. The garden will soon have Asian varieties of cucumbers, beans, squash and melons, along with heirloom tomatoes. The farm will be open for pick-your-own.

Yang envisions interactive programs for all ages to not only teach about the growth cycles of different plants but also offer workshops and events focused on sustainable living and Eastern

With funding support from Frederick County’s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program, Yang installed a half-acre food forest garden dedicated to Asian fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This

gardening. These educational endeavors will deepen visitors’ understanding of food sources and promote a hands-on connection with nature.

“We are weaving new elements into the farm each year, blending Eastern and Western farming, food

District Farms

and cultures to create a unique destination,” she says. “Our goal this summer is to open our gates wider, attracting people of all cultures to explore this peaceful and relaxing environment where East meets West.”

District Farms

Ali Sharifzadeh, his brother Ibraham, and friend Jason Stern grow lettuce year-round on their farm in Frederick using environmentally friendly methods. They didn’t start out in farming, however. Ali, 38, grew up in Rockville and studied electrical engineering at the University of Maryland. Later, he earned a law degree. But things changed in 2015. “We were practicing attorneys,” he says. “We had a chance encounter with our mentor.”

The mentor, of Dutch ancestry, needed some patent work done, and he taught the trio about growing lettuce year-round in a controlled greenhouse environment, a popular practice in the Netherlands. “He taught us a lot,” Sharifzadeh says. They decided to

take the business up a notch. “We’re Americans. We like to dream big.”

The trio transitioned into year-round lettuce farming; an industry dominated by California farmers. They started with an acre of lettuce, mostly butterhead, growing inside a greenhouse equipped with radiant heat and a specially designed irrigation system that provides plants with the right mix of nutrients. Seeds are planted by automation in plugs of soil that are moved to tables 23-feetby-5-feet where they begin to sprout.

Once the lettuce shoots form, the plants are moved to rows of tubular metal troughs that each contain 37 lettuce plants. There, they grow into full-sized heads. “This is a fully automatic irrigation system,” Sharifzadeh says. “Everything from nutrient composition to water treatment is automated.” A closet full of circuits and wires controls the irrigation, ventilation and heating.

Using plumbing, electrical, and mechanical knowledge from the 1-acre operation, the trio expanded to 5.1 acres in late 2022. Gutters recapture water runoff from the troughs and most of the water is reused. Roof sections open and close to let in warm air or keep out the cold. Fans suspended from the ceiling ensure that air is evenly distributed over the plants. They use 5 horsepower water pumps, with plans to transition to 30 horsepower.

District Farms still focuses on butterhead lettuce, but now

District Farms

also grows romaine and leaf lettuce. The lettuce is distributed under the Backyard Farms label from Boston and Canada to Florida and as far west as Michigan. The lettuce is sold through distributors to grocery retailers and restaurants.

Now that phase two is complete, the trio is turning to phase three. Currently, District Farms has 450,000 lettuce plants growing at any given time, from plug to seedling to bowling ball or football-sized heads of lettuce. It’s all about getting the nutrients right, the water right, and the proper temperature and airflow. All of this is done in a sanitary facility where everyone wears a hairnet.

Phase three will expand the growing operation from 5 to 10 acres, which will be the most the 40-acre property on Basford Road can accommodate.

District Farms

FINDING IT ALL ON THE FARM PROVES POSSIBLE

Farming continues to play an important part in the local economy with 57.5 percent of the land zoned for agriculture. Increasingly, consumers are seeking fresh, locally-produced food and other products and Frederick County farmers and growers are meeting the demand— whether it’s raising alpacas, beef cattle and heirloom vegetables, or inviting you to pickyour-own fruits and vegetables and enjoy a corn maze and hay ride.

THE FOLLOWING ICON DESIGNATES A SPECIAL FARM FEATURE.

BARTGIS FAMILY FARM, LLC

1699 Shookstown Road, Frederick 240.285.7005 • www.bffarm.us

Bartgis Family Farm is family owned and operated, raising beef cattle for over 35 years. Their beef is pasture raised with no antibiotics, no hormones. They mix their own feed with grains harvested on the farm, or locally sourced, consisting of corn, barley and oats.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer their all-natural, freezer ready beef by the pound, choose your cuts, as well as by the quarters, halves or whole. Visit the website for more details.

BELLE BLOOMS FARM

3311 Paprika Court, Adamstown

240.277.0275

www.bellebloomsfarm.com

Morgan at Belle Blooms Farm grows specialty cut flowers for everyone to enjoy. Join the monthly CSA to experience local flowers through the spring, summer and fall seasons. Buckets of blooms can be purchased for your next event (available seasonally); Event designers can purchase blooms for event work. Local flowers are the best!

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Call or visit the website for information on upcoming workshops, or to purchase bouquets seasonally.

BLACK ANKLE VINEYARDS

14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy

301.829.3338

www.blackankle.com

At Black Ankle Vineyards, they believe that a prime vineyard site marked by rolling hillsides and rocky soils, combined with meticulous care of their vines and land, will yield grapes that make wines of depth, nuance and character.

Cozy indoor/outdoor seating fits perfectly in a valley with rolling hills and vineyard views. Wine is offered by flight, glass, bottle and carafe. Entertainment/events, groups welcome, private event rentals. Refer to website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

All wines are sold at the farm and online. In addition, they have a local fare menu featuring an assortment of hand-selected artisan cheese, spreads, treats and more.

BLUE DREAMS USA

11700 Old Annapolis Road, Frederick

301.882.4747

www.bluedreamsusa.com

Blue Dreams USA is the first of its kind lavender, roses and tea garden boutique in the country.  Surrounded by scenic views, it’s a place you can unwind while enjoying the beauty of lavender, roses and tea gardens on a 25-acre farm.

They offer pick your own lavender in summer, tea tasting, afternoon tea, plus thoughtful gifts and artisan quality crafts inspired by nature, lavender, roses and tea. Open to the public on weekends from June to October with special shopping days during the holiday season.

If you are looking for a special place for your family this summer, or to celebrate special occasions, please contact them for more information.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer pick your own lavender on a limited schedule.

BROOKFIELD PUMPKINS, LLC

8302 Ramsburg Road, Thurmont • 301.898.3527 www.brookfieldpumpkins.com

Brookfield Pumpkins is a pickyour-own pumpkin patch located on a six-generation cash crop farm with a beautiful view of the Catoctin Mountains. Many customers start their visit with a hayride to the 15-acre patch to explore the fall produce and pick the perfect pumpkin. Also enjoy the family-friendly Corn Maze for a Cause (100 percent of proceeds are given to local charities), petting zoo, corn tables, and countless photo opportunities. Call or visit the website for more information.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Hayrides (Friday – Sunday), petting zoo, corn tables, Corn Maze for a Cause ($), face painting ($, Saturday- Sunday), and apple cider ($).

BRYANT LIVESTOCK, LLC.

2719 Thurston Road, Frederick 301.788.8279

www.bryantlivestock.com.wix site.com/mysite

Built off the aspirations of three sisters, Bryant Livestock LLC stemmed from their extensive 4-H and FFA careers and is a continuation of their livestock projects. They offer locally raised beef, lamb, pork and goat frozen retail meat products to consumers via farmers markets and the farm’s commercial freezers. Additionally, they breed, raise, and sell prospect registered percentage cattle and commercial lambs to local youth and fellow producers.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Officially starting in 2021, they are working towards opening a full-fledged farm store. In the meantime, they frequent five farmers markets, attend various community special events as a vendor, and belong to the American Association of Meat Processors as a small farm retail meat producer.

BULLFROG SOD

5455-B Doubs Road, Adamstown 301.662.0736 • www.bfsod.com

Bullfrog Sod is a family-owned and operated sod farm in Adamstown, offering Maryland Certified sod to both contractors and homeowners. Members of the team at Bullfrog Sod pride themselves on their individualized approach to customer service and are happy to help with any questions regarding measuring, laying and caring for your sod. Call anytime and allow them to help you achieve your landscaping dreams.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Certification by the Department of Agriculture is the gold-standard when it comes to sod. Bullfrog Sod is Maryland certified and planted, grown, and maintained with the utmost care. Sod is cut to order and every customer provided with a 24-hour freshness promise.

CASTLE HILL FARM

5814 Broad Run Road, Jefferson

301.371.4111

www.voracsuffolks.com

Farm-fresh, excellent-tasting lamb from Frederick County is the specialty of Castle Hill Farm. Lambs are grain- and grass-fed, with no growth hormones or steroids. USDA inspected. Processing is done at Hemp’s Meats, Jefferson. The farm was settled in 1803 by the Abraham Willard family and named Castle Hill Farm. We are the fourth owner from the original land grant. They have been farming for 38 years.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

CELEBRATION CELLARS WINERY

9831 Fox Road, Frederick 240.812.WINE

www.celebrationcellarswinery.com

Celebration Cellars Winery is passionate and creative when it comes to wine. They are an intimate destination winery nestled high in the Catoctin Mountains of Frederick. Their wines are hand-crafted in small batches using the same techniques that winemakers have used for centuries.

Castle Hill specializes in: Custom-processed lamb: whole or half lambs, lamb for a BBQ, lamb sausage, lamb burgers; 4-H market lambs to show at county fairs; lamb program to 4-H members-lambs leased for the summer, at no leasing cost to the 4-H family; Registered ewe and ram breeding stock; ewe breeding services; Greek Easter lambs; also selling square bales of weed-free hay, straw bales, and aged sheep compost.

CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD

15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont

240.578.3831

www.catoctinbreeze.com

Catoctin Breeze is a family-owned vineyard located in the northeastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Formed by ancient Appalachian soil and perpetually cool winds, and produced by hand from field to bottle, their wines are as accessible as they are expressive.

They invite you to experience the vineyard, tasting room, and wine in a quaint and intimate setting. In the afternoon, sit on the shaded patio and enjoy the views.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They are open Thursday-Monday and all of the indoor and outdoor seating is available on a “first come, first served” basis. They can accommodate groups of up to six people.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer a wide range of delicious nectars that will delight your senses at their picturesque winery. Come for the wine and stay for the unparalleled views from the mountainside winery.

CHESTNUT HILL FARM AND MARKET, LLC

14343 Stottlemyer Road, Smithsburg • 240.734.2021

Nestled in Catoctin Mountain and close to Camp David, Chestnut Hill Farm and Market LLC is a sixth-generation farm that has recently diversified to bring fresh produce “From our fields to your table.” With over 40 acres devoted to fruits and vegetables, they offer 60 different varieties of produce. They are committed to providing sustainable, high quality, healthy options.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They also raise beef, lamb, goats and turkeys that are available in cuts, halves, and wholes, and offer high quality hay in small square bales and round bales.  Find all your family’s needs, here on a family farm.

CHOCOLATES AND TOMATOES

7957 Hollow Road, Middletown

571.271.2686 www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com

Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm sustainably grows hundreds of varieties of fruits, herbs and vegetables that they sell in the local community along with their hand-crafted artisan chocolates of many shapes and flavors. Come to their Learning Kitchen (February-December) to discover your inner chef and candy artist. Join them at their market tents (May-September) and order online (February-December). Let them host your small event, commission chocolates and learn more about this small family farm at www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Chef and farmer Mark, also teaches culinary arts at Frederick Community College, blending his love for growing and cooking food.

CLEMSONVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

10120 Clemsonville Road, Union Bridge • 410.848.6083 www.clemsonville.com

At Clemsonville’s 250-acre Christmas tree farm you can cut or dig fir, pine and spruce trees, plus get wreaths, swags and tree stands. All trees are $50. The farm dates to 1775 and has a historic mansion copied from George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. The farm is the home of the Guinness Record-breaking wreaths and “Tiny Clem” a 4-foot evergreen “TO GO.” Pets welcome.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Clemsonville has been a Christmas tradition for over 50 years. Visit the Christmas Barn, explore the nature maze, see Boulder Garden Christmas Wonderland and go to Picnic Park. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday after Thanksgiving until Christmas 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cut your own firewood, pine tips and boughs—truckload $20. Saws and rope available. Check or cash.

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN ORCHARD

15036 N. Franklinville Road, Thurmont • 301.271.2737

www.catoctinmountainorchard.com

Catoctin Mountain Orchard is a fourth generation fruit, vegetable, and berry farm celebrating more than 55 years in business. One hundred-plus acres produce products sold at the retail market on the farm. Pick-yourown crops and flowers are available, including apples, on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. Call or visit the website for days and hours at their retail farm market.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Products also include plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, pears, grapes, kiwiberries, blackberries, sweet cherries, black raspberries, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, kale, fruit pies, cookies, crumb cakes, apple cider donuts, apple butter, cider, honeycrisp apple sauce and local honey. Supplies the school lunch program with fruit.

COPPER PENNY FARM

2231 Ballenger Creek Pike, Adamstown • 301.874.3802

www.copperpennyfarm.net

Copper Penny Farm is a small, family-run farm that produces heritage breed, pasture-raised pork, beef and lamb. They believe in treating their animals with love and affection and allow them to live as naturally as possible. All their animals live in large pastures and are allowed to move around and forage at will. Animals are never given drugs, such as growth stimulants, hormones or antibiotics, unless medically required.

DEER RUN FARM

15131 Sixes Road, Emmitsburg

717.357.4521

www.deerrunfarmmd.com

Deer Run Farm is a family owned and operated farm for over 25 years. The Stewart family raises Red Angus for beef, Berkshire hogs for pork and heritage breed chickens for pasture-raised eggs. They also operate a hatchery offering hatching eggs, chicks, started birds and chicken feed throughout the U.S. Deer Run Farm offers an on-farm retail store and has a website for customers to shop.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Deer Run Farm puts Maryland on the map by being the United States’ cleanest, certified disease-free chicken hatchery. They’re the only chicken hatchery in the United States to test regularly for MS, MG, AI and PT.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Copper Penny Farm offers pasture-raised meats by the cut, as well as quarter, half or whole. Meat can be ordered online and delivered, picked up at their onfarm store or at area farmers’ markets. Visit the website for details.

DREAMLAND CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

2700 Sumantown Road, Middletown • 301.418.5348

www.dreamlandchristmastreefarm.com

Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm is a choose and cut farm in the beautiful Middletown Valley. They also offer pre-cut trees of all sizes. Dreamland was started to honor the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. They are a family-friendly farm with a beautiful old barn which has been lovingly restored as a Christmas shop. The barn offers a cozy atmosphere including a stone fireplace and wood stove, wreaths, garland, crafts, ornaments, and a café serving hot food and beverages.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Children love the farm’s turkeys, pheasants, chickens, and playground. Visit weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas to make this your family’s tradition.

EBERLE CHRISTMAS FARM

13415 Liberty Road, Union Bridge

301.898.4232

www.eberlechristmasfarm.com

A family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm located on 40 rolling acres with Civil Warera buildings. They offer a variety of trees for you to cut and also offer fresh cut trees from 6 to 11 feet, harvested weekly and kept in water to assure freshness.

Open the day after Thanksgiving with hours 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

A full service farm with a wide variety of trees and accessories. Fresh custom garlands and hand-made wreaths of all shapes and sizes by on-site artist. Shaking and baling included.

FINGERBOARD FARM

10240 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville

833.643.HEMP • 301-674-8010

www.FingerboardFarm.Market

Fingerboard Farm, located in Ijamsville in the heart of Frederick County, is a woman-owned agritourism destination renowned for its organic, local produce and wellness products. The farm focuses on regenerative agriculture incorporating hemp biochar and compost to build healthy soils while utilizing hemp for carbon sequestration. Their market stocks products from grass-fed meats, local honey, organic jam, free-range eggs and seasonal produce. They are nationally recognized for their CBD wellness products and home grower supplies.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Spanning 25 acres, the farm offers an historic six-bedroom 1789 manor home for short term stays and charming events. Visitors can relish an immersive agricultural experience, meet farm animals, and participate in educational sessions while supporting a local woman-owned business.

ELK RUN VINEYARDS

www.elkrun.com

Elk Run Vineyards is nestled in the rolling hills of Frederick County, surrounded by dairy and horse farms and fields of wheat and corn. The winemaker’s home is circa 1756. Since 1983 Fred and Carol Wilson and Neill Bassford, family and friends, have made Elk Run a shining star among American wine producers. For the past five years, Julian Wilson has taken on greater responsibility for field management, winemaking, as well as becoming more knowledgeable in new marking technology.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Taking over 800 International, National and Regional awards has made Elk run not only one of the top 100 wineries on the East Coast but the most acclaimed winery in Maryland.

ESWORTHY FARMS

3405 Sumantown Road, Middletown 301.471.3435 • www.esworthyfarms.com

Esworthy Farms Black Angus beef cows are completely grass-fed and grass-finished. The cows roam in large pastures, and are also fed only alfalfa and orchard grasses grown on the small, family-owned farm. They get no grain, ever.

Beef orders are accepted only for quarter, side, and whole beef quantities. Hay and straw are also available seasonally.  Check www.EsworthyFarms.com for farm information and beef availability, or follow Esworthy Farms Grass Fed Beef on Facebook.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

The Esworthy family is proud to offer great beef as they continue their lifetime of farming in Frederick County.

FLYING GOAT FARM

5241 Bartonsville Road, Frederick

443.538.8303

www.flyinggoatfarm.com

Flying Goat Farm raises fine wool, sheep and goats using regenerative and sustainable practices. They make, dye and sell beautiful yarn and roving for crafters. Many are Fibershed certified, meaning local fiber, local dyes and local labor. They are open by appointment or on open studio days announced on the website.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer classes in dyeing, spinning, weaving, and knitting.

FREY’S BREWING COMPANY

8601 Maplevillle Road, Mount Airy

240.394.6336

www.freysbrewing.com

Frey’s Brewing Company is nestled in a peaceful valley among the rolling hills of Frederick County. Their restored 1800s bank barn provides a beautiful place to unwind with friends and enjoy a variety of craft beverages, including beer, hard cider, hard seltzer, seltzer cocktails and smoothies, signature cold brews, craft mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, and more. Frey’s has a food menu s well, and customers are welcome to bring their own. Dog-friendly. Open to patrons 16 and up.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Frey’s is open year-round and can host parties and other events in their beautiful tasting room.

FOX HAVEN ORGANIC FARM & LEARNING CENTER

3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson

301.748.2427 • 240.490.5484

www.foxhavenfarm.org

Fox Haven Learning Center is a non-profit farm offering farm tours, classes and workshops for all ages about conservation and wildlife, foraging, agriculture and the natural world. Sign up for the fresh and dry herbal CSA or purchase wholesale herbs. Visit the heritage apples and chestnuts. Farm stay rentals and other gathering spaces available in their updated farmhouses.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Fields at Fox Haven LLC, run by Dick and David Bittner, offers wholesale organic hay, vegetables, nuts and berries in field and food forest production. Tours are available.

GAVER FARM,

LLC

5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy

301.865.3515

www.gaverfarm.com

Gaver Farm is Frederick County’s premier Fall Fun Fest, featuring a corn maze, farm animal petting barnyard, jumping pillows, numerous playgrounds, zipline, and over 65 family-friendly attractions. Take a free Hayride to pick your own pumpkins, apples and sunflowers. Sweeten your visit with the farm’s famous apple cider donuts, apple cider slushies, and so much more. The Christmas season provides fresh-cut and cut your own Christmas Trees and a stocked Christmas Farm Market and Wreath Shop.

HOMEGROWN

HIGHLIGHT

Gaver Farm is a family-owned and operated working farm offering seasonal farm products, freshly made donuts, educational opportunities and family fun on the farm.

GLADE-LINK FARMS, LLC

12270 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar 301.898.7131 • www.gladelink.com

Glade-Link Farms is family owned and operated. They have been in continuous operation for almost 50 years. Customers can come to Glade-Link to pick their own strawberries and blueberries and find them at Field Fresh Farmers Market and Greenbelt Farmers Market with lots of homegrown flowers, berries and vegetables. Wedding and event flowers have also become a specialty of Glade-Link. Visit the website for more information about the farm or call the 24 hour “hotline” to see what is in season and for directions and hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Acres of strawberries and blueberries available for pick-your-own. Beautiful cut flowers, including wedding and event florals.

THE DAIRY BAR AT GLAMOURVIEW

9847 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville

301.801.1438

301.741.0753

www.cattleclub.com/glamourview/glamourview-creamery.com

This creamery on wheels serves soft custard and homemade hard ice cream, ice cream bars and sandwiches, milkshakes, floats, fresh cheese curds and bottled cream-top milk, straight from their on-farm creamery. They also are available to serve all your catering and event needs. Contact them to get some fresh goodies straight from the cow.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

More exciting news is the Glamourview Creamery storefront coming late this summer. Visitors can view the farm’s Jersey cows getting milked by a robotic milking system.

GOOD HOPE FARMSTEAD

10820 Renner Road, Woodsboro

240.367.9676

www.goodhopefarmstead.com

Good Hope Farmstead is a pasture-based family farm, passionate about raising food that’s good for you and the environment. The well-being of their animals and preservation of the land and soil is at the forefront of their farm planning. They offer 100 percent grass-fed beef, pasture-raised and non-gmo chicken, pork, lamb and mutton.

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GOOD SOIL FARM, LLC

9736 Keysville Road, Emmitsburg

443.536.1830

www.goodsoilfarmllc.com

Products are available year-round for local home delivery, and at area farmers markets. Visit the farm website for further details.

HAPPY COW CREAMERY AT

GRANDVIEW ACRES

8728 Dollyhyde Road, Union Bridge

301.829.9996

www.grandviewacresfarm.com

Family owned and operated dairy and beef cattle farm located in Libertytown. Farm fresh products include: raw cow milk for pet consumption, hand dipped ice cream, soft serve ice cream, pasture raised USDA beef, beef snack sticks, farm fresh chicken and duck eggs and local raw honey.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer a guest area with picnic tables as well as a playground for children. They will be adding a storefront this season for their guests. Artisan cheese as well as pork will be added to the farm product menu this year.

Join their vegetable CSA and receive a generous share of vegetables each week of the growing season. Mushrooms, flowers, sourdough bread, grass-fed lamb and pastured turkey, chicken and eggs. are also available. The owners focus on community—from the community of people they feed to the community of fungi, bacteria and microbes in the soil.

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Fans of the farm include this customer who posted on the farm’s website that “I have participated in the Good Soil Farm CSA for the last two years, and will be buying a full share again for this summer. I recommend this local farm to you on account of the variety and quality of the produce and their regenerative agriculture methods. The greens in particular make amazing salads.”

HARA-VALE FARM

4309 Cap Stine Road, Frederick Bakery: 301.788.5409

Farm: 301.471.5968

www.edscountrybakery.com

Hara-Vale Farm is a fourgeneration family farm which has successfully transitioned from dairy farming to all natural, pasture-raised beef, eggs, hay and straw sales and a livestock hauling business. The farm is also home to Ed’s Country Bakery featuring old-fashioned baking at its best. Their eggs and select beef cuts are available for sale in the bakery. Visit the bakery website or follow Ed’s Country Bakery on Facebook for current hours and information.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer baked goods, all natural pasture-raised and grain-finished beef sold by the quarter or half or in a variety of cuts and ground beef; hay and straw bales and livestock hauling.

HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD

7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick 301.660.8735 • www.hhfav.com

Nestled among the hills of a 103-acre horse farm are grape vines that produce some of the area’s most elegant dry wines. The varietals have been carefully selected, staying true to the micro-climate in the region. Their wines are crafted in small blocks, showcasing Maryland’s terroir with the best characteristics and a refined complexity.

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Fifteen minutes from historic Downtown Frederick. Specializing in approachable dry, old-world French style wines. Family and dog friendly. Intimate indoor seating. Spacious outdoor areas with optimal seating.

HILLSIDE TURKEY FARM

30 Elm Street, Thurmont 301.271.2728

www.hillsideturkey.com

Hillside Turkey Farms is a familyowned, third generation farm and retail store specializing in today’s families’ needs. The main focus is further processing of poultry to make meals more fun and interesting. They carry many fresh poultry products, deli items and some prepared foods.  Hillside Turkey Farms is a USDA inspected plant serving the public with a retail store and in many local restaurants. Call or visit the website for store hours and more information. Don’t forget to order your fresh turkey or turkey breast for the holidays!

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Fresh turkeys and breasts, turkey sausage, ground turkey, soups, turkey jerky, turkey snack sticks, fresh chicken, deli-sliced roast beef and country ham, pork bacon, smoked turkeys and breasts, cheeses, turkey pot pies and other products.

J BAR W RANCH

10530 Green Valley Road, Union Bridge

www.jbarwranch.com

This father, son and daughter partnership has received recognition nationwide for producing and hosting pro-bull riding. The ranch has been credited for professionalism displayed at their Battle of the Beast. They maintain more than 750 head of Generation of Genetics Bucking Livestock. Call or visit the website for hours and event dates.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Battle of the Beast event, pro-bull riding, cowgirl barrel racing, mutton bustin’, face painting, food, souvenirs, including T-shirts, cowboy hats, etc.

HILLTOP BLOOMS AND

BEEF

Ijamsville • 301.536.2259 www.hilltopbloomsandbeef.com

Located five minutes from the bustling community of Urbana, Hilltop Blooms & Beef offers delightful and excellent quality local, seasonal flowers, which they sell directly to customers, floral designers and restaurants. They also specialize in completely grass-fed, grass-finished Red Devon beef, sold in halves, quarters, eighths and by the cut.

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For more information about their seasonal flower availability or to purchase their grass-fed beef, please visit their website, www.hilltopbloomsandbeef.com or email them hilltopbloomsandbeef@gmail.com

HOUSE IN THE WOODS FARM

2225 Park Mills Road, Adamstown 301.461.6575 • www.houseinthewoods.com

House in the Woods Farm is celebrating 25 years of production, offering their farm share/CSA program and farm experiences. House in the Woods is a certified organic, diverse farm near Sugarloaf Mountain. Their farm share program, from May to November, includes member-only U-Pick rows and a full growing season of organic produce, all grown on the farm featuring heirloom varieties. In April and May, they sell heirloom tomato plants and more to home gardeners.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

House in the Woods Farm inspires families to explore the farm and connect to the land, food and community through farm memberships, farm-to-table experiences and harvest events. Lend a hand to plant and harvest produce and experience the delight of eating what you grow. Memberships, produce, events, garden seedlings, classes and tours are available through the website.

JUMBO’S PUMPKIN PATCH,LLC

6521 Holter Road, Middletown 301.371.6874 • www.jumbos.org

Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, LLC is a part of Homestead Farms, owned by the Huffer family. This season marks their 30th year in business. Homestead was purchased in 1870 and has now been home to seven generations. Pick your pumpkins from the 30-acre patch and find your way through a 15-acre corn maze.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Hayrides, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Corn Maze, 3,000 square feet of fall shopping, farm-grown mums, petting zoo, kids play areas, jumping pillow, pony rides, face painting, corn cannon and more.

K5 FARMS

11830 Keymar Road, Keymar

443.821.4465

Find on Facebook @ K5 Farms

K5 Farms is a family farm that strives to raise the best possible meat to provide to their customers. All the products they sell are raised on their farm with feed that they have grown themselves. Beef is available by the quarter, and pork by the half. Fresh chicken is available whole, quartered, or processed to your order. K5 consists of the 5 Kahler siblings, keeping the family farm alive.

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THE KOMBUCHA LADY

9750 Appolds Road, Rocky Ridge

301.447.6152

www.thekombuchalady.com

The Kombucha Lady is a small artisan kombucha brewer in Frederick County. They grow many of the fruits and herbs used in their kombucha flavors right there on their farm in Rocky Ridge.  They only use the finest organic teas, fruits and spices.

Farm fresh beef, pork, and chicken are K5’s specialties along with high quality hay and straw.

KEMPTOWN HONEY

Monrovia

www.kemptownhoney.com

301.641.4743

Kemptown Honey is a family-run micro apiary in Frederick County that hand-harvests raw, unfiltered honey. Their honey is a delightful blend of poplar, locust, tupelo, basswood, blackberry, clover and various wildflowers native to southeast Frederick. They mindfully keep their bees to produce the healthiest and tastiest honey possible.

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It’s so good they’ve earned multiple ribbons at the Great Frederick Fair.  Find them at retailers including Voila! Tea or on their website www.kemptownhoney.com.

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You can find their delicious brews at 18 area farm stores, cafes and markets.  They also offer home delivery or farm pick-ups.

LILYPONS WATER GARDENS

6800 Lily Pons Road

Adamstown • 301.874.5133

www.lilypons.com

Lilypons is an aquatic plant farm that was started in1917. In addition to harvesting and selling aquatic plants, they offer a full line of water gardening products such as liners, pumps, filters and fish. The farm is located along the scenic Monocacy River and is a destination for nature lovers. Visit the website for hours and events.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Aquatic plants, fish, pumps, filters, gift items, heaters for ponds, nets and more.

LINGANORE WINECELLARS

13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy 301.831.5889 • www.linganorewines.com

Majestically nestled in the rolling hills of Mount Airy, Linganore Winecellars is Maryland’s oldest and largest family-owned vineyard. They invite you to join them for a relaxing afternoon, tasting award-winning wines crafted by their skilled winemakers. Boasting three generations of wine making tradition and innovation, they are proud to have been the state’s premier destination winery since 1976.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Celebrating over 40 years, Linganore offers it all—wine tasting, tours, festivals, and hosts private events. Open seven days a week, 361 days a year. Come and join the family adventure.

LINKS BRIDGE VINEYARDS

8830 Old Links Bridge Road Thurmont • 301.466.2413

www.linksbridgevineyards.com

Links Bridge Vineyards crafts estate wines in small batches, focusing on style, taste and excellence. They were awarded Best in Class for their Cabernet Franc in the 2022 Maryland Governors Cup. Exhibits of original artwork by local artists happen in the tasting room through out the year. Enjoy the wine, art, garden and a stroll down to the river to see the remains of Old Links Bridge.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Links Bridge Vineyards may be the only vineyard in Maryland that can be visited by canoe or kayak, located on the Monocacy River between Creagerstown and Devilbiss Bridge. If paddling downriver, look for three old stone bridge piers (not connected by an actual bridge). Pull your boat up on the shore in front of the right-bank pier. From there, the tasting room is a short walk up the hill. Please call in advance to let them know you’re coming.

THE LITTLE RED WAGON PRODUCE

11434 Keymar Road, Woodsboro

240.439.9401 • info@littleredwagon.us

The Little Red Wagon is a family-operated roadside stand that is open from early spring through late fall. They offer a full line of vegetable plants and flowers, all grown in their own greenhouses, as well as many hanging baskets and planters. They also offer a broad variety of fruits and vegetables as they are in season, from asparagus and strawberries in the spring to apples and pumpkins in fall, with everything in between. Open March-October, Monday-Saturday, 10a.m.-6 p.m.

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LOEW VINEYARDS

14001 Liberty Road, Mount Airy 301.831.5464

www.loewvineyards.com

Beautiful flowers and tasty fruits and vegetables, in a quiet country setting. Come find something to suit your taste. Call to ask about custom arranged planters and hanging baskets.

LOCHLAND AG & TURF

8901 Crum Road, Walkersville 240-397-5995

www.lochlandturf.com

Elevate your property with Lochland Ag & Turf Sod. Their locally-grown, top-quality sod transforms lawns and commercial space instantly. Lochland Turf Sod exceeds all available certifications to homeowners, commercial and government projects throughout the region.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Trust Lochland Turf for timely delivery and expert advice. Perfect for homeowners and businesses alike. Lochland Turf Sod—Where Frederick’s Green Dreams Begin.

The Loew family wines have been enjoyed for centuries. Their ancestors founded their first wineries in the Austro-Hungarian empire where they continued to produce wine until the mid-20th century. In 1982, Bill and Lois Loew established Loew Vineyards in Maryland. Now, with the fifth generation, they take pride in sharing heritage through each bottle of mead and wine they create.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Wine tasting, winery and vineyard tours and picnic grounds. Several varieties of wine, from traditionally crafted dry white and dry red selections to unique mead. They offer curated events and a wine club.

MARYLAND MICROGREENS

3091 Will Mill Terrace East, Monrovia www.marylandmicrogreens.com

Craig and Sherill Carlson founded Maryland Microgreens in early 2017 to offer a wide variety of microgreens sold in living form to farmers markets, restaurants, caterers and individuals. Only pure water is used in the growing process utilizing non-GMO seeds grown on recycled and compostable cocoa fiber mats. Microgreens can have from four to 40 times the nutritional value of their mature counterparts. Plants are grown indoors with controlled temperature and humidity.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Microgreens are not just a healthy garnish on salads. Research shows these tiny seedlings harvested and eaten when they are just a few inches tall are a super food packed with antioxidants and other healthy nutrients.

MAZZAROTH VINEYARD

8333 Myersville Road, Middletown 301.639.0303

www.mazzarothvineyard.com

Mazzaroth Vineyard is a family-owned and operated boutique winery in the Middletown Valley. Achieving a goal of crafting premium Maryland wines requires them to maintain a relentless focus in the vineyard and winery, combined with a respect for nature. They currently grow five varieties well-suited for the region. They enjoy sharing a passion for grape-growing and wine-making. Guests welcome by appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They are proud to be a glyphosate-free vineyard. Eliminating this herbicide allows them to cultivate a managed cover crop that moderates soil temperatures and produces more flavorful wines.

MOO COW CREAMERY

3935 Bussard Road, Middletown 240.549.9183

www.moocowcreamerywrf.com

Moo Cow Creamery, nestled in the picturesque Middletown Valley, is an eighth-generation, family-owned dairy farm. Specializing in rich, golden-hued, high-quality milk from a blend of Guernsey, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Swiss breeds, their cattle carry the unique A2A2 gene, ensuring easier digestion of Moo Cow Creamery’s dairy products. With a selection of 22 artisan cheeses, butters, creamline milk, heavy cream, buttermilk, drinkable yogurt and ice cream, the farm extends its offerings to include eggs, beef, chicken, pork and seasonal produce.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

The farm holds historical significance as the birthplace of Yankees baseball great, Charlie “King Kong” Keller. Be sure to watch for the Moo Cow Creamery food trailer that serves grilled cheese, soups, chili and ice cream all crafted from farm fresh and local products.

MAYNE’S TREE FARM

3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown 301.662.4320 • www.maynestreefarm.com

This is a full-service farm offering everything from asparagus and pickyour-own strawberries in the spring and sweet corn all summer long to a hayride to the pumpkin patch in the fall. In December is the opportunity to come cut your own Christmas tree and to visit the wreath barn. Call or visit facebook for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pick-your-own fruits, vegetables and pumpkins, cut-your-own Christmas tree. Pumpkin barn set up for group and bus tours and gatherings.

MOON VALLEY FARM

9700 Gravel Hill Road, Woodsboro

410.207.0241

www.moonvalleyfarm.net

Moon Valley Farm is a certified organic specialty and staple vegetable and herb farm growing for a year-round Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, an online farmers market for home delivery or pick-up, for restaurants and Frederick County Public Schools. The farm is growing on 70 acres in Woodsboro and is owned and operated by Emma Jagoz.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer customers local fruit, honey, eggs, gourmet mushrooms, grains, beans and more from select partner farms throughout the region.

MUDDY RIVER FARMS

8816 Devilbiss Bridge Road, Walkersville • 301.712.5494

www.muddyriver-farms.com

Muddy River Farms is owned and operated by Josh and Colby Grossnickle.  Josh is a third-generation farmer and grew up working on the family dairy farm. Today, they farm 1,800 acres in corn, soybean, wheat and hay.  In 2017, they began raising and selling freezer beef and pork, recently adding chicken and eggs. They also sell seasonal produce and grow their own sweet corn. In 2021, they began selling artisan cheeses and butter with milk produced on the family dairy. They grind all their own feed for the cattle and pigs from grains harvested on their farms.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They strive to raise delicious meats that are all-natural. The cattle are pasture raised, grass-fed and grain finished to achieve optimum marbling.  The pork is a heritage breed that consist of Berkshire and Hampshire. Stay tuned for a new farm pick-up area coming this year.

NEEDWOOD FARMS

Burkittsville • 301.834.8752

www.needwoodfarms.com

With a legacy spanning over 100 years, Needwood Farms, a fifth-generation family-owned Maryland Century Farm stands as a testament to time. The Pry family’s commitment to sustainability echoes in the environmentally friendly practices adopted on their lands, yielding high-quality meat from their farm-raised cattle. Treat your family to a product you can enjoy and trust.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

To order all-natural freezer beef in quarters, halves, or whole, contact Needwood Farms Corner Beef Market at 301-834-8752, or schedule an appointment for individual and specialty cuts.

NICK’S ORGANIC FARM

2733 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown • 301.983.2167

www.nicksorganicfarm.com

Founded in 1979, Nick’s Organic Farm sells directly to consumers. They raise all grassfed Black Angus cattle, pastured chicken and turkeys, pastured eggs, food-grade corn and soybeans, small grains, poultry feed, hay and straw. Located outside of Buckeystown on an agriculturally preserved 175-acre certified organic farm, they are committed to constant improvement of their soil. To receive notice of when to purchase products, or to pick up eggs year-round, join the mailing list at nicksorganicfarm@comcast.net.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

100 percent grass-fed beef, no hormones, grain or antibiotics; ground beef, all beef sausage and jerky, beef bones and organ meat; organic pastured chicken; organic pastured heritage and standard breed turkeys; organic pastured brown shell eggs; non-GMO organic heirloom grinding corn, popcorn, and stone-ground cornmeal; organic poultry feeds, hay, and straw.

ORCHID CELLAR MEADERY & WINERY

8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown • 301.473.3568

www.orchidcellar.com

At Orchid Cellar, Maryland’s first meadery, enjoy sweeping views of their vineyard and the area’s rolling hills from the log cabin tasting room. Handcrafted in the cabin’s cellar, their wide variety of modern sparkling and traditional Polish meads, as well as their small- batch wines, ensures there’s something for everyone.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Sitting amongst 15 acres with grapevines and beehives, their hand-built tasting room has the same warmth and artisanal character as the meads.

A PIECE OF HARMONY

3815 Brethren Church Road, Myersville • 240-215-5649

www.apieceofharmony.com

They currently sell produce via their online store. Customers place orders and pick up at the farm. They have a one-third to one-half acre mixed vegetable micro-farm with six hoop houses that allows growing produce throughout the winter months when most local produce is no longer available (this is one of our busiest seasons of the year). Customer favorites include salad mixes, head lettuce, arugula, sweet carrots, winter spinach, microgreens, tomatoes and much more.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

This year they completed their sixth and final hoop house. They planted asparagus—a perennial vegetable being offered in the spring of 2025. They are upgrading the plant nursery to house more vegetable and herb plants for themselves and to offer for sale to the public.  Another new thing we started to do this year is grafting their own tomato plants, offering better disease resistance and higher yields.

OPEN BOOK FARM

6600B Roy Shafer Road, Middletown 240.457.2558 • www.openbookfarm.com

They are a diversified livestock and vegetable farm serving Frederick and the larger Middletown Valley. In their farming methods they focus on soil health, livestock well-being and direct to consumer sales.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Their farm offers a seasonal farm stand on Saturday mornings from May-October featuring their pasture-raised meats and eggs and their own certified organic produce. Customers may also participate in a main season CSA (shop at the farm stand with your CSA tab) or a monthly winter CSA (November-February).

PLEASANT HILL PRODUCE

8444 Fountain Rock Road, Walkersville • 301.471.2699

www.pleasanthillproduce.com

Farmer Ben has been growing high-quality vegetables since 2014. He also partners with other local producers to offer a very diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, pantry items and more. Find their products at the on-farm stand, local markets, and through a CSA program.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

5500 Jefferson Pike, Frederick 240.529.2747

www.prospectpointbrewing.com

Prospect Point Brewing is a farm brewery located on Carroll Farms just south of Frederick off Md. 180. The open floor plan tasting room overlooks a 10 acre hop yard and beautiful western views of the mountains. They pride themselves for having only the best variety of beers using hops from their farm.

They offer a unique year-round, no-commitment CSA program that is fully customizable, pay-as-you-go, and includes fruits and veggies, home delivery, with lots of extra items to choose from.

POTOMAC SPROUT COMPANY

8202 Blacks Mill Road, Thurmont 240.483.4891

www.potomacsproutcompany.com

Kicking off its eighth year, Potomac Sprout Company is a hydroponic farm that grows and sells certified organic sprouts including broccoli, radish and alfalfa. The main focus of Potomac Sprout Company is setting the best practice standards for sprouting. Everything they do is geared towards bringing the highest quality sprouts to the market. For more information and recipes visit their website.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

You can pick up Potomac Sprout Company sprouts at The Common Market, MOM’s, Giant Food and other grocery stores along the East Coast.

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Check them out on Facebook for hours of operation. They look forward to hosting you soon.

RED SHEDMAN

FARM BREWERY & HOP YARD

13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy

301.703.5474

www.redshedman.com

Located on the scenic grounds of Linganore Winecellars, Red Shedman Farm Brewery is the ultimate destination for beer enthusiasts.

Indulge in over 22 varieties of award-winning brews and ciders, available on tap or in cans.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, they host monthly events such as Brewery Trivia, Bingo, live music, and even specialty tastings. There’s always something happening at the brewery. For more details and extended hours, call or visit them on the web.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

In addition to having rotating beers and ciders on draft, they’ve also brewed and packaged on-site; always fresh and available for sale in the brewery and many locations throughout the state.

ROCKY POINT CREAMERY, LLC

4323A Tuscarora Road, Tuscarora

301.874.5810

www.rockypointcreamery.com

The creamery has over 120 flavors of homemade ice cream, along with milk, brown eggs, cheese and beef. They milk 120 Holstein and Jersey dairy cows and raise 600 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay to feed their animals. Each year a beautiful two-acre sunflower field is planted and flowers are available for sale in late summer/early fall, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Visit their Facebook page or website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Cheese made from their cows’ milk is now available for purchase. There are six flavors of cheddar to choose from. Enjoy with their farm-raised beef and ice cream—it doesn’t get any more local than this.

RICHVALE FARM, LLC

7514 Picnic Woods Road

Middletown • 240-694-8135

www.richvalefarm.com

Richvale Farm, LLC has been owned and operated by the Ahalt Family in Middletown for over 125 years. Richvale Farm grows and sells hay, straw, corn, soybeans wheat and offers custom farming services. Richvale Farm also raises and sells freezer ready grain finished beef. Their beef cattle consume grass forages and grain that is grown on their farm. They sell their beef by the cut, quarter, half and whole sides, and by bundles, which are curated boxes with a variety of beef cuts.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Their cattle are never given growth hormones, and they strive to do everything they can to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving. Please visit the website to learn more information about the farm.

ROSIE CHEEKS DISTILLERY

10229 Woodsboro Pike, Building 1 Walkersville www.rosiecheeksdistilling.com or on Facebook

A family-owned and operated farm and distillery that produces 14 flavors of moonshine using locally grown products and seasonal fruits. With a play on their last name, Kristy and Lee Rosebush opened Rosie Cheeks Distillery on a farm that has horses, puppies and fields of crops, including the corn used in their moonshine. While Lee oversees the distilling, Kristy uses her talents creating flavors that sound like something out of a farm kitchen, including Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler and Caramel Apple. They also produce batches of seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice in the fall and for Valentine’s Day there’s a chocolate/cherry concoction.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Rosie Cheeks can be found in its Mason jars at area liquor stores as well as at the farm. It’s also served in local restaurants.

SCENIC VIEW ORCHARDS

16239 Sabillasville Road, Sabillasville 301.271.2149

www.scenicvieworchards.com

Scenic View Orchards is a seven generation owned and operated family farm. Their farm heritage requires sustainable farming practices—erosion control, field contouring, cover crops, crop rotation, farm land preservation and use of integrated pest management practices. They meet the needs of customers at farmers markets in Washington, Frederick, Carroll and Montgomery counties, in addition to the Sabillasville farm market. The farm motto is “Get Fresh with Us.”

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Strawberries, peaches, nectarines, lopes, melons, plums, apples, berries, cherries, sweet corn, tomatoes, green beans, squash, peppers, potatoes, honey, cut flowers, pears, pumpkins, cider in season and hay/straw.

SHRIVER MEATS

16436 Four Points Bridge Road, Emmitsburg

301.447.2255

www.shrivermeats.com

Shriver Meats is a third generation, family-owned and operated farm and retail store specializing in beef production and processing. Raising grass-fed grain-finished cattle, and crops which is fed back to their cattle. Shriver Meats offers beef by the quarter, half or whole for your freezer. Give Shriver’s a call to order, or come in and pick up a pack of steaks, a few roasts and some hamburger patties to try.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Shriver Meats raises and processes their own cattle for your freezer. Selling freezer-wrapped steaks and roasts as well as cutto-order amounts.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN CREAMERY

8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown • 301.371.8565 www.southmountain creamery.com

When you know your farmer, you know your food. South Mountain Creamery is a family and farmer owned creamery, wholesaler and home delivery service. Bringing the farmers market to your doorstep, delivering all natural dairy products, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared meals and more.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Visit their farm year-round for self-guided tours, register online to feed the calves, or enjoy a scoop of their renowned ice cream.

SPRUCE RUN FARM

12924 Spruce Run Road, Myersville 301.293.1070 • www.sprucerunrd.com

Located near Wolfsville, Spruce Run Farm focuses on sustainable living and producing local foods. In addition to growing produce and beekeeping, they raise dairy goats, Katahdin sheep, Mangalitsa pigs, as well as poultry and rabbits for fiber, meat or pets. Produce and honey from the farm can be

found at Mid-Maryland Farm Market as well as Brunswick Main Street, Middletown, and Myersville farmers markets.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Spruce Run Farm strives to bring the best of locally-grown or handmade items, featuring seasonal produce, jams and jellies, raw local honey, goat milk soaps, as well as fresh poultry and live or dressed rabbit.

STADLER NURSERIES

5504 Mount Zion Road, Frederick 301.473.9042

www.stadlernurseries.com

Yes, they’re certified plant geeks! Proudly serving the community since 1932, nothing makes them happier than connecting people with plants. You’ll find an amazing array of trees, shrubs, native plants, annuals and perennials at their year-round garden centers. They also offer curbside pickup, delivery only and delivery and planting services from theire website. Landscape design services are also available.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, bulbs and holiday plants, garden accents including fountains, statuary, wind chimes, firepots, birdbaths and containers of every size and style, also garden care products including an extensive selection of organic plant health care options. Now offering curbside pickup, delivery only and delivery and planting services from their website.

SPRING PASTURES FARM

6801 Mountain Church Road, Middletown • 240.490.2058

www.springpasturesfarm.com

Spring Pastures Farm raises grass-fed, grass-finished beef without hormones, antibiotics or growth supplements. They are a small family farm in Middletown Valley where their animals thrive on a rich diversity of grasses. The herd lives outside year-round, supplemented with local hay in the winter as necessary. Their animals have access to spring or well water at all times. They handle their animals in a low-stress manner. They hope to share some of the family’s passion for this land and food with you.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They sell retail freezer-wrapped cuts from their farm store as well as cut-toyour specification sides of beef. Everything from soup bones to delicious, fork-tender standing rib roasts. On-farm store open by appointment.

STILLPOINT FARM

8253 Dollyhyde Road, Mount Airy

301.829.6950

www.milkhousebrewery.com

Stillpoint Farm is home to Milkhouse Brewery, Maryland’s first Class 8 Farm Brewery specializing in traditional and 100 percent Maryland beers. They also have a new farm mercantile offering farm-raised beef, lamb and wool products from their sheep as well as seasonal produce and products from other local producers. MIlkhouse is a dog and kid–friendly community gathering space that offers music, rotating food trucks and the best sunsets around.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Come share the perfect pint and leave with local, responsibly produced food, knowing just where and who it comes from.

SUGARLOAF’S BREEZY VALLEY FARM

1215 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown • 301.874.0958

www.facebook.com/sugarloafsbreezyvalleygoats

This family farm is nestled in the picturesque valley between Catoctin Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain. They humanely raise Boer and Boer Cross goats. The health and well-being of their animals is of the utmost importance. They sell goats for breeding stock, 4-H projects, companions for horses, weed control and pets. They also sell small square bales of hay and welcome visitors by appointment. For more information see their Facebook page.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

February through March is a great time to visit and meet the baby goats. Come year round to meet this friendly herd of animal cracker loving goats.

SUMMERS FARM

7503 Hollow Road, Middletown

301.304.3031

www.SummersFarm.com

Summers Farm is a family owned and operated farm entering their 28th season of homegrown fun and farm fresh adventure. They host an annual sunflower and harvest festival to share the family’s four generations of agricultural heritage. Activities include slides, jumping pillows, farm animals, farm golf, obstacle course, pick-your-own sunflowers and pumpkins and so much more. Farm fresh food and bakery items available, including their famous apple cider donuts.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Join them for the 28th season at the family farm location in Middletown. Enjoy the fourth annual pick your own sunflower festival and enjoy live music and  local beverages. In the fall, take a free wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and select your perfect pumpkin (sold by the pound) or get lost in a corn maze.

SYCAMORE SPRING FARM

6003 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick 301.788.6980

www.sycamorespringfarm.org

An 18-year-old CSA program on a 340-yearold farm that practices “No Harm Farming.”  Come, visit and experience the success and WOW of environmental sustainability, food forest gardening, lost art workshops and pick your own fruits, nuts, berries and herbs. Healthy food must come from healthy soil, which they explain to visitors, including how to maintain and increase healthy, living soil.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Check out the website for CSA details, delivery locations and the calendar of events.

VALLEY HOMEMADE AND HOMEGROWN

7800 Picnic Woods Road, Middletown 301.305.9796

www.valleyhomemadeandhome grown.com, Facebook and Instagram

Jamie Beth Derr, a Middletown dairy farmer and mother of two boys, has always had a passion for growing flowers in between all the other farm activities. She turned her love of flowers into a side business of growing and arranging blooms. The family farm, Valley-Ho Farm, has a roadside stand at 7704 Picnic Woods Road where cut flowers are available daily. Find their beautiful flowers at the Middletown and Myersville Farmers Market.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Jamie Beth Derr offers flower arranging classes at the farm. Cut your own flower events held twice a month July through September; follow on social media for event details. To set up a private picking event contact Jamie at valleyhomemadeandhomegrown@gmail.com

VALLEY VIEW ACRES

4005 Valley View Road, Middletown

www.valleyviewacresmd.com

Valley View Acres held its first Annual Sunflower Festival in July 2019. They are passionate about agriculture and sharing the farm experience. They hope their festivals will become an annual tradition for all who visit. For more information and updates visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Visitors can pick sunflowers, wildflowers, zinnias and more. There are play areas, games, and activities for kids of all ages. Shop with local vendors and enjoy ice cream, all while taking in the picturesque views.

THANKSGIVING FARMS

• www.thanksgivingfarmandgarden.com

Thanksgiving Farms is a diversified 57-acre family-owned and operated business. They grow a vast selection of fresh fruits and vegetables March through December, and grow and specialize in unusual annuals, perennials, herbs and shrubs in a three-acre greenhouse and nursery garden center. They offer a CSA program throughout most of the year. ‘We Grow Our Own’ is their motto and they take great pride in an ability to offer products grown from start to finish on their sustainable family farm. Call or visit the website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Pick-your-own options are available along with fruits, vegetables, annuals, perennials, herbs, evergreens, shrubs and trees, a selection of gardening enhancements—pottery, statuary, trellises— and tools and gifts for gardeners.

WESTERN MD. APIARIES

8005 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick

301.639.1894

www.westernmdapiaries.com

Established by John Klapac in 1986, Western Md. Apiaries operated as a USDA breeder/propagator of mite-resistant queen bees imported from Yugoslavia. Sales of bee stock, honey and related equipment continues at 8005 Gambrill Park Road and offers pollination services and honey sales. The company sponsors the Frederick Backyard Beekeepers Association and conducts the only children’s beekeeping classes in the area.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

John teaches beginner and advanced Apicology courses at Hagerstown Community College and is in the Penn State E.P.I.G. queen bee development program. Open by appointment.

WHISPERING MEADOWS

ALPACA BREEDERS

13959 Unionville Road, Mount Airy

301.452.9460

www.whisperingmeadowsalpaca.com

Established in 1999, the farm maintains 30 alpacas. They started the first 4-H alpaca club in Frederick County. Their motto is “first in fiber, first in fun, first in Frederick.” They breed high-quality alpacas as well as their own hay and have a variety of other animals on the farm year round. Please text/call for an appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Handmade, homegrown, made in the USA, and Peruvian alpaca products available. Natural and dyed yarn, raw fiber, rovings, dryer balls, bears, hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters and socks. Food, games, hay tower, tot lot, family fun. Friend them on Facebook to see the latest news. For $10 per car receive a hayride and walk an alpaca.

WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER

6219 Harley Road, Middletown • 301.371.4814

www.willowoakscraftcider.com

Eric Rice and Lori Leitzel Rice craft their farmhouse style cider from certified organic, American heirloom apples on their 35-acre farm in Middletown. Organic pears, blueberries, black currants and other fruits make tasty additions to Willow Oaks’ ciders. Fabulous fruit, unique terroir and small-batch barrel fermentation let the flavors and aroma of the fruit shine through to a crisp, dry finish. Visit the website for tasting room hours and information.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Fresh organic produce, beef, jam, flowers, seedlings, potted fig trees and more are available at the farm store in the Willow Oaks barn. Relax on the deck, enjoy a glass of cider and take in the view.