Today, October 12, is National Farmer’s Day. While Maryland’s riparian renown sometimes outshines its other claims to fame, did you know that agriculture is the state’s number one leading industry? Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that Maryland is home to more than 12,400 farms. Furthermore, the makeup of diverse producers in the state hovers at around 21,300.
When most folks think of a farm, images of traditional livestock and conventional crops being grown and harvested come to mind first and foremost. However, given the state’s distinguishable diversity, many Maryland farms go beyond what’s expected, presenting truly unique and unusual products and services. While the pickings are plentiful, here are some uniquely unusual farms in Maryland you need to know about.
Chester River Aronia
Located in Chestertown, MD, Chester River Aronia, LLC has been in operation since 2011. The “Aronia” in the farm’s name tells of the featured crop to be found here. It is none other than the elusive Aronia berry. Native to and more abundant in the eastern, swampy regions of North America, the Aronia berry resembles a blueberry in appearance but is far tarter in taste. Often overlooked and still not greatly well-known to the general public, Aronia berries have been touted as superfruits with numerous health benefits, including cancer-fighting properties. They’ve also been used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and fibromyalgia.
All of the berries at Chester River Aronia are grown organically without any chemicals or pesticides. Because the tart taste of the berries may be too strong for some, several farm-made products utilizing the berries can be purchased here too.
Chester River Aronia is located at 5300 Johnsontown Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620. Visit the website to learn more.
Forested
You won’t find the typical tilled acreage operation being implemented at this Bowie-based farm. That’s because it’s a “forest farm”—an experimental concept that relies on naturistic gardening and foraging methods within a woodland setting. Founded by Lincoln Smith back in 2012, the goal at Forested is two-fold—first, to produce nutrient-rich foods for people and second, to rely on nature for optimal, unadulterated growing methods and in doing so working to restore a thriving ecosystem.
Along the site’s 10 acres of experimental forest terrain, you will find a wide range of unique crops growing. Some are native to the region but often overlooked, like pawpaws. The most popular foraging picks here are chestnuts and mushrooms, which are often featured on menus for the hosted Chef Dinner events held onsite at various times throughout the year.
Forested is located at 3707 Enterprise Rd, Bowie, MD 20721. Click on the website to learn more about booking a tour or attending a special event.
Heron’s Meadow Farm
Which locations come to mind when you consider the growing and harvesting of tea leaves? Probably not Howard County, Maryland, right? Well, maybe you should because this is where Heron’s Meadow Farm can be found. Renowned for being the first and only tea-growing farm in the state, not only are teas cultivated and grown here, but the farm also serves as the site for BLTeas, LLC and MudPi Studios. Visit the retail store to buy locally grown teas and tea wares, including handcrafted stoneware pottery created in-house. You can even sample teas on your visit!
Heron’s Meadow Farm is located at 1596 Daisy Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797. Additional details can be found on the website.
Migrash Farms
This farm in Randallstown, with a name that translates to “field” in the Hebrew language, is a unique setup. Established in 2014, Migrash Farm specializes in the growing and production of ancient grains and grain products. Not only that, but all their products are kosher and pareve, certified by STAR-K.
The grain products found here include einkorn, emmer, oats, rye, spelt, and Shmura wheat, among others. In addition to being kosher, all grains grown and produced here are done so organically, without the use of any toxic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.
Migrash Farm is located at 10407 Liberty Rd Randallstown, MD, 21133. Click on the website link for all other details.
Next Step Produce
Believe it or not, rice can be found growing at more than one Maryland-based farm location. One such site is Next Step Produce. Just 50 miles from Washington, D.C. in Newburg, Maryland, Next Step operates as a 130-acre four-season farm boasting an array of diverse grains dried beans, vegetables, and even fruits. From the conventional to not-so-conventional, since their establishment nearly two and a half decades ago, their crop abundance certainly has evolved. But it’s their grown rice yield that tends to take the cake regarding unique offerings.
Next Step Produce can be found at 10615 Benton Rd, Newburg, MD 20664. Visit the website to learn more.
North of Eden
While there are many flower farms out there and many locations specializing in goat milk products these days, the scene at North of Eden on Maryland’s Eastern Shore provides a unique compilation that stands out from the competition. Here you’ll find vast fields of more than 1,400 lavender plants, used in the array of products they make here. All production methods are done organically. Even the lime they use for these lavender plants comes from clam and oyster shells from the Chesapeake Bay!
Then there are those adorable Nigerian dwarf goats that reside here, all organically raised to provide pure milk production, as featured in the final line of goods they sell, including soaps, lotions, and more. On one other sustainable note, the operation here relies solely on solar power.
East of Eden can be found at 3700 Stockyard Road, Eden, Maryland 21822. Click here to find out more.
Purple Mountain Organics
Here is the second location where you will find rice being farm-grown and produced within the state of Maryland. Located in Takoma Park, this family-owned farm operation by Nazirahk Amen and his family specializes in oats, wheat, beans, and other products. But again, the wow factor is their rice, which consists of various forms. They sell their harvests to local farmers markets as well as to area-based restaurants throughout the region.
Purple Mountain Organics is located at 7120 Carroll Avenue Takoma Park, MD, 20912. Visit their website to learn more.
Two Boots Farm
Nestled in Hampstead, Maryland, you will find this unique family-run farming operation, which doubles as a floral design studio. Established back in 2012, sustainably grown flowers ranging in vast varieties are what they’ve long been known for, but their very unusual produce variation has come to light more recently. In fact, depending on the season, they highlight many diverse marvels to boot. They’re now famous for their 100 cultivated pawpaw trees, with fruit purchases available throughout September. Then, throughout the fall months leading into winter, they’re uniquely known for the ginger they grow.
Two Boots Farm is located at 4226 Maple Grove Rd, Hampstead, MD 21074. Click here to learn more.
These are just a few of the uniquely usual farms to be found throughout Maryland. I assure you there are many others to explore in greater detail in addition to all these. I encourage you to do a bit of exploring on your own to find out what else is out there. Just remember to always support local agriculture in all of your endeavors.