Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photography by August Selckmann

Southern Maryland is seeing a shift in agriculture as more and more farms leave behind traditional methods of farming and cash crops for a fresh new approach. Hobby farms and farmettes are also on the rise in the area, giving people the chance to reconnect with their roots and supplement their income doing something they love. Many local farmers are finding out that alpacas are the perfect fit.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by August Selckmann

The term organic is used to describe a method of agriculture as well as to label products that are produced using organic means. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic foods as those grown or produced “through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” Besides prohibited pesticides, “synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering” may not be used.

Story by Tina Wagner

Highway to Heaven Lane is where you will find Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills. The farm’s location is certainly apropos because it is heaven at Flat Iron Farm in December – Christmas heaven, that is.

Story by Caroline Miller King and Photography by August Selckmann

There’s something iconic about an American flag proudly displayed on an old, weathered barn.

American flags are painted or hung on several barns (and a few other buildings) here in Southern Maryland. To commemorate Veterans Day, we wanted to share their stories with you. Enjoy the pictures, or take a drive and see them for yourself. You might just be inspired.

Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photography by August Selckmann

Here in Southern Maryland, the equine industry is diverse and colorful, offering something for every horse enthusiast. Horse farms, stables and riding trails speckle the local landscape, preserving the agricultural charm of our area and providing a source of recreation and enjoyment for its residents.

Nothing compares to the taste of just-picked produce or homemade baked goods, or the satisfaction of knowing that something was lovingly grown or prepared at a nearby farm. Fortunately, such delicacies are within our reach here in Southern Maryland. On almost any day of the week, we can find a farmers’ market to provide our families with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

As Southern Marylanders settle into fall with crisp air and the light of the harvest moon enveloping them, the area’s many pumpkin farms beckon families to come pick a pumpkin, enjoy a hayride, weave through a corn maze and celebrate the season.

Carrots thicker than coke cans. Tomatoes the size of softballs. Cantaloupes the size of basketballs. Yellow heirloom tomatoes, white and lavender eggplants, chocolate peppers and local honey-these are just a sampling of the treasures that can be unearthed at Southern Maryland’s roadside produce stands. While you may need to hit the grocery store to find out-of-season fruits and vegetables, you’ll find a wide variety of seasonal produce at roadside stands. Okra: yes. Lima beans: sure. Figs: if you’re lucky. Peaches, apples and melons: yes, yes and yes.

They are the first berries to ripen in spring. Sweet, juicy farm-grown strawberries begin life nestled within rows of bright green leafy plants. Under optimal conditions of rain and sunshine, these bushy green plants form fragrant white five-petal flowers with a yellow center. From the yellow center emerge small green strawberries that ripen in the spring sunshine, gaining in size and changing color from pale green to vibrant red.