Our May field trip was one of the most anticipated of the year, and it didn't disappoint. It was Ag day, which included visiting a grain farm, dairy farm, vineyard, greenhouse and a farming equipment company.
We started out the morning heading over to Finch Services Inc, in Westminster, which was also our sponsor for the day. The family-owned and operated company specializes in John Deere equipment, which includes selling and fixing (although they can work on other brands).
First off, I had no clue how expensive these tractors, mowers and other equipment actually were and it's understandable because it's impressive the amount of work that goes into them. One of the coolest things I learned was that regular mowers tend to burn the tips of grass giving it a brown top, whereas these mowers rotate a different way, leaving grass unburned and the grass completely green. That is why golf courses always have a really green, fresh look to them. It's all in the mower. I have found myself eyeing up different fields as I drive through the country and now being able to tell the difference.
Next, we headed to our first farm of the day, Arters Mill Farm, in Westminster, which is a grain farm. Lawrence and "Miss Genie" Meeks, who own the farm are unbelievably sweet and showed us around their home and then the barn area. We learned about how they handle payroll, their day-to-day processes and overall just how it is to live and work on a farm. Arters Mill maintains about 2,500 acres of land both in Carroll and Adams County, Pa., all with four employees.
After that we headed to Buttersburg Inn, in Union Bridge, which was just as delicious as the last time we were there. If you haven't been, I suggest getting a slice of the apple pie. It was amazing.
Next up was a trip to Cedar Knoll Farm, which is a dairy farm, in Keymar. I knew I would love this place as soon as I got there and was greeted by the friendliest pup you could ever imagine, belly up just waiting to get pet by everyone exiting the bus. Here we got to meet the Watt family who told us all about their operations. At the farm, I got to see cows of all ages. I have to admit, the twin baby calves that were just four days old were my favorite, but they were all sweet. We got to see the building where the cows are brought for the actual milking to take place, and then the barns where they hang out and stay in the shade. It was really cool to hear stories about how they work around the clock, and always know when something (like a cow going into labor) is happening, just by the noise the cows are making from the barns. The Watt's have two other full time employees that help with the milking of the cows. In addition to the dairy farm, they also farm 850 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and hay to feed their herd.
Next up was Catoctin Mountain Growers, in Keymar. The company has 15 acres of Greenhouses and 10 acres of open fields filled with seasonal plants. If you ever want to see rows and rows of the most beautiful, bright flowers, this is the place to go. I was in heaven. The company is a mass merchandiser that sells its plants to other retailers such as Wal-Mart. However, if you want to get the flowers fresh from them, they have hours on Saturday where they are opened to customers.
Last, but certainly not least, was a trip to Detour Vineyard and Winery, in Detour. As a wine lover, this was one of my favorite stops. We got to see the tasting room and sample some of the wines (which were amazing). I was especially impressed with Detour's Ice wines which are made with frozen grapes. I personally had never heard of this process, but I thought it was amazing for them to make such an amazing wine out of an extremely cold winter. While there, one of the owners, Dann Tamminga Jr., showed us the production room where the wines are made, and we were surrounded by huge vats where the wine is stored till it is aged perfectly. I also can't wait for some of the amazing events they have on tap. It seems like Detour will be a new happening spot for residents and I can't wait to take part.
This day was really wonderful, and I want to say thank you to all those who opened up not only their businesses but their homes to us as well. It was an amazing experience and truly a memorable last field trip for the class. Our next gathering will be at our graduation. I'm excited but incredibly sad that it is coming to an end. It's amazing how quick a year can go by. Check back in a few weeks for my final installment of Leading by Example.
