8 Fun Ways Life Changes When You Start A Farm In Maryland

Frederick County, Maryland is as diverse as it gets. It has everything from multimillion dollar homes, local wineries, and fine dining, to small farms and quaint living. I went from living one life to another, and here is what I’ve learned in my first year of farm life.

1. You see the value of hard work

Via instagram.com

Farm life is not for the faint of heart. It’s a lot of early mornings, late nights and everything takes longer than you would expect (especially when it comes to fixing tractors). But once you see your first baby calf being born, or survive your first hay cutting season, you get to see what all your hard work amounted to.

2. Breeding has become a common topic of conversation at the dinner table

Via instagram.com

Like most, I got the sex talk from my parents in middle school; however, I thought it would stop there. Never did I think I’d talk about how a bull and cow procreate, but let alone get comfortable talking about it regularly. Words like “mounting” and “performance” are now part of regular meal conversation.

3. You gain support from other local farmers

Via Instagram: @blackrock_farm

Someone is always willing to lend hand in a small farm community. From letting you borrow equipment, to helping in the field, famers are always looking for ways to help other small farmers grow with little in return.

4. You have plenty of space away from people

Via instagram.com

While a 55 acre farm is considered small, there is a lot of space between you and your closest neighbor. Moving from a neighborhood, this space has become valuable and the quiet is soothing.

5. Yet, you can still be close to everything

Via instagram.com

You may not be as close as to everything as you were, but you still are close enough. For me, the closest mall is only a 20 minute drive and D.C. is 70 miles away. I can still go to concerts, shop, see shows, and be close to cities, but without all the hustle and bustle.

6. You always get time to play with cute animals

Via instagram.com

Nothing is more adorable than newborn calves. Seriously, they are just like big dogs. They get excited to see you, enjoy head scratches, and even get the occasional treat.

7. You can easily become the talk of the town

Via instagram.com

Ever lose some cows or horses? It’s not fun. All of a sudden, you’re known as the farm that loses all of its livestock because someone left the gate open. While people want to help, you are the butt of a few jokes for a while.

8. It will bring your family closer

Via instagram.com

At the end of the day, chasing cows, building fence line and stacking hay bails brings family together. In the past year, laughs have been shared, life has been exciting and memories have been made all with my family beside me.

Want to keep up with the fun? Follow Black Rock Farm on Instagram and Facebook for all the adorable cow pictures and more!