Q: What is White Rose Farm?

A: White Rose Farm is a 132 acre farm in northwestern Carroll County in the heart of an agricultural area. In the center of the farm, an old farmhouse sits in the midst of fields and pastures. The farm maintains bee hives, chickens, ducks, geese, goats, Guinea fowl, turkeys and pigs. A neighbor grazes cows in the pasture.

It is meant to be a feast for the senses, a place:

• that provides tasty vegetables, fresh air, country sounds; and a profusion of flowers
• that helps people connect with the natural world, Earth’s rhythms, and each other
• That celebrates the Earth and her rhythms.
• Where adults can bring children to see animals and pick vegetables

The farm encourages, but does not require, membership.

Q. What can I expect from a visit to the farm?

A. You can expect to experience the country—in all its glories and challenges.

• On a glorious night, breezes come across the fields as the colors in the sky change hue as the sun sets over the Catoctin Mountains to the west.
• On a hot day, it will be hot. (The house has fans, not air conditioning.)
• In dry weather, it ground will smell acrid. 
• Before a storm, we may be frantically working to get crops planted or harvested.

The farm is constantly changing, yet peaceful amidst the buzz of life. Learn about farm etiquette that you are expected to follow while visiting the farm.

Q: Why should I become a member?

Join White Rose Farm if you want:

• a place in the country that you can think of as your farm
• a place to get premium vegetables, eggs, honey and pork
• A place to enjoy seasonal events and full moon celebrations
• A place to dig in the dirt, swing in the hammock & breathe fresh country air

Q: How can I join White Rose Farm?

A: You can fill out and submit a membership application.

Q. Are children welcome?

A. Children are welcome, as long as they are supervised and as long as you understand that a farm inherently has risks. The farm animals are domesticated, not tame. If they should touch an animal, please have them wash their hands near the customer shed. There is abundant wildlife, including bees and hornets, though they do not usually bother anyone.(If anyone is allergic to bee stings, bring an epipen.) 

Q. When can I visit?

A. The farm is open for visitors at its open houses, full moon celebrations and seasonal events. To visit at other times, become a member, volunteer on a Doodle Day, or call for an appointment. (Guests will be charged $5.00/ person for special appointments.)

We orient new members on their first visit; then they may visit at their convenience, except that the farm is closed on Sundays until 2:00 p.m.

Q. Where do I park?

A. Park diagonally in the area near the old farmhouse or around the circle. Do not park on the lawn. In wet weather, the lawn can get deep ruts and it is easy to get stuck in the infamous Taneytown red clay.

Q. What makes the food so tasty?

White Rose Farm uses biodynamic practices to grow food of the highest quality. We work to create a complex soil community so that plants can get all the nutrients that they need to be wholesome. The food is sweet, sassy and very satisfying.

Q. What are biodynamic practices?

A. Biodynamic agriculture was initiated by Rudolph Steiner in 1924 in a series of lectures. He thought of each farm as a living whole. He recommended:

• Developing a complex soil community
• Planting in harmony with the moon and stars
• Creating a balanced mix of animals and plants, so that animal manure is composted to increase soil fertility in an upward spiral of health

Q. Why should I pay more for the food?

A. The vegetables are comparably priced with organic foods. They take more attention and are more costly to raise than conventional products. The eggs and pork are from free-range animals. They receive no antibiotics or hormones. The chickens are rotated around grass pasture and spent garden where they can dig for bugs and eat grass. The pigs mature over 8 months in sun and mud; rather than 4 months in a confined shed with little sunlight. The taste  is incomparable; the food is much more nutritious and balanced.

Q: What are the hours of White Rose Farm?

A: The farm is open to visitors at open houses, full moon celebrations, seasonal events, for volunteers on Thursday mornings and by appointment. The farm is open to members except on Sundays until 2:00 p.m.

Q: How can I contact White Rose Farm?

A: Call (410-756-9303) or e-mail sally@whiterosefarm.com.