Maryland Farm & Harvest

Season 8 Premiere: November 10, 2020

Airing Tuesdays at 7pm on MPT

• Repeats Thursdays at 11:00pm and Sundays at 6am on MPT
• Repeats Fridays at 7:30pm on MPT2

With host Joanne Clendining

EPISODE 813

Air Date: March 9, 2021

In this special episode, we take a look at some of the best stories from Maryland Farm & Harvest’s 8 seasons. We begin at Hope Honey Farm, where beekeeper Maggie Mills shows us how she breeds queen bees. Then, we follow soybeans from the harvest at Coleraine Farm to Perdue’s processing plant, where they’re turned into soy oil. Next, farmer-photographer Edwin Remsberg explains how he’s been sharing the beauty of farm work, one frame at a time. Lastly, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler heads out west to Backbone Farm to learn how mushrooms grow in straw and on logs. 

EPISODE 812

Air Date: March 2, 2021

We start this episode by meeting farmer Niyi Balogun, who moved from Nigeria to Maryland and was able to start Dodo Farms with the help of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, a nonprofit that helps connect farmers to landowners. Then, we learn how farmer Colin O’Meara started his own family farm and brings in extra income through “custom harvesting,” where he plants and harvests grain on another farmer's land. Next, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler gets up close and personal with a hairy herd of Highland cattle at Running W Farm before sampling their lean and tender beef. Plus, Joe Ligo takes a look at one of the most used and versatile machines on a farm—the skid-steer loader—on “The Way it Works,” and we explore the origins of popular produce on “Then & Now.” 

EPISODE 811

Air Date: February 23, 2021

We start this episode at Wellspring of Life Farm, which offers equine therapeutic activities to help those dealing with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Then, it’s off to Orchard Point Oyster Company to learn how this oyster farm takes advantage of a new Water Quality Trading Program, which allows organizations to buy and sell nutrient credits to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay. Next, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler travels to Kings Berries to meet farmer Jack King, whose “retirement” from dairy farming includes a six acre farm filled with organic blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Plus, we learn about farmers’ favorite jobs on “Ask a Farmer,” and we discover the history of oysters in Maryland on “Then & Now.”

EPISODE 810

Air Date: February 16, 2021

This episode begins at Inverness Brewing, a crop-to-keg brewery located on a farm that was once a top-secret CIA training camp and movie star Clark Gable’s summer home. Next, we visit Just Ordinary Woodland to learn about tree farming and the environmental benefits that come with sustainable forestry. Then, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler heads to Daily Crisis Farm, where three generations of the Vaughan family come together to manage the dairy operation. Plus, Joe Ligo explains the differences and advantages of four popular cattle breeds on “The Way it Works,” and we explore the innovative history of milking technology on “Then & Now.” 

EPISODE 809

Air Date: February 9, 2021

We begin this episode at Deer Run Farm, where farmers Allison Rostad and Josh Stewart breed heritage chickens for backyard flock owners across the country who want baskets full of colorful eggs. Then, it’s off to Garrett County where grain farmer Richard Bernard faces a unique challenge—crop damage by black bears. Next, Al Spoler travels to Crow Vineyard and Winery to learn about Maryland’s growing wine industry. Plus, we get a bird’s-eye view of many types of barns in “Farms from the Air,” and we explore the history of our appetite for chicken on “Then & Now.”

CDC information about raising backyard chickens: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html

Maryland wine trail information: https://marylandwine.com/wine-trails/

EPISODE 808

Air Date: February 2, 2021

In this themed episode, we take a look at some of agriculture’s smaller subjects. First, we visit farm toy enthusiast Joe Trout’s collection of miniature tractors before checking out the 34th Annual Central Maryland Farm Toy Show & Auction. Next, we learn how a tiny insect called the Dectes stem borer can cause big problems for soybean crops. Then, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler heads to Little Wild Things Farm to see how edible flowers add color and flavor to food. Plus, we learn how grain bins keep corn clean and dry on “The Way it Works,” and we explore the history of soybeans on “Then & Now.”

EPISODE 807

Air Date: January 26, 2021

We take a look at how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting agriculture in the second of two special episodes. We begin by seeing how local participants in the ag education organization 4-H showed and sold their livestock projects virtually. Next, we learn how Maryland poultry farmers work hard to protect their flocks from the dangerous disease known as Avian Influenza. Then, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler visits Summers Farm to see how they’ve adjusted their agritourism operation to keep employees and guests safe during the pandemic. Plus, we learn how farmers have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic in “Ask a Farmer,” and we explore the history of the Maryland State Fair on “Then & Now.”

EPISODE 806

Air Date: January 19, 2021

We begin this episode at Braglio Farms, where we learn how their firewood is cleaned, dried, and packed, and see how some even makes it under the grill at their farm-to-table restaurant. Then, we visit Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery to see how they turn local peaches from Scenic View Orchards into mead. Next, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler heads to City-Hydro to find out how their vertical growing operation produces trays of microgreens in a Baltimore rowhome. Plus, we learn how farmers got into the business of agriculture on “Ask a Farmer,” and we cover the history of mead on “Then & Now.”

EPISODE 805

Air Date: December 15, 2020

In the first of two special episodes, we take a look at how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting agriculture. We begin by speaking to Jason Scott of Walnut Hill Farms, Jenny Rhodes of Deerfield Farm, and Katie Dotterer-Pyle of Cow Comfort Inn Dairy about the pandemic’s impact on their grain, poultry, and dairy operations. Next, we travel to Graul's Market in Cape St. Claire, Maryland to see how local farms supply produce that keeps grocery store shelves full and visit Godfrey’s Farm to learn how farmers keep our food safe. Then, on The Local Buy, Al Spoler visits the Waverly Farmers Market in Baltimore to learn how markets are adapting to new social distancing rules so they can still provide healthy, farm fresh food. Al also talks to David and Emily Hochheimer from Black Rock Orchard and Tony Brusco of South Mountain Creamery about how their businesses have changed.

EPISODE 804

Air Date: December 8, 2020

In this episode, we explore different varieties and uses of corn. First, we travel to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center to learn how genetically-engineered Bt corn fights pests. Then we’re off to the corn silage harvest at it J.A. Horst and Sons, where we discover how corn silage provides dairy cows with healthy, nutritious feed year round. Next, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler stops by Hopkins Produce and shows us the difference between sweet corn and field corn. Plus, we take a bird's-eye-view trip across the state as we see cornfields from above in “Farms from the Air,” and we cover the history of corn on “Then & Now.”

EPISODE 803

Air Date: December 1, 2020

In this episode, we explore how farms impact the environment. First, we travel to Willow Oaks Farm, where Ecotone has restored the Yellow Branch creek to its natural shape to help prevent erosion and flooding. Then we visit Harborview Farms to learn how cover crops help pull carbon dioxide out of the air and store it in the soil after they die. Next, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler heads to Harman’s Farm Market to find out when produce is in season in Maryland and how eating local, seasonal produce is better for the planet. Plus, we explain how water troughs can protect both cows and streams on “The Way it Works,” and we cover the history of organic farming on "Then & Now."

EPISODE 802: Season 8 Premiere

Air Date: November 17, 2020

We begin this episode by following the Eco-Goats, a herd for hire that helps clear unwanted weeds and vegetation. Then we visit Deep Roots, Inc., a transitional housing facility that provides fresh healthy meals to its residents using produce grown and donated by Priapi Gardens. Next, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler travels to Native Mountain Farm to sample elderberries. Plus, we explain electric fences on “The Way it Works,” and the history of the U.S. Department of Agriculture on "Then & Now."

EPISODE 801: Season 8 Premiere

Air Date: November 10, 2020

The new season of Maryland Farm & Harvest starts with a focus on farm machines. First, award-winning hay farmer Glenn Rash shows us how he makes the perfect load of hay bales. Then, we visit Dividing Farm to learn how a high-tech system known as “precision ag” makes the farm more efficient. Next, on “The Local Buy,” Al Spoler visits the Old Wye Grist Mill to see how this over 300-year-old mill grinds wheat from Cutfresh Organics into flour for muffins. Plus, our all-new segment “The Way it Works” goes over the basics of tractors, and we learn the history of farm machinery on “Then & Now.”