Regenerative Agriculture News: Sharing Our Story

DORCHESTER COOPERATOR OF THE YEAR.  

Darlene & Arthur's farm, known as “Pop’s Old Place” in Hurlock, is truly one of a kind with its heritage livestock, including Randall cattle, Heritage hogs, and other grass-fed animals. The Dorchester Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service have been collaborating with her and her husband Arthur since 2012 to enhance their sustainable farming practices using best management techniques and innovative technology. 

Established in 1909, the farm is renowned for free-range hens, Heritage hogs, Randall Cattle, and lambs, all raised on grass-fed diets. In 2016, Darlene sought to expand her operation, needing additional access to grazing land. Staff from the district and NRCS worked with her to design a stream crossing and travel lane to support rotational grazing. This included developing heavy use areas, pipeline and watering facilities, as well as proper fencing. Darlene firmly believes that properly managed grazing animals contribute to regenerative agriculture by healing the land from the impacts of tillage and erosion. 

In recent years, she has become an advocate for education, participating in the 2017 Women and Land Conservation Learning Circle with Dorchester SCD and the American Farmland Trust. Darlene also welcomed University of MD Extension for a tour of her operation during Annie’s Project in 2018, an initiative focused on empowering women in agriculture. She shared her experiences, successes, and challenges in developing her farm, encouraging attendees to reach out with any questions about starting their own sustainable farming journey. 

In April 2019, she hosted all Eastern Shore Planners and Technicians from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) for an intensive day of “Fence Training.” 

Due to her unwavering dedication to conservation, stewardship, and education, Darlene was honored with the Dorchester County Cooperator of the Year Award for 2019. MD Department of Agriculture Secretary Joseph Bartenfelder presented her with a citation recognizing this esteemed award.