St. Brigid's Dairy
Owner: Judy Gifford
Location: 12246 Locust Grove Rd, Kennedyville, MD 21645
Driving Time: Approximately 20 minutes, allowing for slow-moving vehicles.
Directions from WC
Take 213 North toward Kennedyville (11 miles). Turn right on Locust Grove Dr/ MD-444. Continue one mile further and turn right into St. Brigid's farm, look for the cows and sign. Park along the barn.
A Brief History of St. Brigid's Dairy
St. Brigid's Dairy began in 1997, when Judy Gifford and Robert Fry bought the land, previously a grain farm, to start a dairy. They raise about 60 registered Jersey milking cows, 30 calves, and a few steers on 60 acres of land devoted to pasture. St. Brigid's Dairy has an invested interest in sustainable agriculture and the agricultural community.
Sites of Interest on the Farm
- Keep extensive soil records tracing the progress from poor soil as a result of years of grain farming, to a nutrient rich soil from managed grazing practices and an effective nutrient management plan.
- Boast a large quantity of earthworms and a healthy soil ecology.
- A site for songbirds and other migratory breeding birds.
- Near the source of Morgnec Creek, and within its watershed.
- Received an award for conservation efforts.
Costs arranged on a per class basis.
Availability
Generally able to accommodate groups anytime.
Art
- Scenic pastureland complete with happy grazing cows for sketching or photography.
Business Management
- Good business records for studies on agricultural business management or for case studies in small scale agriculture.
Science/Environmental Studies
- Opportunities to study records of soil testing and development under a nutrient management plan, as well as to participate in testing and examine soil ecology.
- Possibility of examining the run-off of pastureland compared to conventional grain farming along Morgnec Creek, as well as the effects of run-off on erosion and water quality.
- A home for migratory songbirds for observation and study.