Wing Song Farms opens for business

(5/1) A new farm is opening for business in Thurmont. Thomas and Nicole Luttrell have founded Wild Song Farm at the historic Father's Farewell property at 13720 Moser Road. The couple aims to raise high quality food and sell it to the local community

Eggs are supplied by a flock of about 130 chickens who sleep and lay in an "eggmobile" that gets moved around on pasture. The Luttrells buy local grains and make their own soy-free, non-GMO feed to ensure quality and freshness. They also sell duck eggs from their small flock of free ranging ducks. The Luttrells grow produce using organic practices and focus on building rich soil by amending with minerals and homemade compost. This year they will grow a variety of greens, carrots, beets, radishes, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, summer squash, melons, garlic, winter squash, and shiitake mushrooms.

Wild Song Farm is opening a farmstand on Saturday May 13. Expect Saturday and Sunday hours at the start of the season, expanding to some weekday hours in early summer. In addition to offering eggs, produce, baked goods, and plants, they are looking into selling some items from other local farms. On Saturday May 27 Wild Song Farm will participate in Thurmont's Sip N' Stroll event, offering a buy 2 get one free special on eggs and a prize drawing for a $20 gift certificate.

Thomas grew up in Frederick, and Nicole in the Poconos. They met at Washington College in Chestertown, MD 10 year ago and there started cultivating an interest in local food and self-sufficiency. They volunteered for Colchester Farm, a small organic produce grower, and frequented the thriving Chestertown farmers market. Post graduation, Thomas worked for Hometown Harvest, a home delivery service for local food, and Nicole worked for the Frederick County Office of Sustainability and Ecologia Design, installing edible landscapes. Nicole offers design and consultation services for edible and natural landscapes through Deeply Rooted Design (www.deeplyrooteddesign.us).

The couple married in October 2014 and soon after decided to take the leap and purchase a farm. "When we saw the property we fell in love with it and jumped at the opportunity, and thankfully we are still very happy with our decision. If we just kept pondering whether we should do it or not, I'm not sure we would have went for something this challenging, and fulfilling," said Nicole.

One of the primary reasons the Luttrells started a farm was for their health. Pasture-raised eggs are higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals such as iodine and selenium. Produce grown in mineralized soil also has increased nutritional value.

Nicole and Thomas work hard at building new skills, from animal husbandry and horticulture to machines, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, business management, and more. They draw from many agricultural influences, from urban farming to large-scale rotational grazing, and are very excited to continue to innovate, hone in on specific products, and adapt to the local market. In addition to short-term crops like eggs and produce, the Luttrells are also working on establishing long-term crops like shiitake mushrooms grown on logs, unique and disease-resistant fruits such as paw paws, and even nut crops such as hazelnuts and chinese chestnuts.

The Luttrells hope to connect Wild Song Farm with the local community. The farm is a short walk from the Thurmont Library and is surrounded by neighborhoods, including Jermae Estates just up Moser Road. "There is something very special about knowing where your food comes from, and knowing the farmer who grows it. We've considered different locations for selling our products, but in the end we really want to feed the local people and do our part to help Thurmont's local economy grow," said Thomas.

By talking to people in the community, the Luttrells have pieced together the history of Father's Farewell. In 1738 Johann Jacob Weller owned it as part of 500 acre Taylor's Lot. He passed 50 acres to his stepson, John Henry Firor who built the home between 1765 and 1780. His son John Leonard Firor named the property "Father's Farewell" when his father moved west and left him the farm. Over the years, the farm saw dairy cows, beef cattle, a sawmill, horses, and even a goldfish growing operation. And now the Luttrells will add their twist to that rich history.

Eggs are available for sale from the farm any day of the week, and at The Lion Potter in Gettysburg. Call or text your order to 240-405-7622, email wildsongfarm1780@gmail.com, or just stop by. The farmstand will open on Saturday May 13, and hours will be posted at the farm and online. To learn more, visit www.wildsongfarm.com.