Imagine the skills that you could learn and pass down in 150 years. The Magees, of Magee Farms, have been farming the land in Sussex County, Del. since 1865, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Ellen Magee says the farm has evolved over time due to the change in their area. With the community needs changing, the farm had to adapt.
“What people want has changed. People want to know where their food comes from and who grows it.”
Magee Farms slowly began selling to local neighbors, expanding over the years. The farm is now a local well known farm in the area, extending their reaches beyond just farming, incorporating a barn venue they lease for wedding receptions and becoming a part of a Community Supported Agriculture program.
Magee Farms have a wide variety of fresh produce that they grow and sell. (Photo Credit: Magee Farms)
A CSA Farm Share is when a member buys a ‘share’ of a farmer’s harvest at the beginning of a growing season. It’s a partnership between a community and a farmer that creates a direct famer-to-table relationship. The program already has nearly 50 members.
This farm share allows families to have fresh produce weekly and enjoy the health benefits that come with the taste of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. For some, it also reduces the distance their food travels. They also provide a weekly newsletter that contains updates from the farm including produce availability, recipes, fun agriculture facts and produce storage and safe food handling. The farm interacts on Facebook, providing recipes and tips on how to use herbs and other produce in creative ways.
Sweet Corn at Magee Farms (Photo Credit: Magee Farms)
Magee stressed the importance of the relationship between farmers and their communities.
“I think its very important, it sustains the agriculture. It supports the balance between the housing community and the farming areas. It sustains the lifestyle that we love, it’s the best of the best.”
Many in the community are repeat customers and families, who have visited the farm for generations. The Magee Farm is especially popular around strawberry picking season.
“Some of these families have been picking strawberries for generations. Families come and the kids love it.”
Customers pick strawberries at Magee Farms (Photo Credit: Magee Farms)
Magee Farms only sell what they grow.
They have three different locations, Lewes, Ocean Pines, and Selbyville, each location offering unique produce in the summer that range from peppers, corn, melons, squash, broccoli, zucchini, jams, jellies and honey. The Ocean Pines location is open exclusively for strawberry and pumpkin season.
Check it out:
Selbyville:
34857 Lighthouse Rd, Selbyville
Call: 302-436-5589
Lewes:
33761 Rd 268A, Lewes
Call: 302-644-1023
Ocean Pines:
11004 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines
