Tucked away in Bishopville, Maryland, Naturally Sunkissed Farm is more than just a small agricultural operation—it’s a lifestyle, a classroom, and a vision for a better, more sustainable future. Since 2014, Brett and Megan Hines have been managing this diversified, environmentally-conscious farm with passion and purpose. Owned by Megan’s parents, the land was once used for conventional corn and soybean production. Today, it has been transformed into a vibrant, sustainable ecosystem teeming with life.
Rooted in Respect for Nature
From the start, Brett and Megan have been guided by one key principle: mimic the natural processes of the Earth. This philosophy shapes everything they do—from how they raise their animals to the methods they use to grow their crops.
The farm is home to a variety of animals, including:
KuneKune pigs, known for their friendly temperaments and pasture-grazing habits.
North Country Cheviot sheep, a hardy breed valued for its resilience.
Nigerian Dwarf goats, small but productive dairy animals.
A colorful, mixed flock of chickens.
The livestock are all grass-fed and rotationally grazed, which means they’re regularly moved to fresh pastures every few days. This not only keeps the animals healthy and happy, but it also improves soil health and mimics the migratory grazing patterns of wild herds. At Naturally Sunkissed, even the pigs get in on the fun—munching on watermelon rinds with visible joy.
A Bounty of Flavorful, Organic Produce
Beyond animals, the Hines family has cultivated a thriving fruit and vegetable operation, which includes both annuals and perennials. Their gardens are filled with:
Beets, spinach, arugula, kale, radishes, and lettuce.
Organic perennial crops like strawberries, asparagus, and hops.
Their growing methods are strictly organic and low-impact. All vegetables are grown in raised beds to avoid flood damage, and they use hand tools—including a broad fork instead of a tiller—to avoid compacting or degrading the soil. Brett and Megan harvest their produce at peak freshness and either eat it themselves or sell it locally, ensuring minimal nutrient loss.
As Megan explains, “As soon as you cut a plant from the roots, it starts losing nutrients.” That commitment to freshness is evident in every bite, especially their arugula, which bursts with a spicy, peppery flavor rarely found in supermarket greens.
Sustainable Farming With Purpose
The Hines family isn’t just farming—they’re living their values. As full-time teachers in Sussex County, Delaware, both Brett and Megan bring their farming knowledge into the classroom. This dual role as educators and farmers helps them inspire the next generation to think critically about the environment, food systems, and sustainability.
Their environmental commitment is also deeply personal. With plans to raise a family of their own, they want to ensure that their children grow up with a deep respect for nature and a lifestyle centered around health, sustainability, and community.
They’ve gone so far as to provide nearly all the food for their own wedding, excluding only the bread and cake. They even home-brewed their own beer and wine, underscoring how committed they are to the do-it-yourself ethic of sustainable living.
Building Community and Inspiring Others
Though their farm lies just outside the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Brett and Megan are closely connected with farmers who live within it. They regularly attend events like the Future Harvest CASA Conference, where they network, share knowledge, and find support among other young and beginning farmers.
Their work is also helping to support the Bay itself. Through responsible land stewardship and organic methods, Naturally Sunkissed Farm contributes to the reduction of pollution runoff, a key factor in improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
A Wild Life Shared With Others
One of the most unique aspects of Naturally Sunkissed Farm is how open and inviting it is. The Hines family believes that reconnecting people with nature is essential in today’s increasingly disconnected world. To that end, they’ve opened their gates to the public through fun and educational experiences:
Sunset goat yoga classes, which combine mindfulness and farm life.
Farm tours for schoolchildren and families, giving many kids their first up-close experience with farm animals and nature.
These events create meaningful connections. Visitors leave not only with photos and memories but also with a deeper understanding of where food comes from and how it can be produced in harmony with the Earth.
Bringing Back the Wild
“Our world is way less wild than it used to be,” Brett and Megan say. Their mission is simple but powerful: to rewild a little piece of the world, one pasture, vegetable bed, and child’s smile at a time. They believe food should be nutritious, animals should be respected, and farming should heal rather than harm.
At Naturally Sunkissed Farm, you can see that mission in every corner—from the hops climbing their trellis to the sheep grazing peacefully on green pastures. It’s a place where the food is fresh, the land is cared for, and the people are passionate. May their work inspire a new generation of farmers and nature lovers across the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond.
