Harford Legacy Farm Commemorative Book

Harford Legacy Farm | 10

Newark Farms est. 1761 - White Hall, MD

Current Owners: Dennis and Jean Kirkwood Original Purchaser: Robert Kirkwood Current Acreage: 143 Current Agricultural Products or Services: beef, pork, hay, straw, and grain Preserved, Bicentennial Farm (USDA), Bicentennial Farm (MDA)

Norma Kirkwood on the farm's first tractor - circa 1948

Newark Farms began in 1763 when Robert Kirkwood I (1728-1810) received a land grant from Lord Baltimore. The name is presumed to have reflected his early years being raised by an uncle in Newark, Delaware. Throughout the history of this property, it has functioned as a multi-purpose enterprise focusing on dairy, other livestock, and typical field crops. In 1965 a barn fire put us out of full-time farming but the family continued to maintain the farm with a small beef herd. The current owner is the seventh generation and maintains a beef herd and seasonal hog operation along with hay production. The farm supports a healthy wildlife population and woodland environment and is bisected by Cabin Branch which feeds into Little Deer Creek. In 1998 three acres of wetlands were created for further wildlife benefit. The next generation stands ready to continue the legacy of stewardship and production into the future.

Nathaniel Calvin Kirkwood Sr. and Nathaniel Calvin "Jack" Kirkwood Jr. advertisement for threshing machine - circa 1948