Plow & Stars Farm, LLC

Montevideo (named for its view of Sugarloaf Mountain to the north) is an historic 400-acre farm established in 1830 by John Parke Custis Peter, a great-grandson of Martha Washington. The house derives its Federal style from Tudor Place, the Georgetown seat of the Peter family, whose family cemetery is at Montevideo. Austin Kiplinger and his wife, Gogo, acquired the property in 1958, restored the long-abandoned landmark, and were among the first landowners in Montgomery County to put their land under farmland preservation easements.

Along with Plow and Stars Farm, other good stewards of the land make productive use of Montevideo. The Willard family of Poolesville grow the commodity crops of corn, soybeans and wheat. The western side of the property is devoted to equestrian activity, as the permanent home of the Seneca Valley Pony Club and the Potomac Hunt Races in May. The Potomac Hunt also holds its annual Thanksgiving fox hunt at Montevideo. Many trails, including the Dry Seneca Trail, cross the rolling hills. With its woods and streams, pastures and fields, barns and historic outbuildings, Montevideo is a lovely example of the varied rural activities in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve.​

Our farming philosophy is simple: Grow the very best food while making the best choices we can for people and the planet.  We believe that small-scale, diversified farms–that incorporate rotations through vegetable crops, animal pasture, and cover crops, including legumes and small grains–are an important part of larger regional food systems and ecosystems.

Our vegetables are grown on a small scale using 100% organic methods.  We protect the health of our soil and water using carefully chosen cover crops, thoughtful nutrient management, and short- and long-term crop rotations.  We work hard to prevent pest and disease outbreaks, and combat them with organically approved products only when necessary.  We do not use herbicides.

Our animals are raised on pasture and rotated around our fields and woodlands. They are fed supplemental grain only as necessary, as we build up the mineral and microbial balance of our soils.

We believe that local farms can help support hunger relief and food security efforts in our communities.  We donate regularly to partner agencies in Poolesville and Montgomery County and support Community Food Rescue.