This week on the FarmHouse, a podcast by Lancaster Farming, we're speaking with Denise Bosworth of Rohrbach's Farm.
Bosworth is part of the farm's fourth generation and runs the farm market in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Bosworth and her husband, Dan, returned to the farm in 2013 to begin a new culinary venture, Big Dan's BBQ.
In 2015, Bosworth officially took over the farm market portion of the business and her brother, Mark Rohrbach, took over the farming operation.
"I like to say my brother grows the food, Dan cooks the food and I throw the party," Bosworth said. "We all definitely bring our own strengths to the table but then work together to bring it all together."
Bosworth gives a lot of credit to the farm's third generation — her parents, aunt and uncle.
While the transition wasn't necessarily planned and executed perfectly, she said mutual respect and conversation led to the farm's current success.
In addition to running the farm market, Bosworth also does community and educational outreach.
She has written two agricultural-themed children's books, "Penelope Pumpkin" and "Are They Ready Yet: A Strawberry Story From a Pennsylvania Farm."
"I always say, if I could only grow two things, it would be pumpkins and strawberries," Bosworth said.
Additionally, she launched a nonprofit called Seeds of the Future to provide agriculture education and farm experiences that are accessible, affordable and relevant.
The organization focuses on students and people with special needs with a goal of helping the community.
"I think women represent agriculture incredibly well," Bosworth said. "If we want kids to be part of agriculture now and in the future, we have to represent it well."
On Nov. 1, Rohrbach's Farm was announced as one of seven recipients of Lancaster Farming's The Farmer's Choice Award.
Recipients were nominated and voted on by Lancaster Farming readers.
"To be acknowledged on this platform with these other people is extremely humbling to me," Bosworth said.
