What started with a love for horses and a dream of owning two Highland cows has grown into one of Frederick Countys most unique agritourism destinations. At Black Rock Farm, Victoria has built a business centered around connection—connecting people to agriculture, connecting visitors to livestock, and creating experiences that bring farming to life.
Unlike many farmers, Victoria did not grow up on a farm. Her introduction to agriculture came in middle school through horseback riding, a hobby that quickly became a passion.
“I didn’t grow up in agriculture,” she said. “My start was really through horses. It was a hobby that turned into something I absolutely loved, and that passion eventually led me deeper into the agricultural world.”
As a first-generation farmer, Victoria’s path into agriculture was anything but traditional. Today, Black Rock Farm is home to a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle, along with horse-quality hay, seasonal pumpkins, and fall ornamentals. While the farm produces a variety of agricultural products, it has become best known for its Highland cows and the hands-on experiences built around them.
Ironically, those experiences were never part of the original plan.
Victoria originally purchased two Highland cows simply because she loved the breed and wanted them as pets. As her herd grew, she began sharing photos and videos online. Before long, people started asking if they could visit the farm and meet the cows in person.
“Never did I ever think Highland cows would become my full-time job,” Victoria said. “Everything we offer today came from listening to what people were asking for.”
What began as a personal passion has since evolved into a thriving agritourism business where visitors can brush a cow, take photos, learn about farming, and experience agriculture in a welcoming environment.
“Our farm gives off very much a jeans-and-T-shirt kind of vibe,” Victoria said. “We want people to feel comfortable here, ask questions, and really experience agriculture in a hands-on way.”
That connection between agriculture and the public is what sets Black Rock Farm apart. Through on-farm events and private experiences, Victoria is helping visitors better understand farming while creating meaningful memories with her beloved Highland cattle.
No two days on the farm look the same. Mornings typically begin with feeding the cows before transitioning into office work, event planning, or farm maintenance. Afternoons might be spent hosting guests, working in the fields, or producing hay alongside her husband.
“The variety is what I love most,” she said. “Every day challenges me in a different way.”
Like many growing businesses, Black Rock Farm has faced its share of challenges. One of the biggest has been learning to stay focused on opportunities that align with Victoria’s goals.
“We get asked to do a lot of different things with the cows,” she said. “Learning to say no and stay true to the lifestyle we want has probably been one of the most important lessons.”
As a woman in agriculture, Victoria feels fortunate to have built a career doing something she loves.
“Being a woman farmer is so much more than a title,” she said. “I get to live my dream lifestyle, work with animals I love, and share that experience with others.”
She encourages young women entering agriculture to be creative, think differently, and pay attention to opportunities that may not fit traditional expectations.
“If people on social media had never asked to meet my cows, I’d probably still be working a 9-to-5 job,” she said. “What I do now was never on my radar. Don’t be afraid to do things differently.”
Looking back, Victoria credits some of her greatest growth to moments of uncertainty. Losing a traditional job ultimately gave her the push she needed to fully commit to farming.
“Those challenging seasons are often where you grow the most,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to trust yourself and go all in.”
This year, Victoria plans to continue growing Black Rock Farm by expanding her breeding herd, improving farm infrastructure, and hosting monthly group events in addition to private experiences.
Of all the accomplishments she has achieved, however, the thing she is most proud of is her cattle.
“They’re really like big dogs to me,” she said. “I take so much pride in them being gentle and kind, especially when children come to visit.”
As agriculture continues to evolve, Victoria’s story is a reminder that there is no single path into farming. Through creativity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities, she has built a farm that not only supports her family but also creates meaningful connections between people and agriculture. At Black Rock Farm, those connections happen every day—one Highland cow at a time.