- The Browns -

Welcome to the online home of the Brown family!

Our Businesses

Deerfoot Farm

Deerfoot Farm has been in the brown family since 1947 when Carl Brown, and his wife Mary (parents of Dave and Wil) moved here from Reading, PA. Located behind lake Ontelaunee in Maidencreek township, Deerfoot Farm encompasses approximately 100 acres of rolling hills and woodland.

Until 1994, the farm was an operating dairy and had a registered herd of Holstein cows.

From 1996 until 2003 we raised Sweet Corn, Watermelons and Canteloupes which were sold at local markets and restaurants. Our 'Ambrosia' bi-color corn became requested throughout the area.

David Brown currently operates the farm and in 2016 manages 160 acres of hay and 70 acres of soybean production.

Deefoot Farm supplies approximately 22,000 bales of hay per year to customers, including some of the premier horse breeders in the area.

Boarding Services

We currently have approximately 12 acres of fenced pasture in two parcels and a run-in area for each. We have space in the barn that is used during the winter to keep the horses comfortable and out of the elements.

Since we grow our own hay, that is included with the price of boarding. Both pasture areas also have clean spring fed water sources.

Astronomy

Dave, Dan and Jaime all share a passion for astronomy. Dave and Dan joined the Berks County Astronomy club at the same time in 1986 when Halleys Comet made news. Dave frequently volunteers his time to give lectures to schools and organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Dave owns three telescopes that he takes to these events and utilizes for private use. The first telescope is a 6" Celestron reflector which is used for astrophotography. Dave's second telescope is a 20" StarSplitter II reflector which has the power to resolve deep sky objects and provides the 'wow' factor at events. Dan has been experimenting with astrophotgraphy using the 6" Celestron reflector as well as the Celestron C90 which he received as a christmas present as a child.

The Browns try to make a trip to Cherry Springs state park at least once a year for one of hte two star parties held there. Jaime is usually the one to force us to get organized since she was hooked ever since her first star party. She is also head chef during our camping trips.

Environmental Stewardship

Our livelihood depends on many of the natural resources that others may take for granted. We feel it's important to use energy efficiently and embrace new technologies. For that reason we have undertaken two major initiatives to use renewable energy sources.

B100 Bio-Diesel (soy-diesel)

Starting in the spring of 2006, we started using bio-diesel fuel on a trial basis for our work tractors. The results were so positive that we continued using pure B100 biodiesel during the harvest and are using a 50/50 blend of regular and biodiesel during the cold winter months.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from soybeans which is less toxic than petrolium diesel and has lower emissions.

Grain/Corn Furnace

The other major change we have made is installing an outdoor grain furnace that we use to heat both the houses on the property. This furnace is designed to burn many different grain types including corn, wheat, barley, and even fruit pits. This furnace replaces the existing oil furnaces in both houses and has eliminated our neet for petrolium fuel. Also, the remaining ashes make a good potash which we are using to fertilize our lawn.

The combination of these two steps has allowed us to become almost self sufficient. We use the biodiesel to run the tractors and grow the crops in the summer that we use during the winter to heat the houses. Whatever is left over from the furnace gets put back on the soil to begin the cycle again.