August on the Farm: Savoring Local Flavor in the Greater Concord Region
Rebecca Lapitino, Five Rivers Staff
As summer peaks in southern New Hampshire, local farms burst with the bounty of the season. Across Greater Concord, you’ll find crisp corn freshly picked, juicy stone fruits, and an array of colorful veggies. U-pick berry patches remain lively, while farmstands overflow with heirloom tomatoes, summer squash, sweet peppers, and the first of the early apple varieties. It’s the perfect time to embrace the flavors of the season and support our local farms at season’s peak.
Each of these privately-owned farms made the decision—at different times and for various reasons—to protect their land from future development and preserve its agricultural use for generations to come. We’re proud that each farm chose to partner with Five Rivers Conservation Trust by placing a conservation easement on their property.
Blue Moon Berry Farm, Warner – Conserved in 2025
Just a short drive from Concord, Blue Moon Berry Farm kicks off its season mid-July and continues thriving into August with U-pick highbush blueberries. This popular farm is celebrated for its honor-system pick-your-own setup, making it low-key and family-friendly. Blue Moon became the newest member of Five Rivers’ conserved properties in March 2025 after completion of a conservation easement that protects 106 acres of farmland and forest.
https://www.facebook.com/bluemoonberryfarm
Carter Hill Orchard, Concord – Conserved in 2001
Fruit lovers will find plenty to smile about at Carter Hill. Blueberries are still going strong at Carter Hill, while stone fruits—especially peaches—are reaching their juicy peak. Early apples, such as Cortland and Mcintosh, begin to appear in late August, making this a perfect time to sample the first taste of fall. Check out Carter Hill’s farm stand store which also carries homemade jams, cider donuts, and other locally made treats to round out your visit. Family note: Kids love Carter Hill Farm and Carter Hill Farm loves kids!
https://www.carterhillapples.com/
https://www.facebook.com/carterhillorchard
Contoocook Creamery at Bohanan Farm, Contoocook – Conserved in 2010
The Contoocook Creamery at Bohanan Farm has a charming farm store open every day during daylight hours, offering regular and flavored milk in glass or plastic bottles, eggs, frozen beef, seasonal veggies, and even some fun farm swag. Located in the milk processing building, it’s a true farm experience—expect farm scents and a warm welcome from the resident dogs. Visitors are encouraged to meet the cows and, with lucky timing, can peek through the window to watch milk being bottled or see the milking process in action in the milking parlor.
https://www.contoocookcreamery.com/
https://www.facebook.com/contoocookcreamery
Huckins Maple Farm, Northfield – Conserved by prior owner Eliza Conde in 2015
Located in Northfield, this longtime sugarhouse is a model of stewardship in action. Their wood-fired evaporator produces premium maple syrup and maple treats, but they’ve renewed the property’s legacy by replanting and opening a U-pick blueberry patch, typically available in late July through mid-August. The blueberry presence endures—just one more way the family keeps local traditions alive while diversifying their farm offerings.
>https://www.huckinsmaplefarm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/huckinsmaplefarmnh
Potter Farm, Concord – Conserved in 2024
Potter Farm, a true nine-generation touchstone, offers an outdoor farm stand selling fresh local sweet corn, other produce, and their own bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. Regularly stocked with just-harvested ears, it’s the go-to spot for corn lovers. It is a must-stop for that straight-from-the-field sweetness.
Sloping Acres Farm, Canterbury – Conserved in 2022
This active dairy operation, run by the Glines family, focuses on cattle and milk production. They offer beef products by appointment and have a sweet corn self-serve roadside stand. The family farms nearly 400 acres across Canterbury, Northfield, Contoocook, and Concord, growing alfalfa, grass, corn silage, dry hay, and sweet corn. Crop decisions are based on soil quality, rotation needs, and efficiency—an important part of this farm’s sustainable operation.
https://www.facebook.com/SlopingAcresFarm/
What to Explore This August
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Blueberries: U-pick options flourish at Huckins (Northfield), Carter Hill Farm (Concord), and Blue Moon (Warner)—perfect for fresh eating or freezing.
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Sweet Corn: Potter Farm (Concord) and Sloping Acres Farm (Canterbury) are convenient fresh corn pickups.
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Dairy Landscape: Although not open to visitors, Sloping Acres (Canterbury) is one of the region’s key dairy easement farms, underpinning the local agri-economy. Give them a call to reserve beef. Check out Contoocook Creamery at Bohanan Farm (Contoocook) for amazing chocolate milk, beef, local eggs, and fresh picked finds.
Supporting these farms means supporting sustainable farming, local conservation, and the preservation of our working landscape. Before visiting, call ahead for status updates on blueberries and corn availability, or check out their website and social media sites for updates. Supporting local agriculture not only strengthens our communities—it tastes great, too.
The Merrimack County Conservation District has just released its Merrimack County Local Food guide 2025 which is available for reading online or for download on their home page: Merrimack County Conservation District – Conserving the natural resources and cultural heritage of Merrimack County
