Regenerating Land and Life at Crescent Moon Farm
Three years ago, Chris Carroll and his wife Megan traded their suburban lifestyle for a 100-acre weathered farmstead in Hampstead, Maryland, near the Pennsylvania line. “My wife said, ‘What if we sold everything and bought a farm?’ I said, sure—why not!” recalls Chris Carroll. What began as a bold leap – quickly became a full-scale […]
Three years ago, Chris Carroll and his wife Megan traded their suburban lifestyle for a 100-acre weathered farmstead in Hampstead, Maryland, near the Pennsylvania line. “My wife said, ‘What if we sold everything and bought a farm?’ I said, sure—why not!” recalls Chris Carroll.
What began as a bold leap – quickly became a full-scale transformation. Over three arduous years, the Carrolls hauled away 30 dumpsters of debris, restored a 19th century barn with help from their Amish neighbors, and converted a condemned house into their future farm store.
Throughout the renovation process, the Carrolls immersed themselves in learning – watching YouTube tutorials and attending Joel Salatin conferences to deepen their understanding of regenerative agriculture. They converted the existing cornfields into 80 acres of nutrient-rich pasture without a single drop of chemicals. Then In 2025, Crescent Moon Farms welcomed its first livestock: 300 pastured laying hens, 650 meat birds, and a small herd of ten Red Devon cattle, which has already grown to 19 head.
A need for shade
Set up for rotational grazing, the Carrolls purchased a SH1200 Shade Haven mobile shade system to maximize pasture use and ensure healthy, productive livestock.
“With temperatures hitting the 90s, the Shade Haven has been essential,” Chris confirms. “Without the Shade Haven, we would have a very unhappy herd. Red Devons are a great breed to work with, but I could see temperament changing without the Shade Haven.”
It’s more than just comfort—it’s strategy. The Carrolls move their cattle every two to three days across 16 acres of pasture. Because the terrain is hilly, the Shade Haven’s outriggers provide the flexibility to deploy shade on uneven ground, something Chris appreciates. “Nothing on our farm is flat. The outriggers give us the ability to use all parts of our farm and build our paddocks the way we want them.”
And moving the Shade Haven? “Easy. We hook it up to the Gator, pull the outriggers in, and roll it to the next paddock. It takes 10 minutes, tops.”
The Shade Haven’s fly-control oiler/scratcher is another feature valued by Chris—and the herd. “This time of year, the flies are brutal, but the oiler with essential oils gives the cows a way to manage it themselves. It’s a passive, effective way to address fly control.”
Chris first learned about Shade Haven from his father-in-law, a West Virginia beef farmer who runs three Shade Haven units. Now, he sees the Shade Haven as central to his farm’s mission. “We’re trying to give our animals the best life possible—clean water, high-quality forage, minerals, and relief from the heat,” he says. “Our animals live a great life—and just one bad day.”
Crescent Moon Farms currently markets its products directly to customers. The farm store officially opens in spring 2026, offering 100% grassfed products along with on-farm educational events—from sourdough classes to yoga in the barn. “If we can make this a place that everybody can enjoy, make it family friendly,” Chris adds, “We don’t have to go out and find customers – they come to us.”
