From Meditation to Marinara: The Story of Deer Park Farm
Nestled in the rolling hills just outside the town limits of Floyd, Virginia, Deer Park Farm is a place where good food, hard work, and community come together. But if you’re just discovering us—welcome! Let us introduce ourselves and share how we got here.
It All Started with Stillness
Back in 2010, our founder Donald “Swede” McBroom purchased the land that would become Deer Park Farm. His original vision wasn’t jars of salsa or rows of cucumbers—it was peace. Swede planned to build a home and a meditation hall to support his spiritual practice and offer space for others to gather.
By 2013, Shanti, our meditation hall, was complete and open to groups seeking a quiet place for reflection and practice. With that part of the dream realized, Swede retired from his career in custom woodworking and turned his focus to the land.
From Garden to Market
It started with a garden, a fence to keep the deer out, and a goal: grow good, clean food. Swede began canning pickles and sauerkraut for holiday gifts, never imagining that one day those jars would become local favorites.
As time went on, a garden helper joined the team—along with a few great recipes. What began as a seasonal hobby in Swede’s home kitchen slowly turned into a small-batch operation selling at local farmers markets.
Building Something Bigger
After five years of working out of the home kitchen, it became clear the farm had grown into something more. So, we built a commercial kitchen right here on the property and expanded our growing space with three more 30' x 50' greenhouses and additional fields.
Now, with a master chef, a skilled kitchen staff, and a committed farm crew, we’re cooking up more than ever before—without sacrificing the small-batch care and attention that started it all.
Where We Are Today
Deer Park Farm now offers over 20 certified products, available in stores across Floyd, Franklin County, Roanoke, Salem, and Montgomery County. During the warmer months, you’ll also find us at farmers markets in Roanoke, Salem, and Christiansburg.
From pickles to ravioli, sauerkraut to salsa, every item we make is crafted with all-natural ingredients—no preservatives, no artificial colorings, just real food made with care.
Rooted in Community, Grown with Purpose
Deer Park Farm has always been about more than food. It's about connection—to the land, to one another, and to the greater community we serve. What started with meditation now feeds families. What was once a small garden now supports shelves across the region.
From then to now, our roots have grown deeper, and our mission has remained the same: to grow good food with care and share it with the people who make our work meaningful.
