While we normally do in-depth interviews of young farmers trying to make it in the business, we decided to see how two young farmers in Maryland are coping with COVID-19 and how it has affected their businesses.

Karl Shlagel is the co-owner of Shlagel Farms in Waldorf, Md., that grows vegetables, hay, pasture and strawberries.

Even though it’s early, Shlagel says he’s more sales focused than ever as he tries to find markets for his products. Much of his wholesale business has slowed, he says. While he’s avoiding having people on the farm for pick-your-own strawberries, he’s still producing more than he and his family can consume, so he’s set up pop-up markets in local towns.

He’s also making deliveries to local food banks and has even started making vegetable bags for senior citizens.

Amanda Hand of MKONO Farm in Huntingtown, Md., says she’s busier than ever marketing her Kunekune pigs to local buyers.

HOT PIGS: Kunekune pigs, which originate from New Zealand, are the hot item being sold by MKONO Farm in Huntingtown, Md.

More people are discovering local food sources, she says, especially as grocery stores struggle to keep shelves stocked because of supply chain issues.

She’s also delivering products to her customers, and she has spearheaded an effort to get the local farmers market she sells at to go completely online.