ABOUT CYDONIA
Founded in 2024, Alex and Kei are excited to begin their first growing season as farm operators in partnership. Their story started when they met at a previous job and bonded over their shared passion for flora and fauna. After years of friendship and dreaming together, they were given the opportunity to start their own farm—and they’ve been building it ever since.
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Alex and Kei are committed to becoming responsible stewards of the land, cultivating living soil and regenerative farming practices. Their long-term goal is to adopt no-till farming methods, fostering a deep connection with the earth and prioritizing soil health for future generations.​
Meet the Flock
Cydonia's flock consists of 16 beautiful California Red Sheep, a breed known for its gentle nature and exceptional wool quality. This friendly breed has won hearts with their calm demeanor and striking reddish-brown coats. The sheep live a life of freedom, spending their days rotationally grazing on pasture, which is the foundation of our sustainable, 100% grass-fed approach.
The flock has a story rooted in care, commitment, and community. Alex & Kei are proud to say that these sheep came from Billy and Sarah McCarthy of Crooked Fence Farm, who began their journey with a small but mighty group of breeding stock back in 2017. Over the years, they poured their energy into raising a healthy, well-rounded flock—carefully selecting for temperament, hardiness, and quality.
By 2024, Billy and Sarah had built something truly special. That’s when Alex was offered the opportunity to carry the torch and take over the flock. It was more than just a hand-off; it was a passing of stewardship, and the beginning of a new chapter.
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Today, Cydonia continues to build on their strong foundation—starting new breeding and management programs, while honoring the work that brought these sheep to where they are now.​
Meet the Farmers
ALEX
Alex's journey toward green living began during their high school and college years, when they worked as a clerk at The Health Concern, a small health food store in Towson, MD.
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After nearly a decade at The Health Concern, Alex transitioned to working for Moms Organic Market, where they continued to pursue their passion for sustainability in a new environment. It was there that Alex met Kei, a co-worker who would later become a close friend.
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In 2019, a chance encounter while receiving a flower delivery from Crooked Fence Farm, marked a pivotal moment in Alex's journey. Meeting the owners of the farm ignited a new path in their career, leading to an opportunity to work at Crooked Fence Farm. This connection opened the door to a vibrant community of local farmers in Baltimore and Carroll County, where Alex could further immerse themselves in regenerative farming practices and continue advocating for sustainability in agriculture.
KEI
Kei’s journey into farming and environmentalism started long before she became a seasoned grower and advocate for sustainable agriculture. Her passion for food justice and working with nature ignited during her high school years, where she began to develop an understanding of the deep connection between people, land, and the food they eat.
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After college, a diverse decade in landscaping, nursery work, organic farming, floral design, and floral wholesale on both the East & West coasts allowed her to refine her skills in restorative farming practices while exploring different facets of the agriculture and design industries.
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Today, a deep commitment to growing healthy, intentional products and promoting environmental awareness continues to shape her work. From the farm to the market, she’s dedicated to ensuring that people have access to the freshest, most environmentally responsible produce and flowers, all while championing the values of sustainability and the local market.