Maypop Farm

Maypop Farm—named for the maypop plant, a native passion fruit that thrives on our sandy soil—is a small, family-owned farm in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. We raise free-range chicken, pastured pork, and farm-fresh eggs the way we believe food should be raised—outdoors, humanely, and with care for the land. With more than three decades raising grass-fed cattle, pigs, chickens and eggs, Maypop Farm is built on a philosophy of diversity and integrated, circular farming practices. Livestock provide fertility for our fields, crops feed both animals and people, and each part of the farm supports the whole. We believe animals should spend as much of their lives outdoors as possible, where they can live naturally—roaming, rooting, pecking, and grazing. Our poultry are raised on pasture and moved regularly to fresh forage, where they naturally fertilize the soil and help control pests. After years of experimentation, we developed a mobile poultry shed system that provides protection for young chicks and shade and shelter for older birds, while allowing them to roam freely. Our pigs are raised outdoors in wooded areas, where they root, forage, and even build their own nests—sometimes complete with roofs. Their natural behavior helps clear brush and improve the land, while producing pork that is both flavorful and nourishing. We do not use herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers on our pastures, relying instead on natural management strategies. We are also developing silvopasture systems: an agroforestry approach that integrates trees, forage, and livestock to enhance animal welfare, increase biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Our animals’ diets are supplemented with non-GMO feed, ground on-site using locally sourced ingredients—never antibiotics or added hormones. Soy-free chicken and pork are also available through our partner, US Wellness. Since 2016, Maypop Farm has been an anchor tenant at the Florence City Farmers Market, working alongside other growers to create a vibrant, accessible community space for fresh, healthy food. Whether you shop locally or order from afar, our mission is simple: to provide healthy, humanely raised food you can feel good about feeding your family. David White, known locally as “The Chickenman” and “Farmer Dave”— grew up in Washington, D.C., but always longed  to farm. At 25, he headed to Kansas to work on several family farms, where he gained hands-on experience raising cattle and hogs and working in row-crop agriculture. While in the Midwest, David studied organic and sustainable farming practices and became familiar with the work of the Land Institute in Salina, Kansas; Practical Farmers of Iowa; and Dick and Sharon Thompson’s pioneering ridge-till row-crop methods. After four years in the Midwest, David returned east to volunteer at Koinonia Community in Georgia, where he met Pattie. In 1993, the young couple moved to Darlington, South Carolina, renting land to start their own free-range chicken farm. There, they raised three daughters—Lillian, Louise, and Sonora—while continuing to expand their operation to include grass-fed cattle and pastured pigs. In 2014, David and Pattie purchased their own land in Darlington and officially became Maypop Farm, named for the maypop plant, a native passion fruit, that thrives on the farm’s sandy soil. Throughout their farming journey, David and Pattie have shared their farm and home as a hub for learning and culture—from  hands-on science activities with their local Homeschool Association; welcoming curious customers to process or cure their own meats on-site; and hosting neighborhood gatherings like Wings Night. David & Pattie continue to embrace their unique homestead and lifestyle as a platform for collaboration and community enrichment. Putting the culture back in agriculture: a place to raise a family, and a place to cultivate community.