For the Leadership Frederick County 2021-22 cohort, Agriculture Day was a total departure from our Zoom-heavy weekdays. Rolling hills, crisp autumn air, fall colors blazing. A Hallmark-worthy scene, right?
Not quite.
Farming is hard, and is anything but a simple life. I know a thing or two about the topic, because I live on one of the 1,300+ farms in the county. Hailing from a Frederick County family with roots in agriculture, it was no surprise that nearly 5 years ago, my brother saw farming as his calling. Eager to keep the tradition alive, my family purchased a farm to help my brother pursue his dream. As I visited with farmers, entrepreneurs, and advocates on Ag Day, I celebrated their tenacity and empathized with their struggles, knowing their journeys all too well. My favorite stops and takeaways from the day are below:
Growing Farmers of the Future
Summers Farm is a multi-generational, family-run dairy farm that recognized the potential in agritourism 25 years ago. Teresa Summers’ school-aged sons, having grown up on the farm like their mom, want to follow in her footsteps as “farmpreneurs.”
Cultivating an interest in agricultural careers when children are young is definitely the way forward. MARBIDCO and Farm Credit prioritize mentorship, diversification, and access to capital to encourage the farmers of the future.
Diversifying the Dream
Tucked away in the hills of Middletown, Valley Ho Farm, a 180-acre family dairy farm diversified its offerings after milk revenues dropped. They’ve kept the dream alive by selling flowers at farmers’ markets, cultivating floral arrangements for weddings, and hosting special events on the farm.
Transformational Tactics
Mead is the world’s oldest alcohol, but Orchid Cellar’s approach is very fresh. A fermented blend of honey, water, and goodness, its lighter and classic meads helped this business to increase its market share. Experimentation and a commitment to the process yielded a delicious innovation. Partnerships, retail, and a gorgeous tasting room elevate this homegrown brand.
Process innovation advances the farm economy. Drew Haines, the highest-yielding no-till non-irrigated corn producer in Maryland – and the nation – sees nurture, nature, trial, and error as keys to agricultural success. His custom-made “Dillweed Juice” sends corn yields soaring. He shares his award-winning tactics with farmers across the Mid-Atlantic.
My tour of Frederick County’s agricultural bounty renewed my respect for the land, its stewards, and my own connection to this legacy.
Ellen Buchanan is a member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2021-2022 Cohort. She is a marketing professional with a passion for growing communities and enriching lives through digital storytelling. As a Communications Specialist at Platinum PR, her responsibilities include developing and implementing multi-channel advertising and marketing strategies, conducting media outreach, creating social media, website and blog content, assisting clients to reach their communication goals, and conducting virtual meetings and events. Given the opportunity, Ellen also goes behind the lens of her camera to highlight communities through photography.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.