Agriculture in Good Hands with Latest Generation

AGRICULTURE IN GOOD HANDS WITH LATEST GENERATION STEPPING FORWARD

Agriculture, with its mission to feed and clothe the world, comes with pressure on farmers and growers to succeed. Responding well to the important mission is the next generation of those with ties to the land. Let’s meet 24 of Frederick County’s Top Under 40 Agricultural Professionals:

Melissa Aellen, 31, of Linganore Winecellars, Mount Airy. Melissa is a third-generation winemaker and director of operational change at Linganore Winecellars, a true farm-to-glass operation growing 70 acres of grapes while producing over 40 different wines. Melissa is a member of the executive team and a key part of the decision-making process while overseeing day-to-day operations, their wine club and public events. She has been treasurer for the Young Farmers Committee of the Frederick County Farm Bureau since 2017 and is co-chair of the education committee for the Maryland Wine Association.

She attributes her success to being able to listen. “In a world that moves so fast it can be extremely challenging, but letting others speak and hear what they have to say can promote confidence which will only allow the team to be stronger. As an active listener, I reflect upon others’ thoughts before starting my own.”

Mary Kathryn Barnet, 38, and Andrew Barnet, 36, Open Book Farm, Middletown. In 2011, Mary Kathryn (MK) and Andrew founded Open Book Farm, a diversified livestock and certified organic vegetable farm with a focus on direct-to-consumer sales. They practice rotational grazing with their livestock and poultry while utilizing intensive and mainly no-till practices to grow produce. They are most proud of the ways they have worked to grow a new generation of innovative farmers by continuing to mentor past employees in their endeavors toward the start-up and management of their own operations. MK currently serves on the board of Future Harvest: A Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and was a co-director for the Chesapeake Regional Alliance for Farmer Training Program.

“We came into farming as adults when we met at Serene Farms in Palmetto, Ga.,” MK says. “The learning curve was steep for city kids, but the work felt fulfilling and purposeful, and we were excited about the prospect of building a farm business together.

Farming seemed like the best way to feel connected to a full process, rather than feeling like one cog in a giant machine.”

Amber Beachley, 36, of Moo Cow Creamery/ Walnut Ridge Farm, Middletown. Amber is part owner/ operator of Moo Cow Creamery. Her main farm duties are milking the cows and feeding/tending to the young stock. She also helps with herd genetics, fieldwork as needed, and landscaping around the farm during summer. On the creamery side, Amber partners with her mother, Pam Moser. She is responsible for picking up the cheese and butter, made from their cows’ milk, from the processor in Pennsylvania. Amber labels and weighs products, fills farm pick-up orders, and delivers products to local businesses selling them. Moo Cow Creamery works to give back to the community through the donation of cheese and butter to local foods banks.

“My grandfather, Douglas Hawker, has influenced me the most,” she says. “He showed me the love for our ground and cattle. He spent his life doing what he loved and showed me that not every day is easy, but if you love what you do then it is not work.”

Becky Burall, 37, and Jarrod

Burall, 38, of Burall Farms, Mount Airy. Since meeting, Jarrod and Becky have shared a dream to work in production agriculture, starting with renting 60 acres in 2011. They built their family farm while working full-time jobs, and in 2021 purchased a farm. They produce corn, wheat, soybeans, hay and straw on approximately 900 acres. They have 200 head of steer and run a custom application business. Jarrod oversees daily farm management including crop production, grain and beef marketing, and their custom operation. Becky works part-time as a registered nurse, and on the farm she manages animal care, record keeping, accounting and hay and straw marketing. In 2015 they received the Maryland Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award and represented Maryland Farm Bureau at the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Contest. Jarrod and Becky have been involved with Frederick County Farm Bureau (Jarrod is a board member) and Frederick County Young Farmers. Becky also volunteers as a camp nurse for the Frederick County Farm Bureau Safety Camp and is a member of the Linganore Grange, serving as the Health and Safety Committee chairperson.

“We wanted to build a legacy for our family, they say. “Hopefully, we will have something that our children can continue if they so choose. We are teaching them priceless values that they will hold onto regardless of what they choose to do in their futures.” Jamie Derr, 36, of Valley-Ho Farm, Middletown. In 2013, Jamie and her husband, Chris, began their own dairy operation on his family’s farm. In 2018, she diversified, starting a cut flower business on the farm as well. She sees starting two new operations within five years as her biggest accomplishment, helping them stay viable into the future. She milks, feeds calves and heifers, helps with fieldwork as needed, and manages the cattle reproduction for the dairy while managing all aspects of the flower business. She received the 2021 Young Farmer of the Year Award for Frederick County.

Jayme Eaves, 34, loan officer for USDA Farm Service Agency and Brandon Eaves, 29, Oak Bluff Farms, LLC, Woodsboro. Jayme and Brandon Eaves were born into the Frederick County dairy farm community and grew up working on their families’ farms. They married in 2017. While both are employed separately, they started a small beef operation together in 2018. They are active in the agricultural community through 4-H, FFA, and Frederick County Farm Bureau. Brandon was appointed by the governor to the Maryland Young

Farmers Advisory Council. In her work as an FSA loan officer, Jayme gets the opportunity to provide service to help a variety of farmers with diverse operations across half of the state.

“Farming was bred into each of us. Growing up on a farm, you learn the value of hard work from a young age while getting to experience a sense of reward and of pride…We wanted the same upbringing for our children and want them to develop a passion for agriculture. In five years, we hope to own a farm of our own so we can continue expanding our beef herd, while also still being involved in our current positions,” they say.

Adam Fitzya, 36, of Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, Thurmont. Adam is a part-owner of one of Frederick County’s farm wineries, Catoctin Breeze. As of 2021, they have five acres of vines; 100 percent of their wines are made with grapes grown in Maryland and nearly 90 percent of the grapes are sourced within 12 miles of Thurmont. In 2018 and 2019, their Cabernet France won “Best in Show” at Maryland’s annual Comptroller’s Cup. Adam is involved in the hands-on farming and behind-the-scenes management to events with club members. He is in his second term as vice president of the Maryland Wineries Association which strives to grow a sustainable wine community throughout Maryland.

The person who most influenced him is “My Dad. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1981 with practically nothing. He went on to build a successful business from scratch, leveraging his knowledge, relationships, and ability to overcome adversity.”

Laura House, 35 and Brian House, 38, of Gaver Farm, New Market. Laura and Brian are members of Gaver Farm. While they are both involved in all aspects of the operation, Laura spends most of her time managing the agritourism and direct marketing, while Brian steers his focus toward apple and livestock production. Gaver Farm is a diversified operation with row crops, hay, Christmas trees, pumpkins, apples and livestock. They host a Fall Fun Fest with a corn maze, hayrides and other family attractions such as pick your own apples, pumpkins and sunflowers. In 2008, they were awarded the Take Pride in America Award for the outstanding conservation and environmental stewardship practices on Gaver Farm. Brian also served on the Agriculture Business Council from 2014 to 2021.

“We will be continuing to teach our kids to love and respect agriculture,” they say. “We hope to still be farming and expanding our operation and offerings for our customers while being more involved with organizations that support agriculture.” Emma Jagoz, 36, of Moon Valley Farm, Woodsboro. Emma is a firstgeneration organic vegetable farmer who founded Moon Valley Farm (MVF) in 2012. MVF produces specialty and staple vegetables and herbs for its year-round CSA and for restaurants in the DMV. They also grow seedlings for gardeners in the spring and provide the Frederick County Public School system with hyper-local produce. There is nothing Emma won’t do on the farm. She oversees all daily business operations and can be found on the tractor doing farm work, leading team meetings or talking with customers and everything in between.

“My gratitude practice is really important to me,” she says. “Every day I take the time to list things that I am grateful for, and it really helps me put my life and the unexpected things that crop up, into perspective. There’s always something to be grateful for if you’re looking.”

Matt Morris, 31, of Sowers Dairy/ South Mountain Creamery, Middletown. Matt is the crop and manure manager at Sowers Dairy and is a part-owner of Middletown Valley Beef. Growing up in Prince George’s County, Matt didn’t

come from a farm family background, but is excited to be living the dream of raising his own cattle while operating a profitable beef business, signifying his greatest business accomplishment. While a University of Maryland student, he was a recipient of the Joseph Newcomer Award given to students who exhibit leadership and excellence within the plant science field. He is on the board of directors for the Frederick County Farm Bureau and Maryland Grain Producers and represented the farming community for the Frederick County Climate Mobilization Workgroup. As to who influenced him the most, Morris says, “My friend and the smartest person I know, Ben Sowers.”

Karen Nicklas, 31, of The Great Frederick Fair, Frederick. Karen is in her dream job serving as General Manager. She partners with organizations such as Farm Bureau and FFA and works with the many volunteers in Frederick County’s ag community. Karen is part of the fair organization, which continues to advocate, educate and promote local agriculture. During the pandemic and a canceled fair in 2020, Karen was able to hold a youth livestock show. She also received recognition as part of Frederick County’s Top 50 Under 40. Karen serves on the Frederick County Farm Bureau Safety Camp planning committee, is a member of the MD FFA Association Board of Directors, and the fair representative of the Maryland Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board.

“I am genuinely thankful to be part of the agricultural community and… am grateful for each person that I work alongside of to help promote the ag industry and educate the public through our amazing event each year. It is important to understand how valuable each team member is and trusting their contributions helps us all work cooperatively and achieve success,” she says.

Amy Jo Poffenberger, 39, Catoctin High School, Thurmont. Amy Jo is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Catoctin High School. She teaches Horticulture 1-3, Introduction to Agriculture Science and Technology, Large and Small Animal Pre-Vet, and Horse Care Management. The FFA chapter at Catoctin is visible in the community, hosting an annual Ag Day at Sabillasville Elementary, facilitating demonstrations at the fair, and sharing their knowledge at the Thurmont/ Emmitsburg Community Show. Amy Jo’s students were part of the National Chapter Awards, receiving state and national recognition. She received appreciation awards from three of her students who then went on to hold a Maryland State FFA office. Amy Jo is the Region 2 FFA coordinator, the Frederick County FFA representative on the MD FFA board of directors, on the Frederick County Farm Bureau board of directors, and has served as a chairperson for the Frederick County Safety Committee for over 10 years.

“I am very fortunate to have been close to all four of my grandparents (Paul and Verna Heffener and Harold and Edythe Harshman). All of them had a great work ethic. I was taught early on that if you do a job, you should always do it right the first time, to be patient and kind, and to treat others the way you want to be treated. I always try to embody these three things in my personal and professional lives,” she says.

Katlyn Robertson, 25, of Catoctin Mountain Orchard (CMO), Thurmont. Katlyn is a fourth generation farmer at CMO, who was fortunate to be able to grow up on her family farm alongside her grandfather and inspiration, Robert Black. She is the field supervisor for 100 acres of mixed fruits, berries and vegetables and manages the pick-yourown elements of the operation. She is most proud of starting up their u-pick apples which has expanded sales and customer visits immensely. Katlyn serves as a board member of the Frederick County Farm Bureau, vice chairman for the Frederick County Young Farmers, and vice-chairman for the State Horti-

cultural Association of PA Young Growers Alliance. She started farming “to continue my family’s legacy and name, while providing our community with the best, local-tasting fruits.”

Ali Sharifzadeh, 36, of District Farms, Frederick. Ali is co-founder of District Farms, a commercial hydroponic greenhouse. It provides sustainably grown leafy greens year-round to local customers. They are in the process of expanding the greenhouse and processing areas to over five acres which would make them one of the largest greenhouse operations in the MidAtlantic. Ali has been heavily involved in all aspects from the time of its inception including planning and construction, growing and sales, and research and development. They successfully planned, constructed, and started operating a commercial greenhouse employing an advanced hydroponic growing system as well as having the ability to expand during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Where does he see himself in five years? “Further expanding District Farms in the county and entering into other produce segments such as berries and vine crops,” he says. Emily Snyder, 30, of Rocky Point Creamery, Tuscarora. Emily is part of Rocky Point Creamery, a cowto-cone operation where she handles marketing, customer relations and feeding calves. She also works as a relationship manager for Farm Credit Express, serving the MidAtlantic region farm equipment dealerships. Her first job out of college was writing nutrient management plans for farmers through a state agency. She continues to serve farmers by writing these plans through her private consulting business. Emily serves on the Frederick County Farm Bureau Board and the University of Maryland Alumni Board and is active in the Frederick County ag community. Emily and Rocky Point Creamery work alongside the DMV chapter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to hold a fundraiser where 100 percent of collected funds are given to St. Jude’s.

“You learn something from everyone you meet, but I have to say being a part of the agricultural community has shown me some of the smartest, toughest, most successful people I’ve ever come across,” she says.

“A lot of our farmers are self-made or have taken an operation that was barely making ends meet and turned it into a wildly successful enterprise. Being privy to their minds has given me bits and pieces to meld together to make my own successes.” Kate Sowers, 37, of South Mountain Creamery (SMC), Middletown. Kate is co-owner of SMC. They have two creameries, Middletown and Chambersburg, Pa., along with an ice cream shop in Downtown Frederick and 10,000 home delivery customers. They milk about 550 cows between the two facilities, crop farm 3,000 acres, have a 150-cow beef herd, and 17,000 laying hens in a cage-free house. Kate is responsible for the farm accounting and managing the chicken house. She and her husband, Ben, received the National Outstanding Young Farmer award in 2019.

What behavior or personality trait does she most attribute to her success? “Our willingness to push the envelope. If we don’t try, we’ll never know what we could do, she says.

Allison Stewart, 31, of Deer Run Farm, Emmitsburg. Allison is an owner/operator of Deer Run Farm Heritage Chicken Hatchery, the only hatchery in the U.S. to regularly test and maintain a disease-free poultry operation. Deer Run has been in the Stewart family since 1996, and she has been on the farm since meeting her husband, Josh in 2014. Allison has established the chicken

hatchery, helped introduce retail sales for their beef, expanding into raising pork for sales as well. They recently secured funding for a grain drill to convert their farm to a no-till operation while also creating a rental opportunity for other local farmers. She was recognized as one of the Top 10 Farmers on the Rise by Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit. Allison serves as a board member of the Frederick Farmers’ Cooperative, and secretary for the Mid-Atlantic Red Angus Association.

“No matter what you do, do it with all your heart—This is something my dad would always tell me as a kid. I never knew why it stuck with me, but it’s something I always consider no matter what I am doing. You never know who is watching,” she says.

Andrew Toms, 37, of Monocacy Farms, Inc., Walkersville. Andrew is a fifthgeneration dairy and crop farmer and owner of Monocacy Farms, Inc. Along with tending to their 150 cows and 340 acres of cropland, Monocacy Farms also provides custom hire farming and trucking, and selling eggs and vegetables. Andrew is responsible for day-to-day operations including financial record keeping, fieldwork and farmstead maintenance. He is involved with the community and is a member of the Frederick County Land Preservation Advisory Board and has served in the Frederick County Business and Industry Cabinet. He graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law with a Juris Doctorate- cum laude. Andrew hopes to provide legal services to Frederick County’s ag community in the future.

“My first job was working on my father’s farm, although I never considered it a job because I enjoyed it,” he says. “My first off-farm job was working for Morningstar Farms (now Saputo), where I worked in the shipping and receiving of dairy products.”

Cathleen Wastler, 27 of Tulip Pond Farm, Union Bridge. Cathleen is a partner and the herd and crop manager of Tulip Pond Farm, which consists of 170 milk cows, 162 replacement dairy young stock and 45 head of beef cattle. They farm around 800 acres in total. Cathleen is usually found milking, caring for youngstock, or operating equipment. In the spring, she can be found planting all of the corn and soybeans for their farm, and during harvest, she is either on the combine or planting cover crops to help protect and conserve the soil. She is most proud of Tulip Pond for receiving the Dairy of Distinction Award. Cathleen currently serves on The Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Leadership Council.

“My parents have instilled in me a trait that no one can take away from me. I was always taught to work for what you want and that has carried over into all aspects of my life,” she says.

Julian Wilson, 33, of Elk Run Vineyards, Mount Airy. Julian is a co-owner of Elk Run Vineyards and the primary vineyard manager He works in sales and marketing and is an assistant winemaker. Elk Run has been open for 42 years, has 30 acres of vines, grows 10 varieties of grapes, and makes 18 wines. Elk Run just received a gold for its Cabernet Franc in the Maryland Governor’s Cup. The past couple of years have been hard on everyone, and they are confident by making it through those tough times that they can make it through anything. Elk Run partners with and donates to a horse rescue farm, The Foxie G Foundation, as well as other local charities. Julian is president of the Frederick Wine Trail.

Who has influenced him the most? “My late mother, Carol Wilson, is the biggest influence in my life. She put so much of herself and her love into our family vineyard. I’m honored to carry on her legacy,” he says.