The 2024 Frederick County Ag Awards Presentation, held at the Great Frederick Fair, celebrates the exceptional achievements of our agricultural community. While we’ve already announced the award recipients here, we’re excited to explore their stories further. On behalf of the Agriculture Business Council, in conjunction with The Great Frederick Fair, and Ag Education PR Committee, we are honored to recognize the 2024 Farm Family of the Year- Potomac View Farm.
John and Janie Shafer, along with their son Wes, his wife Coleen, and their children Solana, Jennifer, and Frances, form the heart of Potomac View Farm, a historic dairy farm in Knoxville that has been in the Shafer family since the post-Civil War era. Over the years, the farm has grown from milking 80 registered Holsteins to 150, expanding its operations from 200 to 900 acres, with 500 owned and 400 leased. The Shafers continue to adapt and progress alongside the ever-changing agricultural landscape of Frederick County.
John and Wes manage the dairy herd, raise replacement heifers, and grow crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, triticale, alfalfa, and hay. Dedicated to environmental stewardship, the Shafers work with the Frederick County Soil Conservation District to implement best management practices that enhance soil health, mitigate runoff and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
Like many dairy farmers, the Shafers have faced challenges, from unpredictable weather to volatile markets. The family also endured a profound loss when John and Janie’s daughter Jennifer, a U.S. Army pilot, was tragically killed in the line of duty. Though no longer involved in the operation, she is recognized for her dedication to the farm and honored for her distinguished service to our nation.
Wes now leads Potomac View Farm as the sole owner, representing the next generation dedicated to continuing his family’s legacy. In 2023, Wes purchased the home dairy farm from his parents with help from the Frederick County Critical Farms Program. Potomac View Farm has since secured a permanent land preservation easement in the Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) program and is now part of Frederick County’s largest contiguous tract of permanently preserved land, spanning more than 10,000 acres. Thanks to these preservation programs, Wes was also able to purchase an adjacent farm, facilitating the expansion and securing additional land for the farm’s future.
Beyond farming, the Shafers are deeply rooted in their community. Jane, with 52 years of service in public education, taught math for 42 years at Brunswick and Middletown High. Wes serves as Assistant Treasurer on the Frederick County Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors and is active in the Holstein Association and Frederick County Farm Bureau.
The Shafers innovation and commitment to excellence have earned them numerous accolades, including the Dairy of Distinction award in 2016 and recognition from the Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers for 75 years of membership in 2017.
As Potomac View Farm grows, the Shafer family remains committed to land preservation and supporting the local agricultural community. Wes, along with his wife and daughters, proudly uphold the family legacy, ensuring the farm’s prosperity for future generations.
Stay tuned for the next spotlight on the Frederick County Ag Advocate of the Year, Patricia Sanville. You can also follow along with us on our Facebook and Instagram pages.