In Frederick County, agriculture is more than an industry—it’s a way of life, a tradition passed down through generations. Each year, we honor individuals who embody that spirit, and in 2025, we are proud to recognize a man whose life’s work has shaped both the land and the minds of those who call it home: Dr. John George, our 2025 Ag Advocate of the Year.
Dr. George’s story begins not on a tractor, but in the backseat of a family car traveling from Baltimore to Frederick County in search of fresh produce. Eventually, his parents, Calvin and Margaret, made the move permanent, settling on a 140-acre farm in Johnsville. It was there, alongside his sisters Mary Margaret and Sara Anne, that John’s love for agriculture took root. Raising Suffolk sheep and learning the values of hard work and stewardship, he developed a deep respect for the land and the community it supports.
Dr. George’s connection to the Great Frederick Fair began in 1952 and has only grown stronger over the decades. A retired educator with 47 years of service in Frederick County Public Schools and Hood College, he has seamlessly blended his two passions—education and agriculture—through his leadership on the Fair’s Agricultural Education Committee.
Since 2012, Dr. George has served as the committee’s volunteer coordinator, recruiting over 100 agricultural hosts each year to guide students through 11 educational stations across the fairgrounds. Under his leadership, the Fair now welcomes approximately 5,500 FCPS students annually, making it the largest agricultural classroom in the county.
Dr. George’s commitment to youth extends far beyond the fairgrounds. Since 2004, he has partnered with the Community Foundation of Frederick County to provide books to schools in need. He also established two scholarships—the Elizabeth Seton Scholarship at Hood College and the St. Nicholas Scholarship for Frederick County residents—ensuring that students have the resources to pursue their dreams.
Dr. George’s dedication to community service is equally inspiring. He chaired the 150th Great Frederick Fair, is a life member of the Farm Museum, and has served as an interviewer for the Fair Ambassador Program. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Frederick, the Torch Club, and the Sons of the American Revolution.
He speaks candidly about the challenges facing Frederick County agriculture—rising land costs, development pressures—but remains hopeful. He believes in the power of FFA to shape future leaders and is continually inspired by the young people he meets through the Fair Ambassador interviews.
Dr. George offers this advice to future ag advocates:
“Work to learn as much as possible to be able to share inside knowledge with others.”
He also honors the memory of his dear friend, the late Robert Ramsburg, who, alongside his wife Cookie, faithfully supported the dairy area of the Fair’s field trips while operating their own dairy farm. Dr. George is deeply grateful for the many friends, family members, and retired educators who continue to volunteer year after year—helping bring his vision of agricultural education to life.
Dr. John George is more than an advocate—he is a steward of tradition, a mentor to many, and a tireless champion of agriculture and education. His legacy will continue to inspire Frederick County for generations to come.
Stay tuned to HomegrownFred
erick.com as we continue celebrating this year’s Ag Award recipients. Their stories are just as inspiring and vital to the future of Frederick County agriculture. Look for the next feature honoring the Ag Business of the Year!