Each year, Frederick County celebrates the families who form the backbone of our agricultural heritage. During the 2025 Ag Awards Ceremony at The Great Frederick Fair we proudly recognized the 45th Farm Family of the Year—a family whose story is deeply rooted in tradition, resilience, and a love for the land: OCS Dairy, the O. Clayton Smith Family.
The legacy began with Oscar Clayton Smith, known to many simply as Clayton. Raised on Lander Road, Clayton grew up milking cows and raising horses alongside his father. After marrying Shirley, who was raised on a small farm in New Market, the couple established OCS Dairy in 1962 on Fry Road in Jefferson. What started as a shared dream grew into a nationally recognized dairy operation, known for its award-winning Holsteins and Guernseys.
At its peak, OCS Dairy milked 125 cows and became a fixture at local, state, and national cattle shows. One of Clayton’s proudest moments was traveling to Japan with fellow dairy farmers to exchange knowledge and learn about international practices. Both Clayton and Shirley served on breed association boards and were inducted into the Maryland Dairy Shrine in 2012.
Beyond their success in dairy and crop production, the Smith family has long been committed to conservation and environmental stewardship. In 2017, Clayton placed the family’s 295-acre home farm into a CREP easement, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Their conservation practices include cover cropping, streamside fencing, and riparian buffers.
Shirley remains the heart of the farm, still overseeing daily animal care. The family’s involvement in Farm Bureau, Soil Conservation, 4-H, FFA, and breed associations reflects their dedication to both agriculture and community. They’ve also coached youth sports and supported countless local initiatives.
To honor Clayton’s legacy of mentorship, the family established the O. Clayton Unsung Hero Award, presented annually at The Great Frederick Fair to recognize individuals who quietly support youth in agriculture.
The Smith family’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. From Debbie and David’s Harvue Farm in Virginia, to Crystal and Gary’s MD-Delight Farm in Carroll County, to OC and Michelle’s leadership at OCS, each branch of the family tree contributes to a shared legacy. Gaylene and Alex remain hands-on at OCS, while Oakley, Chris and Donna, and Clay and Kelly continue to support and inspire the next generation.
Together, the Smiths embody the spirit of Frederick County agriculture—where tradition meets innovation, and where family and farming go hand in hand.
Stay tuned to HomegrownFred
erick.com as we continue celebrating this year’s Ag Award recipients, including the Ag Advocate of the Year, Ag Business of the Year, and Young Farmer of the Year. Their stories are just as inspiring and vital to the future of Frederick County agriculture.