Q: How long have you been working with Frederick County?
A: 7 years
Q: What is your role in the Office of Agriculture?
A: I administer the County’s agricultural preservation programs. These programs purchase easements that extinguish subdivision rights from the land so that it can stay agricultural land forever. I work with farmers who already own land and also aspiring and beginning farmers who want to purchase land or add land to their holdings. We are very lucky in Frederick County to have programs that can help landowners preserve their land and also programs that can help farmers buy land.
Q: What do you like most about working in the Office of Ag?
A: I am passionate about preserving land (they’re not making any more of it!) and am so grateful I have a job where I get to help people protect their farming legacies.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your agricultural background or passion for the industry.
A: I do not come from an agricultural background but I have always had immense appreciation for my local farms. I grew up in Baltimore County and visiting Weber’s Farm for pumpkins, apple cider donuts, and other fun agritourism activities (feeding the goats was a favorite!) was a beloved tradition in my family. Even when I moved to Montgomery County between 2012 and 2017, I would always bring my husband back to Weber’s and insist we get our pumpkins there so I could keep my tradition of visiting Weber’s and supporting this local farm where I had so many happy memories.
My educational background is in land preservation. I learned about preservation easements in college and realized they are the perfect way for me to work for something I am passionate about – protecting land from development and supporting our local farms.
Fun Facts:
- I enjoy spending time with my husband and two rambunctious boys.
- I am a huge fan of the Orioles and Ravens.
- I love to hike.
Contact Info:
soneil@frederickcountymd.gov
301-600-1411