Q: How long have you been working with Frederick County?
A: 8 months
Q: What is your role in the Office of Agriculture?
A: I am in charge of performing field inspections on all the properties that are under easement and preserved in perpetuity. I make sure that landowners are following all the requirements of the easement. I also work with farmers and landowners who are interested in preserving their farm and problem solve with each to determine which programs best suits their needs. The Frederick County Office of Agriculture offers a variety of different programs that help landowners preserve their precious land and help to pass their land down to the next generation. I love being part of the process to preserve farmland for future generations.
Q: What do you like most about working in the Office of Ag?
A: What I like most about working for the Office of Ag, are my teammates. Our team is highly dedicated and have a deep passion for agriculture. They all have been very helpful as this is a new role and learning experience for me. I can’t ask for better teammates and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. What I also like about this job, is that we get to work directly with farmers and landowners. Having been around agriculture my whole life, I know how tough of an industry this is and the challenges that farmers face everyday, so it is very important to me to keep this industry thriving in Frederick County. I have attended quite a few settlements in my short amount of time here, and I really enjoy this part of the process. The landowners are beyond excited and thrilled to know that their precious land is protected forever.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your agricultural background or passion for the industry.
A: I grew up on my family’s dairy farm in Walkersville, Maryland, which is now preserved under MALPF (Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation). My grandfather and father taught me the value of hard work from an early age. In my school years I fed calves that we raised on our own. I was also involved with 4-H (my grandfather was our 4-H leader) by showing dairy goats. While in high school, I was a member of FFA where I participated in the Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE. Prior to coming to work with the Frederick County Office of Agriculture I milked cows, did field work, and helped wherever help was needed. Planting corn was my favorite thing to do on the farm as I tried my best to plant the straightest rows possible! I love the farm life and am so thankful I had the privilege of growing up on the farm. I owe so much to my parents and grandparents. Farm life is the best life.
Fun Facts:
- My fiancé, Chris, and I are big into duckpin bowling. That is what we do for fun, and we even travel to Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts for tournaments. I am on the Women’s Duckpin Pro-tour. My Grandma Shirley used to travel for bowling as well, so duckpin bowling holds a special place in my heart.
- I really enjoy spending time with my family. I don’t have any kids of my own, but my 6 nieces/nephews bring a lot of joy to my world.
- My happy place is Ocean City. We go to our family condo a few times out of the year and you can find me on the putt-putt course, at the arcade, or outside enjoying the sunrise/sunset and other beautiful views.