Meet the Office of Ag Team: Ag Preservation Specialist II, Beth Ahalt

Woman with text and logos

barn event with speakerQ: How long have you been working with Frederick County?
3.5 years

Q: What is your role in the Office of Agriculture? 
A: My role in the Office of Agriculture is to talk with farmers, landowners and the community about ag preservation programs and help them through the entire process – from applying to an easement program to going to settlement in a program. I also manage all the Installment Purchase Agreement payments that landowners in the County’s IPP program receive.  Lastly, I work with landowners after settling in an easement program if they have a request that would need to be made to the Agriculture Preservation Advisory Board or a State review board.

Q: What do you like most about working in the Office of Ag?
A: Agriculture has been a constant for my entire life, and being able to work in the field of agriculture is a blessing. I enjoy the ability to work both on farms and in an office setting while handling a variety of tasks and projects daily. While Frederick County and agriculture have changed over the years, my role in the Office of Agriculture allows me to play a part in preserving land for future generations — something I am truly passionate about.

Group of people with cow image in background

Q: Tell us a little bit about your agricultural background or passion for the industry.
A:
I have deep roots in both agriculture and Frederick County, having been involved in the industry and living here my entire life. Most of my family are farmers, and I was fortunate to grow up in the agriculture industry through 4-H, where I showed beef, sheep, and pigs. I was also involved in FFA, where I held various chapter offices and competed on several teams. Today, I live on a preserved farm with my husband and two daughters, and we raise beef cattle, grain, hay and straw.

Fun Facts:

I enjoy…

  • spending time with my family
  • hunting for vintage and antique treasures
  • going to the beach