In June 2014, the Reaver family made a decision that would shape their future for generations. They purchased a 57-acre farm in Emmitsburg, Maryland—a piece of land that had been in the family for years. For Brian (Sr.) and Sue Reaver, along with their son Patrick (Brian Jr.), his wife Danielle, and their three children—Caleb, Olivia, and Lucy—this wasn’t just a transaction. It was a promise to continue a legacy deeply rooted in agriculture.
The Reaver’s grow hay and raise beef cattle including an operation finishing beef as well as a cow calf herd. Over the years, they’ve watched family farms in Frederick County sold off to developers, with farmland disappearing for good. Determined to protect their land and preserve their family’s farming heritage, the Reaver’s began exploring agricultural preservation options.
After years of applying to various programs, they discovered the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement, which turned out to be a perfect fit for their property. CREP easements are especially well-suited for farms with hay, pasture, and forested areas. For smaller farms like the Reavers’, it can be tough to compete in larger, more competitive programs like the Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation and the County’s Installment Purchase Program. CREP offers a valuable alternative—one that supports low-impact, sustainable agriculture while permanently protecting natural resources.
CREP easements are voluntary and available to properties with an active CREP contract, issued through a partnership between the local Farm Service Agency and Soil Conservation Districts. These contracts focus on improving water quality, creating buffers, and the easement program—administered jointly by Frederick County and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources—ensures long-term protection of both the land and its ecological value.
At the end of 2024, Brian and Patrick Reaver successfully placed their farm under a permanent CREP easement. Their future plans include expanding the cow/calf operation, building a beef barn, and fencing the entire property for pasture. The Reaver’s are proud to have secured the future of their farm, knowing it will remain in agriculture for generations to come.
If the Reaver’s story peaks an interest and you would like to learn more about Frederick County’s agricultural preservation programs, please contact the Office of Ag at 301-600-3039 or email FCAG@FrederickCountyMD.gov.