Frederick County’s agricultural community has a new resource in Sara Kidd, the recently appointed Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Educator with the University of Maryland Extension. Bringing a blend of hands-on farming experience, academic expertise, and a passion for community well-being, Kidd steps into the role ready to support farmers at every stage of their journey.
Kidd describes herself as an “avid learner” and a bit of a “jack of all trades,” with a professional foundation in livestock production—particularly sheep and horses. In her new position, she’s eager to expand beyond those 
specialties, engaging with topics such as farm safety, agricultural workforce development, beginning farmer education, and helping established operations grow and diversify. She is passionate about the overall well-being of farmers and their families, she enjoys working with populations like military veterans and assisting farmers who are dealing with disabilities or injuries.
Although Kidd didn’t grow up on a farm, her upbringing in the rural landscapes of Howard and Carroll counties shaped her connection to agriculture. Her educational path began with equine studies before shifting to environmental science, where her interest in sustainability and agriculture deepened. Along the way, she and her husband—a disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran—discovered the healing power of gardening and outdoor life. That shared experience led them to pursue degrees in sustainable agriculture and eventually to start their own farm.
Like many farmers, their early years were filled with experimentation and learning curves. They raised pigs, processed poultry (with a special fondness for turkeys), and managed sheep and goats, selling products directly to consumers. Over time, they found their niche in sheep production and continue to maintain a commercial flock of hair sheep today. Kidd credits local Extension services and a supportive network of veteran farmers as instrumental in their success.
Her professional journey includes work with North Carolina State University’s Center for Environmental Farming Systems, where she helped develop an innovative agricultural apprenticeship program for military veterans transitioning into farming careers. The program connected participants with mentors, employment opportunities, and financial support through the GI Bill—an experience that also informed her master’s research. Kidd is now completing her Ph.D. in Agricultural and Human Sciences and has also gained teaching experience at the community college level.
In 2024, Kidd and her family made the decision to return home to Maryland. When the opportunity arose to join the Frederick County Extension Office, it felt like a natural next
step. Today, she brings with her not only a wealth of knowledge, but also an enthusiasm for building connections across the local food system.
Kidd is looking forward to meeting Frederick County’s farmers, producers, and consumers, and to working alongside Extension colleagues and the Office of Agriculture to strengthen and promote the region’s agricultural heritage.
Community members are encouraged to reach out, whether to ask questions, share ideas, or simply connect. Sara Kidd can be reached at skkidd@umd.edu or 301-600-3577.
With her diverse background and heartfelt dedication, Kidd is poised to become a valuable partner in Frederick County’s vibrant agricultural community.