2024 Farm of the Year- Linden Hall Farm

Linden Hall Farm, the 2024-2025 Farm of the Year, exemplifies innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Linden Hall Farm, located in Hagerstown, MD, is owned and operated by Brian and Nicole Forsythe. The farm has been in the family since 1875, thus making Brian and Nicole the 6th generation to manage the land. Their approach of “Focusing on the Future while Preserving the Past,” reflects their commitment to blending traditional practices with modern technology. Brian and Nicole run a diverse operation on 166 acres that includes dairy farming, an orchard, and the production of crops such as corn, soybeans, and barley. They prioritize efficiency and animal welfare through innovative methods. For instance, they utilize on-site rainwater storage for irrigation and spraying, practice no-till farming, and implement crop rotation to enhance soil health. Additionally, selective gene reproduction is implemented to improve livestock quality.

2023 Farm of the Year- Creek Bound Farm

The 2023-2024 Farm of the Year, Creek Bound Farms LLC, is located in Hagerstown, Maryland. The Weddle Family owns 730 acres and rents or leases over 3900 additional acres all dedicated to crop production such as corn, soybeans, wheat, grass hay and straw. Proficiencies in production methods include spraying utilizing an agricultural drone that allows for precision application and cost reduction and savings, newly added, an 11 bin Grain system provides additional storage and grain drying capacity to maintain high quality crops. These are just a few proficiencies found within the Weddle operations. “Agriculture is our passion, and we feel as though it is what we were intended to do with our resources and our lives. Our family has been blessed with opportunities in agriculture for previous and future generations and we want to pass on those opportunities. Jeremiah and Janelle Weddle, along with their family, have dedicated their lives to agricultural…

2022 Farm of the Year - Baker Farms

The 2022-2023 Farm of the Year, Baker Farms LLC, is located on a 171-acre Boonsboro area farm. The Baker Family is dedicated to producing the highest quality corn, wheat, and bedding to feed over 300 dairy cows. The Baker Family additionally operates on an adjacent 154-acre farm and leases 700 acres, making them productive on over 1,000 acres of Washington County land.

2021 Farm of the Year - Ivy Hill

“We specialize in selling seasonal produce including apples, peaches, and cherries from our own orchard. Our greenhouses are open during the summer season offering annuals & perennials. We offer pre-made or personalized gift baskets for any occasion.”

2020 Farm of the Year - Stone Wall Angus

Stone Wall Angus Farm, located in Fairplay Maryland is a 50-acre farm dedicated to producing registered Angus cattle. Additional acres are leased to provide food for the cattle. This veteran-owned farm has been operating since 1987 and is owned by Jim and Ellen Matheny. The farm us worked by their daughter Stephanie, grandchildren Garrett, Laurel and Joey Siler. Stone Wall Angus raises top quality affordable beef that can be purchased at their farm store. “Farming is woven into his soul, a true love. Agriculture is the root of the American way of life; it is pure and simple. This exemplifies Jim Matheny. ‘Farmer Jim’ is dedicated to giving back to his community and state as well.”

2018 Farm of the Year, STAR Equestrian

STAR Equestrian Center is a 30-acre horse farm that also serves as a therapeutic riding center and therapeutic farm. This year marks STAR Community’s 20-year celebration of doing business in Washington County. This is an atypical farm, as it does contain a 10-acre parcel of hay crop production, but its main production is providing healing via equine.

2019 Farm of the Year - Palmyra Farm

Palmyra Farm is a 300-acre dairy farm owned and operated by the Shank and Creek Families. Brother Ralph Shank and Sister Mary Creek have dedicated their lives to producing high quality Ayrshire and Holstein Cattle. Palmyra Farm has represented Washington County at the state, regional and national level attending and competing with their award winning cows. Recently, at the 2019 World Dairy Expo, Ralph and Mary were honored as “Distinguished Breeders by the National Dairy Shrine placing this Brother Sister Team and Palmyra Farm into the National Dairy Hall of Fame. Additionally, Palmyra Farm has been producing Farm to Table Cheese, a business that started over 10 years ago. Palmyra Farm and the Shank and Creek families exemplify leadership qualities in the Dairy Industry and as a premier breeder of Ayrshire cattle. Palmyra Farm’s dedication to the community is reflected in their tireless support of the agricultural youth in this community through training, coaching, and mentoring…

2017 - Farm of the Year - Ernst Grain and Livestock

The Washington County Department of Business Development, Agricultural Business Development is pleased to announce Ernst Grain and Livestock Farm, located in Clear Spring, Maryland, and nominated by Cody Pine, as the recipient of the 2017-2018 Washington County Maryland Farm of the Year award.

2016 – Long Delite Farm, Williamsport, Maryland

Long Delite is a 160-acre, 185-year-old family farm owned by Brooks and Katie Long. A seventh generation operation, this pasture-based dairy farm is proud to have the eight- generation growing up on the property.

2015 – Larkspure Lane Farm, Hagerstown, Maryland

Jeff and Laura Unsworth call the 22-acre Larkspure Lane Farm home. The farm features two agricultural enterprises – Old Line Soays and the Brave Heart Program.

2014 – Big Cork Winery, Rohrersville, Maryland

In production for seven years, Big Cork is the second largest vineyard in Washington County. A testament to the growth of the winery, the 100-acre farm has increased grape acreage several times. Big Cork produces black raspberries, pumpkins, vegetables, orchard grass and hay.

2013 – Aliabaad Farm, Sharpsburg, Maryland

Established May 2007, Aliabaad Farm is a produce operation with registered free-range eggs Established May 2007, Aliabaad Farm is a produce operation with registered free-range eggs, grass fed dairy goats, sheep and cattle. The farm specializes in Customer Supported Agriculture and Farmers Markets. With a recent expansion, farm-goers will find a Visitors Center and Farm Stand located on the property open for the convenience of local residents.