Matt Morris, 31, is named as one of Frederick County’s Top Young Ag Professionals. Unique to many of those selected, Matt was not native to Frederick County, nor did he come from a deep-rooted farm family. Growing up in Prince George’s County, he found himself intrigued by and interested in farming.

Laura House, 35, and Brian House, 38, are part owners of Gaver Farm in New Market and are named to Frederick County’s Top Young Ag Professionals for 2022.

Adam Fizyta, 36, part owner of Catoctin Breeze Vineyard in Thurmont, is named one of Frederick County’s Top Young Ag Professionals. He has been essential in planning and building the farm vineyard and winery since its inception. In 2016, Adam joined as a partner in the family business and is now spearheading the expansion of the vineyard.

Jayme Eaves, 34, and Brandon Eaves, 29, are named to Frederick County’s Top Young Ag Professionals. Jayme serves as a Loan Officer for the USDA Farm Service Agency and Brandon works for his family’s dairy and crop operation, Oak Bluff Farms, LLC. Jayme and Brandon share a lifelong devotion to agriculture. They both grew up on family dairy farms that are still in operation today. The couple was married in 2017 and began their own small farming operation together a year later.

Jamie Derr, 36, owner of Valley Ho Farm in Middletown, is one of Frederick County’s Top Young Ag Professionals. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm, she has been involved in agriculture her entire life.

Mary Kathryn Barnet (MK), 38, and Andrew Barnet, 36, are the owners of Open Book Farm in Middletown and are both named to Frederick County’s Top Young Ag Professionals. Neither MK nor Andrew grew up on a farm or with a background in agriculture, making their story unique.

The Homegrown Frederick magazine, released June 1, announces those awarded as Frederick County’s Top Young Agricultural Professionals. Each week we will feature these men and women so you can get to know them better!

Recently, the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Homegrown Frederick staff had the opportunity to visit with Rick Hood, owner of Summer Creek Farm in Thurmont. Summer Creek Farm is a USDA-certified organic operation producing gardening soil mixes and organic vegetables.

You don’t want to miss this event - the grand opening of Frederick County’s newest farm distillery! Head on out to try the flavors of Rosie Cheeks moonshine that are produced and bottled right there on the beautiful Iron Roses Farm. Bring your blankets and chairs for this family-friendly event to relax and enjoy live music. Food will be available for purchase from IN10SE BBQ and Glamourview Creamery.

The weekend after Thanksgiving many families start their search for the perfect Christmas tree. For many, going out and cutting-your-own Christmas tree is a family tradition that starts the holiday cheer for many. Families bundle up with their jackets, gloves and scarves as they stroll through fields of Christmas trees to choose the perfect one to bring home and decorate.