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.

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.

As we wrap up June Dairy Month, Homegrown Frederick wanted to take a moment to recognize a few of those behind the scenes of our family-owned and operated commercial dairy farms in Frederick County. We had the pleasure of meeting with Charlie Lambert of Lambert Farms Inc., and Dee Shafer of Shafdon Farms to learn more about their businesses.

Amber Beachley, 36, is part owner/operator of Moo Cow Creamery at Walnut Ridge Farm and named one of Frederick County’s Top Young Ag Professionals. Born and raised on the family dairy farm in Middletown as a ninth-generation farmer, agriculture has always been in her blood. Her love and devotion to the industry began while feeding animals at a young age and only grew as she acquired more responsibilities on the farm

Pam learned early on in life to be fierce and outspoken in order to gain respect as a decision-making manager of Walnut Ridge Farm. Otherwise, she would not be where she is today. Pam not only demanded but earned the respect of those in the industry.

Now more than ever it is important to support our local farms, farmers across the county are continuing to work to ensure you have a safe healthy food supply available whether you are shopping at a grocery store or at a farm market. In need of meat, produce, plants, dairy products or more? Visit one of these farms, please be sure to visit their website or Facebook page for the most up to date information on hours and availability.

The Great Frederick Fair is home to food, rides, games and more but the best of all, might be the animals.

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development’s Agricultural Business Council, in conjunction with the Great Frederick Fair and the Ag Education Public Relations Committee, is proud to give four awards to recognize families, individuals and businesses for their outstanding achievements in agriculture each year during The Great Frederick Fair.