Young Leader: Jacyln Bryant

Throughout the month of March, Homegrown Frederick has celebrated Women’s History Month by recognizing a woman in the agriculture or craft beverage industry each week of the month. Our final spotlight goes to Jacyln Bryant, the current female Maryland Farm Bureau Ambassador.

As a twenty-year-old young woman, she keeps her plate full being heavily involved in the community. Jacyln is a full-time student at Frederick Community College, obtaining her Associate’s Degree in both biology and chemistry. She works on her family farm anywhere from four to six hours per day, plays the upright bass in the Frederick Symphony Orchestra, and serves as the Maryland Farm Bureau Ambassador. She is also a University of Maryland Extension volunteer, and lifetime Future Farmers of America (FFA) member.

On the family’s Saddle View Ranch, Jacyln is the third generation to farm and works alongside her parents and grandmother. Historically the farm was an equine operation and venue providing boarding opportunities and hosting equine shows and events. Growing up, Jacyln became very involved in 4-H judging chickens, hogs, sheep, and cattle. That’s when the diversification of their operation began. She became All-American at the national 4-H contest with four of the nine teams she participated in. Throughout her time at Urbana High School, Jacyln participated in FFA, competing in seven events, and then went on to become a state FFA officer.  Last year the family formed Bryant Livestock LLC to market a variety of meats direct to the consumer. They currently have lamb, pork, and beef in stock, and plan to eventually have goat meat as well. On the farm, she and her sister handle most of the animal care and manage the breeding program. Their goal is to grow their farm and retail meat business and increase the quality of their herd genetics.

Jacyln is proud to be a woman in agriculture. When asked what it means to her she stated, “When I was little, I never really thought it was special, but as I have grown up and have seen the gap between men and women in the industry, it makes me feel accomplished and proud.” Fortunately, she has not been subject to any negativity being a young woman in the field and equates that to the change in demographics as more and more females become involved. Jacyln says her greatest accomplishment in life thus far is, “serving as the Maryland Farm Bureau (MFB) Ambassador, while being a full-time student studying for two degrees and working on the farm.” In her position as the MFB Ambassador, she is a representative for the State of Maryland attending conferences and sitting at Farm Bureau board meetings. One of her main goals for this position is to encourage and increase young farmer membership and participation within Farm Bureau. She would like to develop stronger outreach programs by going into schools and educating students about 4-H and FFA. Hopefully, with more outreach and education, 4-H and FFA participation would rise, eventually leading them to Young Farmers and Ranchers and Farm Bureau. Jaclyn wants to make youth aware that they do not have to have an agricultural background to get involved. “Agriculture all across the globe, but especially in our community is changing,” she says, “We as an agricultural community have to be more open-minded and accepting to those without the background who want to learn and become involved in agriculture.” She is currently working on a plan for a social media campaign to help promote young farmers while also trying to engage youth interest in agriculture across our local community and state.

We commend Jacyln for her involvement as an advocate for agriculture in Frederick County. You can find Bryant Livestock LLC on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit our website HomegrownFrederick.com for all your local products, and farmer’s market needs. We thank you for helping to support and celebrate Frederick County agriculture! The Homegrown Frederick staff is always available by contacting rtucker1@frederickcountymd.gov.