Frederick County Office of Agriculture / Homegrown Frederick

09/14/2026

📣 We’re celebrating! 🎉

Frederick County has just surpassed 79,000 acres of permanently preserved land! With the closing of the 70-acre DeWitt easement in the Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) program, Frederick County has nearly reached the halfway mark to our goal of permanently protecting 160,000 acres.

Cheers to all the farmers, partners, and community members that have gotten us this far! Onward to 160,000 acres!

09/10/2026

It was a beautiful day for the Soil Smart Farm Tour to four farms in Frederick County! This annual event brings together farmers, organizations, and legislators to highlight conservation practices, and challenges local farmers face on a daily basis. The stops:

📍Stone Pillar Farm
📍Little Creek Farm
📍Damazo Farm
📍South Mountain Creamery

Our favorite part of the day was seeing four Ag Innovation Grant projects and hearing how instrumental this program has been to help our farmers become more efficient and profitable. Thanks to all who partnered, donated and hosted!

09/09/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Helen Propheter as the new President and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce 🎉

Helen brings tremendous experience, energy, and passion for helping businesses grow and our Frederick County community thrive. We’re excited to have her back in familiar stomping grounds in the Root building and eagerly look forward to the collaboration, leadership, and fresh perspective she’ll bring.

Please join us in giving Helen a warm welcome — we’re so glad you’re here!

09/08/2026

🍎🍷 Sip, Savor & Shop Local! 🍷🍎
Looking for something deliciously local? Meet Willow Oaks craft cider and wine, bringing craft cider, wine, and homemade jams to the Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market! 🌿✨

From refreshing sips to sweet, flavorful jams, Willow Oaks has something special to add to your next gathering, picnic, or cozy night at home. 🥂🍓

Stop by the market, discover your new favorite local flavors, and support a local business while you shop! ❤️

📍 Find Willow Oaks at the Brunswick Market and take a little taste of local home with you!

🍎 Buy local. Sip local. Savor local. 🍓

09/04/2026

🥕 Fresh picks, local roots.🥕

Looking for fresh, locally grown goodness? 🌱 Meet Chestnut Hill Farm & Market LLC, a local farm bringing fresh, seasonal produce and a little taste of the farm to the Thurmont community! 🍅🥬

From farm-fresh favorites to seasonal goodies grown right here in our community, Chestnut Hill Farm is a wonderful reminder of the incredible agriculture happening right here in Frederick County. ❤️

Stop by the market, say hello, and pick up something fresh while supporting local farmers! 🚜🌻

📍 Find Chestnut Hill Farm at the Main Street Thurmont Farmers Market and bring a little piece of the farm home with you!

🌱 Buy local. Support local. Eat local. 🌱

09/03/2026

📣THANK YOU, MIA!

💔Our hearts are breaking as we have to say our goodbyes to our incredible Intern, Mia!

For those of you who never got to meet her, Mia has been the one behind the Office of Ag social media, creating engaging content and amazing reels since February! She joined us during a time of need, lifted a huge weight off our shoulders, and has elevated our marketing and social media presence throughout her time with us. Not to mention, she's pretty great to work and has been the best addition to our team!

Don't worry, Mia will still be in the area and involved in agriculture, so be sure to say hi when you see her out and about. You might even run into her at The Great Frederick Fair 📸

❣Mia- From all of us at the Office of Ag, thank you for your dedication and hard work. We will miss you dearly but look forward to seeing you around and keeping in touch.

Help us send Mia off with some well wishes and appreciation in the comments! 👇

09/01/2026

It was a great day to join Maryland Department of Agriculture for a stop on the Ice Cream Trail at South Mountain Creamery!

We enjoyed connecting with colleagues across the state and hearing from the Sowers/Brusco family about their operation !

08/31/2026

📣Last Chance to apply to the County's Ag Preservation Installment Purchase Program!

🔗Find out more information on the website: https://agriculture.frederickcountymd.gov/198/Installment-Purchase-Program-IPP

08/29/2026

Last week we had the pleasure of joining the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce for the end of summer business card exchange at Hawkins Landscaping.

It’s always a fun evening filled with connection and conversation. This year was extra special as we bid farewell to Chamber President and CEO, Rick Weldon.

Rick, The Office of Ag wishes you the best in your retirement! We have enjoyed working with you and sharing an office building and hope you get to enjoy a little relaxation in your future.

08/28/2026

🥂Cheers to 50 Years!🍷

Half a century ago, Jack and Lucille Aellen purchased a dairy farm in Mount Airy from a strict Baptist family. Today, that land has been transformed into one of the