The Washington County Department of Business Development announced today the 2021-2022 Farm of the Year, Ivy Hill Farm.
The Farm of the Year program recognizes a Washington County farm that showcases excellence in agriculture and promotes a greater understanding of the challenges faced by today’s farmers. Production, conservation, preservation, community involvement, and dedication to farming and agriculture, are the gold standard for this award. Applications are accepted annually from August to September and after judging, the winner is announced in October.
According to the County’s press release:
The 2021-2022 Farm of the Year, Ivy Hill Farm is located on a 57-acre rolling hillside farm located in Smithsburg. The Martin Family has been operating in the Smithsburg community since 1850. Steve and Karen Martin own and operate Ivy Hill Farm featuring 42 acres of fruit production growing apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and another 28 acres dedicated to the greenhouses, producing tomatoes, squash, green beans, and sweet corn. The Ivy Hill Farm Stand is a “must visit” for everyone including jams, jellies, apple cider farm-raised products. Sons Justin and Tim Martin represent the 7th generation tied to Ivy Hill Orchard along with the eighth generation growing up in the business.
Steve and Karen Martin have dedicated their lives to the development and education of agricultural youth including 4-H and FFA, to the advancement of the fruit industry and continue to be intertwined with the Smithsburg community.
Ivy Hill will receive a Farm of the year plaque for display on the farm, a Board of County Commissioner proclamation, an on-farm photoshoot, and Ivy Hill will be used in the 2022 promotions and marketing efforts by the Washington County Department of Business Development.
At the MACo Winter Conference session, “Not Your Grandfather’s Farm: Tapping into Agritourism,” attendees will learn about the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in growing agritourism in their region.
The 2021 MACo Winter Conference, “Time to Reboot: Tomorrow’s Tech Today,” will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD from December 8-10.
Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference:
