Guest feature: Jason Schellhardt is the communications director for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Follow along with MDA @MdAgDept and Maryland’s Best @MdsBest.

Governor Larry Hogan recently honored six Maryland farm families during the 2020 Century Farm ceremony at the State House. This recognition is given to farms that have been owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years. This year’s ceremony included five Century Farms and one Bicentennial Farm.

“Today is a celebration of agriculture, but it is also about families. By passing down farming as a way of life from generation to generation, each of our six honorees has played a significant role in continuing agriculture as the leading industry in Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “We are incredibly grateful for all of our Maryland farms, and are proud to celebrate six very special farm families that represent the absolute best of Maryland agriculture.”

The following farms were designated Century Farms at this year’s awards ceremony:

• Chaffey Farm; Marion Station, Somerset County; est. 1919
• Evergreen Heritage Center; Mount Savage, Allegany County; est. 1869
• Jeptha Hayman Farm; Westover, Somerset County; est. 1834
• Poplar Springs Farm; La Plata, Charles County; est.1914
• White Hall Farm; Dunkirk, Calvert County; est. 1801 (Bicentennial Farm)
• The Wil-Low-S at Lowe Point; Pylesville, Harford County; est. 1902

The Maryland Century Farm Program was established in 1994 by Governor William Donald Schaefer to recognize farms that have been in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years; contain a minimum of 10 acres of the original parcel; and have a gross annual income of $2,500 or more from the sale of farm products.

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